Gimme V'More, Please! Recipe 37 - S'more Cookies

Memorial day weekend:
It's the un-official start of summer, and summer means bonfires, grillouts etc...
Which is why it's only fitting to make something w/o the bonfire just yet, but reminiscent of a cool night by a fire...

What would that be?


                       S'Mores!!
                                                       In a COOKIE!

Now, as I mentioned I failed at this cookie miserably last year, but I am going to give it another try, and do a few things differently this time. 
Let's look at my fail, shall we?

Ooh so not pretty, but actually they were good.  (As you know, I eat my fails)


So, some history?
If you're not familiar with s'mores, they are made by sandwiching a toasted marshmallow and a piece of chocolate in between two graham crackers. The name of the treat comes from the two words "some more," clearly combined because people often wanted to have at least a second serving after having one s'more. The treat was developed by campers in the early part of the 20th century, making use of the fairly new mass-produced marshmallows. Marshmallows were easy to transport, as were candy bars and graham crackers, and the marshmallows could be warmed easily over a fire to make a delicious treat in a situation where other types of sweets would have been difficult to come by.

The true origin of the snack is unknown, as camping recipes tended to be passed from person to person and family to family - often over the campfire itself. The first recipe for s'mores was published in 1927 in the Girl Scout Handbook and the event marked the official introduction of the s'more into popular culture.

The publication of the s'more recipe was not the first pairing of chocolate, marshmallow and cookies. In 1913, the Mallomar cookie was introduced to market, followed in 1917 by the Moon Pie. Both products have a graham cracker-like base - a sandwich, in the case of the Moon Pie - and are topped with marshmallow and a layer of chocolate.

S'mores (as well as Mallomars, Moon Pies and other confections with similar components) are popular because the simple ingredients make a perfect balance of flavors. The marshmallow is sticky and sweet, the chocolate is smooth, and the graham cracker is crisp and crumbly, acting almost like a pie crust to contain the filling.


So, we all know (well I'd like to think we do) that marshmallows are NOT vegan.. they contain gelatin, which is not vegan.   And cookies, have butter and eggs, so this has been a bit of a challenge, but I'm ready for it this time.  

So - numbers now.



Traditional S'more Cookies                                         V'more Please Cookies
1 cookie                                                                        1 cookie
Calories 190                                                                      109
Total Fat 9.0 g                                                                    5g
Cholesterol 26mg                                                                0
Sodium 95mg                                                                      42
Total Carbohydrate 26g                                                    15.2
Dietary Fiber  1 g                                                               2.0
Protein         1g                                                                  1.5
WWpts -   5                                                                         3

And with that - the setting.
Double date with my girl, my bff, my bff jr and bff husband tomorrow night..  bff is going to make a salad, chickpea burgers and sweet potato fries, and dessert - MY COOKIES!  (These were chosen by Elena - bff jr, who had a choice of these or chocolate cupcakes.)  :)

We'll rock, we'll roll, we'll be outta control and hopefully we'll watch something funny on the tube for a while too.  ;)

Til tomorrow - when I - weirdo that I am -  turn on the oven in 90 degree heat outside with no ac a blowin' cuz that's how "I" roll.

Stay tuned,  S'more time is comin' and you don't want to miss it!!



Music enjoyed while blogging:
Goldfrapp Radio on Pandora (because I'm not-so-secretly in love with Alison Goldfrapp)


Current Motivation:
Redux on a failed redux


Current Craving:
Thanks to the girlfriend - I'm now craving Chipotle!

Recipe 36 - Whatta fail! Mexican Brownie Attempt

I love it when I fail.  It just means not everything is foolproof, and not only that, it means that my original tried and true - HONEST vegan recipe kicks the un-vegan recipe's butt anyday. ;)

However, just because I failed, doesn't mean I'm not going to add the recipe for Mexican brownies in my cookbook, because I am.  I'm just going to add my original recipe with the said 'mexican' ingredients.. because I know it'll work.. you've got my word!

