Mexican Pizza

Recipe and more appetizing pic here.  All in all, pretty tasty.  I just used regular pizza crust rather than the "pizza bases" called for in the recipe.  I assume the pizza base refers to something like a Boboli, but those have dairy in them so I went with my old standby pizza crust.  The only other mod I'll make in the future is to thin the refried bean mixture, as it was hard to spread on the dough and then it dried and became kind of cakey in the oven.  But, really, how bad could any pizza be?

Spicy Peanut Soup

One Dish Vegan by Robin Robertson is one of the new cookbooks in the house that has been providing inspiration lately.  Robin is one of my fave cookbook authors, and I have more of her books than any others (although Isa is a close second).

I could not pass up a cookbook with a title that includes "one dish," since my motivation level is often low and I just want to make something that's relatively quick and easy that doesn't dirty every pot and pan in the house.  I'm not always successful on that front, but knowing Robin's previous work, I was confident that the one dish portion of the title was mostly accurate.

I've made a recipe or two from the book already, but given the previously noted lack of motivation, that often applies to taking pics of the end product.  Either the kitchen is a mess and I don't want that documented, or I'm too hungry and just want to chow down.  I will try to be more diligent.

So, last night I made Spicy Peanut Soup.  Yes, it was a one dish creation, as soups often are, and it was delicious.  Oh but wait, I did use a cast iron pan to brown the tofu.  I stand corrected.  I did try to find the recipe online but was unable to do so.  The book is still new so I will wait to post until the coast is clear(er) and will then revisit.  Until then, pick up a copy at the library or just buy it if you are a cookbook hoarder like me.

I'll definitely make this one again.  Add a little Sriracha for extra heat.  This recipe makes a lot, so prepare yourself for spicy, peanutty goodness for a few days.  I know you won't mind.

Where have you been all my life?

Long time, no write.  It's not as if I haven't been eating.  Ha, as if.  But, you know, life gets in the way, inspiration wanes, etc.  But there's nothing like a new cookbook to inspire!  And sometimes that doesn't even work.  Now that we're in the throes of the time change and evenings are looooong, I'm getting my comfort food mojo going.

As is my way, I like to investigate new cookbooks via the public library to determine if they are purchase-worthy.  And I've come across a couple that will be finding a new home with me.

First up is Isa Does It by Isa Chandra Moskowitz.

For those of you who don't know, Isa is vegan cooking royalty!  Her books have guided me along the vegan journey.  From Vegan with a Vengeance to Veganomicon to Vegan Brunch to this book and all the others, her books and her website the Post Punk Kitchen have been by my side.  She's creative and inventive and I appreciate that her books aren't just a slight variation or re-hash of previous recipes.

This book is beautiful and the recipes are accessible--and by accessible I mean that they utilize stuff I have in the pantry and that I don't have to buy ingredients that I will use once and that's it.  I am so looking forward to cooking my way through this one.  The copy from the library will be returned with a few splatters on it (oops) and my lovely NEW personal copy will arrive soon.

I did make the Cast-Iron Stir Fry last week, but I was too lazy to take any pictures.  But I did get some pics of the Cheddary Broccoli Soup.

Total comfort food.  I've been hesitant to try any of the vegan broccoli cheese soup variants because my memory and taste buds can't let go of my pre-vegan Velveeta broccoli cheese soup extravaganza.  Knowing full well that were I to try it now, the Velveeta stuff would be too salty and leave that weird Velveeta film/coating on my tongue, I still hesitated to try a vegan version.  But no mas.  This stuff is wonderful.  And it was even better today for lunch.  I look forward to many winter evenings cozied up with this soup.

Since the book is just released, I don't want to get in anyone's cross-hairs by posting the recipe.  Therefore, you'll have to visit your local library or just take the plunge and get your own copy of this book.   I promise you will not be disappointed.