Salt & Lime Tortilla Chips with Strawberry Avocado Salsa
I’ve got bad habits. So do you. But this is about me, as things almost always are. See, there’s one bad habit. Here’s a few more: I stack the recycling on the bench in the garage until cereal boxes, empty bean tins and maple syrup jugs are toppling over onto the floor rather than taking them out to the recycling can on the side of the house. Hey, it’s raining. I flip over the towels in the guest bathroom instead of washing them. It’s... Read More
Banana Splits on a Stick
It’s hot! We’ve had record temps here in the Pacific Northwest for the last week. You aren’t getting any complaints from me, though. I dig walking to the gym instead of circling the parking lot in the rain for the closest spot to the door. You know you do it too. I dig pouring Pea Daddy the tiniest cup of coffee in the morning and the putting the rest in a jar in the fridge for a mid-afternoon iced coffee. I need it more than he does. I... Read More
Teriyaki Chickpea Stirfry
There was a small casualty today. It’s pretty much expected when I am trying too hard to do too much that something’s gotta give. Something besides just trading out the color of headband I wore to the gym and considering that “getting ready.” Or shaving with a squirt of Pea Daddy’s shaving cream and a dry razor. Ouch. I chaperoned Gigi’s field trip to the Oregon Garden today, but I was prepared. I got up extra early to pack lunches,... Read More
Spectacular Carrot Cake
I like birthdays. Last night I was in heaven as I sat on the couch in my free Alaskan Airlines t-shirt and washed out, grey boxer shorts with my recently pampered feet on the coffee table. I’d just done the unthinkably torturous act of rewinding and rewatching my favorite performances on Idol twice. There was a slice of cake on my left, a slice of “can’t complain because it’s not his birthday” husband on my right. It was then that... Read More
Secret Sourdough Donuts
Do you remember My Big Fat Greek Wedding? Me neither. But I do remember the Greek father’s go-to remedy for everything. Got a zit? Got a rash? Got poison ivy? “Put some Windex on it!” Well, my sourdough starter has become my Windex. Want some pizza? Want some pancakes? Want some muffins? “Put some sourdough starter in it!” Sure, I’m excited about the health benefits for us about incorporating sourdough in our diets,... Read More
Nutty Cauliflower Wings with Buffalo BBQ Sauce
Where were you at 9:54 a.m. today? Did you hear a faint “Whoohoo!” coming from the West coast? (If you heard “Whoohoo!” at 3:02 p.m., it was Lulu. She found a black bean from her lunch burrito up her sleeve. Jackpot.) My yelp came when I was driving our crew over to a friend’s house for a visit and heard on the radio the results of a recent study that found that 33 is the happiest age for most people. I’m 33. For one more month. ... Read More
Spring Break Scenes & News for You
What a week. I need a nap. Our Spring Break has been full of: a) morning chess games. We’re super loose on the rules and the dress code. b) frightening field trips. When and why did my children become terrified of the carousel? c) afternoon crafts. Watercolors today. Peep wreaths tomorrow. d) grooming. Gigi’s toes in essie’s mink muffs. e) healthy snacks. Ants on a log, cut for those missing front teeth, and super... Read More
How To Make and Maintain Your Own Sourdough Starter
Have I dragged this out for you enough? Truth be told, I rarely go through rounds and rounds of testing when it comes to recipes. I’ve been pretty lucky, because I usually get things right the first time. Not so with the sourdough. My poor family choked down some pretty awful bread last week. But I think I’ve finally got it down. Let’s first discuss what’s so great about sourdough: 1. It’s delicious. Especially hot out of the... Read More
Baguette Butterflies
Can I give you a little encouragement today? That’s all this post is. Well, encouragement and a massive tease for the next recipe that’s coming at you. The message, though, aside from “come back in a day or two for a really, really delicious recipe” is to never doubt your ability to get what you want through creativity. Especially when it comes to feeding your kids (or other loved ones) healthy food. You know how I’ve been on that ”make... Read More
Dinner Tonight: Spaghetti Squash Casserole
My right eye won’t stop twitching today and it’s driving me insane. True insanity, according to Einstein is “doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” He’s right. I continuously flush hundreds of hours of my life down the drain watching The Bachelor expecting that it will strengthen my belief in long-lasting love and in the ability of women to develop genuine friendships with each other. Heh heh.... Read More
Caveman Cookies
I am a master negotiator. I think I’ve mentioned before that I got High Paper in my Negotiation class in law school. (Let’s not talk about my Federal Tax grade. I don’t have to tell you who fills out the returns in our house.) The key to a successful negotiation is to make the person on the other side think that you are completely caving in, when in actuality you aren’t giving up anything that truly impacts you at all. Suckers. Take,... Read More
Like Peanut Butter Cups. Only Better.
