tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35422190399744839512024-02-21T00:15:53.950-05:00The Chubby VeganA chubby vegan just looking for his place in a skinny vegan world...The Chubby Veganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06179258071750439194noreply@blogger.comBlogger114125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542219039974483951.post-61705509003556592562013-02-18T13:14:00.000-05:002013-02-18T13:14:27.974-05:00I Am Still Chubby...(sort of)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiiC92RsQmXrbng3eKt2AuC0XbovEXImrUHsn4ZiVUzK3uk098N4jewlNwYkVnHCtrw1JZ6qEbXMW3Vvsr7Dh9eCwdsx2qQCoD7D2IHc-aarYwdpqdeWwUq5XcgyGT8eoyIVTLBUXYRvs/s1600/before+and+after.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiiC92RsQmXrbng3eKt2AuC0XbovEXImrUHsn4ZiVUzK3uk098N4jewlNwYkVnHCtrw1JZ6qEbXMW3Vvsr7Dh9eCwdsx2qQCoD7D2IHc-aarYwdpqdeWwUq5XcgyGT8eoyIVTLBUXYRvs/s400/before+and+after.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What happened?!?!?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was posting almost every day for so long and then all of a
sudden- I disappeared! Well first of all, I am safe and sound. I have had so
many significant changes in my life since the last time I posted but first let me
explain…<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Being a blogger is a labor of love. It is so much hard work
taking pictures, figuring out the right recipes, writing, editing, editing, and
more editing. I really loved it, but it got somewhat taxing. I was moving full
steam ahead with this blog and even began looking at taking it to the next
level with a really cool branding scheme. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Then- I got a new job. My new job came with a move. And then
EVERYTHING changed.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I moved to Atlanta and lived in a tiny studio apartment. I
started cooking for just me. I started eating more and more as a way of coping
with emotions- not for the enjoyment of cooking. Let’s just say I felt like I was moving quickly towards a place of
being unhealthy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLkccJj4bNMmVNAszajziV0XFuiPpNSq8fKAo7i_KGNCqrXvt7UOrGCT25KVTuUMvcU1OpF3jjg6wifeIAd-1MSuN_x1P35XLDbKfwCimTAyNRu4tmLQaqfaUFJcJ-edsGExzeOyU4cvA/s1600/64535_10101716913603220_1805353084_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLkccJj4bNMmVNAszajziV0XFuiPpNSq8fKAo7i_KGNCqrXvt7UOrGCT25KVTuUMvcU1OpF3jjg6wifeIAd-1MSuN_x1P35XLDbKfwCimTAyNRu4tmLQaqfaUFJcJ-edsGExzeOyU4cvA/s320/64535_10101716913603220_1805353084_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">My WW Leader Dee and I</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now I have always said I firmly believe one can be “chubby”
and still be perfectly healthy. I think being “chubby” is a mindset and not
necessarily the way someone looks. In fact, I think you can still be moderately
overweight and still be in great health. However, in early 2012, I was quickly
moving towards my 30<span style="font-size: small;"><sup>th</sup> birthday, obese, and not making good
daily food choices. I knew I needed to do something about it- but I kept on
struggling with what would be the right way to turn things around. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br />In April of 2012 I made the decision to join Weight
Watchers- for the second time. The first time I joined (in ’07) I liked the
program but I don’t think I committed fully. I allowed doubt (and
de-motivators) to slip in and I stopped. This time around was different. My
leader (Dee) told me on my first day that this time I was going to get to
lifetime (hitting goal weight and maintaining it for 6 weeks) and I believed
her. This time was different. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What I love about Weight Watchers is essentially the program
is designed to allow you to eat whatever you want (vegan and all) - as long as
you track it (write it down) and follow some basic healthy food guidelines. The
program can let you succeed long term by providing weekly support and
accountability (meetings & online) and gives you the flexibility to still
be a normal person.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I started my journey with Weight Watchers in April of 2012
weighing in at 215.8 pounds. As of today- the day I hit lifetime- I have
“gotten rid of” 62.3 pounds. When I started I had two chronic illnesses (IBS
& High Blood Pressure) – both of which are gone. In April of 2012, my
capacity for physical activity was limited. Since I started my journey I have
dramatically increased my activity level- running a handful of 5ks and
finishing my first 10k on January 1<span style="font-size: small;"><sup>st</sup> (in the pouring rain).</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpD8LHWZzl0Isigb0DKgOMtA2ZFM4pHnMiGFt5O7FkpGsH6S4qYxgv1or5FbhNMeOo8SsDoVEnzeVnjWDuxbSGdTYhYEo8ajgLbQz7wfAvW_F3FPlQbkbQCRmCeisQswZ6axhm6Ltf3X8/s1600/534630_10101745479571790_2073351189_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpD8LHWZzl0Isigb0DKgOMtA2ZFM4pHnMiGFt5O7FkpGsH6S4qYxgv1or5FbhNMeOo8SsDoVEnzeVnjWDuxbSGdTYhYEo8ajgLbQz7wfAvW_F3FPlQbkbQCRmCeisQswZ6axhm6Ltf3X8/s320/534630_10101745479571790_2073351189_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpD8LHWZzl0Isigb0DKgOMtA2ZFM4pHnMiGFt5O7FkpGsH6S4qYxgv1or5FbhNMeOo8SsDoVEnzeVnjWDuxbSGdTYhYEo8ajgLbQz7wfAvW_F3FPlQbkbQCRmCeisQswZ6axhm6Ltf3X8/s1600/534630_10101745479571790_2073351189_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Over the course of this journey I have moved (twice),
divorced from my partner of 8 years and had to separate my three dogs (two in
PGH and one in Atlanta). I had every single reason to quit. I had every single
reason to eat through my emotions. I had every reason for doubt and skepticism
to sneak in. But- this time <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">was different</b>.
My motivation is the spirit that lives inside all of us. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today is a special day and I wanted to use this platform to
share it. Today is the day I hit lifetime- having been at my goal weight for 6
weeks. It’s a wonderful feeling and I wanted to share it with those who still
come here to share this piece of my life. I also wanted to share my before and
after pictures- because who doesn’t love a before and after picture!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Although it is a significant accomplishment that I am
extremely proud of – I do not for one second view it as an ending. Instead, I
view this day as the beginning of the second half of my journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For many people, “getting rid of weight” is
an up and down journey- with way more ups than downs. I have been on that path before,
but this time is different. I have committed to Weight Watchers for my life. I
am accountable to myself every single week for the choices I make - good or
bad. I continue to track every single thing I eat – a vital part of my success.
I continue to make physical activity a priority every day. I continue to go to
meetings every week to maintain a level of social support- and most important
accountability.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh010wMbtcXwtwjTUD834_MxteQ43hQTkprTmyvHuKsIwfPF1xB3SD4F-XVHr4-HmzuQktsP8RoY_tesAr-EZD0ThEUZk4_EARKUBf3QSikoj8xvOXOUCvl2pkj9QYKRAf5F5FrBPVERcI/s1600/862150_10101964982930300_1600102767_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh010wMbtcXwtwjTUD834_MxteQ43hQTkprTmyvHuKsIwfPF1xB3SD4F-XVHr4-HmzuQktsP8RoY_tesAr-EZD0ThEUZk4_EARKUBf3QSikoj8xvOXOUCvl2pkj9QYKRAf5F5FrBPVERcI/s320/862150_10101964982930300_1600102767_n.jpg" width="234" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I always allow myself to indulge...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Best of all, I continue to eat whatever I want- <em>in
moderation</em>. I 100% still call myself “chubby” and hold on to that title with
the vigor I had when I started this blog. I still eat lots of amazing foods at
restaurants across the country. I still believe in indulging in beautifully
crafted desserts and vegan wonders whenever possible. Just now- I go from
eating 5 cupcakes to 1. I make the choice to pick the 2 things I want to try at
a new bakery instead of 2 there, 2 at home, and 2 more the next day. I cannot
and will never sacrifice- it just leads to failure. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">90% of my diet is a whole foods plant based diet (think
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0446506699/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0446506699&linkCode=as2&tag=thechuveg-20">The Engine 2 Diet: The Texas Firefighter's 28-Day Save-Your-Life Plan that Lowers Cholesterol and Burns Away the Pounds</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thechuveg-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0446506699" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />">Engine 2</a>, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1615190619/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1615190619&linkCode=as2&tag=thechuveg-20">Forks Over Knives - The Cookbook: Over 300 Recipes for Plant-Based Eating All Through the Year</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thechuveg-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1615190619" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />">Forks over Knives</a>) and the other 10% is the occasional junk food
vegan things that I enjoy too much to ever give up (soy Frappuccino’s, ice
cream, cupcakes, and vegan cheese). I remain a vigilant vegan and have not given
up my principles in anyway. In fact, I love being the “token” vegan at Weight
Watchers who constantly reminds people they can have amazing meals without the
need for animal based items.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I love to see some of my posts popping up on other blogs and
on pinterest. This blog still gets lots of traffic and it makes me miss the
vegan community that I was so connected too. I have had many people suggest
that I start writing again and posting the Points Plus value of the things I
make. While I think about it often, I haven’t made the choice to jump back in.
Maybe someday- who knows! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For now, I wanted to share this journey with anyone who
wants to read it. It is a very long road with bumps and curves along it- but it
has no ending. In order to succeed you must go one day at a time and maintain the lifestyle changes that
got you here. No ending- just new beginnings. Thank you to those who still
enjoy my silly stories and recipes- I appreciate you visiting.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Onward and upward… <o:p></o:p></span></div>
The Chubby Veganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06179258071750439194noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542219039974483951.post-26406765159723341362011-09-06T17:05:00.000-04:002011-09-06T17:05:59.853-04:00{Custom Made} Shortbread Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bp4-QtYROcY/TmaGE3h3UPI/AAAAAAAAEGY/JyDdUehMJC0/s1600/UPLOAD+4-27+078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="508" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bp4-QtYROcY/TmaGE3h3UPI/AAAAAAAAEGY/JyDdUehMJC0/s640/UPLOAD+4-27+078.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Husband is really into shortbread. Since it is a cookie, I am also a fan. However I can’t say that I would be the first in the shortbread line at the bakery.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Shortbread always reminds me of your Great Aunt Mary or your grandmother’s friend with a ridiculous nickname like Boopie or Dodo. Not really sure why, but it just makes me think of old folks. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_UCSZbuQWG4/TmaGAgOuj4I/AAAAAAAAEGQ/RdAcc-f-Ofc/s1600/UPLOAD+4-27+018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_UCSZbuQWG4/TmaGAgOuj4I/AAAAAAAAEGQ/RdAcc-f-Ofc/s320/UPLOAD+4-27+018.jpg" width="320" /></a>I bet if you were to investigate the sale of <a href="http://www.keebler.com/product-keebler-sandies-simply-shortbread-cookies-1137.aspx?category=cookies">Sandies</a>, you would be sure to find an older clientele. Nothing wrong with it, it is just my humble observation. Without old people, we would not be able to enjoy in such spirited treats as starlight mints, ice cream sandwiches, and early bird specials. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">But, I digress.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">I saw this <a href="http://emilylevenson.com/recipe-vegan-shortbread-cookies">recipe</a> from Pittsburgh favorite Emily Levenson forever ago and I decided to try it out with my fancy new cupcake cookie cutter. The pictures are with my old camera so they are slightly atrocious. However, the cookies are yum, yum, yummy and super easy to make. Plus, you get to dip them in chocolate and make them even better. Excellent...</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Recipe after the jump.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Vegan Shortbread Cookies<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Source: <a href="http://emilylevenson.com/recipe-vegan-shortbread-cookies">Custom Made Blog</a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">1/2 cup whole wheat pastry flour<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">1/2 tsp salt<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">1/2 tsp baking powder<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">1 stick earth balance {or other vegan margarine or shortening}, softened<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">1/2 cup raw sugar<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">1/2 tsp vanilla extract<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">1-2 tbs water<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips {optional}<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">In a small bowl, combine flours, salt and baking powder. Whisk to combine. Set aside.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">In a large mixing bowl, cream earth balance and sugar.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Add in flour mixture, vanilla extract, and water. Mix until combined.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Form dough into a ball, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Preheat oven to 350F.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Roll out dough between two pieces of wax or parchment paper. It helps to flour the wax paper before rolling out the dough {otherwise, it forms a sticky mess}. Dough should be 1/4-1/2 inch thick.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Cut cookies into desired shape {rectangle, square, cookie cutter shapes} and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Bake for 10-12 minutes, depending on thickness of cookies, until the edges are slightly golden brown.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Let cool on a rack for at least 10 minutes.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler until completely melted {about 3-5 minutes, with stirring}. Be careful not to let the chocolate burn.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Dip one end of cookie into chocolate and place on a sheet of parchment paper to cool. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Chubby Vegan Notes<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"></div><ul><li>It would be crazy not to add chocolate to these, however they are actually really good plain too.</li>
<li>I don’t have a double boiler so my microwave works just fine. Melting chocolate can be tricky though so make sure you watch it closely.</li>
<li>The directions seem slightly time intensive, but this is actually quite easy to make.</li>
<li>If you use a small cookie cutter, this could make a considerable amount of cookies. These would be excellent to bring to a party (especially if there will be old folks there.)</li>
</ul>The Chubby Veganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06179258071750439194noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542219039974483951.post-5285385181235852162011-08-31T20:13:00.002-04:002011-09-01T14:18:59.873-04:00Creamy "Cool" Slaw<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IZGzaqfUcA8/TkM-qKMwVGI/AAAAAAAAEDg/BOsJ3PtrO5c/s1600/DSC_1421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IZGzaqfUcA8/TkM-qKMwVGI/AAAAAAAAEDg/BOsJ3PtrO5c/s640/DSC_1421.JPG" width="640" /></a>Do you ever have one of those foods that you really can’t explain why you like it so much, but you just do…<br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">One of my pre-vegan favorites was coleslaw from <a href="http://www.kentuckyfriedcruelty.com/">Kentucky Fried Chicken</a>. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">I will give you a second to absorb how awful everything about that statement is. However, at one time I could easily gobble down some KFC sides like I was on the tasting payroll. Clearly, I am no longer a visitor to KFC, but I still have a special affinity for coleslaw. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">When I saw this recipe in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Appetite-Reduction-Filling-Low-Fat-Recipes/dp/1600940498">Appetite for Reduction</a>, I knew I had to try it. Here is a lowdown of why I love it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"></div><ol><li style="line-height: normal;">It has only a few (cheap) ingredients.</li>
