Veg News Mac 'n' Cheese

Hi it's me, pensareblue again, catching up with pensarepink's cooking so far this year.  She whipped up this yummy mac & cheese from a recipe by Allison Rivers Samson - she said "just say it's the Veg News Mac & Cheese - that's what everyone calls it."  Good flavor, love the bread crumbs, & with our recent favorite pasta, ditilini.

New Year Hoppin' John Cakes

I had never heard of Hoppin' John before, but apparently it's Southern dish that's supposed to bring good luck in the new year. Pink found a recipe for a vegan version formed into little pan-fried cakes from Joanna Vaught. Pink described them as "brown rice, black-eyed peas and other goodies pan-fried with a kiss of peanut oil." They were tasty, and a great combo of crunchy on the outside / tender on the inside. It's going to be a great year!

New Year's Eve Appetizers

First of all I should say hello. Pensarepink has been so busy cooking that she hasn't had time to blog much. I thought that was a shame, because I very much enjoy the fruits of her labor and I think they should be shared with the world, and also because this blog and photostream are a handy menu when she asks "what do you want for dinner?" So, I humbly attemt here to be a sort of Watson to her Holmes or something.

It might make sense to start at the beginning of this new year, but I'll take you back a few hours before that, with our New Year's Eve meal. Actually I have to take you back further: We were lucky enough to attend a Christmas party thrown by tofu666 and his wife, and as usual we were blown away by the cooking and hospitality. For our little New Year's Eve at home Pink made a small homage to tofu666 and tried to re-create two of his excellent appetizers, tofu curry in phyllo cups, and lentil & Soyrizo spoons. They were wonderful, and contrasted nicely with each other.

Three Year Veganniversary

I've been vegan for three years! That's amazing.

Obviously updating this blog has not been a priority. I've been too busy cooking and eating great food.

Yeah me!!

Happy Birthday!

Another year. Still vegan and loving it.

Happy Birthday to me!

Happy Birthday!

Now playing? "Older" by They Might Be Giants. At least I have these delicious cookies & cream cupcakes. Happy birthday to me!

Tamales

Tamales
Originally uploaded by pensarepink.

I spent four hours making dinner. It was worth it. Iron Chef plating optional.

Chile Oil

Chile Oil
Originally uploaded by pensarepink.

Using infused oils is a quick way to add flavor to the base of a dish. While you do have to plan in advance, making infused oil at home is quite simple. For this chile oil add 2-3 tsp. of red pepper flakes per each cup of olive oil. Don’t use the extra virgin kind here, its flavor and subtlety will be lost. Warm the oil on the stove over medium-low heat for 5-6 minutes. Remove from the heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature. Place in the storage vessel of your choice. Feel impressed with yourself.

Moo Shu Tofu

Moo Shu Tofu
Originally uploaded by pensarepink.

While I was doing a little last-minute grocery shopping, my husband prepared this lovely dinner for us. Shredded cabbage, yellow pepper, baby bellas, green onions, ginger, and hosin sauce all wrapped up in a flour tortilla.