Homeschool Mom on the Go in the Kitch

A Break From Cooking? Yes Indeed!

2012-02-11T11:09:00.001-08:00

I was ready, this morning, to get my shopping list together for next week's dinners when I decided to check the freezer first.
I am happy to say that my freezer was full of leftovers from the past couple of weeks that I think I can pull off NOT cooking this week.
Yay for me!
Or maybe I'll try some breakfasts/lunches in the slow cooker.

Frugal Living--Living on the Cheap

2012-02-09T12:02:00.000-08:00

Since we are in semi-quarantine because of my sick teen, I was able to sit down and watch the 4pm news. Usually, at that time, we are at the Y for the kid's acting or dance class or somewhere in Hollywood for an audition or filming.

A family in Davis, California vow not to spend money during the month of February. The mom talked about going to Costco buying lots of rice, butter, and frozen meats and only spending money on milk.

She opened her refrigerator and there were about a dozen sticks of butter. Who does she think she is? Paula Deen?

Here's the thing.

There was no mention of fruits and vegetables.

None.

Sure you can definitely have a nutritious meal with rice and beans; spaghetti and pasta sauce and, if you must, a serving of animal flesh but nothing gives you a happy ending like a juicy orange or a nice serving size of steamed broccoli, or some raw carrots dipped in tahini or hummus.

Here at home, I make weekly trips to the store and buy enough fruits and vegetables to last us a week.

For our family of four I buy 10 lbs a rice and that can last us a good 2 months. 10 lbs of dry pinto beans lasts us even longer because just 2 cups turns into 6 cups of beans! That's a lot of tootin'! And more than enough protein to fill the daily requirements.

Unless those kids are getting their fruits and veggies in school or the mom didn't mention buying them, those kids are going to miss out on some very important nutritional needs.

I will just keep doing what I'm doing.

We don't go to the movies often unless we scored free tickets for previewing and rating movies or we take a mile walk to our local library and pick up movies (I picked up Spy Kids 4,Veggie Tales Bob Lends a Helping Hand, Harry Potter 7.1 and 7.2). About every 2 months or so I go to the warehouse store across the street from us and buy a huge box of popcorn.

I stick to a list at the grocery store. Unless, of course, there is a really good sale. Ralphs had guacamole for 50% off and I had a coupon for 50 cents off and because Ralphs doubles their coupons under 75 cents. I paid less than 40 cents for guacamole. Word.

We do spend money on gas because the hubs has to go to work. The girls and I walk to just about every where here in town or take the bus to the big city when we have to.

Once in a while we do eat out. I confess. On those really tiring days I don't feel like going home to cook because I didn't know what time I would be home or just know I do not have enough energy to pull a meal out of the freezer and defrost and heat up. We do take advantage of kids eat free deals or I always have coupons to some local restaurants around town, in case we are out.

I don't go to the nail salon or do my hair every week or so because, frankly, I do not find it relaxing inhaling fumes. I try to do a spa day with the girls when we are home on the weekends. Non-toxic fun nail polish and mami pampering is how we roll.

We haven't had cable in 5 years. Sometimes I miss it when I hear that Dexter and Weeds are airing a new season but I just wait a year and watch the whole season at home for an entire weekend. No big whoop.

I remember when the hubs favorite radio personality was no longer on the traditional radio station and moving to a subscription radio station. I stood firm and said no. Too much money the whole family couldn't enjoy. Not like Disneyland. So not like Disneyland. After a few months of not listening to his favorite radio personality I felt a surge of guilt for denying something he loved. I asked him if he wanted to get the satellite radio installed he can go ahead and do it. His reply? Honey, I don't even miss him because I found someone new to listen to on the radio.

Hallelujah!

Living frugally is not very hard if you plan it. I don't feel it is a big deal. I guess if you haven't done it and see it on paper, it looks nearly impossible but you will be surprised that cutting corners isn't a big deal.

No recipes today. I'm defrosting a past meal.

:-)

Photo: 3 Bean Chili w/Chive-Flecked Cornmeal Dumplings

2012-02-07T16:38:00.001-08:00

Teen's 1st Public School Year

2012-02-07T11:31:00.000-08:00

Is not going very well.
Don't get me wrong. She has A's and B's and is one of the top 10 students in her class, but she has been sick twice within the first 100 days of school! I don't know about you but I really don't like sick kids. They are whiny and demanding. They are not functional. Today we are going to our friendly neighborhood family doctor to see what's wrong.
So today, for the second day in a row, dinner is in the slow cooker.

