Sammiches

I received a compliment I never expected the other day. My mother said I am such a busy person. Wow! I never thought of myself as busy. When I heard it I thought, "Who me?" I am always trying to add up to and compare myself to other moms. Not that I want to be better, but because I feel I have to validate being a SAHM. Raise your hand if you have ever stood there and gave reasons to a working person, how you are valuable by staying at home.

I know my hand is sky high! And then hearing that a fellow mother thinks I am busy, someone who had more children than me. Thinking about it, I realize that I don't need to validate. When I began sewing it was because my pal B did. I was comparing myself to her and her abilities. Then I began looking up stuff online about sewing and found numerous blogs. So I decided I had to blog about sewing because all these other moms were doing it, and if they could make time I surely could right? Suddenly I realized how boring my sewing is because I know nothing about it. Ha! I learned a lot, but never knew how to vocalize it into any kind of readable quality.

Then I stepped away. I thought I was no good because I couldn't sew like others, and I certainly couldn't blog about it. I quit crafting altogether. (Actually you do not want to go into my craft room. It gives me anxiety just walking in.) I felt like I wasn't good enough. I quit trying...

That's when the light came through the clouds. God said "Finally, she gets it!" I wasn't made to be other moms. I wasn't made to be anyone other than me. Everything that has happened this far has been to lead me to where I am right now! Now I am a busy mom. I have a daughter, I'm a full time student, we do gymnastics every week, I workout, I garden daily, I cook most meals from scratch, I go to church, I make time for friends, I have chickens, I have a dog, I clean (when were expecting guests), I'm vegan, I enjoy taking photos, and now I blog. I am the happiest now, than I have been, and it isn't because I'm the best or most awesome at anything. It is because I am so busy being me, that I don't have time being unhappy about everything I'm not. It is such a blessing to finally realize I am becoming who God wants me to be, and quit worrying about the world.

 So I am  going to call these Sammiches. The reason is because my friend, Sam, pushed me onto them. She actually made hers with cheese and minus the apple, but she is a pescatarian (eats fish), and I am vegan. When I altered mine, she thought it was gross. "Apple on a sandwich? Okay?" However, I liked apple in my tuna salad, so I was certain it would taste great on these. My mother in law loved them, and I actually have eaten them three days in a row, happily, for lunch. I was missing sandwiches, but these have filled that void!

Sammiches

2 slices sourdough bread

Your favorite hummus (I like the roased red pepper kind)

Half an avocado, but only because I can't fit the whole thing on it

Thinly sliced tomatoes

Thinly sliced apples (sweet variety like fuji, gala, or red delicious)

Several leaves of lettuce (butter, red leaf, green leaf, romaine, iceberg, whatev)

Salt and Pepper

• Turn on broil in the oven. Slap down the bread so the outsides are facing up. You only want one side browned. And just brown until it is turning gold, don't toast the whole slice. 
• Slather hummus on the soft side of bread like you would mayo. I like a very thick layer.
• Then on one slice lay down the apple, and the tomato on the other slice. This helps them stay in the sammich when you are eating it.
• Layer your lettuce and avocado on top. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. 
• Slap em together, slice em in half, and eat with gusto!

Kale Chips with Lemon Aioli

I know, it is Monday. But I really like Mondays. My husband is generally off Mondays. Usually, we end up doing a project, going somewhere fun, or spend the day lounging. It is fun, because most of the world is busy on Mondays which means when I go to the Arboretum with my family, it isn't crowded. Its actually quiet. Same thing with any place we decide to go. So while the rest of the world whines about how crappy Mondays are, I silently smile and find joy in the least liked day of the week.

Today is actually a really big milestone for my family. We have been Vegan for 30 days with only one screw up each. I was baby sitting late and all they had was cheese pizza for dinner, and my husband caved and had a flatbread sandwich with feta cheese. So I would say our month goal was a complete success! I have learned so much about cooking without meat, how to meal plan when meat is no longer the focus, and how to enjoy new veggies and grains I had never given a chance.

