Chowin' Down

Once again, this week was pretty busy on the food front. I had to use up the last of our garden bounty, and VwaV inspired me to team my remaining grape tomatoes with pesto and pasta. I made my usual pesto with fresh basil, ground almonds, garlic, olive oil, sundried tomatoes and salt, then mixed it with sautéed grape tomatoes and onions, and finally tossed it all with pasta and olive oil. It was a really great way to end this past season - I'm already looking forward to next summer's garden! Although, that's not so hard to believe - Ottawa winters are dreadful and we always look forward to the nice weather!




Later in the week, I made Orange-Glazed Tofu and Broccoli from The Vegetarian Family Cookbook. Oddly enough, it tasted just like this. But it seemed way easier! I'd definitely make this again in a heartbeat. And I liked it with the tofu, since seitan seems to be turning my stomach these days.



On the baked goods front, I think I've nearly made every muffin recipe with VwaV. I have been tempted by the Ginger Raisin Bran Muffins, but since I'm not a fan of raisins nor crystallized ginger, I made a couple of subs to include nuts and a chopped pear. I'll definitely make these again, as I really liked how they tasted just like something from a bakery - not too soft and moist like my muffins usually are!



Last night, I decided to make something from the November/December 2007's issue of VT - I've been looking to add to my salad repertoire, and the Spinach-and-Orange Salad with Almonds and Honey-Sesame Dressing fit the bill. Now, I didn't want to use the honey, so in my usual fashion, I substituted half the amount of honey with maple syrup, and the other half with agave nectar. Omigod - this salad was great! Very easy too. I also drizzled my leftover dressing from my plate onto my leftover Orange-Glazed Tofu and Broccoli serving - I'm so refined :( I hope my mother doesn't read this, but I figure it was better than licking my salad plate clean (which, of course, I NEVER do...)



Tonight, Kyle and I made separate batches of Sarah's Stew - his with meat, and mine featuring Yves Chick'n Tenders (due to my recent non-fondness of seitan, I've been using these, which oddly enough, I can stomach). Here's the recipe:

Sarah's Stew

6 large potatoes, unpeeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
1 head cauliflower, chopped
4 carrots, chopped
2 large onions, diced
2 cups savoy cabbage (optional)
2 cups celery, chopped
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 jar tomato paste
2 teaspoons marjoram
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon celery salt
pepper to taste
8 cups vegetable stock
1 ½ tablespoons Spike seasoning

*Yves Chick'n Tenders, optional

Heat oil in an extra large cooking pot. Add the vegetables. Stir well for 2 - 3 minutes. Add the tomato paste, herbs, Spike and pepper, then pour in the stock and tenders (if using). Stir well, and bring to a boil. Lower heat, cover pot and simmer for 30 minutes. By this time, the water should have been absorbed and the vegetables will be tender. Tastes way better the next day.