Say Hello to My Little Friend

Posted on July 20, 2009 by Katharina

Guess what guys? I’m now back in Richmond and typing this post out in my bed in my home away from home. And in 2 weeks I will be moving to a new home away from home. I’m so excited about this! I have been dying inside from excitement for over a month now and I can’t believe it’s really going to happen – so soon!

Before I forget. There’s a song that I insist all of you download. Here’s the link. So just listen and enjoy!

My weekend has been busy busy busy! I wanted to make the most of the time I had left down in Florida. In my last post I mentioned that I met up with my mom for a lunch date. A triple date! But first let’s start with breakfast, shall we?

I woke up not knowing what I wanted to eat. Usually I’m in the mood for something, but today I was just feeling… whatever about it. So I figured, “hey, I’ll just try out another Zoe’s granola.”

: Cranberries Currants over yogurt with a sliced banana and almond butter.

If I had more thumbs, I’d be putting them up! As far as granolas go, Zoe Foods can do no wrong!

Then it was time to get ready! I steamed the kabocha and packed some other things. Then I got dressed.

: A no-fasten belt!

: Sometimes I like accessorizing with little surprises.

: And I was out the door.

Oh gosh. I was having a total off day… or maybe it was just those couple of hours. I normally have a good sense of direction, but that day I just kept getting lost. I hate when streets just cut off then start again somewhere totally different. This happens a lot in Boca. Blah! I got really frustrated and my mom decided that I should just stay where I am and she would meet up with me.

: Mom saves the day!

Despite the crazy temperatures outside we decided to bear with it and have lunch outdoors.

: Mizner Park

Mizner has this neat ice cream parlor called Sloan’s. The bathroom is transparent until you lock it. Then the windows sort of fog up! I think it makes first timers very hesitant of using the bathroom. And the decor is funky and endearing, I love it. They’ve got a few other shops, and each one is different.

: Happy we are finally sitting down for lunch.

: I just ate the kabocha from the container. I even packed some cinnamon hehe.

I tried to pack convenient foods so I opted for crackers (Dr. Krackers cherry semolina – delish!), cheese, avocado, and the star of the hour!

: My mom likes using my camera now, so she had to snap a picture while I was serving myself.

Despite us melting from the heat, we were able to enjoy our gumby selves. The hot weather kept the kabocha warm, but I think the sun was microwaving all of us that day.

: Walking by stores = Air conditioning!

After our date my mom dropped me off back at my car. Then my sense of direction came back to me and I headed to the mall. I made a couple of purchases, but I’ll share my most adored one with you guys!

: Awesome necklace!

: Detail shot.

I love this necklace! I go through phases with things. For awhile I was going through a belt phase, then a hair accessory one, and you get the picture. The phase I’m going through now is the “statement necklace” phase. I came home a very happy girl!

For dinner I wanted to make something special – to celebrate my new necklace! Just kidding! But I did make something special.

: Vibrant peppers.

: Into the pan they go!

I cooked these peppers and onion with Key Lime Honey Ginger sauce, a bit of lime juice, and some smoke sauce.

I made wraps inspired by Jess! Hers always look so delicious. Inside mine I cooked some tofu slabs that were seasoned with a mix of cayenne, white pepper, onion, garlic, and oregano. I wanted to make a sort of blackened tofu. I also whipped up a quick guacamole to go with our meal.

: Cheese, tofu, and peppers.

This meal was very delicious, if I may so myself.

After our meal we wanted to try out a new tea I found the other day.

: This was very very good!

Did you guys know that drinking very hot beverages can increase your risk of getting esophageal cancer? So wait a couple of minutes for your drink to cool down.

Last but not least. My third use for my new friend, Mr. Kabocha. Mister or Misses?

: Make this bowl last forever!

Into this bowl of creamy oats went some steamed kabocha, frozen bananas, cinnamon, coconut oil, and almond butter. This was a satisfying breakfast for sure! Not just fullness-wise, but my tastebuds can attest to that.

During my last couple of days at my parents place, I milked my time for what it was worth. So remember how I said I was going to stay in Miami after my vacation? I decided not to because I’d rather spend my last week in Florida with my parents. Next time though when it’s not my last week, I hope to stay there. Miami is so much fun! Anyway, my next post will be a recap of my -sniff sniff- final hours. Just thinking about part of it makes me want to dance. I’m even listening to a dance tune right now! But then again, I’ve always got the urge to dance.

