I’ve been wanting to try hemp milk for what seems like forever, but it is SO expensive. Usually is it $3.99 at my local health food store. Well, all that waiting paid off because it’s finally reasonably priced! It’s on sale for $2.50/quart AND each quart has a coupon for one dollar off two. So that means, $2.00/quart! Yes. Matt and I both loved the taste, so we stocked up in a major way. I think we bought something like 15 quarts…and I really want to buy more before the sale is over.
Here’s hoping hemp milk is on sale where you are…
After such a long blogging break, it’s hard to know where to begin! I found some pictures on my camera I haven’t posted, but I don’t remember when I took them or the context in which I took them or anything. They were all taken somewhere between 2 months ago and today. So, enjoy this random assortment of pics! I’ll try to be more organized by tomorrow. I noticed some of you are even doing themes for Mofo this year. Way to make a girl feel unprepared!
Now hold onto you seat because these first two are gonna blow your mind!!!
Homemade pizza dough.
Before
After
All joking aside, rising pizza dough still amazes me.
Next up, homemade almond milk. I loved it a lot, but Matt said it was two grainy tasting. He actually coughed a little, which I think was kinda for show, but whatever. I bought some cheesecloth the other day in case I want to give it another go. The cookies are PB Newman-O’s that a friend brought us-what a sweetie!
Next, the BEST BREAKFAST KNOWN TO WOMAN.
Polenta Rancheros! A recipe in the upcoming brunch book by Isa. I absolutely love this recipe. The beans and polenta go so well together and the SAUCE, it’s killer. I actually finally figured out why I love the sauce so much. I mean, when I first made it, I smelled it and closed my eyes and there was something about it. Some spell it put over me every time I took a whiff. Well, I realized that this ranchero sauce reminds me of when I was a little and my Mom and Dad got us food from a place called El Pollo Loco (SO not vegan) and we ate together and it was great. So, little did Isa know that her ranchero sauce would transport me back to childhood!
Lastly, a cake I made for my awesome grandma. Vanilla cake and chocolate frosting, both from the cupcake book.
I’m not the best cake decorator in the world, but not the worst either? I think I may take a Wilton cake decorating class here soon. Grandma liked it, so that’s what matters anyway.
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I went to Las Vegas for the first time ever last week. I had a great time and I am sure I’ll return (someday). While Vegas is known for gambling, drinking and shows…it’s not renowned for being veg (vegetarian and vegan) friendly. Even so, I found it a snap to eat veg in Vegas.
Here’s a list of restaurants I know of that have vegetarian and vegan options. You shouldn’t take my word for it though. Do some research for yourself too.
(1) Go Raw Cafe
Tasty raw vegan food at two different locations. One of the locations even has a salad bar. We went to the Lakes Center local during our second day in Vegas and left very satisfied. Matt and I shared a tropical smoothie and the Mexicali Sampler.
I must warn all of you, though: this place is not close to the strip. When I say not close, I mean don’t try to take the bus! Please. We did and it took us over an hour. If you are in Vegas with no car and don’t want to take a cab, I would skip Go Raw.
(2) Chipotle
I love Chipotle. Big ass veggie burritos the size of my head. If you want yours vegan- get no cheese, no sour cream and black beans. That’s the way I like it. Oh, and lots of salsa!
There is a Chipotle right on the strip too. It’s next to Harrah’s Casino.
(3) P.F. Changs
P.F. Changs is a great place to start a fun night out right. My favorite dishes are the vegetarian lettuce wraps and the coconut curry vegetables. They have many other clearly marked veg dishes too. Changs is also located on the strip.
If you are vegetarian, they have tons of killer pizzas. If you are vegan, a source tells me that you have much to choose from too, including the Broccoli Sun-Dried Tomato Fusili (no parm), which is awesome. Again-right on the f’ing strip!
(5) Ronald’s Donuts
Vegan. Donuts.
Unfortunately, Matt and I didn’t have time to visit Ronald’s this time, but it’s on the to do list for next trip. Ronald’s is not on the strip, but it isn’t too far. Let me know if you have any luck taking the bus there!
