When Your Alarm doesn’t Go Off

Posted on August 9, 2009 by Katharina

So I’m posting from my friend’s apartment in New York right now. I swear, I feel right at home! Her new place is absolutely adorable and she actually has a backyard in Brooklyn. Lucky Liz!

I took the bus yesterday and the five minutes before my bus departed were insane. My departure time was 7:30 am. Kim walked into my room in the morning and asked if that was the time the bus was leaving, then she told me that it was 7:25. WHAT?! I rolled out of bed, threw some clothes, grabbed my food I had ready the night before and bolted out the door. I didn’t even say bye to Matilda! We definitely pulled a Little Miss Sunshine to make it to the pick-up spot on time. We were a bit late, but I still made it. Then I realized my shirt was on backwards. Now if you ever feel sleepy, this is a sure way to wake you up! The bus didn’t have a sink so I had to go almost the whole day without washing my face, brushing my teeth… nothing. I arrived in Chinatown and walked around for a bit with my luggage and yoga mat. It felt like I was starting a new life. Then I picked up a cab and it was a pleasant ride over the bridge into Brooklyn. The driver and I were talking about how nice of a day it was. We had the windows down and at one of the stoplights, there was a park right next to us and some people were laughing it up, then James Brown came on their boombox – it really felt like summertime. I told the cab driver that we stopped at the right time and both started singing along “get on up!”

I probably won’t be posting here, but who knows. My friend has a job, so I do have plenty of alone time. I sense lots of adventures in the very near future.

Moreover, thanks for all the compliments on my new place! It’s funny how I just moved in, yet I’m already out of town. I tried to get as much done as I could before I left. I can’t wait to get back either though to start decorating the common space. I’d also like to thank Holly for asking me to write a guest post on her blog. I seriously love this gal and she’s such an amazing person! It was so much fun writing it and reading people’s responses. I’m glad you guys enjoyed reading it, and I know I enjoyed reading the others’ posts as well.

The night before I went to New York, Richmond was having another First Friday. So I went with my roommate, friends, and Matilda to see what was going on in the galleries. I also ordered my bus tickets and packed my things!

The show I was mentioned in a previous post called Skull-a-Day: 365 days of skull artwork.

Check out that crazy, carved pencil!

Not only is there talent in the galleries, but on the sidewalks as well.

All girl band!

Some old guy said the word "titties" as soon as he saw this hahaha!

Cutest gallery called Quirk.

Super intense showing full of prints.

My favorite print: Be Blatent, Be Emotional, Risk Everything.

Here are a few things I’ve been doing in the new kitchen:

Fresh strawberries are so delicious! Especially with cream cheese.

Cinnamon raisin toast with various toppings. Yogurt with sliced strawberries and pumpkin butter.

My favorite combo with the toast was the peanut butter with extra raisins!

Now here are some snackies since I munch throughout the day.

A refreshing bowl of raspberries and pumpkin butter over yogurt.

My friend gave me a freshly baked scone.

So before I went to bed I had it with tea, and topped it with pumpkin butter, homemade blueberry jam and some vanilla fro-yo. Some more baked goods from a local bakery:

Half-eaten slices of zucchini and challah bread.

I LOVE coconut milk!

Some yummy cashews.

I tried some “exotic cashews” by Kazana Whole Foods. The flavors were Sweet-n-Sour and Himalayan Secret. Both are so good! I love cashews, but these cashews had some flavorful oomph to them.

I also tried some new condiments.

There’s this brand called Terrapin Ridge that makes some incredible sauces. I highly recommend their Carrot, Ginger, and Miso Salad Squeeze. The other day at the store I saw a bottle of their Brewery Mustard on sale, so I got one to try. Definitely tasted the beer, but I definitely did not mind! The jar of peanut butter for dipping my giant carrot in.

I was able to use the stove in peace as well and made one of my favorite things to go on top of pasta – lentil bolognese! I follow that recipe, but I didn’t add in the celery and I replaced the marjoram with tarragon.

The tarragon gave it an incredible sweet aroma.

Yum!

Boxes make for great impromptu tables, and kale chips make even better sides!

Leftovers are way better! I also added some coconut oil this time and it was awesome.