<li>It is lower in fat / calories that most other coleslaw.</li>
<li style="line-height: normal;">It is insanely easy to make.</li>
</ol>In the spirit of Labor Day picnics, this is another excellent summer barbecue treat to impress all your friends. Who needs nasty old <a href="http://www.kentuckyfriedcruelty.com/">KFC</a> anyway?<br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"></div><a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GYyxXFWADMI/TkM-oyk3iGI/AAAAAAAAEDQ/D2xkrbvDR94/s1600/DSC_1410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GYyxXFWADMI/TkM-oyk3iGI/AAAAAAAAEDQ/D2xkrbvDR94/s320/DSC_1410.JPG" width="250" /></a><b>Cool Slaw<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Source: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Appetite-Reduction-Filling-Low-Fat-Recipes/dp/1600940498">Appetite for Reduction</a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">1/4 cup Raw Cashews<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">2 tbsp White Onion<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">5 tsp Apple Cider Vinegar<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">1 cup Water<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">1 tsp Agave Nectar<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">1 tsp Dijon Mustard<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">1/8 tsp Salt<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">14 oz Coleslaw Salad Mix<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Put dressing ingredients in a blender and blend to smooth - at least five minutes. Mix slaw and dressing and let sit for 45 minutes.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Chubby Vegan Notes</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"></div><ul><li>Not much to say on this recipe because there is about 2 steps. </li>
<li>The recipe does not say you need to soak the cashews, but I don't think it hurts, especially if you have a weaker food processor.</li>
<li>Make sure to give this time to wilt and don't serve it right away. Coleslaw is always better served the day after you make it and it has some time to get mushy and delicious.</li>
</ul><br />
The Chubby Veganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06179258071750439194noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542219039974483951.post-50813158485710395202011-08-24T17:16:00.001-04:002011-08-25T11:42:12.714-04:00Southern Macaroni Salad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuCvawXE446x70yO98J3y_H5dJnkLpCr3YdDNw9z9Rx75yL7jfHEHE2VII1gahNcNMy99t4B06heUk8ZjUj3m6ad6VhdKF1XDeNGSczggQf_Q7_3lEEGs6z1SHvSC3Y1hXDPj4zKZnP8E/s1600/DSC_1479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuCvawXE446x70yO98J3y_H5dJnkLpCr3YdDNw9z9Rx75yL7jfHEHE2VII1gahNcNMy99t4B06heUk8ZjUj3m6ad6VhdKF1XDeNGSczggQf_Q7_3lEEGs6z1SHvSC3Y1hXDPj4zKZnP8E/s640/DSC_1479.JPG" width="640" /></a>I am back…<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">I am still a little broken, but I am back.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">It is still summer and I think summer comfort foods are to often ignored. I don’t really know why, but give me a big ear of corn on the cob and macaroni salad and I am a happy Chubby Vegan. The last few weeks have made me seek comfort foods a little bit more than necessary.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Sometimes I drown my sorrows in food. Yeah?! What?!? Want to fight about it?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><puts up fists></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Anyway, this Southern Macaroni Salad is a gift from the <a href="http://www.followyourheart.com/products/category/vegenaise/">vegenaise</a> gods and my bud <a href="http://stylishwhitefemale.tumblr.com/">Terra</a>. She sent me the recipe and also snuck it into our work staff newsletter. Let’s give it up for vegans editing the staff newsletter! </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj00GLVYAr4AKQ7CIbWH2P7OsrtZJi8JwCXGchVKqpCbMYRE8WhW15Zoxa2h5aI0fHAt_fYhrEse2RDJnbEo159Nyq3fIPZpGL7Az772pVDAIVQwoTw9X_RBE3WA86hObBthi6Pk6NtT8w/s1600/DSC_1482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj00GLVYAr4AKQ7CIbWH2P7OsrtZJi8JwCXGchVKqpCbMYRE8WhW15Zoxa2h5aI0fHAt_fYhrEse2RDJnbEo159Nyq3fIPZpGL7Az772pVDAIVQwoTw9X_RBE3WA86hObBthi6Pk6NtT8w/s400/DSC_1482.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">I made this macaroni salad with orecchiette pasta, which looks like a beanie (or a condom.) I saw some at the store and thought they were cute and it made this just a little bit more formal. Of course you could use any pasta, but you will lose some cool points.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Summer is (sadly) drawing to an end, so make this soon. Perhaps a labor day picnic food…? Although, whoever said foods need to be restricted to a season? I will eat ice cream on January 1<sup>st</sup> and be just fine with it. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Take that society!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLQ7P2MuPeqPeNwAixYnE4f-VgIm2gHIJadrPbB3xGlZYkt693FAnI1QcK9uiJvH1dL3Zn5h2YLek0xsFhkGYnh_zB1LeSPKC1NXfP2zLKCIW6l0P0r7gQimrjHwmPmSekOPrQVRhBctI/s1600/DSC_1478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLQ7P2MuPeqPeNwAixYnE4f-VgIm2gHIJadrPbB3xGlZYkt693FAnI1QcK9uiJvH1dL3Zn5h2YLek0xsFhkGYnh_zB1LeSPKC1NXfP2zLKCIW6l0P0r7gQimrjHwmPmSekOPrQVRhBctI/s400/DSC_1478.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><b>Southern Macaroni Salad</b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Source: <a href="http://vegweb.com/index.php?topic=22031.0">VegWeb</a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">4 cups uncooked macaroni noodles<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">1 cup vegan mayo<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">1/3 cup sugar<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">2 tablespoons vinegar (any kind will work)<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">1/4 cup dijon mustard <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">2 teaspoons salt and pepper<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">2 stalks celery, finely diced<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">1 small-medium sized onion, finely diced<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">1 carrot, grated <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Bring the pasta water to a boil and cook the macaroni according to package directions, for about 8 minutes or until al dente. Rinse, drain, and set aside.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Whisk the vegan mayo, sugar, vinegar, dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Add celery and onion into the bowl. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Add carrot, and mix well. Add the drained macaroni and combine. This is best left in the fridge for 24 hours before serving.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Chubby Vegan Notes</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"></div><ul><li>This makes a party size serving of macaroni salad. Be prepared.</li>
<li>I used apple cider vinegar, but I think you can use whatever kind you have.</li>
<li>I think all pasta salads should sit overnight to marinate, but if you don’t have the time to do that don’t sweat it. </li>
<li>This would be awesome with some serious grilled vegetables or maybe a yummy veggie dog and baked beans. I am from Boston- I live for baked beans.</li>
</ul><br />
The Chubby Veganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06179258071750439194noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542219039974483951.post-4458617803899129832011-08-18T13:43:00.001-04:002011-08-18T20:04:22.634-04:00Rest in Peace Nana Bear<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHDZfG-7TbQexYnCl4sMqPySD_Y7lDNtybeJeLTkiD8t9lkbONDbpC9WPL_IXNqQ4u8URdA_cLvrlNojc-W3cs2o7K_NuavovVvfAxcABd9Peg24xOgUGI0EwrG5PR5XVu6MxIrT7-F9I/s1600/DSC_1177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHDZfG-7TbQexYnCl4sMqPySD_Y7lDNtybeJeLTkiD8t9lkbONDbpC9WPL_IXNqQ4u8URdA_cLvrlNojc-W3cs2o7K_NuavovVvfAxcABd9Peg24xOgUGI0EwrG5PR5XVu6MxIrT7-F9I/s640/DSC_1177.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Yesterday we lost one of our dogs, Nana. She was the sweetest little angel and we were so lucky that she graced our lives. She brought us so much spirit, joy, and unconditional love and it was unbearably hard to say goodbye to her.<br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Nana had been suffering from lymphoma and mammary cancer for over a year. Her pain and discomfort became too much to bear and we finally decided she was ready to move on into her next life.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">In between uncontrollably crying yesterday, I sat silent most of the day. I decided the best way for me to move through my grieving process was to share Nana’s story. Her life was full of difficulty up until her last two years. Her life is so important to me and her story needs to be shared. Thanks for reading.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Husband and I had fostered a dog named Jesse James from the Washington County Humane Society a little over two years ago. I stood firm that we were foster parents and would not be adopting him. Much to Husbands dismay, Jesse was adopted by his previous foster family. He was with us for only a month.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">When Husbands mom was visiting, we decided to take a trip back to the Washington County Shelter because another dog that I was considering fostering was there. When we arrived the other dog was in the process of being adopted. We were so happy! Being animal lovers we decided to go back and visit with the other shelter dogs. Sitting alone in a cage was a little old beagle named Jasmine. She had a face that only a parent could love. We looked at each other, picked her up out of the cage, marched up to the front desk and said, “She is coming home with us.”</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE9Uq5i4NAH76Nmadt_EFD4Rvg-KLzdNVDe_OhHlXrbc49d7-e1QvqibbSFjJPK_aDUhFQ4toT9ZRBeIJ7i1uvMu7gvHT4pbdAUyeHzQfSpiIipluPm2dn0rLsepxqv-k_L2jsK6Ic104/s1600/nana2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE9Uq5i4NAH76Nmadt_EFD4Rvg-KLzdNVDe_OhHlXrbc49d7-e1QvqibbSFjJPK_aDUhFQ4toT9ZRBeIJ7i1uvMu7gvHT4pbdAUyeHzQfSpiIipluPm2dn0rLsepxqv-k_L2jsK6Ic104/s400/nana2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Jasmine didn’t have much of a story. She was a stray beagle that ended up at the shelter in her old age. Judging by her teeth (which were in bad shape) the shelter believed her to be about 10 or 11 years old. Like most beagles in Washington County, she was probably a hunting beagle; unloved, over bred, and used only for a job. This was a little over two years ago.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">When we got her home our little old lady fit in perfectly. I was standing firm that we were only fostering her. We even took her to an adoption event in hopes of her finding a forever home. Of course, she had other things in mind. She knew our house was just right.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">After fostering Jasmine for about two months, we received a call from a family who was interested in adopting her. Husband took the call and said, “Sorry, she is no longer available.” We adopted her the next day.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Her kind and loving attitude along with her old age gave her the nickname, “Nana Bear.” This was the perfect name for our elderly lady. Her name stuck and we said goodbye to Jasmine and hello to Nana.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Nana made herself right at home. She loved to cuddle and sit on our lap. Like most beagles, she loved to eat. She loved her new brother Buddy, although she made sure to tell him when she didn’t want to play. She followed Husband around everywhere he went and we started calling her his shadow. She liked our other dogs, but she always made it clear that she loved her Daddies the most. Well, that is unless Mom-in-law was visiting. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Nana was an incredible dog. She was the most caring, gentle, and loving dog anyone could ever ask for. She never barked. She never fussed. She even taught herself to go potty in the drain in the basement. You couldn’t ask for a better dog. We loved her so much.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLrUqFhRe4Bq6nyIv4Z7mTWHtULsgYuvL7byDfG3C8foiUFitosDlRpgYscYdS6e5Vv4s1mFkvFTRY0rbMtmRauZkUBLgCV8X4gAW12-zlIlEoQJsG1d2fWjGtdh2SN3TA3oQB2ain6WU/s1600/nana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLrUqFhRe4Bq6nyIv4Z7mTWHtULsgYuvL7byDfG3C8foiUFitosDlRpgYscYdS6e5Vv4s1mFkvFTRY0rbMtmRauZkUBLgCV8X4gAW12-zlIlEoQJsG1d2fWjGtdh2SN3TA3oQB2ain6WU/s400/nana.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">As time grew, Nana started to grow tumors on her little body. First, tumors started to grow on her mammary glands. We could have removed them, but with her old age the Vet advised us that her recovery may be far too hard and painful. At that point we decided that we would continue to love and care for Nana as long as she would let us.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Almost a year later, her disease spread to her lymph nodes. The lymph nodes in her neck and back legs began to grow quickly. Although we kept her on a variety of medicines they grew too quickly.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Over the past few weeks her condition began to deteriorate rapidly. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Having a sick dog is one of the hardest things to endure. Nana could never tell us when she hurt. She never barked or cried. She carried on. She gave us love always. She never let us onto her pain although we knew that she was uncomfortable. As time went on her pain got worse and worse. Over the last few days she had difficulty breathing and began to throw up everything she ate. We spoke with the Vet and had to make one of the hardest decisions ever.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">When you love and care for an animal as much as we loved Nana, the decision is unbearable. I would sit next to her rubbing her head and asking for her to just tell me if she was ready, if she was done fighting. She would just look at me with those beautiful brown eyes and give me her love. That is all. That is what she was best at.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">When we brought her to the vet’s office yesterday, I kept on telling her that it will be okay. It was as if there was nothing more I could say to her. I would say, “Daddy loves you” and “it will be okay.” This was the first time I have ever lost an animal and I had known it would be hard. I didn’t imagine just how hard it would be. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">When we walked her into the office I started to feel numb. I lost feeling in my feet and hands. We laid her down on the couch and sat with her. We petted her and kept on telling her that it would be alright. The feeling was indescribable. I had played out in my mind what the moment might be like and it was surreal. I couldn’t believe that the day had come. I knew she was in pain. I knew what was best for her. This day when she looked at me you could tell that she was done fighting. She was ready to say goodbye.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">What happened after was a blur. All I can remember is when the doctor said, “That’s it,” I burst into uncontrollable crying and hyperventilating. I couldn’t bare it. I still can’t. I could not believe our little angel was gone. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMJ4Note3gQ1KVA2rd7WcfPHD3Namkp8z5V6vMREq5oGZLFAQGgI4E4arSOI6vzdv6jfP2dCZk2CzfYN4Xqv1GZxMIt3wANjUyPPtO-w3ZaDKCcRICtain8JAXX5-XjkW-Oh7IPoplEsw/s1600/DSC_1165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMJ4Note3gQ1KVA2rd7WcfPHD3Namkp8z5V6vMREq5oGZLFAQGgI4E4arSOI6vzdv6jfP2dCZk2CzfYN4Xqv1GZxMIt3wANjUyPPtO-w3ZaDKCcRICtain8JAXX5-XjkW-Oh7IPoplEsw/s400/DSC_1165.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">As I sat next to her, I couldn’t believe it. She just looked like she was asleep. I sat with her and the same thing kept replaying in my head, “Because I knew you, my life has been changed for good.” This line is from a song in the musical <i>Wicked</i> that was playing on repeat in my head. Because I knew you Nana.