Vegetarians

Lately, I've been meeting a very large influx of vegetarians and picky eaters.  Now, I have nothing against any of those except that I don't like limiting myself when it comes to food.  And, I've always subscribed to having a very balanced diet especially if I'm in the middle of training.  That being said, as much as I love fresh fruits and vegetables, most of the time I prefer to eat them very simply prepared and unprocessed.  So, my own experience in vegetarian cooking is limited to say the last.

So, keeping with the whole balanced philosophy; I decided to cook a vegetarian meal after the meat fest that was Thanksgiving.  I took advantage of being within walking distance of a fantastic farmer's market, where the fruits and veggies are always in season, fresh, and colorful.  And most people don't realize that if you treat your vegetable dishes with the same care as a main course meat dish, then you don't really miss the meat.  I truly didn't miss it, then again, sometimes I can be oddly vegan myself.  At least I'm ready to cook these new vegetarians dinner if they decide to come over.  Stay tuned for the slow-cooked pot roast that balances this last meal out.

Pan-Roasted Mustard and Sage Cauliflower; Caramelized Lemon Brussel Sprouts with Pecorino Romano

Happy Thanksgiving!

Ok gang, time to revive the dead blog a little.  A lot has happened since the last post 2 years ago.  I've been to hell and haven't quite made it back yet, but I'm working on it.  It's true that life never turns out the way that you plan it; and the true test of character comes post disaster.  Picking up the pieces of your life; remembering to breathe, and rising again has always been my definition of strength.  And most of the time, I remind myself that I'm a survivor.  Even still, the first holiday after your life seemingly falls apart will never be easy.  

That's when I was faced with two choices.  1. Succumb to the urge to crumble.  Spend the 4 day weekend weeping on the ground, drunk and constantly thinking about how just 5 months ago my life made sense.  Letting the waves of pain grow, mutate, and continuously pierce the deepest hidden parts of my psyche that I just spent the last 5 months healing. OR 2. Be present.  Bury the pain that I know I have control over, and protect my still-healing wounds.  Open my eyes, and do my best to surround myself with love and do something I really love to do: cook for hours.  And at the very least, run a couple miles every day, not only to symbolically run from my self-imposed torture, but to chase the giant light at the end of the tunnel.  

Well, I can't say that I really chose an option.  In my opinion, I did a little bit of both.  But luckily, much more of #2 than #1, as evidence proves from the photos below.  Yes, I suppose that I got carried away with making an 8 course meal for just 2 people.  But, that's what happens when you have a quirky roommate who will randomly crave many things.  One day, hopefully soon, I'll feel like myself and a whole person again.  Until then though...I thankfully won't be hungry.  Hope you all had a good thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Day Menu - Pumpkin Waffles, Cranberry Compote, Pumpkin Mochi, Herbs de Provence Turkey/gravy, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Gouda Macaroni and Cheese, Maple Bacon Brussel Sprouts, Sauteed Kale with Garlic