Do you realize that Christmas is just a handful and a half of days away? I knew it, but like didn’t really register it. And now I am like, fa la la la fuck! We have been so busy and distracted that I haven’t really focused to much on the holiday, but at least we decorate the tree. And if I am remembering correctly, there were a few years, long ago, that the mr and I wouldn’t even start celebrating or get our tree until a few days before Christmas so if I am judging us on my past selves, well we are golden. And now we let the celebrating begin!

One of our Christmas traditions is to string popcorn while watching elf for the tree. This is a big deal night because I won’t let myself watch it until that night, but after that, I can watch it as many times that I want. (once a day) We got our tree like two weeks ago, and finally late last week we did the popcorn, watched some elf, and a few days after that we decorated, kinda.%u00a0 It was much lacking in ornaments. We had the lights, the popcorn garland, the paper chain (we made it a few years back), and the carved wooden carrots, but the bulbs we usually stick on it, I just wasn’t feeling. The tree was looking pretty good but was still lacking something. That’s when I went to my fruit bowl and grabbed an orange, a clementine and the dehydrator out of the basement over at the loft and went to work. I turned on the Christmas music (A very special Christmas, the red cover) sliced the citrus, stuck it in the dehydrator, and then, well, then I waited a good few hours. During those hours, the music was going, the house smelled up like citrus and lovely, and I felt that slight holiday tingle.

I think these orange slices are going to be a new holiday tree decorating tradition. I will probably tweak it next year ans spend the 6 hours waiting for the fruit to dry baking cookies and not pouring concrete, but maybe not.

And if you are thinking its too late to make any more holiday stuff, well you are wrong. And honestly, I might just make a sting of these slices to hang up all year long.

To make the orange slice ornaments..

All you need is..

• oranges or whatever citrus you want to use
• a sharp knife
• needle and thread or ornament hangers
• a dehydrator or a baking sheet.

The dirty work. Slice the orange about a 1/4 inch thick. Try to make all the slices the same thickness.

I am using my dehydrator so the slices go single layer onto a rack. If you are using the oven, line a baking sheet with parchment and single layer the slices. Pop those suckers into the oven at the lowest possible setting you got. Either way you do it, the slices are going to take anywhere between 5-8 hours to completely dehydrate. It all depends on how juicy your oranges are. Just keep an eye on them after the first few hours. You want them to dehydrate, not burn into crisp.

They are done when they look like so, all dried and crispy and delicate. They should feel dry to the touch.

%u00a0Once the slices have cooled off a bit, they are ready to be handled and hung. I used thread to hang my orange slices, but feel free to use whatever you want.(I was going to use ornament hangers but didn’t have any and I was not about to go buy some)

Slices of orange so pretty. They look so good with the wooden carrots, the popcorn garland, and the glittery acorns on the tree.

I definitely will be making more.

Enjoy!

-C

Today is the day, the moment of truth. The concrete counter tops that we poured a few days ago are getting un-molded, flipped, and set into place. I am so super excited and very much scared. Finally we will have a counter and we will be that much closer to a finished kitchen. But what if?%u00a0 What if something happens between removing the mold and placing the counter, like what if it doesn’t fit right or maybe it breaks? I shouldn’t be even thinking about that. It will be great and awesome and the best freaking counter ever.%u00a0 (and Ikea is only a few hours away and sell emergency counter tops)

The house. Oh have we got ourselves a little gem. All week we have been staying here, doing all our living here (minus showers, we take those at the loft) and still managing to get a bit of work done here. Working in the place you live is such a bitch.%u00a0 Plus it’s the holidays which makes everything not covered in tinsel and lights seem unimportant, but we are getting there. A few more weeks and I tell you, we will most likely have ourselves a pretty nearly done 98% livable house.%u00a0

Even though the house might not be perfect, we still had a the littles over for a school night sleep over where we finished decorating the tree, watched the Santa Clause, made claims on table settings and ate black beans for breakfast. That was a tough morning with -20 cold and no desire to leave the house. We might have been a few minutes late for school, but hey, I never drive in the mornings and didn’t realize 20 minutes wasn’t enough time to compete with the crazy ass traffic. And they might not have been late, so yeah. (I didn’t ask) What else….Well have been on the hunt for doors and glass for doors and all the odds and ends that we need. Every day it seems we end up at the hardware store, the junk store, or the salvage yard looking of that one thing that may or may not exist. It is driving me nuts. The mr, he is really good at the back and forth. Me, not so much. I really wish there was a store made for just me that sold (or gave me for free) everything that I could possible need. Doors, carrots, socks. That would be great. Oh and my crock pot. It has turned into the center of our living because it’s not our main source of hot food. It has been entirely new territory for me (never used a crock pot before last week) and there were a few soups that might not have so great, but I think I have got the hang of it and we have been eating hot food from the crock like champs. I’ll have to share some of my soups and tips with you guys soon. (once the kitchen is done there will be sooooo many new recipes and food fun coming your way!)

So besides the counter tops today, I think I have some serious cleaning to do. The loft is a mess, the house is getting a little on the dusty side, and the pile of dirty clothes has gotten out of hand. I might drag the hamper to the loft, be domestic for the afternoon and do some chores. A little Christmas music, lots of coffee, and amazon prime last minute gift shopping. It should be an interesting afternoon to say the least.

Links brought to you by the internet.

-I want this, it would bring me so much joy. This Infinity Galaxy Puzzle Has No Beginning or End

–5 of Humanity%u2019s Best Ideas of What Dreams Actually Are

-Lapland is on my travel bucket list. 10+ Reasons Why Lapland Is The Most Magical Place To Celebrate Christmas

–Meet The Spleen, The Strange Little Organ That Can Multiply

-Gift idea for your stinky loved ones. Shreddies flatulence filtering garments

-The mr and I are starting to plan our next cross country trip. National Parks all the way (free days are great but if you are planning on going to a lot of parks, get the pass) WHEN TO VISIT ANY US NATIONAL PARK FOR FREE IN 2017

-An Eleven-Story-Tall Tree Hugger Sprouts on the Side of a Building in Chile. Imagine painting that…..

-Food is always a good present.10 Last-Minute Recipes to Make for Homemade Food Gifts

The week in pictures.

Yes that is a giant tree monster about to eat a Christmas tree. So good.

Have a great day!

The trees are on fire, the sky has been lighting up like a masterpiece and the temperatures have been on the cooler, crisper side. I am one lucky lady to be living in such a beautiful place. If you don’t know the awesomeness of fall in Vermont, you should put it on your life list cause it’s amazing and will bring you so many good feelings.%u00a0

Another super productive week for the books.%u00a0We finished laying all the hardwood downstairs then went straight to tiling the bathroom which was awesome cause it was my first real tiling project and now that floor is down too. But man did it do a number on me. The one thing the mr always bitches about are his knees, and now I now why. Kneeling on anything, especially cement board, for 5 hours pretty much will kill your shit. I might be a little whinny, but crap on a shoe do my knees hurt. (now I am done complaining) What else……..Oh yeah, a large quantities of construction waste was brought to the dump that has bee accumulating in large piles in the back yard..(that was fun) I invented a new sport, storage unit parkor (I am really good at climbing and jumping around packed storage units), and got to see the new little monster baby while doing it. Then my little brother came over for a while to help carry the cast iron bathtub from the backyard to the upstairs. (thanks Paul!)%u00a0 I even made a point during the week to stay home for just enough time to made donuts with sprinkles while I sat in front of the oven knitting cause I was freezing my ass off. And I ate 2 roasted pumpkins, an acorn squash, and a sweet potato this week. Feeling pretty good about life.

So I don’t know about today. We might or might not work. We may or may not run away to the woods.(I need to be with the trees for a while) Most likely both. But one thing is for sure, I will be icing my knees. And drinking a butt load of coffee. And eating the butternut squash I picked it yesterday. I am a winter squash addict.

The things I clicked on and reading doing the internet this week.

-Have you noticed the crazy moon lately? How to See the Hunter%u2019s Supermoon This Weekend

– How We Got %u2018Bark%u2019 for Dogs, %u2018Quack%u2019 for Ducks, and Other Words for Animal Sounds

-A classic pencil is so underrated. Trace The Remarkable History Of The Humble Pencil

-%u00a0Incredible Origami Animals.. Like super incredible

-Lots of sweetbread, muffins, and all sorts of baking things in my future. The Best Way to Store Quick Breads and Muffins

-This guy tasted a shit load of butter for his Fancy Butter Taste Test

–Photo Of An Elephant Snuggling An Ostrich because it made me smile and is really freaking cute

– Check out this This Triangular House.. Its pretty crazy cool

–Can We Trust the Cooking Methods on the Back of the Bag? Question everything!

–Bob Dylan Wins Nobel Prize, Redefining Boundaries of Literature.His words are beautiful.

The week in some picture

House update.. Check it out! Our entire upstairs is wires, the plumbing is ran, (not hooked up to anything yet) and completely insulated. It’s freaking sea foam green crazy up there.%u00a0

%u00a0Now the next big step up hear is sheetrock! That’s going to be a bitch of a week, but for the mean timewe have left the upstairs alone because we are waiting to get a rough inspection from the city. And so we get to enjoy the green for just a bit longer.

For now we have ventured back down stairs. A few unseen things have been done likethe re- supportingof the floor with beams in the basement and running all the water lines and elecrrical from upstairs to the basement. We started tackling the clean up of the windows, there has beenlots of sheetrock patching and mudding and adding in light switched and outlets to all the boxes. And recently we have decided that we are going to either rip up the wide softwood downstairs and patch in oak or, if we cant find the right flooring to match, we are going to re-floor the entire downstairs, you know, just to make things a little harder on ourselves.

So yeah, this is where we are at. It’s all smooth sailing from here!

Everyone is asking how that house is going so I figured an update was in order.

Around the beginning of March we hired a guy (with another guy that was like 80 years old) to remove the back roof and to frame out the addition. We were planning on doing it ourselves but when it came down to it, it was going to take to long and was not something that I was entirely comfortable doing. It was still winter out, I have never removed a roof, and it just seemed like it was better to just have someone that does it all the time do it. And oh am I glade we did. These guys were awesome and a little nuts. We had a start date for a Tuesday, but on Monday morning, the mr gets a phone call from the head guy asking if he was going to go to the house and let him in. “Of course, I’ll be there at 8 tomorrow” said the mr.%u00a0 “No, we are here right now” said the roof ripper off man. “Ok, be right over” and the mr rushes over to the house. When he gets there, the guys were already in the house. The had claimed onto the roof and started ripping it off from the outside.

And then two days later , the roof was gone and the skeleton of the addition was up.%u00a0 It was fantastic and amazing and we were so excited. SO worth hiring it out!!!!

Our next move was the roof,(to keep out the snow ans rain) which those guys ended up came back and throwing on for us. That was another job we were planning on doing, but when the mr crawled onto the roof to measure for materials, he came back down and said to me”hell no. not doing it” (He is terribly afraid of heights)

After the roof went up, we still had a lot of demo to do. It took us a few days to finish removing the rest of the walls and all the layers of flooring. Then it got really freaking cold out so we boarded off the upstairs with insulation and did some stuff downstairs.

We were on a good roll, getting shit done, about to start framing, then the shittest shit ever happened and Sean died. We didn’t go back over to the house for like 2 weeks. (shit head, you were suppose to help us) We lost all motivation and I was in no state to be doing any work that required power tools or crow bars.( I probably would have cut a hand off or accidentally set the house on fire) So yeah, no house work. But over these past 2 weeks we have slowly gotten back into the swing of things. We have cleaned up the upstairs, framed out all the wall and are moving right along. Next is windows, (which is now more just a matter of picking some we like and ordering them) running all the electrical, plumping the bathroom, insulation the ceiling and walls, then getting an inspection! But that will be a breeze…. haha.

So that’s what’s been going on in the house. Fun fun fun!

Hopefully I will have another update on other parts of the house for you guys soon!

-C

I never can really tell how I honestly feel about halloween. I love fall, I love pumpkins and cider, but thats fall ,not halloween.%u00a0%u00a0I love to see all the happy little littles running around being super cute. all jacked up on way to much sugar.%u00a0%u00a0And %u00a0I know when I was a kid I was all about it. I mean, what kid doesn’t get jazzed to run around, dressed up (I was alway a black cat),%u00a0with a pillowcase full of candy all night long? That is just magic.%u00a0But as an adult, I haven’t really done too much. Sure I help wit the costumes of the littles and sometime I hand out candy, but where we live now, it’s not possible to give out candy. And the littles, they go do stuff with there friends, not there old lady aunt.%u00a0And I guess me and the mr could dress up and go to a party or something, but %u00a0honestly, we are not really party people%u2026. So yeah, don’t know. I think when I finally have my own kids It will be more fun.%u00a0But whatever, at least I can do a little decorating.

For as long as I have been as adult with my own living place, I have really gotten into holiday decoataing. But here is the thing. I like my decor to be minimalistic,%u00a0not to over the top, or super cheesy. (although I really do like when other people go super overboard and cheesy) But no, you won’t find a 20 foot blow up of a witch or severed hands in my front lawn.(maybe a few dead mice, but thats the cat, not me)%u00a0And I like to make my decorations. I even like to get some littles in one it, cause hand made kiddo decorations are the best.%u00a0

These bats are the perfect bit of halloween decoration. I made a ton of them a few years back and lost them, so I just whipped up a new strand.%u00a0Fast and easy to make, are not overly crazy or gory, and can be hung anywhere. An yeah, making them with a few littles is fun, but you don’t need them. I made them all on my lonesome%u2026. Oh me..

Anyway, to the bat mobile (garland)!

The bat stuff

• 2-3 pieces of Black card stock (construction paper %u00a0is fine, but will the color will fade over time)
• scissors
• pencil
• needle and thread*
• clear tape or tacks (not shown.. to hang bats)

Note. You can use embroidery floss instead of thread, but the thread is much more visible and you are going to need a tapestry needle.%u00a0

Take a piece of paper and fold in half, either length or width wise.( If you do lenght wise, you can cut out a few more bats per piece of a paper, width wise, the bats wings are longer.. up to you, do it both ways if you want)%u00a0

Outline a bat.

Bats are all jagged %u00a0lines.. nothing too complicated so I figured a stencil is not needed. If you really need a stencil, I can email you one…

Cut out bat and open up.

See, easy. And now you have a bat. If you do not like the exact way it looks, fold in again and cut a little more, but don’t get to picky, you have many more to cut.

Now make yourself a %u00a0bat army. As many or as few as you like. I think 12 is a good number. If you want, take the first bat that you cut out and use that as a stencil. Me, actually just free form cut the guys, so none of them look the same.

Bats are ready, now thread you needle.%u00a0%u00a0Don’t cut the end loose or tie the two ends together.

Fold bats back flat and thread them through the upper portion of the wings.%u00a0%u00a0Do that to all your bats.. and make sure that you are threading them on all the dame direction (if you care)

Once all the bats are threaded on. remove needle and tape the end of the thread. Space the bats out evenly or however you like, and hoe ever far apart you like, and cut thread of spool. Tape that end off too.

And hang them%u2026.%u00a0Most of my bats stay where I placed them, but a couple wanted to slide around on the thread, so I just stuck a tiny piece of tape on the inside of the wing over the thread to stop that.

They can fly threw the air%u2026.

Or drape on the wall.%u00a0

Any way, these bats are freaking bad ass and the coolest!

Happy Holiday Decorating!%u00a0

-C

I am one of those people that when traveling, likes to pick up a cool rock%u00a0or piece of %u00a0driftwood to being home as a momento of my trip. %u00a0Over the years I have gathered an%u00a0extensive%u00a0rock collection and have%u00a0many baskets %u00a0of%u00a0he coolest pieces of drift wood.%u00a0

And I am also a lady that likes to wear a necklace, except I am very much not into metals (gold, silver) or anything %u00a0fancy. Up until about a year ago I had a smooth piece of amber about the size of an apricot%u00a0that the mr. got me a long time ago, but sadly that broke and I have been on the hunt for something %u00a0pretty and%u00a0something special to make my new necklace.

A couple weeks ago, I was playing with the rocks and driftwood ( a little and I were building rock towers while she wacked me %u00a0with a large piece of wood)%u00a0when I%u00a0got that “ah ha” moment and few things crossed my mind.%u00a0%u00a01. My future children will only be allowed to play with big baskets of rocks and driftwood cause they make the best toys. 2. I know I can’t, but I%u00a0%u00a0kind of want to %u00a0wack her back, and 3. I want that%u00a0chunk of pretty driftwood that I got %u00a0from a beach off the coast or Washington (we LOVE Washington)%u00a0around my neck.%u00a0

And so I made a awesome driftwood necklace.%u00a0

You should too.

The stuff you’ll need

• A cool ass piece of driftwood that you want to wear on you neck (make sure it’s smooth or else you may end up with a sliver)
• some hemp or cord the length you want you necklace plus%u00a0a%u00a0few extra inches
• a cool button
• a drill and a 3/8 (a small) bit

This project is going to take you all of about 5 minutes%u2026 so hold on tight.

