tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12637962210695187162024-03-05T13:30:08.386-05:00Oops, It's Vegan!Pancakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01741945474908732745noreply@blogger.comBlogger126125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1263796221069518716.post-1053894944657279392012-04-12T23:13:00.003-04:002012-04-12T23:15:23.849-04:00Wizard Everydays.So I've been making things.<br />
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Tried something new with my kale chips (I now have THREE different flavors. Win). Enter Chili Kale Chips. 1 cup cashews all ground up with some water, salt, nutritional yeast, cumin, garlic powder, and chili powder, dehydrated at 125 for 8 hours. Tastes a lot like awesome. I wish I could be more specific with those measurements, but I am one to just throw things in until it tastes the way I want it to.<br />
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Pies. I've now made three recipes from Vegan Pie in the Sky: Peanut butter cheesecake, apple, and the crust for hand pies, but with my own pumpkin filling. So far, a very worthy purchase. Currently the hand pies are in the bathroom because that's the only place still safe from my binge-eating retriever.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Um, piez.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stop looking at me like that.</td></tr>
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Chana masala of <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/2010/02/chana-masala/">smitten kitchen</a>. As a side: cherry curry couscous.<br />
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And finally, today I received the best early birthday present ever: A box of birthday cake Oreos. I've been hoarding my last box like it's the apocalypse. Apparently I'm not alone, since someone in the area put the thirty remaining boxes at Target on hold. Leave it to mom to shop four places until she found them, hidden at the back of the drug store.<br />
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<br />Pancakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01741945474908732745noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1263796221069518716.post-69477301703126133792012-03-30T18:57:00.000-04:002012-03-30T18:57:30.140-04:00Want a beer.I frequently get on food plateaus.<br />
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When I make something that's really good, I just keep making it until I get bored (which might be days or many weeks later). I like easy things that I can make quickly for my 3-11 shifts. Elaborate meals have to wait for days off, so I tuck the intense cravings I get into the back corners of my mind for later (<a href="http://havecakewilltravel.com/2009/03/17/the-little-crust-that-could-chew-chew/">http://havecakewilltravel.com/2009/03/17/the-little-crust-that-could-chew-chew/</a>--GAAAHHH). Mostly I bring various Asian-themed stir fries, soups, or bean dishes. For a while I was hooked on tofu rancheros.<br />
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Lately, it's been this:<br />
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Chili tofu scramble.<br />
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Basically I saute the tofu with parsnips until it's brown and crispy, and then throw in whatever variety of vegetables I have on hand: corn, peppers, broccoli, green onions, etc. This concoction is enhanced by salt, pepper, Penzey's Chili Powder, mustard, and nutritional yeast. So good. Why?<br />
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Other scarfing events of the week:<br />
Waffle Wednesday was moved to Thursday due to time constraints (although, Waffle Wednesday isn't every week anyways, so what does it matter). This week was Double Chocolate. BOIfriend enjoyed his with excessive amounts of Earth Balance and my mom's homemade strawberry sauce.<br />
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Today was the season opener of my favorite food cart!! <a href="http://thelunchrooma2.com/">The Lunch Room</a> is an all vegan food cart in downtown Ann Arbor. I creep on them in a big way. Today I ran through a thunderstorm to retrieve a steaming cup of chowder and a chocolate chip cookie.<br />
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Pie. Currently making apple pie from Vegan Pie in the Sky. Can't wait.<br />
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LOOK AT THIS FUCKING PICTURE. LOOK AT IT.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I use my ears to fucking fly.</td></tr>
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<br />Pancakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01741945474908732745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1263796221069518716.post-62458593847494121442012-03-26T14:25:00.000-04:002012-03-26T14:25:12.419-04:00Cookie monsters.Oops. We're not as dark anymore.<div>
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This is May.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Um, cookiez."</td></tr>
