Tag Archives: cream of wheat

Making Up For Not Having a White Christmas

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So my friends and I decided it would be safer not to drive out to Charlottesville for the weekend. I’m glad we didn’t go because they predicted 3 ft of snow for that area. I’m not sure how much they ended up getting though.

Winning combination!

I have never tried any of the PB&Co flavors but I’d imagine it would taste similar to this. In the bowl I cooked some oatmeal with the last of my chocolate protein powder + cinnamon + coconut oil. Then I added in some diced apples, white chocolate chips, and crunchy peanut butter. So delicious!

Look at the snow!

My friend was looking pretty in the snow and then we were on mission to drive through it.

So beautiful!

BFD

I made a bowl of chocolate oats with a banana bruleed in + coconut oil + peanut butter + white chocolate chips. Obviously I loved the peanut butter and white chocolate chip combo from earlier that day.

A yummy platter.

Steamed kale later massaged in olive oil; To go with the brie I made a caramelized onion-cranberry compote + pine nuts for crunch and earthiness, then I baked some leftover Italian semolina bread. Even the kale with the brie and compote tasted delicious together.

When a friend of mine slept over, we opened up my box of Kashi GoLean Crunch that had been sitting in my pantry for ages--this became part of my snack pictured above.

This snack bowl consisted of Kashi GoLean Crunch + a crumbled Cinnamon Raisin gnufoods bars + almond milk + coconut oil (all warmed up).

Then it was crafting time for me!

I tried another flavor of the 3400 Phinney bars.

It had a delicious bold bitterness to it at the end and a nice crunch from the nibs.

Another new flavor I tried!

I tried the breakfast Sunshine burger. It was yummy but I don’t think I’ll be buying it again. It’s not horrible by any means, there are just other flavors I prefer; like the Southwest and Original (m’mm good). In the bowl is a recipe I got from a Mambo Sprouts newsletter: sweet and tangy mashed butternut squash. I just realized that I forgot the chives! Oh well.

While I was snowed in I took a detox bath and quenched my thirst with something I spotted at the store--mango flavored coconut water!

A recipe I wrote down ages ago and found the other day--smudges and all.

This was suppose to be a Jamaican inspired oatmeal recipe actually, but since I ran out of oats the day before (GASP) I did the next best thing–granola! I opted for Udi’s Au Naturel flavor over yogurt. They were topped with pineapple bits, a sliced banana, coconut shreds, almonds, and maple syrup (the one my friend got for me on her trip to Canada–peeking in on the left side). I loved every tropical bite of this; especially because I am ready for warm weather!

On that same page I wrote down some other recipes and decided to make another one for lunch.

Chickpeas in coconut milk + steamed kale + coconut & cinnamon rice (with coconut oil)

Chickpeas in Coconut Milk: serves 4

Ingredients

1 cup water

10 oz potato, cubed

14 oz cooked chickpeas

1 generous cup coconut milk

1 tsp salt

2 tbl sunflower oil

4 garlic cloves, crushed

2 tsp coriander

1/2 tsp turmeric

1/2-1 tsp chili

lemon juice

Suggestions for serving: naan or rice

1. Pour water into a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Add cubed potatoes, reduce the heat to low and cook covered for 6-7 minutes. Add chickpeas and cook uncovered for 3-4 minutes. Add coconut milk and salt and slow simmer.

2. Heat oil, low heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring frequently. Add coriander, turmeric, chili, and cook 25-30 seconds.

3. Mix into chickpea mixture. Stir in lemon juice.

Quick dinner after a long day of errands.

After spending the afternoon with my roommate stocking up on goods at Target, Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods I was ready for dinner despite my snacks and yummy sampling! I bought some buns so I could enjoy Angharad’s spicy black bean burgers in burger form. These keep getting better and better! I topped it with vegan mayo, pepper jelly, melted manchego, yellow onions, cilantro, and ketchup. Holy delcious. I also had some steamed kale massaged in olive oil + cashews for crunch. I highly recommend making these burgers. Not only are they delicious, but they are so convenient for when you’re in a time crunch or don’t have the energy to prepare something. Actually, they’re wonderful for any occassion!

Comfort food with a twist...

This was such a great nighttime snack! Now what exactly was this snack? Well I cooked some cream of wheat in almond milk (I used Almond Breeze Original), and topped it with chopped dates, Artisana’s Cacao Bliss, and my favorite peanut butter. All of this melted together. So soothing and perfect for a Sunday night and some reading.