Hole in wood%u2026.hemp%u00a0through hole…

Make a loop and knot on one end and sting the button and knot it onto the other end. Trim away excess hemp.

To neck.%u00a0

Oh man, we are AWESOME!

Happy Friday!

-C

My flowers are coming up, I have packed away my winter jacket, and I haven’t worn anything but sandals for the past week. Plus yesterday I made the first batch of sun tea and saw my first hot air balloon of the season (which lead to a heated discussion with the mister about how hot air balloons take flight. We were both kinda right, but me more than him)So yeah, %u00a0it’s for real%u2026 Winter is gone and spring has sprung, or more like spring sprung then bounced cause now it’s basically summer weather. Not complaining, but I hope we get a least a few more weeks of pleasant, not hot and humid weather.%u00a0

Anyway. Sun tea, one of my favorite summer time drinks. Made by infusing regular old teas with water by using the almighty power of sun.

Why do we want to make iced tea this way instead of just using boiling water? Well you can still do that, but sun tea makes a more mellow, lovely, and I find, more sweeter tea. It brings out more complex flavors that you don’t get with the boiling water method. %u00a0And it’s nice to know that it took zero effort on my part to make the drink (not that boiling water takes that much effort, but still)

It can be made with any variety %u00a0of teas, infused with other fresh herbs, dried spices, or even chunks of fruit. You can also make the teas and add flavors after the infusing is over. Have fun and play with flavor combos.

A few of my%u00a0favorite sun tea%u00a0combinations

• Any mellow black tea like orange pekoe or english breakfast with a few springs of mint
• Chamomile and mint%u00a0
• Green with a fruity tea, like blueberry or pomegranate
• Lemon Zinger with a few springs of Rosemary

These are just a few of the endless possible flavors. And you don’t have to get fancy with it either, you can totally use plain old lipton tea bags (I still do that too)

Now harness the sunshine and feel awesome and fancy by making some tea!

Woo Hoo Wednesday!

-C

SUN TEA

%u00a0What you’ll need

• Tea- Either bags or loose leaf
• Water- Preferably Filtered
• A glass jar with a lid
• Sunshine

I %u00a0use a ratio of 1 tea bag or 1 tablespoon loose leaf tea per 2 cups of water. And I usually make my teas in half gallon ball jars so I use 4-5 teabags or tablespoons of tea. (makes just enough tea for 4-6 tall glasses, depending on you glass size) %u00a0If it’s a mint tea, I usually use a little less because I find that mint teas can become to strong and bitter so I %u00a0use 3 teas bags or tablespoons of loose.

Directions

Place tea loose or bags into jar. Fill with water, leaving about an inch for tea expansion, place lid on tight, and stick in the sun for anywhere between 3-5 hours %u00a0(depending on how strong you like your tea). When tea is infused to your liking, remove teabags or strain the loose tea and stick into the fridge to chill. Serve as is %u00a0in a drinking vessel with a few ice cubes and add sweetener if that’s what you do.

Drink within a day or two, then rinse jar and make a new batch!

Are you a frozen popsicle? Did you make any popsicles or a pair of those frozen pants that I am seeing all over the news? I should have made frozen pants.. maybe next time. Done and done, the polar vortex had come and gone and I am hoping that is stay up up and away for thirst of the winter. My nose and butt have nearly frozen off this week. Give me temps in the teens and I will be all set thank you very much.

The week was a week as any week could be as weekly as can be. Does that make sense? Not really but kinda. Nothing new, cold as fuck, but still kind of nice. I didn%u2019t do much in the way of work besides a little paper work and worked at the studio. Honestly, I spent a good amount of time this week reading and trying not to freeze (for someone trying not to freeze, I sure did go outside a lot). The mr did his usual running around all day everyday. Things have been a little harder since the truck is kind of dead and now we are down to the one car, a car the is not meant for totting around toilets so we have some car stuff to deal with. Sunday we did make it outside for a few hours of some fantastic snow shoeing and tree hugging. Basically throughout the week we did lunches, one with my mom, So, and Megan, one with Barb. The mr made a new jacket rack by the front door, glued more doll heads on cars, and placed frozen hands all over the neighborhoods. We didn%u2019t see the littles very much as they were all busy, too busy for us, but whatever. (I miss them%u2026sad face) And yesterday we took Barb on a snack shopping trip, went to the mall (fist time in like 5 years) and watched Barb contemplate a soft pretzel or not (she just got a lemonade). A weekly week week. See what I mean?

Today the mr and I are suppose to go in such of an ice castle. That is the plan, well that and make the bed with clean sheets because it%u2019s Sunday. I%u2019ll let you know how it turns out. (The sheets always turn out A+.)

Interent from the week.

–Think this polar vortex was cold? It should have been colder. Yup, that little snap was nothing and that is not a good thing.

-Science things. The surprising science of why ice is so slippery

–So You%u2019re Saying My Seltzer Is Not Made of Crushed Up Bliss. What a bummer.

-This is the best tassel wall hanging I have ever seen. Maybe I will actually make it. DIY Tassel Wall Hanging

–Beyonc%u00e9’s Offering a Lifetime Supply of Concert Tickets to 1 Winner Who Goes Vegan But what about the already vegan folks?

-I think anyone living in Vermont could tell you cell service sucks. One Man’s Quest To Prove Vermont Has Terrible Cell Service

–Life goals for next project. Guy Documents 14 Years Of Excavating His Basement With RC Toys

-Thank you Macauley Culkin. Color Of The Month: Coral? Peach? Salmon? Fuck. Get Me The Swatches.

–Irresistible Baby Houseplants. They are so cute. I want them all.

-This is really awesome, just not sure how it%u2019s gonna work out because babies are well, they be babies, but If I worked for the state with a baby, this would make me very happy. Vermont to Allow State Workers to Bring Their Infants to Work.

And some pictures from the week.

I can’t stop eating these. They are like little balls of crack and I am an addict.

Frozen peanut butter grapes%u2026 I mean, I just can’t stop.

So you say you have never frozen your grapes? Well you should. It’s the only way I like to eat them anymore. %u00a0I was never a huge grape fan, but one day long ago, I discovered the wonder that is the frozen grape and it is amazing, Now whenever grapes are on sale at the grocery store, I buy way to many and end up filling our tiny little freezer with jars and bowls of grapes. %u00a0Then whenever the mister goes to grab the bag of %u00a0frozen peas for his sore back or knees, there is almost always a frozen grape avalanche. Why I don’t put a lid on those containers is even a mystery to me. %u00a0Oh, now I remember.. I want easy access.Oopen the freezer, grab a few grapes, and go on my way%u2026 not having a lid to take off makes the process a little easier.

Then one day, the frozen grape game turned into something else, something a little more decadent and even more addicting. Where it came from, I do not know. Maybe it’s some subconscious throwback to a childhood full of peanut butter and grape jelly sandwiches, or maybe it’s just that fact that I think peanut butter can pretty much go with anything. But no matter why, I started dipping those frozen grapes into peanut butter and never looked back. And now when I have grapes, it’s all I want to eat.

I am warning you now, once you start making these, watch out, because before you know it, you will develop a frozen grape addiction too. And littles.. they are as easily %u00a0addicted to these as well. I have seen kids that hate grapes go totally bonkers for these. %u00a0Just so you know.

The stuff %u00a0you will need.%u00a0Washed and drained fresh grapes (green or red. I usually use red but the green were half the price and the red ones didn’t taste very grapie*) Creamy peanut butter, skewers, and a little bit of cinnamon or cocoa powder (optional)

*Note. When you are the store, try %u00a0before you buy. You know what I mean, eat a few while shopping aground. I say this because not all grape are created equal. Some taste way better than others. I have bought grapes before that didn’t taste like anything or that have really tough skins, and those just piss me off, so eating a few will guarantee that your money is being well spent and that the grapes won’t disappoint you.

Ok, so now let’s make these bad boys.

Simple simple. Two grapes per skewer (or toothpick) Lay on a wax paper covered dish or pan and stick them in the freezer until frozen. When the grapes are frozen, melt peanut butter. Take a big glob and stick in a tall skinny cup or bowl and stick in the microwave or heat in a sauce pan and then transfer to a tall skinny vessel. %u00a0Take frozen skewed grapes and, one skewer at a time, dip in the peanut butter. Cover with as much or as little of the peanut butter as you want and place on wax paper. If you are feeling feisty, add a sprinkle or cinnamon or even a dash of cocoa powder. Or, this may seem a little crazy, but garlic powder is so F*ing good.(it’s worth at least giving it a try) When all grapes are dipped, place back into freezer for another 10 minutes or so to let the peanut butter set up a bit.

Whenever your ready%u2026 Eat. And be so happy. And always keep a back stock of frozen grapes in the freezer. They are the best.

Keep it realz.

-C

Peanut Butter Freezer Grapes

the quantity is up to you, but I recommend making a shit ton!

• Creamy Peanut butter (I use organic creamy from Trader Joes, or natural skippy)
• Green or Red Grapes
• Cinnamon and or cocoa powder (Optional)
• Toothpicks or skewers

Wash grapes and skewer 2 grapes onto a stick. Place on a flat surface and stick into the freezer until frozen, which usually takes about an hour.

Once grapes are frozen, stick a big glob of peanut butter into a tall skinny vessel (Like a juice cup or a 4%u00a0oz ball jar) and warm to a liquid constancy in the microwave (about 30-45 seconds) or if you don’t have a microwave, stick in a sauce pan, warm on stove, and pour into a glass (what I do)

Remove frozen grapes from freezer and dip into melted peanut butter. Place on a wax paper line tray or pan and sprinkle with cinnamon and or cocoa powder, or not, or a few (whatever you want) and stick back into freezer for another 10 minutes.

Eat as many as you want%u2026 Make so many because you will become addicted!

The bounty of spring is upon us. Asparagus is everywhere and I have been embracing it.. smelly pee and all.%u00a0 And along with all my spring veggies and smells, %u00a0I have grabbing for more springy spices. I go through seasonal spice kicks, like cinnamon and ginger in the fall, curries and chills in the winter. And for spring, I am big on sumac. If you haven’t heard of it or tasted it, it kind of taste like a tangy salty lemon..without actually having any salt. And its a really pretty, a bright red, almost purple color. I use it on a lot of things, especially veggies and bean dishes, sometimes as a lemon replacer, but mostly to add another level of tangy flavor.%u00a0It’s fantastic, really great for all those springy time dishes. Nice and bright!

%u00a0This dish is perfect made and eaten right away, but it’s one of those dishes that tastes even better the day after. Also it’s good and safe to serve room temperature. (think lunch box or a picnic!) And did I mention healthy? Protein packed quinoa and the lean green asparagus, I mean come on. You won’t feel an ounce of guilt for eating a hugmongo bowl of this stuff because you should, so it’s totally ok.

Eat away!%u00a0

The stuff of the stuff. Quinoa and asparagus for the base. Sumac, lemon, garlic, onion, salt and pepper and a little splash of oil for the dressing.%u00a0

Note. Sumac is not always the easiest spice to find. I know that its available online (what isn’t) and that some health food store or herbal apothecaries carry it, but i have ye tot see it at a conventional supermarket. And once you find it, buy a good amount cause you will also fall in love with it and use it on everything.%u00a0

%u00a0 %u00a0 %u00a0Start by making the dressing. You want to have it sit for at least 10 minutes. It will be perfect by the time the quinoa is done. Mince the garlic, dice the onion and juice the lemon. Stick it all into a jar with the sumac, a pinch of salt and pepper and about a teaspoons worth of olive oil. Stick a lid on the jar and shake shake shake. and let it sit.

Now you should make the quinoa.. Water and quinoa go into pot, high heat until boiling, %u00a0topped with a lid and set to simmer for about 15 minutes.%u00a0

When the quinoa is simmering, cook up the asparagus. Add a drizzle of oil, to a pan and a few splashes of water. Place trimmed and chopped asparagus to pan and sprinkle with salt. Cook on medium heat for about 8 minutes, or until cooked but still has a nice crunch to it. Take off heat and add the dressing to pan. %u00a0Let it sit and marinate for a few minutes.When the quinoa is tender, fluff with a fork and add to the skillet with the asparagus and dressing. Toss around to make sure all the quinoa gets dressed. Take a taste.. does it need a little salt and pepper? Add a pinch if it does.Pile into a bowl, add a bit of cracked pepper.. and eat.

Or%u2026 Idea! Make this dish and pack it into a jar. Maybe grab a baguette and some hummus os some other %u00a0tasty foods and take yourself and a friend out for a picnic.%u00a0

So much good .

Keep it real yo

-C

Quinoa and Asparagus with Sumac Dressing

serves 3-4 %u00a0as a side dish or 2 as a main meal.%u00a0

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 8-10 asparagus%u00a0
• olive oil

For the Dressing

• 1 tablespoon sumac
• 1/2 small red onion
• 2-3 cloves garlic
• Juice of 1 jumbo lemon or 2 small lemons
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• salt and pepper

Start but making the dressing. Mince the garlic and finely dice the onion. Place in a %u00a0jar with the sumac, the juice of the lemon, a pinch of salt and pepper, and a little splash of oil. Top the jar and shake the crap out of it for a minute. Let sit and meld. (This dressing can be made ahead of time and is fantastic on all sorts of everything)

In a large pot, add water, quinoa and a spindle of salt. Bring to a boil, cover , and reduce heat to simmer. Let cook for about 15 minutes or until water has completely absorbed. %u00a0When the quinoa gets going, trim the woody parts of the asparagus and chop the remain asparagus into inch long pieces. Toss into a lightly oiled skillet with a few splashes of water, sprinkle with salt and put on medium heat for about 8 minutes, or until asparagus is cooked, but still crispy. Take off heat and add the sumac dressing. Once the quinoa is done, fluff it with a fork and toss it with the sumac dressed asparagus. Scoop into a bowl, add some cracked pepper. Bring food to face and eat.%u00a0

Any leftover? This dish is fantastic serves cold or at room temperature.

This has been the week of broken things. My immersion blender broke. 2 of the 4 new bowls I bought were smashed. The hand mixer broke while I was making frosting (F**CK). The steam mop is finally completely broken and the mister smashed the screen on his phone. All in a weeks time. Oh, and not broken, but the front end of my car got stuck in a muddy sink hole. It took five badass farmers to help me push it out. It was crazy, but thankfully the car and I survived. But’s it cool. I can replace all that crap and my arms are getting a great workout now that I have to hand mix everything and hand wassh the floor on my hands and knees. ( I do it like a beast!) Because what I really am having a hard time with is that it is nearly April and still have most of my winter clothes out. I just want to but the boots away and get my chaco sandals out. It’s getting a bit ridiculous if you ask me.

Things I tell myself to keep from losing my shit

• 20 degrees.. That’t tropical compared to the -30 we were having
• I will be bitching about how hot it is in just a few short months so try to enjoy the cold now.
• Hopefully most of the mosquito population all dies this winter %u00a0and only enough %u00a0survive to be eaten by things that eat them
• Because it still so cold, its ok to spend an entire day at home in my pjs baking cookies and bread and %u00a0binge watching Kimmy Schmidt.%u00a0

See.. there is a bright side.

Here is some cool internet stuff form the week

-Love this house and will some someday have plants in every nook and crank of my home.%u00a0PEEK INSIDE WORLD%u2019S END FARM + SAIPUA PLANT SALE

-I am ready to move into a tree, if only for a little while. This one would work for me

-I looked before I read. and didn’t realize what I was seeing.%u00a0Behold! The Cosmos Created From The Contents Of A Kitchen

-The Most Effective Alarm Clock Ever Brews Your Morning Joe%u00a0If only it came in jumbo size.

-I love/ hate this story. I get so excited for the produce that is marked down because its not perfect. If people realize how silly it is to look for “perfection in food” %u00a0then I won’t get awesome stuff for cheap.%u00a0Think Nobody Wants To Buy Ugly Fruits And Veggies? Think Again

And here are a few life pictures%u00a0

WHAT WHAT!!! The first sign of green that I have seen in the neighborhood.%u00a0

This little came over and hung out with me. I gave him a muffin and a bowl of “Carrot Chips” (really thinly sliced carrots) He at a few bites of the muffin but ate %u00a0all the carrots and wanted more%u2026%u2026 I love him!

Oh the old man trash dog. His butt hair is finally starting to grow back after he chewed himself a big hot spot.%u00a0I love this pattern for a driveway.%u00a0

March 29, 2011. Yeah sure we were in California, but still, we were camping outside.

COME ON SPRING!!!!And who doesn’t love a pineapple, or 4?%u00a0

Have a fantastic Day!

We are looking at a high in the 30’s here in VT.. WA HOO!