I bet you think you know what this is. And most days, you’d be right. We love peanut butter cups around here. They are super simple to make and totally delicious. Whenever we need a go-to quick treat, I get out the muffin tin and the chocolate and make peanut butter cups. I make people happy. Sunday night during the Oscars, I made people happy. We didn’t have a viewing party. Truth is, people who have kids don’t watch the... Read More
Better Spaghetti Sauce From a Jar
Remember when all you needed for dinner was a jar of sauce, a pound of ground beef and a package of pasta? But now you read all these “fancy” food blogs that have you rolling out your own raviolis, cutting out homemade goldfish crackers and toasting your own cinnamon crunch cereal. Who does that? Seriously, get a life. Or get a jar of sauce, a pound of tempeh and a package of pasta. Plus a few add-ins. And suddenly your spaghetti... Read More
Black Bean and Roasted Corn Nacho Bites with Avocado Crema
We took a trip to the local farm stand yesterday and the girls were in absolute heaven because I bought them fresh honey sticks. Gigi got grape. Lulu got strawberry. And after sucking most of the honey out of the straws, slobbering and smacking their way through, they wanted to trade. Uh, no. Because there are some things that just don’t seem right to share. (And I’m not talking about my chocolate stash—that’s just a hoarding situation,... Read More
25 Vegan Recipes for Your Super Bowl Party
I had to make a mad dash to the store last night for pineapple rings for our very last photo shoot for the new book: Pineapple Upside Down Muffins. Only I forgot pineapple on my massive grocery run. And then again on my second massive grocery run. And then again on my mini-grocery run. I am brilliant sometimes. As I walked the aisles of the store, blurry-eyed, cranky and on a mission for perfectly round rings to top my muffins, an older... Read More
Cauliflower Rice Paella
How are those New Years’ resolutions holding up? I didn’t make any because, as I like to say, I am on a constant journey of self-improvement. My husband wishes I would hurry up and get there already. One of the ways I’m trying to improve is by learning balance. And not to feel guilty about it. That’s the hard part. Would you want to punch me in the face if I said that before we went on vacation I found myself googling “How to not... Read More
Wannabe Recipea: Goldfish Crackers
Lulu might be taking her self-imposed lessons in empathy a little too far. Yesterday she sat in her baby doll stroller and rolled herself around the house, claiming to be in a wheelchair. I was going to put a kibosh on her game as being insensitive, but it came to a crashing end all on its own. Let’s just say our stairway is not up to ADA standards. Today she’s pretending that a pair of blue Minnie Mouse sunglasses are actual eyeglasses and... Read More
Wannabe Recipea: Chocolate Chip Zee Bars
There are lots of things I don’t get. Of course, that’s just a nice way of saying, here are some things I am going to complain about before I give you a recipe. We could be here awhile. But we won’t be, because incessant complaining is one thing I don’t get. It’s a cruel joke of fate that I could teach a master class on it, though. Such a wasted gift. #1 Thing I Don’t Get: Sweaters for Dogs Or rain slickers. Or any sort of outerwear. ... Read More
Wannabe Recipea: White Chocolate Cranberry-Kissed Cake
I’m trying really hard not to be cliché. Then again, maybe I’m just lazy. My hair for the day would confirm that. I’m going through an awkward stage which I’m attempting to mitigate with the tiniest ponytail you’ve ever seen and a headband. I look like I either just got my wig snatched on Jerry Springer or like I’m about to film a Proactiv commercial and am poised to go in for the big sink splash. The UPS guy came to do the door,... Read More
Gifts You Can Eat: Ranch Oyster Crackers
Just because you can do something, doesn’t mean you should. I find myself saying this a lot. “Look Mom, I can stick this whole Christmas ornament in my mouth!” It wasn’t a candy cane. And the ornament hook is still missing. That’s gonna leave a mark on the way out. “Look Honey, I can get free shipping on a Tommy Bahama dress for you for Hawaii!” Perfect. I’ll look lovely in it while I crochet doilies on the plane... Read More
For Santa: No Bake Snowball Cookies
I haven’t been fully working this Santa thing to my advantage. We haven’t gone and seen him yet this year, and I’d be surprised if we do. I’d also be surprised if I make gingerbread men for our tree or mail out our Christmas cards. The Christmas card thing would be especially surprising since I never ordered any. So, friends and family, consider this your Christmas card/newsletter nearly every day of the year. Merry Christmas! But back... Read More
