Vegan Diaries - Vegan Manicotti

I wanted to make something different for dinner.  I haven't made manicotti in a long time and thought tonight's the night.  Only problem?  It has dairy (ricotta cheese).  No problem for three of the family.  But, then there is the one that has dairy problems and the one (me) that has been trying to avoid dairy.

I thought I would search a vegan substitute for ricotta cheese.  My search came back with silken tofu.  I couldn't find silken tofu and decided to try firm tofu.  I placed the tofu inside a paper towel and squeezed out the excess water.  Crumbled up the tofu into a bowl, so it looked like ricotta cheese, and mixed in the rest of the ingredients.   Of course, I don't remember the website that I found the recipe  on (Sorry!).

Here's the recipe:


Vegan Manicotti
(taken from unknown website)

For the tomato sauce:
1/2 red onion, diced
5 cloves garlic, finely chopped,
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp thyme
1/2 tsp pepper
1 tsp salt (optional)
1 can chopped tomatoes
1 small can tomato sauce

"ricotta cheese"
1 container firm tofu, crumbled
2-3 tsp apple cider vinegar
2 Tbsp oregano
1/2 tsp pepper
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1 box manicotti shells

1 bag/box frozen chopped spinach, thawed, water squeezed out

vegan cheese (optional)


Make your sauce (using the above recipe, your own recipe or you can use a jar of spaghetti sauce).

Rinse tofu and place on paper towel and squeeze out excess water.  Crumble tofu into a bowl (so it looks like ricotta cheese).  Add the apple cider vinegar, oregano, pepper and garlic.  Mix in the spinach.  I added some of the tomato sauce so it wasn't so dry.

Start stuffing your manicotti shells and place in a baking dish.  Cover the manicotti with the sauce.  Add some water to the bottom of the dish (so it covers the bottom, plus a little more).  I use a covered baking dish so the shells don't get dried out and the water in the dish can boil a little and cook the manicotti shells.

Bake at 350F for 30 minutes.  Checking to make sure the shells are cooked.  And, serve.


* * * * * * * ** * * * * * * * * *


*You can use your own homemade sauce or a jar of sauce.

*You can add as much garlic as you want (I like a lot of garlic).

I didn't tell anyone that these were vegan.  I was a little nervous how they would turn out.  I was lucky.  They were delicious!  And, there were not leftovers!  (and no questions!)  Success!

If you decide to make the Vegan Manicotti, let me know how it turned out!

Enjoy!

The Shorts

I'm sure you remember the infamous pair of shorts.

These are the sweatpants RT cut and made into shorts about 22 years ago.  I thought the "shorts" would be around for a month or two and then would disappear.

Here we are, twenty two years later and the shorts are still around.  

RT decided to put "the shorts" into his pile of clothes to be donated/thrown out.

These "shorts" have a HUGE history.  I mean, they have stuck around for 22 years!  So many memories!  RT wears them and the kids get embarrassed.  In fact, the kids beg me to not let RT wear these "shorts" when he picks them up from friend's houses or activities.  They are so famous, that people from all over the world come, just to get a glimpse of these shorts.

I saw "the shorts" in the pile of clothes that RT was getting rid of, and, I had to say something.  

Me:  You can't get rid of these shorts!  They are an historic treasure.

RT:  I thought you would be happy that I was getting rid of them.

Me:  Kids  Dad wants to get rid of his cut off shorts.

Kids:  The sweatpants shorts?

Me:  Yes.

Alex:  Family meeting!

All the kids came into the hall to discuss the future of "the shorts."

Bella was all for getting rid of them.  I reminded her that he has to wear them to walk her down the aisle.  She said she would rather see him wear something else.  (anything but the shorts!)

There was a vote.  Three for keeping the shorts and two (RT and Bella) for getting rid of the shorts.  (RT's vote doesn't count, thought.  He just has to go with whatever the majority decides).

I'm happy to inform you that "the shorts" are here to stay.  They are on display for all to see.  

Get your tickets today and get in line to see a part of history.

Black Friday

It's here again!  

My Black Friday post!

Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving Day and is the biggest shopping day of the year.  For retailers, it marks the beginning of the Christmas shopping season.

For those of us working, it's a crazy, long, tiring day.  Make sure you take lots of vitamins and try to have fun.

If you are shopping, it can get a little crazy out there.  Be safe.

Also, be nice to the store employees.  

Last year's song title suggestions:

Man in Black - Johnny Cash
Paint It Black - The Rolling Stones
Back in Black - AC/DC
Black Cat - Janet Jackson
Black Magic Woman - Santana
Black or White - Michael Jackson
Black Widow - Iggy Azalea

Write in's from my fans:

Black Hole Sun - Soundgarden
Black - Pearl Jam


This year's add on suggestions:

Blackbird - The Beatles
Black Betty - Ram Jam
Black Gold - Soul Asylum


Do you have any suggestions for this year's list?