I hope you all had an incredible weekend. Don’t let Mondays be the rain on your parade. Take care, all!

p.s. Lauren is hosting a generous giveaway! So I encourage you all to check it out and participate. You could be the winner!

p.s.s. In case you missed my vacation recap here you go:

Part 17 (Sike!)

Get To the Good Part Already!

Posted on July 15, 2009 by Katharina

So guys I know I said I would post Part 3 today. But I’m going to be like those evil soap operas and leave you hanging. Don’t worry though, I will do it tomorrow. Not! Just kidding. Anyway, this is what I’ve been doing in the kitchen lately.

I figured out that pepper jack cheese and apple butter taste awesome together.

Can I get a what what?

But I didn't forget about my beloved grilled mango chutney and cheddar cheese sandwich.

Eggplant, avocado, tomato sauce, topped with Katie's vegan alfredo sauce.

I used the last of Katie’s sauce I made. This is not a farewell, just… see you later! Definitely a keeper.

And now presenting a real kitchen experiment! As most of you know, Katie is hosting a pancake making bonanza! She’s encouraging all of us to get creative and dream up some delicious pancake recipes. Well, I decided to make Vegan Pound Cake Pancakes. Lots of cake, huh? Now I was looking at a ton of versions of pancake and pound cake recipes. I was trying to figure out what ingredients I could use to stick true to both recipes, as they have different consistencies. I don’t think this is really rocket science, but I wanted to get it right. I’m telling you, this was so much fun! My dad was over in the office and I was exclaiming to him everything I was doing. “Dad! It’s actually working!” Oops, I forgot to tell him what I was up to. Who knows what he was thinking. Anyway, the key ingredient in these babies was tofu! So here goes…

Pound cake pancakes on the griddle.

Pound cake pancakes à enfourner.

And what do we get?

They came out, but they were too perfect looking I thought.

I like them better like this!

So I put the oven pancakes on the griddle and they puffed up!

I cut up some fruits to go with our pancakes... FOR DINNER!

My parents did not mind one bit having breakfast for dinner. We enjoyed this possibly as much as the lovely Lauren.

My experiment being served!

Naked!!!

I'm digging the outfit!

My pancakes decided to wear a cashew cream top borrowed from Monica, accessorized with cinnamon, and a last minute decision… maple syrup!

So what made these pancakes kind of like pound cakes?

Moist on the inside. Does this count as food porn?

You better believe I licked my plate clean.

You can check my recipe page for this yummy treat! I had some pancakes leftover for breakfast today.

Voila!

This morning I was reminiscing of Germany and how I ate my pancakes there. I usually would put applesauce on mine (instead of apple slices), just how I eat my latkes. But today I cut up an apple, spread some coconut oil on the pancake, and sprinkled the whole shebang with cinnamon and powdered sugar. This was, to put it lightly, absolutely wonderful. On the other pancake I used up the rest of the cashew cream with a pit of cherry marmalade and amaretto syrup. I also had a bowl of yogurt with sliced strawberries, Zoe’s Cinnamon Raisin granola, and a small blob of cashew cream. The only complaint I have about the granola is that it should have more raisins. Fortunately, I have a huge container of raisins so my problem was resolved.

In the words of Fat Bastard, "get in muh belly!"

So fresh and so clean clean!

Now on to some other things I’ve stumbled upon in the blogging world that I tried this past week.

Banana soft serve topped with almond butter, duh!

Uh, Gena, you need to compile your own cookbook! You’ve got a real knack for recipes.

Despite having a crapload of bars to try already, I went ahead and made this purchase.

I’ve seen these Honest bars on Kath’s blog, and they always sounded so yummy. This one was small, but mighty in flavor! I smeared coconut oil on it because I apparently like putting it on everything. I love the subtle flavor it gives things. I guess what coconut oil is to me is like almond butter to others.

Last but not least…

Young coconut!