Ok, so what you see up there is a plate full of ooey gooey (actually fairly yummy) chocolate mass but with a load of vegan 'butter' swimming on top.  I sucked off the vegan butter with paper towels and a tofurkey baster and let it dry as much as I could.  What I ended up with was something gooey you could eat with your fingers.. and it was yummy, but as a brownie, it was a most certain NO NO!


It all started out honest enough.

 

 Here is where I had my "butter" and "egg replacer" all mixed up and ready to get the cocoa and spices... it did what it was supposed to do nicely..I was proud.  I was ready to get the show on the road.

Then I added the rest, and what ensued was a gorgeous mixture that anyone would surely assume would turn out to be perfecto brownies with no issues at all.. I mean, look at this!! >> 

                                                                                                                            

 

It was perfect, ready to go in the pan, nice and firm kinda hard for me to stir, just like any ol brownie mix should be.   So, in the well oiled pan it went, and into my oven. 

Time went by and it was smelling pretty good. ;) 

So I checked on it right before the alloted outting time of the stuff.

It was bubbling like a stew.

I stood confused

Left it in for a little bit longer..

Checked, and still, it's bubbling like a stew.

I have a conversation with myself.. "Sheri, if we leave this in there any longer it's going to be burnt and we'll never get the pan cleaned, and we need this pan for other brownies, cuz, you know your brownie obsession and all"

So, I convinced myself to take it out.  I let it cool for a bit and it was swimming in vegan butter.

Gross

I then proceeded to soak it off of there and call it a fail because no one but me would even attempt to eat this.

However, like I said - after it cooled I did try it, and the gooey fudgy mass was yummy, but not 'brownie' enough to call it a piece of workable, edible art.

So - these particular guys are out of the running, but I promise not to leave anyone hanging with no brownies in my cookbook - trust me, you'll get these babies, but you'll get the ones that work.

My fail - well, I'll just keep those calories to myself. ;)

Stay tuned because I'm about to RE-try an old fail of mine that I've not attempted for over a year.   With the extra knowledge that I have gained I do believe that this RoVL attempt will make it into the books.

Friday is the big day.. I'm making them for my big double date with the girl, and the bff and bfh and bff jr.  

The unveil - comes tomorrow...

Stay tuned!

Music enjoyed while cooking:  The Highway

Current Motivation:  Taking a moment - because I have one.

Current Craving:  Something with gravy.

Recipe 30, My love to St. Patrick, or Green Tea Cupcakes.

I am reminded of nothing here.   Nope.  I was trying to be witty, but I really have nothing in mind.   Let’s talk ‘Green Tea’ shall we?   How Irish is that?  (Shouldn’t I be making Irish Cream?)

Anyhoo, Green Tea, I drink it, everyday.  I mix it with white tea and kuchika tea and a bunch of other herbs that are good for all  kinds of stuff.   

Let’s look at some green tea origins, shall we?

“Tea consumption has its legendary origins in China of more than 4,000 years ago. Green tea has been used as both a beverage and a method of traditional medicine in most of Asia, including China, Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam, Korea and Thailand, to help everything from controlling bleeding and helping heal wounds to regulating body temperature, blood sugar and promoting digestion. A book written in the Tang dynasty in china is considered one of the most important in the history of green tea. The book was written by Lu Yu and is called the "Tea Classic" or "Cha Jing". It was written between 600 and 900 AD and spoke about exactly how and where one should enjoy a fine cup of green tea. The Kissa Yojoki (Book of Tea), written by Zen priest Eisai in 1191, describes how drinking green tea can have a positive effect on the five vital organs, especially the heart. The book discusses tea's medicinal qualities, which include easing the effects of alcohol, acting as a stimulant, curing blotchiness, quenching thirst, eliminating indigestion, curing beriberi disease, preventing fatigue, and improving urinary and brain function. Part One also explains the shapes of tea plants, tea flowers, and tea leaves, and covers how to grow tea plants and process tea leaves. In Part Two, the book discusses the specific dosage and method required for individual physical ailments.”

Oh how nice.. which is why we’re going to un-doctor it up and make it into a sugary snack.. to create, the green of green… GREEN TEA CUPCAKES!

