Friday, February 27, 2009

Baker

It's been a year since I adopted my furry friend, Baker.  Call me what you will, but I knew when I first saw him that he and I were going to be friends.  Maybe it was his chubby body and low-ridin' style or the freckles on his nose.  I don't know.  Either way, the St. Bernard/Basset Hound had my heart.  Within a week, he was sleeping on my couch.  

(The Beast-- at rest) 


When I picked him up from the shelter, he was originally named "Bacon", I knew I could never call a dog Bacon, so he has now taken the name Baker.  Some times he listens when I call his name, some times he doesn't-- I blame it on his hearing going since he's so old.  He was even 50% off at the shelter when I took him home, my lil' Babe is growing up so fast!  He just turned 10 this month.   

The last year has been filled with fun learning experiences and adventures.  I cannot express the joy that this little guy has brought to me; him snoring louder than my grandpa, begging for belly rubs or being the cutest cuddle bug.  He is the best! 

Before I start to sound like one of those weird lonely dog people, I just want to say that the insight from rescuing a dog from a shelter is like no other.  It is so rewarding, just knowing that you have rescued a dog in need, and are giving it a second chance feels great!  If you are considering a new addition into your family, check our your local shelter.  There are so many wonderful pooches there that just want love.  Not only will you feel good about helping and being a part of something so special, you'll have a really fun story to tell!  I love telling mine! 

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Hearty Tex-Mex Soup


On Sunday, I definitely needed some warm comfort food.  This healthy recipe will have the hungriest appetites satisfied!   

It's a very versatile soup, so don't worry if you don't have all of the ingredients-- vegetables can be subbed with different things or left out completely.  If you're crunched for time, it's really easy to whip up. 

Just saute the onion and garlic and dump everything else in! Voila!   Save more time if you're a little short on it and use canned beans and frozen vegetables.  

Hearty Tex-Mex Soup

1/2 Red Onion
2 Garlic cloves-- crushed
4 Carrots chopped
1 carton of Mushrooms
1 can Black Beans
1/2 to 1 cup Corn
1/2 to 1 cup Peas
1 carton of frozen Spinach 
1 can diced Tomatoes
1 Jalapeno Pepper -- If you don't like that much heat, de-seed. 
1 T. Cumin, Cilantro, Chipotle and Cayanne
1/2 T. Paprika and Crushed Red Pepper
2 TBS Nutritional Yeast-- optional

Simmer onion and garlic in olive oil
In no real order, chop and toss the rest of the ingredients in.  Let simmer for about an hour or longer.  It tastes great the next day, too!  Garnish with avocados, pumpkin seeds and a splash of lime!  



Saturday, February 21, 2009

Another Snowy Night...


Spring was on it's way... and I admit, I fooled myself into thinking that!  After our warm spell in Wisconsin, of course it snowed again, and again.

Not wanting to go anywhere last night, I made a delicious feast and stayed in watching re-runs of The Office.  I made up some Chickpea Cutlets, Roasted Asparagus with a Lemon and Balsamic glaze and a side of pesto.  

Topping off a wonderful dinner I threw together some Crumble Top Brownies.  These were soo chocolately!  I even put chocolate chips in the batter so there would be surprises of chocolate chunks in every other bite.  Ice "cream" was key in balancing out the richness.  I had two pieces and was comatose. 


Chocolate Brownies with Chocolate Crumble topping

Friday, February 13, 2009

Valentines Day?


I'm not really one for Valentines Day... But I am for any "holiday" that calls for cupcakes! The cupcake recipe I followed was from Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World. The cupcakes in the book that I've tried turn out perfect and taste delightful! The frosting I used was a mix of tofu, blended strawberries, vanilla and powdered sugar. It turned out to have more of a custard-like texture than actual frosting. I'll modify a lil' more for next time and post the recipe.

Friday, February 6, 2009

Burrr!


It has been awfully cold in Green Bay-- Thank goodness it's finally warming up. In the midst of it's bitterness I resorted to making loads of spicy comfort foods, tossing jalapenos or Frank's into just about anything. To the left is my favorite creation: Curried Mushroom Couscous! Delish.