Some decorating I got done before I left for New York.

So my butt is sore from sitting, and I need to get my day started. I hope you all enjoy the rest of your weekend and the upcoming week. Take care friends!

Get To the Good Part Already!

Posted on July 15, 2009 by Katharina

So guys I know I said I would post Part 3 today. But I’m going to be like those evil soap operas and leave you hanging. Don’t worry though, I will do it tomorrow. Not! Just kidding. Anyway, this is what I’ve been doing in the kitchen lately.

I figured out that pepper jack cheese and apple butter taste awesome together.

Can I get a what what?

But I didn't forget about my beloved grilled mango chutney and cheddar cheese sandwich.

Eggplant, avocado, tomato sauce, topped with Katie's vegan alfredo sauce.

I used the last of Katie’s sauce I made. This is not a farewell, just… see you later! Definitely a keeper.

And now presenting a real kitchen experiment! As most of you know, Katie is hosting a pancake making bonanza! She’s encouraging all of us to get creative and dream up some delicious pancake recipes. Well, I decided to make Vegan Pound Cake Pancakes. Lots of cake, huh? Now I was looking at a ton of versions of pancake and pound cake recipes. I was trying to figure out what ingredients I could use to stick true to both recipes, as they have different consistencies. I don’t think this is really rocket science, but I wanted to get it right. I’m telling you, this was so much fun! My dad was over in the office and I was exclaiming to him everything I was doing. “Dad! It’s actually working!” Oops, I forgot to tell him what I was up to. Who knows what he was thinking. Anyway, the key ingredient in these babies was tofu! So here goes…

Pound cake pancakes on the griddle.

Pound cake pancakes à enfourner.

And what do we get?

They came out, but they were too perfect looking I thought.

I like them better like this!

So I put the oven pancakes on the griddle and they puffed up!

I cut up some fruits to go with our pancakes... FOR DINNER!

My parents did not mind one bit having breakfast for dinner. We enjoyed this possibly as much as the lovely Lauren.

My experiment being served!

Naked!!!

I'm digging the outfit!

My pancakes decided to wear a cashew cream top borrowed from Monica, accessorized with cinnamon, and a last minute decision… maple syrup!

So what made these pancakes kind of like pound cakes?

Moist on the inside. Does this count as food porn?

You better believe I licked my plate clean.

You can check my recipe page for this yummy treat! I had some pancakes leftover for breakfast today.

Voila!

This morning I was reminiscing of Germany and how I ate my pancakes there. I usually would put applesauce on mine (instead of apple slices), just how I eat my latkes. But today I cut up an apple, spread some coconut oil on the pancake, and sprinkled the whole shebang with cinnamon and powdered sugar. This was, to put it lightly, absolutely wonderful. On the other pancake I used up the rest of the cashew cream with a pit of cherry marmalade and amaretto syrup. I also had a bowl of yogurt with sliced strawberries, Zoe’s Cinnamon Raisin granola, and a small blob of cashew cream. The only complaint I have about the granola is that it should have more raisins. Fortunately, I have a huge container of raisins so my problem was resolved.

In the words of Fat Bastard, "get in muh belly!"

So fresh and so clean clean!

Now on to some other things I’ve stumbled upon in the blogging world that I tried this past week.

Banana soft serve topped with almond butter, duh!

Uh, Gena, you need to compile your own cookbook! You’ve got a real knack for recipes.

Despite having a crapload of bars to try already, I went ahead and made this purchase.

I’ve seen these Honest bars on Kath’s blog, and they always sounded so yummy. This one was small, but mighty in flavor! I smeared coconut oil on it because I apparently like putting it on everything. I love the subtle flavor it gives things. I guess what coconut oil is to me is like almond butter to others.

Last but not least…

Young coconut!

After a fun, intense dance class I had my dad help me open this coconut. My dad is so use to busting things open I was like, “no no just cut in a square at the top.” He managed to cut it open with such grace. Thanks dad! Luckily, I found my squiggly straw to suck down this delicious and thirst-quenching water. I had to replenish myself for the Harry Potter movie!!!

Stay still you guys!

I guess that's kind of better?

Waiting ever so patiently...

Must. Stay. Awake.