Ah green tea cupcakes.  Filled with buttercream icing and eggs and butter… ah so vegan.

                                                 NOT

Let’s do some numbers:

Green Tea  Cupcakes                             St. Vegan’s Teacakes

Calories –  171                                                   150
Total Fat  - 6.9                                                     5.4
Cholesterol  - 11                                                  0mg
Sodium  - 174                                                     167

Total Carbohydrate – 24.4                                  22.6
Dietary Fiber  0.3                                                0.5
Protien – 2.9                                                        1.5
ww pts:     5                                                          4

Okey dokey.

So, now that this is all down, I have to quickly throw together  this baby in record time.. (as I feel  late since my last cheffaronying was Tuesday).   My cupcakes are going to be minicakes which is why I’m calling them teacakes, respectively.  I am sure I’ll have a ton and a half left after the victims try (unless they love them so much they keep most). ..  I’m thinking a trip to the office might they have if I have lots left over.  Who knows?

Anyway,  I made my own matcha (thanks to the use of the food crusher at the girlfriend’s abode) , and tomorrow night I will be baking, like the perfect lil vegan baker/chef I am.

Stay tuned, the green tea veganization happens on good ol’ St Patty’s day!

*Kisses you if you’re Irish, maybe*.

Music  enjoyed while blogging:

Not a thing.

Current Motivation:

I need to workout

Current Craving:

Spaghetti and vegan meatballs.

for the love of whhoooo??

Ah love..

"It’s that time of yeaaar when the world falls in love every song you heeeaar seems to say…"  - oh, wrong holiday.

It’s almost Valentines Day, folks, which means I’m hot on the trail of making candy for those special girls in my life.   <3

Baby Mama,  Baby.. and I’ve added in BFF and BFF Jr to the mix now!   Specialteedoo!  Although Baby Mama is slaving over her oven skills to make me dinner in exchange for yummified vegan filled chocolates on Saturday night.   (I’m such a lucky duckie!)

And for MY lucky duckies?   An array of fine, filled, fantabulous chocolates!

Real raspberry swirled chocolate owl pops for the kiddos, and hello… dark chocolate filled with:

Raspberry

Cashew Cream

Caramel

Rosewater Ganache

And.. CHERRIES!

All vegan, all day long.

;)

Oh Hallmark’s got nuthin’ on me!!

Let’s do some numbers shall we?   I’m basing these off popular brands, so if you see a brand you know.. duh, that’s why!

Ghiradelli Raspberry Crowns                           Vegan Raspberry Truffles

Calories 200                                                                                          168

Total Fat 12g                                                                                         10

Cholesterol 0g                                                                                        0

Sodium 20mg                                                                                        20          

Total Carbohydrate  29g                                                                          15

Dietary Fiber  2g                                                                                     2

WW Pts:  5                                                                                            4

Generic Cashew Cream Chocolates            Vegan Cashew Cream Chocolates

Calories 280                                                                                         220

Total Fat 16g                                                                                         12

Cholesterol 50g                                                                                      0

Sodium 35mg                                                                                         30            

Total Carbohydrate 25g                                                                          18

Dietary Fiber  1g                                                                                    1
ww pts:     7                                                                                           5

Carmello Squares                                                         Vegan Caramel Truffles

Calories 220                                                                                          185

Total Fat 12g                                                                                           8

Cholesterol 10g                                                                                        0

Sodium 60mg                                                                                         50              

Total Carbohydrate  27g                                                                           22

Dietary Fiber  1g                                                                                      1

WW Pts:   6                                                                                            5

Chocolate Truffles                                  Vegan Rosewater Chocolate Truffles

Calories 210                                                                                            55

Total Fat 12g                                                                                             6

Cholesterol 0g                                                                                           0

Sodium 52mg                                                                                            24        

Total Carbohydrate  29g                                                                              18

Dietary Fiber  2g                                                                                        2

WW Pts:   6                                                                                             4

Cherry Cordials                                        Vegan Cherry Cordials

Calories 150                                                                                  85

Total Fat 5g                                                                                    3    

Cholesterol 50g                                                                              0

Sodium 140mg                                                                              65mg                               

Total Carbohydrate  25g                                                                18

Dietary Fiber  1g                                                                             1
WW Pts:  4                                                                                   3

So, now I have to get to cookin!

