Sorry it’s taken me ages to post anything. We’re finally settling in to our new apartment in downtown Minneapolis and we’re loving it. One of the highlights: we’re 2 blocks from Pizza Lucé now, which is newly renovated, and as I’ve mentioned before, has mouthwatering soy cheese pizza and a fantastic vegan chocolate peanut butter dessert. If we were completely devoid of willpower, we’d eat there all the time. But hopefully we can limit ourselves to a couple times a month. I mean, come on. Now that we’re downtown, we have lots of restaurants within walking distance. It’s time to branch out.

But we’re absolutely loving our new location. I found the most amazing walking/biking path across the Mississippi, which I will be taking to class every day once I start school. It goes right across the only natural waterfall along the Mississip. and there are all these cool ruins that have been uncovered. It’s really magical.

Waterfall on the Mississip.

Emory and I by the river.

Another river view.

And our apartment is so cool! Definitely the best place we’ve ever lived. It’s a loft with polished cement floors, and super high ceilings in the Warehouse District, also known as the North Loop. I apologize for bragging, but when you’ve lived in as many sub-par apartments as we have, it’s such a relief to live somewhere that we love, finally. And we feel so comfortable here already. We’ve entered the realm of hip young adults living in the city. And our neighbors are so friendly.

Our kitty, Sophia, enjoying our new place (and crushing our sofa cushions).

Our supercool kitchen.

Superhigh ceilings.

So that’s what I’ve been up to!

I love The Onion. I’m proud to say I went to the university where this “fake news” was born in Madison, Wisconsin. When it comes to comedy, they truly have a gift (you can hear what the fantastic radio show This American Life has to say about The Onion’s process of picking headlines each week here).

But I was particularly impressed by The Onion today when I read this article: Underfunded Scientists Force Lipstick-Covered Rat With Cancer To Run Through Maze. Perhaps, like with most topics, they were merely setting out to say something funny about animal testing. But they’ve also managed to support the argument against animal testing by describing (in exaggerated form) how ridiculous, unreliable, and cruel animal testing is. And because The Onion is so popular, this article is going to reach thousands, and perhaps even convince some of them that animal testing is, in fact, horrendus. Or, perhaps they’ll simply get a kick out of just how unlucky poor Mendel the rat is.

It’s time for Emory and I to start thinking about where we’re going on our honeymoon. Our wedding is in October, but we won’t be taking our honeymoon until the end of the year- when I’m on winter break from school. Emory’s mom has been so sweet in offering to pay for our honeymoon! Initially she was offering us a European tour honeymoon, where we’d travel to Paris and Rome with a tour group. Emory was not too fond of the idea of being part of a tour group and a tight schedule on our honeymoon. He’d rather do something more relaxing and less scheduled. I tend to agree. And also, I have been to Paris and Rome before and was kind of hoping to go somewhere new. BUT since it was such a lovely gift, we decided we’d accept and enjoy it, no matter what. But then Emory discussed it with her further and she said “hey, it’s your honeymoon, not mine!” and now we’re back to square one and can go wherever we would like.

So now I’m excitedly and obsessively searching for “vegan honeymoons.”  One thing I find amusing is that “vegan” resorts are often paired with “yoga and fitness.” Now, I have nothing against yoga and fitness resorts, but I’d rather not have our honeymoon be based upon regimented exercise, strict dieting, and detox. I’ll save that type of excursion for another date. But I would like it to be warm, relaxing, and exotic.

One place I’m considering (because it’s the first thing to pop up in a Google search) is a place called The Lodge in Grenada in the Caribbean. It’s all vegan, overlooks the ocean, and seems very chill. Maybe too chill? In the FAQ’s on their website someone asked “What is there to do in Grenada?” and the response they gave was “Grenada is a place to be; not a place to do - so bring your own silence and let Grenada welcome you.” So I’m not sure if that will result in a wonderfully relaxing trip, or relaxation to the point of boredom. It does look beautiful, so it’s still on the list.