Three-Bean Chili with Chive-Flecked Cornmeal Dumplings
from the Fresh from the Vegetarian Slow Cooker

Chili:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 large sweet yellow onion, chopped
1/2 small green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 tbsps tomato paste
1 tbsp chili powder
1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
1 15.5 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 15.5 oz can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 15.5 oz can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 1/2 cups water
1 tsp salt
1/4 black pepper

Dumplings
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup yellow cornmeal
2 tsps baking powder
1 tsp minced fresh chives
1/8 tsp salt
1/2 cup fresh or thawed frozen corn kernels
1/2 cup soy milk
2 tbsps olive oil

to make the chili, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic, cover and cook until softened about 5 minutes.
stir in the tomato paste and chili powder and cook about 30 seconds longer.
transfer the mixture to a 4-6 quart slow cooker.
add the tomatoes, beans and water, season with salt and pepper, cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
to make the dumplings, combine the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, chives and salt in a medium size bowl about 45 minutes before serving time.
stir in the corn, milk, and oil until just combines.
do not over mix.
turn the slow cooker to high and drop the batter by the spoonful onto the hot chili.
cover and cook on high until the dumplings are cooked through 30-40 minutes.
serve immediately and
ENJOY!

P.S. notice the absence of meat? not needed with all the protein the beans carry and not an overwhelming amount of veggies that carnivores won't turn their nose.

Not so spicy black bean chili - photo

2012-02-06T16:39:00.001-08:00

from my soapbox to yours

2012-02-02T11:11:00.000-08:00

Treat those the way you want to be treated is something that I have been trying to follow for a few years.
In my 40 years, I didn't exactly follow this rule but with age comes wisdom. It is amazing how just a smile can make someone's day a little brighter. A little better. The light at the end of the tunnel. Or just listening to what troubles them instead of criticizing. They'll figure it out themselves. They usually do when they hear themselves talk about their troubles.
I've had to distance myself from many people who have entered into my life. I do a pretty bang up job putting myself down so I don't feel the need to include you in my life.
I've heard it all. From homeschooling to eliminating animal products to health, EVERYONE has an opinion. Always when it's not called for and usually to put you down to lift themselves up.
I'm not perfect but I recognize my faults and own up to it.
Can you?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I made this last week and it was so good. The recipe is pulled from the Fresh from the Vegetarian Slow Cooker by Robin Robertson. It says it serves 4 but it was filling and wholesome that if you live in a family of 4, don't be surprised if there is still so much more left. Freeze it or save it for lunch.

Veggie Jambalaya

use a large slow cooker 4-6 quart is good.

2 tbsps olive oil
1 large chopped yellow onion
1 medium seeded and chopped green bell pepper
1 chopped celery rib
2 minced garlic cloves
1 1/2 cups slow cooked dark red kidney beans or 1 15.5 oz can, drained and rinsed
1 1/2 cups slow cooked black-eyed peas or 1 15.5 can, drained and rinsed
1 15 oz can crushed tomatoes
1 14.5 can drained diced tomatoes
1 cup water
3/4 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp old bay seasoning
salt and black pepper
8 ozs vegetarian sausage links cut into 1 inch pieces
tabasco sauce

heat 1 tbsp of the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
add the onion, bell pepper, celery and garlic
cover and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
transfer to the slow cooker.
add the beans, tomatoes, water, thyme and old bay seasoning.
season with salt and pepper
cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
just before serving, reuse the large skillet and heat the remaining oil over medium heat
add the sausage link pieces and cook until browned, then add to the jambalaya along with tabasco sauce to taste.

Enjoy!

LOL I just realized I posted this recipe some time ago. I think I need to try new things......

Maple baked beans

2012-01-18T15:45:00.001-08:00

I love buying dry beans. Picking over the beans reminds me of my mom and grandmother in the kitchen preparing meals after breakfast. Canned beans are always good to have when you forget to soak the beans overnight or for a quick meal when you've been so busy with kids, work, house, illness, etc. I soaked the beans yesterday afternoon and slow cooked the beans with garlic and onions overnight.

