Sunday, January 1, 2012

It's 2012 and I Have Presents for You!

Ok, don't get excited. That title may be a little misleading. I mean, yes, it IS 2012. That part is true. I don't really have physical presents that I'm handing out to each of you. I'm just in a great mood this morning and I've got some stuff I'd like to share:

1.) The 2011 Creme de la Creme is up and over 200 posts deep. Holy shmoly. My iPad and quiet Sunday afternoons were made for this. This may take me more than one weekend to get through. And yes my submission is a little corny, but I liked it at the time.

2.) You can get a free cookbook from Earthbound Farms today. Like, today only.

3.) Speaking of salads, there are some over at Oh She Glows that make my mouth water every time I look at them. I cannot wait to make them. I wanted to share this link with you in case "eat healthier" or "eat less meat" or "eat more veggies" or anything like that just happened to be on your list of resolutions this morning.

4.) And speaking of vegan, I tried two new recipes this weekend and both of them rocked my world. Want them?

I've tried a handful of falafel recipes and this is truly the first one that has NOT resulted in a crumbly, greasy chickpea mess. Sure you can buy the mix in the box, but this is cheaper, and better. Warning: it makes a ton, so unless you're crazy about pitas, you may want to cut the recipe in half.

We kicked off 2012 this morning with some fresh coffee, OJ and the most delicious french toast I've ever made. I should probably note that I've never made french toast before, but I've eaten it plenty. This gem comes from Alicia Simpson's Quick & Easy Vegan Comfort Foods and it took all of 10 minutes to throw the whole thing together. Here it is (with my two cents in parens):

1 cup plain soy milk (any non-dairy milk works. We use rice milk)
1/4 chickpea flour
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp grated nutmeg
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
canola oil
6 slices whole grain bread (honestly, whatever you've got works. It's french toast)

(I'm paraphrasing the directions)
In a shallow dish, whisk together the milk and flour. Then add the cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat (my vote is actually medium high) and add enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan (I would use a little less if you like your toast to have some crunchy brown edges).
Dredge each slice of bread in the milk mixture and add to the pan. Cook until each side is golden brown. About 2-3 minutes each side.
Serve with maple syrup or whatever you like to drizzle on your morning shtuff.

5.) And last, but not least, here is a link to one of my new favorite websites. If you're looking to fill your new eReader, notebook or whatever with some quality content, go here for links to free eBooks, free movies, free courses....it's simply an amazing collection. For free.

And there you are.

4 comments:

Nadine said...

Eggless French toast! Thanks for sharing and happy new year.

Lori Lavender Luz said...

Consider this my vegan Thank You note for all this goodness!

Please pass that french toast, mmKay?

m said...

You're welcome!!! Nadine and Luz, you gotta try it. This is most likely becoming a Sunday staple at our place. (and of course, our door is always open.)

Stephanie said...

Great gifts! Thank you! I especially love the link to Open Culture. I've never seen that site before...

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