Soupasana

Oh, is it ever hard work to be photographed! We were exhausted after all that posing.

Also, my yoga practice in the afternoon was a complete flop… I think I pulled my lower back in the morning restorative class. I know, right? Who pulls a muscle in a restorative class? Overall, I felt pretty down with the practice though, because my knee started acting up too, and I just felt like I’m slowly regressing all the way to the beginning. It really sucks to finish the course with the same injuries that I started with. Boo.

This made me feel a little better – vegetable lentil soup from day 1 with some parsley on top.

And these… yep, both. Who’s gonna stop me?

I had a large eggplant in my fridge that was on its last legs – so it was now or never situation. Now let me just very clear – I have never done anything with an eggplant before. Well, except eating maybe… But the cooking was always strictly done by others.

Grilled Eggplant with Parsley Garlic Sauce

[very slightly adapted from Imagelicious]

I spotted two recipes on Julia’s blog

Ingredients:

• 1 large eggplant
• 1 bunch of parsley (Julia used dill, and I think dill may work even better here)
• 3 cloves of garlic
• 2 tbsp lemon juice (I used the bottled juice, but don’t be lazy – get real stuff)
• 1/4 cup olive oil (I would cut this down a bit next time, and see what happens)
• salt, pepper
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp hot sauce
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (optional)

Directions:

Slice the eggplant into 1cm slices. Salt them liberally – I mean it… salt them a lot!!! Let stand for 30 minutes, until they start sweating. You’ll see little droplets of water appear. Wash the salt off, place on greased baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes (375F) or until ready.

Meanwhile, place parsley, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil and salt/pepper into a food processor. Process until desired consistency (aka until it starts looking and smelling good to you). Mine was all lemony, garlicky with some parsley leafs still intact.

In a separate bowl, mix maple syrup, hot sauce, balsamic vinegar and soy sauce.

Place eggplant into a container in one layer, spoon parsley mixture liberally on top, and top off with maple syrup sauce over the top. Repeat with remaining slices. Refrigerate overnight.

Eat cold. On buckwheat. On rice. On bread. On [insert any food here].

Late night snack = a bit of pumpkin granola + frozen blueberries + vanilla soy milk.

And we couldn’t just let these marinate. HAD to have a taste. Soooo good. Can’t wait to try’em tomorrow.

Sunday morning started early with Scottish oats + frozen blueberries + walnuts + maple syrup. And coffee, of course.

We had restorative yoga component in the morning, which meant a lot of supine poses (lying on your back). I think it was meant to be relaxing, but I found the restorative practice incredibly challenging. Maybe because all the stretches are held longer? I felt every single tight muscle… and while we flow through the tightness in Ashtanga, feeling an incredibly intense stretch for good twenty breaths was just… incredibly uncomfortable. Whew. I was surprisingly tired after all that lying on my back.

Lunch was longer, because we had a graduation photo shoot. How cool is that?

Most people scattered around local restaurants, while a couple of us stayed back to eat a homemade lunch. I’ve already brought my lunch home once yesterday after going out to Moxie’s, so it was today or never.

Tiffany shared some of her FANTASTIC food.

Check out this salad and salivate! Mango + avocado + red onion + cilantro.

Rice paper wraps were divine. With almond butter / orange juice dip. I mean, seriously!!!

Julia brought fresh pineapple. I got so excited about all this food, I forgot to photograph my own sandwich. Whole wheat bread + edamame dip + tomatoes + spinach.

Dessert – lemon Luna Bar. I’d say out of the bars I have tried so far – these ones I am least excited about. Also, a very long list of ingredients (compared to Larabar, let’s say) – lots of processed soy…

The photo shoot took place at Caesar Spa – gorgeous venue. Note the pictures here are the result of me running around like mad with my teeny point and shoot, while Debbie was taking actual photos. Here’s a little sampling… I picked the ones that were most family-friendly, and tried to adhere to PG-13 guideline.

… and my camera battery died.

Because I get bored easily, I decided on a new challenge.