Everyday Eats: Sugar Cookie Smoothie
It’s about to get cheeky in here. I’ve been working hard to get in bikini shape before we go to Hawaii right after the New Year. Really hard. So hard in fact that I let a friend talk me out of buying my usual safe, skirted swimsuit bottoms and into something just a tad less modest. I thought skirted bottoms were retro. Turns out they might just be a bit more coverage than what I need. But what a deal! Twice the fabric for the same... Read More
Dinner Tonight: Shepherd’s Pie
Last week, I was driving down the road with the girls, doing some last-minute grocery shopping and listening to Christmas music when a commercial came on. Lulu had just pointed out that she “hates” Christmas music. She’s getting coal in her stocking. Which makes shopping a cinch. The commercial was for Hellman’s Mayonnaise and the voiceover was by Mark Consuelos. I like to say Spanish words and names in a full Spanish accent, mostly... Read More
This Thanksgiving: Roasted Garlic and Herb Smashed Potatoes and Gravy
Want to know how to make the best mashed potatoes you’ve ever had in your life? Peel and boil your potatoes, mash them with heavy cream and then stick them in a crockpot for a few hours with an entire block of cream cheese and an entire stick of butter. At least that’s what my grandma did. I’d fill my plate half full, go back for seconds and then have another heaping bowlful for dessert. We don’t need no stinking pie. Oh, Grandma. She... Read More
This Thanksgiving: Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Pie
If you are confused by the previous post “Dog,” please know that Lulu had a hold of my iPhone while I was making dinner. Imagine my surprise as I’m going through my Google Reader and see a new post from…me. I kind of have to leave that post up out of respect because I’m not even sure I know how to blog from my phone. And she’s racked up more comments with less words and photos than I have ever seen. Mad respect. And... Read More
New and Improved: Pumpkin Molasses Cookie Dough Balls
It’s not too late to carve pumpkins, is it? Please say yes. I’m not a big fan. Knives. Slippery round buggers. Goo. Lots of goo. The actual requirement of some form of artistic ability. I was not blessed in that department. Pea Daddy most definitely was, though I question his knife skills. (Don’t ask about the time when I was eight months pregnant with Gigi and he passed out after barely nicking himself slicing a bagel. I had very... Read More
This Thanksgiving: Cornbread Dressing with Tempeh Bacon, Cherries and Portabella Mushrooms
My house smells like Thanksgiving. Believe me, this is a vast improvement over the norm. Actually, believe my friend Deb, this is a vast improvement over the norm. Deb and I have the kind of closeness that means we can let ourselves into each other’s homes to borrow necessary ingredients or to leave unwanted pets when the other isn’t home. She keeps giving Pea Kitty back. Unfortunately, I have the terrible luck of Deb letting herself into... Read More
Vegan Values: Pumpkin Protein Bars & Homemade Lattes
Pea Daddy is such a diplomat. We’ve been talking a bit about our finances lately, trying to figure out the best way to set money aside for both the girls for college, pay off our school loans, and really be wise with our choices. I have to admit, I’ve gotten a little lazy when it comes to the “being wise with our choices” part. I blame changing seasons, seasonal flavors and sweater season. Curse you, Fall. Enter Mr. Subtle. Pea Daddy... Read More
“Eat Cake For Breakfast” and Other Lessons I’ve Learned
Do you need a reason to bake a cake? I’ll give you one. Or four. The weekend is over. Shoot. It’s Monday. Double shoot. There’s Monday Night Football on tonight. (Make of that what you will.) And then there’s the reason I did: today marks two full years of Peas and Thank You. (Can I use the “Terrible Twos” as an excuse for any forthcoming posts?) It seems like we’ve known each other so much longer than two years,... Read More
Thrive Foods in Your Future (GIVEAWAY)
I’m going to go all Back To The Future on you. Pea Daddy and I had a lengthy discussion about Back To The Future during last night’s Modern Family episode, when Mitchell and Cam were mistakenly seeing the yet-to-be-released Muppet Movie. I said, “They’re pulling a Back To The Future on us.” He replied, “Actually, it’d be Back To The Future 2.” Passionate debating ensued. It keeps the spark alive, people. He was right. (This time.)... Read More
Postcard From the Peas: San Diego, Day 1
