15 Bean Soup

Last week, we made 15 bean soup. It was fantastic food fare.
The best part -the package was less than a $1 at Kroger.

I tossed the ham flavoring packet that came with it & threw away the directions that said to cook with a hambone.

Instead, I took this collection of dried beans & started by soaking them for about 12 hours. I then drained all but about 2 cups of the water off the beans. I added 2 cups of vegetable broth, 1 chopped onion, 1 can of sliced stewed tomatoes, 1 tsp of Tonys & cooked them in the pressure cooker for about 25-30 minutes.

We ate 2 full meals off of it & I had leftovers for myself another time after that.

It was just about the best bean soup I've every had & with very minimum effort....However, you do have to plan ahead to soak the beans.

Peas & Cornbread

Is there anything better than a dinner of peas & cornbread?! Not hardly...

Growing up in the South has given me a great appreciation for all things Soul Food. This is one meal that any person, veggie or not, would be hard pressed to beat.
My husband, a carnivore, loves this meal. It is quick easy & satisfies the body & "soul."

Spring not only gives the opportunity for this fare, it welcomes other fresh produce like green onions & fresh slices of tomato to compliment this meal.

It took me 20 minutes from beginning to end to create this simple meal. (I even made my cornbread Mexican style for added flavor). Be creative, make it your way!!

Vegan Cupcakes

As you know, I rarely write on this blog. My adventure as a vegetarian has been...somewhat uneventful. Not much has changed in my world by transitioning out of the carnivore sector.

As you know, I am a vegetarian (meaning I'm lacto-ovo.....consuming eggs & milk).
However, my 9 month old son Drew is allergic to eggs. So, I am in the process of finding a vegan cupcake/cake recipe for his first birthday.

When I find the perfect recipe......I will share here. If you have one to share, please share away!!

Mommy the Vegetarian

If you are a fellow vegetarian, I find some comfort in you. I hate to constantly explain myself & my choice to become a vegetarian.

We had a sales rep come to our office yesterday morning. They had promised to bring "Atlanta Bread" digs for a breakfast presentation. Well, we were all expecting bagels, maybe some baked goodies like croissants, etc.

They arrived with ham & cheese filled croissants. I, in I suppose my misguided wisdom, had forgone my regular oatmeal breakfast for this affair. So, I watched as my co-workers lovingly consumed the special treats.

Then the sales team asked indepth questions concerning my food choices. Discussing food options while a potential client is abstaining is not the best way to "sell" your products.

Lunch did not come too soon!!

Rant

I had a rant that I posted on our couple's blog on my protein intake. Check it out!

All that Says "Vegetable" is NOT Healthy

This Sunday at church, the G.A.'s (Girls in Action) had a bake sale to raise money for missions. So, we all brought baked goods: sweets, casseroles, other baked delights. I brought Mexican cornbread. (Of course, I made another one for us... David would have never let me give one away otherwise).

However, by the time I got down to the fellowship hall.....most of the goodies were long gone. There was seemingly a casserole with my NAME ON IT!!
It was labeled "Vegetable Casserole".... which is probably why it was still there.
I thought, "Yeah, great!!" I put my money down......then, I asked the elusive question: "What's in it?!"

That said, the baker told me:
-A can of Veg-All (mix veggies)
-2 cups of shredded cheese
-Several cups of mayonaise
-A box of Ritz crackers

It occurred to me, that I was bringing home an artery clogger labeled "Vegetable Casserole." I shouldn't be surprised...it's the South.

The 4 Food Groups are: Lard, Oil, Butter, and Mayo.....

Side Note: My husband loved this dish & asked if I could make more veggie stuff like that...b/c it was so good. I apologized in advance of the lack of this new dish on our menu.

But it's free

A funny thing happened over Memorial Day weekend (I know...I've neglected this blog).

We were with a group of friends eating out at an unmentioned popular steakhouse. I ordered a bloomin' onion & a wedge salad. The waiter brought me a wedge salad & a slab of roast. I told him I didn't order the roast....He said, "Well, don't worry about it...I won't charge you for the steak!" I looked at him & said, "But I don't want it at all...I'm a vegetarian." He apologized & immediately took it back.
My friends thought I was crazy...b/c one of them would have gladly taken the bullet for me & gobbled it down.

However, honesty is always the best policy. The manager came out with my correct order, apologized again, and said the bill was on her that night. So, I enjoyed my lovely meal...with smiles all around.