If all Mondays started like this... well then no one would be complaining!

Liz sent me a recipe that I knew I had to make ASAP! I had some leftover coconut milk from the soup I made the day before; Purrrfect for Indian spiced oats with coconut milk. Early classes on Monday = quick breakfasts so I used a packet of Uncle Sam Cinnamon Raisin Oatmeal + Soymilk. I threw in a handful more of oats in there + extra spices. For the finishing touches I swirled in some coconut oil + raisins + sliced almonds + coconut milk.

Creamy deliciousness

Can't get enough of the spicy black bean burgers!

I prepped it the same way as Sunday night only this time I had it with barbeque Popchips (better the second time around), and a Bugs Bunny carrot + my favorite peanut butter. Once again, this was quick enough for me to put together without eating my own arm off. For some reason I didn’t realize that my Seminar on Hinduism class ended at 6:40–not 5:40. It didn’t help that my afternoon snack sadly only held me over about an hour and I hadn’t anticipated being hungry that quickly. Apparently today was one of those bottomless pit days and the only thing I had packed was the 3400 Phinney Nib Brittle bar and that didn’t do much except please my tastebuds. Note to self: always keep something substantial packed. I’m usually good about this is if I know I’m going to be on the go, but today I had the leisure of snacking at home. Oh well, lesson learned.

Last but not least... in my next post I'll be revealing a muffin recipe I concocted while I was snowed in.

Anybody want to take any guesses? How was everyone else’s weekend; any exciting plans for the week?

p.s. check out the Glass Dharma straw giveaway Audrey is having! Also, Averie is having an amazing giveaway as well (hint: the prize is one of my favorite add-ins)

Creative Sweets

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First off, I’d like to thank everyone for giving me their input. You’re all right! I also talked about it with some more friends and I’m feeling more confident already. Afterall, people can’t read our minds so it’s up to us to put it out there.

The papaya was extra vibrant because I had frozen it–whoa mama!

I had Oikos plain Greek yogurt, one of my favorite granolas (Hawaiian flavor by Udi’s), and Sunland’s banana peanut butter. This was a creamy yet refreshing breakfast with some tartness from the yogurt and sweetness from all of the above.

Hmm… what could be hiding in one of my favorite dishes?
Voila!

I love making things to put in my casserole dish. In this I just mixed some things together I thought would taste very yummy together. I boiled some kale and rinsed it off then massaged it in olive oil and sea salt. I roasted a sweet potato and butternut squash and tossed it in olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper. Tucked away and nearly forgotten in my lazy Susan was a bag of Bob’s Red Mill 10-grain cereal–love this stuff for savoury things. I finished off the bag since there was a little over a serving left in it. Then I mixed it all in my casserole dish and topped it off with Tofurky’s Kielbasa, sunflower seeds for crunch, and some tamarind-date chutney. This was, to be blunt, amazingly delicious and so satisfying to every square inch of my taste buds. I actually thought of Maya and Eliza when I was eating this because I know they make such wonderful medley dishes!

This breakfast smelled like heaven and tasted like a piece of it too!

I cooked some cream of wheat with a vanilla protein powder I kidnapped from my parents–hey it’s not like they’re using it! I cooked it with half an apple and cinnamon as well. I topped it off with a lot of delicious granola, the rest of the diced apple, Sunland’s caramel peanut butter, and I drizzled it with Apple & Maple syrup. Gosh, I wish I could share the aroma that was wafting through the air from this bowl of comforting goodness. It was a dreary day so this made it a bit brighter and soothed my soul.

My favorite veggie burger plopped happily on a giant bed of kale and corn!

In case you don’t know what my favorite veggie burgers are they’re Sunshine burgers! I still haven’t gotten my hand on the breakfast flavor, but I’ve tried all the others and they all get two thumbs way up. What’s that green gunk?

I made this recipe in forever ago, but I knew this would be perfect for my very ripe avocados.

It’s an avocado-yogurt dip with cumin and it tastes so delicious even by itself… by the spoon full! I put used a little more cilantro than the recipe called for because that’s just how I roll. I love dips, especially if they’re creamy. The first time I made this was for a party we were having at my house and let me tell you–that dip was the first thing to disappear.

I put frozen honeydew melon bits in my tea + more honey.

I love frozen fruits and I am constantly getting them from the freezer throughout the day when I just want something quenching and flavorful. You know what else I love?

Snacking while reading–One Lucky Duck’s Rosemary Quakers are intensely rich in flavor.