-C

I don’t think I need to tell anyone about how weird the past few weeks of weather have been, so I will just leave it alone because we don’t need to keep thinking about how stupid cold it is outside or that the next week is only suppose to get worse. Booooo, but oh well. More time for cooking, reading, and trolling the internet (I have spent a little more time then usual getting sucked into the world-wide web.) Beacause I have been spending a little more time interneting, I have added an addition to %u00a0my usual happy bits, %u00a0a%u00a0few links that I have stumbled upon that I think are cool and of things that I want or want to make%u2026 Cool internet stuff%u2026..a bit of internet happy.%u00a0

• So I recently discovered that I can waste a good amount of time on pintrest, especially looking at interiors and architecture and clothes (which I found really weird, but with one pin, an open can of worms%u2026Dangerous stuff). I have a long way to go before I have nearly as many pins as other folk, but I am getting a good a start. Check out my boards…
• I smiled so much when I read %u00a0 this%u00a0article.%u00a0%u00a0 %u00a0So sweet and are some of the coolest tattoos %u00a0ever.
• The original nomad.%u00a0I am not a hot tub person (it makes me feel like I am being cooked..) But I might be able to get into one of these when doing some camping.
• I practically started salivating when I saw%u00a0this%u00a0falafel.%u00a0 I am so going to make it%u00a0for a special mister and me dinner!
• I don’t have any big kitchen utensils%u2026 like a kitchen aid or a panini grill, and for now, I am ok with that, but I really want this waffle iron. I could so use the crap out of it.

So that’s some internet stuff and here are a few life moments%u2026..

I got to%u00a0hang out with my little sister for the first time in like a month%u2026 She is just so busy being busy. I guess high school,play practices and boys and friends can fill up ones time at 15%u2026 but I miss her so much! I was very excited that she was able to hang out with me this week. %u00a0What did we do? Well we spent most of out time together taking pictures of her in my glasses, making food and then taking pictures of her eating food. %u00a0(She is eating whipped carob moose%u2026 like one should eat it) A fantastic day of silliness.%u00a0

I have been feeling like I might be fighting off an illness so I have been eating this Turmeric Ginger Garlic Carrot soup%u00a0which I have been adding cabbage and topping with these pickled heart beet, all week long. So tasty and full of so much good.

%u00a0Oh yeah. Me, the mister, my sister, and her lovely little little went to Ikea this week. (the littles first international trip!!! Over the border and into Montreal) And of course at the end of any good shopping trip there is some type of food%u2026. She %u00a0was so excited for the hot dog and frozen yogurt cone at check out. Champion food eater this one is.

And what’s not to love about pretty flowers (primrose)%u2026..Sadly this is not a current picture. I need to get me some color today.%u00a0

Which leaves me with my goals for the day..

• Get 2 new library books (and return the huge stack by the door)
• Make something tasty good for dinner and prep food for the week
• clean bathroom and change sheets
• buy flowers
• Take a nap

Hope you all have a great day and the%u00a0most splendid week!

Stay warm!

-C

There is a joke about Vermonters, that all we talk about is the weather. Well, it’s kind of true. But to our defense, we get a lot of weather, and it’s always changing and intense and both lovely and crazy and all over. So yeah, we talk. A lot, about the weather. And on that topic, I am trying so hard not to complain, but%u00a0honestly, I am getting a little sick, both physically and mentally from all of these %u00a0super, to freaking cold temperatures. Yesterday the high was 0 ( which was at like 2 in the morning) %u00a0and factor in the windchill, the temp stayed at like 25 below. It f**king sucks. I can’t %u00a0stay outside for too long or else I will probably die. The dog %u00a0is having a hard time making it around the block before he gets ice paws, and the mister, well he even started wearing gloves (he wears a sweater all winter and never gets cold%u2026..he is officially cold)

%u00a0And not only is the cold keeping us all indoors, but its making us all borderline sick. We both have been fighting something for the past few week. The headaches, stuffy nose, chest congestions. The puppy is getting super dry skin and gave himself a hot spot. BLAh!! Ok, enough! No more complaining

Because %u00a0I do really love the winter and all the pretty snow!!!!

But we are feeling kind of sick so to make us feel oh so much better, a fantastic, super tasty, healing, good for me, good for you, soup. Turmeric ginger carrot%u2026 oh man. Made with lots of ginger, turmeric and garlic and finished with a drizzle of raw honey. This soup is exactly what we need. All ingredients scream.. FEEL GOOD, BE WARM AND COZY! Almost everything in it has antibacterial and anti inflammatory properties. The veggies are hearty and heathy and just eating soup helps to keep hydrated. And the best part..it tastes so freaking amazing.%u00a0

So whether %u00a0you are feeling a little mah, or just a little hungry.%u2026this soup is where it’s at!

Lots of chopped up carrots, a small onion, a little bit of cauliflower I had left over and a small beet. If you don’t have the cauliflower and or a beet, just use %u00a0ares pepper or another 2 carrots.. no biggy.%u00a0

Then we have the fresh ginger ( you can use powdered) turmeric and garlic. %u00a0All the good healthy spicy and yummy stuff.%u00a0

I accidentally spilled the turmeric on the counter..but it kind of looks like I might have done it on purpose%u2026 yeah, let’s go with that. %u00a0Chop the garlic and he ginger into %u00a0 %u00a0chunksAnd toss into the pot to warm and activate. Just a little toasty toast.%u00a0

And the veggies are roasted and tender and smell so good. %u00a0It took a lot of will power to not eat the whole pan right there.

I added the roasted veggies and 3 cups water straight into my pot %u00a0with the spices because I used an emulsion blender. If you are using normal blender, add the veggies, the toasted spices and the water to the blender and blend until smooth. Then transfer to a pot.

Pretty much all blended together%u2026.(I left a few big chunks in there to snack on while I was waiting to eat serve%u2026I was really hungry) and let to simmer for a little longer…

And now ladle into a bowl and get ready for a fantastic finish%u2026 drizzle a spoonful of raw honey into soup%u2026%u2026.so so good. You could add the honey before serving, but heating it kills all the good antibacterial stuff so that’s why we wait.%u00a0Then %u00a0I sprinkle some chopped kale and chives. (do it if you want, but not necessary)

Now enjoy. Let the warmth wash over you and feel all those good spices helping to fight the good fight to keep you well and all the yummy to satisfy your hunger.

And lets hope for some warm (above 0!!) weather!

-C

Turmeric Ginger%u00a0Carrot Soup

Ingredients

• 5 large carrots
• 1 small onion
• 1 small beet*
• quarter head cabbage ( or a cup of frozen)*
• 2-3 teaspoons %u00a0turmeric%u00a0
• 2-3 tablespoons fresh %u00a0ginger (1/2 teaspoon if using powdered)
• 4-6 cloves garlic
• salt pepper
• raw honey (omit if vegan)

* If you don’t have or want to use beet and or the cauliflower, you can use a red pepper, a small sweet potato, or just use a few more carrots.%u00a0

Chop all veggies into similar sized chunks and toss into a lightly oiled pan or on a baking sheet and sprinkle with salt. %u00a0Stick in oven at 425 for about 30 minutes or until all veggies are fork tender.%u00a0

In a large soup pot or dutch oven, toss chopped garlic, ginger and the turmeric and place on medium heat for a few minutes to activate the spices. Add the roasted veggies and 3 cups water to pot (if using emulsion blender) and blend until smooth. If using a blender, add the toasted spices, roasted veggie and 3 cups water and blend until smooth then transfer to a large pot or dutch oven. Add salt and pepper to taste. Turn heat down to%u00a0%u00a0simmer and let cook for an addition 10 minutes.%u00a0

When ready to serve, ladle soup into bowl and drizzle a spoonful of raw honey into soup. Garnish with fresh chopped kale, chives, cabbage or whatever you want. (or nothing is good too)

It hasn’t stopped snowing, the temperature is dropping fast (it’s getting to the point the dog doesn’t even want to be outside) and the mister is busy hand shoveling three long driveways. So I figured that in between all the laundry folding, plant watering , and all around sitting on my butt %u00a0that I am doing %u00a0INSIDE, that %u00a0I would be so super nice and crank the stove up and make my love some cookies.I love making cookies, especially when I have chores to do. I think part of it is that cookies are baked in batches which breaks up the chores and gives a sort of rhythm to things. Plus everything is nice when the house smells like cookies. %u00a0I was going to make chocolate chocolate chocolate cookies, but realized that I didn’t have cocoa powder, so I went with fresh cranberries (I just scored a pound of organic cranberries for 89 cents!) coconut flakes and chocolate chips. Plus I wanted to make them oatmeal because the mister likes oatmeal and oatmeal makes the cookies a little more hardy. (We need hardy when the temperature dips below zero)The verdict%u2026.. chewy, soft, slightly sweet oatmeal, bittersweet chocolate, nutty floral coconut, and the zing and pop of the fresh cranberries. He told me to hide them%u2026 hide so he will stop eating them%u2026.. because they be amazing!

The base of this cookie%u2026.We are using regular old fashion oats and flour. %u00a0Salt, baking soda and baking powder. %u00a0Vanilla, chia seeds in hot water, coconut oil %u00a0white and brown sugar%u2026. You know, all the cookie stuff.%u00a0 Then all the goodness.. Chocolate chips, coconut flakes, and fresh cranberries. Goodness.Oh yeah, and they are vegan%u2026if that matters to you.Warm%u00a0the coconut oil and mix with the white and brown sugars. Then add the chia seeds soaked in hot water. %u00a0Stir until nice and silky smooth.In goes some more stuff.%u00a0%u00a0I just dumped all the dry right on in that bowl and mixed it up nice and nice.Chopped the fresh cranberries into chunks%u2026 One at a time%u2026%u2026Just kidding, I actually laid a cutting board on top of the cranberries, applied a little pressure and sliced through the cranberries.. Does that make sense? I hope so, because its is much easier and faster and the cranberries don’t all roll away.The chopped cranberries, coconut flakes and the chocolate chips go in to be mix all up.%u00a0I used my hands to form the balls and gave%u00a0each mound a little smoosh, but not completely flat. %u00a0Then into a preheated 375 degree oven for about 13-15 minutes or until a nice golden brown.A cup of hot coffee and a plate of warm cookies%u2026 I am the nicest, right! (After his nice cookie rest I proceeded %u00a0to do a little nagging, so the day evened out)So today is probably a great day for everyone to make cookies. It’s freezing out, %u00a0its saturday and well, just cause. You might even be looking for a great recipe to make for that big party your going to.You should make these cookies.%u00a0Have a Fantastic Weekend!!!-C

Oatmeal Fresh Cranberry Coconut Chocolate Chip Coookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup old fashion oats
• 1 1/4cup all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 tablespoon chia
• %u00a04-6 tablespoons hot water
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup fresh chopped cranberries
• 1/2 cup coconut flakes

Preheat oven to 375To start, take the chia seed and soak them in the 4 tablespoon hot water for a few minutes. Then in a large bowl, mix together the white and brown sugar with warmed coconut oil. Add in the gelled chia seeds and vanilla and stir until silky and combined. (the warm chia seeds will help everything mix together nicely)%u00a0Now mix in all the dry. I start with the oats, dump on flour, toss in the baking powder and soda and salt. Mix until fully combines. If the dough seems to dry, add in another tablespoon or two of hot water.%u00a0Chop the fresh cranberries into halves or smaller and dump them, the coconut and chocolate chips into the bowl of dough and mix.Using a scoop, spoons, or your hands, make little balls and place on a cookie sheet, giving each ball a little smoosh. Into the oven for 13-15 minutes or until golden brown.Remove and cool on rack.Eat a few and hide the rest for later.

It is exactly that time of year. Apples galore, cool days in need of a little extra warm, meaning a warm oven is welcome, if not needed. It%u2019s the best time of year, or at least one of them.

And so I bake bread. Sometimes just a roll, and sometime a loaf, almost everyday. I love bread baking because, well just because. Plus it%u2019s what people want to eat and will always eat because I guess bread=love. Makes sense to me.

This bread was made from a small dip in the 2 gallons of applesauce I made the night before. (We had sooooo many apples). The mr isn%u2019t the biggest fan of applesauce, says he would rather eat a fresh apple. I kind of get it, but dude, warm, chunky, slightly cinnamon-y applesauce%u2026 I mean, that is happiness right there. Right? Anyway, I am trying not to eat all the applesauce to my face by myself at once (it has been a challenge) and plus I needed to make the mr some bread, so I figured what the hell. I%u2019ll just use applesauce as my liquid in the bread. And so I did and that is that and now that mr really like applesacue (when it is baked into bread)

This bread is a basic sandwich type bread. The apple taste is there but not overwhelming so it can be used for sandwiches of all kinds, toast, just eating with a smear od something, or not. Just a overall good loaf of bread with a little extra from the apple. And braided because I was feeling classy. It%u2019s amazing what at little braiding of bread dough can do for your self esteem. Made me feel like I was the coolest person in the world. Haha!

Now to the bread.

The stuff. A few apples, regular all purpose and white whole wheat flour, salt, applesauce, maple syrup, yeast, and warm water.

Applesauce, shredded apple, maple, yeast, and a little water get mix up and let to sit for a few minutes to activate yeast. Then the salt gets mixed in, along with all the flour. Stir until dough forms. Dough should be slightly sticky, ut not wet. IF wet, add a handful more flour. To dry, add more water.

Dump the dough onto a floured surface, cover your hands in flour, and knead dough for about 5 or so minutes, adding more flour as needed to keep dough from sticking, until the dough is a nice and cohesive texture.

Nice looking dough. Now roll dough into a ball.

Place dough in a clean wet or oiled bowl and cover with a damp cloth for one to one and a half hours or until dough doubles in size.

Dump dough onto floured surface.

Cut dough into 3 equal pieces and roll out into long longs.

Braid logs together. You can stop here bake it this way or%u2026

After placing it on a parchment lined baking sheet, tuck the ends of the braids underneath each other and make it like this. Either way. And once you have the dough on the baking sheet, brush a little water or plant milk on top and let dough rest for 15 minutes of so while the oven preheats.

Before oven and after oven. Classy, right?

Then for shin and soft crust, rub warm loaf with some plant butter.

And for the hard part. Let it cool before slicing it. Ok sure, a little warm is fine, but wait at least 20 minutes (an hour would be best) and then eat you some bread.

Eat you some bread. That%u2019s a t-shirt right there.

Happy Fall friends!

-C

makes pretty one loaf

• 2 cups all purpose flour

• 1 1/2 cups white whole wheat flour plus more for kneading

• 1 cup unsweetened room temperature applesauce

• 1 large or 2 small apples ( about 2/3 cup shredded apple)

• 1/4- 1/2 cup warm water

• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey

• 2 teaspoons active yeast

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon or so plant milk or water

• 1 tablespoon plant based butter (optional for rubbing on finished bread)

Grab the apples and shred them until you have 2/3 cup shredded apple. In a large bowl, mix together the applesauce, shredded apples, yeast, 1/4 cup warm water, and sweetener.and let yeast activate for a few minutes. Add in salt, the all purpose flour and the 1 1/2 cups white wheat flour. Stir together until dough forms. The dough should be a little bit sticky so if the dough seems to dry, add in 1/4 cup more warm water. If it seems really wet, add in a handful more flour.

Dump dough out onto a well floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes adding a little bit of flour to the counter as needed to prevent it from sticking. Once dough is cohesive in texture, roll into a ball and place into a clean wet or oiled bowl. Cover with a damp towel and allow the dough to double in size. Should take between an hour and an hour and a half.

Once dough doubles in size preheat oven to 400

Dump risen dough back onto a well flour counter. Cut the dough into 3 equal sizes and roll each piece into long logs about 20 inches or so long. Place each roll next to each other and braid. Grab a baking sheet and line with a piece of parchment paper. Sprinkle with a bit of flour and place braided dough onto sheet, either as a braid or if you want, like I did, wrap the braid around itself into a rounded braid situation. Tuck ends into each other and under the loaf. Brush the top gently with a little plant milk or water and let rest for about another 15 minutes or so.

After the rest, place dough into preheated oven. Bake for 35-45 minutes (Less if left long braid, more if wrapped braid) or until the top is a deep golden brown and when tapped on the bottom, it sounds hollow. Also can use an insta read thermometer and check temperature. You want it to reach 190 degrees.

Once bread is baked, remove from oven. If you want the top to stay a little crispy, don%u2019t do anything but let it cool. For a softer, shinny crust, rub the top while it is still warm with some plant based butter.

Let bread cool completely before cutting.

Then eat it like you would eat bread. Any and every way.

Store cooled loaf in a airtight bag on counter for 2-3 days but if not eating that fast, slice and place into freezer. That way you can pull out individual pieces and toast as you want.

I am obsessed. For real. That might seem like a strong statement for a feeling about a food, but right now, it is truth. I spend more time then I want to admit thinking and drooling over Socca, which is, to those who do not know, the most basic chickpea flour pancake-y bread thing. Chickpea flour, water and salt. Cooked fast under the broiler in a screaming hot skillet. That is it. And it is amazing. Depending on how you make it, it can be creamy and soft or more cracker like with some crisp crunch to it. Either way, it is just so freaking good. Of course, what I am dreaming about regarding it is not just plan basic socca (which I have made 3 times in the past 3 days) but different flavored soccas (I have experimented with lot of seasoning, and they are all A+) with all sorts of different topping and using it in all sorts of different ways. But for now, I wanted to keep basic so we all know how good simplicity is. We will go from here.

There is no stopping me. There is no stopping the socca.

Now to my new favorite food, the socca.