From Fresh from the Vegetarian Slow Cooker

You need a slow cooker at least 4 quarts.
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium size yellow onion chopped
3 cups of slow cooked or 2 15.5 oz cans of navy beans or great northern beans drained and rinsed
1/2 cup pure maple syrup (please do not substitute. I know it's expensive but you'll thank me later)
1 tsp dry mustard
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup tomato paste mixed w/1 1/4 cup hot water

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the onion and cover until softened, about 5 minutes.
transfer the onion to the slow cooker. Add the beans and everything else and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Enjoy with rice and a large side of vegetables.

Layered eggplant parmesan casserole

2011-12-20T20:18:00.001-08:00

The pic says it all. Tomorrow I type!

Bought a New Cookbook!!! I think...

2011-12-13T09:55:00.000-08:00

I don't recall ordering this cookbook from Amazon but I'm so glad I did. The cookbook is called Vegan Junk Food by Lane Gold. No meat. No Dairy. I know right? She is a vegan chef here in Los Angeles. I was trying to find out where but I couldn't find that information.
This cookbook has everything from breakfast to deli favorites. Comfort food to bread. Vegan party essentials and dips to all kinds of sweet things. Don't let the title fool you. Although it is "junk food" I don't know too many junk foods with ingredients like carrots, pumpkins and fresh cilantro and parsley. Seriously. Last night I stopped by my local Whole Foods and picked up some ingredients I didn't already have and spent less than $25 for dinner. I adjusted for my own tastes.

Sloppy Joes

serves 4
1/2 cup Bob's Red Mill TVP
2 cups water
3 tsps vegetable bouillon base
1 tsp vegan beef bouillon base
1 tbsp oil
1/2 chopped onion
1/4 cup finely chopped carrot (to save time I went to my favorite section and bought already shredded carrot)
1 chopped garlic clove (I used minced so like WHATEV)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
2 tbsps brown sugar
2 tsps balsamic vinegar
1 tsp Annie's vegan worcestshire sauce
4 tbsps tomato paste
1 cup tomato sauce
Rudi's whole wheat hamburger buns

heat the water and add the vegetable and beef bouillon base to a boil.
add the TVP and stir a little bit and let it rest for 10 minutes
over medium heat, saute onions and carrots in oil until onions are translucent.
adjust the heat so it doesn't burn.
add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
drain the TVP reserving the liquid. use a wooden spoon or spatula and squeeze out the excess liquid.
add TVP to the vegetables and cook for about 5 minutes.
add all other ingredients except the buns and stir.
add 1/2 cup of reserved liquid and bring to a boil.
turn heat down to medium and cook for 10 minutes.

spoon the joes onto your buns and enjoy.

This you can you freeze so go ahead and double the ingredients. It was so good I wish I had leftovers for lunch.

Basic Red Sauce

2011-12-12T12:18:00.000-08:00

We've been so busy these past few weeks I haven't had the chance to sit down and blog. The girls have had so much fun dancing, performing, auditioning, and acting. It's been fun watching them having the time of their lives.

The other day I was in the mood for some spaghetti with red sauce. Something as basic like this is so easy to make even from (almost) scratch. I stopped at Whole Foods and picked up my basic ingredients and it was so good!

makes about 7 cups

2 tbsps refined coconut oil
1 onion cut into 1/4 inch dice
8-10 minced garlic cloves
2 28oz cans crushed tomatoes
1 6oz can tomato paste
2 tbsps finely chopped fresh basil
1 tbsp finely chopped fresh oregano
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbsp agave nectar

heat the coconut oil in a 6 qt stockpot over medium-low heat.
add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 6-8 minutes.
add the garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, 1 minute.
stir in the tomatoes and tomato paste, increasing the heat to high and bring to a boil.
remove from the heat.
stir in the rest of the ingredients.
use immediately or cover and refrigerate or freezer for later.

Adapted from the Skinny Bitch in the Kitch cookbook.

2011-12-07T07:50:00.001-08:00

Yesterday I decided to take a break from the kitchen. Sorta. Before picking my daughters up from their dance and improv class I stopped by my local Ralphs store. I picked up Private Selection pepperoni and garlic pizza and Private Selection Chcolate Lava Cake. The kids and the huz LOVED IT. It's a thin crust with small mozzarella balls. One pizza box came with a serving of 4. You can cut it into strips if you want and make a dip (ranch, olive oil, marinara) with a nice caesar salad. The chocolate lava cake was rich and was very much like homemade.

