Why my dogs think I'm crazy

Pork congee.

The dogs were very excited about their breakfast this morning. 

Yesterday was not a good cooking day for me. I attempted to make what was going to be cream of spinach soup but it turned out, well, let's just say that it went downhill in a spectacular fashion.

But early this morning I noticed (that for the billionth time) I was out of kibble - so yesterday's cooking disaster was magically transformed into a pork congee for the dogs.

Not really all that magical since I did have to add in a bunch of broth, brown rice, a pork chop and let everything simmer for a couple of hours:-)

But during those two hours the dogs got more and more excited.

This is a picture of Connor howling with joy and congee anticipation:

This is the look Abby gave me when I placed the dog bowls (now piled high with the fragrant congee) into the freezer to cool down.

She was not pleased...

Yes, my dogs think I'm crazy.

I had a simple stir fry for breakfast. I didn't feel like eggs this morning so I added in a Morning Star grill burger for a dose of protein.

Stir fry cucumber, carrots, celery and sweet peppers with a Morning Star burger.

I like my burgers topped with a dollop of barbecue sauce and some mustard.

Since my feet have finally finished healing - today I am going to start the Couch to 5K program. Not that I couldn't run a 5K right now but I am trying to re-establish the running habit more than trying to hit any time or distance goals.

So, wish me luck - and here are a couple more shots of the food this morning(and I might actually get some work done this morning since the dogs are currently passed out with food comas :-).

My breakfast is on the left.

 Sigh, the congee looks so much better than my breakfast.

Cucumber sandwiches

Cucumber Sandwiches.

I got to enjoy a wonderful barbecue at my sister's house yesterday.

She grilled sausages, beef burgers, hot dogs, turkey burgers and one special turkey burger (hold the teriyaki sauce) for me.  

I brought cucumber sandwiches. Why? I don't know - it just seemed like a good idea.

And it was very easy to put together - mix chopped watercress with cream cheese - slice English cucumbers as thin as you can - add in a bit of sweet red pepper and put it all together on slices of bread.


The best thing about the barbecue was the company - you really can't put a high enough value on great conversation. 


Night all!

 

Creamy butternut squash dressing (vegan)

Lately I have been on a coleslaw binge. I have had it with salad dressing or with a more traditional Vegenaise + white vinegar dressing and once with a drizzle of balsamic and olive oil.

But today's coleslaw turned out the best. I wanted a slightly sweeter version of traditional coleslaw and I decided to use the last of the butternut squash I had in the fridge.

Creamy butternut squash dressing.

I threw a few ingredients together, gave it a whir with the immersion blender and I ended up with a creamy, dreamy and sweet concoction that had a nice kick of vinegar. Yum!

The coleslaw mix can be anything you want. Today I tossed together green cabbage, carrot, mini sweet red peppers, celery and fresh parsley.

The most important thing about this dish? It is the dressing. 

And, since it is Friday and I am in a great mood because I am off to see Prometheus later tonight, I am going to give you the recipe:-)

Creamy butternut squash dressing

Serves 1

Ingredients:

1/2 cup of cooked butternut squash

3 tsp of Vegenaise

1 tsp of balsamic reduction

ground black pepper to taste

enough water to create the consistency you would like

Instructions: 

 

Blend until smooth. 

That is it! Easy peasy.

I used it as a coleslaw dressing but I think it would also be terrific on a regular 'ol salad.

Happy Friday everyone!

Easy black bean soup

Easy black bean soup.

Now that I am back to the low fat and lots of veggies diet, I always find it a challenge to create simple meals with tons of flavor.

This was a very simple soup to put together and it had a nice full flavor without being so spicy that it bothered my stomach.

I hope everyone is having a great Friday!

Easy black bean soup

Serves 2

Ingredients:

1 can of black beans, rinsed and drained

3 cups of chicken broth

1 Tbsp of sun dried tomatoes, chopped

1 clove of garlic, minced

1 tsp of green chilis

1 tsp of molasses

1/4 tsp of cumin

1/2 tsp of coriander

1/4 cup of mushrooms, chopped

Ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

Add all of the ingredients into a soup pan and simmer for 20 minutes. 

That's it!

Top with your choice of toppings. I added avocado, olives and Frank's Hot Sauce. 

Enjoy