Chickpea flour, salt and water. That is it. Mix it all up.

Batter all smooth and now in need of a rest. Half an hour or up to a day of rest is good.

Now to cook the socca. You need to use something oven safe like cast iron. The trick here is to preheat the skillet while you are preheating the oven. Crank oven to 450 with the skillet in oven and once the oven reaches temp, turn oven over to a high broil. Let the skillet get really hot for another minute or two then remove skillet from oven (carefully!!!) and give it a splash of oil. Don%u2019t preheat the skillet with oil in it or else it will start to smoke and get gross.

Now that you got a nice hot and oiled skillet, grab the rested batter and pour half of it in. Tilt skillet around to coat bottom then stick skillet back into oven under broiler and cook for 4-8minutes. ( It depends on your broilers strength and your preference for blisters)

Out from the broiler. Cooked and slightly blistered. I went easy on this one. The next one got a few more blisters.

2 soccas, one a little thicker then the other. One a little more blistered then the other. Both in my belly.

So many Soccas to come.

So. many. Soccas.

-C

makes two 10 inch soccas

• 1 cup chickpea flour

• 1 cup room temperature water

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• olive oil for pan

Mix chickpea flour, salt and water together into a bowl until smooth. Let mixture rest for at least half an hour or up to a day.

When ready to make the socca, preheat oven to 450 with a 10 inch oven safe skillet (I used cast iron but any oven safe dish would work) in oven.

Once oven reaches temp, turn oven over to broil and place skillet under it for a minute to really heat the skillet. Carefully, with oven mitts, remove hot skillet from oven and brush or pour a smidge of oil into the hot skillet to coat bottom. Pour in half the batter and tilt around until bottom is coated then place skillet back into oven under broiler and cook for 4 -8 minutes or until the socca starts to blister. (it kind of depends on your broiler so keep a close eye on it) Remove from oven and slip socca onto cutting board. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil if you like. Then all you do is cut and eat.

Left over socca can be stored in fridge and reheated in oven or toaster.

Note. IF you want a slightly thicker socca, use a 8 inch skillet. For a thiner, more cracker like socca, pour in 1/3 of the batter at a time (you will end up with 3 instead of 2)

Bread is probably, no, definitely one of my upmost favorite things to bake. There is just something so gratifying about the whole process of mixing ingredients, kneading, watching it rise, shaping, then baking. It calms me and make me a better person. Seriously.

And this might sound sad, but this week when my Dad told me that my grandmother died, well I went home and made bread because that is what felt right to do. It gave my mind and hands a good something to do far a little while. Plus I ended up with a loaf of bread to feed people with. I also like to feed people when I am feeling sad.

I chose to use cinnamon and cardamom because of the smells. They are just delightful and happy smells. And swirls are happy so a happy swirl of happy smells in a loaf of bread that I was making to share that was (and did) make people happy. (See, bread baking is making me so nice because I am sharing it) It was just the right thing to do.

So if you are in need of a little happy pick me up, may I suggest making some bread? It might make you feel a little better, or at least get your mind off of things for a bit. And you will have bread so there is that too. It%u2019s a win win.

Now to the bread, which you can also make when you are happy. Or bored, or hungry, although it takes some time so if you are starting off hungry, you will be starving by the time it is done. Maybe eat a snack will you are making it%u2026..

The stuff. White and whole wheat flour, salt, sweet potato puree, soy milk, yeast, brown sugar, oil, cinnamon, cardamom, some flax seeds, and an orange.

In a big bow, mix together the yeast, warm milk, sweet potato puree, a little sugar, and oil. Let it sit for a minute to active yeast.

Flours and salt get a good mix to be mixed.

Then dry gets dumped into the yeast mixture along with the zest of the orange.

Mix it until a dough forms then dump it out onto a lightly floured surface.

Knead dough for about 6-8 minutes or until supple, uniform, and smooth.

Place dough into a well oiled bowl and cover. Let rise for about and hour or so or until it doubles in size (could take a little longer then a hour)

Place risen dough back out onto a lightly floured surface.

Roll it out about 2 feet long and as wide as a bread pan.

Don%u2019t forget mix up your brown sugar with the cinnamon and cardamom.

Brush rolled out dough with the flax mixture. This will help the cinnamon cardamon sugar stick.

And evenly distribute the mixture all over the dough.

Roll it up nice and tight and once it%u2019s all rolled, pinch then end to the rest of the dough.

Gently place the rolled dough, pinched side down, into a well greased bread pan. Cover in a plastic bag for about another hour or until the dough has risen a good amount and is doming over the rim of the pan. Now preheat the oven.

Once the bread is sufficiently risen, place into hot oven and bake for 40-45 minutes.

Now the hard part. Get it out of the bread pan and get it cooling off. You cannot cut into it until it cools or you will smoosh the swirl and make it gummy. Just wait, at least a half hour. For real. Wait. You can do it!

And when the bread cools and the wait it over, slice and be amazed. A thing of beauty that smells of greatness.

Bread is so great. Great great great! Especially a swirl bread. I mean. Look at that.

Happy day to you.

-C

Makes 1 loaf

• 2 cups all purpose flour

• 1 cup white whole wheat flour

• 1/3 cup sweet potato puree

• 1 cup soy milk

• 2 teaspoons (or one packet) yeast

• 3 tablespoons neutral oil like canola

• 2 tablespoon light brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon salt

• Zest of 1 orange

• For the cinnamon cardamom filling

• 1/2 cup light brown sugar

• 2 tablespoon cinnamon (I used Vietnamese Cinnamon which is a little spicier and sweeter)

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom

• 2 teaspoons ground flax mixed with 4 teaspoons warm water

Start by grabbing a big bowl. Mix together the yeast, the 2 tablespoons brown sugar, warm milk, sweet potato puree, and oil. Let sit for a minute to active yeast. In a separate bowl mix together the flours and salt. Dump the dry mixture into the wet. Zest the zest of an orange into bowl and mix it all together until it forms a dough. Dump the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-8 minutes or until the dough gets supple and shinny and uniform. Place dough into a well oiled bowl and cover for about an hour or until doubled in size.

Once dough has doubled, dump out onto a well floured surface and roll out to as wide as a bread pan and roughly 24 inched long. After you have rolled it out brush the flax and water mixture all over surface . Combine the brown sugar with the cinnamon and cardamom and evenly distribute the mixture all over flaxed dough. And for the fun part. Careful roll the dough into a log. Roll it tightly so the bread doesn’tt end up with big gaps after it bakes. Once rolled, pinch the rolled end and place the log rolled side down into a well greased bread pan. Place dough into a a plastic bag with plenty of space for dough to rise. Let sit for about another hour or until the dough has risen a little bit above the rim of baking pan.

Preheat oven to 375

When dough has risen, place on middle rack in hot oven and bake for 40-45ish minutes or until bread is a deep golden brown and when you give it a tap, it sounds slightly hollow. Also check it with a intsant read thermometer. Get it to 190.

When it done baking, pull from oven and remove from pan. Place on a wire rack and let completely cool. Seriously, you got to let it cool for at least 1/2 and hour, but longer is better!

When it%u2019s cooled, cut into slices. Eat as you wish.

Uneaten bread stores well for a day or two in a airtight plastic bag but if you don%u2019t eat it that fast, cut into slices and freeze. That way you can just pop a piece out and stick it into toaster. Smart.

You know when you eat something that you haven%u2019t had or haven%u2019t had in a long time and it%u2019s all you want to eat?

I am having a moment with apples and onions. Roasted and raw, it%u2019s on my mind every time I am making food. Weird? I don%u2019t know, but it%u2019s sweet and savory and all fall like and comforting. It%u2019s a good moment.

So now I am passing on my moment in the form of cornbread. Why cornbread? Well I think cornbread is a fine fine vessel for things that could be perceived sweet of savory. This cornbread is in fact not sweet, but not not sweet. It is a little both and suits the the apple and onion moment quite well.

People ate it, at first somewhat suspect that it was not going to be good, but after a bite or two they too appreciated the apple onion combination. And the cornbread. Even got a lady that doesn’t even like cornbread to like this so that is something right?

Embrace the moments.. To the cornbread!

The stuff. A couple apples, an onion, cornmeal, flour, salt, and baking soda. Also soy milk, oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, pepper, Sansa little earth balance.

Start by thinly slicing the onions. Toss them into a oven safe skillet with about a tablespoon of earth balance and place on a medium heat.

Once the onions are cooking, thinly slice the apples too.

Toss the apples in with the onions and stir around wait a few minutes and stir around some more until the stuff all looks like%u2026

This. The apples ans onions are super tender sans soft and amazing and do not eat them all, but maybe have bite or two.

Scoop the mixture out of the skillet ans melt another tablespoon of earth balance into the skillet, trying to evenly coat the bottom.

Now to the cornbread. Mix together all of the dry ingredients.

Then add in all the wet and gently mix until completely incorporated.

Pour the batter into the greased skillet

Top with the apple union mixture then pop into the oven for about 40-45 minutes to bake.

Golden crisp and amazing smelling. Check for donees with a tester stuck in the middle and when its done, its done.

Now the hard part. Let it cool. You can go right at it, but it will crumble and fall apart. This bread really needs a little time to chill.

Then it%u2019s time. Eat what you need. Careful, it might be all of it.

-C

If you come around my house in the cold months, you will more times then not find yourself faced with fresh bread. Why? Well because I like to bake bread. But mostly, if I am honest, when I am cold, I bake. (We keep the house heat off until at least November 1. After that we keep the heat at a low 60 when it%u2019s on.) I like the house to be kept on the colder side, but sometime, it%u2019s a little brisk so if I am home and cold, I am probably just going to bake something, to stay warm of course. This focaccia was my first foray baking to stay warm of the cold season. It was 40 degrees out and the heat still wasn%u2019t on, and I just so happen to be going through my spice drawer and found a batch of everything bagel seasoning that I had mixed up a couple months ago that needed to be used. Hence the bread.

Cold weather+found seasoning+I should make something for dinner=everything bagel focaccia. Or you can just make it because it is super easy and every time I make focaccia it gets gobbled right up. Especially this time. Barb and the mr ate half of it at dinner. And I think the other half was gone by the next day. To quote the mr. %u201cThis focaccia is professional%u201d. He said it with a mouth full of bread. No shit dude. I am professional. Ha

The stuff. Flour, yeast, warm water, everything bagel seasoning, sea salt, pepper, and olive oil.

Start with getting the yeast and warm water mixed together. Let it sit for a minute or 5, just to make sure it is active (this is more important to do if you are not using fresh yeast)

Once you are sure your yeast is alive, add in the flour and mix together until you are having a hard time mixing anymore.

Dump dough onto a floured surface and start to knead. Probably for 5 minutes, until you dough looks like%u2026.

This. Kneaded until smooth and beautiful .

Place dough into a deep bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Make sure the whole ball is coated. Then cover with a damp cloth and stick in a warm place to rise for about an hour, or until the dough has doubled in size.

Once dough has doubled, grab your baking sheet (can use a pan) and coat the pan with about 2 tablespoons olive oil.

Place the dough into pan and spread it out using your fingertips. Flip the dough over if you need to and keep dimpling the dough until it hits all the sides. Drizzle on another tablespoon of oil on top.

And don%u2019t forget the seasoning. Sprinkle on all the everything seasoning along with the sea salt and some cracked pepper. Make sure to be somewhat liberal with the seasonings too because you know that%u2019s what you want.

Into the oven for 30ish minutes then out of the oven

Look at all the everything.

Drizzle the top of the bread with a little more olive oil, pop it out of the pan, stick it on a cutting board, and that%u2019s it. Now watch your slab of bread disappear.

Happy bread baking. Stay warm.

-C

make a 9×13 slab of bread

• 4 cups all purpose flour (plus a little more for kneading)

• 2 cups warm water

• 2 teaspoon yeast (or one packet)

• 3 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning*

• 1 tablespoon sea salt

• cracked pepper

• about 1/3 cup very good olive oil

*Note To make your own everything bagel seasoning mix up equal parts dried minced garlic, dried onion flakes, sesame seeds, and poppy seeds. Or I think you can buy it now at the store with all the other spices. But it%u2019s probably cheaper to make it yourself.

To start, place yeast and warm water in a big bowl. Mix until incorporated and let sit for a minute or two or until you see little bubble form, just to make sure the yeast is active. When your sure it%u2019s good, add in 4 cups of flour. Mix with a wooden spoon or dough mixer until it becomes hard to mix anymore. Dump the dough onto a flour surface and start to knead, adding a little bit of flour as you go if it became to sticky, until the dough is smooth and uniform. Should take about 5 minutes. Place the kneaded dough back into bowl (scrap any of the extra bits out first) and drizzle with olive oil. Make sure the whole dough is coated. Cover the bowl with a damp towel and place in a warm spot. Let dough rise for an hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Preheat oven to 375.

Once dough has doubled, grab a 9×13 baking sheet or pan and coat with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Really make sure the pan is well greased. Place dough into pan and with the tips of your fingers, smoosh and spread dough until it has filled up the pan. Drizzle with another tablespoon of oil then take your seasoning and evenly spread it all over the top. Sprinkle with salt and add a little cracked pepper. Now pop it into the preheated oven. Bake for 30 -35 minutes or until the bread has turned a nice golden brown.

Remove from oven and right away drizzle on another tablespoon or so of olive oil. Let sit for a few minutes to absorb then pop the bread out of the pan and place on a rack or cutting board and either let cool, or not. Warm focaccia is loved by all.

I really am just trying to find new ways to use up as much corn as I can. The mr won’t really eat it (he says he hates it, but doesn’t really, but is now really not eating it) and the littles can only eat so much. I have some in the fridge pickled, some in the freezer, and yet every time I come home from farm share I end up brining like 15 more pieces home with me. So I had to get a little crafty with this last batch. I milked it and made biscuits. And it was exactly the right thing to do. Making corn milk was genius (which makes me a genius?) and I am now going to be baking everything with it until I use up all the corn.%u00a0

These biscuits are very versatile, like all good biscuits should be.%u00a0I served them to Barb and the mr with chili and of course they loved them but also I smothered raspberry jam all over a few and the mr was into that. Butter or almond butter too, or just plain. They can be eaten in all sorts of yummy ways.%u00a0%u00a0And if you really are into the corn milk part but not the jalape%u00f1o or lime-ness of the biscuit, just don’t add that stuff in. A simple corn milk biscuit would be just fine too. %u00a0Aaannd if you have a corn hater in the house, they still will probably like theses, or so this goes my experience, although I still don’t think he hate corn. But what do I know?%u00a0

To the biscuits.

The stuff. Corn, soy milk, a lime, a few jalape%u00f1os, and earth balance. In the bowl we have some %u00a0flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

Cook tha corn. A quick few minutes in boil water will do the trick.%u00a0

Get all that corn off those cobs. Sure you can nibble, it’s hard not to.%u00a0

Fresh corn and soy milk go into the blender and blended until all smooth and creamy. Taste it.. it is pretty creamy dreamy. %u00a0

That is the corn milk. You could drink it just like this and it would not be weird. It is delicious.%u00a0

Get you jalape%u00f1os, remove seeds, and give them a good small dice and toss them into the bowl with the flours and stuff.%u00a0Also zest the lime into the bowl with the flour.

Cold plant butter goes in first and cut in (I used fork, but you could use a pastry blender) until the dough looks crumbly. Add in the corn milk and the juice from the lime %u00a0and gently stir to just combined.

Dump the dough onto a floured surface and gather it all together then lightly press it down until %u00a0it’s about an inch thick.%u00a0

This is the best part,%u00a0(%u00a0Because I love the look of the cut out dough.. It apeals to me in some great way that I don’t yet understand)%u00a0cut the biscuits. I went and grabbed a biscuit cutter which I barely ever use, so that was a win.

Once you cut out the first biscuits, you can gather the dough and gently press it back together and cut out %u00a0more until you use all the dough.

Place the cut out biscuits on a baking sheet and brush the tops brushed with a little corn milk then into the hot oven they go.

Out they come looking all biscuity and such.. And don’t mind the red reflection. That be my shirt. Note to self and to all.%u00a0Don’t wear red while taking pictures with reflective materials.%u00a0

Letting the biscuits be cool, just for a few minutes.

Still slightly warm all cozied together.%u00a0

Nothing like a basket of biscuits to make people happy.

-C

makes about 15 smaller biscuits%u00a0

• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 2 ears of corn
• 1 cup soy milk
• 1 teaspoon salt%u00a0
• 1 teaspoon baking podwer
• 1/2 teaspoon basking soda%u00a0
• 1/4 cup %u00a0cold vegan butter
• 2 jalape%u00f1os%u00a0
• I lime%u00a0

Cook corn by removing husks and %u00a0dropping into a pot of boiling water for about 5 minutes. When corn is cooked, remove from water and allow to cool.%u00a0%u00a0Once cooled enough to handle, cut all the corn off the cob and place into the blender with the soy milk. Blend until smooth. It should measure out to be a little more then 2 cups. If you have less, add in more soy milk until is measures 2 cups. %u00a0Place corn milk in fridge for at least 1/2 hour to cool.%u00a0

Preheat oven to 450.

