Friday, May 9, 2014

Tomato Paste Saver Tip/Trick

This genius tomato paste saver tip comes from Martha (who else?).  When I saw it, I knew I had to give it a try.  Most recipes only call for 1 or 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and then what do you do with the leftovers?  I've purchased tubes of tomato paste in the past but I think this idea is a thrifty alternative.
Carefully remove both ends of the tomato paste can and discard one of them, leaving the other in place. Wrap the can tightly in plastic wrap and freeze overnight.    
The next day remove the can from the freezer and push the frozen tomato paste out with the metal end. (Mine took a little thawing out with warm water over the covered can to get it to loosen up enough to come out.)
Martha's tip was to recover the frozen log and keep in the freezer, cutting off tomato paste as needed but I chose to slice mine up as evenly as possible.
 I wrapped each one and returned them all to the freezer (I had 10 but was using one).
Now I have perfectly portioned amounts of tomato paste when I need it!

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Thursday, May 8, 2014

{Recipe}Mushroom, Spinach & Sun-dried Tomato (Vegan) Quiche

I didn't think a tasty vegan quiche was possible but this one proved me wrong.  I used this recipe from Angela at Oh She Glows and adapted it a little bit.
I was going to take the easy way out = lazy on the crust and use a store bought pie crust but I'm so glad I didn't. This crust really makes the quiche with its nutty, salty crunchiness and I realized I already had most of the ingredients in my pantry. Plus, I was really excited to use my thrifted tart pan! 
I need to make more tarts.
 For the crust:
1 TBS ground flax seed+3 TBS of water, mixed together
1 cup of whole almonds, ground into flour
1 cup of oats, ground into flour
1 tsp dried parsley
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp Kosher salt
1 TBS coconut oil (or olive oil)
1-2.5 TBS of water, if needed
Preheat oven to 350F, lightly grease a 10 inch tart pan. Whisk together flax seed and water and set aside for it to gel up.  In a large bowl mix together almond meal, oats, parsley, oregano and salt.  Add in flax seed mixture and oil.  Stir to combine, adding additional water as needed until the dough sticks together.
Crumble the dough into the center of the tart pan and start pressing the dough from the center out to the edges and sides.  Poke the crust a few times with a fork and bake at 350 for 13-16 minutes until lightly golden. Set aside to cool and increase oven temperature to 375F.
For the filling:
1 (14oz) block of extra firm tofu, drained and as much liquid squeezed out as possible
1 TBS coconut oil (or olive oil)
1 leek thinly sliced (I used red onion)
3 cloves of garlic, minsed
3 cups (8-oz) sliced mushrooms (I used baby bellas)
1/2 cup fresh chives (I had to use dried, few tsp)
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
1/3 cup oil packed sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
1 cup baby spinach
2 TBS nutritional yeast
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 - 1 tsp salt
Black pepper to taste
Red pepper flakes to taste (optional)
Break apart the tofu block into 4 pieces and put into food processor. Process the tofu until smooth and creamy, add a splash non dairy milk to help it along if necessary.
 In a skillet, add oil and saute the onions (or leeks) and garlic over medium heat for a few minutes. Stir in mushrooms and season with salt. Cook for 10-12 minutes until most of the water cooks off. Add herbs, sun dried tomatoes, nutritional yeast and spinach and cook until spinach wilts.
Remove from heat and stir in the processed tofu, adjust seasoning if necessary. Spread filling out over the crust, smoothing out with spoon until even.  Bake quiche uncovered for 33-37 minutes until it is firm to the touch. Let quiche cool on a cooling rack for 15-20 minutes before attempting to slice.
Why is that first piece always the hardest to get out?
This quiche is so full of flavor, you won't notice that it's made with tofu and not loaded with eggs, cream and cheese.  
Leftovers keep in the fridge for a days and can be reheated in the oven. It's also good cold or at room temperature.  I froze some for when College Girl comes home and I'm hoping it will reheat up nicely for her too.  
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Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Ikea Haul

I hadn't been to Ikea in awhile and it was nice to visit without having any specific purchases in mind. As you can see, I was pretty restrained and only picked up a few things.  Everything but the candles will be used mostly for food styling and photography. I've already used the board a few times as a food photo back drop.
I also spent a whopping $4.23 on lunch. Gotta love the free coffee for Ikea family members!!

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Monday, May 5, 2014

{Insta-Love} April 2014

Are we really in MAY?  
That's kind of crazy, isn't it?
Here was my last crazy month in cell phone pictures...
I was so excited to see these back at Costco, I just had to stock up!
My first attempt at vegan pesto and it was delish.
Enjoying some vino.
The last fire of the season.
Discovering fig butter from Trader Joe's.
Anticipation...loved all three of these!
Reminiscing about this show...
Drinking wine at the movies!
Finally!
Hot tub time!
First iced coffee of the season.
Hyacinths in bloom.
College visit library
Hotel bathroom selfie
Early morning college walk
This!!

I love this little bird's nest in the lilacs.
Mango fail=Papaya
Mmmmm...unlimited salad bar

What happened?
Dinner date with Miss Middle School
Mango win!
Sandals, sunshine and Saturdays!
Thinking....
Amazing!
First outside fire
Easter morning baked carrot cake oatmeal
Very flowery on Easter
First dinner on the grill
Easter basket fun
Hanging out at the skating rink....
Loving my new tea pot!
At the ER with Miss Middle School after a bad fall at the ice rink(it was a sprain and she's doing much better!).
Daffodils + Grape Hyacinth =BFFs
Taking silly selfies with my little buddy.
Explaining their technology project at the Education Committee Meeting.
Memories from my old elementary school....
How was your month?
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