Notes From the Shoot: Weekend Edition
1. We’ve cooked and photographed 17 recipes in the past 5 days. My fridge is stuffed. And so am I.
2. Those are my photos of the recipes from the blog that we shot, not Ashley’s. Thank heavens she’s here.
3. If you recognize a favorite recipe from above and want to send me/leave me a quote to possibly be used in the new book, by all means, please do. If you want to come take any of the above out of my fridge, by all means, please do.
4. I haven’t done laundry in a week. I hope there is no occasion in the next few days when I lose my pants, because right now, I’m sporting the postpartum black and pink floral granny panties. Desperate times call for ugly underwear.
5. The girls have been hard at work entertaining themselves while the kitchen and breakfast nook have become war zones. They have a handful of games that have kept them occupied:
a) practicing their Woody Woodpecker laugh. Not a fan.
b) marrying off their stuffed animals and then taking and editing their own photos of the affair. I expect to see this on your Pinterest wedding board.
c) pretending to be yappy, whiny puppies needing rescued from the pound. This is Ashley’s favorite of them all. One more day here and she’s going to be asking me to tie her tubes for her.
6. We were able to wrap our shoot a little early yesterday and take a trip to Portland to see the sights. Okay, we just went to Voodoo Donuts and Powell’s. What else do you need?
7. Ashley talked me into leaving the house after 8 pm at night and going and seeing a friend’s band play at a local pub. She’s such a good influence.
8. Getting home and making cinnamon rolls after a long day of cooking, sightseeing and a wee bit of wine drinking seemed like a good idea. Then I saw the misshapen balls of not-at-all uniform dough in my fridge this morning.
Oops.
9. My family is just miserable with all this food around. Just miserable.
10. Something is going on with my hormones. And no, I’m not pregnant. But in addition to my breakdown Friday, I started bawling at the gym this morning when this song came on my iPod. “One day you’ll drop her off at preschool and she won’t even know you’re gone?” WAHHHHHHH. I liked him better when he was Hootie. Hootie didn’t make me cry.
11. After the puppy nuptials today, The Cat Bandit struck.
She took all of Lulu’s jewelry, hog-tied the dog and then Lulu said, “Oh no, she’s going to take my skirt!”
I’m not sure where she’ll strike again, but I’m keeping a tight hold on my pants.
12. Three more recipes to go and the book will be wrapped. That makes me so happy, I’m doing my Woody Woodpecker laugh.
“Ha-ha-ha-HAA-ha!”
When will it be available for purchase?
Sounds like a party!! Wish I were there to help you chow down.
I wish you were here to help entertain the girls AND chow down
what a fun weekend! and i agree… get me some donuts and i consider that a great day of sightseeing! excited for the new book
Those donuts are darn tasty.
Sounds like you have been quite busy!!! Do you think your crying episodes have anything to do with stress and/or lack of sleep? I know that always does it for me! I turn into a babbling fool!
I’ve actually been sleeping a lot, so I’m guessing it’s just stress
After reading this post and all of your tweets from these past couple days, it sounds like you two are having a great time! Well deserved by both of you. And it looks like you are having quite a delicious time as well! I definitely can’t wait for book number 2. In the meantime, I’ll have to eat some of the mint chocolate chip dough balls I made yesterday…..such a sacrifice!
Thanks, Lauren…mint chocolate dough balls? YUM!
lolol, sounds like fun times … and, since i have to give a presentation on the topic next week, stress influences hormone levels…
Well, that explains it. I’ve also been having leg cramps in the middle of the night and crazy dreams. Any correlation? Feel free to charge me for this consult.
wat a busy wknd! soo excited for your new book.. and the dumpling soup is my absolute favorite i make it every week! id prob make it more but everytime i crave it i dont have one ingredient lol, deff my fav, cant wait for my leftovers tomorrow noww lol
We have leftovers too…Day 3 and I’m fighting Gigi for them still!
Congratulations on what I’m sure was a harried and somewhat stressful, yet apparently successful and very FULL weekend! I am super excited for your new book!