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>I've heard it said,<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>That people come into our lives for a reason,<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>Bringing something we must learn,<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>And we are led,<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>To those who help us most to grow,<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>If we let them,<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>And we help them in return,<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>Well, I don't know if I believe that's true,<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>But I know I'm who I am today,<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>Because I knew you.<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>Like a comet pulled from orbit,<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>As it passes a sun,<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>Like a stream that meets a boulder,<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>Halfway through the wood,<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>Who can say if I've been changed for the better?<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>But because I knew you,<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>I have been changed for good.<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">I think this describes my feelings best. Nana was the so special. She was my angel. She came into our lives for a reason and brought us unbelievable joy. I love her so much. I still cry every time I think of her. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Regardless of what we believe, I know she is in a better place, a happy place. She is sending me love from wherever she is. I miss her. I will always miss her. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Because I knew you Nana Bear, my life has been changed for good. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Thank you and Daddy loves you. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div>The Chubby Veganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06179258071750439194noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542219039974483951.post-58443709053991544802011-08-16T16:09:00.000-04:002011-08-16T16:09:57.930-04:00Happy Birthday Madonna<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.tvrage.com/people_galleries/6/17235/92104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="http://images.tvrage.com/people_galleries/6/17235/92104.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">When I was a little boy, I would imagine what my life would be like as a grown up. Like most boys, I had fantasies of <strike>playing for the Patriots, having a wife and kids, being a marine or firefighter</strike> being best friends with Madonna.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">When she burst onto the scene I was just a baby. I was born in May of 1982, and her first single dropped in October of ’82. Coincidence? I think not. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Susan Sarandon once said that, “The history of women in popular music can, pretty much, be divided into before and after Madonna.” I couldn’t agree more. She has single handedly changed cultural norms of gender, sexuality, religion, and popular music. She truly is an icon.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="http://topnews.in/files/madonna300_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://topnews.in/files/madonna300_2.jpg" width="240" /></a>When I was little, I would sneak in my house to watch her videos on MTV. I remember watching the Girlie Show on HBO and being glued to the TV. When I was 19, I saw her in concert (Drowned World Tour) for the first time. I went to Madison Square Garden, alone, and stood on the floor. When she ascended onto the stage I cried like a 12 year old seeing Justin Bieber. I saw that show four times. I have seen her in concert 6 times. The 5<sup>th</sup> time (Re-Invention Tour) I was lucky enough to be about 10 rows from the stage. There was a moment where I swear she looked at me. I felt it. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Maybe I am a super fan. Maybe I am a little obsessed. It doesn’t matter. For a chubby gay boy like me she has always represented the culmination of fashion, sex, music, love, freedom, confidence, and power. She was an escape when I may have not been at my happiest. Some people turn to drugs, I turn to Madonna.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Today is her birthday and what better day to step back and realize the impact this one woman, whom I have never met, has made on my life. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Happy Birthday Madge… and thank you.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">While I can't say that I have an absolute favorite Madonna song or moment, here are a few of my all-stars after the jump...<br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"></div><a name='more'></a><br />
My absolute favorite concert vid... Don't you love her outfit?<br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/JXx4IY4krIU" width="425"></iframe><br />
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While Madge had some interesting, ahem, movie roles there is no question that she was a stand out in "A League of Their Own." Her song from that film is one of my favs.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/z6Ia2Hd_IvM" width="560"></iframe><br />
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Rosie and Madonna have been pals since they filmed, "A League of their Own." I love when they get together because it always just feels like old friends having a blast. This vintage vid from Rosie's talk show is so fun!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/V_QdqHte9fM" width="425"></iframe></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
Plus, <a href="http://newsroom.mtv.com/2011/08/16/happy-birthday-madonna/">MTV</a> has a nice retrospective of Madonna's career and Mamma Biscuit shared her <a href="http://www.mammabiscuit.com/2011/08/16/happy-birthday-madonna/">puggy love</a> for Madge today too...</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div>The Chubby Veganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06179258071750439194noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542219039974483951.post-45538697027098098182011-08-12T17:41:00.000-04:002011-08-12T17:41:44.091-04:00Pineapple Upside Down Cupcakes<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOL_DXL3DhZmeS5w5WiuoHfF5wdVk5fwBAo5h0EyGRvAjI2Ts23pe-LfF642sDNUIRqu85m9ypNELuLLU18uDgvtXRoR9pWuz43bBXAhUwIqFCkAcHHA9nGcrJqlDyxJC1KboW_3zvwHM/s1600/DSC_1381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOL_DXL3DhZmeS5w5WiuoHfF5wdVk5fwBAo5h0EyGRvAjI2Ts23pe-LfF642sDNUIRqu85m9ypNELuLLU18uDgvtXRoR9pWuz43bBXAhUwIqFCkAcHHA9nGcrJqlDyxJC1KboW_3zvwHM/s640/DSC_1381.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">I love when people take desserts that are usually meant to be made into cakes or pies and create a cupcake version. Tiramisu, chocolate cream pie, banana cream pie, and the list goes on and on.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">For a chubby guy like me it is nice to have desserts in cupcake form. The smaller version keeps me from eating an entire cake or pie. Seriously. Don’t act like you have never thought of it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Cupcakes are something close to heaven. Small, quick, and personal size; each one has its owns distinctive beauty. Who doesn’t love them?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I know the cupcake trend has been dying a slow death but I am going to chain myself to the doors of the bakery and hope it never goes away. I love you cupcakes. I even wrote a song about you… <br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/jL3Gf8GqRHw" width="425"></iframe></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Okay maybe not.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Here is a cupcake version of Pineapple Upside Down Cake… Fun, right?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">More after the jump…<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_njVS96T2ffsftUo96w0_ec4j9VdK3cwN31wQQaIdolMZzEeqQKbVWgEUzOw7Pqe2djnTsPRdkU3o5cvbCRb0XuuHURWnOJaHNjTKOnIBe-gYGJplyqj6JNx5oSY-f_Mifs0TaMO9q3U/s1600/DSC_1385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_njVS96T2ffsftUo96w0_ec4j9VdK3cwN31wQQaIdolMZzEeqQKbVWgEUzOw7Pqe2djnTsPRdkU3o5cvbCRb0XuuHURWnOJaHNjTKOnIBe-gYGJplyqj6JNx5oSY-f_Mifs0TaMO9q3U/s400/DSC_1385.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>This recipe is from one of my all time favorites, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Vegan-Cupcakes-Take-Over-World/dp/1569242739?ie=UTF8&tag=thechuveg-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Cupcakes Take over the World</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thechuveg-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1569242739" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> by Isa Chandra-Moskowitz and Terry Hope Romero.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Since I have posted one or two of the recipes from this book, I don’t want to rip them off! I encourage you to buy the book. It has so many wonderful recipes, tips, and lovely cupcake photos. It is pretty much a must have for any cupcake lover.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I made these for Mom-in-law when she was visiting. She was a huge fan. She even tried to smuggle some home on the plane home to Georgia. They are just the perfect mix of gooey and moist (hate that word) to make for a wonderful cupcake. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">As a special note, these are even better when they are chilled and enjoyed the next day. This gives the jelly topping some time to come together a bit more. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>D-E-L-I-S-H</b><br />
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</b></div>The Chubby Veganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06179258071750439194noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542219039974483951.post-20805763456057804132011-08-10T16:58:00.000-04:002011-08-10T16:58:05.124-04:00My New Obsession...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0kPAG9uH1NE/TYOWW2VG-0I/AAAAAAAACXk/sYHlMkJY4HY/s1600/IMG_1167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0kPAG9uH1NE/TYOWW2VG-0I/AAAAAAAACXk/sYHlMkJY4HY/s640/IMG_1167.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
It is green.<br />
People waste it far to often as just garnish.<br />
It is a really strong plant that does not mess around.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kale">KALE</a><br />
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Kale is sort of the "it" vegetable right now. People are always talking about juicing it or just eating it raw. There are always lovely kale salad recipes <a href="http://happyfoody.com/2008/02/12/raw-kale-avocado-salad/">online</a>. It is SUPER healthy. Plus, my farmers market always has the best varieties of organic kale for super cheap!<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FW7bdi6LJms/TYOWVEVzCjI/AAAAAAAACXc/AbKuo2kmnTQ/s1600/IMG_1164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FW7bdi6LJms/TYOWVEVzCjI/AAAAAAAACXc/AbKuo2kmnTQ/s320/IMG_1164.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
When I visited <a href="http://www.thechubbyvegan.com/2011/04/whole-foods-austin-day-3.html">Mecca</a> a few months ago I had a kale and avocado salad that was to die for.<br />
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Kale is also very common in Portuguese cooking. Since I was born in a Portuguese community with a Portuguese grandfather, one would think I had tons of kale growing up. <i>Wrong</i>.<br />
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I feel like I have rediscovered a vegetable. Don't you love that? My new favorite way of eating kale is about as simple as it comes. Ready for it?<br />
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My insanely simple kale recipe, after the jump.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
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<b>Chubby Vegan Kale</b><br />
Source: ME<br />
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5-6 Large Leaves of Kale<br />
2 T. Olive Oil<br />
3 T. Sesame Tahini<br />
1-2 T. Sesame Seeds (optional)<br />
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Begin by thoroughly washing kale and tearing the leaves from the hard stems (veins). Once the leaves are washed, tear them apart or chop them into smaller sections. Pat dry.<br />
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Add olive oil to a heavy bottom skillet and warm on medium - high heat. Add shredded kale leaves and saute for about 3-5 minutes until the leaves begin to wilt.<br />
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Turn the heat down to a low simmer and add tahini. Tahini will clump so do your best to mix it with all of your pieces of kale. Turn off the heat and add your sesame seeds.<br />
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Serve...<br />
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<b><u>Chubby Vegan Notes</u></b><br />
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<ul><li>When paired with quinoa or pita bread, this is one of my favorite super easy dinners. </li>
<li>If I add this to a large wrap it makes a wonderful sandwich, especially when I add some other raw vegetables, hummus, or baked tofu.</li>
<li>Of course, feel free to cut down on the olive oil, use an oil spray, or even boil your kale. Better yet, eat it raw!</li>
<li>What is your favorite way of making kale?</li>
</ul>The Chubby Veganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06179258071750439194noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542219039974483951.post-36316700079280095232011-08-01T17:34:00.000-04:002011-08-01T17:34:48.925-04:00Beagle Freedom Project<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSV2jly2B9AX8r2CuwfjPyZ8oNqAqbeatHYyURh5P3fOtkVO72M_YCS1RAfURYxltMwhEXkSTZEeQCCs6IXkqvCSBuHuYHfbwwYJwgfEtRQ99qzZolAZJhtaikjYHAi-XQmymhkGX5rFU/s1600/MARCI2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSV2jly2B9AX8r2CuwfjPyZ8oNqAqbeatHYyURh5P3fOtkVO72M_YCS1RAfURYxltMwhEXkSTZEeQCCs6IXkqvCSBuHuYHfbwwYJwgfEtRQ99qzZolAZJhtaikjYHAi-XQmymhkGX5rFU/s640/MARCI2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marci loves to relax.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Did you know…?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Beagles are the most commonly used breed for lab testing? According to the <a href="http://www.beaglefreedomproject.org/index.php">Beagle Freedom Project</a>, “Beagles are the most popular breed for lab use because of their friendly, docile, trusting, forgiving, people-pleasing personalities. The research industry says they adapt well to living in a cage, and are inexpensive to feed.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">As a loving beagle daddy, this breaks my heart. As an animal lover it infuriates me.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I can’t even imagine the pain and torture these animals must endure. It is unbelievable… Of course, all of this is an excellent reminder to try and purchase products that are <a href="http://www.peta.org/living/beauty-and-personal-care/companies/default.aspx">not tested on animals</a>. This can be tough and may cost a little more money, but you know it’s worth it. Their lives (and safety) are worth it. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Someone sent me this video and, clearly, I can’t watch it without crying. <i>This</i> video has a happy ending, but make sure to get your tissues out. It is also a great reminder of just how hard life can be for dogs in lab captivity.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/zLZMxRP_F5w" width="640"></iframe></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Finally, in case you need a reminder, please remember to adopt if you are looking for an animal companion. If you don’t know that already, I will be happy to personally come to your house and smack you upside the head.<br />
<br />
If you would like to <a href="http://www.brewbeagles.org/">adopt</a> a beagle, I will be happy to tell you anything you want to know!<br />
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<br />
