A Bit Of [VeganMOFO] & Weekend Stuff

I thought I would get some acupuncture done this weekend to see if it would transform my nervous energy to bliss. It did not happen, got to the clinic and it was packed, I even had an appointment and it did not matter. I was rather angry seeing it was a 30+ minute drive. So I asked for a refund and headed over to the Delta Humane Society thrift store and bought a few things, hung out with kittens and people who love cats.

To bust me out of my funk more Matt decided we needed doughnuts at Family Donuts & Deli again. The selection was smaller this time around but there were still some great ones to choose from. We tried a blueberry jelly filled and it was tasty!

Of course cemetery exploring was a must. Though the air quality is bad and everything looks murky and like a yellow bruise outside I had to get out there. The mausoleums were open and the air conditioner was on so Matt hung out in one while I explored. Matt snapped the above picture of me when I went back to get him

We rounded out the day having dinner at El Papagayo. I had green enchiladas - one with fried tofu and the other with chili colorado - both tasty options. This leads me to VeganMOFO - I would totally take Mr. President to eat here. No way am I going to cook and fill myself with anxiety! I would get him stuffed with nachos from the salsa bar, get him a round of Tecate and tell him to try a fried tofu dish!

[VeagnMOFO] We Ate A Lot Of Pasta...

I was trying to think of a childhood meal that I could do a twist on. There are certain meals that transport me to childhood instantly. Food that reminds me of being a child and being comforted. I thought of the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches my mom would make us for school lunches, biscuits and gravy on the Sunday table, mom's potato salad, the milkshakes my dad whipped up for us studded with candy bar pieces we ate as we  battled chickenpox in the summer heat. All those have great memories but I believe one dish stands out the most. It is pasta. 
Pasta - growing up with a dad from Sicily, pasta was a must. It did not matter if the sauce came from a jar on a busy night as long as the sauce was plenty and we had bread from the store bakery. Over the weekend I visited with my parents and pasta came up. Mt dad was going on about vegetable pasta dishes his mom would make him. I started talking about one of my favorite summer time meals.

Zoodles! I have been making zucchini noodles for a few years now. They are light and refreshing and a perfect meal. I like mine full of lemon juice, nooch, garlic and tossed with blistered cherry tomatoes. To add to my meal memories I toasted some naan bread and added a bowl of pasta sauce to use for dipping, something my mom would do for us. I will have the complete recipe in an upcoming zine (I am behind) but till then I think everyone should try zoodles!

[Vegan Mofo] 5 Ingredient Meals - Tofu Buffalo Bites With Garlic Aioli

 I have the desire to eat party food for meals. If I could get away with having a plate of appetizers as a meal I would! Actually some of my fave meals have come from reworking an appetizer to super size standards, adding soup or a salad and calling it a day. Buffalo wings are one of those things I look forward to in all of their vegan reincarnations!
This is a super simple take on the dish, anyone can do it. It can be served as a snack, add the tofu bites to a salad and a bit more lemon to the aioli and use it as a dressing. Recipes are often a jumping off point to something more grand and as I wrap up Mofo I have been inspired by all that I have seen and will be taking that with me into the kitchen.

5 ingredient stars: Extra firm/firm tofu - drained and pressed, Frank's Hot Sauce, Hampton Creek Just Mayo, Sicilia lemon juice, garlic powder.

Cube the tofu into bite sized pieces. Fry on medium high heat till browned on each side. Turn heat down and add about a 1/2 cup of Frank's. You may need more or less - you just want each bite coated. Cook a few minutes longer till the sauce browns. Serve with 1/2 cup Just Mayo mixed with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and a big pinch of garlic powder mixed together. Yummy!

[Vegan Mofo] 5 Ingredient Meals - Italian Style Sloppy Joes

Growing up I remember having sloppy Joe's as a kid. I did not care for the sauce much. So as I got older and tried things on my own I discovered I like sloppy Joe's if they involve an Italian twist.

5 ingredient stars: Beyond Beef crumbles, bag of mixed peppers, Newman's Own Sauce, Oroweat buns and chips on the side (I like salty with this dish).

