So this post is going to be full of pictures! I finally got ahold of a memory card reader. Without further ado, I present you with the pictures that have been MIA.
Remember when I said I made my first green smoothie?
- This tasted very yummy, but I ended up feeling sick to my stomach about an hour after.
Awhile ago I had visited one of my roommate’s family and I got to try a bunch of wonderful food from the Philippines. They have this wonderful treat called Ube. What is that? Well it’s basically a purple yam and it tastes hella good. If you know of any Philippino stores, you should try some desserts with ube in them. If you don’t have one nearby, you can always go to an Asian market, and I’m sure they will at least have ube jam. It’s seriously worth trying.
- Ube mixed with coconut make this ice cream to die for!
- I made Gena’s cauliflower salad with a sweet potato topped with shredded coconut and cinnamon.
This salad was wonderful! I loved the surprising addition of the golden raisins. It added a sweetness, but it was subtle enough to go well with everything else.
- A yummy bowl of chickpeas, roasted red peppers & onions, over coconut wild rice with coconut oil.
- I followed Ramya’s recipe for Vendakkai Poriyal.
- I mixed the veggies with chickpeas over coconut basmati rice and coconut oil.
If you like okra you have to try this recipe! If you don’t like okra you have to try this recipe! Everyone should just do it.
Here’s some more chickpea lovin’.
I made a salad with chickpeas, onions, raisins, and BBQ sauce. To go along with my salad I made some spaghetti aglio e olio.
The spaghetti aglio e olio was a recipe I found on Rouxbe. It’s an online instructional cookbook.
During my “recent picture hiatus” I went to the river with my friend, Steph, and some other people. It was so much fun! Thank goodness she was a camp counselor because she helped get the fire going and had a wonderful idea for roasting our veggies.
Hi Steph!
This was the secret location tucked away in one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Richmond.
Steph had the idea of putting our veggies in personal "pockets".
While we were at the river I let Matilda loose and guess what she did? She bolted towards the water. At first I was afraid because I didn’t know what to expect. Matilda was a natural and she had so much fun swimming around.
There she goes!
I also brought along some Philippino treats. They look like eggs - green eggs and ham!
This past weekend my parents flew up to kidnap me. It also happened to be the weekend of Richmond’s Vegetarian Festival. It was such a hot day, but since it was at a park we were able to sit in the shade a lot. I got to sample a lot of things. Among these samples I tried Tofutti’s cuties. These were delicious and perfect for a hot day! The two flavors I sampled were key lime and wild berry.
We were able to try different things from a variety of vendors. Lunch was like traveling around the world with plates from the Mediterranean, Ethiopia, and Thailand.
So many people! So much heat!
Matilda came with us. She got some treats and plenty of water as well.
After the festival I decided to take my mom to Trader Joe’s. The last time she had gone to one was over a decade ago! She was so happy I took her there, but she was a little bummed that they don’t have one in Florida. Trader Joe needs to make his way down here! We got a bunch of things, and since we knew we had a long driving day ahead of us we got some travel food. My dad picked out a blackberry Belgian beer that I said I would split with him since we had to do a raincheck for Father’s Day.
Hmm... what's this? Trader Joe's horseradish hummus!
The verdict? Me likey a lot! And so did everyone else.
Yesterday, I arrived at my parent’s house, and of course I always get excited to see what they have. I usually don’t buy crackers, so I was eager to try these. I tried some Harvest Grain Simplyfit crackers. I could make like Kailey and just munch on these straight out of the box! So of course I had some for lunch today. I’ve never tried Kashi’s TLC crackers, but I’d imagine these are just as delicious. They also use 10 whole grains and seeds (like quinoa).
On another note, there are a few perks I’ve discovered since blogging. The main one being all the wonderful people I have encountered! Everyone seems so friendly and open to new things, and I love that! You guys rule! Another perk is getting samples. I hate buying a whole box of something and I end up not liking it. It makes sense to sample something before you dive in, right? Unless you know you’re going to like it, or simply don’t mind. So let’s get to the good stuff!
The generous people at Kay’s Naturals were more than happy to send me some samples of the products.
I'd say they were more than generous!
So far I’ve tried all the cereals, and tonight I plan on trying some more. I’ve liked everything, but my favorite would have to be the Honey Almond Protein Cereal. I loved having it with almond milk and a caramelized banana. Thanks so much for the package, Lindsey! I was seriously blown away when I saw all that was sent to me.
Next up, Michelle, over at Alternative Baking Co. hooked me up with some delicious vegan cookies.
Opening the letter!
They sent me a Colossal Chocolate Chip cookie, and their cookie of the season - Coconut Macaroon.
Wow! Which one do I try first? I love anything coconut so of course I couldn’t get enough of the coconut macaroon. The chocolate chip cookie was incredible as well; it tasted like unbaked cookie dough! I loved everything about these cookies. They were chewy just how I like them, and huge just how cookies should be. Thank you so much Michelle!
Lastly, Annette over at Sun Warrior sent me some sample packets of their protein powder. She sent me the vanilla and chocolate flavors. I haven’t tried those yet, but I will definitely report back.
Does anyone have any suggestions for some yummy shakes?
I’m going to save all my breakfast eats for my next post. Yes, they are that good!
I hope you are all enjoying the rest of your Monday. Now let’s all face the rest of the week!
Hey beautiful! So glad you liked the salad!!
i’m so glad you found a memory card reader because i am LOVING all of your pics!
lucky you with all of those packages
I love the kay’s natural products!
Love all the pictures! All of your food creations look wonderful.
Hmm, I’m wondering if the smoothie didn’t settle with you because there may have been too much spinach?? Try using a little less green and more berries. I really like the addition of frozen cherries and blueberries in mine. It actually makes more of a Purple Monster and the sweetness counteracts any of the green tastes.
You could also try Peanut Butter and Banana. These are good if you’re in the mood for something a bit more creamy and not as tart.
Play around with them though- you are sure to find your fit!
Maybe I did use too much spinach. I didn’t include in berries actually, just a banana. I think I’ll try out different variations and ratios. Peanut butter and banana – umm yes please! Thanks for the suggestions
Green smoothies doen’t settle well in my stomach, so I juice instead. I’ve been seeing the summer okra and wanting to try some. I’ll give that recipe a try.
Glad to see your pics and what fun with all the samples!
My dad juices for the family hehe. I love beets in the juices = ROSY CHEEKS!
New reader here! I absolutely love your photos.
Thank you! I was looking through your posts and I love your lobster decorated breakfast!!!
Hey Katharina!
Nice to hear you and family made it safely back to Florida. I must say this latest post of yours is simply magnificent, such an array of thoughts, ideas, recipes, pictures, yes Matilda your included.
Once given the chance I will try and duplicate some of the food idea/combo’s you have left us with Katharina, and yes I have tried and love Ube!
I, similar to Metta, am a huge fan of juicing as the combinations are endless.
Be well Katharina.
Thank you so much Rich! I’m so glad you enjoyed this post. I’ll let Matilda know someone else thinks she’s magnificent
Have a wonderful rest of the week!
The chickpeas with peppers and onions sounds amazing!
It was deeelicious!!! If you have coconut oil I highly suggest adding it in. It’s subtle but it’s there.
Wow, how do you get so many free samples? They sound delicious and nutritious!
Great photos you take!