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May will eat anything that I leave on the counter to cool. Last week, she went batshit crazy and ate 2 dozen chocolate chip cookies and a chunk of cake when I stepped outside. Since she didn't learn from this experience of having nighttime sugar sweats and really bad shits, she stole a single cookie from the counter today (then again, it was only one cookie. Maybe she is learning restraint). This time, while I was IN the room. She has lost all respect for authority in the name of cookies. Also, bitch loves shoes.</div>
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These are really good cookies though. The recipe was only slightly changed from from here: <a href="http://jolicolis.blogspot.com/2011/09/lavender-chocolate-chip-cookies-vegan.html">http://jolicolis.blogspot.com/2011/09/lavender-chocolate-chip-cookies-vegan.html</a>. I don't have any lavender, and I like my cookies a little spiced up, so I just added a little bit in that department. That lady knows how to make a damn fine cookie. I can take no credit for this at all.</div>
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Ingredients:</div>
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2 cups all purpose flour</div>
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1/2 tsp baking soda</div>
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1/4 tsp salt</div>
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1/2 tsp cinnamon</div>
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1/2 tsp ginger</div>
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1/4 tsp cloves</div>
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3/4 cup melted Earth Balance</div>
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1 1/2 cups evaporated cane sugar</div>
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1 tbsp vanilla</div>
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1 tsp molasses</div>
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1/2 tsp agave</div>
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1 1/2 tbsp ENergy Egg Replacer mixed with 3 tbsp water</div>
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Follow the directions on her site.</div>
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Can anyone recommend any good vegan eateries in Denver? Gotta make a quick visit next week to visit UC Denver.</div>
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<br /></div>Pancakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01741945474908732745noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1263796221069518716.post-43661154168268363342012-01-05T16:46:00.002-05:002012-01-05T16:52:44.917-05:00Two Posts in One Day....and neither one about food. Sorry.Hopefully I'll contribute something useful to this site one day, but until that day my Oops! compatriots will have to forgive me as I use this blog to write absurd posts, like this:<br /><br />While writing my last post, my first sentences addressed the Twilight series. Now, I haven’t read all the books, but I did have the (un)fortunate experience of being in the middle of nowhere (read: Idaho forest), and being fresh out of books. The only new book around was an associate’s copy of Twilight. Later that year, my teen sister had all the other ones, so I did what any sensible person would do: I skipped straight to the fourth book and skimmed through it. So I do know the beginning and end to this story, and if I had to guess, I probably didn’t miss much in the “middle”.<br /><br />However, since we at Oops! find kicks as dedicated researchers of the vampire-teen phenomenon, I have been exposed to the movies. Our dedication went so far, we decided to PAY to gawk in horror for two hours at Breaking Dawn: Part I, where a half-vampire baby rips itself out of a womb and necrophilia officially became the way to a richer, superpower-filled life (beatings by husband are a bonus!). <br /><br />As I pondered about this series and how I could break into the teen fantasy market, I slowly came to the realization that my academic career and the Twilight series are more intertwined than I initially believed. The first year of law school, admittedly almost as gross as the Breaking Dawn movie, would actually make excellent preparation for life as a vampire. Not only have I been trained to read complex, dull documents, but I have acquired the skills needed to survive in a vampire society. Do I sound crazy? Just read through this first year subject list and tell me what YOU think….<br /><br />(1.) Civil Procedure: This is the subject that will make or break you as a trial lawyer. And you’re going to need a lot of skills when you stand trial against the Volturi, those conniving rulers and judges of vampire action. I can guarantee you’ll wow the court when you move for a 12(b)(6) motion to dismiss for lack of personal jurisdiction! <br /><br /><br />(2.) Contracts: We may not all be the lucky recipients of extravagant gifts from our vampire boyfriends, but a good contract will protect you through tough times. Any law student knows that CONSIDERATION is required to create a binding contract, so here’s an excellent application of this:<br /> “I hereby give up my soul in CONSIDERATION for an eternity of sparkling wedding bliss.”<br /> <br /> Without this consideration, the contract isn’t even a contract, it’s just a promise! Your vampire bf-turned-hubby could very well get tired of you and, after a few centuries, try to rip off your head and burn you up in an attempt to get rid of you. With this contract, you GUARANTEE he’ll at least think twice before doing so.