Loss of a Pet

2011-12-05T09:38:00.000-08:00

It was fast and quick. We had no idea anything was wrong until Sunday. We figured that we would take her to the vet on Monday but we didn't have the chance. Cupcake, our other guinea pig, knew something was wrong and kept nudging her to eat but she would not. We tried to hand feed her but she would not open her mouth.
Today my dear sweet tween's guinea pig, Peanut Butter, passed away after midnight today.
Her age was unknown but the time she spent with us was wonderful. She was loved by her squeaking every time she heard someone opening the plastic bag of cut up fruits or vegetables or when we were opening the bag of timothy hay. Her running every time we passed by her home always made us laugh.
She will be missed by us all.

Disney Playtesting

2011-11-26T08:56:00.000-08:00

For as long as we have lived here in Glendale is about how long we have been testing on a variety of Disney rides, games, etc. Passing along this email from the person who organizes the playtest...

Hi all!

We have another couple Disney Playtests coming up!

I am looking for NEW families who have either never tested the Disney Playtests, or at least have never tested the Adventure Detective Game.

This is the game where we tested last summer called the Puppy detective game, that involved going around to different stations to do detective work, figure out things, and move on.

Please let me know if you are interested, and all of the information is below.

I am allowed to take a few families that have tested the Detective "Puppy" game, so let me know if you qualify.

Also, PLEASE feel free to forward this email and post it where you can, as this is the way to get the word out.

THANKS so much!

And please email me your name, CELL phone number, name and ages of kids (9 & up please), and your top 3 time and date preferences.

Playtest Dates:

Tuesday, November 29th, and Thursday, December 1st

Need families with children ages 9 and up.

Playtesting will last approximately 1.5 hours

Playtest Location: 1325 Grand Central Avenue, Glendale, CA, 91201

Playtest times: Please email Maria your top 3 times and what date you would like to attend.

I will email you back with confirmation, as well as a map to the location.

On November 29, Tuesday:

2:30

2:45

3:00

3:15

4:00

4:15

4:30

4:45

5:30

5:45

On December 1, Thursday:

1:30

1:45

2:00

2:15

3:00

3:15

3:30

3:45

It's WAS beginning to look like Christmas....

2011-11-21T08:35:00.000-08:00

by mid-October.
Most of the stores decked the halls with boughs of holly and Santas and blinking lights.
Time for us to spend our hard earn dollars but how many of us are actually participating in this fiasco called Black Friday? I did many years ago while living in Culver City. Let's say I was bullied to go with the in-laws. I thought it would be a great opportunity to bond with my husband's kin. We went to the now defunct Mervyn's and the experience wasn't all that exciting. There was no bonding involved. A lot of pushing and shoving and grabbing. Not my idea of fun or bonding.
I am like every other girl out there. I love a bargain. Sales are awesome. Shopping is good therapy. But the fact is there is no fun when other people's kids are running around screaming. Why are you doing this to your children? Taking them out of their warm beds for a few dollars off? I left mine with their father. They didn't even know I was gone because it was so early in the morning.
There is no enjoyment going into a crowded store to find that special gift. Gift giving should be fun. When a someone's birthday is coming and we shop for that special gift, I like to think about what that person would enjoy. Look at my options and carefully chose what I think would be best for them. It's something that I enjoy doing because I know when they unwrap that gift and I see that look of happiness in their face I picked the right one. I just don't go and pick up what's on sale or what has the deepest discount. My gifts are from the heart and I am mindful of what I give. Christmas is no different. I spend sometimes an hour trying to figure out if that someone would enjoy their gift. Not how much I can save or get back.
It WAS beginning to look like Christmas but it just stinks of greed.

