Matilda told me to send you all kisses!

In my last post I wrote about doing things that suit you. I feel like this has been an interesting topic for discussion in the blogging world. People are trying out new ways of eating, and seeing what works for them. I think that’s wonderful that people are a) trying out something new, b) becoming more aware of what their bodies can or can’t handle, and c) listening to that internal cue. What I like to do is read about different takes on food, and add it to the filing cabinet in my brain – either it stays in a folder, or I apply it to my own little thang. Often times it’s hard to listen to ourselves because we’re bombarded with things telling us “this is the right way”,” what you’re doing is wrong!” Infomercials anyone? Anyway, I’ve been very curious about food for awhile now, but before I use to be very shy about trying new things. Of course part of the reason was that I didn’t cook. I just ate what was put in front of me. If I didn’t like it then I made a fuss. Okay, okay get to the point already! What I’ve learned works for me so far is… almost everything! The only dietary limit I put on myself is no meat, chicken, or fish. I wouldn’t really call my decision to be vegetarian a “limit” though, I see it as more of a personal choice. Vegetarianism has actually opened so many culinary doors for me, that’s partly why I’ve been able to stick with it for nearly 7 years. I haven’t gotten bored or frustrated! I also know that my tummy can’t handle eggs, or cow’s milk – unless it’s in yogurt form, and cheeses are kept to a minimum. However, I know that if I were to cut out dairy completely, the low level of tolerance I have for it already, would probably diminish to nothing. And I love cheese and yogurt too much! Another example for me is pasta. I use to have a horrible time digesting it. But I’ve learned that in smaller amounts, I can handle it just fine. My mom on the other hand can barely tolerate flour breads and pastas. For the most part, she is very adamant about not eating foods she knows will cause her trouble afterwards – but sometimes things just taste too good to pass up. My dad is lucky and was born with a stomach made of steel. He can handle anything! My uncle is a wonder to watch while he eats. I usually don’t watch people eat, but this is like a show I swear! For breakfast he will have a jug, yes a jug, filled to the brim with oatmeal and topped with fruits. Then he’ll have a massive plate entirely covered with rice, eggs, and fish. But his body needs that for fuel since he’s an athlete. He knows that if he were to eat less than he does, he can forget training because his body won’t run on anything less. So, as you can see, everyone is different. Food can spark curiosity in people, but sometimes it gets a bad rap. I hope for you all that food is not seen as the enemy, just remember to stay true to yourselves – and your tastebuds!

Okay, so enough of that! On to something visually digestible.

Check out those huge kernels! This type of corn hails from Bogota, Colombia.

I thought this deserved it's very own plate.

I followed this recipe to make Black Bean and Rice Cakes with Chipotle Remoulade and Roasted Corn Salsa. I was surprised that my attempt at making cakes actually worked!

Mixing it up with a black plate.

Over the French green beans I made a quick sauce out of Dijon mustard, almond oil, some sugar, roasted garlic, rice wine vinegar, and s&p. It tasted wonderful with the green beans! Oh, some 411, (my dad wasn’t aware of this) remember to boil your green beans!

The other day I got a knock on the door just as I was about to leave to make my delivery. “UPS!”

A package from Amazing Grass!

I got some more goodies to review. So far I’ve tried one of their GREENSuperFood packets. At first I thought I wouldn’t enjoy it, and I was preparing my army of tastebuds for defeat. My army was surprised with another victory! I mixed the powder with orange juice, so I know that combination is a winner. However, I couldn’t imagine just mixing this with water. Blegh! They have flavored varieties as well, but I haven’t tried those yet. I, of course did my taste test in the convenient cup they sent me. Thanks guys! You can check out what they have here. I’m looking forward to trying out more things. I have a trip coming up this week, and I think these will come in handy since I’ll be kitchen-less and on the beach the whole day. I’ve got to balance off the piña coladas and Stoli cosmos with something!

Speaking of my trip, I’ll be leaving on Wednesday afternoon and staying here for some nights. I’m so excited. My family and I have gone on little weekend trips, but we haven’t been on a real vacation in a long time. Even though we’re only two hours away from our vacation spot, it’s still going to seem like we’re away from it all. I can’t wait to wake up, and the only thing I have to do is whatever I feel like doing. I’m definitely going to indulge! Indulge is such a seductive sounding word isn’t it?

Two nights ago dad juiced again, so I had some more leftover pulp to work with. What’d I decide to do this time?

I baked a loaf of carrot cornbread.

After seeing Gena’s Guacanara recipe, I couldn’t help but come to the realization that the pulp – being mostly carrots – would be a wonderful addition to a marinara sauce!

It gave so much body to the sauce.

The pulp is basically all fibre so it’s very filling! It ended up reminding me more of a bolognese sauce since it was so thick! I opted to serve these on top of some corn noodles and with some balsamic baked tofu. And on the side I came up with a little something that tasted so much like pizza! It was so easy and quick to put together it could be a perfect snack.

A mini-bagel with muenster cheese, avocado, and some of the "sauce" I made.

Mom approves!

Remember how I mentioned Edy’s Yogurt Blends?

A few scoops of Tart Honey with pineapples and some Zoe's Honey Almond granola bits.

Diva bowl!

After dinner I decided to give myself some more nourishment and put on a French green clay mask.

Another trick I learned in beauty school is to brush masks on with a flat paint brush.

Yesterday I went on an adventure with my dad. We were on the prowl for kabocha, which I will now call the elusive kabocha! I was also on the look-out for some fresh figs. I really want to make a bowl of oatmeal inspired by Eliza and Maya with these little beauties! Alas, I found neither, but I did find some other wonderful things, which I’ll be sharing with you guys tomorrow. Much like Napoleon I don’t accept defeat easily, so the search is still on! Vive la recherche!

I hope you all enjoy this beautiful Saturday and the holiday!