Place flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder into a large bowl.%u00a0Zest the lime in as well and mix it all together.%u00a0Grab jalape%u00f1os, cut in half, remove seeds, then dice into very small pieces. Mix those into mixture. %u00a0Now cut in the butter with either a fork or pastry blender until the mixture is crumbly. Add in juice of the lime and 2 cups of %u00a0the cooled corn milk and mix until just barley incorporated.

Dump the mixture onto a flour surface. Gather it al together and then press it flat until its about an inch thick. With a biscuit cutter, or a knife if you want square biscuits, cut out biscuits. If you use a cutter, place cut biscuits onto a baking sheet then gather the remaining dough and gently press back together and cut out more biscuits until dough is used up. %u00a0Once all the biscuits are on the baking sheet, brush the tops with corn milk %u00a0if you have a little left over or just plain soy milk then place them into the hot oven.

Bake for 17-22 minutes or until the biscuits are a nice golden brown. Once baked, remove from oven and place on a cooling rack to cool, or toss into basket with a tea towel and serve warm.

Then eat them.

Who doesn’t like a good bun, right? %u00a0And just because this is where my mind wonders, peachy sweet buns. Doesn’t that sound like a pick up line or something you say to your significant other. Like, “Oh hey peachy sweet buns, you are looking good. Woo hoo”…….. Anyway, this is not about anyones peachy sweet buns, it it about actually sweet buns so u-hum, yeah.%u00a0

I am not trying to float my own boat here, but I am really really good at making buns, and you know what, I bet that you are too. They may seem a little intimidating, but really, it’s quite easy. I think what throws some people off is the yeasted dough and having to knead and waiting for the dough to rise,%u00a0but don’t let that stop you from sweet sweet buns. They are no harder to make then a boxed cake (maybe a little harder) and the results are by far more amazing and delightful (we don’t use the word delightful enough around here) then any old box or pre-made thing will ever be. Ever. Freshly made buns are what is right in this world.

If you are awesome and decide to make buns like any good person with a baking itch or a need for some sweet bun goodness does, make them peachy because its peach season and how can a peach bun not be that much more amazing? %u00a0Just think. Soft sweet dough, jammy cinnamon peaches, covered in a sweet lemony glaze……

Go on now, go and get yourself some peachy sweet buns.

The stuff. Flour and salt in the bowl, melted earth balance, brown sugar, yeast, warm soy milk, cane sugar, cinnamon, powdered sugar, a couple of lemons, and af course, peaches.

Warm (not hot) soy milk, yeast, cane sugar, an melted (but again, not hot) earth balance go into a big bowl and get whisked around. Then add in the flour and salt ans mix around until you just can’t.

Time to knead. Dump the dough ad all the little bits onto a flour surface. Gather it all together and knead away, for about 5-8 minutes, or until the dough looks like….

This. Nice and soft and glossy. %u00a0Lightly grease the bowl ans stick the dough back into it, covered with a towel, and set for about 1 hour to rise and double in size.%u00a0

As soon as the dough is set ti rise, start on your peach filling. Chop up enough peaches that you have about 2 1/2 cups of chunks.

Brown sugar and peach chunks go into a pot and stuck on a medium heat until they start to bubble then set to a low simmer for about 20 minutes or until the peaches all break apart and reduce by half.

Add in the cinnamon and stir.. Peachy goodness. Now quick and stick that shit in the fridge or freezer to cool down.

BOOM. Dough did what it’s job and doubled. Time o make the buns.%u00a0

Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and roll our into a rectangle of sorts that is about 1/2 an inch thick%u00a0

Cover the surface with all the peachy jammy goodness, and sprinkle on the remaining finely chopped peaches.

And roll, as tightly as you can, without squeezing all the filling out. I roll towards me, but roll away from you if it is easier. %u00a0It might get a little sloppy… it’s ok, just lick your fingers and keep going.%u00a0

Rolled and cut into 12 pieces.

Place the rolls carefully onto a grease and parchment lined baking 9×13 baking dish. In my picture I used a baking pan, which was not what I wanted to do, but I wasn’t thinking properly and so that’s what I did. Something with sides is preferable, but the baking pan did the job so really, your call.%u00a0

When you place the buns in the dish, place them toughen a bit, it helps then bake up high instead of out. %u00a0And any remaining go on jam that spilled out can get scraped right on top of the buns,%u00a0if you didn’t already eat it.

Now into the preheated oven these %u00a0babies go.

Look at those beauts. And they smell. A-MAZ-ING!!%u00a0

Right away get that glaze made. Powdered sugar, lemon zest, ans lemon juice. Super easy, just add the zest and juice to sugar and mix until smooth and glaze.%u00a0

Pour glaze over warm buns. Make sure to hit them all or someone is going to be pissed they didn’t get enough glaze…..%u00a0

Then it’s really just up to you whether you wait for coffee or tea or not, but really, just eat right away. There should be very little time between newly glazed buns and a bun in your face.

Enjoy the peaches!

-C

Makes 12 Buns

• For the Dough%u00a0
  • 3 1/2 cups all purposes flour
  • 1/4 %u00a0cup cane sugar
  • 1 cup warm soy milk
  • 2 teaspoon or 1 packet yeast
  • 4 tablespoons melted vegan butter%u00a0
  • 1 teaspoon salt
• For the Filling%u00a0
  • 3-4 good sized ripe peaches (about 3 cups chopped peaches)
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • Juice of half a lemon
• For the Glaze
  • 1 lemons
  • 1 1/2 cup powered sugar

In a large bowl mix together the yeast,%u00a0warm (not hot) soy milk,%u00a0sugar, and melted but cooled butter. Now add in %u00a0the salt and the flour. Mix until it’s too hard to mix then dump it all onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 7-10 minutes until the dough is %u00a0soft, elastic-y,%u00a0and smooth. Place dough back into a clean lightly greased bowl and drape with a damp towel. Let dough rise for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size.

While the dough is rising, chop the peaches up until you have about 3 cups.%u00a0Place 2 1/2 cups of the %u00a0peaches into a medium sized pot with the brown sugar and lemon juice and stick on medium heat. Set the rest aside. Cook for about 20 minutes, stirring and mashing with a wooden spoon every few minutes,%u00a0until mixture has become thick and reduced by about 1/2. Remove from heat, stir in cinnamon,%u00a0%u00a0and place in fridge to cool.%u00a0

Once thee dough has doubled, dump onto a flour surface and roll our into a retacnge that is about 1/2 inch thick %u00a0Grab your peach mixture and spread the mixture evenly over the dough. Evenly distribute %u00a0the remaining chopped peaches over jam. %u00a0And then it’s the to roll.

Start from the long side and start to roll toward the other end, keeping it as tight as possible without squeezing out all the filling. %u00a0Once rolled, slice into 12 even sized buns.

Place on a lightly greased and parchment lined 9×13 inch baking sheet or pan and let rest and rest for another20 minutes or so. OR if you want to wait to bake them off,%u00a0cover them with plastic and set into the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to bake, remove from fridge and let the buns set on counter to come to room temperature before baking.%u00a0

Preheat oven to 350.

Place rolls into oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until all the buns have gotten a nice golden brown on top, and if you want to take the internal temp, that the temp has reached 190.%u00a0

Once the buns are done %u00a0baking, mix together the zest and juice of the lemon and powdered sugar. If the glaze seems to thick, add more juice or water, to think, add more sugar. Pour glaze all over warm (but not hot) buns.

And now all you need to do is serve up those buns right away, nice and warned.

Any left overs should be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days but should definitely be warmed up in the microwave for a minute or two before serving. They also freeze well too.%u00a0

The day started off with rhubarb soup and ended in cinnamon walnut rhubarb bread. The bread was a star,%u00a0the soup, not so much, which sucked because I was so excited and so sure it was going be fantastic. Tomatoes, rhubarb, and fresh ginger.%u00a0Doesn’t that sound good? I still have hopes for the combination, but the batch I made was way way to acidic and thick and spicy because I added so much fresh ginger to it that it made the mr’s eye water and my nose run a little. So yeah, the soup needed work, but I was not going to end my day of rhubarb cooking with a fail. Also I felt like I owed it to the mr to make him something that he found edible. He really did not like the soup.

I knew the mr wanted (or at least he hinted at) pie but I had no time for pie. I already spent the morning making not so good soup and I had shit I needed to do. Pie would just take a little to long.%u00a0Quick bread was more in my time frame. A few minutes to chop and mix,%u00a0toss it into the oven for a while. and done.%u00a0%u00a0I had time to cleaned up, run to the post office and bank (I should probably tell you not to leave your oven on when you are not in the house, but I do, but only for short periods of time. And don’t tell the mr. He will kill me) and come back to the house not on fire and fresh cinnamon walnut rhubarb bread. I felt redemption,%u00a0even this it was not pie. The mr didn’t complain, not one bit.%u00a0

And by the way, the soup made it’s way into a different batch of soup that had other stuff in it and it WAS fantastic.%u00a0

The stuff. Rhubarb and walnuts and a bowl with flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Also have coconut oil, brown sugar, soy milk, and a little dish or more brown sugar, cinnamon, and coconut oil for the topping.%u00a0

Chop rhubarb and walnuts into small pieces, not tiny pieces, but not big ones either.%u00a0

Mix the brown sugar and coconut oil into dry mixture, then add in the milk and vinegar and mix until just incorporated (don’t over mix).

Don’t forget to mix in the rhubarb and walnut pieces.%u00a0

Pour batter into a greased pan and then its %u00a0time for the cinnamon sugar topping. (cinnamon+sugar+coconut oil=rainbows?)

Cinnamon sugar topping %u00a0gets crumbled on and I found a few stray walnuts so I tossed those on top too. %u00a0

Now it’s time for the oven.

Look at that, fresh from the oven. So handsome.%u00a0%u00a0Pop it out of the tin and get it onto a wire rack to cool.%u00a0

And when it’s cooled a little and you are ready to take a seat, you slice and eat.

-C

makes one loaf

• 2 1/4 cup all purpose flour
• 3/4 cups brown sugar%u00a0
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 1 cup soy or another plant milk
• 1/2 cup coconut oil (melted and cooled)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 3 stalks rhubarb (2 cups chopped)
• 1/2 cup walnuts

Cinnamon Sugar Topping

• 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 hefty tablespoon cinnamon%u00a0

Preheat oven to 350

Chop rhubarb into small 1/2 inch pieces. If your walnuts are whole, chop those up into small pieces as well.

In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and cinnamon. Mix together then add in the brown sugar and %u00a0the melted coconut oil and mix. Then add in the say milk %u00a0and apple cider vinegar and mix until all is incorporated. %u00a0Stir in the chopped rhubarbd and walnuts.

Pour batter into a well greases bread pan. For the cinnamon topping, just add the cinnamon and brown sugar to the melted coconut oil and mix. %u00a0Crumble the mixture on top of the bread. if you have a few more walnuts, you can toss those on top too.%u00a0Pop bread into preheated oven.

Bake for 60 -70 minutes %u00a0or until a tester stuck into the middle comes out clean.

Remove from pan and let cool on wire rack. When ready, cut and eat.

Bread lasts 3 day in airtight container on counter, a few days longer in the fridge. %u00a0Freezes well.%u00a0

Where did the past week go. I feel like the days are just flying by and before I know there is going to be snow on the ground. I mention snow cause right now I am to stinking hot and my eyes itch like crazy (allergies) that I am fantasizing of cooler days, cozy sweaters, and no mosquitoes. And apples. I am very excited for apple season. It will all be happening soon enough so I should just stop whining and enjoy the sunshine and tomatoes.

Like that picture of the mr right there? We ended up pulling that claw foot tub out of a yurt in the middle of the woods. That was fun, a little crazy given that we were dragging 600lb of cast iron on a tiny little hobbit path, and I might have ripped half the skin off of my finger while moving it, but hey, we got a sweet ass tub that’s got a little history.

Not much new news. The week was full of work so I don’t need to tell you about that but I did manage to make a cake this week. I am really starting to miss my kitchen time but so soon I’ll have a brand new kitchen to cook in so kitchen time for now will have to wait. Yesterday we played hooky for the afternoon and headed out of town to check out a vintage camper show. So many sweet little campers and cute old people that drive around the country in them. It was so cool seeing what people do with a little metal shell on wheels. Life goals right there.

On this fine Sunday the mr and I will find ourselves over at the house, doing some house work, talking about the floors once again. The upstairs is no longer a crazy work zone so I get to move all the tools and lifts downstairs and into the basement, clean,and get ready for priming, painting and eventually sanding the floors. I can just barely see the light at the end of the tunnel.

My internet browsing history this week.

-Love the modern cabin look

-The firefly of the ocean I had to look it up after cause I didn’t believe it was a real thing. Blue Rivers of Bioluminescent Shrimp

–Simple little trivets that I think I have to make

-The Best Time to Do Stuff You Hate Is When You%u2019re at Your Happiest.

-To me, cooking anything down, sweet it savory, to a jam like consistency is a jam. What Makes A Jam A Jam? Surge In Savory Spreads Presents Riddles For Purists

-The mr loves the smell of pools. Little does he know. EVERY SWIMMING
POOL IS FULL OF PEE. hahaha, he is smelling pee.

-Pesticides on Produce: The New %u2018Dirty Dozen%u2019 List

-Toast beer?Sound interesting. Artisanal Food Waste: Can You Turn Scraps Into Premium Products?

-The dark side of a food trend. This explains why many are requesting that we STOP eating avocados.

-I think we are going with this tile for bathroom floor….to boring?

And pictures from the week.

%u00a0Happy Spring people! Aren’t you so excited? I know I am. The daffodils are starting to pop up, the birds are out like crazy with their churp churping and there is a hint of buds grazing all the tree. We are in for warmer weather, fresh green spring veggies, and lots of mud… I mean, what’s not to be happy about. (there are things but we don’t need to talk about them right now)

Yesterday the mr and I finished ripping up all the floor stuff (I managed not to hurt myself until the very last piece and stuck a nail into my hand) and then traveled the city looking at all the windows in all the stores. Window shopping is such a pain in the ass. If you never have to do it, don’t. But we have to and we need to make some decisions like now because this week a bunch of men are making their way over to the new house with their saws and hammers and a big dumpster and are going to cut the back roof off. I am so excited! The addition is going up and the best part is we decided it was just to much for the two of us to do so we hired out the hardest part. We don’t have to tear it down or frame it up anymore and oh does this make me happy. I was not to into the idea of me and the mr ripping of the roof ourselves. The mr, sure he knows what he is doing, but me, I would have probably taken the whole house down.

Anyway, going to be doing house stuff until we can’t which I am ok with because I am really starting to feel crazy and am ready to move.%u00a0 I know it’s still a few months away but I have this weird feeling that I can’t really stop and chill until we are in the new house and I am relaxing there.. so we better get on it.%u00a0

And I can’t forget the cake. I need to make us a bunny with lots and lots of jelly beans.

Internet browsing from me to you.

-I think I might just spend my day making these. DIY GIANT ORIGAMI BUNNIES!

-My new house crush.

Pasta Hair packages are so cool. Creative Packaging Design Turns Pasta Into Hair

It works. Smart Tip: Peel an Entire Head of Garlic in 10 Seconds

-These 27 Solutions Could Help The U.S. Slash Food Waste

-Not Happy With the Candidates? Try Out a New Country. I know I have threatened to move if things go south around here.

-Of course this make all the sense. Greenery (or Even Photos of Trees) Can Make Us Happier

–LUSHNA VILLA: TINY SHELTERS FOR GLAMPING Yes! The mr and I will be making something like this for sure.

-My someday CARIBBEAN Home.

-I am really into (at the moment)%u00a0 using light colored wood in fun ways at the house..Even thinking about plywood floors……we will see.

-More then just a great actor with an amazing voice. -Morgan Freeman Changed His 124 Acre Ranch Into A Bee Sanctuary To Help Save The Bees

And a few pics from the week.

Have a great weekend and again, Happy Spring!

-C

Funny story. Our basement floods a little every year in the spring. I think that a lot of people around here have slight problem with basement water, the houses being so old and all. So when earlier this week we had a massive thaw and a bunch of rain, the mr preemptively set up the sub pump to keep the water away. All day he was checking the pump and all day it poured butthe basement stayed dry. He turned it off that night after it had stopped raining. We woke up to the most beautiful bright blue sky, the temperature so warm that I didn’t need to wear a jacket and to 3 inches of water in the basement. STUPID!!!!! But that happened and yeah. The mr spent a good few hours moving all of our stuff, (we store a lot of stuff in the basement) shop vac-ing and pumping up the water .He did such a good job that it was almost like it never happened. The only really wet thing was a big laundry basket of stuff. I wanted to wash itasap so it wouldn’t mold so when I got home,%u00a0 into the washer it went. (the washer is in the basement too)%u00a0 Go to change the load to the dryer and guess what.. the mr took the washer machine house out of the main drain to use it for the shop vac, and no, we forgot to stick the hose back in. We re-flooded the mother F-ing basement!!!!!AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!

But it’s kinda funny right?

