giveaway time!

Sunday, September 28th, 2008 | 365, cooking, food, giveaway, tyv sock knitting

Apologies for the lack of blog posting! I’ve been working and otherwise a little busy this week:

that's a lotta tomatoes!

Yesterday I (with some help) canned two bushel boxes of roma tomatoes from the grocery store – getting to the last of the season, they were only $10 each! I’m so tempted to go back and get another one to make sauce. The tomatoes that didn’t make the canning cut went into a vat of sauce to be frozen, and the good ones became 29 L jars of halved or diced tomatoes plus 18 500-ml jars of diced tomatoes.

I can’t wait to crack some open a little further along in the winter! Mmmm.

Another random food-related little note – I’ve been working on following a hypoallergenic and anti-candida diet these days (except for at my launch party, that was a special occasion!) and today I made the most awesome snacky food!

brown rice oven chips

I found brown rice tortillas in the frozen section of the grocery store where I bought the tomatoes – they have quite an extensive health food-type selection. I had ripe avocados today, so it was time for the guacamole and chips! I cut a couple tortillas into wedges, sprayed them with a little olive oil (I’ve got a little pump bottle that you can fill with whatever you want), sprinkled them with a little salt and garlic powder, and then baked them in the toaster oven for a couple minutes at 400 F. They were super crispy and tasty, just what I wanted. I’ll definitely be making these again. I think they’re go great with all the soups I’ve been making.

In other news, I had my book launch party at lettuce knit last Wednesday and it was great! Unfortunately I suffered a bout of camnesia and didn’t take photos at all. People dropped by, yummy food was had (thanks megan!), I signed books and even managed to knit a little bit.

And now to celebrate, how about I send some more books out into the world?

53.365 - good mail day

I’ve got THREE (3) copies of my book, Teach Yourself Visually Sock Knitting, to send away to three blog readers! All you need to do is leave me a comment to this post pointing me to something that you think is cool, interesting, funny, delicious (and vegetarian), or otherwise entertaining!

Comments will close Friday, October 3 at 11:59 PM EDT (can you believe it’s almost October already?). Winners will be chosen at random.

192 Comments to giveaway time!

Melanie
September 28, 2008

Wow, that’s a lot of canning! :)

One of my favourite food blogs is Karina’s Kitchen – Recipes from a Gluten-Free Goddess (http://glutenfreegoddess.blogspot.com/)

Congratulations on being published!

Eva
September 28, 2008

This is the best banana bread recipe I’ve ever had. Made it 4 times now, and it’s amazing every time!

http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/lazy-stupid-and-godless/240088/126-150#140

MissKnit
September 28, 2008

Tasty and interesting – http://www.veggiemealplans.com/

Lots of tasty eats that even my devout carnivore boyfriend will eat (and like!)

Congratulations on being published!

Rosie Dee
September 28, 2008

I made these cookies last week on a friend’s recommendation, and they were the best chewy little cookies I’ve ever made. I’d meant to share them with some other people, but my boyfriend and I devoured them in about two days, all by ourselves.

Susan
September 28, 2008

Wow! Your canning picture is beautiful! Wish I had time to can…

Stacy
September 28, 2008

I’m glad you had such a great launch party (and some wonderful canning!).

I’m going to point you to another blog. I made this recipe from Melissa’s blog today (http://allbuttonedup.typepad.com/all_buttoned_up/2008/09/its-saturday-lets-have-some-pear-cake.html) except substituted apples for the pears. It is absolutely delicious!! I picked the apples yesterday – nothing quite like super fresh fruit.

Karen Lauterwasser
September 28, 2008

hi! Was just puttering around when I ran across your post. Here is a link to a video (I think it can also be seen on the Free Range Studio Web page, but Youtube was was easier to find):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVrIyEu6h_E

It is called Store Wars (in case the link fails) and is an absolute riot, especially if one is a Star Wars fan and/or cares about organic food.

I can’t resist a contest after all.

Kelly
September 28, 2008

I highly recommend this Veggie Pie from a Turkish blogger friend: http://a2o2skitchen.blogspot.com/2006/01/yalanci-brek-veggie-pie.html

It’s awesome! There’s lots of great recipes on her blog (as well as lovely photos of food), and while they are not all vegetarian, there are quite a few that are…

If this doesn’t do it for you, then I will offer up my recipe for dill pickle soup! Seriously, not a joke, it’s a must have for dill pickle lovers…

Abby
September 28, 2008

One of my favorite vegie recipe is one from the Pampered Chef Recipe Card Set “Soups, Stew & chili’s” They don’t sell this set any more so I don’t feel bad for sharing:

Carrots (2 medium)
2 Zucchini (medium)
3/4 cup onions – chopped
1/2″ pieces of peeled fresh ginger root
1 t olive oil
3 cloves garlic
1.5 t curry powder
3/4 t cinnamon
2 T flour
2 cans (14oz) vegie broth
1 can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
1 can dieced tomatoes in sauce (your canned tomatoes would work wonderfully I’m sure)
1/2 cup raisins

1. cut carrots and zucchini in 1/2 lengthwise and into 1/4″ slices crosswise; set asside. Chop onions; Peel gingerroot and chop finely.

2. Heat oil in 4qt. pot over medium heat until hot. Add onion, gingerroot, garlic (pressed), curry powder and cinnamon; cook and stir 3 minutes

3.Stir in flour. Add broth, beans, tomatoes, carrots and zucchini; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, simmer uncovered 15 mintues. stir in raisins.. Remove from heat and serve.

I make it without the raisins. And serve with couscous. It’s very yummy.

Sheri Maple
September 28, 2008

I have not knitted a pair of gloves, mittens or socks in the few years since learning how to knit. Congratulations on your first book! There is a recipe that I make from time to time. It’s a pasta dish made with mushrooms, garlic, and sage with olive oil. You can saute the mushrooms, garlic and sage and pour over your pasta. It’s quick, simple, and good.

alex
September 28, 2008

I just posted a recipe for chocolate tofu pudding/pie filling. My kids love it. It’s on my blog.

Thanks!
Alex

Bertha
September 28, 2008

I’m totally dying to make these pretzels:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/doggedknits/2837229359/

Kate
September 28, 2008

This tomato pie is delicious and so easy to modify. I make a slightly different version every time.

http://www.joyfulabode.com/2008/05/06/tomato-pie-in-flaky-pastry-crust-take-2-this-time-with-peeled-tomatoes/

Kat
September 28, 2008

Try this recipe http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2007/06/olive_cheese_br/ I’ve had several friends try it already and love it! Also you will probably like this podcast: http://www.geekfarmlife.com

Rina
September 28, 2008

Ooooh, I want your book!!!

Something very cool: http://wordle.net/

Yay! :)

Kellie
September 28, 2008

I’m trying canning for the first time next weekend!! Here’s what I’m making:
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/SWEET-AND-CHUNKY-APPLE-BUTTER-230706
I’m going apple-picking at an orchard for the very first time and I can’t wait!!

Hope you enjoy! Now here’s hoping I win a book!!

kodachrome
September 28, 2008

I’ve been busy in the garden and kitchen too. In fact, tonight I’m making pesto, using basil from our garden. I’m making a large batch, and then freezing it in ice cube trays. You can get the idea here: http://www.instructables.com/id/Pesto-Freezing-Method/

Congratulations on the book launch!

Cheers,
K.

moiraeknittoo
September 28, 2008

Wow! Those jars look really amazing. And tasty. :9 In an effort to understand my sister and her eating choices a little bit better, I’ve been reading Fatfree Vegan Kitchen. A little more extreme than regular vegetarianism, but she’s got some amazing recipes that make my mouth water just looking at the pics. I think they’d be really easily adaptable to incorporate some milk or cheese or other animal products that may provide more robust or familiar flavors, but they also look incredible on their own, as written. Mmm!

I’m still looking for the recipe book that had this amazing red lentil stew in it. Fabulous, hearty and *tasty* during the fall/winter season. And it was so easy even *I* could make it! I think epicurious had a similar recipe (I remember it had sultanas or regular raisins in it), but it was really, really yum.

Jennifer
September 28, 2008

http://www.elabs7.com/functions/message_view.html?mid=550382&mlid=499&siteid=20130&uid=7df065647e

Don’t know if you get The Splendid Table email from NPR, but if you eat eggs, this recipe for a supper oven omelet is delicious.