</div>The Chubby Veganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06179258071750439194noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542219039974483951.post-15494618446832048172011-07-25T16:46:00.001-04:002011-07-26T10:03:19.864-04:00Pride Cupcakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT0QvGoBrnFe1C2XTvYuflW-vg0IQZ0bh2BTw89di8Y7JEtdDynQgcDrE5kQAEBj8D9BrRKa6x19qYuYeO5ihyphenhyphenKrpSvosDp34oPb2c29pHlfvc7QtReVK3OkuvhME-LdL5UyJ28XijZls/s1600/DSC_0871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT0QvGoBrnFe1C2XTvYuflW-vg0IQZ0bh2BTw89di8Y7JEtdDynQgcDrE5kQAEBj8D9BrRKa6x19qYuYeO5ihyphenhyphenKrpSvosDp34oPb2c29pHlfvc7QtReVK3OkuvhME-LdL5UyJ28XijZls/s640/DSC_0871.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>The last few weeks have been so exciting for the LGBT community.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/news/dont-ask-dont-tell">Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell</a> is nearing its final day…</div><div class="MsoNormal">The state of <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/25/nyregion/gay-marriage-approved-by-new-york-senate.html?pagewanted=all">NY</a> has legalized same sex marriage…</div><div class="MsoNormal">There seems to be an increase in glitter protests…</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">All around, it has been an exciting couple of weeks! What better way to celebrate than with some rainbow pride cupcakes?<br />
<br />
I actually made these in June for the wonderful Pittsburgh Pride celebration and am finally getting around to posting it. But with such an exciting week of LGBT events, I think it still fits.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYogSUvxT8WUkVxpBO5D8AM45lSET0SsRn-XhRYTDuHm6iuz3_IYwpNaI35v0L1of99uN9eyXpsWCdc0Y4hn0V9Jvc2yuJvfhljn4qOTwQJWeB7nOUQpIzf46BqdBsc8xXn6XehijTEyo/s1600/DSC_0923-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYogSUvxT8WUkVxpBO5D8AM45lSET0SsRn-XhRYTDuHm6iuz3_IYwpNaI35v0L1of99uN9eyXpsWCdc0Y4hn0V9Jvc2yuJvfhljn4qOTwQJWeB7nOUQpIzf46BqdBsc8xXn6XehijTEyo/s400/DSC_0923-2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>So make some pride cupcakes, hug a gay person, and figure out more ways to throw glitter at Michelle Bachman.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Recipe and an inside picture after the jump…</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><a name='more'></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br />
</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyi7Ygu9-LVZuOgNTBybfx2AX51IO_c105V5HCzCj3QG6KW19r_RaRTm473LXNExuGcUuSFYOMT0CIsf3aqUNzi2RZmVbdwBwJk8O0J402WilPHlQnlrO_fuA-NE4Fm7AuuLfHDemujPc/s1600/DSC_0985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyi7Ygu9-LVZuOgNTBybfx2AX51IO_c105V5HCzCj3QG6KW19r_RaRTm473LXNExuGcUuSFYOMT0CIsf3aqUNzi2RZmVbdwBwJk8O0J402WilPHlQnlrO_fuA-NE4Fm7AuuLfHDemujPc/s400/DSC_0985.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Pride Cupcakes</b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">Adapted from: <a href="http://shmooedfood.blogspot.com/2006/01/fluffy-white-cupcakes.html">Schmooed Food</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">1 TB apple cider vinegar</div><div class="MsoNormal">1 ½ scant cups plain soymilk</div><div class="MsoNormal">2 1/8 cups flour</div><div class="MsoNormal">2 tsp. baking powder</div><div class="MsoNormal">½ tsp. baking soda</div><div class="MsoNormal">½ tsp. kosher salt</div><div class="MsoNormal">1 1/8 cups sugar</div><div class="MsoNormal">½ cup oil</div><div class="MsoNormal">1 ½ tsp. vanilla extract</div><div class="MsoNormal">Food coloring for Red, Yellow, Orange, Green, Blue, Purple</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Preheat the oven to 350º. Spray muffin cups with nonstick spray or line with paper cupcake liners. Set aside.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Place the apple cider vinegar in the bottom of a liquid measuring cup and fill the cup with soymilk to equal 1 ½ cups. Stir well and set aside (the mixture will curdle).</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In a large mixing bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another mixing bowl whisk together the soymilk mixture, canola oil, and vanilla. Add the wet to the dry ingredients and beat until smooth using a hand-held mixer, stopping once to scrape down the sides of the bowl.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Here is the annoying part… Take all of the batter and divide it evenly into six separate bowls. Add food color to each of your bowls, starting with purple, and mix until you achieve the appropriate color. Once you have all of your batters appropriately colored, start by evenly distributing the batter into each of the muffin cups in your pan. This is not an exact science, but do your best to layer the colors. The order from the bottom should be: purple, blue, green, yellow, orange, red. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until a cake tester inserted in the middle of a cupcake comes out clean. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Let cool in the pans for at least 5 minutes, then remove cupcakes from the pan and place on a wire rack. Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Chubby Vegan Notes<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><ul><li>My other name for these is chemical cupcakes because of the excessive use of food coloring. If you have any natural food coloring, have at it!</li>
<li>These are always a huge hit if you have the patience to make them. They do, however, take much more time than a traditional cupcake but are really worth the reward.</li>
<li>I frosted mine with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Vegan-Cupcakes-Take-Over-World/dp/1569242739?ie=UTF8&tag=thechuveg-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Isa’s</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thechuveg-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1569242739" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> vanilla frosting and topped them with natural colored sugar. </li>
</ul>The Chubby Veganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06179258071750439194noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542219039974483951.post-63363523837084182642011-07-20T16:59:00.000-04:002011-07-20T16:59:15.381-04:00Provincetown: A Vegan Guide<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U2wpSqFGnq8/TiYOLXVzHEI/AAAAAAAAD1o/_eRYAj5vcdQ/s1600/DSC_1303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U2wpSqFGnq8/TiYOLXVzHEI/AAAAAAAAD1o/_eRYAj5vcdQ/s640/DSC_1303.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Last week I was fortunate enough to head to one of my favorite places in the world- Provincetown, MA.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vdBBIR45j38/TiYODLx0SMI/AAAAAAAAD04/kDcTHY9od0k/s1600/DSC_1229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vdBBIR45j38/TiYODLx0SMI/AAAAAAAAD04/kDcTHY9od0k/s400/DSC_1229.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">For those of you unfamiliar with Provincetown, it is the easternmost city in Massachusetts. In addition, it is also one of the most gay friendly cities in the US. Provincetown is the perfect mix of everything I love: beach, sun, drag queens, food, and liquor.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Husband and I headed there for a lovely vacation that gave us a much needed break from all of our dog drama and stress.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Since I had not been to Provincetown in almost 9 years I couldn’t really remember much of their food options. The last time I was there I probably would have settled for pizza and ice cream; clearly times have changed.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Here is my quick and dirty lowdown of vegan Provincetown and a few fun pictures from my adventure.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.napis-restaurant.com/">Napi’s Restaurant</a></div><div class="MsoNormal">An eclectic, very “old-Cape” restaurant that has just about anything you can imagine on the menu. The server was really nice and super accommodating. They do have a specific “vegetarian” section and made distinctions about dairy, etc. I had the “Jewel in the Crown,” which is essentially a tofu curry stir fry. Not the best curry I have ever had, but it was good relatively speaking. Like most of Provincetown, it’s a bit on the pricey side!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Governor Bradford</div><div class="MsoNormal">The GB is a Provincetown staple, right in the middle of town. I had the spaghetti... Do I need to say any more? Make sure to go to their drag queen karaoke and see Anita Cocktail; she is a friend and an all around hoot.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aeAn1hjnxWw/TiYODout5bI/AAAAAAAAD08/FPF1e3-biK8/s1600/DSC_1238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aeAn1hjnxWw/TiYODout5bI/AAAAAAAAD08/FPF1e3-biK8/s320/DSC_1238.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.tinyslocalfood.com/tinys/welcome.html">Tiny’s</a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Tiny’s is an intimate rooftop restaurant right on the main drag. They had an exquisite vegan Caesar salad and wonderful vegetable pakoras. Two big thumbs up for Tiny’s! The menu was also clearly marked, which I love. I would say this is a must visit for any vegan visitor to P-town.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.devons.org/">Devon’s Café</a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Devon’s was literally right next to our hotel and it was so good we ate there twice. I always think finding good vegan breakfast can be a bit of a challenge. Devon’s had tofu scramble AND vegan French toast. This is another must visit! The outdoor seating is lovely, the servers are precious, and there is a bowl of the best raspberry jam I have ever had on every table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All around, perfect.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.bradfordnatural.com/retailer/store_templates/shell_id_1.asp?storeID=A6FEF77B4F384BF0830C23F99E4F08A0">Bradford Natural Market</a></div><div class="MsoNormal">So this is not a restaurant, but it is the best place to purchase vegan / organic fare if you have a kitchen. Plus, they have a wonderful take out cooler with amazing sandwiches. Husband and I split a peanut curry wrap that was just perfect. It is a little pricey, but with its size and location that is to be expected. I have a special place in my heart for small organic food markets and this place did not disappoint.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JnVCVGS4P2Y/TiYOLH5ca1I/AAAAAAAAD1k/qe0QHIljMHg/s1600/DSC_1292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JnVCVGS4P2Y/TiYOLH5ca1I/AAAAAAAAD1k/qe0QHIljMHg/s320/DSC_1292.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.theharborlounge.com/">Harbor Lounge</a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Not a restaurant, but the Harbor Lounge was just a super cool bar. Wanted to make sure I share!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.508elmundo.com/el_mundo_provincetown/EL_MUNDO.html">El Mundo Restaurant</a></div><div class="MsoNormal">This is a fun little Mexican place right in the center of Provincetown. We went in for a light lunch and they had clearly labeled vegan black beans and rice, which is one of my favorite light meals. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.karookafe.com/">Karoo Kafé</a></div><div class="MsoNormal">I didn’t have the chance to go here, but they have a really nice menu with a ton of vegan options. If you ever make it to Provincetown, make sure to go and tell me about it! Everything on the menu sounded great!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.lewisbrothersicecream.com/">Lewis Brothers</a></div><div class="MsoNormal">An ice cream place that had vegan fruit sorbet... I didn't go, but I am happy they had some type of frozen vegan treats!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">More pictures after the jump...</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><a name='more'></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Dicyp5AeI8/TiYOISuON5I/AAAAAAAAD1U/C2XImk9rrmc/s1600/DSC_1261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Dicyp5AeI8/TiYOISuON5I/AAAAAAAAD1U/C2XImk9rrmc/s400/DSC_1261.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XRxnySVAQx8/TiYOHpFbDII/AAAAAAAAD1Q/xoRSJ83ydg8/s1600/DSC_1256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XRxnySVAQx8/TiYOHpFbDII/AAAAAAAAD1Q/xoRSJ83ydg8/s400/DSC_1256.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8pFAXFiH3Hw/TiYOI88osOI/AAAAAAAAD1Y/ljkhLRoPrxA/s1600/DSC_1263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8pFAXFiH3Hw/TiYOI88osOI/AAAAAAAAD1Y/ljkhLRoPrxA/s400/DSC_1263.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z8YfqsICk4A/TiYOBYAhxMI/AAAAAAAAD0w/a2dfboy-LSo/s1600/DSC_1208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z8YfqsICk4A/TiYOBYAhxMI/AAAAAAAAD0w/a2dfboy-LSo/s400/DSC_1208.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-updEn6ZocXA/TiYONNhJvoI/AAAAAAAAD1w/ehydXmaYJdY/s1600/DSC_1333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-updEn6ZocXA/TiYONNhJvoI/AAAAAAAAD1w/ehydXmaYJdY/s400/DSC_1333.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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</div>The Chubby Veganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06179258071750439194noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542219039974483951.post-26515147016184859182011-07-14T12:55:00.000-04:002011-07-14T12:55:22.467-04:00A Sad Day in the Burgh<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oxj_tj0o_0g/TdRDaUUGMCI/AAAAAAAADH4/UP2Z50vZrWU/s1600/DSC_0133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oxj_tj0o_0g/TdRDaUUGMCI/AAAAAAAADH4/UP2Z50vZrWU/s640/DSC_0133.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vegan Mostess (my favorite)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>While I was on vacation last week, one of my favorite Pittsburgh institutions closed its doors.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="http://dozenbakeshop.com/">Dozen Bake Shop</a> has been serving up lovely cupcakes and baked goods over the past several years, staring out as a little place in Squirrel Hill and expanding to a number of store fronts around the city. For whatever reason, they abruptly announced their closing last week.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">I have posted about Dozen <a href="http://www.thechubbyvegan.com/2011/01/is-it-friday-yet.html">before</a>; they were an excellent place for a 3:00 cupcake fix. They were one of the few places that offered vegan cupcakes (and awesome molasses cookies) daily and year round in Pittsburgh. It was such a shame to see them go. *tear*</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">I have visited many other awesome bakeries and cafés that serve delightful vegan baked goods, but Dozen will always old a special place in my heart. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">This song pretty much sums up my feelings.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/11911u4DYSE" width="425"></iframe></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Do you have a favorite vegan dessert place? Comment and tell me about it! Maybe I can add it to my "must visit" list...<br />