<br /><br /><br />(3.) Criminal Law: You may be dealing with the undead, but don’t let that stop you from pursuing charges! American vampires are still subject to American laws, and attempted murder, actual murder, necrophilia, and assault are all somewhere in the model criminal code. These glitterific criminals will certainly sparkle less when their conniving minds are in prison. Maximum-security, vampire-proof prison…<br /><br /><br />(4.) Constitutional Law: Read: A right to have a vampire as your love partner. Also a right to have your half-vampire baby. I would mention “commerce clause”, but that’s about boring stuff that lets Congress do whatever it wants, like try to regulate marijuana.<br /><br /><br />(5.) Torts: Just got into a sticky situation because you can’t do anything without being watched over by a supernatural boy? Sue said supernatural boy for negligence and watch the cash cascade in!<br /><br /><br />(6.) Property: Needed to determine whose territory is whose when land disputes arise between the natives (werewolves, but not really?) and your vampire family. Make sure to file your land certificates!<br /><br /><br />(7.) Legal research and writing: Useless. You need to be a vampire, not some brief-writing sissy!<br /><br />That's all for now folks. HAPPY NEW YEAR!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1263796221069518716.post-35765751416319600352012-01-05T14:56:00.003-05:002012-01-05T15:21:36.665-05:00THE RETURNWell folks, <br /> I rarely write on this blog, since I am (a) busy being a law student and (b) not a vegan cook. However, I do post at least once a year, and I think that there's a topic we can all agree on: the ideological and physiological allure of the Twilight series.<br /><br />Just kidding. Maybe next post? Actually, I wanted to talk about something near and dear to my heart as well as yours: animals!!! In particular, rescue organizations for cast-aside pets. I am proud to have adopted my dog from a rescue organization, but there's a lot of kitties, birds, heck even hamsters out there needing a home. However, there are some pros and cons to adopting a pet, same as if you were buying your furry friend. Although I'm sure our readers possess the mental faculties to figure this stuff out on their own, I'm still going to give you my personal list:<br /><br />Let's start with the cons:<br />(1.) Pets are expensive. Even if you don't shell out the bucks for that purebred, food costs. Vet bills cost quite a bit. Especially if they get into something that they aren't supposed to. <br /><br /><br />There's the added problem that maybe the dogs need extra health care that the rescue organization couldn't afford to provide. I remember getting my dog and realizing that if I didn't act fast, his teeth were going to start falling out in the next few years. When I got the bill for the teeth cleaning, I nearly keeled over.<br /><br />The good news is that many of the rescue organizations have relationships with vets that could give a discount. Make sure to ask.<br /><br />(2.) PETS NEED YOUR TIME. All money aside, a rescued dog may have to deal with emotional issues like abandonment or abuse. They may need your support, and to do that, you're going to have to be there for them. I'm lucky to live at my parents' house right now, where I have three extra people to help look after the dog if I have to leave. My dog's breed (Pomeranian) is renowned for its bonding to humans, and I know that whenever I move out he'll need the extra stimuli of someone coming over in the middle of the day when I'm working. I'm willing to let that happen, just as I'm willing to take him on walks when it's freezing outside or take playbreaks with him - because a good petowner knows the dog needs bonding time!<br /><br />(3.) Housetraining issues. Many of these rescue pets (mostly dogs, but sometimes cats I've heard) may have come from situations where they were never housebroken. And may never totally be. This is a pretty big deal if you can't handle it. So talk to some experts - vets, dog trainers - and be prepared for messes. Hopefully, you can train the dog out of it, but some may never totally be able to control themselves, due to their physiology or some emotional distress that happened to them.<br /><br /><br />OK, onto the PROS:<br /><br />(1.) FRIEND FOR LIFE! At least sometimes. You may have a finicky cat or dog, or they're really shy. But with the right amount of work, you should be able to revel in being their best friend. Or at least cherish a bond with the animal. My dog helped me rebound out of a bad time, and I'm very thankful to have him.<br /><br />(2.) Opening extra spaces at the rescue for new animals! Rescues can often only hold oh-so-many animals, due to the limited number of extraordinary people who will foster these poor souls. So an extra spot could mean life or death to those animals that are waiting to be picked up out of high-kill shelters and into a rescue organization.<br /><br /><br />In closing, please note that there's a lot of ways to support animals even if you can't afford the time or money to adopting a friend. You can often ask vets for lists of rescue organizations around, or just google it. You can make a donation to local rescue organizations who really need the support, as well as volunteering to help out. If you come across old dog or cat toys, beds, etc. that aren't being used anymore, you could pass these on to those organizations as well. Here's hoping for a happy new year to all of our animal friends!!!!!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1263796221069518716.post-57813867582202891102011-09-07T17:24:00.002-04:002011-09-07T17:25:14.323-04:00WANT MY CAMERA.I would like to say that I am typing up a recipe, but I'm not doing that because I don't have a camera and haven't had one for some time now. I loaned it out. It has pictures of food on it currently.<br />