Congrats on your book by the way!!

Amanda
September 28, 2008

Congrats on your new book! If you like cinnamon rolls and have ever tried Cinnabon you will love these, they taste exactly like Cinnabon and sooo much cheaper! http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Clone-of-a-Cinnabon/Detail.aspx

Linda Allred
September 28, 2008

Here is a combo that I just love: on a bagel, or naan, or whatever base (brown rice tortillas?), spread tahini (sesame butter), cover with sliced fresh peaches, and drizzle with honey. Yummmmmy!

Congratulations on your book! What an accomplishment! I love reading your blog, and read it every time you post an update on Ravelry.

Linda
September 28, 2008
chris
September 28, 2008

congrats on your book!!

i’m not sure if you’re a fan of quinoa but i made this dish today and i quite like it:
http://www.101cookbooks.com/archives/heathers-quinoa-recipe.html

Maureen
September 28, 2008

Congratulations on your book.
One of the few ways to get my 9 year old son to eat his vegetables is to make gomae, which is spinch with sesame sauce. Here is a basic recipe:http://www.bigoven.com/162933-Spinach-Gomae-(spinach-with-Sesame-Paste)-recipe.html
It is really easy to make and tastes delicious.

Ingrid
September 28, 2008

Congrats on your book! I looked for it just this afternoon in the bookstore. I’m going to point you in the direction of one of my most favorite cooking sites, http://www.smittenkitchen.com .

I made her challah bread last night and then had the best french toast ever this morning for breakfast.

Sarah
September 28, 2008

http://havecakewilltravel.com/2008/08/29/pb-cups/

I made these this weekend, and they are delicious!

Also, do you get Vegetarian Times (I don’t know if it’s in Canada too)? I made an absolutely delicious adzuki bean stew from their latest issue.

And finally… if you have some squash hanging around, I made a great soup using two mini butternut squash, a small acorn squash, and medium sized sweet potato. I boiled them all together, then put them in the blender with some of the cooking liquid, soy milk, salt, lot of pepper, paprika, nutmeg, and cinnamon. If that doesn’t get you in the mood for autumn, I don’t know what will!

Eunice
September 28, 2008

Just want to tell you how much I love your sweater patterns. Lucy in the Sky will be my next one.

theresa
September 28, 2008

Congrats on the book! Wow. I love recipees from http://www.chatelaine.com – broccoli soup is a favourite!

Stacey _CrimsonPurl
September 28, 2008

Ooh! I am so excited!! Hope I get picked been trying to sharpen my sock skills over here!

I discovered this year a Raspberry Black Bean Dip that is AWESOME!!!

Here is the link:
http://www.recipezaar.com/192213

allison
September 28, 2008

http://veganyumyum.com/2008/07/smokey-miso-tofu/

This tofu is great, great, great!
Thanks for the contest!

Kelly-ann
September 28, 2008

How about potato chips made in the microwave? I finally got around to making them on Friday and they were a hit with my family…

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Potato-Chips/Detail.aspx

Jocelyn
September 28, 2008

Sweetie, Friday is October 3 & You scared the hell out of me (October 3 is a major work deadline and your post made me feel like I lost a day).

So here, here is my link:

http://www.timeanddate.com/calendar/

Kate
September 28, 2008

Here’s oneof my favorite recent blog discoveries:

http://ifoundyourcamera.blogspot.com/

I keep hoping to recognize someone in one of the entries!

Beautiful canning photo, btw–very motivaional! :-)

Josiane
September 28, 2008

Those canned tomatoes will sure bring a taste of summer into the coming winter!
As for something delicious, here’s a recipe I’ve tried lately, substituting magoes for peaches since that’s what I had on hands: http://blog.fatfreevegan.com/2007/08/peach-upside-down-cake.html It was fabulous!

punk rock mom
September 28, 2008

Congrats on the book. Looks awesome!

Tasha
September 28, 2008

If you like Etsy, then you’ll dig supermarket.com. I’m particularly taken with these handmade journals right now.

Lisa
September 28, 2008

I just discovered the world’s best yougurt–La Liberte. Since you’re Canadienne, you may already know about it, but here, south of the border, it’s nouveau! Yummy! The plum & walnut is the best, but the lowfat, no-sugar added raspberry with whole grain is also super!

barefootrooster
September 28, 2008

ooh! would love a copy of your book. hmmm, things that are cool and/or delicious. i pick navy beans — simmered them with sage for a few hours and then added salt, pepper, minced garlic and olive oil. warm, hearty, and nice for when you want something cozy but need a break from soup.

Sherri
September 28, 2008

WOW! That’s a lot of jars of tomatoes! I would love, love, love to win a copy of your book.

Recipe:
The zest of 1 lemon
3 minced cloves of garlic
4 Tbsp of butter
Heat until it smells yummy
Add 2 Tbsp of fresh squeezed lemon juice
Salt & pepper to taste … add more lemon juice or pulp to taste

* optional – add some grated romano or parmesan to sauce at end and stir well. You can aslo add a smidge of nutmeg for a ‘fall’ feel to it.

This is totally yummy over pasta, rice, fish, chicken … whatever … it is just YUMMY!!!

Corvus
September 28, 2008

Cool and entertaining doesn’t have to be food, does it? I’ve been killing excessive amounts of time over at ted.com recently, listening to all the talks by all the smart creative people they’ve got up there. This one is all sorts of awesome: http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/jill_bolte_taylor_s_powerful_stroke_of_insight.html

Marilyn Phillips
September 28, 2008

I love your blog and would love to have your book. One of my favorite daily blogs is http://www.lisaleonardblogspot.com. Her jewelry is unique as well.

Leah
September 28, 2008

Beautiful, darkly funny, surreal and often disturbing photo stories: http://www.asofterworld.com/

Congratulations on your book! :)

Pam w
September 28, 2008

To freshen up soup (tomato) and grilled (cheese) sandwich combo make some onion jam! So delicious and easy. Just cook onions with vinegar and sugar til jam-y… add red pepper flakes and ginger if you wish! Yum.

Also while you’re waiting for it to reduce, watch 2046–so weird and romantic (but knit something easy–you have to read subtitles.)

inglesidebelle
September 28, 2008

It’s a bit out of date now, since the Olympics ended over a month ago, but this video of Mr. Otto the hapless Olympian is the best thing I can think of right now:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQxvP1RxBrU

Steph
September 28, 2008

I recently found this really awesome (semi-local for me) family owned business that sells soaps. But these aren’t just any handmade soaps, they’re SO great; I’ve tried a lot of different companies, but this one is best by far that I’ve tried.
The soaps make taking a shower something to look forward to! So – A Wild Soapbar is the name of the business.
Here’s a you tube video of the owner.

Heather N
September 28, 2008

I think these type of articles are fantastic in that they give you a simple shopping list and then the recipes to get you started! ;D Thought you might like it~
http://allrecipes.com/HowTo/Twenty-for-Twenty-Vegetarian-Edition/Detail.aspx

Pikku-Kettu
September 28, 2008

Delicious and vegetarian! And goes with the tortiall chips. http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Spicy-Bean-Salsa/Detail.aspx

Cassie
September 28, 2008

The BEST blog in world is ( http://vegandad.blogspot.com/ ) Vegan Dad. Absolutely delicious things!