I will cook one new vegan recipe every day for the next 30 days.

• The recipes must be pre-existing – I cannot just throw something new together.

• The recipes can come from anywhere – book, internet, cereal box.

• Substitutions are allowed.

• Non-vegan recipes can be taken and veganized.

In all likelihood, most recipes will not be incredibly complicated. I cook to eat, not eat to cook. I am ready eyeing a couple of things – I want to try to make vegetable broth, and tofu teriyaki. Vegan hot and sour soup and brownies are also calling my name.

Suggestions are welcome!

I found this soup recipe in my college’s newsletter few weeks ago, and cut it out to make later. Tonight I finally got around to it.

Vegetable Lentil Soup

Ingredients

• 1 entire broccoli cut up in chunks
• 4 carrots chopped
• 4-5 garlic cloves crushed
• 1 tbsp of curry powder
• 6 cups of vegetable broth
• 2 onions chopped
• 1 big sweet potato cubed
• 1 can lentils drained
• 2 cups water
• pepper to taste

Directions

Combine all ingredients and cool until all vegetables are tender. Puree the soup in a blender. Freezes well. Serves 8 to 10.

This was the easiest soup I ever made. I have this strange fear of cooking soups. Mainly, because of having to make broth, I think… So these guys remove the anxiety…

Essentially, you just fill the pot with broth, chop a whole bunch of vegetables into it, and cook…

I learned a lesson today – do not blend hot liquids. I poured the soup into the blender to puree, but the hot steam rose up (of course), and I almost burned myself. We got the hint and ate the soup just like that. I’ll have to wait to puree until it cools down.

Trying out new product – mini baguettes for the oven. This was perfect. You put it directly on the oven rack for 8 minutes, it comes out hot and crunchy on the outside, brilliantly doughy inside.

Carnivore land…

Late night snack:

An early morning for a full day of teacher training. Repeat tomorrow.

An unmemorable (and an unphotographed?) breakfast in the morning… Final exam review. Lots to study before our final next weekend. We are almost done the training!!!

Moxie’s for lunch!

Clearly excited about prospect of food…

Sabrina, looking wistful…

Alvin, looking wistful…

Another glowing smile – compliments of Roopa.

Jason, sitting comfortably (???).

Diana, Sabrina & Roopa. This looks like a scene from SATC 2. Check out the glasses.

Approximately 66.67% of males in our teacher training are depicted below. 

Diana’s California Fish Tacos

I had Grilled Portobello Sandwich (minus the cheese) with Sweet Potato Fries.

Roopa’s Citrus Chicken Fusion Salad

More food…

After lunch, back to work!

Indian anatomy – very little to do with anatomy, more to do with the proposed structure of the conscious vs. the unconscious.

Exciting new recipe for dinner tonight!

Today started REALLY early – I made it out to SOF morning training, which starts at 5.30am. This is usually not voluntary – I was making up a session missed earlier in the month. I had a small box of raisins before the workout.

I used to not eat anything before working out, but Lee taught me about how important it is to have some quick energy (e.g. sugar) right before a workout session. Raisins are perfect for this.

Then finally a proper breakfast!

I shared my Stonyfield O’Soy yogurt with Vlad, because he really liked it! It was vanilla flavour. It is definitely my favorite as well. Some frozen berries and pumpkin granola on top…

Off I went to my car dealership for the regular service. Of course, it’s always something. Apparently, I was driving around with a huge nail sticking out of one of my wheels, for who knows how long. I blame the damn construction that has been happening at my building for the last, oh I don’t know… three years???

In either case, the nail was there, and the car wasn’t really safe to drive. They showed me the nail, as my poor car was hanging above my head.

Price quoted?

$290 + taxes = $325

Nope, that didn’t include the actual service.

I won’t lie I was tempted to just get it done there, as it would take them 15 minutes, and the car was already hoisted up!!! Listening to the voice of reason, however, I asked for a few minutes to think about it, and called Canadian Tire to get a price estimate of $100 for the same procedure. Savings of $190 dollars for one phone call – not bad.