That book was actually recommended last semester to me by one of my sculpture professors. Well, I decided to take a class with him again this semester because I think he’s endlessly inspiring and has such a vast amount of knowledge I could just listen to him talk all day. He reminded me of the book and it was funny because I had just glanced at the old post-it note with the book recommendation. Since he didn’t have it on him at the time he said it would be available for me to pick up from his mailbox later in the day. Well I went back later and what’d I find when I cracked the book open? He had written me a note saying that he hopes I enjoy it as much as he did! The book is mine! This means so much to me because I feel like someone sees this potential in me and wants to help me find my direction. When a teacher has faith in you, it’s so encouraging.

Popopop

This time around I tried the original flavor of Popchips. Once again, loved the texture of these chips. They seem like they’re half-way between a crispy thin potato chip and a crunchy rice cracker. This is actually because they neither bake or fry their potatoes. Instead they put enough and heat and pressure to pop them–like popcorn!And these were definitely not too salty.

Dipped in the avocado-yogurt dip of course.

Corn Chowder

I got this recipe from “The Conscious Cook” and I had a feeling it would be delicious because it called for the cashew cream. I love how I can make the cashew cream beforehand and save it for various recipes in the book + my own recipes! Such a versatile thing to have and it gives things a delicious richness, and it’s such a great alternative for making things dairy-free. For instance, with this recipe the cashew cream was used instead of heavy cream. I’ve never had chowder before but I can vouch for this anyway–delectable. This was perfect for my mood because it had been a dreary day and all I wanted was something comforting. I even had barbeque Popchips on the side which actually went really well with the chowder. However, the barbeque Popchips themselves weren’t really that great in flavor. I just wish they were a bit smokier.

I also received a very very very exciting package from a dear friend–can’t thank her enough.

Liz just needs to be a professional surprise party planner or something! These are one of my favorite chocolates and I haven’t been able to try all the flavors out but now I can! Here are the 3400 Phinney flavors (prepare to wipe drool off your mouth in second):

Hazelnut Crunch Milk Chocolate

A generous combination of hazelnut brittle and milk chocolate with just the right touch of salt. Unanimously voted one of our yummiest creations ever by our Theonista tasting panel.

Vanilla Milk Chocolate

A harmonious blend of finely ground Madagascar vanilla bean and milk chocolate.

Chai Milk Chocolate

Milk chocolate with a warming blend of chai spices and black tea.

Coconut Curry Milk Chocolate

Milk chocolate with toasted coconut and savory curry spices.

Fig, Fennel & Almond Dark Chocolate

Crunchy slivered almonds, sweet chewy figs, and a touch of fennel in rich dark chocolate. Satisfyingly delicious, and a Vegan dream come true!

Nib Brittle Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate with organic roasted cocoa nibs in sweet and crunchy brittle.

Bread and Chocolate Dark Chocolate

An innovative twist on a traditional pairing, featuring dark chocolate with buttery, toasted artisan breadcrumbs and the perfect amount of salt

Coffee Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate and a robust locally-roasted organic, Fair-Trade-Certified™ coffee from Caffé Vita combine to create a full-bodied flavor.

So… is your mouth watering yet?

Speaking of treats, do any of you have any raw vegan dessert cookbook recommendations? I’m looking at you Averie! Just sayin’ you should make a cookbook hehe. Anyway, I find that raw vegan cooking is very rich in flavor and creativity–I love that!  In my life journey I want just continue to expand my cooking knowledge, abilities, and eat delicious food while I’m at it.

Out and About

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The letter K for breakfast.

K for Katharina

I found a delicious yogurt...

I still have a few freebie coupons from Oikos left and I was on the hunt for the strawberry flavor. Much to my delight I finally found it! I couldn’t wait to try to it because the blueberry one was great. So what’d I think? This was so good! Sometimes those fruit at the bottom yogurts taste really artificial and have a strange texture. But this blended so well with the tart and creamy Greek yogurt.  Now I’m on the search for the caramel flavor!

Another recipe from The Conscious Cook

Asian Tacos with Kinpira and Spinach-Sesame Salad

I didn’t follow this recipe exactly, but it still came out delicious. I didn’t shape the won tons like tacos because I didn’t feel like it, and I substituted rutabaga for burdock root. I also used kale instead of spinach for the side salad. The seitan was cooked with freshly grated ginger and garlic and other various flavor enhancing items. This was such a satisfying lunch. Partly because it felt like a mini-project since there were so many steps.