I also make a mean chilil that I would be willing to share the recipe for. It’s a bit long to post as a comment though. :)

Natalie B
September 29, 2008

one of my favorite vegan cookbooks is by an author named Sarah Kramer. She also runs a tattoo parlor in Victoria BC (my homeland). Very cool lady, I was blessed to meet her at a house/craft party. Anyways, the book of hers that I’m currently enjoying is La Dolce Vegan! (the title actually includes the exclamation mark) You can find out more details at her website govegan.net. This particular recipe book includes crafting ideas in the back… super cool!

manda
September 29, 2008

I’m so excited for your book! It’s already in my Amazon cart, waiting for the day I have a few extra bucks to spare (next pay day!!) I just joined a baking blogger challenge thing, and we post monthly challenges (Daring Bakers). Our Challenege this month was Lavash crackers, and they were tasty! The recipe was a first for the group (gluten-free/vegan). I posted my entry to the challenge on my blog here: http://hello-lovely.org/archives/722. They were really good, and the recipe is included in the post. :)

Nichole
September 29, 2008

Congratulations on your new book! I am sure there will be more to come. I was checking out Rugelach before coming to your site. Maybe you would like them too. http://smittenkitchen.com/2007/11/rugelach-pinwheels/

Wendy
September 29, 2008

I came across this website a few months ago while trying to explain to my kids the benefits of eating your vegetables. I specifically was looking up green peas. Since then, I have found the information to be quite interesting!
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=55

btw – Congrats on your book! I hope I am one of the lucky winners. :)

Kirstin
September 29, 2008

Hi Laura. I knitted your Thermal pattern about a year ago and since then, I’ve become a huge fan of yours. We finally got a gorgeous yarn store in Port Moody, BC (Black Sheep Yarns) and I’ve just knitted up my gauge swatch for my Lucy. It will be in a shade of green called “Turtle” (isn’t that cute?) and I can’t wait to wear it as the days are getting cooler and the leaves are getting oranger!

Your patterns are beautiful, your photography is breathtaking, and your recipes/veggie suggestions are always delicious.

Keep doing what you’re doing. We’re loving it!

Melanie
September 29, 2008

Three Canadian Etsy Favourites for you

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14213304 (Large Thai Spice Kit from Quebec)

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=15686334 (reusable food bags from BC)

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15619783 (yarn ball necklace from Ontario – Whitby to be exact)

I remember when you had just been asked to write the book and were looking for test knitters at Lettuce Knit…glad to see it is turning out a success!

Sasha
September 29, 2008

How exciting! Inspiration on all sides :) My favourite website of late is http://www.icanhascheezburger.com – whenever I’m having a hard day or need a bit of a chuckle it certainly delivers!! :D

Robin
September 29, 2008

Great picture of you and your book! Here’s something you might like: Crate & Barrel is now in Toronto. I can’t go, but maybe you might need some retail therapy one day? http://www.crateandbarrel.com/

Jagienka
September 29, 2008

I made some cool gift cards/ tags for all handmade stuff, available for free on my blog.
I think it’s cool that knitters know what generosity means! Who gives stuff for free these days? We rock!

Kylee
September 29, 2008

I love this site it makes me drool. Images of food from blogs all around the world in the one spot. It links directly to each persons blog so you can get the recipe. You can even sort by type of food at the bottom of the page. http://foodgawker.com/

Estella
September 29, 2008

Laura,
If your book could get me knitting socks then I’d love to have it!
I love to cook too – here’s another great resource
http://fooddownunder.com/

quinnwick
September 29, 2008

music makes everything wonderful, and funny music makes wonderful glow.

Here is a song i really really like, i hope you like it too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrUwqc0sF7U&feature=user

Ivy Mae
September 29, 2008

I’ve been loving the Daily DIY from http://www.oneprettything.com/ . Sorry, I don’t know how to make this a link! Anyways, she gives great lists of craft tutorials on the internet.
By the way, for a few minutes, I thought “camnesia” was related to your food allergies, and was feeling very sympathetic that your allergies kept you from enjoying your book release. Um, now I get it. :)

Linda
September 29, 2008

I love/admire this farm/studio in New Brunswick because she is an artist and an animal lover who operates her fibre business as no kill.
http://www.thewoolworks.com/blog.htm

Ellen
September 29, 2008

Hello Laura,
Here’s my favorite vegan recipe. I don’t make it that often (it’s very rich and indulgent), but when I do…yum!
http://www.waitrose.com/recipe/Avocado_Chocolate_Mousse_with_Strawberries.aspx
Congratulations on your book launch…
best,
Ellen K,

kelly jo
September 29, 2008

Congrats on the book – how exciting! Here’s a super yummy, fall side dish!! http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Acorn-Squash-Slices/Detail.aspx

Juliana
September 29, 2008

This is not the funniest, but certainly interesting and very dear to my heart.

http://theyarnyard.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/09/a-twilight-barking.html

Jordan
September 29, 2008

Congratulations on the book! I think this entry at cuteoverload.com is the funniest, cutest thing:

http://mfrost.typepad.com/cute_overload/2008/09/complete-and-to.html

And its my submission:).

sarah in sudbury
September 29, 2008

I love canned tomatoes! yours look so wonderful all lined up waiting for their shelf space. I wish I was as disciplined as you and had made some for myself. Alas all I could manage was a couple of jars of strawberry jam this year. Congrats on the book!

Breckster
September 29, 2008

I found this game to make you glad you can knit in real life instead of on a computer screen.

http://www.gamesgames.com/game/Sue-Knitting-Game.html

Sarah
September 29, 2008

One of my roommate’s favorite treats is mayo and slices of avocado squished between two slices of toast. It’d also be good with with a little salt or balsamic vinegar. Mmmm, tasty.

One of my favorites is red and yellow peppers and onions sauteed in olive oil and fajita spices over rice and black beans. It’s delicious and a complete protein!

Mei
September 29, 2008

How about something sweet and sinfully fattening like this one – http://www.rasamalaysia.com/2007/04/recipe-kuih-kodok-malaysian-style-fried.html ? (The pictures alone are enough to get you drooling…) And yes, I really ought to mail out those goodies to you… will PM you on Rav. ^.^

VA
September 29, 2008

http://smittenkitchen.com/

will make your mouth water.

Jacey
September 29, 2008

Here’s a recipe that I’ve been dying to try: Eggplant Tagine. It looks so delicious, and perfect for the fall transition.
Your website is looking great, by the way.

Marie
September 29, 2008

Thats too funny with the tomates. I am doing the same thing at this moment. Mine are the big sauce tomatoes. I have done 3 bushels this week alone. The Romas I bought earlier this summer was made into paste. I have had to buy all my tomotoes this year, my plants were horrible.

Kim U
September 29, 2008

This zucchini rice gratin is one of my favorite vegetarian main dishes this year:
http://tinyurl.com/5za29e

I just canned tomatoes last weekend! My first non-jam canning experience, it went fairly well.

Serina
September 29, 2008

Those tomatoes look so great!

Two recipes, both are greatly enjoyed:

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/little-thimbles-sciue-sciue-recipe/index.html

I frequently use cherry tomatoes in this dish, and garlic-infused oil to avoid the garlic turning blue from the reaction with tomato acids.

Also something I just tried last week and was afraid was going to be weird but wasn’t:

Kale Chips:

1 bunch Kale
sea/kosher salt to taste
extra virgin olive oil

1. Preheat oven to 218 degrees C (425 degrees F)
2. Rinse kale and remove mid rib, but do not tear leaves, keep as whole as possible
3. pour a small amount of olive oil in a bowl and with your fingers lightly coat the kale with the olive oil.
4. Lay kale leaves flat on a cookie sheet, sprinkle with sea salt. Bake for about 2.5 mins, turn the leaves and bake for about another 2.5 mins on the other side. the cooking time may need to be adjusted, so keep a close eye. Do not allow kale leaves to turn dark brown; they should be mostly green with just a little bit of light tan patches. As soon as small patches of tan appear, they are done.
5. Let them sit 1 min to cool slightly and enjoy. Leftovers can be stored in a sealed container.

Lucette
September 29, 2008

Very impressed with your canning Laura. I like to grow cherry tomatoes and freeze my bounty in small bags. Very useful to make soups and sauces over the winter.
You asked for something interesting.
Here is a link for salt spring seeds, a small company that features heritage and heirloom seeds. I particularly like the zero mile diet package of seeds. It is wonderful.

http://www.saltspringseeds.com/ then go to see the The Zero Mile Diet Seed Kit

Lucette

Kathode Ray Tube
September 29, 2008

I love making Black Bean Salad:

1 or 2 cans drained black beans
1 red pepper chopped
4 scallions, sliced
1-2 cups frozen corn, cooked
Fresh cilantro, chopped

Mix up and drizzle with a combination of olive oil and lime juice.