Stupid Good. That is all. Apply it to any recipe you want as my quote. (In particular, mmmm sauce and zucchini quinoa lasagna, but yeah, all of them).
Love it. You had me laughing. Thanks!
Congrats Mama Pea! You’re almost done!
I made your raspberry oat bran muffins today. I made a few substitutions based off of what I had on hand…and they were amazing!! I actually halved the recipe and it turned out so wonderful! Thank you!
(How do you suggest I store them? I dont want them to dry out. )
I’m about to place an order for your book! So excited!!
When do you think your next book will be out?
You are amazing! Feel free to fed-ex some of your meals to me haha
I’m so glad you like those muffins. They are one of my favorites. I keep them in the fridge…I do that with almost all my baked goods and then I just warm them slightly if I want them a bit softer when I go to eat then again. Sadly, I don’t think the next book will be out until Spring 2013. So far away.
I honestly CAN’T WAIT!! Pre-ordering this one (just like the last!)
Thanks, Linds!
So glad to know a new book is coming soon!
(African Peanut Stew is in my crockpot as we speak, btw)
Your crockpot is lucky
OMG!!! I am breathless for you!!!
you are amazing!!! so excited for this book to come!!!
Thank you! I’m not amazing, just kind of crazy.
You continue to put a gigantic smile on my face – and I’ll admit I am also prone to laughing out loud at some of your posts – this one certainly didn’t disappoint!! You’re a gem and I LOVE that there’s another book on the horizon
and I love you too!!!
xoxo
Thanks, Momma B! Hope you are well. I’m sure you are already missing J in Mexico!
The food looks great!
I love the way you write, Sarah. It’s all hilarious! Sounds like you’d better watch out for that little mischievous cat. And your poor miserable family… I do feel bad for them… NOT! You wanna share a little of that guacamole?! My weakness…
In all seriousness, that is a ton of cooking. You must be wiped! Congrats on almost being done with your next book! What an accomplishment!
~Kristina (fitness coach)
Thanks, Kristina! I’ll have to make you some guac (here’s the recipe:http://peasandthankyou.com/recipage/?recipe_id=6000538). It is KILLER. Can’t wait to be done and have a little extra energy/time. For the gym, of course.
It’s even called almost Chipotle guac!!! OMG. Chipotle’s guac is goooood. Just curious, have you tried with fresh lime juice instead of fresh lemon juice?
Yup, in fact the batch we demolished yesterday was made with lime juice. Amazing!
I’m gonna try it! I love lime juice. Do you eat it with anything besides tortilla chips? I don’t do well with corn.
You could get rice chips, or make your own with brown rice tortillas (Trader Joe’s brand is excellent). Otherwise I just like it on top of a salad or believe it or not, with carrot sticks!
Mmm yes or maybe bell pepper wedges? Good call on the rice chips. I like to say “How would you like your rice today?” since everything is from rice in my life! haha. Rice vinegar, rice milk, brown rice, rice crackers, rice cakes, brown rice flour. Praise God for rice!
And now rice chips.
Lime. It’s on my list.
Congrats! You deserve it!
I am SO excited for your next book!! Congrats on all the hard work paying off! But I don’t know what you’re talking about, those cinnamon rolls look amazing! I’d eat em! ;p
Maybe it wasn’t the best angle. One looked like a minibon and one looked like the granddaddy of all.
Sounds like an awesome week
And you’re so right, there is little more we need in this world than some VooDoo donuts!
Have you had them? To die for!
I have! I’m generally not a donut person but it was one stop I had to make in Portland. That and Prasad
We went Blossoming Lotus for dinner
I can not wait until your cookbook comes out! Your recipeas have helped convince my family and friends that began meals can be delicious!
Mmmmmm, Tamale Pie. One of my fave recipes of yours. Congrats on getting close to the end! I’m SUPER excited about the second book.
