New England

 Spent some time up in the New England area over spring break.  It was so beautiful that I have decided that I plan on moving up there and writing a novel. (Doesn't everyone move there to write a book?)

Crispy Tempeh

 Thought I would give tempeh a try.  I've heard so much about it and how easy it is to use in vegan meals.  

Tempeh is fermented soybeans that are bound together and sold in a flat square or rectangle.  Much firmer than tofu, easier to work with and packed with plenty of protein.

Found this recipe for crispy tempeh.  I enjoy this tossed in salads, hummus and veggie roll ups (in a tortilla) or just as a little snack.

Here's the recipe:

Crispy Tempeh

ingredients:

tempeh (8oz square)

garlic clove, minced

1 TBSP coco aminos (soy sauce, tamari, etc)

1 TBSP nutritional yeast

directions:

Oven 400F

Cube tempeh and place in bowl.

Pour coco aminos/soy sauce over tempeh and mix gently until all pieces are covered.  Add garlic and nutritional yeast and mix gently.

Place on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper/silicone baking mat.  Make sure pieces are spread apart.

Bake for 25 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.

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If you give tempeh a try, let me know what you think in the comments below!

Enjoy!

County Courthouse

 I mentioned a few posts back about my adventure as a witness at the county courthouse.  Very exciting stuff.  What I forgot to mention was my walk from my car into the building (and back again).

We live in a decent area.  The courthouse is in a very nice town.  Nice homes.  Friendly people.  A place where you feel safe walking down the street.

I parked in the back lot and walked up to the building.  When I reached the doors, I realized that I had my cell phone with me.  That's a big no-no.  Cell phones are not allowed, unless you are a juror.  So, I had to run it back to my car.  For some strange reason, I felt like I was going to be mugged walking back and forth to my car.  There were a few police cars by the doors, and I still felt someone was going to jump me.  

I'm sure I was safe (I think?).  I still ran to my car after completing my job as a witness.

Has anyone else felt this way at their county courthouse?

Raspberry Scone (vegan)

 I had a taste for raspberry scones and thought I would try my hand at making them.  

Here's the recipe:

Raspberry Scones (Vegan)

ingredients:

3 cups flour

1/3 cup sugar

1 TBSP baking powder

12 TBSP vegan butter, cut into pieces

3/4 cup oat milk

1 tsp kosher salt

1/2 tsp vanilla

1 cup raspberries*

Icing:

1 cup powdered sugar

1 TBSP lemon juice

1/2 tsp vanilla

Oven 375F.

Line cookie sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat.

In large bowl put flour, sugar, baking powder and salt and mix together. 

Add butter into the dry ingredients (use a pastry blender) until it becomes gritty. 

Add milk and vanilla to mixture and stir with a spatula until it is combined.  At this point, you can switch to using your hands or stick with a spoon. *

Add in the raspberries.  Knead quickly and firmly, until flour is combined and the dough holds together.

Transfer dough to floured surface and shape into a flat round disk, making sure it is only 1.5inches thick.  

Cut the disk into 6 wedges.

Move the wedges onto the baking sheet, leaving a little space between them. 

Brush the tops of the wedges with oat milk and lightly sprinkle with some sugar (optional)

Bake 25-30 minutes, or until the scones are a golden color and fully cooked through.

For the Icing:

In a bowl, mix powdered sugar and lemon juice together until smooth.

Add vanilla and splash of milk (if needed).

Drizzle onto the scones while they are still warm.

Let them sit for a bit while the icing sets.

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*I used vegan butter and oat milk.  If you are not vegan, feel free to substitute butter and milk (same quantities).

*I used frozen raspberries and the scones came out beautifully

*Do not over mix, especially after adding the raspberries.  Gluten will develop and this will make your scones hard.  I didn't mix too much, and mine actually came out cake-like. (They were still delicious).

*Feel free to try blueberries if you aren't a raspberry person.

Enjoy!

The Mona Lisa

 I found a small photo of the Mona Lisa.  It wasn't at a store.  Instead, this small 4x6 photocopy was found inside one of my picture frames.  I figured either my husband or one of my kids was playing a game with me.  

So, I took the bait and moved the photo to another location and waited.  

It took awhile for my secret competitor to locate the photo.  One day, the photo was gone.  I searched for it.  I mentioned something to RT about it.  He seemed clueless.  Or was he trying to throw me off the trail?  

This game of hide and seek has been going on for quite awhile.  I was never quite sure who my competitor was at this game until....

The youngest child had a friend over.  This friend said, "Why is there a picture of the Mona Lisa up there?"  

The youngest child: "Shh!"  

Me:  Oh, you found it for me!  Thanks!

Turns out, the youngest child is the other player in this game.  She's pretty good, too!

Meanwhile, RT said, "Mona Lisa?  What are you talking about?"  

I guess he really was clueless about the Mona Lisa photo game.

Girl Scout Cookies

 Just finished up my last rounds at the cookie cupboard.  Also, my final time as "Cookie Mom."  Three trips to the cookie cupboard and I just found out that they are extending cookie sales through the end of the month.

Hit me up if you need a Girl Scout Cookie fix!

Homemade Granola

 I have been looking for an easy granola recipe for a while.  We buy a granola when we are in Michigan that they call, "Crunch."  The only problem is that it's a little too sweet.  

Fount this recipe here and love that you can add in whatever nuts or seeds you have on hand.

Here's the recipe:

Homemade Granola

ingredients:

1 TBSP maple syrup

1/2 tsp vanilla

1 TBSP Almond Butter

1/4 tsp cinnamon

1/2 cup oats

2 TBSP (pick one: pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, or raisins)

1/4 cup pecans*

2 TBSP unsweetened coconut shreds

directions:

Oven 325F.

Line Cookie sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat.

In a medium sized bowl, mix the syrup, almond butter and vanilla until combined.

Add oats, seeds, nuts, coconut shreds and cranberries.  Mix until all is completely combined.

Spread granola evenly onto baking sheet.  

Bake for 15 minutes.  Pull cookie sheet out and gently flip the granola.  Bake for another five minutes.

Let cool.

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*I used almond butter, feel free to substitute peanut butter or sunbutter

*I like pecans, almonds or walnuts would make a good substitute.

*If you really like it sweet, you can add in some chocolate chips.  Do this after you remove the granola from the oven.

*This recipe makes a small amount.  Feel free to double or triple the recipe.  

* I store my granola in a glass jar in the pantry.

If you make the granola, let me know what you think in the comments below.

Enjoy!