Christine Gossens
September 29, 2008

Laura — I’ve been a vegetarian for many years, and below are the two books I go to all the time! Simple, healthy, delicious food.
Olive Trees and Honey: A Treasury of Vegetarian Recipes from Jewish Communities Around the World by Gil Marks
World Vegetarian by Madhur Jaffrey

Marie-Michèle
September 29, 2008

oh well… something cool and entertaining? it’s got to be the Discovery Channel “Boom De Ah Dah” ad… Everytime I see it, I get goosebumps… If you know Discovery and are familiar with the shows, you get to smile at seeing the hosts in this clip, but even without this prior knowledge, I truly believe this is a magnificent ad… I think it brings a beautiful message (not so much about watching the channel, but about the world being such a brilliant place!) and a great reminder that we should all “stay” aware of the amazing things that surround us. We often take things for granted and get caught up in our own little “limited” world, but nature, science, technology, history, name it, with all their complexity and intricacies, are mysteries to observe and explore and stand in awe of! I love showing this video to people who haven’t seen it, it is always a hit! And it’s so neat to watch it with the kids too, it always brings questions… hmmm, what’s an arachnid, mom?! Enjoy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=at_f98qOGY0

Jessica Kaufman
September 29, 2008

Helloo! I love to blend silken tofu in the blender; melt vegan chocolate chips in a double boiler; then combine the two and stir together in a bowl. Pour into individual cups or into a pie tin; when cooled you’ve got chocolate mousse! Delicious, plus no one ever knows it’s tofu.

Jo
September 29, 2008

Congrats on getting published!!! :) Here is a nice link to vegan recipes from the Vegan Chef. http://www.veganchef.com/index.html

Jiru
September 29, 2008

I’m looking forward to perusing all the above links! Great idea. I’ve recently been doing an elimination diet/anti candida/gluten free experiment, and I just wanted to mention this great book I’ve been using for recipes: The Whole Life Nutrition Cookbook by Alissa Segersten and Tom Malterre: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0979885906
Most of the recipes are egg, gluten & dairy-free. Everything I’ve made from this has been great, and there are specific guidelines for doing an elimination diet. I highly recommend.

Jenny
September 29, 2008

Have you been to the Vegan Lunchbox Blog? Oh wow. She has some lovely suggestions. I have found them to be very modifiable to fit a variety of dietary needs.

http://veganlunchbox.blogspot.com/

Nada
September 29, 2008

I just discovered that Martha Stewart has a blog. Not the brand, the actual Martha. which is just kind of surreal…

‘grats on the book release!

julia
September 29, 2008

Hands down, my all time favorite cooking magazine. http://www.cuisineathome.com/
Not all vegetarian, but plenty of things in it are (or could be easily converted). Great tips and “wares” section, with comparisons of all manner of cooking gear. Evey foodie should get this magazine!

Jody
September 29, 2008

Here’s a yummy recipe I tried last week – so good!!

Chickpea and Corn Patties

2 tsp olive oil
1 ½ c fresh corn kernels
1 c chopped onion
¼ tsp dried thyme
1 (19 oz) can chick peas, drained and rinsed
½ c fresh breadcrumbs
2 egg whites
2 TBSP corn meal
½ tsp sa;t
¼ tsp crushed red pepper
cooking spray

Heat 1 tsp oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Add corn onion and thyme; sauté 2 minutes. Place onion mixture, chick peas, bread crumbs, corn meal, egg whites, salt and red pepper in a food processor. Pulse 2 times or until combined and chunky. Divide chickpea mixture into 4 equal portions, shaping each into ½ inch thick patties. Heat 1 tsp oil in a large skillet and brown patties in skillet, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Serve with salsa.

Note: I added the egg whites to this recipe, since the original one was vegan and very crumbly. I also sprayed the patties with cooking spray before I flipped them over to brown the second side. And I also made about 12 small patties instead of 4 burger sized ones

veronica
September 29, 2008
Timiae
September 29, 2008

I love homemade salsa (and those chips will have to be made soon to go with the salsa!)… I have a nifty chopper thing that you throw the ingredients into and turn a crank a few times and it’s done! I do it to taste, so no numbers, but it has bell peppers (green, red, and yellow), mint, cilantro, salt and pepper, lots of lime juice, tomatoes, and whatever else I grab that looks yummy. Delicious!

Jeanie
September 29, 2008

Recently, I’ve been making this recipe quite often with zucchini being in season. It is delicious and even more wonderful if you follow some of the modifications in the reviews. Although, I find that it is better to stick with the required amount of oil instead of subbing…

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe-Tools/Print/PrintFull.aspx?RecipeID=6698&servings=24

Frances
September 29, 2008

I love that you share recipes with us as well as your knitting!
Have you seen this (which has to do with neither, except it does involve a lot of knitters) http://www.plurk.com

Cirilia
September 29, 2008

I’m addicted to these!! Especially the yerba mate flavor which is caffeinated!

http://www.wise-acre.com/

Jennifer MacDonald
September 29, 2008

I have been reading a lot on different books on food lately and have found Marion Nestle’s book “What to Eat”. It’s a fantastic book that takes you through the supermarket and explains everything regarding labelling (natural vs organic, fat vs fat-free vs trans-fat). She explains without showing a bias towards one thing or another. It is really a great read if you are looking to make smart and healthy choices. Another book that I really like is “In defense of food” but since I’m at work right now I can’t for the life of me remember what the author’s name is. Both of these books are available at Chapters or Amazon.
I love your blog! I love your posts about food and your knitting projects. The pictures you take with your new fancy camera are beautiful and I cannot wait for a day to go to Toronto to Lettuce Knit. In fact, my husband is there for work this week and is specifically going to visit Lettuce Knit for me just so he can tell me all about it (and maybe get a copy of your book if I’m lucky).
Keep blogging as I can’t wait everyday to see what project you’ve on the go from day to day.

Your biggest fan in the maritime province of New Brunswick.

Niki
September 29, 2008

I was just looking at the Whole Foods Market blog, and they had links to some other foodie sites. Here is one that has a great recipe for Cumin Garlic Crackers: http://www.sugarlaws.com/

I thought of them after I read your post about the chips!

Jessica
September 29, 2008

Have you heard about the bubble rings that dolphins make in the water to play with? It’s the coolest thing I have seen lately.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMCf7SNUb-Q

Elizabeth
September 29, 2008

I love your website and would love a copy of your book. I also love the whole idea of recipes–not just for food, but also for sweaters. That’s probably why I enjoy Elizabeth Zimmermann’s patterns so much. I like a general plan, but I want to fill in the gaps myself. Since you like vegetarian recipes so much, here’s a great vegetarian Thanksgiving recipe, a favourite in our house. Great when you want something festive and substantial.
Potato and Mushroom Pie
Filling: 1 onion, chopped
1 large potato, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tbsp canola oil
1/2 lb mushrooms, chopped
1 tbsp chopped parsley
salt and pepper to taste
Pastry: 2 c unbleached flour
1/2 c canola oil
1/2 c water
Preheat oven to 400 F. Saute the onion until translucent, then add potato and garlic. Cook gently for 10 min. Add mushrooms and cook until the vegetables are tender. Add parsley and season with salt and pepper.
While the filling cools a little, measure flour into a bowl. Add water and oil and stir gently with a fork. Remember, pastry should be worked as little as possible. Sometimes a little less water is needed, depending on the humidity. Use your hands to finish the mixing and make 2 balls. Dampen the counter and place a sheet of waxed paper down. Place a flattened ball on top, then another sheet of waxed paper. Roll into a circle from the centre out. When it is a little larger than your pie plate, peel off the top sheet, pick up the pastry with the bottom sheet attached, flip it into the pie plate and then peel off the formerly bottom sheet. This is the world’s easiest and most delicious pastry. You can add a little salt if you want to, but I try not to.
Fill the pie, repeat the procedure for the top pastry, poke some steam holes with a fork and bake for about 30-40 min. or until well-browned.
We like this with baked carrots and parsnips.

mizkathychin
September 29, 2008

LOL my first thought was that you were giving away some of your canning! That would be exciting in itself :)

Shayna
September 29, 2008

Well first a funny thing, that you’re closing the contest on Oct 43. What?

Anyhow, my favorite vego thing to eat is called the Horizon sandwich and I totally jacked it from a smoothie place called Froozies on Block Island, RI. You take a focaccia and slice it in half. Put hummus (you’re better off if it’s on the thicker side) on one half and guacamole on the other. Put lettuce, tomato and bean sprouts in the middle. Put both halves together and revel in the best lunch ever.