After a fun, intense dance class I had my dad help me open this coconut. My dad is so use to busting things open I was like, “no no just cut in a square at the top.” He managed to cut it open with such grace. Thanks dad! Luckily, I found my squiggly straw to suck down this delicious and thirst-quenching water. I had to replenish myself for the Harry Potter movie!!!

Stay still you guys!

I guess that's kind of better?

Waiting ever so patiently...

Must. Stay. Awake.

I was so hyper while we were outside waiting in line. Then when the movie started… I did the unimaginable and fell asleep. I always do that! Eventually I woke up and pretended that didn’t happen. I can’t say that I can give a fair review of the movie because I was asleep for part of it. But from what I did see, I think the other movies are better. Atleast I’ve always got my books!

I hope you all had a wonderful Wednesday. It’s the time of week when you can say, “almost there.” Almost!

So tomorrow’s post will include Part 3 as promised, and another special surprise. Ooo I can’t wait!

Part 1

Posted on July 13, 2009 by Katharina

I got back from vacation yesterday afternoon. I surprised myself by actually being able to relax. So much fun was had, and we were pretty much schedule free the entire time. Over the next few days I’ll give you a recap little by little. There are so many pictures! My parents actually took charge of my camera some of the time. I’m so use to always being the one behind the camera. Does this mean there are pictures of me where I’m not the one holding the camera?! Anyway, I can feel that my stress level went down a lot during this vacation. It was nice to temporarily let go of daily responsibilities. But now that I’m back, I’m going to try to incorporate relaxation time more often in my day, even just little moments of deep breathing.

And so it begins…

We got in very late to the hotel, so were a little too tired to get a tour of the grounds. Who knew what we would awaken to? I think it’s funny how a single place can look so different from day to night.

: Mom and I got ready to have breakfast downstairs.

Where we had our breakfasts.: I love artisan bread! I’m not sure what the jam was made out of, but I put a smidge of cream cheese – I wasn’t sure if it was plain.

In the back is a bowl of bircher muesli I topped with strawberries, caramelized walnuts, and granola. This was the best muesli I’ve ever had! Of course, we both drank a cup of green tea.

After breakfast we went exploring around the hotel.

The very zen inspired Golden Door Spa.

Part of the lobby.

I took the escalators up to the ballrooms. The view from up above, hello everybody!

: The “chill-out lounge”

We also found the fitness center. The treadmills all had a view of the ocean. They also had a stretching area, which would turn out to be the perfect spot for me to get my yoga on. We also found the sauna, steam room, and eucalyptus room. I have some dried eucalyptus plants in my room in Virginia. Whenever I go out of town, since I keep my doors closed, the smell inhabits my room. I love it!

: After we got ready for the beach, I decided to walk through the mangroves to the beach.

Before sitting in the sun. Actually I don't know why I look so white (for me) in this picture haha.

Both of us rockin' the aviators. Like mother like daughter!

Breaking into Zoe's Heavenly Apple bar.

Another Zoe Foods product review! I liked this bar a lot. I tend to favor bars that have a grainy texture, and not the ones that seem like a solid block. It was very apple-y and had a good texture. This bar was also satisfying enough to get me through till lunch time.

As I was walking along the shoreline, I found this little cove.

It felt like I found a secret location.

Seafoam!

I cut up some cucumbers before our trip to ensure we'd have some fresh veggies.

Cucumbers are so refreshing and perfect for eating on hot summer days. I find that whenever I travel, simple fresh foods strive to make an appearance. I don’t know why, but fresh fruit and vegetables are really the only things I get cravings for. It drives me crazy when I get cravings, so even on road trips I make sure to pack a bag of carrots and apples.

After lunch and a nap (I actually took a nap), we headed back down to the beach.

So beautiful!

Taking my mom hostage!

We finally called it a day for the beach. Dad and I went on a Whole Foods run.

My favorite thing were the little Yuca Queso balls, and I really liked the tofu in Thai Chili sauce too. Umm... actually I liked it all!

We also brought back some yummy things for my mom.

I finally got around to taking a shower! Hey, you guys found out a secret - I wear glasses sometimes.

Enjoying the breeze and view from the balcony.