I’m making filling now – as we speak.   I want the filling to chill before I make the shells on Friday.   Oh I’ve got hearts, I’ve got truffle shells.. I have owls!!  I HAVE OWLS!!

Big love

So as I start out on this journey of sugar and love, where will it take me when it’s all done?

More sugar and love!  Only this time, the hugging kind!

Be jealous, be very jealous. 

Off to make filling!

Music listened to while blogging:  

A random array of whatever’s on Pandora.  (I’m busy, sue me).

Current Craving:

Something not sweet.

Current Motivation:

My lovelies!

Vegan Chocolate Mouse (Mousse) - Recipe 21 - Délicieux!!

MMMmmm..
Ok, à gauche is what the original Disney patisserie mousse looks like.   Mine, a lil bit different.   I don't have a nifty way to make it look all frilly, and I didn't make a white chocolate triangle.. what I DID do, was add chocolate non pariels (like they have there) and I put whipped cream on top  (vegan whipped cream!).. omyum!


I'd orginally planned to videotape this veganization (ala V-Log) and I did, but my video camera decided to quit on me.  :(  Sad.  So instead, I'm going to make you all happy to see me by vlogging my eating of the mousse.. (you'll like that, right?  It'll be like you're sitting there and enjoying it with me!)
What I do NOT eat, goes to my parents house tomorrow for dinner.  This was a request by my sister so she'll be the one doing the honors.. and maybe I can even get Megs to eat some.  We'll see!

Regardless, this was super duper easy.  My initial thought was to make this with bananas and avocadoes... but my sister has an avocado fear, so right now I thought I'd give her a break (THIS TIME.  {wicked laugh})    Melt, add, blend.. that's all!  It would have taken alot more work had it been a full fat mousse.  So look, better for you and alot easier to make!  How can you go wrong!?   

So, I sit here - with the Mickey ears on I had during the vlog, waiting for another hour to pass so that I can show you how lovely it is to eat.  That and it's in my grandma's crystal - so that's going to make it taste even better!   So I'll take over the time (because it's going to elapse really nicely for you folks) and find something else to do, I suppose.


Are you ready for this?   Here it is, here I am eating this vegan Disney chocolate 'mouse'. 

Not you, Ratatouille.. you can calm down now.

Anyway, here is what you've been waiting for.




ME!

You wanted it, it's silly, it's boring and I abuse my cat-child by pushing her off the table (please don't call 241-cats.. she really is very spoiled), but here it is!:

(oh, here's a game!  count how many times I say "anyway"... that might make it less boring!)


Now that you've gotten through that, I'll hold off on posting til I've gotten my victims thoughts on the subject.

MONDAY NIGHT
So, my sister had her 'mousse'.   As I mentioned at the table, it's more 'puddingy' than moussey... basically because it lacks the egg white 'whippy' stuff that makes mousse the whipped up stuff it is, but it was still yummy.   She liked it, even though she ate it w/o rice whip (I dunno why it's awesome that way).   There was a moment in time when my dad said it was too 'light' to be mousse... and she said 'cuz it's probably milk chocolate... and I did then call my sister a moron, because DUH!!!
;)
Milk chocolate... this is a VEGAN dish. :P
Anyway, if you can't be Frank (or Sheri for that matter) with your family, who can you be Frank (or Sheri) with?

Anyhoo - another successful veganization under my skin; maybe I'll take the leftovers to girls night tomorrow.. I bet Elena would like that!



And that is that!
Where will we be going next?
Well, we've been to the Magic Kingdom (DoleWhip)
We've been to Animal Kingdom (Expedition Everest Drink)
We've now been to Epcot's France (Chocolate Mousse)
We have another park to go to!!  We're going to take a visit to the studios and MY favorite restaraunt...  are you excited?
You'll have to wait!