The car was down, I paid for basic service and was out of the door. As I was driving out of the dealership parking lot, I noticed a small garage RIGHT ACROSS the street with a huge “Tires” sign. Curious at this point, I dropped by. Twenty minutes and 57 dollars later, I was on my way to a yoga class. Savings of $268.

[insert a little dance here – that almost covers the cost of skydiving, Whoo hooo! or as Short would say Ra-ra-ra!!!!]

I figured I could blow 4 bucks from the $268 saved –> Starbucks Iced Caramel Macchiato with soy milk. I am NOT sold on pieces of caramel in a cold drink. The first sip I took, I almost gagged, because I was not sure what the unidentified slimy piece in my mouth was. Ugh. Caramel softens up in a hot beverage, and gives it nice flavour, while in an iced coffee, it hardens and just sits there. Just an iced latte next time.

After a hot yoga class (yep, imagine that), simple lunch:

Sandwich = edamame dip + tomato + cucumber + parsley + sweet and spicy mustard. Notice how one piece of bread is kinda stacked on top of the other? This is the extent of my fancy food photography skills. LOL

If you want to see pretty, check out Julia’s gorgeous photos here.

Still insulting my beer glasses –> chocolate soy milk.

1/2 mango + small apple

The apple confessed that it was really lonely. I gave in…

Trying to keep cool…

Really late night tonight as it’s SOF grad night! It was fantastic to see my whole platoon all in one place! Beer was cold, and the conversation was plentiful… No pictures, because I forgot to insert a storage card into the camera (again!). Which is really too bad… because I was wearing a dress. Yep. Seriously. A white dress… with flowers. And heels.

There may be an earthquake tomorrow…

It has been so incredibly sticky… UGH. The air conditioning is still not on, so I’m melting in our apartment. MELTING.

I even have a new hobby. It’s called showering. I think I shower 4 times a day… Maybe it would be more time effective to just stay in the shower. The fresh feeling after the shower lasts for about 10 minutes.

I definitely have been craving more cold breakfasts.

Kashi cereal + fat free soy milk

Beautiful breakfast sandwich = 1/2 whole wheat pita + tomato + avocado

And a cold drink.

Still can’t skip the coffee though…

After teaching yoga, physio appointment and a short run (3.5 miles) on a treadmill, colorful lunch:

INPUT:

OUTPUT: 1 Ezekiel wrap + hummus + broccoli sprouts + onion + tomato + olives + sweet and spicy mustard

And a cold one…

Snacks included:

Dinner is served for both carnivores…

… and vegans alike.

Random salad = radicchio + frozen peas + pepitas + sesame seeds + 1/2 tomato + cucumber.

I actually couldn’t handle the salad. It was just too bitter from the radicchio. Trying to save the salad mission included chopped apple and maple syrup. It actually worked! Julia actually mentioned that this is exactly how you are supposed to eat radicchio – set off with something sweet.

Hydrate – splash of apple juice with soda water.

Later snack = pumpkin granola + chocolate soy milk

I decided to try a new recipe today that has been kicking around in my inbox for a while, compliments of Lee!

Spicy Edamame Dip [adapted from here]

Ingredients:

• 4 large cloves garlic, unpeeled (I used 6)
• 2 cups shelled edamame (green soybeans)
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves (I used parsley)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp each: cayenne pepper (I used chili powder), ground cumin
• 1/4 cup each: extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lime juice

Directions:

In small pan over medium heat, roast garlic, turning frequently, 15 minutes until softened. Peel.

In medium saucepan of boiling water, add edamame. Return to boil; cook 5 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup cooking liquid. Drain, rinsing edamame under cold water.

In food processor, chop garlic. Add edamame, cilantro, salt, chili powder and cumin. Process 30 seconds. With motor running, add oil and lime juice. Process until smooth, adding a little reserved cooking liquid at a time, as needed. Refrigerate in covered container until chilled.

Makes 2 cups.