“Desperate times call for ugly underwear.” I’m laughing way too hard at this.
hahaha
Don’t pretend you don’t know…
I would loooove to be in your fridge right now. Can’t wait for all the new recipes!
I’d love for you to clean out my fridge too. It’s ridiculous.
I’ve only had your book for a month and it already is stained and creased and kinda cruddy looking, which means it’s been well used. LOVE it. Can’t wait for the new book!
Also, made the cauliflower rice paella tonight, and it was a winner! I don’t really like cauliflower, and I had a huge one from the produce coop, so I needed to use it. This was perfect!
Wonderful! I am so happy to hear that you are loving the book and the paella. Score.
My daughter has a severe egg allergy. I purchased a donut pan soon after discovering your blog. Your apple cider donuts were Gracie’s first ever donut and are always a huge hit for breakfast. As a stay at home mom of three little ones, I appreciate your healthful approach to food that tastes great too. Looking forward to the next cookbook!!
Now this is an awesome quote! Thank you!
OK #4 is so speaking to me right now. especially after the “demonstration” of what i’ll be wearing after the birth in birthing class last week.
ugly panties it is!
Yeah, definitely bring ugly underwear
Your apple cider donuts are kid-, teacher-, and parent-approved. I have made them for family, weekend visitors, and both of my children’s preschool classes. Crumbs are usually the only evidence that I baked.
Sounds like a wild week and weekend, no wonder you are breaking down. I’m hoping your upcoming week is relaxing and you can take some time for yourself.
~Rebecca
What a sweet comment! Thank you!
Keep up the good work Mama! I hear you on the hormones, cried 4 times today, embrace it
We will eat anything, let me know if you want us to raid your fridge…
You have an excuse, though! Hope you got that Vitamix!
Wow, those cinnabuns look amazing.
The quinoa zucchini lasagna is delicious eye-candy! I wish I could eat a bowl of even just the quinoa every day.
My only regret is that a lot of your recipes are grain-based somehow
My body doesn’t appreciate grains unless I eat them after exercising.
I’m playing around with less grain-based recipes, since that seems to be all the rage. I’ll post any successes I come across.
Oh Sarah – I can’t wait till the new book comes out!
I know you’ve put a lot of heart into this endeavour. And I appreciate it! 
Your blog is what started me on my journey.
And for a quote on the Tempeh casserole…. OH MY WORD…. this is the best Mexican vegan meal I have ever made! My meat eating family loves it!
I’ll be doing the Snoopy dance for you when you wrap on this book! Hang in there my friend… the end is in sight!
Aww, Snoopy dance! Thanks, T!
The chickpea tacos are one of my favorite recipeas. My 18-month-old sous chef eats half of the chickpea mixture out of the bowl she is mixing before they are even cooked. <—can somehow be turned into a quote…or paraphrase? So cannot wait for the next book. Nor can my husband. He has earmarked nearly every page of the first book. (The pages that aren't earmarked are the ones that don't have recipes).
NICE! My girls do the same things with the chickpeas.
“Okay, we just went to Voodoo Donuts and Powell’s. What else do you need?”
That’s pretty much why I go to Portland.
That little chocolate donut guy with the pretzel stake through his chest? YUM!
I’ve actually never had that one! I always go for the ones topped with Oreos or cereal.
My absolutely favorite recipe of yours is the roasted chickpea tacos. I have four batches of the chickpeas in the fridge right this minute. I put them on salads for lunch, on brown rice for dinner, and in cute little bowls for a snack. Everyone in my family absolutely loves them, even the kitty who tried to steal one that I dropped on the floor this afternoon. I shooed him away and ate it myself. Please don’t judge.
Your kitty is a bandit too!
hahaha how do you do it!?! Seriously you must give yourself a pep talk every morning!
“I’m good enough, I’m smart enough, and gosh darn it…”
Oh you make me smile (and laugh although I can’t prefect the woodpecker laugh). So excited for you that you only have 3 more recipes to go. I can’t imagine how much work that has all been.