Check me back in a couple of days!

xo

Music listened to while veganizing and eating:
Subsonic 56k (background - and you heard it, it was some spanish music!)

Current Craving:
A hug

Current Motivation:
DISNEY WORLD!

Be Our Guest. This time.. in France! (Well, the EPCOT version!)

Okay,
Considering half of my vacationly life has been spent in one Disney park or another, it only goes to say that I would have to throw more Disney in my veganizations than not, correct?
                                             Correct.
So to make Disney month at RoVL a sucess.. for our second veganization, we start hitting the side parks (and eateries) around Disney.  Considering we've already traveled to The Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom for our NYE veganization, this week, we're hitting EPCOT! Specifically World Showcase.  Even MORE Specifically France!   Not only that.. THIS WEEK the sister has mentioned the D-Word several times to me. (!!!<3!!!) that's right!  We're planning the new Tower Of Terror run at the studios in September.  This run WAS created for me, all!  Those funky Imagineers said "Oh ok, ok, it's time to create a run for our biggest fan, Ms Sheri."  (C'mon now, who do you know that would get anymore excited than me to possibly run into several villains along a dark running route? Not to mention I cannot stand the excitement of the wait now...  DUH).  I'd much rather run into my favorite villains than a one Mr. Augustus Kroll (yup, won't be doing that run again.) Ah, WDW, your princess is coming home again soon!  :)

Anywho, let's get back to this weeks veganization, shall we?

Take a walk with me through the yellowpages of Google, and find this stunning snippet of the France pavillion in EPCOT's World Showcase.

"The France Pavilion is a cultural area within Epcot theme park where Guests of all ages can experience the art, cuisine and the charm of France.
Be transported across the Atlantic and travel the streets of Paris and the provinces of France during an era known as La Belle Epoque, or "the beautiful time." Beautiful gardens, quaint shops and architecture full of character, along with a scaled-down replica of the Eiffel Tower, suggest an air of French life. 
Attraction: Take a stunning panoramic journey through France during the motion picture, Impressions de France. With its inspirational music and magnificent views of the French countryside, this film at the the comfortable, relaxing Palais du Cinema is a not to be missed.
Dining: Dine at delectable bakeries and two outstanding restaurants: Bistro de Paris and Les Chefs de France

Entertainment: Enjoy hilarious entertainment with Serveur Amusant. 

Shopping: Visit the marketplace and shops carrying fine French goods such as designer fragrances, soaps, cosmetics, wines, dinnerware and kitchen accessories." 

Ok,  

Tucked inside this little pavillion is something they've not mentioned above.. a cute little place called Boulangerie Patisserie.    It's a stop every time I've gone here.  They have the most TO DIE FOR Chocolate Mousse you ever put in your mouth.   I'm serious folks.  If you've had it, you know what I'm talking about.  It's just the right consistency, flavor, etc.   So, it's in my power to make this happen on over to the vegan world.. simply because.

WHY NOT IT'S YUM!?!

I bet Belle would eat it... ;)

We need a name.. we need a REALLY good name.  Chocolate Mousse doesn't cut it.   How about 'Vegan Chocolat Mouse'  Why not?  Why NOT I say.  It's Disney.  It's Do-able.

But let's ask a REAL 'little' chef for the numbers, shall we?

Chocolat mouse?  But I'm a rat.. don't push me in this soup!

Patisserie Chocolate Mousse                                            Vegan Chocolat Mouse
       1 cup                                                                              1 cup
Calories  - 331                                                                      179
Fat  - 25g                                                                                9g                                            
Cholesterol  - 143mg                                                               0                           
Sodium - 45mg                                                                    35mg                                                       
Carbohydrates  - 29g                                                             19g                                
Fiber   - 2.2g                                                                          1g
Protien - 3.5g                                                                         4.2g
WW Pts - 10                                                                           5

Okey Dokey artichokey.
So, since my sister requested this one, I'm making it for her.   I'll make it on Sunday and she'll suck it down on Monday.   She'll ask for more too. ;)
I thought I might make her reaal paranoid and make it with Avocado, but since I'm nice (since she's apparantly avocadophobic and I'm not sure how that is, since we're related and anything Avocado to me is like anything Disney... GEEEVE IT TOO MEE.) I'm not going to do that.  Instead, I'll find something else.  But one of these days, an avocado is going to creep up in something she eats and she'll have no idea!