Roasting garlic… I have never done this, and to be honest, was pretty much guessing on the procedure. It worked really well!!!!

15 minutes later… it was nice and soft. Really easy to peel too!

The limes I bought were the driest I have EVER encountered. I ended up recruiting Vlad for help, and he used a GARLIC PRESS to squeeze out the tiny amount of juice contained in each lime. (So I actually peeled each lime, cut its flesh into little pieces that would FIT into garlic press and off we went… for at least 15 minutes). This part took forever. Make sure your limes are fresh and juicy!

I am not happy with this dip at all. Not sure what went wrong and where, but I don’t think this is the consistency it is supposed to have. Even after a long time in the processor, it was still somewhat gritty – similar to homemade pesto. Lee describes her dip as airy and fluffy. Definitely not this batch…

I wasn’t nuts about the flavour either… Gonna use this as a sandwich spread, so it’s not as noticeable… Sigh.

It’s someone special’s birthday today…

Happy Birthday, Vlad!!!

Here’s a picture of us from Vlad’s birthday a while ago. Ok, ok… a WHILE ago.

We met for dinner after work at Rosewater (Liberty Entertainment). This is definitely one of Toronto’s finer-dining establishment with corresponding price tag and a mandatory gallery of autographed celebrity photos. I had a gift card to this restaurant from Yoga In Motion, as it was held at another venue owned by Liberty Entertainment Group, so it was a good opportunity to check out the restaurant.

Inside… check out the mural on the wall…

Swanky cocktail area by the window.

Birthday boy himself!

Chewing on bread… Notice how bread always makes me smile. LOL

Drinks were to be had. We started off with draught beer, and that was a mistake. Lukewarm! Blech!!!! Did I mention that I am a beer temperature snob? It HAS to be icy cold, otherwise, why even bother?

Wow… the appetizers took forever to arrive. I mean FOREVER. It was so bad that the manager actually came out and pronounced that the appetizers were going to be on the house. All while apologizing profusely.

Vlad’s Rosewater French Onion Soup with caramelized onions, and molten brie fondue.

I discovered a vegan salad on the menu – King Oyster Mushroom, Grapefruit and Asparagus Salad with soy truffle vinaigrette. As usually is the case with similar establishments, the salad was very good… (and I could have 5 of these).

My main entree was custom made, after I proclaimed that I was vegan. Bok choy, shiitake mushrooms and hiding underneath…

… golden tofu. Mmmmmm!!!!

Vlad’s main entree was, of course, the reason we came here in the first place. Vegans beware.

12 oz striploin, creamed spinach gratin and country style fries. I DEFINITELY helped him with those fries. They were really good – again, the serving was nothing like anywhere else. Look at that teeny cup.

He ordered it medium-rare. Tarzan would be proud.

Manager reappeared closer to the end of the meal, announcing that they will bring out some dessert on the house as well. Vlad did not seem enthusiastic, but when did I ever refuse dessert?

Vlad’s plate – custard (?), ice cream, two small cookies.

My plate – fresh berries! This was PERFECT. Who knows what those little orange berries are? I kept thinking that they kinda look like wolf berries or something crazy like that.

All in all, the actual service was great. It ended up being a REALLY long dinner due to some mix-up in the kitchen, so the wait for our food turned from unreasonable to downright ridiculous. I also didn’t like the fact that we didn’t have one waitstaff, rather we were served by at least four different people over the course of the night. However, the staff’s willingness to make up for the excessive wait was admirable. In manager’s words, they wanted to make sure that we were “taken care of”. They were also incredibly understanding when I asked for vegan options. The waiter went back to the kitchen multiple times to check which bread was animal product free, and which entrees could be customized.

After all this bird food, I was ready for a snack!

Whew. Much better.

My day is packed today!!!

Mmmm… very satisfying breakfast AND quick to prepare.

Stonyfield O’Soy Vanilla yogurt + Nature’s Path Flax Plus granola + frozen berries…

Nom, nom, nom…

And a side of mango.