Thankful Thanksgiving Day 4

Today I am thankful for friends and family and traditions.  (I did say family on day 1, didn't I?) 

 I'm thankful for memories of friends and loved ones who can not be with us today.  I'm also thankful for family and friends who are here to share Thanksgiving with us.

In the year 1621, the Pilgrims held their first Thanksgiving feast.  They invited the great Indian Chief, Massasoit, who brought ninety of his brave Indians and a great abundance of food.  Governor William Bradford and Captain Miles Standish were honored guests.  Elder William Brewster, who was a minister, said a prayer that went something like this:  "We thank God for our homes and our food and our safety in a new land.  We thank God for the opportunity to create a new world for freedom and justice."

Linus van Pelt

Wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Thankful Thanksgiving - Day 3

After yesterdays post, I am thankful for indoor showers.  I couldn't imagine having to shower outside.  What do you do when it's freezing outside?  Not shower?  I guess we would all be wearing a large amount of perfume or cologne.

Thankful Thanksgiving Day 2

I'm thankful for modern cooking conveniences, like a stove/oven and refrigerator.  I don't think cooking over a campfire for every meal would be fun.  Well, maybe the first couple of times.  But, having to find wood and kindling before you build the fire and keep the fire going while cooking?  That might be a bit much.  Oh, and you would forever smell like a campfire.  

Thankful Thanksgiving Day 1

Thought I would reflect on something/one that I am thankful for in my life.  I know I've done this many times before on my blog (remember my list of 100 things that I am Thankful for?), but, it's Thanksgiving Week, the perfect time to reflect on all things that we are grateful to have in our lives.

So, here we go...

Today I am thankful for my family.  As weird, crazy, strange and scary they can be, I still love them and am truly thankful that they are a part of my life.  Yes, I complain about them and all of the annoying things that they do, but, without them, my life would not be complete.  And, hey, what would I write about if they weren't in my life?  This blog would be SOOO boring!  Ha ha ha.

Big Girl Panties

I'm sure you have heard that saying, "Put your Big Girl Panties on and deal with it."

I have to ask, What are Big Girl Panties?  I picture them as Granny Panties.  I don't own any of those, so, does that mean I can't deal with it?  Or, I don't have to be an adult?

Do we say that to men?

"Put your Big Boy Underwear on."  Is that similar to wearing Grandpa's Underwear?

Just thought I would provide you a little something to think about today.

Gee, Your Hair Smells Part II

I'm sure you remember my first post about hair smelling.

The other night, RT was giving Bella a hug and went in to smell her hair.  She gave him a look, waiting for his reaction.  He told her that it wasn't bad, but, at the scalp-line, it was getting bad.  He asked when she last washed her hair (a couple of days ago).  I tossed in that she had PE that day.  

RT:  Well, that explains it.

Bella argued that it couldn't be that bad.  She decided to smell RT's hair.  After smelling his hair, she declared that it was REALLY bad.  RT then said he "didn't wash it today."

Apparently I'm living with people that smell each other's hair for entertainment. 

Hoarders Anonymous

I've mentioned RT's hoarding problem in previous posts.

This past weekend, I asked everyone in the house to go through their clothes and shoes and get rid of items that don't fit (or items they do not wear).  As the seasons change, I find it's a great time for closet cleaning.  This way, we can find out what everyone needs to get through the next season.  And, it's only one trip to the store, which makes it a lot easier for me.

I asked RT to go through his clothes (he has millions of pairs of jeans) and shoes (I don't have an exact number, because I can't count that high).

Apparently, this was a success.  I got both RT and Bella to go through their things.  (Nick and Alex did go through their clothes last month, so, I wasn't too worried about them).  RT narrowed his jean collection.  He went through some coats and shirts and told me that he found some napkins.  He admits he has a problem and agrees to seek out help.

The only area that wasn't touched?  RT's shoes.  He said that he got rid of two pairs.  There are millions and millions of pairs of shoes in this collection.  I know that I should look at this as a good start.  The only problem is, it's just that.  A start.  I have a feeling that those shoes are going to be around a LONG time.  They might even need their own storage facility so we can display them.  We can build it right next to the one that will hold all of the napkins.

Easy Vanilla Frosting

Had to decorate some cupcakes for a recent birthday, and needed a quick, easy frosting recipe.  It isn't vegan, but, it's super simple.  Thought I would share.

Easy Vanilla Frosting

ingredients:
2 cups confectioners sugar
2 Tbsp butter, softened
2 Tbsp milk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

directions:
Combine the above ingredients.  Mix on low until smooth and fluffy.  Spread on cupcakes or cake.


*I updated this for chocolate frosting.  I used 1 1/2 cups confectioners sugar and 1/2 cup cocoa.    For a minty flavor, melt some mint chocolate chips and add to the frosting.