Dessert - is ON THE MENU, and  I'm going to leave you with this message until we meet again.. please enjoy. 





Music Enjoyed while blogging:  
The Air.

Current Craving:
Chocolate

Current Motivation:
Exhaustion

The Egg to the Nog - Recipe 18 - Vegan Eggnog Ice Cream (and sidenote, crazy cookie day!)

So, simplicity rules here... maybe this is why I'm going for the not-so-simple, cookie party day tomorrow!
This recipe was sooo easy, I could probably do it once again with my eyes closed.   Now, I've NEVER been an eggnog fan, but I know Benny is, and I used to (as I said once before) make him real eggnog ice cream for Christmas, but this year - he got the vegan kind, and he didn't seem any the dissapointed.  He ate all of it.     Even my baby mama (who's like me and isn't an eggnog person) had a bowl!

There's my baby mama >>>>  Isn't she pretty?   Luff her.  <3  I think she was saying:  "mmmmm".  Lol.
So, regardless.  Vegan eggnog ice cream was a success.. which is actually a really big deal because it's not extremely easy to veganize anything 'eggnog' related.  Shoot, listen to the word "EGGnog".. it's not even close to 'vegan'.  Then you add 'cream' into the mix?   So not vegan.  But as I said.  Easy peasy.   The hardest part was to make sure it thickened right to churn it into an ice cream consistency.   I utilized cashews of all things.. and guess what?  It did the trick! (Now I wonder if I should have used cashews for that peppermint pie?  Hhhmmm.)

Ye olde churner, the Kitchenaid!

So cooking, cooling, churning, eating..  it's just that easy, and I'm totally ready to make ice cream now!   Just need someone besides myself to make it for!
 Not only was my ice cream the star last night, my Lori made us the best ever vegan chicken and dumplings.  Yum x 239273192732966.  I just ate my leftovers for lunch today.  She's such a good chef, my baby mama.  Very soon she's going to be one of my un-celebrity chefs in a chili cookoff.. oh very soon!

So, now what?  Ala Christmas cookie baking party day - which is tomorrow (as I'm writing this here on Saturday).  This should be fun, so long as my un-celebrity chefs Vicki, Megan, Amy and I don't kill eachother in my sister's tiny kitchen.     Guess I had better get the video camera ready - so someone can video tape me.. :P  Ok, I can videotape my sister who's doing something awesome for me, and veganizing peanut butter kiss cookies.   Can't ask for a better gift than that!!  Those are my FAVE!
Til later!
*******************************************************************************

COOKIE DAY


  Would you look at that there?  That cute lil spread?
Cookie day was fun.  What you're looking at here is L-R:
Vicki's (The sister): Chocolate peanut butter chip cookies.  Bottom middle:  MY chocolate chip cookies.  Right:  My sugar cookies. Top: Oatmeal CC Raisin Cookies (made specifically for Sandra) and right in the middle:  The sister's peanut butter kisses.   These are ALL vegan!  :)  This spread is going to our ornament party at work on Tuesday.  The rest, to whomever wants it.  I'm sugared out.

You may notice, that the gingerbread is missing.  It's not because I didn't make them.. but for some reason they turned out so thin, and so breakable that they were pretty much rendered useless by the time I got them home.. but here they are, all packed up and ready to go.