Saute crumbles and peppers in a bit of oil (freebie) till browned. Add sauce, turn heat low and simmer for about 7 minutes, give it a stir at the half way point. Spoon on buns (you can toast them if you feel fancy) and serve with chips! Dinner is served!

[Vegan Mofo] 5 Ingrediets Meals - Super Fast Stir Fry

It has become a tradition to eat a big plate of stir fry after the gym on Tuesday. I suppose it helps me clear out any vegetables that are lurking to make way for new produce after midweek shopping. Also the carbs from the rice, the vitamins/good junk from the vegetables, the protein from the faux meats + nuts and the kick from the Sriracha balances my body out!

5 ingredients stars: 1 bag of the new vegan-chicken strips (go for one of the Asian flavors like teriyaki), 1 bag of frozen mixed veggies (Asian Blend - Target brand has one with edamame that is good!), a handful of unsalted cashews, 2 cups of cooked basmati rice (or your fave rice variety) and Sriracha for serving.

Heat a bit of oil (ingredient freebie) in a non-stick pan on medium. Dump the strips in and cook for a few minutes till the strips are lightly browned. Add veggies, sauce and nuts and cook for 5 - 6 minutes till veggies are cooked through. Spoon over a bed of rice and squirt on a healthy dose of Sriracha and eat away!

[Vegan Mofo] Healthy Eats - Kombucha

Your either a fan of it  - sipping it and promoting all the glories of it. Or you think it is another health fad...I am talking about:

Kobucha! Usually for me I reach for a bottle when I have extra cash to blow and want a fizzy pick me up. Target has kombucha, fancy pressed juices and natural energy drinks a plenty that will not break the bank. I like a good fizzy drink but am not a fan of soda so a swig of kombucha stands in!

Are you a fan of kombucha? Is it a fad that is on its way out?

[Vegan Mofo] Healthy Eats - So Delicious No Sugar Added Ice Cream

Target gets a handful of So Delicious Dairy Free ice creams in the freezer section. My favorite is the coconut based no sugar added vanilla and chocolate. That way I can come home and not feel so bad dumping stuff like chocolate sauce, potato chips and chocolate pieces on a scoop!

 

Do not like the no added sugar label foo you, this ice cream is perfectly sweet. Creamy, rich sweetness and the right ice cream texture you can eat it as is or like I said add your favorite mix ins and toppings. So Delicious usually runs at $6 a pop at the store, Target clocks in at $4.99 and makes me feel less budget guilty when I want to indulge.

[Vegan Mofo] Healthy Eats - Amy's Black Bean & Rice Taquitos

 

This week I start off with more Mexican inspired food because you know how well  I love the stuff! It is also the week I kick of healthier picks from the shelves of Target. Now since the 'clean police' have raided social media and tried to shut down anything they feel is not 'clean', people are afraid of anything from a box or a can. It is silly because you can find healthy picks in the frozen section of the store or canned veggies with more nutritional value than what has been trucked in from over seas in the produce department (depending on season).

Last week Target rolled out a lot of new vegan products and Matt and I picked up a few to try out. One of them being Amy's Black Bean and Rice Taquitos. They are not even listed on the site yet - super new right? What makes them a healthier pick is they can be baked (like I made them) in the oven and for 2 rolls they clock in at 190 in the calorie department. Traditionally taquitos are deep fried - so good (Go to Flacos if you are ever in the East Bay or Fresno!) but having deep fried food daily is not a wise option - sorry  Matt I will not buy that deep fryer at Costco! 

These tasty lil taco rolls have a comfort food feel, taste yummy and can be topped or served in a variety of ways. I made them using vegan nacho cheeze sauce, garden fresh salsa, Golf Sauce (see Sept/Oct15 VegNews for recipe) and some pickled peppers I made last week. Since they are baked they do not have that super crunchy texture that you get from deep frying - but I am okay with that. They bake in about 15 minutes making them a fast lunch. If you are looking to make them into more of a meal, serve them with rice, beans and a side salad.

These will be making a appearance in my Target basket again real soon!