Anyway the week has been heavy on the crazy. My Dad has been here so we have been spending a lot of time with the family doing family things all week. Over at the house we have pretty much gutted the kitchen (anyone want free kitchen cabinets?) and the mr is almost done muding the first floor. Once that happens we can move in (Just kidding… not even close) but we are well on our way. And the next project we tackle is going to be fun fun (rip the roof off!)

And the father of mine is leaving today, (which makes me a little sad)%u00a0 I have no kiddos in my care, the water from the basement is pretty much gone and I don’t want to do a damn thing that involves work. It’s a down day for sure. No people, no fuss. I have a new book on hold at the library, although I am kinda torn.%u00a0 Should I start a new book or binge watch Fuller House? (can I take more family drama?)%u00a0 Have you watched it yet? Do me a favor if you have, let me know if it’s going to ruin the Tanner family for me.

Hoping your day, as well as mine, is gong to be a good one!

Interesting internet stuff from the week.

-Are you a open broiler or a closed broiler. I am neither.. my broiler is the bottom draw of the stove and doesn’t work unless pushed in. Can You Leave the Oven Door Closed While Broiling?

I was planning on making pita bread this week and just happen to stumble upon this article. The 7 Rules of Perfect Pita Bread

-Holding a bag of enough powdered caffeine to kill several people… whoa. Caffeine For Sale: The Hidden Trade Of The World’s Favorite Stimulant

-What is the word for finally getting words for all he emotions I felt but couldn’t explain? %u00a0 40 Words For Emotions You%u2019ve Felt, But Couldn%u2019t Explain

-I know!!!!!. ARTISANAL WATER IS OUT OF CONTROL AND STUPID

-This article really hit home for me. To Anyone Who Thinks They’re Falling Behind In Life

-A tree inside.. yes, I would like one in every room please.

-I love cool (well done) street art.. Quirky New Chalk Characters on the Streets of Ann Arbor by David Zinn

-Maybe next knitting project Knit Fruits and Veggies by %u2018MapleApple%u2019

-I am not going to lie.. I love Chrissy Teigen and although I probably won”t cook any of the food in her book, I am still looking forward to giving it a read. Chrissy Teigen%u2019s %u2018Cravings%u2019 and the Search for Cookbook Credibility

And some pictures.

Not to much is going on here, just trying to enjoy the last bits of summer, while secretly saying to myself that I am ok for the hot weather to be gone, for summer to pitter out and let the cooler weather roll in.%u00a0%u00a0Bring on the sweaters, apples, and root veggies (and maybe a little more couch cuddling and a new tv show to sink my teeth into while knitting). %u00a0And I have already noticed a few trees giving away some colorful leave.%u00a0Foliage season…%u00a0%u00a0the best time of year (minus all the annoying leaf peepers) But before we get to ahead of ourselves, we have the other time of the year coming up.. Back to school!! I myself am not really effected by this,other then all the littles in my life are going back, which means less babysitting (happy!/Sad) %u00a0And let’s not mention all the back to school supplies I am drooling over. Trapper keepers, watercolors and cool new backpacks. %u00a0The kiddos are all getting ready with their new sneakers, crisp, empty notebooks,%u00a0%u00a0and a fancy new sweater. Me, I am just being jealous, hoping maybe one of them will give me one of their extra cool new pencils with the removable eraser. Maybe once everything ends up on clearance,%u00a0%u00a0I’ll buy myself a new composition notebook. You know,%u00a0%u00a0the ones where you can color all the white parts in with a bright pink neon marker. A customized badass notebook %u00a0Those are my favorite.

So besides all that, here are some eventful things from the my life this week in list form.

• got some husk cherries to make something special. and ate them all. Need to get more (more to eat, and more to make something with to share..maybe)
• Starting knitting the mr his annual new winter hat (going with a grey watch cap)
• Painted a ceiling gold
• scratched my face on a raspberry bush
• went to my family reunion,%u00a0came home and found 2 white hairs on the top of my head (no joke)
• Had two other awesome websites mention my recipes this week!!! (Food52 and feedfeed)
• made a few jars of pickles%u00a0
• Discovered Reading Rainbow is now on Netflix.(my childhood right there)

Yeah, that’s about sums it up.%u00a0

But here, have some internet stuff to check out.%u00a0

-I think I need this entire bed set%u00a0to be happy.

-And I want to%u00a0do this%u00a0to a set of sheet too!

-Totally into this house,%u00a0especially the toilet on the door.

Not sure if this is for real, but it’t pretty freaking funny.%u00a0Lady Gaga Threatening Legal Action Over Breast Milk Ice Cream Flavor ‘Royal Baby Gaga’

– I think I should get me some goats.%u00a0Goats May Be Unwelcome In Zimbabwe’s Capital, But D.C. Loves Them

-The Duo Coffee Steeper. This might be fantastic.. Someone buy one and let me know how it works.

–Soothing Spaces%u2026 I like

-Watch This Hilarious Parody of Artisanal Food Makers

-I love The Purl Bee.%u00a0%u00a0Another%u00a0project that I have to make.

And some photos from the week.

This past week my dad has been in town to spend some time with the family. Besides going about my normal life,%u00a0%u00a0every day I have been with at least one, if not a bunch of my siblings and or father (Aaaaaaahhhhh!!!).%u00a0Spending as much time as I have with them%u00a0this week has made me realize how much I love them, and how%u00a0crazy they are. %u00a0I am%u00a0happy to have spent all this time with everybody,%u00a0but am very much excited to have a day to myself, because%u00a0again, they are all f%u00a0ing crazy.%u00a0

But today is not a reclusive day.

Today is our annual%u00a0%u00a0Stem family reunion. We all get together, immediate and extended, at%u00a0my uncles%u00a0cabin, up in the sticks of Vermont and gossip, hike around, eat, %u00a0and try not to drive our 94 year old grams completely cray.%u00a0%u00a0It’s one of the highlights of my%u00a0summer.%u00a0

So now, before heading out, I am trying to figure out what exactly%u00a0I have for ingredients to%u00a0throw together some type of %u00a0peach situation%u2026 so I gots to get to that. And of course the coffee. I need the coffee, and lots of it.

Hope you folks are living up the end of summer!!!

Here is some internet fun stuff.

-This is so great%u00a0%u00a0I want to draw on my walls now

-The world we live in. %u00a0Could Sexting Help Your Relationship?

– I love these cabins, the%u00a0pictures are beautiful%u00a0

-Another place I could totally live in

– Why is the world so beautiful.%u00a0A theoretical physicist searches for the design behind nature%u2019s beauty.

–These or these I can’t decide%u00a0

-I love maps.%u00a0Lithuanian Artist Makes Incredibly Detailed Paper Cuts Of City Maps%u00a0

-Only in VT.%u00a0One Vermont Ballet Group Is Mixing Dance With Cows In ‘Farm To Ballet’%u00a0

And some pictures from the week

Wowzers%u2026Is it for real Memorial day weekend? Where has all the time gone? Let’s talk about a week gone by fast.%u00a0My brain is on complete overdrive and I am having a hard time keeping it from exploding%u2026SO MUCH TO DO! (Not bad stuff, just a lot of stuff) But lo, that’s life right? There is always a lots of “stuff” to do, but today I am going to try and let that stuff chill and maybe give myself a few hours of coffee, (so much coffee) reading a book in the sunshine, gardening, and just some overall chillin.%u00a0

Hopefully.

And hopefully you party people out there will be able to do a little of the same, or at least the chillin part. It is a 3 day weekend after all (not for us, but whatever)

Some internet fun finds.

-Sleeping in a loft that I have to crawl to get to the bed%u2026 this%u00a0%u00a0Gallery of Gorgeous Attic Bedrooms%u00a0makes me so jealous..

-This new startup wants to sell you ugly fruit and veggies. I still don’t get it, it’s not ugly, its awesome.

-So cool and reminds me of my late brother in law.%u00a0Wet Fold Origami Technique Gives Wavy Personality to Paper Animals by Artist Hoang Tien Quyet

-Could this be my new home? And I love a good plant lady.%u00a0BURSTING WITH PLANTS, A 1910 PORTLAND FOURSQUARE FOR A FLORIST AND BARISTA

-Its so weird how try this is.%u00a0Going, Going, Gone: 30+ Items That Are Disappearing from Our Homes

-We are doing this is the humongus pot hole in front of our house(we want to anyway)%u00a0Treats in the Streets: Artist Jim Bachor Fills Potholes with Ice Cream Mosaics

-Holy shit is this the mister. 5 Conditions That Afflict the Reluctant Dishwasher. (1 and 2 %u00a0really hit the nail)

A few photos from the weekGoodbye fiddleheads%u2026. Hello ferns%u00a0

On our way to a geo catch%u2026. And note clothing options for 2 in the afternoon. I am much fond of that little guy wearing a rain jacket without a shirt in when its sunny and 80 degrees. And a pink poke dot bath robe.. I mean, it’s so the cool thing to do.%u00a0

We didn’t find the geo, but we found this gigantic mushroom. Just as cool, maybe even cooler.

I love brick and there is one street in all of burlington (that I know of) that has brick sidewalks. I like to walk down it a lot.%u00a0

Nurse lady making food%u2026 I compare this to a big foot sighting. I have heard stories that she cooks,but have never actually witnessed it myself. (Just kidding%u2026.kinda)

Happy long weekend! (if you are lucky to have one!)

-C

Yesterday I spent the entire day (ok maybe not the entire day), but a the better part of the afternoon defrosting my freezer. Sure, I do the occasional chip chop here and there, just enough from around the freezer door so it will close, but ever few months I notice that everything in the fridge is not staying cold and that the freezer is not freezing stuff. Thats when I know its for real time to defrost. So a few days ago when I noticed my bananas were turing to liquid in the freezer, I knew it what I had to do%u2026.Completely empty the fridge %u00a0and melt/hack away the 2-4 inches of ice build up that accumulated. It is such a freaking pain in the ass.So on this defrosting day, I took all the stuff from the freezer, stuck it in a cooler, and the rest of the stuff, which is basically all veggies, I just tossed on the table.%u00a0As I am hacking away with a metal spatual, a wooden spoon, and a constant rotation of pots of boiling water, I was thinking about dinner. I figured I might as well just eat up as much of the veggies as I could, you know, so I didn’t have to put them back in the fridge. And also, I was getting pretty annoyed because this particular defrosting session was taking way longer the anticipated, which made making dinner seem like another pain in the ass. %u00a0I figured I might as well just eat everything that is already out on the table, which pretty much narrowed down the “whats for dinner” conversations because it was already all over the place. And so dinner was a humongo salad for me, and for the mister, I made him a monster of a veggie sandwich. (my salad was exactly the same stuff as the sandwich, minus the bagel) Easy, fast, super duper yummy, pretty and piled so high with tons of veggies that the fridge is pretty much empty now.%u00a0

Look at the is beast. I don’t call it a monster sandwich for nothing.

The stuff included in this monster veggie sandwich..

Romaine lettuce, tomato, avocado for there is not real sandwich without them. Thinly sliced radishes, cucumber,a and onion for nice crispy crunch. Shredded beets, carrots, and purple cabbage to give %u00a0more crunch and a bit of sweetness. Then of course there needs to be something pickled, so I used banana peppers cause they are the SHIT!! And lastly some hummus for a nice creamy finish (plus a bit of protein) and yellow mustard because mustard on everything is just right. %u00a0Heres to a mountain if goodness that is no longer in the fridge! Served with a another mountain of roasted parsnips and carrots (more stuff from the fridge) and a tall glass of iced tea.

Lucky that today is farm share pick up cause the fridge is pretty much on empty.%u00a0

Yea it’s Thursday!!!!

-C

A Monster Veggie Sandwich

Note. This is just a guide.. Feel free to use whatever veggies you fancy.%u00a0

• Either a bagel, 2 slices of bread, or a big chunk of baguette (use a gluten free bread if you want or need too)
• Hummus- Homemade or store bought
• Mustard
• Something pickled like pickles, banana peppers , jalape%u00f1os or all three%u00a0
• Lettuce, spinach or some kind of leafy green
• Tomato
• Avocado
• Onion
• Radishes
• Cucumber
• Shredded Carrots
• Shredded Beets
• Shredded Cabbage

To assemble. Ready your bread.. Toast if you want, and stick it on a plate

On either side, smear the hummus and the mustard. %u00a0

Pick a side, start to stack by evenly disrupting veggies on top of veggies. Place the second piece of bread on top and %u00a0giving a little smooth to keep it together.

And go at it. Cut in half or don’t. Have a napkin or a long sleeve ready to wipe your face.

%u00a0 %u00a0 %u00a0%u00a0And that’s how I know that this is a winner.%u00a0As an awesome aunt, when I have any of my nieces or nephews, %u00a0I feel the need to make something special for dinner, something that the kiddos might not get very often, but also keep it on he healthy side. I have 2 littles for the night which gives me the perfect opportunity for a trash food recipe. You know trash food, things like boxed mac and cheese, beefaroni in a can, or, in this case, sloppy joes.

Sloppy yes, trashy, not so much. These are made with beans and bulgur. No meat.

And I figured it is nice enough out that I can make the kiddos some messy food and then just bring them out back and hose them off%u2026 I mean, why not right?

The stuff%u2026 We start with onion and green pepper, chopped into pieces. Black beans, bulgur, can crushed tomatoes. Chili powder, garlic powder, a bit o apple cider vinegar (which I forgot to picture) ,and some salt and pepper. Oh and cheese if you want%u2026 Plus a bun of some sort is necessary.%u00a0 %u00a0 %u00a0 Toss the chopped onion and peppers into a deep skillet or pot with a drizzle of oil. Cook on medium heat until tender and toss in the spices. Give a stir.%u00a0Add in the beans, bulgur, and tomato, a splash of vinegar. Stir it all up, cover, and let simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the bulgur has absorbed the liquid and is nice and tender.

If you are a bun toaster%u2026 toast while waiting. If not, just get the buns ready%u00a0And Then dump a good heaping pile right onto a bun. Add some cheese, or not..and eat with wild abandonment, %u00a0making sure to get as much on your face as you get in you mouth.%u00a0

Fantastic Friday!! Live it up.%u00a0

-C

Black Bean and Bulgur Sloppy Joes%u00a0

• 2 cups or 1 can cooked black beans
• 1 16 oz can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup bulgur
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 small onion
• 1 green pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder%u00a0
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• salt and pepper
• a splash of apple cider vinegar
• olive oil
• 4-6 burger or bulky buns
• cheese (optional)

Dice the onion and the pepper and toss with a drizzle of olive oil into a large skillet. Saut%u00e9 on medium heat until veggies become tender. Add in the spices, stir in and let cook for a minutes, then add in the beans, the tomato,water and the bugler. Cover skillet and let simmer until bugler becomes soft.

When the slop is ready, either toasted or not, scoop a generous portions onto buns. If so inclined, add some cheese.%u00a0

Eat with hands%u2026 Sloppy is good.

Summertime is in full swing. Hot ass days, garden fresh veggies, zucchinis as big as whales, and did I mention that hot ass heat? If you have been around here before, you know how well I handle the heat. (NOT WELL AT ALL!)

I think we are all hot these days. But really, lets just focus on the good things, like fresh summa veggies!

This sandwich is all about summertime and not having to turn on a single flame or heat source and takes all of 5 minutes to make. Zucchini because it is everywhere, beans for more substance and they are delicious, all mixed up in a creamy bean and tahini sauce. Super fast, fresh and oh so delicious. I made a big batch for sandwiches but also I was just eating it with a fork. It%u2019s a tasty one that will be on the summer rotation for sure for the next few months, or until the zucchini runs out and I dare to turn the oven on again. (Ok, I am being a whine ass. It%u2019s not THAT bad and I did turn the oven on, early morning, to bake bread. So yeah.) But for real. This is a great, super fast, throw together, fresh, light but filling, sandwich situation for any and all of your summertime eating needs. What more do we need? The mr said all he needed with the sandwich were chips. Chips and a nice cold drink.

Done sir. Done.

Now to the sandwich!

The stuff. White beans, a zucchini, and a fresh spring onion. Also some tahini, a lemon, a few cloves of garlic, a little vinegar and water, and salt and pepper. And to serve as a sandwich you need bread. lettuce, and tomato. Well you only need the bread, but you get what I am saying.

Fist off. Half the white beans go into blender or jar with the tahini, the juice of the lemon, garlic, vinegar and a splash of water. Blended unit nice and creamy smooth. And yes, it is basically hummus but whatever.

Julienne the zucchini and chop up the onion.

Note. You don%u2019t have a mandolin or done%u2019t want to julienne with a knife, well just chop the zucchini into small little chunks.

Bean, onion, and zucchini in a bowl. Add in the bean tahini mixture and mix. And ta da, all done. All of 5 minutes and no heat. Good for us.

Now here is the thing. This salad is ready to eat now. You can continue onto the sandwich path or just eat it like it is with a fork. What I really liked to do is scoop spoonfuls into lettuce cups with a slice of tomato and a squirt or mustard. So yes sandwich, but also whatever else you want it to be.