I must have desperate times everyday because my underwear situation is not pretty. Ha ha!
Sounds like a fabulous weekend, and I would be on your doorstep in a second if you were within driving distance.
Sounds like a marathon cooking and photo shoot session! not long to go now… keep up the good work. drooling over the cinnamon rolls
I’m looking forward to the next book! Any idea when it will be in print and available for sale?
The tentative date is Spring 2013. So far away!
Whew! You’ve had a doozie of a week/weekend. Sounds like the sugar’s keeping you sane though.
And now I want to make donuts bc of the one included above.
3+ recipes EACH day…for 5 days. 17 in total. My head is spinning because it’s not like the daylight is useable for 12 hours…there’s really only a very small window that it’s at it’s best and then, well, you better wait another 22 hours type thing. I don’t know how you ladies pulled it off, but bravo to you! I have no doubt the food and images are gorgeous!
I’d love a cinnamon bun, btw. They look delish!!!
Yup, we’ve got between about 9-2 each day, and certain little girls like to eat breakfast, lunch and snacks in between there. (and I don’t mean Ashley and I, though I guess we do too)
Wow, you are actually super human. If you didn’t cry, express emotion, I would have to think you are an android.
You really need to throw those panties out. I was elated the day I could throw out all pregnancy panties and yoga pants. Just do it. You will feel much better.
But then I’d have to be going commando now and that would be far, far worse.
1. Desperate times call for ugly underwear. –> best.quote.ever
2. I say to andrew all the time “I’m at the mercy of my hormones” -or- “I’m feeding my estrogen and progesterone..so stand back”
3. I lived in Portland for four years and never went to Voodoo..that is not ok.
M
That MUST be your first trip when you get back to the states. Admittedly, I hadn’t been before this trip there. That was a terrible mistake.
I can’t wait for your next book! I have never been disappointed in your creations!
Thank you, Robin!
I’m buying my plane ticket now to hop a plane and help your family eat all that delicious food…
Nearly there! Good luck with the last few recipes!!! And I really wish I could take you up on your offer to come and get some food from your fridge – almost worth a trip from England!
~Emily~
SO jealous you two got to hang out!! I can’t wait for the new cookbook! I’m hoping there are lots of Mexican dishes – I always love the ones you make. Well, I love everything you make. Not that I’ve actually tasted anything YOU have made, but ya know.
OK, clearly I’ve had two much coffee and it’s only 7:04 AM. Look out!
Oh man, pass some of that energy over here!
We dine on the roasted chickpea tacos in our home often. Delicious!
so happy that you are nearly done!
your kids are hilarious! I wish I was living closer so I could babysit them!
good luck with the rest of the shoot.
I want a cinammon roll now.
How exciting! I remember the time you were making a ton of recipes and Ashley was there shooting them for your first book! Can’t believe its the second one now! How awesome!
LOL sounds like a great weekend to me! That’s awesome that Ashley is there to help – she truly is a photography genius! Even though there’s been a bit of madness, as Darius Rucker says it won’t be like this for long! And I agree, I liked him better when he was Hootie and wanted me to hold his hand.
Good, you get it!
I have that same grey kitten! My mom bought it for me before college, since I was sad to leave my real grey kitty behind. That just made my day!
Is it a Kitty Bandit too? Hold onto your pants.
I can’t wait for your new book! Your pic reminded me of the dumpling soup..mmmmm…such comfort food. The smell is heavenly! Gotta make it again…
I see one of my favorite recipes in your photos ….known now in our household as Crack Cauliflower. My dad, a man who usually ate 3 pieces of lettuce and called it his veggies for the day, ate this with such enthusiasm, it was like an addiction! So, we made it 4 times during their winter visit. I heard our mom became his new supplier! Ha ha.
Looking forward to the new book. When???
Killer quote! The book won’t most likely come out until Spring 2013.
AGREED! It’s so flavorful and a cinch to prepare. I made it 3 days in a row, and ate each batch by myself (or with minimal help)!