[Vegan Mofo] Pantry Essentials - Milk & Cereal

As we launch into the weekend thoughts of relaxation take shape in our mind or at least my mind - sleeping in is a priority! Feeling so relaxed that you do not want to do more than get up off the couch, but the grumbling in your stomach will not go away? Grab a box of cereal and some almond milk...A bowl and a spoon would come in handy too.

My go to plant based milk is unsweetened Blue Diamond Almond Milk in Original or Vanilla. I buy one of each every week. I use the vanilla flavored one in cereal, tea or coffee and baked good while the original flavor gets put into savory sauces and dips.This week the original was sold out so I had to get a shelf stable smaller version - ya Target has all your size needs covered!

If you have cereal on hand you have a quick anytime snack. Not just for the AM crowed cereal powers my lunch and depending on variety, it is a good late night snack. Target has a variety of natural and organic cereals and granola flavors - from the kiddie at heart kind to the more adult fruit and fiber style. I like it all! 

Do you have a favorite plant based milk and cereal combo?

[Vegan Mofo] Pantry Essentials - PB2

 

It is Thursday  - a day that lacks any special mention in most people's weekly schedule. You have Monday - back to the old grind, Wednesday - that mid week hump day, Friday - get ready for the weekend...Somewhere among the shuffle, Thursday gets lost. 

I decided to hook Thursday up with one of my favorite things in the world - PEANUT BUTTER! Not just any peanut butter I am talking powdered PB2 peanut butter! When I first heard about this stuff I was not having it, powdered peanut butter? Gross. After trying it I am hooked and eat a few tablespoons to a mini bowl of it a day, serious good stuff.

Why powdered peanut butter and not the 'real' stuff? The first thing one might notice is the nutrition count: PB2 has 45 calories per 2 tablespoons and 1.5 grams of fat. The traditional stuff clocks in at 188 calories for 2 tablespoons and 8.0 grams of fat. Big difference right? Not that traditional peanut butter is bad - the oils and fat are of the good healthy kind. If you stick to a peanut butter that is more natural and not packed with sugar like some brands out there your good to go. No need to food shame anyone's peanut butter choices.

I like PB2 strait up, it is not oily and does not leave a grease trail on my lips. You can find me snacking on it and adding it to food. I like making a peanuty stir fry sauce with it or using it in powder form to coat fresh popped popcorn with a fine dusting for a sweet and salty taste. My fave way though - a small bowl of the stuff mixed super creamy style with a drizzle of chocolate syrup! If I have a banana on hand I slice it up and toss it into the mix.

Target has the best store prices of PB2 in town. I go for the original but the chocolate is not bad as well. Target carries both varieties so you can get your peanut butter love on. 

[Vegan Mofo] Pantry Essentials - Rotel

Rotel is something I could buy by the case! I use it weekly for my nachos and in colder months it is a nice add in to any chili concoction I whip up. From corn salad to salsa scrambles Rotel is my Tex-Mex secret. Often found in recipes in my zine - you might think I have stock in the company. Target has the best price in town - even compared to discount grocery stores. This little can of tomatoes, peppers and spice is just right to make any dish a winner!

On any given Friday night you might here me yell across the aisles to Matt "I forgot the Rotel!!!" and see a vision of black clad cat lady sprint across the store!

[Vegan Mofo] Pantry Essentials - Hot Sauce

It is not a secret - I love, I mean really love hot sauce. My sauce arsenal ranges from 3 - 6 different varieties at any given time. My go to are always the same though: Sriracha, Frank's and Cholula. Target stocks all of them in various sizes perfect for my needs. I like them for all different reasons and usually will mix a few together depending on dish. Hot sauce is a staple part in my diet and a pantry staple for sure!

Sriracha - Ohhhhh how I love theeeeee flavor booster with a rooster perched on your label! I love Sriracha so much that I have a bottle of it tattooed on my leg and the staff at my fave Thai restaurant look on in amazement as I add more and more to my dish. Sriracha makes a boring dish explode! Have you ever bought a crappy container of hummus on a whim? Don't toss it out - Sriracha it up! I love mixing a squirt in with my veggie crumbles when we have Nacho Night Friday to add heat and an extra wow factor. Sriracha on fries or tots - hell ya! So many Sriracha-bilities for every taste bud out there!

