As all of you know, Haiti is going through a devastating time right now. All of us have times in our lives where sometimes it’s just too hard to face something on our own. I thought it would helpful to list a couple of ways that you guys can help out because right now there are some friends that need a helping hand.
Stand with Haiti
Red Cross
The following organizations are accepting SMS donations in the US only:
SMS text “HAITI” to 90999 to donate $10 to Red Cross relief efforts
SMS text “YELE” to 501501 to Donate $5 to Yele Haiti’s Earthquake Relief efforts
SMS text “GIVE10″ to 20222 to donate $10 to Direct Relief
World Food Programme
If you all could spread the word about ways that we can help, that would be incredible!
- Peppercorn-Encrusted Portobello Fillets with Yellow Tomato Béarnaise and Mashed Potatoes
“A classic béarnaise sauce begins with a hollandaise.” Yellow tomatoes were used (for their bright, yolky color) to make the béarnaise.”
- The mashed potatoes also used Chef Tal’s cashew cream recipe.
- Watercress and Cabbage Stir-Fry
I can’t remember the last time I ate green cabbage, but I had a head of it in my fridge begging me to make something delicious with it. The recipe can be found here.
Sweet and sour green cabbage with California "chicken" salad and some leftover béarnaise
It’s easy to make things sweet and sour. Just use vinegar and sugar when cooking.
- My friend gave me a couple of these Sabra-to-go cups–genius!
- Watercress and Cabbage Stir-fry + Sandwich
- Hummus + Avocado + Sun-dried tomatoes + Horseradish sauce
This sandwich had quite the kick!
- After dinner I got ready to go out with some friends. Aye aye captain!
- I decided to wear my “samurai” jacket. It had been hiding in my closet for a couple years.
- We went to a place where there are a bunch of bars and took the bus my school provides to lessen the chances of drinking and driving–what a great idea.
It was such a fun night. We all danced our hearts out till “Last Call” and got hit on by a few guys. It was really funny. At one point I was looking for my friends and some random guy told me they were “over there.” Well, he was right! The ride back was hilarious and loud. I’m pretty sure I could dance all night given the chance. Saturday rolled around and it was also my roommate’s birthday! It was her day to be treated like a princess, so we did whatever her little heart desired–necessary stop at Target and a few thriftstores!
- Decided to go for a comfortable yet chic look.
- Heritage fashion? I think I want to replace the buttons with wooden ones.
- Another “The Conscious Cook” recipe: California “Chicken” Salad
I used seitan instead of Gardein chick’n, but it still turned out a-okay! Since I didn’t have grapes on hand I just soaked some raisins in water till they were plump. The toasted walnuts gave it an extra crunch and richness. And the lime and agave gave it a freshness that reminded me of summer.
- A birthday dinner was in order!
We walked over to a southern food restaurant called Comfort. How’s that for a name? I also imagine it would be the perfect name for a breakfast joint with breakfasts we all dream of being served.
- She was hungry!
- More lovely company.
- First came the water served in mason jars and the breads–cornbread!
- I ordered a vegetarian friendly vegetable plate: fried okra, roasted beets, squash casserole, and sweet potato puree.
After I made my order the waiter said that he would’ve ordered the same exact thing! I just remembered these the last time I went to this place and I loved everything except for the beets. That’s weird! I love beets! So naturally I gave them another chance, and I’m glad I did. I also tried a pear cider beer that was so good! No funny face was made afterwards. After dinner we walked home and my roommate tried calling her boyfriend so he could pick up some birthday cake for her. Well his phone was off, but then he magically pulled up in front of us and exclaimed, “I have ice cream cake and lava cake!” What a wonderful coincidence.
- A forest of baby’s breath for the birthday girl.
- People came over and cake was served–two cakes!
On Sunday I woke up to the sound of rain and birds chirping. So I took it as a cue to make it a low-key day and pamper myself.
- Matilda loved the sound of that.
- Star-shaped Baked Oatmeal
I know many of you love baked oatmeal and I had never tried it before. That morning I had time and I had patience. I had seen a recipe for baked oatmeal on Eliza and Maya‘s blogs. I didn’t have all of the ingredients on hand so I improvised.
Baked Oatmeal Recipe: Serves 1
1/2 cup quick cooking/old fashion oats
1 tbsp liquid egg whites (I used melted banana since I don’t have eggs)
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/3 cup vanilla hemp milk (I used soy)
1/4 tsp cinnamon + more on top (I used pumpkin pie spice)
*dash of clove and nutmeg and ginger
2 tbsp raisins
1 tbsp apple sauce (I used delicious mashed sweet potato)
Banana
1 tbsp. chopped walnuts (toasted)
Sweetener of choice
*I also added coconut oil when baking.
Preheat oven to 375. In two separate bowls combine the dry ingredients (oats, sweetener, baking powder, spices) and the wet ingredients(egg white, milk, apple sauce) combine the ingredients and stir. Add in the raisins, or any dried fruit of preference.
Pour in a baking dish lined with parchment paper or just spray a pan with cooking spray. Stick in hot oven and bake for 30 minutes, at about 20-25 minutes into the baking process, top with banana slices so they get all warm and sweet!
Plate and top with walnuts or desired nuts or toppings.
I topped mine with banana slices, Sunland's caramel peanut butter, a dash of pumpkin pie spice, and a last minute decision: maple syrup
This was such a wonderful breakfast! Actually, it was the best breakfast I’ve had in awhile. There was just something so comforting about it. I will definitely be making this more often.
Lounging around in one of my favorite robes.
I decided to treat myself to a candle-lit detox bath, a deep-cleansing face mask, some waxing, and nail polishing. It all ended with a restorative and soothing lunar flow yoga practice. I hope you all had an enjoyable weekend and some of you get an extra day off too!
p.s. And don’t forget to check out Katie’s amazing Vita-mix Giveaway!