Wine and donuts is a super fantastic combination, and probably the only way you were going to finish out the week.
Congrats on getting things wrapped up. I cannot wait for the book next year…you know the one that will be on the New York Times Bestseller list AGAIN.
How does that sound “2 time New York Times Bestseller”
You need your own show on Food Network….WAY more that The Pioneer Woman or Paula Deen.
You are so sweet, Rachel. And slightly delusional
Is it weird that I wish you were my mom, not just for the delicious food, but so that you would do my hair?!
Gigi and Lulu are so lucky! I have hair nearly to my waist and wish I knew how to braid and style it like theirs!
Wow, I bet it’s beautiful!
The line “Hootie didn’t make me cry” has me rolling!! Ha ha
I had kind of forgotten (blocked out?) that Woody Woodpecker laugh. But now, thanks to you, I will be hearing it in my head all day. What does it say about me that the voices in my head are Woody Woodpecker?
have fun with laundry….
I thought if I folded it, Pea Daddy would put it away. I’m still waiting.
“One more day here and she’s going to be asking me to tie her tubes for her.” I laughed out loud on this one, not good since I’m at work & supposed to be working! Thanks for the smiles & laughs everyday MP, I can hardly wait for the new book, I’ve cooked so much from the 1rst, I just love it!
My pleasure, thank you so much Sarah!
I’ll be over later to pick up some of those cinnamon rolls. I want to be miserable too!
I tried the chickpea tacos a couple of weeks ago and am making them again tonight, so here’s my comment on them: The roasted chickpea tacos have such amazing flavor that I make a double batch of the chickpeas and put them in everything–warm flatbread, salads, soups. They’re perfect for a quick go-to protein!
We do the same thing…such a great idea!
I hope you wore the black and pink floral grannie panties to the puppy wedding.
I am so jealous that you live in a city that has a place called Voodoo Doughnuts. DC has nothing that cool. Even our Real Housewives were too boring for TV!
One of my fave recipeas is in the picture (Chickpeas and Dumplings) but I can’t think of a pithy quote. I’ll noodle on it.
I second that Christine! We make the Chickpeas and Dumplings at least once a week. Vegans and non-vegans alike all love this dish.
I would eat Chickpeas and Dumplings every night if it were up to me.
I cannot wait to get your new cookbook! Is there a release date yet or is it too early for that? Your last cookbook was my go to Christmas gift (and loved by all I might add).
Spring 2013. I know that seems like such a long time away!
It does but I am sure it will be worth the wait
Looking forward to the new book!!
Sounds like so much fun – food, photography, and laughing!
Ahahahahaha – that picture of the cat bandit cracks me up so much.
I’m so excited for the new cookbook!!!
I’ll bet Pea Kitty is in cahoots with the Cat Bandit..
I keep trying to convince Ashley that she needs a cat.
You are making an impossibly busy schedule sound like waaay too much fun. And way too delicious, too.
Thanks, darling! One of the highlights of my week? Ashley turning me on to your blog! (oh yes she did!)
I’m hungry + I’m coming over.
Bring the dogs. Leave the flat iron.
I’m so excited for your book! It sounds like you’re nearly there, you must be so chuffed!
Love the granny panties imagery. I think we’ve all had a few of those days. At least, I hope – if not you and I can form a club
.
OMG…I’m doing my best to keep my composure at the coffee shop and not truly LOL!!! You make me laugh so hard. The cat bandit was the BEST!! Good luck on the last few days of the shoot! Can’t wait to see the final product.
Congratulations!
There are days when you emulate the patience of a saint! The cat struck at my house as well. All of Tinkerbell’s shoes were found nestled nicely in her bed
Is this the right time to tell you that my kids devoured your Apple Cider doughnuts and said they were the best doughnuts they’ve ever eaten – ever!?
Omg thanks for reminding me about Hootie!! Totally heading off to grooveshark now to add them to my playlist!
