snow, sick people.. and fuax (host)ess cupcakes.

Today we had our first snow fall. I felt like such a good mommy as I made sure Susan had on her rain boots and little rain coat. Its moments like these, that I know she may not understand how fortunate she is, and how there are many kids today that did have a rain coat and boots to keep them warm and dry. Sometimes I still struggle to be so different from my own mother and the upbringing I did not receive, for what ever reasons. But instead of a constant comparison, I just felt proud of the person I was able to become. And glad that it included my daughter being well taken care of.

After I dropped her off to school I came back home. Jerami stayed with Natalie since he is home sick from work today. I am really hoping its not swine flu. Not that I really have a valid reason to think it is, but these days you never know. While he was resting Natalie and I made cupcakes. Susan has told her that while she is busy at school that we should be busy making her treats for when she gets home. Her birthday is coming up and I needed to try out the recipe so I can bring them in for school.

Our school is nut free, and we have a friend that is dairy free. This works fine since I am still trying to be true to the "vegan thing" I have to be honest. I haven't been 100 percent loyal. (that's probably the reason you havent seen me lately.)

So here they are, I made mini cupcakes from Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World, the cake itself is just the basic chocolate.. the icing and swirls are from the hostess remakes.. no filling though.. I mean I only had to much time before she got back from school!

I am excited to say that I will be trying my very own recipe for lara bars.. this will be the first time in my vegan baking history that I am going to.. so to say "wing it" and make something not 100% out of a cook book. I am trying to gear up for VeganMofo.. and work toward my own healthier food choices. For now its one recipe.. and maybe that is all it will be, but its a start!!

I'd like to call this post "immature"

What I am really talking about though, is young coconuts. Have you had one before. I saw someone from the raw community loving it.. so I bought one at the store today.

All I want to know is, what was wrong with mine? I got it open with only a little bit of trouble, but now that I have done it I know how with confidence.

But will I have it again? Mine was really yucky. I even added carob powder and a little splenda.. eek. I mixed up the coconut water and the meat/jelly and blended all I listed above.

People actually drink this water straight out of the coconut? Is this something you either love or hate?

I hope you'll post and that it will give me hope. Hope enough to try again.. with better recipes or maybe knowing if I didnt pick a good one. All I read is not to eat them if they are even a little pink. Mine was bright white.. and not very good.

Sorry for a negative post. This is just my opinion, and I usually like just about everything. Okay swiss chard and I dont mix either.. but that is another post!

What do you mean where have I been?

Here is a new post with a new recipe!

Yeah yeah its september already I was really trying to hold it together since last years VeganMofo and I cant believe I lost a whole month with no post.

The truth is, I havent had much to post about. And I got a new camera for our anniversary and got sucked into scrapbooking.. which has been great.

Now that I have like oh... 1,000 pictures that will need to be printed out maybe I have a little time to get back to this.

How has your summer been? We are starting to enjoy cool weather, and my garden is just about done. Maybe four more zucchini and about 30 tomatoes and it will be time to plant cold weather vegetables like turnips.. not sure what else I will plant.. we get snow starting at the end of next month!!

School has started, and after I get a little practice I will start to post what I am sending in the lunch box for Susan's snack. She eats lunch before school so I have not been going all out on a snack!

Here is a recipe I found when googling the words "raw" and "tomato" I lucked out because it also used zuccini.

Havent tasted it yet, and will tell you how it all goes. All the credit goes to rawmazing.com and here is the recipe!

Tomato Napoleon with Basil Cashew Cheese and Basil Oil

For each Napoleon you will need:

1 small tomato

2 slices zucchini (the same size as the tomato)

Basil Cashew Cheese Spread

Basil Oil

Cut the tomato in thirds. Form a patty of the Cashew Cheese the same size as the tomato slice. Layer tomato slice, zucchini and cheese, repeat. Drizzle basil Oil over top. You can also add balsamic vinegar (highly recommended).

Basil Cashew Cheese Spread

1 C Cashews, soaked at least 1 hour

2 T. Lemon Juice

1 Clove Garlic

Pinch Salt

1 C basil leaves

Start food processor. Drop clove of garlic into processor and run until garlic is chopped. Add cashews, lemon juice and salt. Place all ingredients except basil in food processor and process until smooth (it will be a little grainy). Add basil and pulse until basil is chopped up and combined into cheese.

Basil Oil

Finely chop 4 T basil and add to 1/4 C oil