Recovering for the List

I am here and recovering from something that has been going on for 10 days now. Not COVID, at least according to the many home tests. But a stuffy, annoying respiratory thing with congestion, headaches, and lacking energy. Super Bowl Sunday and Valentine’s Day were kind of a bust because of it, but I have been getting out when I can to enjoy the nice weather.

And dragging a bit with life and work while not feeling great and not getting very creative in the kitchen, lots of simple one pot meals using batch cooked brown rice and chickpeas. And I am still in a bit of a turmeric rut using it a lot in simple dishes craving it in cool weather I guess.

There has been salads and other simple eats such as potato sautés, but I could use adding in more variety!

I have also been getting to Zest Kitchen more for simple work lunch treats of the Autumn Harvest Bowl and Chana Chickpea Wrap.

I did use up rainbow chard in a simple tofu stir fry and had an interesting dinner Friday using up a bag of teriyaki cauliflower wings that have been in the freezer too long and a tamari soy curl veggie stir fry.

Another Zest Kitchen lunch of the veggie quesadilla and kicky vegan Thai dishes out one evening.

For Super Bowl Sunday we did try a fun new vegan find, Grounded Cheese Free Cheese Squeeze.

For being a very allergen friendly vegan cheese alternative, it’s delicious and tasted a lot like a cheesy dip and making an easy foundation for a lot of great dip combos or decadent plate of nachos.

Again, still eating lots of beans and rice dishes. To keep things simple, I have been making a lot of one pot dishes and using them for leftovers. But also need to break out of my food rut more and do more exotic ingredient shopping.

We did have a fun Valentine’s Day where Ron found great vegan truffles from No Whey Foods that are also allergen friendly. We have been savoring them eating one at a time for a treat, great flavors and texture for not having dairy or nuts – impressive!

Now I am enjoying a long holiday weekend while trying to get rid of the remnants of this thing and catch up. So let’s catch up on the list.

• Best vegan shredded cheese options.
• Nearly 50% of restaurants are offering vegan options in the US now.
• 15 vegan-friendly cuisines.
• These air-fried oyster mushrooms are a must make.
• Curious to try these vegan Chicken Fries.
• Best vegan face masks.
• Successful vegan Shark Tank deals.
• Extra crispy and flavorful tofu.
• Quick dinner ideas from plant based pros.
• Watch Moby’s Punk Rock Vegan Movie.