Testing the Android blogger app

2011-11-06T07:18:00.001-08:00

Because my life is about to get busier. Good thing I've got the sugar-free Rockstar on hand. I recommend this for busy moms. No I'm not getting paid to say this. I have hypothyroid disease and unfortunately one of the affects is me being tired with little energy. Usually after a trip to the grocery I need a nap. Daily naps help some but that only works if I'm home. My kids keep me busy with homeschooling, 3 different dance classes, auditions and filming. Not to mention on the day we are all available the trip to Disneyland. Yesterday, while grocery shopping at Smart and Final, I saw a four pack of the drink and a much larger (20?) pack. I opted for the smaller pack for now because I am still doing research and trying to figure out if it OK to use. I'm not a daily user. At this point in our lives we're not there yet. My husband, the high school teacher, is thinking about giving it a try. After a day with the inner city kids all he wants to do is veg and not deal with grading of quizzes and tests. Also, I want him to not give the excuse of being too tired to carry the trash.

Winning!

2011-11-01T10:19:00.000-07:00

A couple of months ago I entered a contest on Commercial Mommy's, mother of Yara Shahidi and Sayeed Shahidi, website. All I had to do was read her website (which I did. Invaluable lessons there) and answer a few questions. I was praying for a miracle. Living in a one income family and the one income coming from a teacher is not so easy. And having children with BIG dreams is very hard.

I am not a photographer. I try to capture the essence of the subject but with a small samsung camera, and absolutely no idea what I'm doing, you do what you can with what you have. With the pictures I took at home they girls did book a couple of student films and one feature film. They are gaining hands-on experience, for which, we are grateful for.

But this?

This was the awesomest gift we were able to experience.
Afshin Shahidi has been a photographer for over 20 years. When you see his amazing photos on his website, take deep breaths.

Socks and Sandals wha Wha wha??!?!

2011-10-26T14:32:00.000-07:00

Yesterday on Twitter, the topics Puertorican Problems and Dominican Problems was trending in Los Angeles.
For those who do not know, I am half Dominican and half Puertorican. Which makes me a Dominiqueña. Which also means I was able to connect with so many Dominicanas and Boricuas in Los Angeles. I also had the misfortune to come across some racist creeps. They could not bring me down. There are SO MANY OF US. Everything from:
no more platanos in the house #DominicanProblem
to
out of sazon #PuertoricanProblem
and everything from chancletas to using Fabuloso.
Two Boricuas from the East Coast live nearby which is also so very amazing.
I enjoyed reading all the Twitter messages and laughed so hard that my homeschooler peered over gigantic history book saying, "glad someone´s having fun". WHOOPS!
Two Boricuas from the East Coast live nearby which is also so very amazing.
I might even venture out the next time there is a Puertorican Festival in SoCal.

The other day I made this so delicious Vegan Sancocho.
Westcoasters, you can find everything you need in your local Cuban Market. When I lived in Culver City, I used to go to El Camaguey on Venice Boulevard. Here in Glendale, I found El Mambi. Very nice people all around.

1 lb. seitan cut in 2 inch rectangles (think short ribs)
1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
4 quarts vegetable stock
1/2 cup recaito
1 cup tomato sauce
1 lb each of calabaza, yautia, ñame, and yuca, peeled and diced in 1 inch cubes (you can find this in the store already peeled in the freezer aisle in the Cuban store. Saves ALOT of time since peeling is a bit of work since the root vegetables are not smooth like a potato)
2 medium green platanos, peeled and cut in 2 inch pieces
3 ears of corn cut into 1 inch pieces (or however small you can find them)
1 packet of sazon
adobo for taste
1 quart of water

in a HUGE soup pot, combine the first 6 ingredients, including ALL of the root vegetables
cover and bring to a boil.
reduce the heat to medium, cover, and simmer, for 30 minutes.
add the remaining ingredients and bring to another boil.
lower the heat and simmer, covered for 45 minutes or until the vegetables are cooked.
adjust the seasonings.

My house was warm and smelled so yummy when all was said and done.
Yummy with garlic bread.

Product Review: Tonka XT Ricochet Tricksters R/C Car

2011-10-21T08:26:00.000-07:00

I never had a remote control car in my entire life. My 3 brothers always had them and never let me play. My son had R/C cars when he was a kid and when I had my 2 daughters they were always surrounded by baby dolls and cuddly bears. I wish I knew better. The Tonka XT Ricochet Tricksters is an awesome R/C car. My teen and tween girls played last night and laughed so hard. Watching the car flip and make crazy spins. The Tonka XT Ricochet Tricksters is for indoor use only. The controller uses 5 AA batteries. The vehicle already has 1 rechargeable battery. Invest in rechargeable batteries since the Tonka XT will run for 5-10 minutes after 20-30 minutes of charging. The Tonka XT Ricochet Trickster goes forward, reverse, turns right and left, spins left and right, and giggles the whole time you are playing. You can play with 2 other boys and girls because it has a maximum of 3 channels. Each must be set to a different channel or you will have chaos.
I recommend the Tonka XT Ricochet Trickster R/C Car for boys and girls over the age of 5 for lots of fun and giggles.
I received a product sample, coupon, collateral or other special premium from BzzAgent.