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</div>The Chubby Veganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06179258071750439194noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542219039974483951.post-86943431381117923332011-07-13T16:51:00.001-04:002011-07-13T17:40:16.888-04:00Mini Lasagna Cups<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fX3p2UTlL2k/ThzvuhAY0eI/AAAAAAAADvY/jhUf2nxOR6g/s1600/DSC_0858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fX3p2UTlL2k/ThzvuhAY0eI/AAAAAAAADvY/jhUf2nxOR6g/s640/DSC_0858.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I feel like I am always on a quest to find the perfect appetizer to bring to a party.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">I like to bring things that are easy to make, pretty/cute, delicious, and make believers out of non-vegans. Can you get all of those things in one <s>hors</s> <s>douvres</s> <s>hor</s> <s>douvres</s> <s>whore</s> <s>devre </s> <s>horedevres</s> <s>whores</s> <s>devils</s> appetizer? </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gwQpp7BbwiQ/Thzvme0ZbuI/AAAAAAAADuA/bgEdc9PlxtY/s1600/DSC_0794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="279" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gwQpp7BbwiQ/Thzvme0ZbuI/AAAAAAAADuA/bgEdc9PlxtY/s320/DSC_0794.JPG" width="320" /></a>When you are the token vegan bringing anything to a party, it better damn well be delicious because you have about 5 seconds to make a believer out of any skeptic. Of course this always makes me laugh, since clearly vegans eat only things made of dirt and broccoli.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">I recently saw a <a href="http://quick-dish.tablespoon.com/2011/03/31/lasagna-cupcakes/?utm_source=outbrain&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=2011_05">recipe</a> for non-vegan mini lasagna cups and I thought they looked like a perfect party treat. I made them and they pretty much fit all of my qualifications. I brought them to husbands’ softball game and a fellow chubby (non-vegan) woman damn near fainted from how good they were.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">When I told them they were vegan she pretty much did a spit take. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>*pulling at suspenders* </i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">My work here is done…</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Recipe after the jump…</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"></div><a name='more'></a><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Mini Lasagna Cups</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Concept: <a href="http://quick-dish.tablespoon.com/2011/03/31/lasagna-cupcakes/?utm_source=outbrain&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=2011_05">Tablespoon</a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">1 small Jar of marinara sauce<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Assorted Diced Grilled Veggies (Onion, Zucchini, Carrot, Mushroom)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">2 tablespoons olive oil<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">24 wonton wrappers<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">1 Batch of <a href="http://www.yourdailyvegan.com/2009/07/28/i-am-like-officially-in-love-with-vegan-brunch/">Cashew Ricotta Cheese</a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"> (optional) basil for garnish<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Directions<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray muffin tin with cooking spray.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">Dice vegetables and saute in olive oil, about 6-8 minutes.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Lay wonton wrappers into bottom of muffin tin. Place a scant tablespoon of cashew ricotta, a tablespoon of grilled vegetables, and about 2 teaspoons of sauce onto wonton the wonton wrapper.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Cover mixture with another wonton wrapper, pressing lightly around the top of the mixture. Repeat with another layer of ingredients. Repeat until all muffin cups are filled.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Bake for 15-20 minutes or until edges are brown. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. To remove use a knife to loosen the edges then pop each lasagna out.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Garnish with basil and serve.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Chubby Vegan Notes</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"></div><ul><li style="line-height: normal;">I know I am obsessed with cashew ricotta, but it really is the best.</li>
<li style="line-height: normal;">Feel free to add some vegan cheese to this bad boy too.</li>
<li>You could substitute the grilled vegetables for lentils, fake meat crumbles, or even seitan. Also, feel free to use different vegetables; I suggest eggplant and sun-dried tomatoes as other options.</li>
<li style="line-height: normal;">These sound really messy, but are actually the perfect appetizer. They are just so pretty when they are done too- like a little delicious vegan rose.</li>
<li style="line-height: normal;">*Note* Many brands of wonton wrappers are NOT vegan, so make sure to read the ingredients very closely... </li>
</ul><div><br />
</div>The Chubby Veganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06179258071750439194noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542219039974483951.post-84897775554527553112011-07-12T16:43:00.000-04:002011-07-12T16:43:24.059-04:00Missing In Action<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijJbLnau8cYV8bLhGLQiT0QzVYqa9BT0lV5yRVeorBlXFbRXAKauE_dOhKcgkB-fknthwP_4ZBBbg6Ko7QpQBFJniBMpG-ajIJfW0H-3HEu2oRY3O83bP39oP50fnvAbcIIHTYyT3iKwI/s1600/Buddy+NEW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijJbLnau8cYV8bLhGLQiT0QzVYqa9BT0lV5yRVeorBlXFbRXAKauE_dOhKcgkB-fknthwP_4ZBBbg6Ko7QpQBFJniBMpG-ajIJfW0H-3HEu2oRY3O83bP39oP50fnvAbcIIHTYyT3iKwI/s640/Buddy+NEW.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buddy's Recovery</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">You can just call me the Chubby stranger because that is what I have felt like!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">So here is the low down. I have four dogs, Pepper, Marci, Buddy, and Nana. My dog Nana has been really sick over the past few months. She is about 13 and has mammary cancer. We really thought we were going to lose her two weeks ago and then miraculously she started feeling much better. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzliCYHPj7J2fSDCY2VhBE1a2d0AMwKOC9E1AYDMKFpDW8mwFLkERw1du34xitlQzRZ_ZV38sJVCAEzomLCiTPKQIL-gDVBAAlVmfaJfSeipVJzLsSxnn1HnsxVCpuD0sfTkzgWg-18vc/s1600/nana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzliCYHPj7J2fSDCY2VhBE1a2d0AMwKOC9E1AYDMKFpDW8mwFLkERw1du34xitlQzRZ_ZV38sJVCAEzomLCiTPKQIL-gDVBAAlVmfaJfSeipVJzLsSxnn1HnsxVCpuD0sfTkzgWg-18vc/s400/nana.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nana</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">I will spare you the gross details, but she is now feeling much better. Yay Nana!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">However, by some cruel twist of fate, another one of our dogs (Buddy) got hurt. We are not really sure how, but he managed to rupture 4 disks in his neck and upper back. We think it was a furniture related accident. He was in more pain than I think you can even imagine and then he lost his ability to walk. What followed was a very costly surgery and will now be a very long recovery. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">A very special person in our life helped us more than I can even explain and saved Buddy’s life. That person and the neurologist and staff at the <a href="http://www.pvs-ec.com/">Pittsburgh Veterinary and Specialty Emergency Center</a> (PVSEC) are Buddy’s Angels. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">This all happened right up against what was to be the first week long vacation Husband and I were going to have in a long time. Thanks to Mom-in-law we were still able to go away for half of it, which was lovely.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">There you have it. My patience and emotions have been stretched fairly thin over the past few weeks.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Back to food tomorrow! I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait! </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div>The Chubby Veganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06179258071750439194noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542219039974483951.post-54817970346917028312011-06-28T19:42:00.001-04:002011-06-28T19:44:02.119-04:00Margarita Cupcakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FjoJP95Kkc4/Tf6oSQxPllI/AAAAAAAADn0/GkQi9tcMLe4/s1600/DSC_0589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FjoJP95Kkc4/Tf6oSQxPllI/AAAAAAAADn0/GkQi9tcMLe4/s640/DSC_0589.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Oh hello blog… It’s me, Chubby. Sorry, I have been away.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Here is a recap…</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><ol><li>My elderly dog, Nana Bear, has been really sick. She has cancer and we thought we were going to lose her. Luckily she pulled through and is now acting like she has never heard the word cancer. YAY!</li>
<li>I had a quick (and unexpected) trip to NYC- my happy place.</li>
<li>Upon my return, one of my other dogs (Buddy) decided he felt left out. He hurt his back and was screaming more than I ever heard a dog scream in my life. Emergency trip to the ER Vet, lots of drugs and money later; now my house is a dog hospital.</li>
</ol><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7wogcxM6Lyk/Tf6oP4bdbEI/AAAAAAAADnE/198QXhvyOTw/s1600/DSC_0550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7wogcxM6Lyk/Tf6oP4bdbEI/AAAAAAAADnE/198QXhvyOTw/s400/DSC_0550.JPG" width="400" /></a>Sigh...</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">All of this makes me want to drink. Yep, drink. Since it is summer, I feel it is only fitting to drink my favorite summer beverage- a frozen margarita.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Alas, my blender is in the shop. So, we will have the next best thing: a margarita cupcake!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Oh man these are good. You know how some “drink desserts” are just a little <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">off</i>. Not these babies… They are just the perfect mix of summer and fun to make you want to eat every last one. The recipe is from my go-to vegan goddess, <a href="http://theppk.com/">Isa Chandra Moskowitz.</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I hope you enjoy these as much as I do. They are L-O-V-E-L-Y. </div><br />
Info after the jump…<br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><a name='more'></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V6q6gWJdPn4/Tf6oW948F_I/AAAAAAAADoY/LyKah5Mowz8/s1600/DSC_0628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V6q6gWJdPn4/Tf6oW948F_I/AAAAAAAADoY/LyKah5Mowz8/s400/DSC_0628.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Since I took this recipe from a book (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Vegan-Cupcakes-Take-Over-World/dp/1569242739?ie=UTF8&tag=thechuveg-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thechuveg-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1569242739" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />) I am not going to direct copy it here. Really, this book is amazing and I encourage <b><u>everyone</u></b> to buy it.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">There are other people who have put it online, so I am not stopping you from using Google University to find it from someone else. However, since I hope to one day meet and hug Isa, I don't want her to punch me in the face for posting all of her gold online for free. <smile></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Raise a <s>glass</s> cupcake! Who wants some margarita?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>The Chubby Veganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06179258071750439194noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542219039974483951.post-6128431391565564912011-06-21T16:41:00.001-04:002011-06-21T16:47:58.027-04:00For the Love of (Stuffed Crust) Pizza<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBiFoTQnyfb-IjFGq9MZSfSIpuzO_u-RZo8n_1w7ENEjsgHyOG47vMQpyq0d5JmEJzStMH3geM5KmYxZFPpxse46O2QJqGxm5MA1cVuZWeSGQ164RmeacSGN9aVUuatVGPPdCmEip8Y7I/s1600/DSC_0442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="473" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBiFoTQnyfb-IjFGq9MZSfSIpuzO_u-RZo8n_1w7ENEjsgHyOG47vMQpyq0d5JmEJzStMH3geM5KmYxZFPpxse46O2QJqGxm5MA1cVuZWeSGQ164RmeacSGN9aVUuatVGPPdCmEip8Y7I/s640/DSC_0442.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> Who doesn't love Pizza?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">That greasy mess is as American as credit card debt and shopping at Wal-Mart. But, alas, I am a pizza fan. Ever since discovering that Papa John’s <a href="http://www.veganeatingout.com/papa-johns">original crust pizza</a> (sans cheese) is vegan I have been spending a bit too much time on the pizza train. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Then I saw this lovely from one of my all time favorite food bloggers, <a href="http://www.meettheshannons.net/2011/04/informal-letter-to-vegan-stuffed-crust.html">Meet the Shannons</a>. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Mexican + Pizza = quite possibly the best food combo since Peanut Butter and Jelly.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">I made a few minor adjustments from the original recipe, but nothing major. The result is nothing short of a pizza miracle. I officially bow down to this Shannon family masterpiece.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpw6lUCgZFwC7bcCVOM3zeA9TOO3JxN1meKawokib6Qcc-4xw31BZ7WBRuyv2B0U4uMisKT76qcoB0m2x70A7RY6G_4EE519PIBGYPHkgzJ84xV6NqDlEJQQRLl99wevB2c7ysWNXi-Uw/s1600/DSC_0424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpw6lUCgZFwC7bcCVOM3zeA9TOO3JxN1meKawokib6Qcc-4xw31BZ7WBRuyv2B0U4uMisKT76qcoB0m2x70A7RY6G_4EE519PIBGYPHkgzJ84xV6NqDlEJQQRLl99wevB2c7ysWNXi-Uw/s640/DSC_0424.JPG" width="640" /></a>¡Ole!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Recipe after the jump…</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"></div><a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih62vsi8PaBN_z5vl0GlW1fTx1xH7B_YAOW2vHvjX5w-9AyCcE1nDNuijyVtdm2XIdUv0cHmw-_4rXBCr-DN17OddiDP6NNVZKAAPVeH2OhADqYyoF-VGE1TB1xIs7PpSjvAOwNweZWPU/s1600/DSC_0428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih62vsi8PaBN_z5vl0GlW1fTx1xH7B_YAOW2vHvjX5w-9AyCcE1nDNuijyVtdm2XIdUv0cHmw-_4rXBCr-DN17OddiDP6NNVZKAAPVeH2OhADqYyoF-VGE1TB1xIs7PpSjvAOwNweZWPU/s320/DSC_0428.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Mexican Stuffed Crust Pizza</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Source: <a href="http://www.meettheshannons.net/2011/04/informal-letter-to-vegan-stuffed-crust.html">Meet the Shannons</a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">3 Cups Whole Wheat Flour (you'll need some extra to flour surfaces)<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">1 Tablespoon Sugar<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">1 Teaspoon Salt<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">1 Package Regular Yeast<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">3 Tablespoons Olive Oil<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">1 Cup Warm Water<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Cornmeal (to dust your pizza stone if you're using one)<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Pizza Toppings <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">1 Package Vegan Soyrizo <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(I used Seitan w/ taco seasoning and it worked really well- you can use any meat substitute)</i><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">1 Bag of Daiya Vegan Cheddar Cheese<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">1 Can Black Beans (drained and rinsed)<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">1/2 Red Onion (diced)<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">2 teaspoon Olive Oil<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">1 teaspoon Cumin<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">1 Can Black Olives (sliced - we accidentally bought diced instead - this is a topping so you'll have some leftover)<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">1 Can Jalapenos (sliced - this is a topping so you'll have some leftover)<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">1 Tomato (sliced up to put on top) <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">1 Avocado (sliced up to put on top)<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">1 Jar of Your Favorite Salsa (this is a topping so you'll have some leftover) <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">In a large bowl, mix 1 cup of Whole Wheat Flour, Sugar, Salt and Yeast. Add Olive Oil and Warm Water. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Mix with a hand mixer at a medium speed for around 3 minutes. Stir in the rest of the Flour, and mix in any extra that's on the side of the bowl. Mix until the dough is soft and doesn't stick to the side. Place dough on a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for 5-8 minutes, until the dough is smooth and springy. Cover loosely with plastic wrap, and let rest for around 30 minutes.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Preheat oven to 425.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">In your favorite cast iron skillet, heat Olive Oil, Soyrizo, Red Onion, Cumin and Black Beans on a medium heat. Mix them gently with a spatula while you cook and remove from heat once the mix is brown and the Soyrizo has slightly crispy edges. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Dust the pizza stone with cornmeal and where you are going to roll out the dough. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Roll dough into a circle (around 13 inches in diameter) and then move very carefully to the pizza stone. Create a little pocket/canal along the edge of the pizza. Fill the canal with Daiya Cheddar Cheese. Be careful to not use more than a 1/3 of the bag and to stay inside the pocket. Seal the Daiya Cheese in by folding over the outer edge and pressing lightly.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Fill the center of the Pizza with the cooked Soyrizo. Make an even layer of the Soyrizo and then cover with a light even layer of Daiya Cheddar. Then place the Tomato slices on the pizza and then cover them with another layer of Daiya. Then sprinkle the Black Olives and Jalapenos over the top and then cover with another layer of Daiya. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Just wait till the crust is golden and Daiya is melted. Serve with slices of Avocado and some Salsa.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><br />