After my morning lecture, I was ready to eat! Check out the beautiful line-up:

Multigrain pita with hummus + sweet & spicy mustard + radicchio + tomato. I was right, radicchio rocked this sandwich.

And check out lovely Shirley’s salad. Fennel + pickled eggplant + cranberries + ??? Brilliant.

Lovely Shirley herself in the flesh! Healthy lunch = glowing smile.

After lunch, Shirley and I headed over to a handwriting analysis workshop! This was a fun event organized by the college for faculty and staff.

Now, just to be clear here… There is absolutely no scientific basis to handwriting analysis. Thus, I have about as much faith in it as I do in astrology. Hint… not very much. But it was definitely a fun experience – the facilitator was engaging and funny!

Soooooooo…. according to my handwriting and according to the certified graphologist who led the workshop…

I am tenacious, direct, independent, enthusiastic, and sensitive to criticism (so I’d take the time to get things just right). I have “positive aggression” and look to the future. I work hard, but make it look easy – like a duck swimming on the lake – moving smoothly, but no one can see the little feet paddling away under the water.

Does this sound like me or what?

A handout from the workshop:

We could have gotten a more detailed analysis for an addition $5, and even though I was tempted, I decided against it. I didn’t want to spend money to support a practice I didn’t believe in…

In psychology, the concept of cognitive dissonance refers to the uncomfortable feeling we experience while holding two contradictory thoughts, ideas or attitudes simultaneously, or when there is a direct contradiction between attitude and behaviour. We tend to deal with cognitive dissonance by either changing the attitude or changing the behaviour so that they are no longer contradictory. 

In this case, the attitude of not believing in graphology AND the behaviour of paying money for additional handwriting analysis would be contradictory. I could reduce the resulting dissonance by either 1) forking over the money, and changing my attitude – maybe telling myself that there is something about handwriting analysis, or 2) keeping the attitude, and not spending the money. You know which I picked.

Colourful snack = brain power for the course for teachers that I am taking…

It worked! I was NOT falling asleep today. It was also the most interesting class so far. We talked about learning taxonomies, managing the classroom and different group activities.

Professor told us a story about a time when he asked his students to write about their favourite object, and one guy wrote about his girlfriend… OUCH. Oh, and another student wrote about their family dog. She was not entirely wrong, because apparently her family loved the dog so much, they had it stuffed after its death. They kept it in the living room and even took it out to the backyard. Lovely… [shudder]

Now if you will excuse me, I am running off to a very special dinner!

Breakfast = Kashi + vanilla soy milk + 1/2 mango. I am breezing through these cereal boxes like there is no tomorrow. They HAVE to start making larger sizes. Like huge Costco format!!!!

Hugging my coffee mug…

This lunch was A-I-M-A-I-ZING if I say so myself. Count the colors in YOUR lunch today.

This beauty is hiding barley underneath! Barley + spinach + carrots + onions + tomatoes –> nuked in microwave.

Real manly bottle…

Dressed for success –> broccoli sprouts + pepitas + BBQ sauce. I may or may not have destroyed this beauty by mixing it all together. But MY was it EVER good. [slowly wiping off drool….]

More colors!!!! Remaining 1/2 mango + carrots + apples. All eaten with almond butter. Using a spoon. Or a finger. You’ll never know the truth! Muahahaha.

Post-SOF session…. DINNER. Oh how well-deserved…

Hot cereal with Earth Balance, radicchio and broccoli sprouts with some balsamic vinegar and sesame oil.

This actually looked better than it tasted. Radicchio was a new vegetable for me. In this particular context, I found it too bitter. However, I can really see it in sandwiches, used instead of lettuce.

Red pepper hummus + multigrain pita.

We also decided to go wild for dessert and throw some frozen mixed berries into the classic banana soft serve.

Frozen bananas + frozen berries. That’s it. Mix, mix, stir. Blend, blend, blend.

It just takes patience….

Good things come to those who wait!!! OMG – this was almost too much. Incredibly filling.

It’s Vlad’s birthday tomorrow!

Fancy dinner plans!