I was so hyper while we were outside waiting in line. Then when the movie started… I did the unimaginable and fell asleep. I always do that! Eventually I woke up and pretended that didn’t happen. I can’t say that I can give a fair review of the movie because I was asleep for part of it. But from what I did see, I think the other movies are better. Atleast I’ve always got my books!

I hope you all had a wonderful Wednesday. It’s the time of week when you can say, “almost there.” Almost!

So tomorrow’s post will include Part 3 as promised, and another special surprise. Ooo I can’t wait!

Like Driving down Old Seven Mile Bridge

Posted on June 30, 2009 by Katharina

I have so many shout-outs to make in this post! So let me begin by saying a big hello to our favorite chocolate-covered vegan, Katie. I was looking for recipes to use up some of the carrot pulp leftover from my dad’s juicing extravaganza:

Dad is busy juicing. To all of you that like to buy your brews at Trader Joe's try out Lindemans Belgian Framboise beer with raspberries.

What to do? What to do?

I finally found the perfect recipe! I made a variation of her 24-Carrot Gold Muffins. Instead of muffins, I just made bread. “Same great flavor, just different look.”

Look at all those carrot fibers!

I of course had this as part of my delicious breakfast this morning, but I’ll save that for the next post!

Now moving right along. This next recipe I tried came from another beloved vegan, Gena! After reading all the rave reviews for her Italian “raw cheese”, I knew I had to give it a try. I finally got my hands on some raw cashews.

Enter the infinite abyss of goodness.

The first step involved getting the cashews to the right consistency. Now I know where the cheesy flavor comes from! So what’d I decide to make?

A new take on pizza! Polenta rounds and...

... topped with tomato sauce.

Excuse my super cheesy smile. My mom got really into taking pictures of me, and I was just ready to try this! I also quickly sliced some zucchini and cooked it in a Sherry Red Wine Barbeque sauce.

Mom and Dad couldn't wait either!

We thought Mom's poses were funny!

Oh my! Gena, this recipe was to die for. I’m definitely going to be making this more often. If you haven’t tried it, you should! It’s incredibly easy to make. At the end of the meal I asked my parents how they enjoyed their gluten-free and vegan meal. I follow neither a vegan or gluten-free lifestyle, but I think it’s always interesting to try new things – although I am a vegetarian. Luckily, my parents are very open-minded as well when it comes to food. But in the end we all agree that taste is key! And this meal was one that I wished could’ve lasted forever. Not only was it delicious, but we were all in a good, light-hearted mood. The right way to end a Sunday.

Remember how I asked you guys which nut butter you guys recommended? Well, thanks Jenny for sharing this link with us, I think I’m going to go with a jar of 365 peanut butter. The other day I went to the local discount healthfood store. As I was making my way down the nut butter aisle to see what they had, I stumbled upon a fairly priced jar of almond butter. I’ve missed my almond butter so much. Surprise, surprise, it was a jar of Blue Diamond! Kailey, I tried this as soon as I got home, and I understand why you love it so much! My mom asked me what it was. How to answer her… to share or not to share? I shared, and she answered. One word came from her mouth. “YUM!!!”

I also found another product at the store that I’ve seen on VeggieGirl’s blog.

Living Harvest Hempmilk

I don’t think I could drink a cup of this alone. But like I said before, don’t knock it till you try it. It’s a shame because it’s super nutritious and sounds interesting. So what am I going to do with the rest of this carton? I’m using it to add to my smoothies, as most of the flavor comes from the fruits I add in and not really the “milk” I use – unless it’s coconut milk! Oh! At this discount healthfood store I discovered that they sell boxes of Kashi Go-Lean cereal for – get this – $1.67! I’m definitely stocking up before I head back up to Richmond.

Yesterday, I decided to sign up for one more class for the next semester. So these are the classes I’m going to be taking:

Readings in Literature

Taoism

Intermediate Sculpture

Basic Video

Introduction to World Cinema (This is a Saturday class but I heard the teacher is awesome, oh and incredibly good looking!)

Zoe Foods product reviews

: The motherload!

: Thanks so much Kim! Your generosity is overwhelming.

: Uh oh! I sense the only child syndrome surfacing.