Last but not least, a cup of Sleepytime tea to end my first day in Naples.

p.s. I want to thank you all for your sentiments on my last post. They mean a lot to me. Actually, you guys all matter to me! I love reading everybody’s stories and finding out new things about each person in their posts. Keeping a blog kind of feels like having pen-pals.

p.s.s. If there are any new readers, don’t be shy, just say hi!

Stay tuned for Part 2 of my vacation. And now I’m signing off to enjoy my Monday. Hope you enjoy yours too!

Like Driving down Old Seven Mile Bridge

Posted on June 30, 2009 by Katharina

I have so many shout-outs to make in this post! So let me begin by saying a big hello to our favorite chocolate-covered vegan, Katie. I was looking for recipes to use up some of the carrot pulp leftover from my dad’s juicing extravaganza:

Dad is busy juicing. To all of you that like to buy your brews at Trader Joe's try out Lindemans Belgian Framboise beer with raspberries.

What to do? What to do?

I finally found the perfect recipe! I made a variation of her 24-Carrot Gold Muffins. Instead of muffins, I just made bread. “Same great flavor, just different look.”

Look at all those carrot fibers!

I of course had this as part of my delicious breakfast this morning, but I’ll save that for the next post!

Now moving right along. This next recipe I tried came from another beloved vegan, Gena! After reading all the rave reviews for her Italian “raw cheese”, I knew I had to give it a try. I finally got my hands on some raw cashews.

Enter the infinite abyss of goodness.

The first step involved getting the cashews to the right consistency. Now I know where the cheesy flavor comes from! So what’d I decide to make?

A new take on pizza! Polenta rounds and...

... topped with tomato sauce.

Excuse my super cheesy smile. My mom got really into taking pictures of me, and I was just ready to try this! I also quickly sliced some zucchini and cooked it in a Sherry Red Wine Barbeque sauce.

Mom and Dad couldn't wait either!

We thought Mom's poses were funny!

Oh my! Gena, this recipe was to die for. I’m definitely going to be making this more often. If you haven’t tried it, you should! It’s incredibly easy to make. At the end of the meal I asked my parents how they enjoyed their gluten-free and vegan meal. I follow neither a vegan or gluten-free lifestyle, but I think it’s always interesting to try new things – although I am a vegetarian. Luckily, my parents are very open-minded as well when it comes to food. But in the end we all agree that taste is key! And this meal was one that I wished could’ve lasted forever. Not only was it delicious, but we were all in a good, light-hearted mood. The right way to end a Sunday.

Remember how I asked you guys which nut butter you guys recommended? Well, thanks Jenny for sharing this link with us, I think I’m going to go with a jar of 365 peanut butter. The other day I went to the local discount healthfood store. As I was making my way down the nut butter aisle to see what they had, I stumbled upon a fairly priced jar of almond butter. I’ve missed my almond butter so much. Surprise, surprise, it was a jar of Blue Diamond! Kailey, I tried this as soon as I got home, and I understand why you love it so much! My mom asked me what it was. How to answer her… to share or not to share? I shared, and she answered. One word came from her mouth. “YUM!!!”

I also found another product at the store that I’ve seen on VeggieGirl’s blog.

Living Harvest Hempmilk

I don’t think I could drink a cup of this alone. But like I said before, don’t knock it till you try it. It’s a shame because it’s super nutritious and sounds interesting. So what am I going to do with the rest of this carton? I’m using it to add to my smoothies, as most of the flavor comes from the fruits I add in and not really the “milk” I use – unless it’s coconut milk! Oh! At this discount healthfood store I discovered that they sell boxes of Kashi Go-Lean cereal for – get this - $1.67! I’m definitely stocking up before I head back up to Richmond.

Yesterday, I decided to sign up for one more class for the next semester. So these are the classes I’m going to be taking:

Readings in Literature

Taoism

Intermediate Sculpture

Basic Video

Introduction to World Cinema (This is a Saturday class but I heard the teacher is awesome, oh and incredibly good looking!)

Zoe Foods product reviews

: The motherload!

: Thanks so much Kim! Your generosity is overwhelming.

: Uh oh! I sense the only child syndrome surfacing.

So far I’ve tried a few things from my big box of goodies!

: I tried the Chocolate Peanut Butter Bliss bar.