I’ve never taken the family on a “work” trip with me before. (Is this really work? You’ll never hear me complain about it, promise. But my boss…man, she’s a piece of work.) With previous trips, it just wasn’t convenient to miss school, miss work and find someone else to clean up Pea Kitty’s puke just to spend 48 hours in a different city. But when this San Diego trip came up, it seemed like a great idea to turn a “business”... Read More
Recipeas Worth Repeating: Pumpkin Pie Smoothies
Let’s just wait a minute and take a deep breath before we jump into October. Or as I like to call it, Socktober. Rain and bare feet don’t mix. Mark my words, we’re retiring the flip flops for the season. But not until we get back from vacation. Or work-cation. We’re taking a little trip to San Diego mid-week to attend and cook at The Gourmet Experience cooking expo. Fabio from Top Chef is going to be there. I want to make him... Read More
Wannabe Recipea: Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake
I don’t even know what a Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake is. But Lauren does. And she emailed me and asked me to make one. Today seemed like as good a day as any. Do you ever wake up and the sun feels like it is shining directly on you? And there’s no specific reason, but you just feel happy to just be alive? I live for days like today. It was day six for me without coffee. No one died. Praise God! My child told me that she hates the cat... Read More
Recipeas Worth Repeating: My Favorite Green Juice
There’s something I need to tell you. You probably already know. If my Tweets featuring homemade Pumpkin Spice Lattes didn’t give it away, the griping about my 4:30 a.m. radio interviews accompanied by shots of my new French press surely did. I had a full-on coffee relapse. A 12 oz. cup before my interviews. A grande Americano while “working” at Starbucks during Lulu’s preschool. Another 12 oz. afternoon pick-me-up before ballet... Read More
Thinking Outside the Lunchbox: Tofu Dippers
I have goals for this school year. I am determined to have Gigi complete her homework of reading aloud for 20 minutes each night, even though it pains me considerably. She’s a great reader, she just chooses biographies that are about three levels too advanced for her. I had to explain what both “slavery” and “horse liniments” were today. Now that’s homework. I am committed to making sure that Gigi maintains her innocence despite... Read More
Cure for the Common Cold: Apple Cider Donuts
Lulu officially has Gigi’s cold. One week of sharing safety scissors, glue sticks, water fountains and boogered up monkey bars was all it took. I’m throwing back Vitamin C like Tic Tacs. Don’t jinx me. Sometimes I think the girls like to get these little colds. They get their own personal Kleenex boxes that they decorate with markers and stickers. Lulu’s box has a nice barrage of anti-meat messages from VegFest yesterday plastered... Read More
Dinner Tonight: Slow Cooker Seitan Carnitas
I’ve been so excited for this all day. The type of recipes I seem to get asked for most are slow cooker recipes. I haven’t always been a big fan. But now, I totally get it. My life is busy too, between carpooling to and from school, soccer, ballet and running to the store for the third time this week to get apple juice because nobody will drink the grape juice that I bought. Maybe it was fermented. Maybe I shouldn’t have dumped it... Read More
A Little Advice and Thai Fried Quinoa
Don’t think a gentle morning jog will stretch out an aching back. Don’t then think a few sets of power squats will loosen up a massively throbbing back. Do have exact change for the Swear Jar. Lulu won’t break a five. Don’t think lying on the living room floor while you are having back spasms will make them go away. Don’t think about what’s been on the living room floor in the last week. Do pick up some more carpet cleaner. Don’t... Read More
Cake On a Stick
Let’s just say I walked into Starbucks one morning last week. Better yet, let’s just say I never wrote this post bragging about how I gave up coffee. (Sometimes I should really keep my mouth shut.) So after getting up at 5 am to do a radio interview with someone in the Midwest who had unfairly already been up for hours and even more unfairly asked me on-air for a good gravy recipe, I needed a real cup of coffee. None of this weak sauce that... Read More
Dinner Tonight: Cauliflower Cacciatore
I have to fill you in at some point on all that went down at the Vegan Vida Conference this weekend. About how star struck I was when I met Isa Chandra Moskowitz yesterday. And how embarrassed I was when the whole Pea family almost ran smack-dab into her when we came out of the bathroom today. Yes, all of us. In one bathroom. We were like clowns get out of a tiny car and trampling the coolest vegan cookbook author ever. About why for some reason,... Read More