Frank's - my nachos would not be complete without Frank's Original. When The Laziest Vegan posted about using Frank's on a Mexican dish way back when, I thought that it was crazy and sacrilegious. After trying it I wanted to add him to the food saint-hood order! It is magical! I also love it on my mac & cheeze to bring some sweet heat to the mix. Soy curls would not be complete without Frank's - a saucy amount of Frank's, a splash of Sriracha and a smidgen of Earth Balance - off the yum factor chart!


Cholula - makes an appearance on tacos. It is not in my daily arsenal but since I discovered it 6 or so years ago at a resturant I always keep a bottle around. I stick to the original and it sticks to any Mexican inspired dish nicely.

Do you love hot sauce as much I do? What are your favorites when it comes to turning up the heat?

[Vegan Mofo] Pantry Essentials - Rice & Beans

 

This week I am going to be sharing some pantry essentials one should keep handy for quick no brainer meals. Having these things in the house keeps food funk at a low and possible fast meals at your fingertips.

You cannot get any more basic than rice and beans. A world staple, rice and beans show up in cultures from all around the world in some form. Often seen as peasant food rice and beans can save a broke person's meal budget and make things more complete. 

Keeping a few varieties of canned (or in this case boxed) beans around allows for things like nachos, tacos, crunchy snacks, veggie burgers and more to happen in a snap. I am a fan of black beans and pinto beans because I dig on Mexican food. I do love garbanzo beans though I do not use them as much. Put them in soup to add a hearty protein punch, make hummus or bake them and make garbanzo crunchies! Target has many organic and low sodium bean options. If you cannot find low sodium rinse your beans before use to get rid of salt if you are not a fan of the stuff or need to watch your intake.

My go to rice is always basmati - I use it in it's plain form to cuddle a stir fry dish or with tomato sauce and olive oil to create Matt's mama's red rice. Basmati has a warm nutty smell and taste that I totally dig. You may prefer brown rice or wild rice - Target has a lot of rice options. Keeping rice around is a sure fire way to add starch to a dish in an affordable way.

Tonight my meal is actually going to consist of both rice and beans. It is taco night and the pair will star in leading roles in my dinner production. If you have a fave way to incorporate these staples into your meals let me know!

[Vegan Mofo] Snack On This - Chips & Salsa

 

Nothing beats some fresh salsa and salty chips - bring in a cocktail (something minty or fruity for me!) or a beer (if you are like Matt) and party time has started! Every Friday is nacho night here and our go to brand is the Simply Balanced chips. We like the white corn chips and go for those every time! The new rolled flax are really good with a nutty hint from the chia seeds but the shape does not work for nachos, they need a hummus or guac option.

In school kids got picked on for the generic brands/in store brands that parents packed in their lunch boxes. That should be a thing of the past with Target rolling out organic options at a great price. The prices and quality are hard to beat! Chips this week are on sale 2 for $5 - yup I bought a few bags for lunches and nacho night!

 

We are pretty lucky that our neighbor cans her own garden fresh salsa and hooks us up. If we happen to run out and want a fresh option Casa Sanchez is really good. The ingredients are fresh and simple, no weird things that require an app to translate. Based in Northern CA the salsa tastes fresh and is great in nachos and I love it for chili!  

Grab a tub of salsa and a bag of chips and have a party tonight even if you are just lounging on the couch!

VEGAN MOFO 2013 Baby!!!!

Starting tomorrow I will be MOFOin' it up! Monday through Friday I will be bloggin' it up!

Monday: Mama Mia Monday - Sicilian food that is a twist off my grandma's cooking! I am making things easier and on a small scale - I do not have 8 kids to feed!

Tuesday: Target Tuesday - cooking a complete meal (or dessert) from the aisles of everyone's favorite chain store!

Wednesday: WWGFEW - What Would Guy Ferrari Eat Wednesday food inspired by my fave cooking show personality.

Thursday: Throw Back Thursday - Food memories with a twist. Healthier and my own personal take on stuff.

Friday: Friday Finds: Vegan products and places to eat that you need to check out!

Come back tomorrow. I cannot wait to see what everyone is doing!