Alongside I had a bowl of Bircher Muesli soaked in fig yogurt, topped with fruits and pecans. The bar is so yummy! I wish I took a picture of what it looked like. I could see the little crispy grains and it wasn’t overwhelmingly sweet. I definitely didn’t want to leave my tummy feeling sour before my yoga class. The balance between peanut butter and chocolate was pulled off successfully with this bar! Moreover, they’re also full of protein, fiber, and contain Omega-3′s! I gave a bite for my mom to try as well and she very much enjoyed it. She’s not a picky eater, but I can vouch for her that these are indeed yummy! I’ve never seen them in stores though, so that might be an issue, but Zoe Foods does have an online store. Here’s a link to the following retailers that do carry their bars.

However, there is a product of theirs that I do see in stores often.

Next up is Zoe's Granola!

I’ve been looking forward to trying out their granola for a long time! So I made it extra special by making a red wine reduction for some beautiful peach slices. Which granola do I try first? Cranberries Currants, Honey Almond, or Cinnamon Raisin? Decisions decisions. I opted for Honey Almond over some fresh yogurt! Okay, I admit that I knew what I would be getting myself into even before my first bite. I’m happy to report that my intuition failed me not! I loved this breakfast so much.

Lastly, I tried the Chocolate Delight bar.

However, I am not the biggest fan of chocolate on chocolate. It didn’t taste horrible, just not my cup of tea. I gave it to my parents since I would hate for food to go to waste. Luckily, my parents enjoyed this one! I think you have to really like chocolate to want this bar. So for all you super chocolate lovers, you might just find a new addition to indulge your little tastebuds.

I still have more Zoe Foods products to review, so keep an eye out!

Okay, so I think most have you noticed my inner-artist jump out of me and on to my plates! I am a person who’s very much into living an aesthetically pleasing life. Maybe I should go into design? Well I’m majoring in sculpture + extended media already, so I guess I am designing things. I’m a sucker for packaging i.e. L’Occitane. My favorite store is Anthropologie not only because of what they sell, but every time I go in there I feel like I’m being transfered into another world. I even pour my shampoos, spices, whatever I can think of – into glass containers I find at thrift stores. Oh man, do I take this too far? Well, I guess not as long as I’m enjoying it, right? Right!

So anyway, this brings me to my love of colors and vibrancy. I think nature offers all of that and I love to reap what this wonderful world sows. Which brings me to some more lovely eats based on nature, color, and simplicity.

: There’s something so satisfying about having a nice cup of loose tea.

: A nice way to start the day.

A bowl of coffee oats with bananas, coconut shreds, a gooseberry, and some white chocolate chips.

: What’s inside?

: No, not an alien egg! It’s lychee.

: Drumroll please

: A gooseberry! I’m starting to feel like a magician with cheap tricks.

A nice glass of some juice my dad made with a scoop of Edy's Tart Honey yogurt blend.: I love that a papaya can act as it’s own bowl.

: Fig yogurt topped with papaya chunks, blueberries, and granola.

: Toast with goat cheese, dried tomato bits, and avocado.

So I’m going to go against all these pictures of fresh food. But it definitely goes with the theme of good tasting food! Someone not too long brought to my attention that you can order chalupas and gorditas at Taco Bell with beans. That means, all these years I haven’t been eating them are now gone. I don’t get cravings for Taco Bell, but when I’m on a road trip, it makes life a lot easier. So on the drive down to Florida I knew what I wanted for dinner. I had my parents find a Taco Bell, and ordered myself a Baja Vegetarian Gordita and it was so yummy! It didn’t fill me up at all, but I had packed other things that helped do the trick. Just wanted to pass the word along to anyone else who did not know this.

Whew! This post was hard work to organize. But I love sharing with you guys, and I love what I learn from all of you. Everyone is different, but I can still see the inspiration we all get from each other’s wonderful eats.

p.s. If you haven’t tried Edy’s tart honey yogurt blend, I highly suggest it! I can’t wait to try out other flavors. I’m thinking I might have a slice of carrot bread and a some Edy’s before I go to bed.

Katharina's Food Adventures

Tag Archives: zoe foods

Say Hello to My Little Friend

Get To the Good Part Already!

Part 1

Like Driving down Old Seven Mile Bridge