I want to share my reasons for going vegan with the world. Honestly, we have found it to be quite rewarding and are planning on maintaining veganism 95% of the time, and NOT feel guilty when we screw up or curb to a craving that has been nagging at us. Here is a list:

1. Saving lives... I love animals and the biggest motivator for me is when I learned how many animals are slaughtered yearly. Then we lack the decency to eat the meat and throw away millions of pounds a year that never got eat. 
2. Health... Chris had high cholesterol this month of last year. His doctor was talking about putting him on Staten drugs and he is only 28. After 3 weeks of being vegan, he was retested and his cholesterol was in the normal range. What an achievement. Doctors words "Keep up whatever you are doing because it is working."  
3. The environment... People roll their eyes when I say this. Really. But we as humans are outnumbered by livestock meant for slaughter. Which means they are making more poo then us. Only we don't treat theirs and maintain clean water systems. Instead all that waste is sent to cesspools where it accumulates algae and bacteria. Then when it rains, that dirty water leaks out and finds its way into the groundwater and eventually into our drinking water. YUCK.  

There are plenty of other reasons that are motivating factors to make the switch. I plan on doing some reviews of   books I red and will read. That has been the biggest factor in helping my family maintain. Watching documentaries an reading books adds to our knowledge and knowledge is power. So if you want to do something get your butt motivated and do it! Stop wasting time on the couch saying "I wish I could..." because it will never happen that way.

Lecture over. Now for some tasty Kale Chips! These actually do a very good job of replacing potato chips. I know you are thinking "But Andie, potato chips are vegan..." Uh yeah, but also chocked full of fat and will clog your arteries. Kale is the new potato people, get on the bandwagon!

Kale Chips with Lemon Aioli

1/2 bunch of kale

1 Tbsp olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

1/3 cup Veganaise

Juice of 1/2 lemon

Salt and pepper to taste

• Preheat oven to 400F.

• Pull the ribs out of the kale. Don't worry about mutilating the kale. Then cut the kale into 2x2 inch strips

• Place kale and olive oil in a bowl and sprinkle with salt and fresh ground pepper. Stir to coat.

• Lay out in a single layer on a cookie sheet. Try to keep it thin because if it piles up you will end up with some burnt and some soggy kale. It isn't rocket science but do take a minute to even it out.

• Bake for 5 minutes and stir it a little and bake a few more if needed. I like mine extra crispy.

• While that is baking stir together you veganaise and lemon juice and season as you like it.

• When the chips come out of the oven serve immediately and dip into your aioli. 

These are tangy and salty. I honestly made them two days in a row. By the way, this recipes will only serve two and you may still crave more. At least that's how it goes in our house!

Vegan Sweet Potato Pasta Salad

Happy Mother's Day! I hope it was a great day for all you mother's. I know I enjoyed it. Church hosted a Parent/Child Dedication service today. We dedicated our little Aubrey. I think it was more fun for us then her. She was quite upset she couldn't have a donut until after the service. Seriously, when I tell her we are going to church, she puts on this real mischievous grin and says "Donuts?" All that girl thinks about is sweets. Her newest thing is being a princess. The child will place her hands on her hips, flip her hair, and say "Mommy, I'm pretty!" and she is only 2... Huh... 16 is going to be fun.

Well my Mother's day was jam packed. Woke up to breakfast in bed. Got ready for church, after that we took my mother-in-law to lunch at this awesome vegan place! Had a grilled portabello wrap, YUM! Next up, we headed home for a nap. I love my naps! Seriously, Chris probably thinks all I do is snack, watch tv, and nap, but at least I always have dinner on the table. That may be the only reason he lets me stay home.

Now for the good stuff! This one, I made after a long day filled with slacking. I was supposed to get the housework done, but instead I spent 5 hours at my cousin's and let Aubrey play with her little girl. So, needless to say I had to cook something fast to ensure dinner in a timely manner. Get ready to lick your lips, cause this stuff is so good. Honestly, I do recommend it.

Sweet Potato Pasta Salad

1 large sweet potato, large dice

1/2 large onion, diced

2 medium carrots, peeled and diced

4 mushrooms, sliced

1/2 head broccoli, florets and slice stalk

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 zucchini sliced

1/2 yellow squash sliced

1 1/2 cup black beans, cooked (or 1 can drained and rinsed)

1/8 cup olive oil

2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar

1 tsp dry mustard

1/2 box quino veggie curls pasta

2 large handfuls fresh spinach

• Preheat oven to 400F. Put sweet potato in a bowl and drizzle olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat and put on baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, stir half way. Should be fork tender.

• Boil pasta as stated in the directions. Try the quinoa pasta. I get it inexpensively at Sprouts or Whole Foods. After it is boiled, strain.

