Move along, nothing to see here.
September 2010
09/20/2010
Baked Balsamic Tempeh Recipe
Tempeh is a staple of many a vegan diet, however it isn't exactly the most edible delicious thing. I've tried it many ways and have usually ended up just eating it out of obligation instead of "omg this is so good!". In the past I had pan fried them in a bit of olive oil, however anybody who has worked with tempeh knows that it acts like a sponge so "a little oil" can quickly become alot of oil without you noticing. I recently purchased two tempeh packages from Trader Joes and decided to spice things up a bit in terms of preparation. I did some interweb research and found a great way to infuse flavor into tempeh by marinating it.
The first step is to cut and boil the tempeh in water for 10 minutes. This softens the tempeh up and allows it to absorb the marinade much easier, releasing its "sponge-like" properties if you will. After patting dry with a towel, I put the tempeh in a bowl and added about 2 tbs of my favorite salad dressing, Annie's Organic Balsamic, I covered the bowl with tin foil and then left for my run, giving the tempeh about ~2 hours of marinating time. When I uncovered the tempeh I found that it had in fact absorbed a majority of the dressing, good sign so far! I then sprayed an aluminum foil coated baking sheet with just a little bit of cooking spray (about 1 seconds worth of spray). I then laid out the tempeh in a single layer and cooked in a 400 degree preheated oven. After 10 minutes I turned the tempeh over and put it back in the oven for another 13 minutes. I took it out, let it cool and then put it in my salad, delish! This would also be great in a wrap with some hummus and veggies.
Sliced Tempeh post-boiling
Absorbing the marinade
Finished Product!
09/19/2010
Guess Who I am Meeting?!
My cooking inspiration, Ina Garten, is returning to King of Prussia on October 26th and I've already scheduled the day off so I can visit!!!!! I am so excited!!! If you're oblivious you dont' know Ina is an amazing cook and has her own show, Barefoot Contessa, on The Food Network. Her food is extremely delicious and extremely simple. Everything she makes uses really expensive quality ingredients and her chocolate cake, is to DIE FOR.
I've always had a fantasy that I befriend Ina and end up on one of her shows, I already have the entire storyline for the episode planned. I am her pescatarian friend stopping by and she prepares a three course meal for me, that we eat out in her fabulous garden! Perhaps this book signing will be just the catalyst I need to become one of her gays!! Wish me luck, picture will of course be taken!
Fall Fashion Faves
Fall is definitely my absolute most favorite season, the air is crisp, the leaves are changing and everything is pumpkin flavored, yummy!!! Fall is also my most favorite fashion season because its not so cold that you are hiding behind bulky winter coats, but it also isn't so hot that you are sweating thru all your cute outfits. I've been doing my fair share of shopping lately and wanted to show you my favorite pieces for fall!! If you can't notice, it is pretty military inspired.
Long sleeve chambray button up from H&M, looks great with black skinny jeans!
Stone wrap cardigan from Urban Outfitters, very Helmut Lang-esque
Lightweight jacket with fleece collar, got on clearance from Urban for $20.00
Army Green short sleeve shirt from H&M
My fall coat, H&M
Military Cardigan from H&M, I got the last one in the district!
Black boots
Green work boots with plaid trim, can be rolled down or worn laced up