Me and my roommate started finally decorating the living room!

And she also baked something

Cottage cheese muffins from 101 Cookbooks

These had cottage cheese, parmesan, almond flour, sun-dried tomatoes, eggs, and basil. I surprisingly liked them because I usually don’t like eggy things. However, this did cause my stomach to act up. Eggs + Katharina = Indigestion.

Tada!

Went with one of my favorite ladies to see a salsa band play at this eco-chic restaurant called Balliceaux.

The band

That night, right before the last song, a man asked me if I wanted to dance. That was the first time I said yes. I’m glad I did because I danced salsa in a way I’ve never danced it before. The music and the setting had a great vibe and I felt on top of the world. Being up front and feeling the beat of the conga and the song being brought to life by the playful trumpet, I felt it in my soul and out through my feet. I noticed that I had been smiling so much that my mouth got dry… I could feel the sweat forming in the creases of my pants. He had me doing triple turns and then go right back to the swing of things at the very front. Then the final song ended with a dip but the thrill lasted and left me wide awake at 2:30 in the morning.

I came home to make some hot chocolate with the marshmallows Maya sent me--in my special cup!

Inspired cinnamon breakfast

When I saw Sam’s bowl of cream of wheat I knew I had to have a bowl for myself soon. It looks kind of funky because I used a vanilla protein powder that has spirulina. This was so delicious. I topped it with a diced apple, Sunland’s caramel peanut butter, granola, and homemade cinnamon-sugar wonton crisps.

I have been in the mood for salads!

I guess Florida left me craving fresh foods! I made a salad with romaine, corn, Southwest Sunshine burger topped with Sun-dried tomato mustard, and BBQ sauce. Yum!

A dog and a cat!

To celebrate my dad’s birthday we were invited to a family friend’s home for dinner. How sweet of them to have us over!

My dad and his favorite... salmon!

Knowing I love my vegetables--they made a delicious salad, and baked some biscuits on the side.

The orange blob is the most delicious sweet potato mash. It’s the one I made before from “The Conscious Cook”. It has sweet potato, cashew cream, chipotle pepper, butter (Earth Balance if you’re vegan), and s&p. I think this is my favorite mash.

Dinner time!

She was trying to open the jar of Red Pepper Jelly she got from Alabama.

Never had it before but it always sounded interesting--it was like a sweet and spicy sauce.

The chef and his dessert!

His pie turned out wonderfully! It was so fresh tasting and had such a great lime flavor.

Posin'

"Smell it!"

He fell for it hahaha! Sucker!

Afterwards I met up with some friends at a bar.

And I took my first shot of tequila with "training wheels".

Only with my lady!

Last night I had two people offer to cook for me! What a treat!

This does not happen often so I happily agreed. Well, I made a compromise. I decided to have dinner with the girls and then later I would go to my other friend’s place for dessert.

The bottom half--and the lone slipper in the back.

When I arrived at my friend’s house I got a text from yet another friend asking if I wanted to go to this awesome Cuban restaurant a couple blocks down. Was there a blue moon or something? Three dinner invitations in one night? Sadly, I had to turn down the last one.

Waiting like little kids for "mommy" to cook us dinner.

She made us a seasoned pasta dish with mushrooms, feta, parmesan, and caesar dressing.

I brought some seasoned seitan and sprinkled some dill weed on top + Sugar Cookie tea!

I have a love-hate relationship with Jack the cat.

Then she offered to make us dessert!

Banana bruleed in a brown sugar sauce + vanilla ice cream + chocolate chips (but the rum was missing) = BEST MOM EVER RECIPE!!!

She knows how to take care of her babies.

Then I went to my other friend's house for dessert and wine.

Spiced pear compote with maple syrup. When I say spiced I don't just mean cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. There was also cayenne!

There was some leftoever and I had it with part of my breakfast. Guess what? My friend made me breakfast too! I had a bowl of cooked homemade grain mix with sunflower seed butter and the spiced pear compote + more maple syrup. I also had an orange and tried my first meyer lemon. It was actually really delicious and nice to have someone make me something for a change. Don’t get me wrong–I love to cook, but sometimes I like to be treated to. Who doesn’t?

Well this was my first week back in Richmond and I must say it’s been full of fun and has left me anticipating this upcoming semester. AHHHHHHH!!! I hope you all had a wonderful week. I’m going to have to catch up on all you lovely people’s lives now.