World City at the Music Center Program 2011/2012 Season

2011-10-14T15:00:00.000-07:00

The 2011/2012 season is about to begin at the beautiful W.M. KECK CHILDREN'S AMPHITHEATRE in the WALT DISNEY CONCERT HALL for the World City at the Music Center. It is a wonderful program for everyone to enjoy. Performances take place once a month, usually on Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. FREE tickets are distributed on Grand Avenue at 2nd Street. Tickets for 11:00 a.m. performance are distributed beginning at 10:00 a.m. Tickets for 12:30 p.m. performance are distributed beginning at 11:00 a.m. You must get there early because tickets go fast! After the program children and adults can enjoy the wonderful cultural crafts. Take a camera and take pictures of the beautiful artists, garden and the Blue Rose. Don't forget the sunscreen and water!

Located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, the Music Center is one of the three largest performing arts centers in the nation. Stop at Walt Disney Concert Hall and find the perfect something in the gift shop or take a free audio tour of the Walt Disney Concert Hall and garden.

2011-10-14T08:43:00.000-07:00

Homeschooling and living near big cities is truly a blessing.
Everything from learning rocks and minerals at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles to learning about ecosystems at the California Science Center has been instrumental to my hands-on learner.
When we can't make it to the wonderful museums in and around Los Angeles we hop on over to Glendale Library where we pick up books and DVDs from PBS, Disney (Bill Nye, Science of Imagineering, etc.) and others.
We are so lucky to have the world at our finger tips. It is my goal to make learning fun at "home".
It is more than workbooks and heavy textbooks involved in the learning process here at home as well as it should be in the brick & mortar schools.
How I wish, growing up in the Bronx, we had field trips to art, history and science museums.
All I ever remember going to was the zoo and the planetarium. Speaking of planetariums, I need to schedule a trip to the Griffith Observatory Los Angeles in a few weeks. We haven't looked through the Zeiss Telescope in almost 2 years!

Pad Thai

2011-10-11T09:26:00.000-07:00

Re-posting.
I blogged about this delicious meal. I made it a few days ago and I think it was much better the second time around. I tried to cut down on the spiciness for my tween and it was still aroi. That is Thai for delicious.

6 oz rice stick noodles
1/4 cup agave nectar
1/4 cup mirin
3 tbsp ketchup
3 tbsp tamari or soy sauce
1 1/2 tbsps lime juice
1 tbsp sriracha or other chili sauce
2 tbsps refined coconut oil
14 to 16 ozs extra-firm tofu, cubed
1/2 red onion cut into 1/4 inch slices
2 cloves garlic minced (if you find yourself cooking w/ lots of garlic, go ahead and cheat! buy that jar of minced garlic. It will save you time)
3 scallions, halved lengthwise and cut into 2 inch pieces
2 cups bean sprouts
1 carrot, shredded
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, mint, or a combination
1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts
4 to 8 lime wedges ( I did not use lime wedges. I felt that it was just to make the dish pretty. At then end I have no regrets)

cook the noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together the agave, mirin, ketchup, tamari or soy sauce, lime juice, and sriracha, set aside.
heat the coconut oil in a 12 to 14 inch wok or skillet over high. add the tofu and stir-fry for 4 minutes. add the red onion and stir-fry for 30 seconds. add the garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds. add the noodles and agave nectar mixture and stir-fry until the noodles are softened and evenly coated w/ sauce. add the scallions, bean sprouts, and carrots and stir-fry until all the ingredients are well combined and heated through.
serve and garnish w. cilantro or mint, peanuts and lime wedges.

I did use a pot instead of a wok or skillet because
1. I do not have a wok and
2. the skillet wasn't big enough.
I do have a wok now but mostly to stir-fry veggies. Still used the big pot.