I am adding your veg-friendly Vegas spots here:
(6) Burger Bar
Thanks, vegyogini!
I am sure there are many more veg options then what I’ve listed here, so keep your eyes open and your chin up! 
Other foodie tips: Bring breakfast with you. We packed cereal, almond milk and lots of fruit. Yummy and CHEAP! We also brought oatmeal, but our hotel room didn’t have a microwave nor hot enough water to cook the oats. We asked a restaurant down stairs and they wanted to charge us $2 or something for a little cup of hot water. Whatever! I’ll stick to cereal.
I also brought some homemade trail mix for snackage on the go.
I hope this info helps and please leave me a comment if you can think of any other veg friendly places in Vegas or any Vegas tips in general.
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The lovely Kristen passed along this fun award to Julie’s Kind Kitchen! I am so thrilled and flattered that she would think of me. Thanks girl! Also, thank you to everyone that reads this blog. I love blogging and hope you all enjoy reading.
Now I need to nominate 7 other blogs for this award. As you can see by my blogroll, this is such a hard decision! In alphabetical order, I nominate:
1) Food Snob
2) Guinnah
6) Vegan Vice
I truly enjoy your blogs, ladies!
Look for a new post in the next couple of days about eating veg in Vegas…
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I’ll be in contact with you so that you can get your free cookies! As for the rest of you, don’t be sad… Matt and my favorite Liz Lovely cookie variety, Ginger Snapdragons, are on sale. 6 big ass cookies for less than 10 bucks?! YES, PLEASE.
Thanks to all of you who participated in my little game! Some of you noticed that with a little investigative work, the lie was easy to figure out.
Happy 4th for those of you in the US!
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Thanks everyone for your wonderful suggestions! I have to admit, I couldn’t decide between all of the tasty recipes/suggestions, so I put everyone’s name in a bowl and drew out the winner. Catherine, email me your address so I can send you some goodies :]
Just a quick post for now, but I will post an ETL update in a few days…
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Hello all,
Sorry I haven’t blogged lately! I have been incredibly busy with school, work and my internship. The good news is, I only have one more paper to turn in and then I am FREE for the summer! WOO My goal for this summer is to RELAX and take time for myself.
In the spirit of taking care of myself, I am starting the 6 week Eat to Live program with some other PPKers on May 1st. I am excited, but scared! No dark chocolate?! Does.Not.Compute.
Here’s where you come in. Starting today until May 5th, leave me a comment with a yummy and ETL friendly recipe (or more than one). Remember, these are the parameters. Oh, and it doesn’t have to be your recipe…but, it can be. *ETA-I will be consuming small amounts of salt and olive oil, so it’s ok if the recipe has either * I will choose the tastiest sounding recipe and send that person a bad ass care package full of chocolate goodies. Hey, at least I can live through you :]
P.S. I went to a lecture today at ASU featuring Dr. Peter Singer! I enjoyed the lecture a lot and his accent is actually quite charming.
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Hello all! I hope everyone had a great weekend. I spent mine with family, which always makes me happy. I have tons of food pictures on my camera, so I better start posting them!
First up, mini loaves of banana bread. Aren’t they sooo cute?? There are actually three different kinds of loaves on that mountain: blueberry, chocolate chip and plain. I always use the VCON Lower Fat Banana Bread recipe. It makes for ultra moist bread.
Next up, some pure raw goodness. The first picture is a raw salad with mixed greens, mushrooms, spouts, avocado and pâté. The second is a wrap, pre-wrapping. The pâté is of the Save the Tuna variety a la raw goddess herself, Ani Phyo. I am no raw foodist myself, but I love her book. It has great recipes and tips for anyone who likes to eat (and maybe needs some more veggies/fruits in their life?).
More vegetable luuuuvin’. Roasted brussel sprouts. mmm
Last, but certainly not least, Black Bean and Sweet Potato Burgers. This is a combo of a few different recipes. YUM! We loved these. I am still tweaking the recipe, but I will post it once it’s perfect.
This weekend is Matt’s birthday (it’s also this gal’s special day)! We are celebrating with friends on Friday night and then going to Prescott again! Woohoo. As anticipated, we are staying here.