•  In a saute pan, add onions carrots, and mushrooms. (I don't use oil because onions are full of it which is why I cry like a baby when I chop them) After onions are translucent, add broccoli, squashes, beans, garlic, and 1/4 cup water. Stir often, don't cover. Should cook up and become tender. 

• In another bowl, combine olive oil, vinegar, dry mustard, and salt and pepper to taste. Whisk well. I prefer to put it in a little tupper ware bowl so I can put the lid on and shake it up. I also always make lots because it stays fresh in the fridge a long time. Make sure to taste test. My vinegar to oil ratio preference may be way different than yours.

• I a BIG bowl, combine the veggies, sweet potatoes, and the pasta. Add in the dressing. Half first, then more if needed. Stir in the spinach last. It will wilt a little. Serve warm. Sprinkle some nutritional yeast if you need the "cheese" effect.

Eat as much as you want. There will be leftovers. Serve with wine. I had reisling, but I think sauvignon blanc may be better. The reisling was too sweet.The best part about cooking at home, is that there are no rules. If you don't like a vegetable, then change it. I am not going to hunt you down if you decide asparagus or frozen peas would be better. So experiment and make some good food! That is what it is all about anyways right? Eat, live, and be merry.

Vegan Veggie Enchiladas

Egads!!! So school is out for a whole summer. Finally I can pause and take a breath. For me, having school, being mommy, and keeping the house up is a task. I think if I were more scheduled and organized it might work a little more smoothly. And maybe I'll feel more productive. I hate feeling like all I do is cooking and dishes followed by more cooking and more dishes. You know what I mean?

So, new things in my life.... We went completely vegan 24 days ago. Cold turkey, errr celery??? (Because we don't eat turkey haha!) I have attempted being vegetarian on multiple occasions  but never had enough umph! to make it. However, I have a feeling this will stick. I will post more on our transition to veganism later... or will I?? Also, Aubrey is all signed up for swim classes. She has been doing gymnastics for a few months and finally loves it. She even knows the building whenever we drive past. She says "Nastice" Lol Close girlfriend.

Ohhhhh, and my little point and shoot camera was left out by my dear hubby last October. It hailed that night. All of the pictures after that came out blurry and the video no longer worked. So for mother's day this year, I got a new camera! Its a fancy-shmancy SLR with all the bells and whistles. Oh here's a pic!

And that is my "I'm sexy and I know it look!" I have gapped teeth at the front which look fine in person, but I'm incredibly self-conscious about in pictures (same thing about the backs of my knees, sole reason I won't buy shorts except for when I'm working out), so I usually either cheese it up big time or smirk because I think I'm too cool. So feel free to crack a joke about my ridiculous face. But the camera is sweet! And it totally makes up for the stupid face.

So Aubrey is getting big. She is 2 and 4 months. Says full sentences like "Mommy you no fit" which hurts when she is talking about an entire park. Also, she knows all the animal noises I can think of. She even tells jokes. Here's one:

Aubrey: Say knock knock.

Me: Knock Knock!

Aubrey: Says who?

Me: Cow

Aubrey: Mooooooo

She can do this for all the animals, and gets frusterated if I miss a few. She can also sing along to "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" "Wheels On The Bus" and "Love is Strange" I know it is from Dirty Dancing but it was all I could think of when she was a baby and she still requests it every single night and sings it loud and proud to her baby dolls. 

On another note, I came up with a "recipe." Really what happened was I made tacos. I had so much left over that we ate them for lunch twice and dinner once and were getting sick of them. So, I made enchiladas. They were so good I almost slapped myself. Chris actually said "Mmmm make these again?" And I said "I'mma eat these every day!" So without further ado!

Andie’s Vegan Veggie Enchiladas

·         3 cups water

·         2 cups brown rice

·         1 onion, diced

·         8 oz sliced mushrooms

·         2 large carrots, diced

·         4 garlic cloves, minced

·         1 small zucchini, diced

·         1 small summer squash, diced

·         1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed

·         2 Tbsp chili powder

·         1 tsp cumin

·         1 tsp basil

·         1 Tbsp brown rice miso stirred into a small amount of water

·         10 tortillas, I like whole wheat

·         1 Tbsp vegan butter

·         1 can green enchilada sauce, I like Hatch mild from Whole Foods in a yellow can

·         ½ cup shredded soy cheese (optional)

·         ¼ cup ground cashews

1. Put water and rice in a pot and bring to a boil. Turn down to medium heat and cover, let simmer for 20 mins. After 20 minutes, turn off heat, leave covered and let sit at least another 10 minutes, I just leave it until I’m ready for it. 