Regardless, the neice even got into the mix making brownies for school. 
Envision with me, if you will.. 3 Kitchenaid mixers (one 'olive' color from the 1400's - ok 1970's) all mixing at once.  I'm surpised we didn't blow a fuse!  So as I made sugar cookies, oatmeal chocolate chip cookies and gingerbread, the sister was making peanut butter kisses.. and she'd also made a few others the day before.  Something with hot peppers in it, which didn't taste all that well (probably because it had splenda in it - which, ew.) but they DID have a kick at the end.    And Amy made something called 'Devil Dogs' which were devils food cake with a cream on them and chocolate sauce.   These ended up going to my father, and some kids at school tomorrow (for my neice).   SO NOT VEGAN! ;)

Anyway - there's the group there.  Ignore the weird look on my sister's face.  I am not quite sure what she was doing at this point.  
Regardless, I don't have alot to say about this cookie thing.. probably because I'm on some weird sugar high I don't want to be having.   It was fun.. it was tasty.. it was fantasimo. My cookies were a hit... so were everyone elses.  Even Megan was stealing some of my chocolate chip dough.. (which is surprising because she's such a picky pants.)  

It's time to let this veganization go with the cold cold wind... what's next week? 
CHRISTMAS BREAKFAST!
I know I'll be busy on Saturday night prepping the breads for it, but the rest of it will be made on Christmas morning.  My sister and I will be slaving away in the kitchen, making noise while my dad attempts to sleep, while my mommy is in church.  It should be fun.
Prep info coming soon.    Right now I'm taking my pigtails out and going to enjoy Alton Brown on TV.
Have a lovely up-coming week.

Music enjoyed while baking and writing:
Christmas music on TV
Good Eats

Current Motivation:
The sugar high I'm on


Current Craving:
ANYTHING w/o sugar!

Happy Halloween! Recipe 11, Vegan pumpkin-cream cheese cupcakes!

clyde, stil in one piece.

Let it begin.

No, actually - let it end.   I don't want to talk about the destruction that befell me at the Run Like Hell (5k thru a graveyard) this weekend..   Instead - let's talk about my veganization!

Cupcakes.. made from pumpkin guts!  Woot.  So, it started.  I brought Aleesa and Clyde in from the cold.  Clyde, because he was about to die.  Aleesa - because tomorrow is the night she'd get smashed if it were going to happen.   Good ol' cabbage night.
Everything started out correctly.. and amazingly - ended correctly!   It was a little painful at first.  Clyde would NOT cut open.  It was just agonizing.  I'm sure it's because he was cold.. it got plain chilly out last night.  (I was in it, running, I know.)   I had planned for this to go a little smoother though, the cutting part at least.

Clyde, de-gutted and seeded.

                                   
After I finally got him in a half, I pulled out the guts, and the seeds (and roasted them!)  And had planned to boil his pieces.. well, that didn't happen.  I had to skin him to boil him, and after a mini breakdown at my sink with every peeler I had (because we all know that the one thing that terrfies me most in life is peeling stuff!)  I gave up, and turned the oven on to bake the bugger.  This meant I had to cut him in fourths.. which was equally as painful as cutting him in half.. but it went fine.

after my mini breakdown with every peeler in my kitchen.

So, I baked him - and his seeds.. and after about 45 mins scooped the orange deliciousness out into my blender.. and made - voila, instant (not from a can) pumpkin puree!!  (and burnt myself in the process!!)   From that point it was time to mix these babies into cupcake batter.



So, it was time to gather the stuff.  I measured out Clyde (who is now puree) and he measured up exactly to what I needed.. then I pulled out the spices and the other stuff,  and it was easy peasy from that point.  The thing that took the longest was putting the batter  in the lil cupcake cups.  I digress.. it was still simple.

Clyde, as puree.

Off to baking, I made the cream cheese icing - which is delish!
Once the first group was out - (this seriuosly made 72 cupcakes)..  I started icing.   Of course, you already know I had to have one, right?   DUH.
Um - YUM!?  (I sometimes impress me.)

OMYUM.

So, the 72 are baked, iced and ready to be devoured by my zombiefied office mates - that is, if they're brave enough to eat a vegan treat or two.  No matter though because if they aren't I believe I know several other people who would be glad to inhale a dozen bite sized, fresh pumpkin cupcakes with vegan cream cheese icing.  But all I have to say - is if you're not brave enough, you're going to be missing out on something... well, AWESOME!