But as a sandwich%u2026. Bread. And lettuce and tomato and heck, whatever else you want to throw on there. (Again, mustard is A+)

Now stop. Sandwich time.

Stay cool!

-C

makes 3-4 sandwiches

• 1 medium sized zucchini

• 2 1/2 cups cooked and strained white beans (a can will do)

• 1 spring onion (or a small white or red onion)

• 3 tablespoons tahini

• 2-3 cloves minced garlic

• 1 lemon

• 1 tablespoon white or red wine vinegar

• 2-3 tablespoons warm water

• salt and pepper

• And to serve as a sandwich

• bread or wrap of your choice

• tomato slices

• lettuce

• anything else you want

Place half of the beans, tahini, garlic, juice of the lemon, and the vinegar into a jar and use a immersion blender or a regular blender and blend until creamy smooth. Add in a tablespoon at a time of water until the consistency is just slightly thinner then hummus.

Grab zucchini and using a mandolin or a knife and julienne it. (You can also just cut into small little cubes.) Dice the onion up into small pieces and toss with zucchini, onion, and the other half of beans into a big bowl. Dump the bean tahini mixture all over and veggies bean mixture and toss around. Add salt and pepper to taste.

To make it a sandwich%u2026 Place a scoop onto a bread situation, add some lettuce and tomato and whatever else you want, and eat it.

My head is in hyper crazy mode lately,and I am sure I am not the only one. There are so many things going on all at once. I can get a little frazzled and fizzled and just plan beat ass tired. And then I think about what to make for dinner.

Boom. My mind melts and my stomach growls. Some nights all I want to do is come home, skip real dinner, and just eat carrots dipped in mustard and call it a night.%u00a0 But the mr, he can’t live off of carrots.(I probably couldn’t either) So I make.dinner. (Where is my trophy for being the best?) But nothing to fancy and it needs to be fast ans easy.%u00a0 I have been thinking more about things that I can make on the fly, things that are healthy and satisfying. Foods I can make that can be wrapped, packed and eaten on a milk crate in between tearing down a wall. And tasty…needs to be good.

Sandwiches. That is where it’s at. And this sandwich. Watch out!

Nothing to do with this sandwich but I am sitting here at 8pm on the couch, writing out this post, getting a face time call from a 5 year old little. He really needs to talk to me…. and about what? What does a 5 year old need to talk about this late at night? Well he needs to talk birthday cake, a duh. He needs to show me his cake diagram he made that consists of 9 full sized pieces of paper taped together. (he said the cake didn’t have to be that big). And he cannot possibly go to sleep until I am aware of his cake design. Well little dude, I got it. A chocolate/vanilla/red/green/and purple cake only 2 feet high, in the shape of mind craft and flavored like happiness. I am on it. Now go to bed.

So yeah, back to sandwich. This is probably one of the quickest, most satisfying sandwich that I have ever made in my entire life (seriously) Creamy and rich peanut ginger smothered chickpeas paired with crisp, slightly tangy veggies.. Ridiculously fast and easy to make. A sandwich that is worth having a famous person eat it, declare it #1, rename it the (insert cool famous person name) sandwich and forever be known in the sandwich world. But until then, or before then, you can get on this sandwich band wagon and say you ate it before it was famous. You will then be the coolest person ever. (maybe a slight exaggeration)

The stuff. Chick peas in bean juice, apple cider vinegar, a big scoop of creamy peanut butter, some soy sauce, a few cloves of garlic, fresh ginger and a little bit of honey, Also going to need some cabbage, a carrot and a half of ared onion.

Do this first… Slice the veggies as thinly as you can, stick them into a bowl and splash with apple cider vinegar. Give it a good toss and set aside.

Grab another bowl and stick in the peanut butter, soy, and honey. Grate or super finely mince the garlic and about a tablespoon of the fresh ginger and add that in, along with a splash or two of the apple cider vinegar. Grab a little whisk (a fork will do) and start mixing.

As your whisking, add in about 2-3 tablepoons of the bean juice. Whisk until the sauce is light and fluffy.

Strain the chickpeas from the remaining liquid,%u00a0 toss them into the sauce and mix all around.

Sandwich time.. I think you get the idea. The veggies and the beans get stuck onto the bread.

And closed onto each other. A sandwich to make anyone, anytime, anywhere, all day long….HAPPY.

Bye!

-C

makes 2-3 sandwiches

• 2 cups chickpeas (and a few tablespoons of the bean juice)
• 1/4 cup creamy natural peanut butter (I am a fan of Trader Joe’s)
• 1 teaspoon honey or brown sugar if vegan
• 1 tablespoon soy (I actually used Braggs liquid aminos, but either will work)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (plus another tablespoon for veggies)
• 1-2 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
• Abut 1 1/2 cups of shredded cabbage
• a small carrot shredded or thinly sliced
• 1/2 a small red onion sliced super thin
• bread/wrap/whatever you want to sandwich the salad in

Right away stick the carrot, cabbage, and the onion into a shallow bowl and drizzle on about 1tablespoon of vinegar. Give them a good toss and set aside. ( the longer they sit, the better they taste)

In a separate bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, honey, soy, and the other 1 tablespoon vinegar. Grate or mince the garlic and the fresh ginger and add that in as well. As you are whisking this together, add in about 2 tablespoons of the bean juice. Mix until light and fluffy. Strain the remaining juice from the chickpeas and add them into the sauce. Toss to coat.

Note… I did not show it, but i mashed the chick peas a little bit, so they were not all rolling around and completely falling off the bread.. so you might want to do it too.

Now compile the sandwich.. A handful of the crispy sour veggies and a scoop or two (or however much you want) of the chick peas goes in between two slices of bread (or in a wrap). Toast the bread if you wish.

And eat. Smile, lick your fingers, and be satisfied that you can forever make this amazing sandwich in like 3 minutes whenever you feel like it and that it is most likely going to have a cool famous person name.

Yes Please. Thank you very much. Sweet Potato custard (I don’t  know what else to call it) topped with coconut. My taste buds have found themselves in heaven. I have found myself sticking my butt out of the fridge with spoon in hand. Hey there, like what you see?

Now that thanksgiving is over you might be thinking.. oh we can’t or, no we shouldn’t or, that it’s too much work. Well you can, you should, and it’s not. This custardy crustless pie is nothing short of awesome and is super easy to make. All you really have to do is puree and mix a few ingredients together and bake it. The obstacle here is trying not eat it all in one sitting, But you know what. that would be ok..You eat this and it tastes so good and you feel like you have used your days worth of guilt on dessert but guess what, you didn’t. This pie  is actually pretty darn healthy, even maybe good for you.  There is no sugar, no gluten, no dairy, no crap. Hardy sweet potatoes  and sweet little dates with so many vitamins, chai and coconut for protein and health fat and cinnamon, which is good for everything.  I mean, AMAZING  Now you can have dessert and  save your guilt for say,  buying a new sweater when you really don’t need it or for canceling your dentist appointment because, let’s be honest, you really just don’t feel like going( Its ok, I rescheduled for next week). See, you must make this. Pie, sweater and no dentist…It’s a winner.

Custard ingredients. A whole lot of not much. Sweet potatoes are the star here. A few dates, chia seeds, and a bit of cinnamon spice. That’s  it. Oh yes, this desert is 100% way acceptable for breakfast and comes with absolutely 0% quilt. Its magic.

If you have left over sweet potato, this is your chance to use them up, but if not, 3 sweet potatoes, stuck in the oven at 400 degrees for about 45 minutes or until they are fork tender.

      While the potatoes are baking, chia seeds go into water to soak.. I remember the first time I used chia seeds and they turned into gel, I thought something was very wrong.  They are suppose to turn gloppy, so if your concerned, don’t be. Now take your dates..MAKE SURE TO REMOVE PIT!!!..and stick in some warm water, just enough to cover. If you are familiar with dates and use them often, you might already have date paste on hand…just use that. otherwise. we are going to turn these dates into a paste by simply letting them sit in a bit of water to soften and then pureeing.. It’s a really simple process that you can do every time you use date paste in a recipe, but my suggestion is to make a big batch and save the rest. It will turn into a new thing for you. You will want to eat it by the spoon full and then some. It’s that good..

The potatoes are done and cooling… now is a good time to puree dates. The consistency doesn’t have to be silky smooth, but it doesn’t hurt to get close. Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, remove skin( eat the skin) and stick into either a large bowl  if you’re using a handle blender or emulsifier, or into the food processor.  Puree those sweet roots of deliciousness, adding a splash of water or two if they need help whipping up.  Add the chia seeds, the date paste, and spices….mix and POW!!. Go ahead, you must eat a bite….or two. Satisfied for now? Stick it into the fridge. Refrigerating for a bit to even over night makes the custard set up a smidge better, but you really don’t need to refrigerate. To be honest,, you don’t need to bake this either, just eat it like pudding(which is what I have been doing too) But you really want to bake it. Just stick the bowl in the fridge.

Now to make this custard even more awesome, we are going to add a little coconut topping. Here we have coconut flour, unsweetened coconut flakes, a little scoop of the custard filling  and a little coconut oil

Mixed together for a bit of a crumble… and yea.

When the mr got home from work last night, her got himself a super great dinner suprice

Pizza, on a Monday. Woo Hoo! (I am so awesome, my sister even texted to congratulate him on his unexpected pizza dinner)

But here is the thing. I think pizza is a completely acceptable dinner any night of the week just as long as it is not covered in a shit tone of greasy cheese or any other kinda heavy and not so good stuff.%u00a0 This is a not one of those types of pizzas. This pizza is light, the crust rolled slightly thin, covered in a creamy sweet pea and cashew cream, (which is really pretty) and topped off with a tons of shaved asparagus and sliced radishes.It’s a celebration of spring time veggies and tastes so f*ing good. Sweet and creamy from the peas cashew cream, a nice crispy freshness from the asparagus, and a nice little spicy kick from the radishes. All the flavors that make me happy. It’s oh so good. .

And really, It’s almost like eating a big salad with a piece of bread. Not a bad dinner right? So do yourself a favor and make that salad and bread into this kick ass pizza.

You can, you should, you, must.

The stuff. Peas (fresh or thawed out frozen.. my were frozen) some cashews soaking in water, a bunch of asparagus (I had purple but you can just use green) ans a few radishes. Also need a lemon, some nutritional yeast, a few coves of garlic, salt and pepper, and a little olive oil. Oh, and a pizza dough.

To get the cashew pea cream going, strain the water from the cashews and dump them into a blender along with the peas, garlic, nutritional yeast, juice of half of the lemon, and a pinch of salt. Turn blender on and slowly add in a bit of water, just enough to get the stuff to start blending. Keep on blending until nice and smooth.

And now shave the asparagus down. I found the easiest way to do this is to chop op the crown part then place the stock on the counter and peel away from you. Not all peels are going to be uniform and perfect, which is good for a textured pizza. Any pieces that break off or shave off weird, keep them too, it;s all going on the pizza. If you asparagus is not super fresh, they might have woody ends.%u00a0 When done shaving just toss those into a bag and save for a soup later.

And now that the asparagus is done, thinly slice the radishes up.

Get that pizza dough onto a baking devise (use a baking sheet, pizza stone, or whatever you usually make pizza on. I used a lightly oiled baking sheet)%u00a0 and smear lots of that cashew pea cream all over it.

Pile on the shaved asparagus and all the ends and tips that we cut off or broke off.

Top with the radishes and a good pinch of salt and lots of fresh cracked pepper.

Into the oven it needs to go.

Pulled from the oven, looking all pretty and springy and smelling so amazing.

Drizzled with a little of the left over cashew pea cream and a few squeezes of fresh lemon.

Your good to go!

Pizza on a weekday, it’s what you need in your life.

-C

• 1 12oz pizza dough (use this recipe, your own, or store bought)
• 10-15 or so stalks of asparagus (about 1/2 a pound)
• 3-4 big radishes
• 1/2 cup peas
• 1/2 cup cashews (soaked for about 1/2 an hour)
• 2-3 cloves garlic
• 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• 1/8-1/4 cup water
• A lemon
• olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 450

First off, prepare your pizza dough or remove it from the fridge to come to room temperature.

Strain the water from the cashews and add them to a blender with the peas, the juice of half a lemon, 1/8 cup of water, the nutritionalyeast, and a sprinkle of salt. Blend until smooth. If you need to, add in another splash or two of water to thin it out.

Grab your asparagus stalks ans chop off the top crown parts. Take the remaining stalks and peel them. Do this by holding the stalk flat on the counter and while holding to the end, peel the stalk away from you.%u00a0 I(f your asparagus is not super fresh ans had woody ends, use those to hold on to and when done shaving, just toss them into a bag and save for a soup later)%u00a0 Shave each piece until you cant shave any more. Some pieces are going to be super thin, some kinda thick… that’s totally cool, it add dimension to the pizza.

%u00a0 And now, as thinly as you can, slice the radishes.

To assemble pizza- Roll out dough kinda thin and place on a lightly oiled baking sheet.(you can bake your dough any way or on any thing that you usually do)%u00a0 Smear a good amount of the cashew pea cream on dough. You will probably have a little left over which you can either water down a little as a drizzle for the done pizza or just save for a sandwich or a veggie dip for later.%u00a0 Topthe smeared dough with all the shaved asparagus and chopped off crowns then layer on the radishes .Sprinkle with salt and pepper and stick into the oven. Bake for 15ish minutes or until your crust golden brown and done to your liking.

When you remove the pizza from the oven, feel free to drizzle the remaining cashew pea cream all over and definitelytop with a squeeze of more of fresh lemon.

Cut into pieces (square, triangles or what have you) and serve to your open mouth!

Happy Spring Eating!

Ah Sunday%u2026Monday-Saturday %u00a0would suck without you. The past week has been glorious with all the warm sunny days. I have even managed to give myself a slight sunburn on my face (time to whip out the real sunscreen!!) %u00a0%u00a0I am really looking forward to today because honesty, I need a down day. Not complaining, but when the weather is nice, I try to do my life and spend as much time as possible being and playing outside, so I have burned myself out a bit. %u00a0So today I have very little planned except a bike ride to the library to return and retrieve a few books that will keep me occupied for the rest of the day and maybe I’ll get to the baskets of dirty laundry and mop the floors%u2026 maybe. All I know for sure is that I have a least one pot of coffee coming my way. %u00a0Much excitement!!!!!

Some Internet things to check out.

-I have the seeds and the plot, just waiting a little longer for the weather to hold!!!!%u00a0.7 Secrets For A High-Yield Vegetable Garden

-Washed Up: Alejandro Duran%u2019s Site-Specific Found Plastic and Trash Installations%u2026. Sad about trash but so awesome and pretty.

-Why Asparagus make you pee smell funny%u2026%u2026 So now you can tell everyone.

-The Space Station Gets A Coffee Bar. I know I %u00a0would for sure not go to space unless there I could have coffee.

%u00a0-I am looking forward to this cook book. %u00a0Honey & Jam: Seasonal Baking from My Kitchen in the Mountains.%u00a0

– I still don’t have one, but its good to know.%u00a0How Microwaves Heat Your Food.

A few shots from the week

The sky has had the most amazing clouds all week.A walk leading to a free rain barrel. Love free stuff! (and everyone pictured)We took the car %u00a0through a car wash%u2026 My first time, it was thrilling.%u00a0Only and his yearly bath. Wet cats look so pathetic, but he was a champ. Neither nick or I suffered any wounds.So much asparagus%u2026 I can’t get enough! (and my pee doesn’t smell)

And I’ll just leave you with that.

Hope your day is full of coffee refills and leisurely outdoor activities!

-C

The bounty of spring is upon us. Asparagus is everywhere and I have been embracing it.. smelly pee and all.%u00a0 And along with all my spring veggies and smells, %u00a0I have grabbing for more springy spices. I go through seasonal spice kicks, like cinnamon and ginger in the fall, curries and chills in the winter. And for spring, I am big on sumac. If you haven’t heard of it or tasted it, it kind of taste like a tangy salty lemon..without actually having any salt. And its a really pretty, a bright red, almost purple color. I use it on a lot of things, especially veggies and bean dishes, sometimes as a lemon replacer, but mostly to add another level of tangy flavor.%u00a0It’s fantastic, really great for all those springy time dishes. Nice and bright!

%u00a0This dish is perfect made and eaten right away, but it’s one of those dishes that tastes even better the day after. Also it’s good and safe to serve room temperature. (think lunch box or a picnic!) And did I mention healthy? Protein packed quinoa and the lean green asparagus, I mean come on. You won’t feel an ounce of guilt for eating a hugmongo bowl of this stuff because you should, so it’s totally ok.

Eat away!%u00a0

The stuff of the stuff. Quinoa and asparagus for the base. Sumac, lemon, garlic, onion, salt and pepper and a little splash of oil for the dressing.%u00a0

Note. Sumac is not always the easiest spice to find. I know that its available online (what isn’t) and that some health food store or herbal apothecaries carry it, but i have ye tot see it at a conventional supermarket. And once you find it, buy a good amount cause you will also fall in love with it and use it on everything.%u00a0

%u00a0 %u00a0 %u00a0Start by making the dressing. You want to have it sit for at least 10 minutes. It will be perfect by the time the quinoa is done. Mince the garlic, dice the onion and juice the lemon. Stick it all into a jar with the sumac, a pinch of salt and pepper and about a teaspoons worth of olive oil. Stick a lid on the jar and shake shake shake. and let it sit.