Cynthia Caron
September 29, 2008
luv2stitch
September 29, 2008

Nothing edible to add here but I did think that this was funny and entertaining. http://www.knitgrrl.com/?p=721

Jessica K.
September 29, 2008

My husband made pickles with his cucumber crop for the first time this year. It was super easy. You just add a boiling mixture of water, vinegar, salt, and dill to sliced cucumbers and then wait for a month. We have eaten one jar, and I think they need to mellow a little further.

Mel
September 29, 2008

I like Bake Bake Bake. There are many choices for vegetarians there(as well as everyone else). I can’t just recommend one recipe. Check it out. http://community.livejournal.com/bakebakebake

Celestial
September 29, 2008
Vanessa
September 29, 2008

All that canning~ Girl you are a woman of many trades! Good going!
Vanessa in Upstate NY
butterflyjones03@yahoo.com

Robin
September 29, 2008

Congrats on your book! I love socks. Here’s some cool stuff, though not food or knitting… http://www.divadea.etsy.com
Check out the animal ornaments with hats and scarves =)

Aileen
September 29, 2008

I’ve been on a soup kick lately, especially just having moved to Michigan from California (it’s not even winter yet!). I found this delicious recipe for tortilla soup http://www.101cookbooks.com/archives/vegetarian-tortilla-soup-recipe.html. The roasted tomatoes give it a wonderful flavor and the amount of heat is just right. You could certainly use your brown rice tortillas and avocadoes to top it all off. I also add roasted red peppers, black beans, and corn to make it heartier, and skip the goat cheese altogether. Enjoy and thanks for all of your inspiring posts!

Whistlepea
September 29, 2008

This shop is opening up in Ottawa soon and I think it will be cool and fun. You’ll have to visit and check it out!
http://wabi-sabi.ca/

Bloo
September 29, 2008

If you like ginger, these cookies are great and also easy…
http://www.gingerpeople.com/recipe_snaps.html

Just wanted to say I love your blog, and CONGRATS on your book! What an accomplishment!

rebecca
September 29, 2008

oh i’d love a copy of your new book. there are so many sock knitting techniques i feel i lack. so one of my favorite foody blogging sites is called vegan yum yum. do check it out: http://veganyumyum.com/

Anie
September 29, 2008

Beautiful jars of harvest all lined up!
Fall is my favorite time of year to cook, and I always find something great on http://www.epicurious.com.

Joanne Snyder
September 29, 2008

Have you tried roasting the tomatoes in your oven and then puree in a food processor to make a yummy tomatoe soup? I’d love a copy of your book…I love reading your blog.

Cheryl
September 29, 2008

I’m a relatively new reader to your blog but loved seeing yours and ysolda’s travels! And congrats on the new book.

The Last Knit on youtube has been around for a while, so you may have already seen it, but I still think it’s one of the coolest things to watch, especially for a knitter! The animation is superb. Enjoy, even if you have seen it before!

Melissa Magee
September 29, 2008

Those tomatoes look amazing! Being in the southwest US we rarely get produce like that at our farmer’s markets! I am so jealous! The chips I will have to try also! I would love a copy of your book also! Any more books from you in the near future?

Janel S.
September 29, 2008

When I was younger, my mom would make and can applesauce. A couple years ago when she was moving out of the old house, we found applesauce in the fridge from 1986. It was a little green.

Lee Ann
September 29, 2008

I think you should take a moment to groove to this rap song by the fine folks at CERN, regarding their large hadron collider. Just because. :-)
http://www.vimeo.com/1431471?pg=embed&sec=1431471

beth
September 29, 2008

this is one of my favorite new clothes site: http://www.sweetgrassfibers.com/ all hemp, bamboo, etc. clothing…..
your tomatoes look beautiful!

eca
September 29, 2008

the birth of our earth… the birthplace of stars… stellar nursery in the eagle nebula.

i was watching a whole history channel series on the universe, and i love stars, and learned the birth place of stars was a three pillar “thing” in the eagle nebula called the stellar nursery.

http://www.spacetelescope.org/images/html/heic0506b.html

it is absolutely beautiful. this is the best picture i found of it.

it’s from a place like this that the earth, sun, moon… that our solar system, cosmos, etc… it’s from things like this that our life was formed.

Kathy Lopez
September 29, 2008

2 suggestions-

1. There’s a bakery in my home town, Bethlehem, Pa called Vegan Treats where they make wonderful vegan cakes, donuts etc and sell them locally and also to restaurants in Manhattan. They have made cakes for vegan weddings. Beautiful and delicious.

2. Wegman’s has pizza dough and sauce that you can buy to construct your own pizza. I made one yesterday with onions, garlic, zucchini, yellow and orange pepper strips, basil and oregano from the garden and Vegan Rella chesse (like mozzarella). I made it for my son who is vegan and his friends who are not but who loved it anyway. You let the dough rise an hour and then assemble on a rectangular cookie sheet. Bake 20 min at 375 degrees. Love your blog! Love your knitting and sewing!

Kate
September 29, 2008

I think your cool dress that is all one crazy big circle of fabric is the coolest thing ever. Good luck with the diet. :)

a
September 29, 2008

My friend’s website is very crafty and she posts about food sometimes. http://www.bloglines.com/myblogs_display?sub=62650159&site=8919087

Turtle
September 29, 2008

Huge congrats on the new book! I have seen “visual” books before and they so fit my “blonde brains”. This site seems to have disappeared but i still have it bookmarked and love to reference it for good recipes: http://vegancupcakes.wordpress.com/ but otherwise one of my fav’s (for both her blog and cookbooks!) http://www.molliekatzen.com/bethblog.php

TracyKM
September 29, 2008

http://www.epicureselections.com/pdf/winter%202008%20catalogue.pdf
This is a Canadian ‘house party’ company. They make great seasoning mixes. I have the one for Salsa, and Brushcetta. You mix the seasoning, with some olive oil, and diced tomatoes and let sit for an hour, and presto! Instant salsa, or bruschetta, they also have guacamole and more. It’s in glass jars, so you don’t have to fuss with half empty packets falling out of your cupboard. With all your canned tomatoes, these would be awesome!
Congrats on a book!!!

Erica
September 29, 2008

Hi! mmmmm…. read (eat!!) this: Tofu Coconut Cookies!!! http://blog.fatfreevegan.com/2008/09/okara-or-tofu-coconut-cookies.html Send to Argentina your book!!! Thank you!

Nell
September 29, 2008

Ooooh!!! Ooohhh!!!! Me! Me!!! Pick me!!!!

Those tomatoes look amazing!

Miki
September 29, 2008

I really liked this list of all the different names for groups of animals:

http://curtisvc.tripod.com/trivia/anigroups.htm

a “caravan of camels” and an “unkindness of ravens!”

Hetty
September 30, 2008

Try this typical Dutch recipee!!
BOLUSSEN
Ingredients for about 15
500 g plain flour
10 gr salt
30 gr fresh yeast or 15 gr of dried yeast
300 ml milk or water
1 teaspoon of lemonzest
500 gr dark Brown sugar
2 gr of cinnamon

How to:
Knead a dough with all ingredients exept the brown sugar and cinnamon
The dough feels a bit lighter than common white breaddough.
After 20 minutes rest divide the dough into 15 pieces, make little balls.
After another 20 minutes rest roll the balls into long “fingers”in three stages. First stage plain.
Second en third stage roll through the sugar and cinnamonmix.
In the end the “fingers”should have a length of 35 cm.
Now form them clockwise in a spiralform, start in the middle and lay the end under the piece of dough.
Lay them on a baking pan which is layered with baking paper. Let them rise for 60 minutes.
Bake in a pre-heated oven 260 °C for 6-8 minutes.
From the oven cover with a sheet of baking paper and a cutting board to turn it upside down, this allows the melted sugar to keep in the BOLUSSEN .
Let them cool down , add a bit of butter and enjoy!!

Angie
September 30, 2008

Yumm! Those tomatoes look fantastic!! I used to do a lot of canning before the kids came along, but I haven’t done anything in years… you’re inspiring me to start again. :)

As far as the interesting site, I love this site. They are glassworkers, and they do all kinds of interesting glass buttons and crochet hooks and knitting needles. But the item that really amuses me is this one:

http://www.glasspens.com/glass-spindles.htm

Glass drop spindles! I don’t know if other folks are far better spinners than I, but I’m thinking that my drop spindles live up to their name, and get “dropped” a fair amount. While these beauties are lovely, I’m not sure how practical!