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Then there’s the Bali Mountain Eco Lodge in Indonesia. It’s 2 hours from the airport, is very secluded, and ideal for nature lovers. And there’s a protected rain forest ten minutes away! I’ve never been to a rainforest so that sounds pretty sweet. They advertise the multitude of edible plants surrounding the Lodge. I imagine we’d get some great fresh green nourishment there. It also has some lovely options like 1-2 hour massages, day trips, Balinese workshops, and for honeymooners-

• Romantic bungalow - On arrival your bungalow will be beautifully decorated with handmade Balinese decorations and flower petals.
• Candlelight dinner - A romantic Balinese candle light dinner in the garden bale with Balinese flute & gamelan players and complementary drinks.

So that certainly has potential.

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Next, I’ve discovered The Greenhouse in Edinburgh, Scotland. Not only is the food all vegetarian, but so are the pillows, duvets, shampoos, etc. And they’re against animal testing. If that’s not cool enough, they’re very focused on energy efficiency. I’m going to have to agree with Tina Fox, the former Chief Executive of the Vegetarian Society, who said, “If you ever needed an excuse to sample the delights of Edinburgh this is it. Good food, great establishment and a brilliant location - what more can anyone ask?” You’re right, Tina. This would be the perfect excuse. I’ve been wanting to visit Scotland for years. This is high on my list. Downside: it’ll be cold during the winter! Boo.

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Cashew Hill in Costa Rica is yet another option. It’s vegan and vegetarian friendly. They have fun activities like canopy zip-lining, water fall tours, snorkeling, surfing, national parks, and more! So we wouldn’t get bored! It’ll be beautiful, tropical, and warm, we’ve never been there, AND there’ll be vegan food. This is looking pretty good…

So those are just a few of the options I’ve come across. If you know of any other good candidates for Emory and Emily’s Amazing Vegan Honeymoon Adventure, do tell! My search continues…

photo by letouj

This yellow curry dish is healthy and light, but still full of flavor. It’s easy to make and was loosely inspired by a recipe I found in Food Editors’ Favorites Treasured Recipes for Curried Chicken Roll-Ups. Among other things, I replaced real chicken with Chik’n Strips, and used this great Not Chik’n by Edward & Sons to replace chicken bouillon. It’s fun to veganize old recipes.

ingredients

• Morningstar Chik’n Strips
• grilled eggplant sliced
• grilled zucchini sliced
• 1 cube of Edward & Sons Not-Chick’n Bouillon
• 3 to 4 teaspoons Penzey’s Sweet Curry Powder
• lettuce
• white Basmati rice

Combine chik’n, eggplant, zucchini, curry powder, bouillon, and 2 cups water in medium saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer for 5-10 minutes. Separate liquid and cook with rice for great seasoning. Once rice is done, pile onto a bed of lettuce (for crunchiness), and finally add Chik’n, eggplant, and zuccini. If there’s any sauce leftover, pour on top. Enjoy! (serves 2)

photo by arimoore

I just picked up a 16 oz vat of Nutritional Yeast from Whole Foods. And I’m very excited about it. This dietary supplement can be used as a cheese replacement in your macaroni. It’s a natural source for B vitamins, essential amino acids, and protein. It’s a great nutritional supplement for vegetarians and vegans.

I don’t know why I didn’t buy this gem sooner. It’s inexpensive, versatile, and good for you! You can mix it into smoothies for added nutrition.

Make your own vegan macaroni by cooking up some noodles, and topping them with a splash of soy milk, a little nutritional yeast (to taste), salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Much healthier than highly processed cheese macaroni.

Use it in place of Parmesan cheese. Add it to popcorn or potatoes. Sprinkle it on your veggies or tofu. Add it to sauces and dips, soups and salads. Add it to homemade bread for a cheesier taste. The possibilities are endless.

I even found a nutritional yeast cookbook: The Nutritional Yeast Cookbook: Recipes Using Red Star Vegetarian Support Formula! Though, you might have to veganize some of the recipes in it.

Nutritional yeast is not the same as baking yeast. It comes in yellow flakes, and can often be found in the dietary supplement aisle or natural foods section.

Do yourself a favor and get some. It’ll rock your world. And if you are already a dedicated “nut. yeaster,” I’d love to hear some of your favorite uses. Share those recipes!

sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nutritional_yeast, PETA’s Vegan College Cookbook, http://vegetariancuisine.suite101.com/article.cfm/benefits_and_uses_of_nutritional_yeast,

If you’re like me, cooking is not something you exactly excel in. Complicated recipes are like Latin to me (P.S. I don’t know Latin). And I get impatient. But that doesn’t stop me from trying to cook. I just look for recipes that are more… palatable to my culinary in-expertise.