I’m sending you a bill Mama Pea, for all of my new kitchen “accessories”. I just HAD to run out and buy a donut pan. Had to. Like that day. I went to 4 stores to find one. I am originally from Upstate NY, and the town I’m from is known for their famous apple cider donuts. Deep fried, greasy, yummy donuts! When I saw your healthier version I knew I had to try it. I’ll tell you now that I’m the only vegan in my house. My 10 year old daughter thinks the word vegan is a cuss. These donuts are her favorite (well, after the PB dough balls). She loves them and begs me to make them. Thank you Mama Pea, for making our favorite foods in a healthier version, and for making my daughter a believer in the vegan way!
Hi Jennie,
Are you talking about the Cider Mill in Endicott, NY???
~Rebecca
Sounds like quite the week! I’m exhausted just reading about it
I don’t mind a cinnamon roll that isn’t uniform…those look delicious! Pass the tray my way!
Now, I think you earned a nap.
Or at least a cappuccino…like I just had
As part of my lunch today at work, I brought leftover Roasted Chickpeas(from our tacos last night). Our intern was wondering what I was eating. When I told her, she scrunched her nose up and said “ewww.” Turns out she has never had a Roasted Chickpea, Chickpeas, or hummus!! I finally convinced her to try one and guess what? She loved ‘em! By the end of the semester I plan to have her fully hooked on all your recipes!
Voo Doo donuts is a must if you go to Portland. Not that I have been but when I do come out there that is where I will go. Cannot wait for the second book.
When you come to Portland, I’ll meet you there!
Oh how I wish I was there, mainly to hang out with you and Ashley, Lulu and Gigi, but I’d also like to help clean out your fridge.
do you guys need some extra hands in the kitchen?? we will clean dishes
I am so, so excited for this second book. Not just for me (but yeah, for me), but also for your whole family. What a fun, memory-making project to be working on together. Also, Lulu is gorgeous and such a big kid now! I love your little family <3
We still need to plan a road trip up so the girls can meet your girls! Lulu would sneak Lulu home.
You are one busy mama! Can’t wait to see the new book and hope its just as successful as the last.
Also, you should make a book tour stop somewhere in Colorado….just sayin’!
I’d love to. In fact, we were just talking about coming out to CO to visit Ashley
Yea!! Tempeh Tamale Pie!! One of my absolute favorite recipes. If I’d had any more coffee this morning, I might write a quick ode to Tempeh Tamale Pie. As it is, I’m sure that my battered, stained print out will like a nice book version to receive some of my kitchen abuse.
We ate the whole pan in one sitting. I’m so glad I didn’t give any to the neighbors. Sorry neighbors!
Loved this! Those cinnamon rolls can gladly have a place to sit at my house…or better yet in my belly.
I think there is some commandment about thou shall feed hungry, poor, stressed out college students with delicious and nutritious food, and your recipes are just that =)
Don’t stress too much, Marissa! It’ll be over before you know it.
Also love your girls and how adorable they are, when many teenagers were up to no good…. I was still as a teenager marrying my stuffed animals to eachother or my friends stuffed animals. Here is to growing up and keeping the heart of a child <3
I made the Quinoa Zucchini Lasagna for my family this weekend and we all loved it. My son said it tasted like pizza and to be honest I wasn’t sure he would try it. He isn’t into anything creamy(with the exception of ice cream) and he ate it and enjoyed it.
I also made your Thai Veggie Burgers and wow–we love them too.
Thanks for your super bowl ideas. My husband grew up 20 minutes from Foxboro, MA so we are fans of the Patriots. and we will enjoy watching them play while eating some yummy vegan foods!
I love that your son liked the lasagna. Success! Thanks for all of your great feedback!
I’m so excited for the new book! Especially the pesto mmmm sauce!
Me too. I really think it will be even better than the first!
Oh my goodness – Darius Rucker’s “it won’t be like this for long”?? That song is on my running playlist for some odd reason and I always ball in the middle of my runs…. It’s not the hormones, it’s that song!
I’m glad it’s not just me. Geesh, Hootie!