After 8 months and 30 (ish?) countries, my sister is officially back in The States. Her luggage isn’t, but that’s a different issue. I hadn’t actually touched base with her over the phone since mid-October, so it was nice to finally hear her voice again. Of course within 10 minutes of catching up, she told me some things she thought I needed to work on blog-wise. Ummm…thanks for the input Laura. ;)
So this post is for her. There will be no recipes. Instead, I’ll share some of the other more random things that I’m up to.
Like trying to figure out my new iPhone…
Or attempting to track down photos from the wedding this weekend…
[still working on it]
Because quite honestly, I’m in a food rut anyways. It’s fine with me (it’s self imposed after all, so I’m definitely enjoying it), but it’s probably not thrilling to read about.
Let’s see if you can detect the trend:
Common ingredients include Lundberg Farm’s GF brown rice couscous, squash, seitan, and greens.
I made this entire box in the rice cooker (over 6 cups) and somehow it has remained fluffy over the course of the week. Obviously, it has made whipping up stir fry’s super easy. Case in point, see above. And those are only a few of the ones I’ve gotten on film!
So yeah, if you’re interested in the perfect formula, here’s what I’m into at the moment:
greens + starchy veggies + grain + protein
Lately kale has been my leaf of choice, delicata and butternut are neck and neck for the top starch spot, while couscous has momentarily displaced quinoa in the grain department. And as always, seitan holds the key to my heart as far as vegan proteins are concerned.
And that’s that. What are your faves in each of those categories?
Dessert, as per usual, is a non-negotiable. I’m trying to figure out a way to describe this peanut butter fudge without using the phrase “life changing.” I don’t think it’s possible.
And now for the mail portion of the post…
Chef AJ sent me her cookbook and DVD after I raved about her kale salad. I cannot WAIT to make it again!! I’m 100% sure it’s the dish I’m bringing to Thanksgiving #2.
For Thanksgiving #1 I’m roasting squash. Good thing I’m stocked up.
And the final present that arrived via post was none other than this month’s Lollihop pack!
I got excited from the jolly wrapping alone! How could you not grin from ear to ear when you see this on your doorstep??
One of the coolest things about Lollihop is that after each month’s shipment you go online and rate the snacks. So I was thrilled to see a few of my faves back in this box – like the PopCorner kettle chips and the Somersault Snack Co sea salt snacks.
Makes lunch packing fun due to the variety. I get introduced to new products without having to commit to an entire package at once. If you’re interested in trying it out, enter the code: Elise-hungryhippie when you sign up.
That vegan peanut butter fudge looks KILLER!
I order seitan when I’m out but never make it at home. Those are some pretty good looking meals for being in a food rut!
Jolly wrapping! I love it! I’m going to use that phrase, lol!
That is a lot of butternut squash!!! Haha, although it’s my favorite squash, so I wouldn’t be complaining. Also, I wanted to try Lollihop, but I’m gluten and soy intolerant and they don’t accommodate dietary restrictions! Hopefully they’ll be able to do that soon!
Have been wondering about Aj’s book! Looks good!
I so wish I had access to Whole Foods… that vegan peanut butter fudge sounds divine!
NEED that brown rice couscous! Thought of you when I bought brown rice and mixed it into my blend of wild rice and jasmine rice container. Interesting flavors I’m getting.
O MY GOODNESS VEGAN PEANUT BUTTER FUDGE!!?!?!??!
My favorite dessert EVER! I haven’t had any since I became vegan besides one recipe fail I tried last year. Let me know if you find a recipe that matches that one (or I could just go to whole foods haha)!
I received my very first Lollihop package this week and I’m in love! It’s perfect to stockpile my work drawer with healthy snacks. I also LOVE chef AJ, I had the pleasure of making that kale salad with her in the kitchen at the Portland VegFest, she’s a very funny lady.
Three things:
1. Love this post!
2. It was good talking to you too! Can’t wait to see you on sat!
3. You opted for the white phone, eh? I’m jealous…can’t decide the color though.
Always good to have sisters nearby! They keep you grounded. And steal your clothes.
I really like that brown rice couscous too. My mix this week couscous, black beans, roasted sweet potatoes topped with salsa. I’m making coconut curry butternut squash soup as soon as I find a good recipe, you ARE stocked up!
I love the idea behind Lollipop! I wish it would exist in my country, too! You are very lucky that there are so many vegan options for you where you live!
Love this post. I need to jump on the Lollihop bandwagon! The loot you guys get always looks amazing. And how fun to know you have an exciting package coming every month. 🙂
The vegan peanut-butter fudge always catches my eye at WF but I’ve yet to buy myself a piece. I must!