2. In a hot skillet, add your onions, mushrooms, and carrots. I don’t use any oil because onions will make plenty and you will deglaze the pan later. Saute until onions are transparent.

3. Add garlic, zucchini, squash, beans,  ½ cup water, chili powder, cumin, and basil. Let simmer until squash is tender, about 5-7 minutes. After you remove from heat stir in miso.

* So I stopped here and made these into tacos because it will make a lot. We did tortillas with rice, veggies, added some fresh lettuce, diced tomatoes, and avocados with a side salad. Then we used the leftovers for our enchilada filling.

4. Preheat oven to 375 F. Smear butter on glass 13x9 dish. 

5. Roll the tortillas with a line of rice, veggie mix, and a sprinkle of soy cheese. Then lay them in the pan seam side down and smush’em close. Do this until the pan is full. We got 10 but it depends on what size tortillas you use and how full you fill em.

6. Once your tortillas are all rolled, pour enchilada sauce on top. Sprinkle with soy cheese and ground cashews. Pop it in the oven for 15-20 minutes until cashews are lightly browned and the smell is more then you can bear! 

Let me know if you make em and how you like em! What favorite foods are traditionally meat you would like to see veganized?

Valentines Outfit

This year I participated in my mommy group's valentine's party. I actually don't know many of the women in the group, and honestly, I am pretty darn shy. So I go and talk to no one, or just the one or two I do know. So it was nice having an ice breaker. I made Aubrey's valentine getup and it gave me something to talk about with the other moms.

The outfit was pretty simple to make! I used a long sleeved onesie (Koala Baby), two pieces each of two ribbons, one is a black sheer with white dots and the other is a red ribbon with white hears. Then I cut a heart out of a zebra faux fur fabric I had leftover from halloween. I sewed the ribbons to the onesie and then the heart around the border. Simple!

For the tutu I cut 10 inch strips of tulle in red and black. I used this tutorial for the how to! Everyone at the party loved her outfit except Aubrey! Lol! Before we left she had taken the tutu off and refused to put it back on. I made the tutu while watching tv at night, because it is kind of mindless. Oh and my color combo was 2 reds and one black. I made the knots very tight so the skirt would be very full. I used 3 yards of red tulle and 2 yards of the black, so it really was alot of fabric.

Did you make anything for Valentine's day this year?

Turkey Pumpkin

Now is the best time to get pumpkins! The grocery stores still have plenty, and they are selling em super cheap! I got mine for 19 cents a pound, it totalled less than a dollar! Awesome!!

Wanting to make a craft for thanksgiving and try to capture a moment in time I decided to go ahead and do a handprint turkey. I used mine, Aubrey's and Daddys hand prints for the feathers. Just trace your hands on colored paper. We did 5 or 6 of each color of each hand. Then you tape them to the pumpkin. I used tape so the pumpkin won't mold from pricking it. I did smallest hands in front and biggest hands in back. Turned out totally sweet! Makes for a wonderful centerpiece and at the end of the season I can take the handprints and put them in the scrapbook. Then when Aubrey gets older I can say "here is how big you hand was when you were only tiny." Have fun with it and enjoy the holidays.

Gobble Gobble

Turkey Day Jumper

Thanksgiving is on its way! I am so looking forward to it this year. I was hoping I could host Thanksgiving feast at my house (since it is the first thanksgiving of many here), but my mother-in-law was pretty insistent on it being there. Oh well! There is always next year. I am making the turkey though, so if anyone knows a to die for recipe, let me know, I have never made a turkey before.

In celebration of the season and what thanksgiving means to me, I made Aubrey a corduroy jumper.  I then created an applique and used my sewing machine only. I was pretty impressed with myself. So much so, that I am contemplating a tutorial on how to do it. However, that would entail making another jumper since I didn't photograph anything while doing this one. Next time, I will make the turkey smaller and have several ruffles at the bottom. Here is the pattern I used. All I did differently, was make my own applique on the front. I also only did two ruffles because of how big the turkey is and I did a top stitch around the hem.

Apparently it is too warm a day though for the turtleneck and jumper. As soon as Aubrey came inside, she started peeling her clothes off saying "hot, hot, off, pees" Speaking of talking, Aubrey is saying alot these days. My favorite thing she says is "Hans thup!" which is Hands up but with the cutest little lisp ever!! She can also open and close doors now as well as climb anything and everything. My how they grow too fast.