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<b>Chubby Vegan Notes</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
<ul><li style="line-height: normal;">First off, I used seitan with Trader Joe’s taco seasoning mix. This pizza was S-P-I-C-Y, so I think I went a little heavy handed with the seasoning mix. If you use the soyrizo or go light on the taco seasoning I don’t think you will have any “spicy issues.” Husband needed a sweat rag.</li>
<li>I bought an avocado and it wasn't ripe so I didn’t use any, although I think it would be awesome.</li>
<li style="line-height: normal;">Feel free to adjust the toppings at will; it is your pizza after all.</li>
<li style="line-height: normal;">This pizza is really amazing. The crust is PERFECT. The toppings are EXCELLENT. All around it is just an excellent take on a Mexican pizza. </li>
</ul></div>The Chubby Veganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06179258071750439194noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542219039974483951.post-42728601448662355862011-06-16T15:57:00.002-04:002011-06-21T16:48:30.775-04:00Cute. Dog. Overload<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjolFB6x1Hxnziw3M-J4cHGKRWGmgUxm6Q7RSEY0_ySs6jpJVgWgqcCuXCH3nZUKejxQgAz1eWvQtlIg4P2wuyWT8EtG5zaLasTpCeyBaL8ipOURh8rGZSqDYizjBuJOwjakhXXZBRMPMg/s1600/mammacomputer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjolFB6x1Hxnziw3M-J4cHGKRWGmgUxm6Q7RSEY0_ySs6jpJVgWgqcCuXCH3nZUKejxQgAz1eWvQtlIg4P2wuyWT8EtG5zaLasTpCeyBaL8ipOURh8rGZSqDYizjBuJOwjakhXXZBRMPMg/s640/mammacomputer.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">I talk about my dogs a fair bit because, well, they are awesome.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Clearly I think my dogs are the best thing since tofu tacos. However, sometimes I have to step aside and let other canine friends get some attention for their pure awesomeness.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Enter <a href="http://www.mammabiscuit.com/">Mamma Biscuit</a>. Here is the lowdown:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Lives in the best city in the world (check)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Has two daddies (check)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Eats a vegan diet (check)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Shares an undying love for Madonna (check)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Has an exquisite sense of fashion (check)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Rescued from a terrible life (check)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">When vegan superstar <a href="http://www.theppk.com/">Isa Moskowitz</a> tweeted Mamma's blog I was in cute overload. Clearly, I have to share it with all of you…</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Please share some love for Mamma Biscuit and her lovely daddies. She made a new Chubby Vegan fan and I hope you will join me in sharing her some love.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mammabiscuit.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Desperately Seeking Mamma Biscuit</b></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">XOXO</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Chubby Vegan</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">A couple more of my favorite pics, just because...</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5HIEb3J7pDBAiyIG3PVwGmtXj7h0m9w0NYwoGj64NApTKRRwfgEutaJsjSeUsI-3vCXu1XOmBn9aKa7tDxSv9CcB2sT0UCCndY65tPxhILOxpPBQ0N9QuaFRbk7k4OrtFWeElCFDGV5A/s1600/arlingtonpark2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5HIEb3J7pDBAiyIG3PVwGmtXj7h0m9w0NYwoGj64NApTKRRwfgEutaJsjSeUsI-3vCXu1XOmBn9aKa7tDxSv9CcB2sT0UCCndY65tPxhILOxpPBQ0N9QuaFRbk7k4OrtFWeElCFDGV5A/s400/arlingtonpark2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pose... werk... *snaps*</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQOVv1BiVEtFNN-1MQsoI9yh3o_z6VqOZTBnMXcXdPKwk_8GN30S6B2VqGOTjHiIMxI4pKb8vzgs-Z2ML00ZrDPhLPDMSeN8CVLNf5hwq1eVjjETJ8EVMC0lgcPAosYLI1rWYiMw7YOVU/s1600/marcjacobs2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQOVv1BiVEtFNN-1MQsoI9yh3o_z6VqOZTBnMXcXdPKwk_8GN30S6B2VqGOTjHiIMxI4pKb8vzgs-Z2ML00ZrDPhLPDMSeN8CVLNf5hwq1eVjjETJ8EVMC0lgcPAosYLI1rWYiMw7YOVU/s400/marcjacobs2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pearls make everything better...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPVWlJTgjig-BJVep9VqVdkD3uwh9PtderzLVl0sQ22g1LjDk8RheyaRz6tzPb981k8xYMz17xEwV8ogn_D7mTmBuTmxRILHNMp2Edw_wvy8VRYkR9PKHyF_PQUZoh9emoKG-nlTYQRTc/s1600/annamamma2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPVWlJTgjig-BJVep9VqVdkD3uwh9PtderzLVl0sQ22g1LjDk8RheyaRz6tzPb981k8xYMz17xEwV8ogn_D7mTmBuTmxRILHNMp2Edw_wvy8VRYkR9PKHyF_PQUZoh9emoKG-nlTYQRTc/s400/annamamma2.jpg" width="216" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Move over Anna Wintour!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiBxMXJgcQGZUrZSFrua95_fa02KQO6JNZVC8DyBnN549_Y5Egz99AWJaeIvs8ZtRyjlKXF5ZPL6_esyKPLOD1b4mQ5pwdeZ7oJbb7jFi4JH9-ZasjYsnzhlAzOxL9MRKVmw0HxOaSF2Y/s1600/rollermamma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiBxMXJgcQGZUrZSFrua95_fa02KQO6JNZVC8DyBnN549_Y5Egz99AWJaeIvs8ZtRyjlKXF5ZPL6_esyKPLOD1b4mQ5pwdeZ7oJbb7jFi4JH9-ZasjYsnzhlAzOxL9MRKVmw0HxOaSF2Y/s400/rollermamma.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I feel the same way girl...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX36SOSMcFRcSk5srfyRHiIMHebG4KvwnhjfyR1ENqKubkBiYxY4mvQC1HUdglr8lcw5qLqS2crmkKiy8DsZgM92mv_SnkUqP_w7zxh2P3DAj4ySoM81JzE7Q4fSeemjVYPWheA9KQGD4/s1600/laislabonita.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX36SOSMcFRcSk5srfyRHiIMHebG4KvwnhjfyR1ENqKubkBiYxY4mvQC1HUdglr8lcw5qLqS2crmkKiy8DsZgM92mv_SnkUqP_w7zxh2P3DAj4ySoM81JzE7Q4fSeemjVYPWheA9KQGD4/s320/laislabonita.jpg" width="203" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">¿Quien es?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
</div>The Chubby Veganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06179258071750439194noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542219039974483951.post-78872180193757407532011-06-14T21:11:00.001-04:002011-06-21T16:49:01.927-04:00Sweet Potato & Cauliflower Curry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9WlZ6Wh41x8/TeRRJFHVbNI/AAAAAAAADZo/fJblXfHyax8/s1600/DSC_0190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9WlZ6Wh41x8/TeRRJFHVbNI/AAAAAAAADZo/fJblXfHyax8/s640/DSC_0190.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">I like recipes. For so long I have clung to recipes as if they were life or death. I am slowly getting over that however because some of my favorite meals are those that you just throw together.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">You know the kind; figure out what you have in your house, mix it in a pot, add some spices, and hope for the best. I have a friend that is a pro at that- although 9.9 times out of 10 it ends up being something Mexican. The moral of the story is that salsa, chili powder, and black beans make everything better.<br />
<br />
Which we all know is true.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">This is my <i>throw it together</i> for Sweet Potato & Cauliflower curry. It is the shell of a great recipe so you can add to it what you would like. It really came out of me having sweet potatoes and cauliflower that I needed to use, throwing them together in a skillet, adding some spices, and here you go.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Do you have a favorite throw it together recipe? What is it? </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Recipe after the jump…</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br />
</o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><a name='more'></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br />
</b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Sweet Potato & Cauliflower Curry</b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j7LUnQvLKYE/TeRRMBhCjtI/AAAAAAAADZ0/PI7sMYRQjm4/s1600/DSC_0196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j7LUnQvLKYE/TeRRMBhCjtI/AAAAAAAADZ0/PI7sMYRQjm4/s320/DSC_0196.JPG" width="320" /></a>Source: A combination of a million curry recipes</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">1 tablespoon oil</div><div class="MsoNormal">1 small head cauliflower, cut into small florets</div><div class="MsoNormal">¾ cup mushrooms, sliced</div><div class="MsoNormal">1 teaspoon cumin seeds</div><div class="MsoNormal">1 ½ tablespoon curry</div><div class="MsoNormal">1 tablespoon water </div><div class="MsoNormal">1 can diced tomatoes, drained</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Peel and cube sweet potatoes. Parboil for about 5-6 minutes.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Meanwhile, place oil in heavy bottom wok or skillet and heat on medium high heat. Add cauliflower and slowly sauté florets of cauliflower. Once cauliflower begins to sweat, add mushrooms and cook for a few more minutes.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Add cumin seeds, curry, water and mix.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Drain sweet potatoes and add to cauliflower mixture, combine. Add diced tomatoes. Continue mixing and sautéing for a few minutes.If you like your vegetables crunchier, turn off the heat and enjoy. If you want a softer cauliflower leave it on for longer. Garnish with parsley.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Chubby Vegan Notes<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><ul><li>I would serve this over rice or quinoa. It would also make a good side item to something else.</li>
<li>A couple of things you could add: onions, tofu, green onions, garlic, or maybe vegetable stock instead of water.</li>
<li>I like curry so I added a decent amount. If you don’t love it just use less.</li>
<li>Water? I don’t know why, but I think water helps spread the flavor out a little more. You could use vegetable broth or more oil.</li>
<li>Suggestion: toasting cumin seeds helps bring out there flavor more. You could always add them first; I just didn’t.</li>
</ul><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>The Chubby Veganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06179258071750439194noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542219039974483951.post-39051679230509564982011-06-13T17:05:00.000-04:002011-06-13T17:05:31.636-04:00Everyone Needs Some Pride<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="300" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/24750006?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" width="400"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">In case you didn't know, June is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gay_and_Lesbian_Pride_Month">Pride</a> month. I have a really fun Pride food post to share soon but I just couldn't resist sharing this video with all of you today. For two reasons:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"></div><ol><li>It is unbelievably awesome.</li>
<li>This kid is the exact same as me at 9 years old, except he isn't chubby.</li>
</ol>What better way to celebrate Pride than a video of boy who can work it out to “Vogue” at 9 years old?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Pride is a time to celebrate everything that makes us special. Since I have no videos of myself as a 9 year old busting it out to Madonna; this is the next best thing. This kid (<a href="http://vimeo.com/24750006" style="line-height: normal;">Robert Jeffrey</a>) is the exact same age as me. His parents took him on a trip to NH as a 9 year old and there was a vendor offering people the chance to lip-sync in front of a blue screen. What we are left with is magical...<br />
<div style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div style="line-height: normal;">I plan to celebrate Pride by recreating this video at every chance I get. How about you?</div><div style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div style="line-height: normal;">Happy Pride Everyone!</div><div style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div></div>The Chubby Veganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06179258071750439194noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542219039974483951.post-9090316421183837012011-06-10T21:18:00.001-04:002011-06-14T07:16:26.154-04:00Walnut Lentil Manicotti<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN6P5ld0WyVZ83rYT2R4UbAd0FTk5MB-HZxfuQe-X7-4HWFe6qnXJ3wbjKOt3o_gqztSUX-kD6YLNAKkF_yLCIV_PWC1t_xHOlYxZVhtGFzanw8NOxYA0R3BdlbsJ9-2cbfTuz-SXGkSs/s1600/WL+Manicotti2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN6P5ld0WyVZ83rYT2R4UbAd0FTk5MB-HZxfuQe-X7-4HWFe6qnXJ3wbjKOt3o_gqztSUX-kD6YLNAKkF_yLCIV_PWC1t_xHOlYxZVhtGFzanw8NOxYA0R3BdlbsJ9-2cbfTuz-SXGkSs/s400/WL+Manicotti2.jpg" width="398" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
If you have ever read my bio on the right side of the page, you can see I very clearly say, “I don’t write recipes.”<br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>I lied.</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I finally wrote my first Chubby Vegan original and I must say I am pretty happy about it. Now, I read lots of recipes- lots and lots and lots and lots and lots of recipes. So, if by some chance I got the inspiration on this recipe from something else than I apologize if I am ripping it off.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sMYP0EexiUs/TfKzIUhO42I/AAAAAAAADhg/URB6flUOY7c/s1600/DSC_0384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sMYP0EexiUs/TfKzIUhO42I/AAAAAAAADhg/URB6flUOY7c/s400/DSC_0384.JPG" width="400" /></a>For now though I will take the credit and check this off my bucket list. Move over Martha, Chubby Vegan is moving in.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Okay, maybe not...</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I was so excited about this recipe that I made my neighbor and her family come over and try it. Her 12 year old stepdaughter, who is unreal picky, loved it. I think my work here is done.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">**<i>drumroll</i>**</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Presenting my first Chubby Vegan original, Walnut Lentil Manicotti!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Recipe after the jump…</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Walnut Lentil Manicotti<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PwfiX05fz3A/TfKzHgk192I/AAAAAAAADhY/Jw7UCdXzOsc/s1600/DSC_0376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PwfiX05fz3A/TfKzHgk192I/AAAAAAAADhY/Jw7UCdXzOsc/s320/DSC_0376.JPG" width="320" /></a>1 8 oz. box manicotti, cooked according to package directions</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">1 C. green lentils, cooked (about ½. C. dry)</div><div class="MsoNormal">½ C. Sundried tomatoes, packed in oil with herbs</div><div class="MsoNormal">½ C. walnuts<br />
2 cloves, garlic</div><div class="MsoNormal">½ t. salt, to taste</div><div class="MsoNormal">½ t. pepper, to taste</div><div class="MsoNormal">½ t. oregano</div><div class="MsoNormal">½ t. basil</div><div class="MsoNormal">½ t. red pepper flakes</div><div class="MsoNormal">Pinch rosemary</div><div class="MsoNormal">Pinch Thyme</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">1 Jar of your favorite pasta sauce (or homemade if you are awesome)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Preheat oven to 375 degrees.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Cook manicotti according to package directions and set aside. Make sure the cooked pasta is kept separate so they do not stick together.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Prepare lentils in water or vegetable broth. Once lentils are cooked (about 20 minutes) add to food processor and pulse until lentils begin to break down. Add walnuts, garlic, and sundried tomatoes; continue to pulse until a paste begins to form. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Add spices and blend until everything is combined. Add more spices as needed.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Use about 2-3 tablespoons of filling to stuff inside cooked manicotti. If you want to be fancy, you could use a piping bag with a large tip, but a spoon and your fingers will work just as well. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Once all manicottis are filled, place in a medium size casserole dish and pour sauce over the top. Use as much or as little sauce as you would like.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Bake for about 8-10 minutes. Then, serve it to every 12 year old you know; word is they dig it…</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Chubby Vegan Notes</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><ul><li>The ingredient list is more or less estimates, especially the spices. Feel free to add or subtract spices as you see fit.</li>