Maria Margenot
September 30, 2008

Love your blog. I have a great recipe and I think I originally got this from the Barefoot Contessa, Ina Garten.
Roasted Pepper Goat Cheese Sandwich
You’ll need:
2 Red Peppers
2 Yellow Peppers
2 Tablespoons of Olive Oil
2 Tablespoons of Balsamic Vinegar
2 Tablespoons of capers drained
1 clove of garlic
Salt and Pepper
Goat Cheese
Basil Leaves
French Baguette
Take 2 red peppers and two yellow peppers and roast them for 25 minutes on a cookie sheet in a 500 degree oven turning them twice.
Take them out and immediately and tightly cover the pan in foil for 25 minutes.
While waiting mix two tablespoons of good olive oil, two table spoons of balsamic vinegar, two tablespoons of drained capers, one diced garlic clove, pinch of kosher salt and cracked pepper in a bowl.
Once the peppers have cooled, pull off the tops, peel the skins, scoop out the seeds and cut in quarters. Add the pepper juice to your bowl along with the pepper strips. Place in the fridge for one hour.
Split a baguette lengthwise and place in a 350 degree oven for just a few minutes until lightly toasted. Spread the bread with goat cheese. Top the goat cheese with basil leaves. Arrange the peppers atop the basil, and top the peppers with thinly sliced red onion. Cut baguette halves into thirds and serve open faced.

Eileen
September 30, 2008

Here’s a fun site to check out.
http://www.zefrank.com/scribbler/

Congrats on the book and the launch party. I’ve recently caught the sock knitting bug and just can’t get enough!

gayle
September 30, 2008

Well, as long as we’re all calling attention to our feet with gorgeous handknit socks….
http://www.shoe-lacing.com/shoelace/lacingmethods.htm
Let’s all do some ultimate shoe-lacing!

And, oy, but you’re going to be spending a lot of time looking at all these cool links… I’m off to do that now!

Nancy
September 30, 2008

Here’s a yummy recipe for Spinach Artichoke Dip with Zing

http://coconutlime.blogspot.com/2008/05/chipotle-spinach-artichoke-dip.html

SamLaTricoteuse
September 30, 2008

Hi..
Here is something that could go along with your pita…

2 red peppers – diced (chuncks not tiny pieces as everything will go into the food processor)
garlic (2-3 cloves your choice)
1 cup of red lentils (the coral/red ones)
olive oil

Take the olive oil and heat it up adding garlic, red peppers and stir it.
Add the lentils and cook covered for 15 min. Once cooked pass through the food processor.
It will runny while still warm but will firm up after..
S

Kristen
September 30, 2008

These pictures make me smile every day.
http://www.dailycoyote.net

Heather Shelton
September 30, 2008

I am looking forward to reading your new book. Good for you doing all of that canning!

Laura
September 30, 2008
Cassy
September 30, 2008

I’m better at the funny stuff than the food stuff since I don’t cook that often. Here’s a link to my favorite online daily comic:
http://marriedtothesea.com/

And just for good measure, my spicy black bean dip consists of 1 can black beans, juice of 2 limes, 1/8 cup salsa, cayenne to taste, garlic or garlic salt to taste. Simple but addictive.

Teresa
September 30, 2008

Congratulations on being published! I haven’t learned to knit socks yet but I bet this would be a great way to learn.
Thanks for the great opportunity!

jeanie
September 30, 2008

This site, quibbly. has unusual artwork.

jeanie
September 30, 2008

This site, quibbly, has unusual artwork.

Danielle
September 30, 2008

Again, congratulations on your new book. Kudos for all the hard work. I saw an interesting health-related item today re: moderate alcohol consumption may actually help prevent osteoporosis – http://www.osteopenia3.com/osteoporosis-alcohol.html

Sarah
September 30, 2008

One of my favorite blogs that I think is pretty darn hillarious is Miss Doxie: http://www.missdoxie.com/

lisa
September 30, 2008

I didnt see my comment after I hit submit…..
my cool thing:

http://www.rockstacker.com/

Lisa, near new orleans

Cynthia A
September 30, 2008

Congratulations on your book, that is fabulous! It looks like a lot of hard work putting up all of those tomatoes, but won’t you be glad this winter – yum :)

I cannot point to anything, but I thought that I would include my spur of the moment recipe for bean dip, very similar to hummus. I like using white kidney beans because they give such a silky smooth dip; I was also out of garbanzos, so I was improvising!
In the food processor, chop 2 cloves of garlic (small or large, depending on how much you like garlic!), add in 1 can white kidney beans (drained and rinsed), and the juice of 1 lemon, a few gratings of the lemon zest, salt and pepper to taste. Whiz it up, and add enough extra virgin olive oil down the chute to get it to process into a smooth paste to your desired consistency. You can add water in for some of the oil, but for me this dip is about the smoothness of the beans, the tang of the lemon and garlic, and the richness of the oil. But, do what you must :)

It is really good with pita chips – if you can find brown rice pitas, I guess? I make regular pita chips, baked like your tortilla chips. To make the chips, I:
Take two pitas stacked, and cut a narrow strip around the outside border with kitchen scissors- effectively removing the “fold” from all around the circumference. You can then easily pull the two layers apart, spray lightly with oil, stack up and cut into wedges. Bake like the tortilla wedges – they go very quickly! Do sprinkle with salt and/or your favourite seasoning before baking – so crispy and thin – mmm.

Josie
September 30, 2008

congrats on the book! I always enjoy reading your blog, and heres one I find very interesting – http://austenette.wordpress.com/

Isabella
September 30, 2008

I love a new book I got from reading SouleMama’s recommendation here: http://www.soulemama.com/soulemama/2008/09/river-cottage-f.html I also love the pattern of dolls and such from Wee Wonderfuls site (at her shop). I want to make so many of them. Found here: http://weewonderfuls.typepad.com/ I love reading your blog with all the cooking, knitting, sewing and travels. Thanks for the inspiration and congratulations on the new book!

L
September 30, 2008

I have been up to my elbows in harvest, also. dehydrator, canning, freezing…whatever it takes to preserve the bounty. When nature calls, other things do take a back seat. Our ancestors understood the rhythm of the seasons. We too often hodgepodge everything all at once and feel exhausted and guilty if we can’t keep up. Everything has its time and everything has its turn.

Moggle
September 30, 2008

This is a Jill Dupliex recipe originally published in on of the UK papers. I’ve lost my original copy but this is how I do it.

Fry 1 chopped red onion in a little oil. Leave on low heat for about 15 minutes to really caremelize. Add a tin of drained and rinsed kidney beans, 1/2 – 1 teaspoon of paprika and a 400g tin of tomatoes. Simmer for 10-15 minutes. Mash down about 1/3 of the beans agains the bottom or side of the pan. Allow to cool slightly and salt to taste. Serve in a tortilla wrap with half a sliced avocado and a little cheddar.
Best veggie recipe ever!

With some cumin and chilli powder, the bean mix makes a delicious chilli-con-carne type dish to serve with couscous or rice.

Charis
September 30, 2008

Hi there!

Well, I totally like this blog: http://nothingbutbonfires.com/ , maybe you do, too! And how cool is having your own book! Congratulations and best greetings from Germany, love, Charis :-)

Lindseyrose
September 30, 2008

Interesting and fun to look through- http://www.theselby.com/

Congratulations!!

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2008/09/ree-drummond-migas/ -vegetarian. I haven’t made them YET, but they look amazing!

Maribeth
September 30, 2008

Laura, anyone who presents beautiful and creative soul food and soul crafts as well as you do almost every day on your blog should be awarded a book instead of giving them away! As a recent convert to sock knitting, though, I would treasure a copy… Hummous is our all-time favourite snack, whether camping, canoeing, or coccooning at home. Take 1 can of garbanzo beans and put into food processor with 1 T. of olive oil, the juice of 2 lemons, 1T. of sesame tahini and salt to taste. Blend until almost all bits are gone. Use only one lemon if you’re not keen on lemony flavour and supplement with 1T of plain yogourt instead. Happy snacking!

