I like food

While we were in the city for the weekend for the fest, we made a trip to Soy Cafe. We have seen it before but for some reason have never stopped. It is a vegetarian and vegan coffeeshop with a ton of food options. A huge list of smoothies. Elinor got PB & J smoothie and Dave got a Jolly Rancher one. I can't say no to a bagel so I went with a bagel-wich with vegan sausage, tomato, soy cheese and maple mustard. It was delicious.

Dave got a veggie cheesesteak wrap. I liked it but I liked mine better. They also have an assortment of treats at the counter like vegan donuts! We didn't try any this time but I hope we go back soon.

We also went to MiLah. We used to come here every time we would visit Philly. Especially for their weekend brunch menu. I was so disappointed this time. The service wasn't that good. We were eating with a friend with allergies. When she notified the server of what she was allergic to and asked for suggestions on what would be safe he said well I think you can have this and this and this. She asked if he was sure because it was pretty important. He finally went to the back to ask the cooks. He came back and said the lady who cooks everything wasn't in and the guys in the back didn't know but again he is pretty sure she can have the tofu scramble. She ended up just getting some basic sides to be safe. It was super awkward and he seemed annoyed by it which made it an unpleasant dining experience for all of us. Anyway, Elinor and I had hashbrowns and pumpkin pancakes with veggie bacon.

 On top of being so busy, we had friends staying with us from all over the world. One from Belgium, one from Japan and 2 from California. I tried to make everyone breakfast one morning with Elinor's help. She ended up dumping so much extra salt into the pancake batter that I had to start a new batch. I also made tofu scramble. We usually follow a long recipe to make tofu scramble. While staying with friends a few weeks ago our friend made the best scramble I've ever had and it was so simple to make. Tofu, kale, asparagus, tomatoes, tons of nutritional yeast and black salt. I also made smoked sea salt kissed maple donuts. These are some of my favorite donuts to make. I got the recipe from one of my favorite vegan blogs (peas and thank you) that sadly isn't around anymore.

 Apples and oranges beauty sipper from 365 Vegan Smoothies. Elinor drank all of hers and most of mine. That kid loves smoothies.

Dave wasn't home for dinner so I made a babysitter diner. Earth Balance mac n cheese with peas. I can't get enough of this mac n cheese. It's so good.

I like food

 It has been hot! We have window units all around our house but not in our kitchen. We do have a ceiling fan in the kitchen. With the oven on, the ceiling fan just whips around hot air. I've been trying to get away with not cooking too much. Making a bowl is a great option. I've said it so many times but I would rather a bowl from Life Alive in Salem. Since that isn't possible (at least until next week!) I've been making a few bowls a week.

 This one is rice, arugula, broccoli, avocados, tofu, corn, nutritional yeast, and topped with Goddess Dressing from Trader Joe's. So easy and fast to make. 

 Elinor actually likes them too. Hers of course has to be deconstructed. If I put cheesy sprinkles (nutritional yeast) on just about anything she will try it.

Big news!! Our Whole Foods finally got Earth Balance Mac & Cheese in! It was an excited night for us. We all really liked it. Elinor even had 2 servings and asked for more but it was gone. We made buffalo tofu with it and corn on the cob. I think the mac & cheese tastes like Annie's from what I remember. It has been a few years though. Now if only Whole Foods could keep the Earth Balance cheddar squares in stock!

and always a pizza night with Daiya cheese and sun dried tomatoes. We took a tip from Pizza Brain and added arugula on top after baking the pizza. Makes it so tasty!

baked mac n cheese

I'm busy and not motivated to blog or really do much this week. I did find a baked mac n cheese recipe on Pinterest from The Simple Veganista and actually made it. Good vegan mac and cheese is hard to find. I'm a big fan of cashew cheese so I knew that this recipe would be great.

And after trying it...this may be my favorite mac and cheese ever! Dave and Elinor loved it too. We have been eating leftovers of it and every time it is just as good. 

I read through pages and pages of The Simple Veganista after finding this recipe. There are so many I want to make! Go check it out

relaxing eating kale chips and peas with her mac and cheese