P.S.-If you are reading this and are in the Phoenix area, contact me please! The Phoenix PPK meet-up group is expanding and we want you to join us for our next get together (beginning of May). Speaking of get-togethers, I will post pics from the last one soon.
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Here comes…
Chesapeake Tempeh Cakes
and Banana Flapjacks!
Oh, Isa. Will your creative genius ever end?!
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Prescott may be my favorite place to go on vacation. Why? #1, it’s only about 1 hour away. #2, it’s a simple, slower-paced town compared to Phoenix or Tempe (read: you can truly relax). #3 there is a lot to do and discover! Also, for me personally, it brings back memories…Matt and I used to take day trips to Prescott in his ‘89 Ford Thunderbird when we were in high school. Aww…
Matt and I spent 2 days in Prescott this past weekend and we really enjoyed it! When we rolled into town, our first stop was New Frontiers. New Frontiers is an awesome natural foods store that has locations in Prescott, Sedona, Flagstaff and a few in Cali. I love this place. We no longer have any small, local natural food stores in Phoenix or Tempe, so we always visit New Frontiers when we are in Prescott (or Sedona or Flag). They have an awesome prepared food section, as well as the option to make your own sammich. Matt got their homemade veggie burger with a salad and I got a half sammich with marinated ‘fu, hummus, and a ton of veggies. Mine also came with a salad and I chose a tahini-based dressing-YUM!
For dessert (because there is always room for dessert), I got a HUGE ginger cookie. The best part was, there were multiple vegan dessert choices… I think I made a good choice, though. Very ginger-y.
That night was Matt’s choice for dinner, so we went to the Prescott Brewing Company. The beer was good and surprisingly, they had a pretty veg-friendly menu. I ended up having the jalapeño hummus, which was really good and really filling. They call this an appetizer!
The next day, we had leisurely morning walking around the town square and visiting all the cool shops. On day trips, Matt and I usually take food for a picnic in front of the beautiful courthouse and play rummy (our favorite card game). In this picture, Matt is reading the time line of Prescott, painted on the sidewalk.
At New Frontiers, I picked up a free “Healthy Living Resources” guide, which led us to our next stop, Honeyman’s Natural Food Store. This place was an exciting new find! I picked up two kinds of tea (yerba mate and blueberry green tea), raw macadamia nuts, beautiful looking sun-dried tomatoes and some stuff from the Cactus Candy Company. I know, I know. An AZ native should not be getting stuff from the Cactus Candy Company…but I have always been curious about the Cactus Jelly and Pomegranate Syrup (btw, what do I use these for?!).
Before we left, we ate at the only entry for veg restaurants on happycow, Taj Mahal. I was pleased to see an entire section of the menu devoted to vegan dishes. Matt and I shared veg pakora, dahl and naan. It was good and I am glad to have it as a veg option when we go to Prescott. Although, they claim to be “The Best Indian Food in Arizona,” which is simple not true. Udupi is a lot better and 100% vegetarian (more than 1/2 vegan). So, I guess what I am saying is, we are spoiled when it comes to Indian food.
Before we headed back, we stopped by New Frontiers again to get some of this:
That right! Locally made vegan ice cream. I found this because of another tip from that awesome Healthy Living Resources guide. I got some No-Butter Pecan, although I was bummed to see that they also make Peanut Caramel and Strawberry Delight, which weren’t stocked at NF. Oh, well. I should be happy that something like this even exists. Check out the ingredients. Anything catch your eye? Quinoa, perhaps?! It doesn’t taste like quinoa, though. I promise! It’s yummmmmy and I think better for me than my other indulgence… Supposedly, they stock Freezees at WF’s in the west coast, so check it out!
Before I go, a picture of the loot I took home (minus the “nut cream”). The dried apples, locally made ww tortillas and free bumper sticker are from NF.
Matt and I are already planning our next trip out to the beautful and hospitable town of Prescott and are thinking about staying either here or here. We found both places while taking a relaxing drive up the mountains.
That’s it for now. I hope everyone had a great weekend.
Oh, and check out some of my favorite blogs. The last one is an oldie, but a goodie.
Peace!