This recipe is from the Skinny Bitch in the Kitch by Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin. I love this cookbook. The recipes are easy enough and quick enough for this busy bitch.

Vegi soup

2011-10-05T19:41:00.001-07:00

Soup. Yes. Yes, please.

2011-10-05T12:09:00.000-07:00

The other day going up and down the aisle of Big Lots and was surprised to see such a great selection of food! I found Bob's Red Mill Vegi Soup Mix for......$3.50!
Servings per container is 7. $3.50 for a meal for a family of 4 and then some!
Freezing the leftovers is a definitely plus for this mom. You can add your meat or faux meat or more vegetables but honestly there is no need. It already has 21 grams of protein. Ingredients are: green split peas, yellow split peas, barley, lentils and vegetable pasta.
Before I leave to take my chickadee to gymnastics, I'm going to pop some ingredients into the bread machine and by the time I get home I can just relax and eat and get the kids ready for bed.
No rushing around trying to figure out what I am going to feed the family.

1 1/2 Basic Egg Bread

1 cup milk (I'm using soy unsweetened milk)
1 egg (I'm using ener-g egg replacer)
1 tablespoon butter (Earth Balance has been my favorite for the past few months)
3 cups bread flour (or whatever flour you have. just check the packaging)
2 tablespoons sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon active dry yeast or bread machine yeast

follow the manufacturer's directions.

I can almost smell the yumminess!

2011-10-05T10:30:00.000-07:00

Our local library was able to budget the new kids book club. I was so excited when I received word of this. My kids loved the club (Snacktime Readers renamed Book Central). To be able to sit around a table with snacks and drink with a librarian and discuss the book of the month was something we all missed. Every month discovering a new book to read is always a thrill. Our local library will be hosting it's annual One Book One Glendale...For Younger Readers featuring one of our local authors Janet Tashjian. On previous years we have met local authors Kazu Kibuishi and Amy Goldman Koss.
For my local readers your readers 4th - 8th grades should totally join us on November 1 7pm for snacks and conversation about the book, My Life as a Book by Janet Tashjian. If you come by the Glendale Central Library, go upstairs to the children's area and ask the librarian for a copy so that you can join the group.

Not so Spicy Black Bean Chili

2011-10-03T11:01:00.000-07:00

Publishing this again since it is "what's for dinner".
You can make this chili stretch by having it with steamed brown rice.
It's not 80 degrees today (right now in the mid 60s) so we still have autumn feel although it's winter.

GO GIANTS!!

I remember growing up in New York, autumn was a time for new clothes, excitement of school, leaves on the ground, cool weather and lots of hot meals like chili.

Here in California, autumn is still a time of new clothes, excitement of school, leaves on the ground. Very hard to be excited about the weather since it hardly changes. For example, this morning when walked up the road to Smart and Final (a little bit like Costco except no membership fees and only items for the kitchen) it was 80 degrees. Definitely not sweater weather or a hot meal for some. I had on my attire for a quick trip to the store. NY Yankee shirt, yoga pants and flip flops. Last year I was able to wear flip flops until November when it started getting 'nippy'.

But chili.

Chili I can have all year round. Yummy with a side of cornbread. I found at my local Big Lots a package of Marie Calender's Southwestern Cornbread.

Today's meal cost me under $15 for a family of 4.

Nutritious and delicious and totally vegan.

(Not So) Spicy Black Bean Chili

from the Fresh from the Vegetarian Slow Cooker by Robin Robertson

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 large yellow onion, chopped

1 medium-size red bell pepper, seeded and chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 tablespoons chili powder (more or less for taste)

1 28-oz can crushed tomatoes

2 15-oz cans black beans

1 cup water

1 4-oz can diced green chiles, drained

salt and pepper

Heat the oil in a large skilled over medium heat.

Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic; cover and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.

Stir in the chili powder and cook about 30 seconds more.

Transfer the mixture to the crock pot (4 quart is good but if you want to double it make it a 6 quart).

Add the tomatoes, beans, water and chiles.

Season with salt and pepper, cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Serves 4.

You can definitely double this and save in the freezer for a weekend meal. Yummy with brown rice, cornbread or whatever you fancy.

A great meal for Meatless Monday. Honestly, you won't miss the meat and great to serve to those who think meat makes a meal.