"The world's favorite season is the spring. All things seem possible in May."

 I can't believe it's been over a month since I last posted...it sure doesn't feel like it! We have been keeping busy with outdoor projects, but the cooking continues (even if the meals have been simpler lately).

Southwest lasagna- Supermarket Vegan
A very simple lasagna, featuring corn, refried beans, salsa, and hominy. This was my first time using hominy, which appears to be soaked corn (but tastes much better than it sounds!). Billy and I both really liked this dinner.

 


 

Yellow Basmati Rice with Chickpeas- Supermarket Vegan

Another simple dish that really hits the spot. Basmati is my absolute favourite rice, it is so fragrant! So far, the cookbook does not disappoint.

Southwest Pasta- Supermarket Vegan

Pasta tossed with black beans, tomatoes, peppers and corn....it doesn't get any better. This pasta dish is very fresh!  

Banana Muffins- Skinny Bitch Ultimate Everyday Cookbook

LOVE these muffins! They've got a nice moist flavour with a cinnamon sugar topping. I left out the nuts so that I could eat them at work (nut free school). I was going to make them for our upcoming camping trip, but apparently bananas attract mosquitoes, so I'll have to find a different recipe.  You can see the recipe for these here.

Homestyle Chocolate Chip Cookies- Vive le Vegan

Billy was craving some cookies a few weekends ago. Since Christmas, we've both been paying more attention to our diets and exercise routines, so I haven't been baking much or buying much junk food. But he wanted a much deserved reward and decided (with a push from me) to make them, so that I wouldn't have to, and be tempted to eat them! I had one, and it was fantastic. I have made this recipe countless times and it is always delicious. The author has posted the recipe here.

Spicy soba noodles in peanut sauce- Quick and Easy Vegan Comfort Food 

 This dish was good. It had more veggies than noodles, which from a health standpoint is good, but from every other point is kind of disappointing. Mind you, we are calorie counting (with great success), so it is no one's fault but my own for not adding extra noodles! I did not make my own peanut sauce, I used a storebought packet, but instead of adding coconut milk, I added soymilk. Mmmm....

Spaghetti with tomatoes, broccoli and white beans
This was made later in the week, when I'd already made all our planned menus and just wanted to wing it. Very comforting!!

  










Linguine with cream sauce- Skinny Bitch UEC

 The recipe actually calls for spaghetti squash, but Billy wasn't really feeling it, so I decided to use whole wheat linguine instead. The sauce is delicious, and I think next time I make it, I'll make it with pasta for Billy, and with the squash for me. A soymilk-based sauce with baby spinach, diced tomatoes, garlic and onion. There's also supposed to be vegan parm but I was all out.

Stewed Rhubarb 

Our backyard has two HUGE rhubarb plants that grow at an exponential rate. As such, I was able to harvest some stalks that were already ready to eat. I stewed the diced rhubarb with some sugar and water for a quick and easy dessert that is reminiscent of my Grandma Helen's strawberry rhubarb freezer jam. I cannot wait for this summer!!













And since I am clearly so awesome in the kitchen, I've decided to venture into the DIY world of household products, to challenge myself, but mostly to save money. Landscaping is expensive!! I have made a homemade toothpaste and mouthwash that I enjoy (post to come) and also have had success with a homemade laundry detergent (borax free). I will save the recipe for an upcoming and separate post. Here's a picture of the laundry detergent. It works just as well as store bought but it is way cheaper.