Maribeth
September 30, 2008

Oops – I forgot the essential, but deadly, 2 cloves of chopped garlic. Happy snacking at a distance, then!

Tara
September 30, 2008

“Point me to something cool”-the picture of those tomatoes looks pretty cool to me! :)

I also love this site http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ and their sister site http://www.thekitchn.com/

Claire
September 30, 2008

Holy-moley that’s a lot of tomatoes and a lot of comments. But I gotta get mine in too! Check out TheFiberDenn.etesy.com Her yarns are great and so are the fibers. The colors are fantastic. Congrats on the book again!

yarnpiggy
September 30, 2008

Those tomatoes look fantastic. I love canning. My favourite canning “recipe” is making plum jam and adding a mix of cloves, cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg to taste — I call it “Sugarplum Jam” and give it as Christmas gifts.

Something inspiring: http://bookcrossing.com.

Something funny: http://cakewrecks.blogspot.com.

Some vegetarian deliciousness: http://meganthevegan.blogspot.com
http://veganyumyum.com/

Jennifer
September 30, 2008

Wow! I was just thinking of buying your book (which I will do if I don’t get picked… which might influence your choice). Here’s my funny story. I’ve been trying to make healthier food choices this year. In fact, I eat at the amazing Organic Market in Westport, CT 2-3 times a week and generally eat a salad or something vegetarian (seaweed???). I was quite proud of myself until I got my annual physical results back. My cholesterol hit a whopping 256! Yikes. I’m not giving up my Organic Market, but I think it’s finally time I tried medication. Bad family genes. What can I say.

cici
September 30, 2008

That sure is a lot of tomatoes… Congratulations on the book. I would love to get one.

cici
September 30, 2008

I forgot to add something fun…

Blackberry Blueberry Raw Food Smoothie Recipe

2 Handfuls of Frozen Blackberries & Blueberries (mixed)

2 Bananas

2 – 3 cups of Water

1 tbsp. of Honey

2 Handfuls of Spinach.

Throw in the blender. Blend, baby Blend. Wah lah. You have several smoothies.

gleek
September 30, 2008

wow, that’s a lot of canning! if only i had room to store that many cans of tomatoey goodness, i would can too!

if you’re looking for something good and vegetarian too, this is in my top ten:

http://blog.fatfreevegan.com/2006/10/yellow-split-pea-soup-with-sweet.html

i always sub in spinach for kale because kale is hard to come by around here, and i always double the spices for extra indian goodness! serve with homemade naan, if you dare!

lynne
September 30, 2008

While you were wandering around Paris, did you perchance see a mysterious bright green “pod” atop the Palais de Tokyo, just across the Seine from the Tour Eiffel? Check out http://www.everland.ch for a look at this incredible art installation/hotel room that we were fortunate enough to stay in this past summer- it’s AWESOME! Also, for your next trip there, don’t miss a meal at the Sri Chinmoy restaurant in the Marais- excellent vegetarian fare! http://www.vscoeur.com

Ann
September 30, 2008

Wow, that’s a lot of canned tomatoes but they look delicious. I love tomatoes & here’s my favorite pizza recipe – spread your canned tomatoes on lebanese bread, topped with fetta, sun dried tomatoes, sprinkle some mixed herbs or feash basil & bake in medium oven for 20 minutes – yummy gourmet pizza! Enjoy.

KellyLynn
September 30, 2008

You may have found these lovely recipes already, but I’d still like to mention those at Post Punk Kitchen. The Snobby Joes from their Veganomicon cook book are really good.
http://www.theppk.com/nomicon.html

Pix
October 1, 2008

My current favorite snack is mushroom caps stuffed with Alouette cheese.

Simple to make- Preheat oven to 350 or so, take some mushrooms (medium-to-large work best), de-stem and rinse off. Smoosh some Alouette in(I’m sure other types would work fine, but I am lazy with my snack preparation and this stuff has the garlic and goodness mixed in already), stick in oven for something around 15 minutes. Let cool, devour.

Beth
October 1, 2008

Congratulations on your book! I have your Roam pattern on the needles as we speak :)

Check out http://bittersweetblog.wordpress.com/

It’s a great vegan baking blog with a healthy dose of knitting and crochet thrown in, enjoy!

Alida South Africa
October 1, 2008

Tomato jam(or jelly as it is called in the States). Delicious on toast.
500 g tomatoes(I use cherry tomatoes cut in half) iclude one or two green ones for pectin
500 g white sugar
75 to 100 ml lemon juice
2 ml pectin powder(never used it and jam so far always a success)
knob of butter
Place tomatoes and sugar in 3,5 l bowl. Add lemon juice, pectin powder and butter. Microwave for 25 minutes at 100% power. Stir 3 times during first 5 minutes and then when you see it might boil over. After about 22 minutes start testing if jam is thick enough. Put teaspoonsful of syrup on cold plate(that you kept in the freezer). Jam is thick enough when the syrup ‘wrinkles’(like sticky toffee) when pushed with your finger. If not thick enough microwave for another 2 minutes and test until syrup is thick enough. The fruit should be soft and the syrup clear red colour. Put into sterilised jars. Put wax paper on top and tighten the lids. Leave to cool.

I just bought myself a skein of Opal Sock yarn for my first pair of socks. I nearly passed out at the price – here in South Africa imported goods are terribly expensive. Enjoy all your tomatoes!

Kala
October 1, 2008

Congratulations on your book! Here’s a green shake recipe that I tried the other day – it’s delicious and crazy healthy:

http://kitteekake.blogspot.com/2008/05/green-smoothie-success.html

Trinh
October 1, 2008

Congrats on your book! I love your blog and I’ve been wanting to learn how to knit socks.

To share…

Here’s a simple, but very good guacamole recipe I’ve used many times and it always turns out great!

http://www.williams-sonoma.com/recipe/recipeDetail.cfm?objectid=FF82F944%2D6563%2D4170%2D8757994C0B684749&bnrid=3101515&cm_ven=E3&cm_cat=EDM&cm_pla=080131%20Guac&cm_ite=080131%20Guac%20RecB

Karen Caplan
October 1, 2008

Hmmmm…. trying to think of something NOT food, since food is dominating the comments! Well, I give up. Here’s a pasta salad that I tried last week for the adults at my five-year-old’s birthday party. It’s something to do with a lot of Roma tomatoes!

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/CANNELLINI-AND-MACARONI-SALAD-WITH-GRILLED-TOMATOES-BASIL-AND-OLIVES-105277

Yummy! Good for many guests.

Congrats on your book! I love you blog and your designs…

Karen

Caro
October 1, 2008

http://smittenkitchen.com/2008/09/eggs-in-tomato-sauce-contest-winners/

It’s healthy, veggie, and uses up tomato sauce! Served with a small piece of toast it’s a really easy, filling dinner.

FairySari
October 1, 2008

Wow there’s so so many comments already! My interesting and yummy thing is the most recent recipe posted on the blog of a friend of a friend, for healthy chocolate zucchini cake (and it can be wheat-free, not sure exactly what the hypoallergenic diet entails).

http://www.pattycake.ca/recipes/healthychocolatezucchinicake

elise
October 1, 2008

all those tomatoes are making me drool even though i just finished dinner!

kind of random ‘interesting’ thing to share, but before there were digital satnavs, apparently there were analog ones…
http://strangemaps.wordpress.com/2008/09/28/314-watch-the-road-worlds-earliest-satnav/

Annasusanna
October 1, 2008

As I’m a big fan of your cinnamon rolls this is a kind of payback for it.
This is a recipe of my grandmother.
It is a traditional dessert of the local german region Mecklenburg which attaches the baltic sea. The dessert is called “Mecklenburger Goetterspeise” (ambrosia of Mecklenburg).

You need old brown bread, cacao, sugar, a little bit of brown rum, cream, vanilla and a jar of sour cherries.

Take brown bread and break it in small crumbs. The bread might be already a couple of days old. In fact my grandmother used this recepie to use the left over hard pieces of bread which she ground with a grater (this kind of bread contains big grain pieces).
Mix the bread crumbs with cacao and sugar and add a little bit of brown rum (only a very little for the tast, the mixture shall not get wet).
Whip cream and add some vanilla.
Get a jar of sour cherries and decant the juice.
Now you fill the three different compounds in a big bowl.
Start with a layer of bread and continue with the cherries followed ba a cream layer. Continue in the same order and stop with a layer of cream which you might decorate with bread crumbs and some cherries.
Give it a night or halve a day to stand in the fridge before you serve it.