So, until Monday - I'll close here and try to get some real serious sleep.   I'll be back to post pictures of the layout and the effects that these cupcakes had on the brave office people that tried them...  til then.  Have lovely dreams.

- MONDAY - HALLOWEEN!!  (DUNN DUNNN DUUUUNNNNN!!!)

going like hotcakes!?

"She's cute and she cooks"... uttered Cindy.
"OMG these are awesome".. Debra said with her eyes rolling back in her head. (coming back again and again for more - she also took the last 8 home with her for her peeps..)
"Good, and not too sweet, just the way I like it".. I heard Sam say in his office. (Who later came back and took 6 in one setting - and CLAIMED he was giving more to Cindy and Amanda.;) Later I heard Cindy did NOT have a second - Debra stole one from Sam who ate four out of those six.  I didn't keep track of who won the "I ate the most" title, however if I had my guess, it was Debra! )
"Oh these are wonderful".. Barb ran back in to tell me... Barb wants to steal my recipe - she even begged for it, bless her heart!!
"These are good!".. Lori retorted. And later on we had a convo about how she's pleasantly surprised at the experience she had with these little darlings that have tofu in them (I guess she's had some not -so-great tofu experiences).
Hats off to Deanna for being braver than Connie who never did come back and get one!
Tina P. was enticed with "Yumm!"
Tina F. thought they were "Delicious!"
"Man those are good!" - Amanda hollered. (and she stole more later - vying for the title of having the most cupcakes vs Debra and Sam)
Linda had one and replied with an ever so hearty.."Thank You!!"
Christy was excited to jump into one!
Kyle came in just as I put a fresh batch out with an 'oooh this sounds good!'
Chandy and her daughter were excited to try because they've heard how 'good' they were.

Just some of the feedback I received at work from this latest veganization... now, the real question is - out of the full 40 that I put out - did I have any left?  Nope - I got one, and gave the rest to Debra.   Go her.  I'll have to find out if her peeps enjoyed them later on.

**As for yours truly **

So.  I dressed up to channel Tippi Hedren (The Birds, 1963).  However, my largest bird fell off and the smaller one wasn't cooperating, so I just dealt with my mini crows.  One on my hat and the other on my collar.. and of course, the blood where they'd pecked at me.    :P   The gloves I wore were hard to type in, but other than that, I did ok (save for the fact that I like to sit in easy pose in my office chair, and that's impossible in 3 inch heels, a mini dress with a crinoiline and skin colored fishnets, but I digress.. it's all good. I survived.. BARELY, but I survived.

Best i could do when I'm the only one taking a pic of myself!

I certainly hope everyone had a frighteningly good Halloween!  Don't eat too much sugar now - save some for the Christmas holiday!

Music enjoyed while cooking and writing this blog:
Ella Fitzgerald - This Time The Dream's On me
Doris Day - The Very Thought Of you
Carmen McRay -  If You Never Fall In Love With Me
Gene Krupa - Drummin Man
Frank Sinartra - I get along without you very well
Bobby Darin - Hello Dolly!
Frank Sinatra Jr - Sunrise in the Morning
Frank Sinatra - The Lady Is A tramp
Chet Baker - The Song Is You
Hoagy Carmichael - Skylark
Billie Holiday - I'll Be Seeing You
Benny Goodman - And The Angels Sing
Etta James - At Last
Steve Lawremce - More
Sammy Davis Jr - Over The Rainbow
Sarah Vaughan - Loverman
Rosemary Clooney and Duke Ellington - Mood Indigo
Mildred Bailey- Sunday, Monday or always
(I absolutely adore my 'old standards' Pandora channel... especially when I'm feeling scared and low.)

Current Craving - Peace, white light.. anything that removes this amazingly un-holy, and un-human "thing" from me. :( :(  And honestly peeps.. I'm not trying to be Halloween scary.  I had (and am still having) a moment (several, really) with a very real, very evil spirit this weekend.

Current Motivation - The bravery of my un-vegan co-workers! (BEWARE.. I have two years of this - more goodies are on their way!)