<li>If you love lentils, cook more and add some to the pasta sauce. Lentils are one of my favorites!</li>
<li>I have never used canned lentils, but I imagine they would work fine in this.</li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><o:p><b><i> </i></b></o:p><b><i>If you try this, make sure to tell me! I would love to hear what you think!!!</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></div></div>The Chubby Veganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06179258071750439194noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542219039974483951.post-57111293971817278182011-06-07T16:43:00.000-04:002011-06-07T16:43:00.143-04:00Vegan Los Angeles (Day Two)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAViGDhZ_wXCdxadMsAD1VxY7GLud5WKr9PfwGK7Wwg6HfBhQjhDjU5R54n5asy9taKmHJOhgk-qySPyDC7BgEl-NkGfgjE53t8M0sC-lYBuBIiVLrLNOFdGgl-UdLIhpxDv0iZ1MiqWk/s1600/LA2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAViGDhZ_wXCdxadMsAD1VxY7GLud5WKr9PfwGK7Wwg6HfBhQjhDjU5R54n5asy9taKmHJOhgk-qySPyDC7BgEl-NkGfgjE53t8M0sC-lYBuBIiVLrLNOFdGgl-UdLIhpxDv0iZ1MiqWk/s400/LA2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another Gratuitous LA Beach Scene</td></tr>
</tbody></table>When I look back at my posts, I think I say things are “the best ever” or “the most delicious meal I have ever had” way too much.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>Maybe I am just colorful? </i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>Perhaps I over emphasize a bit?</i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>Could I just like food that much?</i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">I don’t know really. But what I do know is that these places in Los Angeles carry my highest recommendation. Both places were just awesome. Really, <a href="http://idreamofgreenieblog.com/">Bess</a> pointed me in the right direction and I owe her a debt of gratitude. By gratitude I mean <a href="http://www.madeleinebistro.com/">Madeleine Bistro</a> donuts the next time I am in LA. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="http://www.mcafedechaya.com/index.html"><b>M Café</b></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UpnkVTayFw4/TeRQbpDrxoI/AAAAAAAADWU/zxK_5quNzjs/s1600/DSC_0297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UpnkVTayFw4/TeRQbpDrxoI/AAAAAAAADWU/zxK_5quNzjs/s320/DSC_0297.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHEO7Fu4Pmg/TeRQiiBlxqI/AAAAAAAADW0/w8q8lmwDHcc/s1600/DSC_0308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHEO7Fu4Pmg/TeRQiiBlxqI/AAAAAAAADW0/w8q8lmwDHcc/s320/DSC_0308.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PS2sHo65HQo/TeRQkRk0UuI/AAAAAAAADW8/D9S-otW-0hY/s1600/DSC_0309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PS2sHo65HQo/TeRQkRk0UuI/AAAAAAAADW8/D9S-otW-0hY/s320/DSC_0309.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Anyplace that serves a good vegan breakfast is okay in my book. Add on some <a href="http://www.mcafedechaya.com/menu-babycakes.html">Babycakes</a> cupcake tops and you just scored an A++ for me. I enjoyed my first ever Benedict (vegan or not) at M café, which was served with a grilled whole-grain baguette, steamed kale, tomato, tempeh bacon and topped with soy hollandaise. It was perfection on a plate. Plus, it was one of the best presentations I have seen in a long time. Yes, please!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Because I couldn’t resist, I also had some Babycakes cupcake tops too. Dessert for breakfast is okay, right? It is when you are chubby.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="http://www.veggiegrill.com/index.html"><b>Veggie Grill</b></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EACcdLGlhkQ/TeRQ73QYXEI/AAAAAAAADYk/AEYVUieKcXE/s1600/DSC_0334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EACcdLGlhkQ/TeRQ73QYXEI/AAAAAAAADYk/AEYVUieKcXE/s320/DSC_0334.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d8l0I6JMnJw/TeRQ2Q9XTII/AAAAAAAADYE/keC81P0eQpo/s1600/DSC_0324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d8l0I6JMnJw/TeRQ2Q9XTII/AAAAAAAADYE/keC81P0eQpo/s320/DSC_0324.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-59zkhTgnK6w/TeRQ5ZM5jUI/AAAAAAAADYU/0MsZ48lXgvc/s1600/DSC_0331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-59zkhTgnK6w/TeRQ5ZM5jUI/AAAAAAAADYU/0MsZ48lXgvc/s320/DSC_0331.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXOPPfx0xq0/TeRQzOn6ZWI/AAAAAAAADX4/S5CsR9loATI/s1600/DSC_0321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXOPPfx0xq0/TeRQzOn6ZWI/AAAAAAAADX4/S5CsR9loATI/s320/DSC_0321.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="http://www.veggiegrill.com/index.html" style="line-height: normal;">Veggie Grill</a> is a vegan chain serving up “fast-food esque” vegan fare in the greater Los Angeles area. Really, I think this place alone is enough to make me want to live in LA. I had the Santa Fe Crispy Chickin’ sandwich which I haven't been able to stop thinking about. I think I may have dreamed about it a few times. This came with a side of perfect vegan macaroni and cheeze and we ordered sweet potato fries as an appetizer. To save you from my gushing, I will just say you need to add this place to your vegan bucket list, ASAP.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">A little more after the jump...</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"></div><a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="http://www.alligatorpearcatering.com/"><b>Alligator Pear Catering</b></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">So this is not a restaurant, but I feel a responsibility to share how cool these people are. I hosted an event in LA for work and this was the (non-vegan) caterer I chose. I told them I was vegan and they prepared me the most amazing buffet of food! There was about 7 plates of food, each one more delicious than the next. Guacamole, mushroom tarts, roasted veggie & bbq pizza, artichoke skewers, and the list went on and on. I am sure there are a million vegan caterers in LA, but I just wanted to give these folks a special shout out and love from a thankful Chubby Vegan.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Oh LA… I love you.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/BBOQiMxwk1o?rel=0" width="500"></iframe></div>The Chubby Veganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06179258071750439194noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542219039974483951.post-5354112851261398292011-06-06T16:08:00.001-04:002011-06-06T16:13:09.520-04:00Vegan Los Angeles (Day One)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqEt7e_7KAIM1UeIplbkzuzTgI2rtXgAvQEfQd3M2hfYvI4zR0QAdcnoKmK9h_hsBg69jSTrzyZMN4ONWCqyKEUrhvouiZ6UcnMexeVpZFJXQF4BIMw5-k6QV-6eD2dlbypZ2d_QSSg14/s1600/LA+BEACH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqEt7e_7KAIM1UeIplbkzuzTgI2rtXgAvQEfQd3M2hfYvI4zR0QAdcnoKmK9h_hsBg69jSTrzyZMN4ONWCqyKEUrhvouiZ6UcnMexeVpZFJXQF4BIMw5-k6QV-6eD2dlbypZ2d_QSSg14/s400/LA+BEACH.jpg" width="415" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gratuitous LA Scenery Shot</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">I am really lucky.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">I get to travel to some very cool places for work. While I am there, I believe it is my duty to check out as many cool places as humanly possible. Naturally, for a chubby guy, this means eat at as many places as I can.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">During my last trip to Los Angeles I made sure to visit some of LA’s finest vegan eateries. Much like <a href="http://www.thechubbyvegan.com/2011/03/new-york-day-2.html">New York City</a>, Los Angeles is a vegan wonderland. LA is one of the only places I have been where you can drive around and see vegan eateries literally anywhere. Most cities you have to go to the “special” part of town to find an all vegan restaurant; you know the part of town that is just a little bit run down and everyone rides a bike.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Since I ate at a fair amount of places in LA, I am splitting it and all of its vegan loveliness into two posts:<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.realfood.com/">Real Food Daily (RFD)</a></b><br />
<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RlmePhetTSA/TeRQK6FpvuI/AAAAAAAADcU/UnGhBEcSV9g/s1600/DSC_0265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RlmePhetTSA/TeRQK6FpvuI/AAAAAAAADcU/UnGhBEcSV9g/s400/DSC_0265.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gt1EghxfGBs/TeRQNrCC0mI/AAAAAAAADVE/Dm_UpaLWgI8/s1600/DSC_0270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gt1EghxfGBs/TeRQNrCC0mI/AAAAAAAADVE/Dm_UpaLWgI8/s400/DSC_0270.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><b><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I was joined by the lovely, incredible, sweet, amazing, and just all around awesome <a href="http://idreamofgreenieblog.com/" style="line-height: normal;">Bess</a> from <a href="http://idreamofgreenieblog.com/" style="line-height: normal;">I Dream of Greenie</a> for my first trip to <a href="http://www.realfood.com/" style="line-height: normal;">Real Food Daily</a>. Bess gave me lots of wonderful recommendations for my vegan tour of LA and this was definitely one of them. RFD had a solid menu with plenty of really fun and eclectic choices. We started off with the “Not-chos” that were covered in melted cashew cheese and guacamole. Really doesn't get much better than that.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
I had the “Burger with the works,” which included avocado, tempeh bacon, melted cashew cheese. This burger was about as big as my head and I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">almost</i> had a hard time finishing it. Alas, that burger was no match for me. It was, by far, one of the best veggie burgers I have ever had. It came with a lovely vegan Caesar salad too; a perfect accessory to a great burger. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Finished it off with some mint chip ice cream and a heaping topping of “I can’t wait to go back.”<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.madeleinebistro.com/">Madeleine Bistro</a></b><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tb6V5Sy2ggw/TeRQ-2f72tI/AAAAAAAADY0/VzWPkQaUP0s/s1600/DSC_0343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tb6V5Sy2ggw/TeRQ-2f72tI/AAAAAAAADY0/VzWPkQaUP0s/s400/DSC_0343.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><b><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Well not really. But, Bess brought me a donut from Madeleine Bistro and it was incredible. It was one of those pastries that just gets better with each bite. It just melted in your mouth. I want more. Now…<br />
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One more after the jump...<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.hugosrestaurant.com/">Hugo’s Restaurant</a></b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m2mkYwiVN48/TeRREgV37SI/AAAAAAAADZU/wFwYrJ-D0DY/s1600/DSC_0349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m2mkYwiVN48/TeRREgV37SI/AAAAAAAADZU/wFwYrJ-D0DY/s400/DSC_0349.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Do you ever just want to smack yourself for not listening to people? Well, I do. Bess recommended one thing at this restaurant and I got something else. I made the wrong choice. Doh!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
I had the roasted pineapple, coconut pancakes. This is one of those things that sounds unreal good, but just missed the boat for me. The presentation was great but I was just not a fan of the flavor. It just seemed a little off. <i>* sigh*</i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">On the bright side, I did see (read: stared at) Johnny Knoxville who happened to be dining at Hugo’s as well. I am such a celebrity dork.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">More of LA coming soon…</div>The Chubby Veganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06179258071750439194noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542219039974483951.post-58128097019047285242011-06-02T16:33:00.000-04:002011-06-02T16:33:49.453-04:00The Results Are In...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdJt5PO4FtH-E_qdmVVwK-5yiCKnr_0doRzoKJJvPsNM2DwN1M10-QQj8q3SnlohMG6zJtu6e2lB01z0BGhudXi6A1ggMbxBxeM_jX6HFLmLCdqVb2l7MMJv1lXfx9hsQlA9tzynNUOP8/s1600/Farm+Sanctuary+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdJt5PO4FtH-E_qdmVVwK-5yiCKnr_0doRzoKJJvPsNM2DwN1M10-QQj8q3SnlohMG6zJtu6e2lB01z0BGhudXi6A1ggMbxBxeM_jX6HFLmLCdqVb2l7MMJv1lXfx9hsQlA9tzynNUOP8/s400/Farm+Sanctuary+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Thanks to your votes, I will be celebrating my one year “vegan-versary” by setting a challenge for my Chubby Vegan readers.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>$500 for <a href="http://www.farmsanctuary.org/index.html">Farm Sanctuary</a> in 5 Months </b></div><br />
If you don’t know about Farm Sanctuary, here is a little bit of information on who they are what they do:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><blockquote><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5NrfCjGJ0N_gDooE60DPeElGqVdZwGZrtdTpS6hfSsct8bY5xMbXj-qmpF1wJCx4nShoSSpFgwLvsQNwKEUszOjIhx0tNQyeo-unHwBdnrVw5duzSJAqbpdeKz6Je4LK4CQhSKzBtReU/s1600/logo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5NrfCjGJ0N_gDooE60DPeElGqVdZwGZrtdTpS6hfSsct8bY5xMbXj-qmpF1wJCx4nShoSSpFgwLvsQNwKEUszOjIhx0tNQyeo-unHwBdnrVw5duzSJAqbpdeKz6Je4LK4CQhSKzBtReU/s1600/logo.gif" style="cursor: move;" /></a><i>Farm Sanctuary was founded in 1986 to combat the abuses of factory farming and to encourage a new awareness and understanding about “farm animals.” At Farm Sanctuary, these animals are our friends, not our food. </i></blockquote>This place is so much more than a farm. It is life changing. <a href="http://www.farmsanctuary.org/index.html">Farm Sanctuary</a> puts life into perspective. Look into the eyes of a chicken and tell me you can eat it. Sit on the ground with a lamb and explain how you can condone the horrible treatment he would receive in a factory farm. <br />
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I love this place. I went for the first time in May and I still haven’t been able to wrap my head around how much of an emotional experience it was. It was moving. It was magical. I walked around almost speechless by the beauty of the farm and the emotions it stirred up. <br />
<br />
It is only right that I help raise money for them. <br />
<br />
I am pledging $100 of my own money over the next 5 months, which only leaves $400 to raise. <br />
<br />
Please visit the Farm Sanctuary <a href="https://secure2.convio.net/fsi/site/Donation2?1340.donation=form1&df_id=1340">website</a> directly to donate… Any gift, big or small, would help them. Even if you can only give $5, do it. A gift of $20 gives you a one year membership. <br />
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So I can keep track, please shoot me an <a href="mailto:mychubbyvegan@gmail.com">email</a> or leave a comment and let me know if you donated. <br />
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Every gift counts... Will you join me?<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://secure2.convio.net/fsi/site/Donation2?1340.donation=form1&df_id=1340"><b>Help save more lives & celebrate my "vegan-versary"… Donate today!</b></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://secure2.convio.net/fsi/site/Donation2?1340.donation=form1&df_id=1340"></a><a href="https://secure2.convio.net/fsi/site/Donation2?1340.donation=form1&df_id=1340">Help save more lives & celebrate my "vegan-versary"… Donate today!</a></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://secure2.convio.net/fsi/site/Donation2?1340.donation=form1&df_id=1340"></a><a href="https://secure2.convio.net/fsi/site/Donation2?1340.donation=form1&df_id=1340">Help save more lives & celebrate my "vegan-versary"… Donate today!</a></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://secure2.convio.net/fsi/site/Donation2?1340.donation=form1&df_id=1340"></a><a href="https://secure2.convio.net/fsi/site/Donation2?1340.donation=form1&df_id=1340">Help save more lives & celebrate my "vegan-versary"… Donate today!</a></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://secure2.convio.net/fsi/site/Donation2?1340.donation=form1&df_id=1340"></a><a href="https://secure2.convio.net/fsi/site/Donation2?1340.donation=form1&df_id=1340">Help save more lives & celebrate my "vegan-versary"… Donate today!</a></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://secure2.convio.net/fsi/site/Donation2?1340.donation=form1&df_id=1340"></a><a href="https://secure2.convio.net/fsi/site/Donation2?1340.donation=form1&df_id=1340">Help save more lives & celebrate my "vegan-versary"… Donate today!</a></b></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://secure2.convio.net/fsi/site/Donation2?1340.donation=form1&df_id=1340"><b>Help save more lives & celebrate my "vegan-versary"… Donate today!</b></a></div><a href="https://secure2.convio.net/fsi/site/Donation2?1340.donation=form1&df_id=1340"></a><br />