I'll try working on an easy vegan frosting.  Until then, this easy frosting will do.

Pumpkin Soap Recipe

It's that time of year!  All things Pumpkin!!!

I found this recipe for Pumpkin Soap and had to make a batch for myself!  Unfortunately I think it has to set for several weeks.  Let's see if I can hold on that long!

Here's the recipe....check out the link if you want pictures and more details on how to make the soap.


Pumpkin Soap Recipe

10oz olive oil
20oz coconut oil
8oz distilled water
4.73 oz lye
3 oz pumpkin puree
3 Tbsp pumpkin pie spice (optional)
15 drops each: clove essential oil and cinnamon essential oil (optional)
Safety gear: (safety goggles, long sleeve shirt, gloves and apron)
Equipment to make soap (supplies that are only used for soap making)
crockpot (used only for soap making) 

Always run recipe through a soap/lye calculator.  Especially if you decide to change oils or oil amounts.


Weigh all of the ingredients using a kitchen scale.  

Measure out the lye (making sure that you are wearing all of the safety gear)
Turn the crockpot on and place oils in.  Coconut oil must melt completely.

Gently stir lye into water.  Lye must be poured into water, otherwise there will be a bad chemical reaction.  Mixture will heat up, so, proceed with caution.  Stir until completely dissolved.  Let mixture sit for 10 minutes.  (it's great if you can leave it outside to cool off a bit)

Once the oils have melted in your crockpot, slowly mix in the lye/water mixture.  
Use your stick blender and blend for 4-5 minutes.  The mixture will become opaque and have a pudding like consistency (trace).

When the mixture has reached a light trace (thickened, but not holding shape), blend in the pumpkin puree.  

Blend until you reach trace (thick and smooth).

Put lid on slow cooker and set to low for 45-60 minutes.  Best to hang around while this is happening.  Don't disappear!

After 60 minutes, unplug the crockpot and stir in the essential oils and pumpkin spice.  The soap will start setting, so move quickly.
Spoon mixture into your mold, cover with towel and let sit for 24 hours to harden.

After 24 hours, remove from mold and cut into bars.  I let them sit another 4-5 weeks.  You can probably use after 2-3 weeks.  I like to make sure that the soap bar hardens before using it.



If you decide to make pumpkin soap, let me know how it turns out!

What to do with leftover Halloween Candy

Eat it!

Ha ha ha.

That's what my children have been doing.  Of course, only one child went trick or treating this year, but, she has enough candy for our entire family for a year.  I think RT and Alex are secretly helping her out.

If you have tons of candy like us, here are a few suggestions on what to do with the "leftovers," besides eating them...

Make cupcakes!  After pouring the batter into the cupcake liners, put an unwrapped (mini) chocolate candy bar in the center and then bake.

Open the bags of M & M's and put them in your batter when making cookies.

Unwrap small dresses Peanut butter cups and Hershey's Chocolate Kisses and put them in cookie dough balls before baking.

Bring some to a Senior Living Community.  They would love to have a piece of candy (preferably something easy to eat).

Did you eat all of your Halloween candy yet?

Vegan Diaries - Energy Bites

I mentioned that I was looking for vegan dessert options.  I'm not sure where I found this recipe.  I tried it (it's REALLY easy to make) and it was a huge hit.  And, the best part?  You don't have to bake them!  

Don't blame me if you get hooked on them.

Here's the recipe:

Energy Bites

ingredients:
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/3 cup agave
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup oats
2/3 cup toasted, shredded coconut*
1/2 cup ground flaxseed
6 TBSP mini chocolate chips 

directions:
In  a bowl, mix peanut butter, vanilla and agave.
Add the rest of the ingredients.
Chill until set.
Shape into 1 inch balls.
Store in container in the refrigerator.


*I put the shredded coconut in the food processor so it didn't have big chunks of coconut sticking out.  I also used unsweetened coconut.

**Feel free to substitute honey for the agave.  Also feel free to add less honey or agave.


If you try making the Energy Bites, let me know what you think! 

Enjoy!

Belly Ache Day

Another Halloween has passed and large  huge  enormous  a lot of candy has entered our house from hours of Trick or Treating.   I think we have enough candy for five lifetimes.  Bella and RT have already dug into the candy stash (and have not made a dent in it).  Trying to get my family to eat anything (other than candy) on Halloween has always been a challenge.

My Dad always called the day after Halloween, "Belly Ache Day."  You know....from eating too much candy on Halloween!  I always thought it was funny (because I never ate too much candy on Halloween).  But, then I had children.  Two of them with HUGE sweet tooth's (sweet teeth?).

I think those two (oh, and RT) will be floating along the rest of the week on a sugar high.

Are you suffering from a Belly Ache today from too much candy?