It is substantial and yummy – and of course reminds me of my grandmother

Cobbalicious
October 1, 2008

It’s too late for it this year, but blueberry soup is one of my favorite things.

maria
October 2, 2008

Ok, I saw a similar suggestion, but this is a different recipe. THIS is what I’ll be picking and buying tomatoes to make.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/20/dining/201mrex.html?_r=2&oref=slogin&oref=slogin

(I was also excited to think I might get canned tomatoes. But I imagine the California Agricultural Police would have a problem with that. LOL)

Connie
October 2, 2008

A great recipe for sweet potatoes – yummy!
(though not calorie conscious)

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/ORANGE-FLAVORED-SWEET-POTATOES-WITH-OATMEAL-COOKIE-TOPPING-10850

Betsy Baumann
October 2, 2008

my mom used to make chips out of tortillas but she did small batches in the microwave.
it’s a good way to do it if it’s just one serving.

Jenn
October 2, 2008

This is my favorite recipe website:
http://www.elise.com/recipes/
Ooh, I’m making myself hungry!

Darcy
October 2, 2008

cool, interesting, funny, delicious (and vegetarian), or otherwise entertaining!
What you can do with a pumpkin:)hugs Darcy
http://darcyknottyknitter.blogspot.com/2008/09/all-hallows-eve-swap-week-3-topic.html
Vegan Pumpkin Scones
These moist gingered pumpkin scones will fill the kitchen with a wonderful aroma. If you like vegan scones, you might also want to try these vegan chocolate chip scones or this recipe for vegan cranberry lemon scones.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
1/2 cup sugar
3 1/2 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
3 tsp ginger powder
1/2 cup vegan margarine
2 cups pureed pumpkin
Preparation:
In a large mixing bowl, combine dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and ginger). Cut in vegan margarine, adding a bit at a time until mixed. Add pumpkin and combine well.
On a lightly floured surface, knead dough a few times, pushing it into a large circle, a few inches thick.

Cut into 12 or so triangular pieces. Imagine you are cutting a pizza so that you get even, triangular slices.

Bake at 425 degrees for 12-15 minutes, or until done.

Katerina
October 2, 2008

Since I’m not a cook, and therefore have/know no fun recipe links I’m going to include two two fun/entertaining knitting related sites instead!

The first is The Panopticon aka Franklin Habit, a knitter, writer, comic, photographer and all around funny guy – you really got to get to know his sheep friend Dolorus: (especially if you need someone better to vote for)
http://the-panopticon.blogspot.com/

And this video by Kay Gardiner and Ann Shayne (the Mason-Dixon women) entitled “Pardon Me (I Didn’t Knit That For You)” It really made me laugh!
http://knittersreview.com/sendstudio/link.php?M=60205&N=140&L=476&F=H

have fun!

Terra
October 2, 2008

Yah a contest!

I must say I have made and have been using this homemade deoderant recipe for the past few months and am very impressed with lack of not so pleasant bodily odours( plus no nasty aluminum, chemicals or fake scents) – I suggest everyone make a batch (and make lipbalm – recipe on the same blog- with the leftover ingredients):

http://angrychicken.typepad.com/angry_chicken/2008/07/homemade-deodor.html

Susan
October 2, 2008

I am not sure what you would consider entertaining? I found http://mythoughtsideasandramblings.com/2008/09/26/evolution-of-wedding-dance/ entertaining. its something different. Though if you want something with a recipe there is a book called cooking for Mr Right it has some fun recipes in there. I just finished reading it. They talk about a GEODUCK. which im not sure how i feel about.

MamaMay
October 2, 2008

Wow talk about a lot of entries.

http://www.bemboszoo.com/Bembo.swf

It is really cool.

mama.may24 (at) ymail (dot) com

katharine
October 2, 2008

thislife.org

awesome podcasts, extensive archives and some truly interesting knitting (or driving) time listening.

javafreak81
October 2, 2008

http://wvs.topleftpixel.com/08/05/30/

I also live in the GTA and a friend told me about this site. The photographer always has amazing pics of the GTA (and sometimes other locations outside of GTA) and he also posts how he took the photo.

This is one of my favourites. Recognize it? ;)

Lia
October 3, 2008

Since I really *really* want to learn how to knit socks toe up, and I’m a visual learner, you get TWO links!
http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/news/mcintyre/blog/2008/10/how_to_judge_a_book_by_its_cover.html
I think that is entertaining, if a bit snide.
http://www.davidlebovitz.com/archives/2007/10/chez_panisse_gi.html
I think that is DELICIOUS. And vegetarian, though not vegan. I recommend adding extra pepper, and also adding a little hot pepper. And, if you have it, some candied ginger. Delicious.

kelli ann
October 3, 2008

http://www.artisanbreadinfive.com/

I don’t know if you bake bread:: but this method really is excellent. a titch fussy, but excellent.

Maria Naveiro
October 3, 2008

Congrats on being published!

1. I want to try the BRYANNA’S VEGAN ALFAJORES (ahl-fah-hor-ays) (PASTRIES), as I am originally from Argentina and I love Alfajores. And it is vegan too!

http://www.bryannaclarkgrogan.com/page/page/4070943.htm

2. I went to Paris, I think the following week you were there with Ysolda. I went to meet with a group of Parisian knitters, which turned to be a really cool and interesting thing to do.

They post their comments and pictures on each meeting and here is the one I went to:

http://brentanos.canalblog.com/

Just look for the “lundi 22 septembre 2008 –
Café Tricot au Starbucks” posting.

Have an wonderful knitting/crafty day!

Maria Naveiro from Toronto
(I attended you course on knitting a Baby Cardigan at Lettuce Knit)

Beverly
October 3, 2008

I don’t have link for this soup, but I wanted to share it with you because it is my favorite fall soup. Easy as anything, I’ll give you the brief idea. Add as much or as little as you like, it is up to you. Great for when you are cleaning out the garden.

broth, KALE ( at least a pound) carrots, onion celery, garlic, ( add anything else you like to this base, I have done tomatoes, squash, broccoli, cauliflower, noodles, liquid smoke for a “smoked meat” flavor, tofu chunks at the end. The possibilities are endless, and the kale is sooo good for you. Enjoy. and congrats on your book.

Robyn
October 3, 2008

I leave you with a delicious apple cake recipe just in time for apple picking season!

Knit & Purl Mama’s Mother-in-Law’s Apple Cake Recipe

4 or 5 apples pealed & sliced (Very Important that it’s McIntosh Apples ONLY)
2 Eggs
1/2 Cup Oil
3/4 Cup Sugar
3/4 Cup Flour
1 tsp Baking Powder
Pinch of Salt
Sugar and cinnamon to sprinkle over apples

Peal & Core apples, slice into an 8 or 9 inch pan. Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon. Beat eggs, oil and sugar together. Add in flour baking powder & salt. Mix well. Pour batter over apples (optional sprinkle more cinnamon on top and/or nuts of your liking). Bake at 350°F (176-177°C) for 40 to 45 minutes, or until toothpick test is clean.

Knit & Purl Mama notes: I am HEAVY on the cinnamon both on top of the apples & on top of the cake once the batter is over the apples. I’ve sometimes used baking Walnuts or baking almonds to sprinkle on top, which are really good on the cake!

Bonnie Buckingham
October 3, 2008

Just got here from another blog’s link.
It was knitting that made me click.
Hope the sauce comes out well. NOW to see
more of who you are , etc….Pleased to meet
you and then you have a giveaway ~~ would
love to be put in for it.

Bonnie

wendy
October 3, 2008

I just have to say the tomatoes are amazing looking….i wish i could get in on a deal like that! And it is amazing you wrote a book! One that might even teach a dork like me how to knit socks! I used the learn to knit version to teach my self how to knit …just an fyi:)

Bronwyn
October 3, 2008

I just made it but check out this:

http://www.ars.usda.gov/images/docs/6112_6296/clonal%20apples.jpg

http://www.ars.usda.gov/Aboutus/docs.htm?docid=6112

I just think it’s awesome how diverse apples are.

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