Now you should make the quinoa.. Water and quinoa go into pot, high heat until boiling, %u00a0topped with a lid and set to simmer for about 15 minutes.%u00a0

When the quinoa is simmering, cook up the asparagus. Add a drizzle of oil, to a pan and a few splashes of water. Place trimmed and chopped asparagus to pan and sprinkle with salt. Cook on medium heat for about 8 minutes, or until cooked but still has a nice crunch to it. Take off heat and add the dressing to pan. %u00a0Let it sit and marinate for a few minutes.When the quinoa is tender, fluff with a fork and add to the skillet with the asparagus and dressing. Toss around to make sure all the quinoa gets dressed. Take a taste.. does it need a little salt and pepper? Add a pinch if it does.Pile into a bowl, add a bit of cracked pepper.. and eat.

Or%u2026 Idea! Make this dish and pack it into a jar. Maybe grab a baguette and some hummus os some other %u00a0tasty foods and take yourself and a friend out for a picnic.%u00a0

So much good .

Keep it real yo

-C

Quinoa and Asparagus with Sumac Dressing

serves 3-4 %u00a0as a side dish or 2 as a main meal.%u00a0

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 8-10 asparagus%u00a0
• olive oil

For the Dressing

• 1 tablespoon sumac
• 1/2 small red onion
• 2-3 cloves garlic
• Juice of 1 jumbo lemon or 2 small lemons
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• salt and pepper

Start but making the dressing. Mince the garlic and finely dice the onion. Place in a %u00a0jar with the sumac, the juice of the lemon, a pinch of salt and pepper, and a little splash of oil. Top the jar and shake the crap out of it for a minute. Let sit and meld. (This dressing can be made ahead of time and is fantastic on all sorts of everything)

In a large pot, add water, quinoa and a spindle of salt. Bring to a boil, cover , and reduce heat to simmer. Let cook for about 15 minutes or until water has completely absorbed. %u00a0When the quinoa gets going, trim the woody parts of the asparagus and chop the remain asparagus into inch long pieces. Toss into a lightly oiled skillet with a few splashes of water, sprinkle with salt and put on medium heat for about 8 minutes, or until asparagus is cooked, but still crispy. Take off heat and add the sumac dressing. Once the quinoa is done, fluff it with a fork and toss it with the sumac dressed asparagus. Scoop into a bowl, add some cracked pepper. Bring food to face and eat.%u00a0

Any leftover? This dish is fantastic serves cold or at room temperature.

%u00a0 %u00a0%u00a0 I have never in my life seen, let alone received, a kohlrabi as big as the one I picked up from my farm share last week. It was, no joke, bigger then my head. (completely nuts) %u00a0If I didn’t know the farm and the farmers of my CSA, I would have to question whether or not it was grown in radioactive sludge%u2026(kind of like the dandelions in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle movie from the 90’s)

What is a kohlrabi you ask? It’s kind of a cross between a turnip and a cabbage that is usually the size of a baseball. It can be eaten raw (I like chunks dipped in mustard) or cooked. (roasted chunks dipped in mustard) %u00a0It pairs well with sweet stuff like apples and honey, or in any savory stuff. Its one of my favorite vegetables (I say that about them all!)

So now that you know about kohlrabi (if you didn’t already) its time to get yourself some and make this soup. Because for real,%u00a0%u00a0I am not kidding when I say that this is one of the best soups that I have ever made. %u00a0You really must try it. And do it soon because hopefully in the next few weeks the soup weather will turn into fresh pea weather and we might not want soup as much (I eat soup all year long)

A gigantic kohlrabi cut in half ( I only used one of the halts) A whole yellow onion and 2 large carrots. I also added in 4 cloves or garlic

Peel the kohlrabis tough skin off and chop up into chunks. Chop the carrot, garlic and onion as well .

%u00a0 %u00a0All of those chopped veggies get thrown into a pot with two cups of water and a good sprinkle of salt and pepper. Cover and place on medium heat for about 20-25 minutes. (give a stir ever now and then) Keep cooking until the veggies are fork tender.%u00a0

Once the chunks are all cooked up,%u00a0its time for the %u00a0immersion blender. (or into a regular blender) Add in at least 3 cups of water, but more to thin out to your desired consistency and let it rip.%u00a0Stop blending once%u00a0the soup is nice and creamy. Taste and season with salt and pepper to taste. Leave on low heat to bring back to a good soup %u00a0eating temperature.

%u00a0Now the soup is done.. and you can eat it just as it is, but you should really add in the asparagus. It is just so f*ing good. Just grab a few spears, dice them nice and small, and throw into the soup pot. Let it cook for another 5 minutes and wa la..%u00a0Soup is done. Ladle into bowls and if you want a little fancy presentation, add a swirl of mustard (it’s so good) and a whole cooked asparagus spear.

And eat one of the greatest soups ever!

Happy Day Wednesday!

-C

Creamy Kohlrabi Soup with Asparagus

• 3-4 kohlrabi (or 4 cups chopped Kohlrabi)
• 2 large carrots
• 1 large onion
• 4 or more cloves of garlic
• Salt and Pepper
• 4-6 spears of Asparagus (extra if you want to garnish)
• Yellow Mustard (optional)

Peel outer layer of kohlrabis. Roughly chop the onion, carrot, kohlrabi and garlic and stick it all into large dutch oven or stock pot. Add water until veggies are half submerged . Add a good sprinkle of salt and pepper and place on burner on medium heat and cover. Check ever 5 or so minutes and give the pot a good stir. After about 25 minutes, all the veggies should be very tender and almost fall apart when stuck with a fork. With an immersion blender or regular blender, blend till smooth, adding water until soup is at your desired constancy. Return soup to medium heat. Small dice asparagus and add to pot. (I added 2 extra whole pieces and fished them put once cooked for garnish.) Keep on heat for another 5-10 minutes until asparagus is cooked.%u00a0

Scoop into bowl and squirt top with yellow mustard and top with a spear of cooked asparagus.

Eat with a spoon and lick bowl clean.

Summertime is in full swing. Hot ass days, garden fresh veggies, zucchinis as big as whales, and did I mention that hot ass heat? If you have been around here before, you know how well I handle the heat. (NOT WELL AT ALL!)

I think we are all hot these days. But really, lets just focus on the good things, like fresh summa veggies!

This sandwich is all about summertime and not having to turn on a single flame or heat source and takes all of 5 minutes to make. Zucchini because it is everywhere, beans for more substance and they are delicious, all mixed up in a creamy bean and tahini sauce. Super fast, fresh and oh so delicious. I made a big batch for sandwiches but also I was just eating it with a fork. It%u2019s a tasty one that will be on the summer rotation for sure for the next few months, or until the zucchini runs out and I dare to turn the oven on again. (Ok, I am being a whine ass. It%u2019s not THAT bad and I did turn the oven on, early morning, to bake bread. So yeah.) But for real. This is a great, super fast, throw together, fresh, light but filling, sandwich situation for any and all of your summertime eating needs. What more do we need? The mr said all he needed with the sandwich were chips. Chips and a nice cold drink.

Done sir. Done.

Now to the sandwich!

The stuff. White beans, a zucchini, and a fresh spring onion. Also some tahini, a lemon, a few cloves of garlic, a little vinegar and water, and salt and pepper. And to serve as a sandwich you need bread. lettuce, and tomato. Well you only need the bread, but you get what I am saying.

Fist off. Half the white beans go into blender or jar with the tahini, the juice of the lemon, garlic, vinegar and a splash of water. Blended unit nice and creamy smooth. And yes, it is basically hummus but whatever.

Julienne the zucchini and chop up the onion.

Note. You don%u2019t have a mandolin or done%u2019t want to julienne with a knife, well just chop the zucchini into small little chunks.

Bean, onion, and zucchini in a bowl. Add in the bean tahini mixture and mix. And ta da, all done. All of 5 minutes and no heat. Good for us.

Now here is the thing. This salad is ready to eat now. You can continue onto the sandwich path or just eat it like it is with a fork. What I really liked to do is scoop spoonfuls into lettuce cups with a slice of tomato and a squirt or mustard. So yes sandwich, but also whatever else you want it to be.

But as a sandwich%u2026. Bread. And lettuce and tomato and heck, whatever else you want to throw on there. (Again, mustard is A+)

Now stop. Sandwich time.

Stay cool!

-C

makes 3-4 sandwiches

• 1 medium sized zucchini

• 2 1/2 cups cooked and strained white beans (a can will do)

• 1 spring onion (or a small white or red onion)

• 3 tablespoons tahini

• 2-3 cloves minced garlic

• 1 lemon

• 1 tablespoon white or red wine vinegar

• 2-3 tablespoons warm water

• salt and pepper

• And to serve as a sandwich

• bread or wrap of your choice

• tomato slices

• lettuce

• anything else you want

Place half of the beans, tahini, garlic, juice of the lemon, and the vinegar into a jar and use a immersion blender or a regular blender and blend until creamy smooth. Add in a tablespoon at a time of water until the consistency is just slightly thinner then hummus.

Grab zucchini and using a mandolin or a knife and julienne it. (You can also just cut into small little cubes.) Dice the onion up into small pieces and toss with zucchini, onion, and the other half of beans into a big bowl. Dump the bean tahini mixture all over and veggies bean mixture and toss around. Add salt and pepper to taste.

To make it a sandwich%u2026 Place a scoop onto a bread situation, add some lettuce and tomato and whatever else you want, and eat it.

The bounty of spring is upon us. Asparagus is everywhere and I have been embracing it.. smelly pee and all.  And along with all my spring veggies and smells,  I have grabbing for more springy spices. I go through seasonal spice kicks, like cinnamon and ginger in the fall, curries and chills in the winter. And for spring, I am big on sumac. If you haven’t heard of it or tasted it, it kind of taste like a tangy salty lemon..without actually having any salt. And its a really pretty, a bright red, almost purple color. I use it on a lot of things, especially veggies and bean dishes, sometimes as a lemon replacer, but mostly to add another level of tangy flavor. It’s fantastic, really great for all those springy time dishes. Nice and bright!

 This dish is perfect made and eaten right away, but it’s one of those dishes that tastes even better the day after. Also it’s good and safe to serve room temperature. (think lunch box or a picnic!) And did I mention healthy? Protein packed quinoa and the lean green asparagus, I mean come on. You won’t feel an ounce of guilt for eating a hugmongo bowl of this stuff because you should, so it’s totally ok.

Eat away! 

The stuff of the stuff. Quinoa and asparagus for the base. Sumac, lemon, garlic, onion, salt and pepper and a little splash of oil for the dressing. 

Note. Sumac is not always the easiest spice to find. I know that its available online (what isn’t) and that some health food store or herbal apothecaries carry it, but i have ye tot see it at a conventional supermarket. And once you find it, buy a good amount cause you will also fall in love with it and use it on everything. 

     Start by making the dressing. You want to have it sit for at least 10 minutes. It will be perfect by the time the quinoa is done. Mince the garlic, dice the onion and juice the lemon. Stick it all into a jar with the sumac, a pinch of salt and pepper and about a teaspoons worth of olive oil. Stick a lid on the jar and shake shake shake. and let it sit.

Now you should make the quinoa.. Water and quinoa go into pot, high heat until boiling,  topped with a lid and set to simmer for about 15 minutes. 

When the quinoa is simmering, cook up the asparagus. Add a drizzle of oil, to a pan and a few splashes of water. Place trimmed and chopped asparagus to pan and sprinkle with salt. Cook on medium heat for about 8 minutes, or until cooked but still has a nice crunch to it. Take off heat and add the dressing to pan.  Let it sit and marinate for a few minutes.When the quinoa is tender, fluff with a fork and add to the skillet with the asparagus and dressing. Toss around to make sure all the quinoa gets dressed. Take a taste.. does it need a little salt and pepper? Add a pinch if it does.Pile into a bowl, add a bit of cracked pepper.. and eat.

Or… Idea! Make this dish and pack it into a jar. Maybe grab a baguette and some hummus os some other  tasty foods and take yourself and a friend out for a picnic. 

So much good .

Keep it real yo

-C

serves 3-4  as a side dish or 2 as a main meal. 

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 8-10 asparagus 
• olive oil

For the Dressing

• 1 tablespoon sumac
• 1/2 small red onion
• 2-3 cloves garlic
• Juice of 1 jumbo lemon or 2 small lemons
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• salt and pepper

Start but making the dressing. Mince the garlic and finely dice the onion. Place in a  jar with the sumac, the juice of the lemon, a pinch of salt and pepper, and a little splash of oil. Top the jar and shake the crap out of it for a minute. Let sit and meld. (This dressing can be made ahead of time and is fantastic on all sorts of everything)

In a large pot, add water, quinoa and a spindle of salt. Bring to a boil, cover , and reduce heat to simmer. Let cook for about 15 minutes or until water has completely absorbed.  When the quinoa gets going, trim the woody parts of the asparagus and chop the remain asparagus into inch long pieces. Toss into a lightly oiled skillet with a few splashes of water, sprinkle with salt and put on medium heat for about 8 minutes, or until asparagus is cooked, but still crispy. Take off heat and add the sumac dressing. Once the quinoa is done, fluff it with a fork and toss it with the sumac dressed asparagus. Scoop into a bowl, add some cracked pepper. Bring food to face and eat. 

Any leftover? This dish is fantastic serves cold or at room temperature.

Already? That week just blew on by. Probably because of the midweek holiday and that always makes time move in weird ways.

This week felt like a lot went on. Some of the same old, same old, but there was a lot of activities thrown in. We went on a bike ride picnic one day, another day we had lunch at the co-oop with my mom. Then on the third of July a lot of places do fireworks and so, after the mr saying we had to do something this year, we decided to go to the fireworks in Montpelier. Whoa did that kick my butt. Staying out and awake past dark was no way an easy feat. But well worth it. Sure the fireworks were ,well, they were what they were (I don%u2019t really care for fireworks) but the lead up was amazing. On our way to the town we stopped on the side of the road at a giant old graveyard. We were so early that we decided it would be something cool to do while it got dark out. Well this graveyard was on a massive hill and when we got to the top, we had the most amazing view of the valley and where the fireworks were going to go off so, duh, we stayed and walked around. And then it happened. Dusk came, it started to get dark, and all of a sudden. Fireflies. Everywhere. It was magical. And then the fireworks went off and we couldn%u2019t get home fast enough. I was dead ass tired.

The next day, I was exhausted, but oh well. The littles came over for the afternoon and we played the day away in the sprinkler and ran around with water guns. Barb and Paul came over too, ate grilled veggies dogs, mac and cheese, chopped cabbage, and popsicles. We lit the sparklers, walked the block, and then off they all went to do more fire stuff and I went to bed super early. I was still trying to recover from being out so late the night before.

The rest of the week was doing little things around the house, going to the studio, running errands. Being hot.

Then yesterday. A very productive day even with the nasty humid. Grocery shopping, the dump, rainbows, cleaning. I even did a good hour of weeding in the garden even though I was sweating through my soul. Gosh it really was gross. And then I went for a little walk and got caught in a crazy downpour of rain. And I wasn%u2019t made about it. Not one bit.

And it is Sunday again. Today is unplanned for the most part. I%u2019ll bike to gym and thats all I got so far. After yesterday, doing anything outside will be fantastic so I am hoping that the mr wants to go for a hike or something. I know he said there was work he needed to do but come on, mid 70%u2019s and no humidity%u2026. I%u2019ll be dragging his ass somewhere.

Internet links from me to you.

-Living in Vermont, we are so lucky to not have to deal with earth quakes. The science behind California%u2019s two big earthquakes

-It%u2019s just about tomato season so you should know this. How to Store Tomatoes So They Stay Plump & Fresh for a Very Long%u00a0Time. And know this too. How to Pick the Right Type of Lettuce for Way Better%u00a0Salads

–After 6-Year Battle, Florida Couple Wins The Right To Plant Veggies In Front Yard. How crazy is it that they were not allowed to plant veggies in THEIR YARD because they were unsightly%u2026 What the F!@K is wrong with people? !

–The Science Of Smiles, Real And Fake. Don%u2019t tell me to smile. I will bite you.

-I think I need a pool. This COWBOY POOL DIY.

–This Skinny House That%u2019s Just 10 Feet Wide Is for Sale in New York. I kinda really want it.

-I alway love the backs of embroidery. These rugs are awesome. Raw-Edges Flips Traditional Embroidery on Its Head with Backstitch Rugs

–The Joy of Not Wearing a Bra. First thing I do when I come home (sometimes even in the car on the way home) is to take my bra OFF! But really, I avoid bra wearing at all cost.

-I want these boots. Grund%u00e9ns Deck-Boss Ankle Boots

-I really wanted to be a water witch when I was growing up. Still kind of do. The Magic of Dowsing Keeps Holding On

Pictures from the week.