Thai Coconut Soup

This is one of Mike's specialties and is one of the reasons I love Autumn. It's not only "sweata weatha" but "soup weatha"! I think it's different every time he makes it, but always delicious! He uses a box of veggie broth and a couple cans of coconut milk. This simmers with oyster mushrooms, although he used shitake this time. (I suppose you could use your favorite mushroom and get away with it). He adds salt and pepper to taste, jalapeno pepper to taste and adds lime zest. He tops off with green onion and cilantro before serving with some nice artisan bread. The flavors all compliment each other so nicely, it's truly a beautiful, tasty soup!

GREAT ALTERNATIVES!

My current three favorite alternatives all available at Trader Joe's!

Earth Balance natural buttery spread- tastes great and also works great for baking and cooking.

Tofutti "Cuties" are little perfect portion "icecream" sandwiches. Yummy!

Trader Joe's brand Soy Milk Creamer- perfect for coffee, hot cocoa or chai tea when you want a little creamier consistency than just soy milk but without the dairy! (Be sure to shake well before use as directed on package to avoid settled ingredients pouring out into your yummy drink.) Mike was getting annoyed by this, but once you shake it, the problem is gone!

Attack of the Killer Tomato

We have been blessed this past summer to be given a constant bounty of tomatoes. Our dear old neighbor would sneak them onto our patio table out back or hand us a full bag as we got out of our cars. She must have a huge secret garden in that yard of hers. Mike's aunt and uncle supplied us with several from their garden one day on a visit. They also gave us a huge portion of their killer gazpacho (see pic) which even though had quite a kick still made our toddler say "mmmmm". We made everything from pizza, to caprese salad (shown in pic) to freshly topped pasta, to vegetarian BLT sandwiches. I also could just settle for fresh sliced tomato with oil, garlic and some salt or a tomato sandwich (one of my mom's faves) on toast with mayo (soy preferred) and salt and pepper. When they're that tasty and fresh they are good right off of the vine! And of course, nothing is finer than a nice glass of red wine to go with a tomato dish. Mike found this bottle (see pic) for me last summer and bought me another this year while on vacation. Life is good!

Think Pink Smoothie

I know, I know, ANOTHER smoothie recipe? But seriously, I can live on these things. And what better way to get a whole bunch of vitamins and nutrients packed into one tasty glass? Soooo..... this one is an "autumn" smoothie. I used a couple of frozen bananas, some plain soy milk, an apple (cored), and a generous handful of frozen cranberries. The color was so pretty and the taste was delicious. We fought over the last few slurps!

girl scout badges

So I think this deserves a post! I found my old brownies/girl scout sash and this was one of the badges! Old school! I think I had to make something following a recipe to earn this badge! Hope it was vegetarian- I can't remember, it was a very long time ago. I like how the badge depicts fruit! I remember getting so excited when I earned a badge! I especially loved earning the "art" badge when I was about 8 years old! This got me thinking that we should all continue to receive these little embroidered cuties throughout life as tiny reminders and rewards! Just think of us walking around in our sashes with more contemporary badges such as "ran a marathon", "was nice to a stranger", "let someone yield in during traffic jam". Or how about "told my kids, husband or dog I love them", "sent a real handwritten letter to a friend" or "tried something new today"! Oh the possibilities are endless! Who's in? I think I'm going to sew this to my bag tonight!

Or maybe I'll just wear my sash! Ha!

It's Juicin' Time!

What a combination! Spinach, cucumber, apple, orange and strawberry all thrown into my juicer...SWEET!

Felix and I donned our "green" mustaches for a photo op! I love that he loved this juice! No more worrying that he doesn't get enough nutrients- I'm just gonna juice it!

Spa Breakfast

I feel like I'm at a spa when I eat this delicious breakfast! It's so simple- yogurt (dairy or SOY), and your favorite seasonal fruits. I used blueberries, strawberries and bananas. Always go for a variety of colors in your fruit! This looks rather patriotic doesn't it?