So far I’ve tried a few things from my big box of goodies!

: I tried the Chocolate Peanut Butter Bliss bar.

Alongside I had a bowl of Bircher Muesli soaked in fig yogurt, topped with fruits and pecans. The bar is so yummy! I wish I took a picture of what it looked like. I could see the little crispy grains and it wasn’t overwhelmingly sweet. I definitely didn’t want to leave my tummy feeling sour before my yoga class. The balance between peanut butter and chocolate was pulled off successfully with this bar! Moreover, they’re also full of protein, fiber, and contain Omega-3’s! I gave a bite for my mom to try as well and she very much enjoyed it. She’s not a picky eater, but I can vouch for her that these are indeed yummy! I’ve never seen them in stores though, so that might be an issue, but Zoe Foods does have an online store. Here’s a link to the following retailers that do carry their bars.

However, there is a product of theirs that I do see in stores often.

Next up is Zoe's Granola!

I’ve been looking forward to trying out their granola for a long time! So I made it extra special by making a red wine reduction for some beautiful peach slices. Which granola do I try first? Cranberries Currants, Honey Almond, or Cinnamon Raisin? Decisions decisions. I opted for Honey Almond over some fresh yogurt! Okay, I admit that I knew what I would be getting myself into even before my first bite. I’m happy to report that my intuition failed me not! I loved this breakfast so much.

Lastly, I tried the Chocolate Delight bar.

However, I am not the biggest fan of chocolate on chocolate. It didn’t taste horrible, just not my cup of tea. I gave it to my parents since I would hate for food to go to waste. Luckily, my parents enjoyed this one! I think you have to really like chocolate to want this bar. So for all you super chocolate lovers, you might just find a new addition to indulge your little tastebuds.

I still have more Zoe Foods products to review, so keep an eye out!

Okay, so I think most have you noticed my inner-artist jump out of me and on to my plates! I am a person who’s very much into living an aesthetically pleasing life. Maybe I should go into design? Well I’m majoring in sculpture + extended media already, so I guess I am designing things. I’m a sucker for packaging i.e. L’Occitane. My favorite store is Anthropologie not only because of what they sell, but every time I go in there I feel like I’m being transfered into another world. I even pour my shampoos, spices, whatever I can think of – into glass containers I find at thrift stores. Oh man, do I take this too far? Well, I guess not as long as I’m enjoying it, right? Right!

So anyway, this brings me to my love of colors and vibrancy. I think nature offers all of that and I love to reap what this wonderful world sows. Which brings me to some more lovely eats based on nature, color, and simplicity.

: There’s something so satisfying about having a nice cup of loose tea.

: A nice way to start the day.

A bowl of coffee oats with bananas, coconut shreds, a gooseberry, and some white chocolate chips.

: What’s inside?

: No, not an alien egg! It’s lychee.

: Drumroll please

: A gooseberry! I’m starting to feel like a magician with cheap tricks.

A nice glass of some juice my dad made with a scoop of Edy's Tart Honey yogurt blend.: I love that a papaya can act as it’s own bowl.

: Fig yogurt topped with papaya chunks, blueberries, and granola.

: Toast with goat cheese, dried tomato bits, and avocado.

So I’m going to go against all these pictures of fresh food. But it definitely goes with the theme of good tasting food! Someone not too long brought to my attention that you can order chalupas and gorditas at Taco Bell with beans. That means, all these years I haven’t been eating them are now gone. I don’t get cravings for Taco Bell, but when I’m on a road trip, it makes life a lot easier. So on the drive down to Florida I knew what I wanted for dinner. I had my parents find a Taco Bell, and ordered myself a Baja Vegetarian Gordita and it was so yummy! It didn’t fill me up at all, but I had packed other things that helped do the trick. Just wanted to pass the word along to anyone else who did not know this.

Whew! This post was hard work to organize. But I love sharing with you guys, and I love what I learn from all of you. Everyone is different, but I can still see the inspiration we all get from each other’s wonderful eats.

p.s. If you haven’t tried Edy’s tart honey yogurt blend, I highly suggest it! I can’t wait to try out other flavors. I’m thinking I might have a slice of carrot bread and a some Edy’s before I go to bed.