PRE THANKSGIVING WEEKEND

Hey there folks,

Well, we're only a few days away from Thanksgiving! I am SO looking forward to my 4 1/2 day weekend. I can't even begin to tell ya!! It was SO hard to get up this morning, I'm so anxious to get this mini vacation started already!!! JJ's folks and sister arrive tomorrow evening. So, we got everything prepared for their arrival this weekend. I got a head start on some baking. I still have the pumpkin pie to make which I will do tonight when I get home.

I made some DEEELICIOUS cupcakes from VCTOW. I made the golden vanilla cupcakes but I used their suggestion of adding flavor by adding some cinnamon and THEY ARE SMACK SOMEBODY NEXT TO YOU GOOD! I improvised and made a cinnamon/vanilla type icing glace to go on top and it is the B-O-M-B! I also made a whole bunch of chocolate chip and almond cookies. Some to have at the house for nibbling and some to bring in to work tomorrow as my contribution to the Thanksgiving luncheon we're having. My hope is that no one will be able to tell the cookies are vegan! :-) I'll let you know how that goes! So amidst running errands, me and JJ rehearsing our show, we were able to get in some home cooking this weekend and a brand new recipe to boot! We decided to make Snobby Joes from Veganomicon yesterday and they came out GREAT!!

On Saturday JJ made his famous yellow squash with spinach dish. We had it with some wild mushroom and herb couscous and it was fantastic!!

I also decided to add a picture of a baking flop that I tried last weekend. I made some pumpkin cookies and they did NOT turn out good. JJ for some reason really liked them, but I thought they lacked flavor and were a little tough on top of that. Well, ce la vie. At least he enjoyed them.

For your viewing pleasuuurre..

YOU WIN SOME..YOU LOSE SOME...


MMMMMMMMMM...............!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

DELECTABLE!

A NEW RECIPE...

SLOPPY JOES..VEGAN STYLE!

Well, this is it for now. I'll see you back here after Thanksgiving, have a great one!! Remember to always count your blessings, not just on Thanksgiving, but every day you breathe!

Much love,

C

BRIEF CHECK IN

Hey folks,

It's been a hot minute since the last posting, so I thought I would do a quick check in. I haven't been diligent in snapping food pics lately and JJ and I haven't made anything new or out of the ordinary to share either so that is why it's been slow on this front. I have decided to forgo the use of microwaves anymore. I went as far as taking mine completely off the counter and placing it in the pantry. I am keeping it because I know when my mom or other family members come to visit they will be asking for it and my reasoning for not using it will not rub off on them, I know my family all too well. Doing away with the microwave also means that I have to choose meals that don't require heating up when I bring lunch in to work. I'm very happy about this choice and it's smooth sailing so far!

JJ and I did go out to dinner last Saturday night. We went to Soul Vegetarian, the location over in the West End. I have been to this location once before and the other location twice. I must say I really like this particular location better. This was JJ's first time going. Both of us were VERY pleased with our meals and will definitely be back! I got the vegetable plate which consisted of yams, macaroni(vegan) and the best dang greens I think I've ever tasted for my meal with a side salad and cornbread. Yes, it was a lot of food but my only meal on Saturday so I ate it all!! JJ got onion rings and the lentil burger that seemed to take forever to make but was very well worth it! I was kicking myself that I didn't have my camera!!

Anyway, it was a very nice dinner and we left very satisfied. I must also say, that even though it was a big dinner, I didn't leave there feeling stuffed and overwhelmed which was a great thing. JJ felt the same way. We even got an additional small side of mac and cheese to go that we shared in the car! All of their items are vegan and the service was so great and pleasant. So, if you live in the area or are planning on visiting, be sure it hit it up and let me know how it goes!! There are also locations in other cities, check it out here.

Okay, I think this is it for now. I look forward to having some great photos and times to share for the Thanksgiving holiday coming up and then Christmas and New Years! This is my favorite time of year, so I look forward to having lots to share! JJ's folks and sister will be coming for Thanksgiving (they are also vegan) so it should be loads of fun! Stay tuned!

Until next time!

C