</div>The Chubby Veganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06179258071750439194noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542219039974483951.post-25926929665919862982011-05-31T07:47:00.000-04:002011-05-31T07:47:27.950-04:00Los Angeles Day One: WorldFest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnqf81jXX883cLWf-b5Y7xoIf4KIS3QR1ZgDVc7nHPNQPeFXGsUOKrc70XQSiOZQXdpSNE2X-UKN_htYkt8j6Fwbz1rSlnfUUFf3h4WavFbctphGqnJtg0he6jDmyNnVQXz7A967FRODo/s1600/DSC_0263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnqf81jXX883cLWf-b5Y7xoIf4KIS3QR1ZgDVc7nHPNQPeFXGsUOKrc70XQSiOZQXdpSNE2X-UKN_htYkt8j6Fwbz1rSlnfUUFf3h4WavFbctphGqnJtg0he6jDmyNnVQXz7A967FRODo/s400/DSC_0263.JPG" width="435" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“Toto, we are not in <s>Kansas</s> Pittsburgh anymore.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Last week was my fourth trip to Los Angeles. Every time I go to LA I like it a little bit more. Each trip changes my opinion a bit more. You see different things. You experience the culture. You learn the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">language</i>. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Los Angeles is like a different country to me. I don’t know what it is about LA, but there is something about it that feels foreign compared to all of the other places I have been in the USA. Maybe it is the culture of celebrity perfection. Perhaps it’s the free spirited way of life. I don’t know really. Whatever it is, life in LA amazes me.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHoIuiOclPyEsQ4Cz2sh5eGFwxQPPF8FJ2vxoh2j_r7TwqYeH-lqg9iRWQh0rCsMIYkbF8aJZGP0q24kqhuXw3FXJyy8mQVcKAhn1FNAjN5kZCFtXj87do5wx_TfjRz3tv2Oc0FUKE6QY/s1600/DSC_0241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHoIuiOclPyEsQ4Cz2sh5eGFwxQPPF8FJ2vxoh2j_r7TwqYeH-lqg9iRWQh0rCsMIYkbF8aJZGP0q24kqhuXw3FXJyy8mQVcKAhn1FNAjN5kZCFtXj87do5wx_TfjRz3tv2Oc0FUKE6QY/s320/DSC_0241.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I am dividing my trip into two posts, one about all the amazing restaurants and another about my first trip to <a href="http://worldfestevents.com/index.php">WorldFest</a>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It is totally ironic that I ended up in LA on the same day as <a href="http://worldfestevents.com/index.php">WorldFest</a>, which is billed as Los Angeles’ largest Earth Day festival. Sign me up!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">My trusty travel partner and I hopped into our rented Prius (so LA) and hit the freeway, venturing to Woodley Park on the outskirts of LA. Driving on the freeway is enough to make me want to take out a second life insurance policy, but nothing is going to get in my way of this festival.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Here is my Chubby Vegan recap of <a href="http://worldfestevents.com/index.php">WorldFest</a> …</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>I have never seen that much vegan food in my life.</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">There were at least 12-15 food stands, each serving exclusively vegan food. In fact, WorldFest requires that only vegan food is served and sold at the festival. The craziest was the line at the <a href="http://www.southernfriedveganbbq.com/index.html">Southern Fried Vegan BBQ</a>, which served made to order fried loveliness. As delicious as that sounds, I was not about to wait in the enormous line. So…</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2lCYnNM26WbZuzuz1moPh4PxsraxOsFZpR4w9ARvnRxzpPu4Bke5XKGpLTTWjiti6YZwf66KHpgX8hyWLgpMftlt0VLJ52f2X-_sOt-Aml3KdL4EWr6p2FcYNyt9SWJa9c1FtB4sKOF8/s1600/DSC_0220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2lCYnNM26WbZuzuz1moPh4PxsraxOsFZpR4w9ARvnRxzpPu4Bke5XKGpLTTWjiti6YZwf66KHpgX8hyWLgpMftlt0VLJ52f2X-_sOt-Aml3KdL4EWr6p2FcYNyt9SWJa9c1FtB4sKOF8/s320/DSC_0220.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>I may have had the best Indian food ever.</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Now, take this statement lightly because it’s been far to long since I have had <i>any</i> Indian food. I <b>love</b> Indian food. Sadly, most of the Indian places in Pittsburgh are buffets that use dairy. Boo! This plate, which doesn’t look very appetizing, was incredible. I don’t even remember what was on it, except that one of the sections was <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jackfruit">jackfruit</a>. Who knew jackfruit was so good?! Plus, this may have been one of the best samosas I have ever had. Makes sense since the place was called <a href="http://samosahouse.net/Samosa_House/Home.html">Samosa House</a>. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><b>I saw <a href="http://www.mercyforanimals.org/bio.aspx?bio_id=2">Nathan Runkle</a> from <a href="http://www.mercyforanimals.org/">Mercy for Animals</a> and he is definitely NOT a chubby vegan.</b><br />
Don’t know why this is important, but I just felt like sharing. If you don’t know who he is, visit <a href="http://www.mercyforanimals.org/">Mercy for Animals</a> and read about him. He is a really cool guy, but I feel like I need to invite him over for dinner. I may get Italian grandma on him… "EAT! EAT!"<br />
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<b>The whole festival was powered from solar energy.</b><br />
I don’t know about you, but I think that is pretty freaking cool.<br />
<br />
<b>LA <s>vegans</s> folks are not quite the same as Pittsburgh <s>vegans</s> folks.</b><br />
Don’t get me wrong; I think we could be great friends. But I literally walked in and looked at Kelly (my travel buddy) and said, “Well, we certainly are not in Pittsburgh anymore.”<br />
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There is just something about life in LA that is different. Part of me loves it and part of me is horrified by it. Remember that whole East coast, West coast rap feud? I think it started for a reason.<br />
<br />
More from WorldFest after the jump…<br />
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<b>I am thankful for activists.</b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">I really don’t consider myself an activist, although some might disagree. When I see people that are spending their whole lives rescuing animals and actively working on animal welfare legislation; I call them activists. There were so many incredible people at WorldFest who are doing such important work and I am so grateful for them.<br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxvZWbjpOX_MR-T4PR2pGOZNv-Knne0x_LiznXxFh-X6xXuX-kjxSSz2GynJDNwAjY4nvYffGXlE66Iv6R003tOFLZkWk2dmfRPRpYC49Dqq8-hPMch7F5HeNaVn1spkC_GnqVIYAd9zI/s1600/DSC_0244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxvZWbjpOX_MR-T4PR2pGOZNv-Knne0x_LiznXxFh-X6xXuX-kjxSSz2GynJDNwAjY4nvYffGXlE66Iv6R003tOFLZkWk2dmfRPRpYC49Dqq8-hPMch7F5HeNaVn1spkC_GnqVIYAd9zI/s320/DSC_0244.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<b><a href="http://www.armtheanimals.com/">This</a> may be the most brilliant thing I have ever seen.</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">I bought one of their <a href="http://www.armtheanimals.com/product/m-pandemic-v-neck-black">t-shirts</a> and you should too. I will also gladly accept one as a gift. It pretty much is the cleverest thing ever and sums up so many of my opinions on animal welfare.<br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0fERKFB0bkEAEahlh4_eRwL9ufCtW29iWHO62rix5DJAOEXyMDTrKLzKAUINosQonBRXXPxysgmKdQWcIGWVxuB9ThtVvC-Z2s2zqkw_Tpv59TLh6ysBkrudt9AL2OghfSheJ4vu0qyk/s1600/DSC_0238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0fERKFB0bkEAEahlh4_eRwL9ufCtW29iWHO62rix5DJAOEXyMDTrKLzKAUINosQonBRXXPxysgmKdQWcIGWVxuB9ThtVvC-Z2s2zqkw_Tpv59TLh6ysBkrudt9AL2OghfSheJ4vu0qyk/s320/DSC_0238.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Evidently there is magic in LA.</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">I really don’t know what these people were doing and I shouldn’t judge them. However, I couldn’t help but chuckle when I saw this. <br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzVKBDh4yF8WJWcW55LIT-tkAPkYk8gDMetBoa-fJVMHp4W8L0OCJULSYS1Vo1SBy6adbg_jYNMgXzRk8Eomio4dZwap8XVvxb-iBqQTFF_v1IBrGbn3zWmXjmLqKFYtSQkOKmQugantQ/s1600/DSC_0233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzVKBDh4yF8WJWcW55LIT-tkAPkYk8gDMetBoa-fJVMHp4W8L0OCJULSYS1Vo1SBy6adbg_jYNMgXzRk8Eomio4dZwap8XVvxb-iBqQTFF_v1IBrGbn3zWmXjmLqKFYtSQkOKmQugantQ/s320/DSC_0233.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Cake Pops = AWESOME</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Take one look at this delectable dessert from <a href="http://www.lusciousorganicdesserts.com/">Luscious Organic Desserts</a> and tell me you don’t want one. Although I was bummed they were out of vegan ding-dongs, I gladly accepted this cake pop instead. YUM!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidqms2uTxv3STP7r1-L2LoD_LMF141_XqrWteYyiBi2deRKzHG2y4s7tmIH2oQy_rViLnA_z7cRjQJgvX1wdnHiEidlfIJzc9EYxX6lGOE_QGdDQd0bXh3T-VysnoRlV4GmxJQEcF880M/s1600/DSC_0247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidqms2uTxv3STP7r1-L2LoD_LMF141_XqrWteYyiBi2deRKzHG2y4s7tmIH2oQy_rViLnA_z7cRjQJgvX1wdnHiEidlfIJzc9EYxX6lGOE_QGdDQd0bXh3T-VysnoRlV4GmxJQEcF880M/s320/DSC_0247.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>I saw Bill Maher.</b><br />
It was awesome….<br />
<br />
<b>If you are looking for a small rescue dog, go to LA.</b><br />
There are dogs in need of a home wherever you live. Trust me. But, I am always amazed at the amount of small dogs in the LA shelter system. I am sure there are a million reasons for this, but it is always something that has been particularly interesting to me. I was particularly impressed by <a href="http://www.dharmarescue.org/">Dharma Rescue</a>, which exhibited at WorldFest. They specialize in senior and special needs dogs. Visit them. Give them money. Anyone who takes in special needs dogs is amazing in my book.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I am so thankful I had the chance to visit WorldFest while I was in LA. It was such a cool festival and was probably the first time in my life I had been around so many other vegans. It is like the first time you go to gay pride and look around to see so many other people like you. It is nice not being alone. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Los Angeles is crazy. But there is beauty and love in its craziness. Beauty, love, and the best samosa I have ever had…</div>The Chubby Veganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06179258071750439194noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3542219039974483951.post-25042024411391235692011-05-27T15:58:00.000-04:002011-05-27T15:58:29.410-04:00Chick-O-Stick Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv_HuqlqCRiF-j-WjgBfDSNFpqdQI_2EvAxXyEk2IXOcz5YMU70tyJfd8o4Hc7mj_zVZ8KKn1pCRyR_cz7qoorHS_P-SCama3BJ8ZSVd4nsSUBVsyiAQ0LDNrQkLmDKzZ_YNbepTssrxg/s1600/THE+BEST.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv_HuqlqCRiF-j-WjgBfDSNFpqdQI_2EvAxXyEk2IXOcz5YMU70tyJfd8o4Hc7mj_zVZ8KKn1pCRyR_cz7qoorHS_P-SCama3BJ8ZSVd4nsSUBVsyiAQ0LDNrQkLmDKzZ_YNbepTssrxg/s400/THE+BEST.JPG" width="450" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Have you ever heard of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Chick-o-stick-Candy-Bag-117-Pieces/dp/B0040ZDZHQ?ie=UTF8&tag=thechuveg-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Chick-o-Sticks</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thechuveg-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B0040ZDZHQ" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">They are very unusual candy that tastes pretty much like the inside of a butter-finger; a crunchy candy made of peanut butter and coconut. I had never heard of them until a few months ago and I started seeing them everywhere. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ8l7XulUgvTeMtwaMBONGEfdJxHWE0AQxa_ZSCeh43O2BpdkyLM_cWTrjoTj-PWtycn7PHChGF5eZE9VLG0D5oRa6bqXALQSxz9aWm-D2kvIg2bshjetQbrP1lhEPgXCBNkAIqJe-GcU/s1600/DSC_0034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ8l7XulUgvTeMtwaMBONGEfdJxHWE0AQxa_ZSCeh43O2BpdkyLM_cWTrjoTj-PWtycn7PHChGF5eZE9VLG0D5oRa6bqXALQSxz9aWm-D2kvIg2bshjetQbrP1lhEPgXCBNkAIqJe-GcU/s320/DSC_0034.JPG" width="320" /></a>I hosted an event at work around the same time that had a candy buffet. Low and behold, chick-o-sticks were on the buffet. When the event was over we had so much candy left over; literally pounds of candy. I took the chick-o-sticks and decided to do something creative with them.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>What to do… what to do…</i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
Chick-o-stick cookies sound like a good idea, right!?!?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">When I first took these out of the oven I thought they were going to be a miserable failure. They looked terrible and didn't taste as good as I had hoped. But, after they cooled they were delightful and actually looked really cool; almost like a crackled Halloween cookie. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Whoever said you couldn’t use leftovers?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"></div><a name='more'></a><b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Chick-O-Stick Cookies</b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Source: Cookie Recipe: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Vegan-Go-Go-Cookbook-Survival-Manual/dp/1551522403?ie=UTF8&tag=thechuveg-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Vegan-A-Go Go</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thechuveg-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1551522403" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> / Concept: Me</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKEFdtIXKd5d9XTDphfBlnmLqrCOrhEt4otu8wsI1uO4Lg2kkiKASGbYqXL1XMKvmON9yRi7ZDQcZq7uk0IqfysJcLaIwk0C4HiqnqKgD9IjW6VHUIRHl21XEYtgHxPDUGCOadlV_Ng9w/s1600/DSC_0050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKEFdtIXKd5d9XTDphfBlnmLqrCOrhEt4otu8wsI1uO4Lg2kkiKASGbYqXL1XMKvmON9yRi7ZDQcZq7uk0IqfysJcLaIwk0C4HiqnqKgD9IjW6VHUIRHl21XEYtgHxPDUGCOadlV_Ng9w/s320/DSC_0050.JPG" width="320" /></a>2 tbsp ground flax seed (flax meal)<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">3 tbsp water<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">1/2 cup vegan margarine<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">3/4 cup sugar<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">1 tsp vanilla extract<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">1/2 tsp baking powder<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">1/2 tsp baking soda<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">1/4 tsp salt<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">1/2 cup crushed chick-o-sticks (use a food processor)<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">3/4 cup vegan chocolate chips<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Preheat oven to 350°F. In a small dish, mix together the ground flax and water. In a food processor or large bowl, blend or mix together the flax mixture, margarine, sugar, and vanilla until smooth and set aside.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">In a large bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, crushed chick-o-sticks, and chocolate chips. Add the margarine mixture and stir until well incorporated. Roll dough into balls, lay on cookie sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Let cookies cool 5 minutes before removing from sheet.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">Makes 18 to 24 cookies</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Chubby Vegan Notes</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"></div><ul><li style="line-height: normal;">See <a href="http://www.thechubbyvegan.com/2011/02/chocolate-chip-coconut-cookies.html">notes from previous time</a> I made these cookies, with coconut…</li>
<li style="line-height: normal;">When I first took these out of the oven, they were kind of gross. I think melted chick-o-sticks are just not okay. Plus, they just did not look pretty. I let them cool overnight and it was a HUGE difference.</li>
<li>These would make an excellent Halloween cookie. Who doesn't love orange and black?</li>
<li style="line-height: normal;">I brought these to a party and they were gobbled up very quickly. Evidently I am one of the few people who had never heard of a chick-o-stick.</li>
<li style="line-height: normal;">More photos on the Chubby Vegan <a href="http://www.facebook.com/thechubbyvegan">facebook</a> page.</li>
</ul>The Chubby Veganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06179258071750439194noreply@blogger.com4