To my glee, PETA has a brand new book featuring insanely easy recipes. So easy, they either need no cooking at all, or they require a microwave. If you can handle this kitchen appliance, you’re golden. The cookbook is called PETA’s Vegan College Cookbook: 275 Easy, Cheap, and Delicious Recipes to Keep You Vegan at School. Which is even more fitting for me, since I’ll be going back to school soon. Not that I’ll be living in the dorms again– I’ll still have a full working kitchen, just less time to use it. So I anticipate I’ll be using this book a lot.

There’s quite a variety of recipes, too. You’d be amazed at all the things you can microwave. I knew it was a versatile machine, but man oh man, this cookbook has opened my eyes to a whole new realm of possibilities. And the amusing recipe names like “F-U Tacos” (as in tofu), “Instant Enlighten-Mint Chocolate Latte,” “Butt Ugly Sticky Buns,” “Sham and Cheeze,” and “Cuke-Chick Salad” are youthful and fun.

Even if you are a culinary genius, sometimes you just don’t feel like putting forth the effort, or you forgot to pick up the groceries. In which case, a book containing recipes that require only a few ingredients and a few moments of your time, might be a worthwhile purchase. And if you’ve got kids in the house, this could be a great way to show them that vegan food can not only be fun and delicious, but fast. And that McDonald’s is lame.

photo by tvol

It doesn’t get much better than sliced tomatoes and cucumbers with garlic hummus and dill weed on toasted whole wheat bead. So easy. So fresh. So fantastic.

Spring is here and this dish is great when combined with a warm afternoon or cool spring evening. Super easy, super tasty pasta dish.

Ingredients

• noodles (alphabet theme optional)
• olive oil
• Morningstar Chik’n Strips
• (mini) cucumbers
• grape tomatoes
• pine nuts
• (iodized) Sea Salt
• basil
• garlic powder

Cook noodles. Strain. Add a splash of olive oil, a dash of salt, some basil, and a few shakes of garlic powder. Crisp the Chik’n Strips in a pan. Once crisp, remove strips, and throw a handful or two of pine nuts into pan. Heat and shake for a couple of minutes. Keep a close eye on the pine nuts- they burn easily. Slice cucumbers.

Add chik’n, pine nuts, cucumbers, and grape tomatoes to pasta. Enjoy!

Mother’s Day is just around the corner. Have you decided what you’re going to do for your mother? Have you considered vegan chocolates? Allison’s Gourmet, an all-vegan gourmet chocolate and cookie company has some lovely gift options. And if your mother is fearful of this vegan “thing” you’re into, you don’t even have to tell her they’re vegan treats. All she needs to know is they’re delicious and they’re from you, with love. Or, after she mentions how great they are, you can casually mention their lack of dairy. I’ll let you decide how to play that card. You know your mother better than I do.

Some other places to find vegan chocolates:Rose City Chocolatier (check Vegan Chocolates section), Life By Chocolates (check Vegan Chocolates section), Sjaak’s Organic Chocolates, Indulge In Chocolate, Kate’s Caring Gifts, Chocolate Decadence, Terra Source Gourmet Chocolates

I’ve really enjoyed looking through all the non-traditional weddings featured on Offbeat Bride’s site. Very inspirational and fun. Since Emory and I are trying to be very non-traditional and informal with our wedding, I’m having fun “breaking the mold” in many aspects. We will be having all-vegan catering, and our wedding and reception will be on the lake in my parent’s backyard which saves us a ton of money, and will also be beautiful. It will be an intimate, small, mostly family wedding. No wedding party. No tuxedos. Just a fun, laid-back celebration. The dress I’ve picked out is actually a bridesmaid dress so it’s much more affordable (my friend Karin also did this for her wedding, and her dress was lovely!), and I’ll be accessorizing with some lovely vintage and handmaid Etsy items. The ceremony will be in the fall, so we’re focusing on fall colors, lots of candles, and painted (by yours truly) jelly jars.

I typed in “vegan” in the search bar on Offbeat Bride’s site and my heart just sang when I saw this post. So many things I love about their wedding. Like the fact that she is a vegan pastry chef! And they brewed their own beer! And he wore the engagement ring and took her last name! And I’m all about the stress-free vibe. I love it all.