She's A B.A.D. (Breakfast All Day) Mamma Jamma

I haven't really cooked since mofo ended last week, but tonight I am back. I finally made "Mom's Morning Casserole" from Vegan Brunch and I know it will not be the last time I do so. I am so glad to have another brunch/breakfast option. I usually cook my morning meals on Sunday or Monday and eat the same thing all week. It sounds boring, but if I really like a dish, I have no problem eating it every day, or even twice in a day. I had been hesitant to make this because my sister didn't seem interested in it, completely forgetting I could eat the whole thing myself if I broke it into daily portions. Luckily I don't have to worry about being the only one to devour the casserole since my niece is also fan. I'm always happy when she likes my cooking since kids can be picky.

There are three layers so this can take some time if you are a slow poke like me. I only decided to make this in the afternoon when my niece vetoed my pumpkin pancakes and I had to come up with a Plan B. If I had planned on it, I definitely would have done some of the work ahead of time. To compensate for my slowness I mixed the tofu layer before I put the potatoes in the oven since I knew I would not get the tofu and tempeh mixtures ready in under 25 minutes, especially since that time had to include stopping to help with homework questions.

Dinner wasn't as early as I had hoped, but it was every bit as delicious as I was expecting, so that is much more important. I wasn't going to serve anything with the casserole, but when I read through the recipe I saw the suggestion of greens or salad as a compliment. I had bought chard to make with chicken fried seitan, but decided to make "Shredded Swiss Chard" as a side today. I used it before as an omelet filling and really liked it. I can buy more greens another day this week. I'm really trying harder to incorporate them into my eating. I'm also going to start chipping away at my food resolutions!

crumb bummed

Ever since I have been cooking more I have become a bit of a kitchen snob, I totally admit this. I eschew shortcuts and glare at pre-made mixes, boxed meals and so on. One thing that has always bothered me is bread crumbs. I could not understand why anyone would by them (other than panko maybe?) when it is so much easier and less wasteful to make your own.

As soon as I became I snob I have been called out for it and rightly so. I have been trying to de-snob or at least keep my comments to myself. Today I was making a baked macaroni and cheese, not sure if you can still call it that for lack of said cheese, but whatever. I've made it a few times and it has always turned out delicious. I normally use mini muffin pans and make mac and cheese bites but since it is for work and I am not fond of work these days, I thirteen x nine'd it instead. I had everything ready to go and realized I forgot to prep bread crumbs. In a lazy hurry, I grabbed my mom's canister o' crumbs, scooped some out and sprinkled them on top. I didn't like the way it looked and it felt like cheating but like I said, I was in a hurry.

Casserole in the oven, I dashed around to finish dishes and returning everything to its rightful place. As I grab for the canister o' crumbs again I decide to read the ingredients, something I should have done shortly after taking it from the cupboard. I remembered the other reason I do not buy a lot of things pre-made/done- because the convenience usually comes at a cost, and they are not vegan. Grrrrr. I was so mad at myself, master ingredient reader, for neglecting to read the ingredients before dumping those crappy crumbs all over my casserole. I hope everyone else enjoys it tomorrow. I'll just have to play good hostess and no one will be the wiser.

high on life, low on cash-erole

edited to add "improved" picture, today i had leftover casserole and a tofurkey sammich, yum!



for tonight's dinner i made a recipe from one of the liberal vegan's vegan mofo posts, broccoli lentil casserole. last week's check was short six hours from when i was sick the week before. i also didn't do a proper grocery run this weekend so there was no menu plan or fresh produce. i definitely had to call on the pantry resources. luckily i had the presence of mind to at least get some onions and a few other staple goods on a quick trip sunday night. if you haven't already made this, you have to, now. it's super delicious and doesn't take too much work to get a healthy meal on the table. i did have to bake the casserole a bit longer but there's a good chance my oven doesn't run as hot as hers. extra cooking time aside, i think there was a little less than half a pan left after we had our fill. this will definitely get some repeats.

i also had a great score at marshall's yesterday. i got an 8" skillet, 10" skillet, an 8" spring form, a 5" serrated knife and a rasp for about $40.00. i didn't buy groceries this week so i guess it's like i spent the food money on things i need to make the food? i wish i only spent 40 on groceries, maybe i will if i keep working the pantry. after tonight i really need to get an oven thermometer already.

on my lunch break i picked up the complete vegan kitchen from the library . i hustled to and from in under a half hour, give me a few weeks and i can probably cut that down a bit since it's really only about a mile each way. i've fallen out of shape and also don't want to get too worked up when i'm still in my work clothes. but between lunchtime library runs and working/training with ms. penny i might just look pretty damn good in some sweaters when it is chilly enough to wear them.