Family meals together

Marcus arrived on December 4th, and it has been pretty hectic.  We finally put up the Christmas tree on Monday night.  I had to beg off of church choir rehearsal that night, and I'm supposed to play flute this Sunday!  I still can't find the music I am supposed to play.  I have no idea where it is.  I'm going to try to look under the piano.  I didn't go to choir because I had to go to the bank's atm at short notice.  This time of year always bites financially.

Anyhow, we've enjoyed some truly singular vegan meals lately.  First of all, I've veganized the Irish Soda Bread recipe from Recipes for a Small Planet.  This is easily done, with applesauce in place of the egg, molasses in place of honey, and soured soy milk in place of buttermilk or yogurt.  I may eventually try this recipe with soy yogurt just to see if it works.  I've made this bread the last two nights and Marcus seems to like it okay.  It's a bit too crusty for the kids, but I intend to make it again and again! 

Sunday, I made Leek and Bean Cassoulet from Veganomicon.  There was enough left over to freeze for two or three days worth of lunches.  Monday night, I made vegan chili using TVP for the first time.  That stuff definitely gives a meaty texture to vegetarian dishes.  I will definitely use it again.  Last night, I made Roman Rice and Beans from Diet for a Small Planet, something I've made time and again, because it's easy and it's vegan without the parmesan.  Marcus, Amy, Chris and Brian all like it.  Somehow, I made it with green peppers last week, and Amy just raved about it.  Last night's rendition contained orange and yellow peppers but it was still VERY good.

Interestingly enough, I much prefer cooking at home now to going out.  Marcus and I are still going out for my birthday Sunday night, but to tell the truth, if he decided to make me a good dinner at home, that would work just as well.  The kids are making brunch for Sunday  noon.  Alison is coming up and she and Amy will probably cook the brunch, though I suspect I will probably take part also.

I think Saturday, I will try making the Almost All-American Seitan Pot Pie from Veganomicon.  That is really good, and I think Marcus would like it.  Yes, I want to make food my husband enjoys.

It's a New Year

After a much needed break, I'm back, both here online and at work.   Some of the more interesting moments of the past couple of weeks are as follows:

Last night, I came to the realization, after cutting myself chopping a spaghetti squash in pieces, that meat cleavers are not of much use at all except to injure oneself if they aren't aimed properly.  I think I'm going to get rid of mine.

Omnivores CAN cook vegan meals AND make them taste good.  Marcus made his pasta sauce with chopped veggies and tomato sauce.  MMMMM.  The man has inherited his father's extensive abilities in the kitchen.  Now to convince him of this.

It IS possible to put everything I need for several days in a cooler, and still eat too much.

Tofurkey is one of the best inventions known to man, followed closely by Veganaise.  Finally something to change up with peanut butter for lunch.

Just because I'm vegan doesn't necessarily mean I will eat healthy all the time.

And - Chinese food for Christmas dinner ROCKS.

Marcus is here!

Marcus arrived late afternoon, Thursday, December 15th.  I've had a wonderful last 3 days with him.  Of course, now it's back to work.  We only made one meal at home, and that was Gado-Gado.  I'm going to have to find some good vegan meals that are easy to make.  He's making veggies and pasta this evening before we go out to the kids' school concert.  We have school concerts tonight and tomorrow, so we'll be pretty busy.