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Food blogs without pictures are DUMB. I will not apologize for that statement.<br />
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I feel like I am getting to this point myself right now:<br />
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<br />Pancakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01741945474908732745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1263796221069518716.post-70781865379936691172011-08-22T18:34:00.000-04:002011-08-22T18:34:19.798-04:00Can't not bake.When I'm stressed, anxious, happy, sad, angry or depressed, I bake. I'm feeling many of these things all the time, so I often try to resist the urge. I resisted until noon today. Then I made delicious muffins. Now I'm making dough for pizza crust. I'm not an emotional eater. I am an emotional baker.<br />
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I tried. I tried so, so hard.<br />
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Lemon Date Jam Muffins <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKCh6C_KyNuKZ9fsVSIaUCcChiiNi3tUowG1sI4yqTZq9nvOQX1HArgTWQyRyf80Ppaq9_3LNcyxeHZ8SRzJSXZJc8e7NNvQBnM8H9EoQXmwhRz9dFZ30tOkaiSibkBIQKbTmUrF-xljo/s1600/IMG_4588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKCh6C_KyNuKZ9fsVSIaUCcChiiNi3tUowG1sI4yqTZq9nvOQX1HArgTWQyRyf80Ppaq9_3LNcyxeHZ8SRzJSXZJc8e7NNvQBnM8H9EoQXmwhRz9dFZ30tOkaiSibkBIQKbTmUrF-xljo/s320/IMG_4588.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm bleeding.</td></tr>
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INGREEDZ:<br />
2 cups all-purpose flour<br />
1 tbsp baking powder<br />
1/4 tsp salt<br />
1/2 cup apple sauce (unsweetened)<br />
1 cup full-fat coconut milk<br />
1 tbsp lemon juice<br />
1 cup vegan cane sugar <br />
1 tbsp ground flax<br />
2 tbsp water<br />
Jam of choice<br />
<br />
DO THIS:<br />
Preheat oven to 350. In a small dish, combine 1 tbsp ground flax with 2 tbsp water and allow to congeal. In a smallish bowl, mix the flour, baking powder and salt. In a larger bowl, mix the apple sauce, coconut milk and sugar. Add in the lemon juice and flax mixture. Pour and mix in the dry ingredients a little at a time, until thoroughly combined. Distribute evenly into a greased cupcake pan (makes 12). Push a teaspoon of your favorite jam into the middle of each muffin (I used Date Jam, from American Spoon). Bake for about 30 minutes. Allow to cool in the muffin tin for 10 minutes before transferring to a rack.<br />
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Snack attack.Pancakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01741945474908732745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1263796221069518716.post-68338475346692228012011-08-14T22:56:00.000-04:002011-08-14T22:56:05.855-04:00I have many dishes to do. Shit.I'm fucking out of control today. Out of my thrice-damned mind. Baking. Baking. Baking.<br />
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Tomorrow is the LOTR Extended Edition "Marathon" part 2. Part one was interrupted by a power outage, hence why the marathon is no longer a marathon, but a two part series. A half marathon. Do I get a t-shirt and a half-sized medal ("Hey, you did it! But only half of what everyone else did. The size of your medal shall serve as a reminder, you milksop"). Such all-day adventures require all-day snacks. Last time it was cookies. This time it will be more cookies. And some healthy banana bread. But back to the cookies because they aren't healthy and are therefore superior.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eat me.</td></tr>
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INGREEDZ:<br />
1 cup Earth Balance (Tub kind)<br />
1 1/4 cup vegan cane sugar<br />
2 tbsp ground flax mixed with 6 tbsp water<br />
1/2 cup cocoa powder<br />
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour<br />
Small pinch of salt<br />
2 tsp baking powder<br />
A lot of chocolate chips<br />
Coarse sea salt<br />
<br />
DO THIS:<br />
Preheat oven to 350. <br />
<br />
Combine EB with sugar, and whip together with an electric mixer. I'm not saying to just "mix." I mean beat the shit out of it. I'm telling you, as a person that usually mixes everything by hand, to use an electric mixer. I let it run for quite a few minutes, until things were looking as white and fluffy as cartoon clouds. This is capital. Meanwhile, put together that flax/water combo and let it congeal. By the time your EB/sugar whitecap has formed, it'll be ready to go. Throw in the flax mixture and let it stir in. It's simple from here. Mix in the cocoa powder. Mix in the flour. Then the salt. Then the baking powder. Then the chips. Yes, I did all of these separately and not in one dry ingredient dump. On cookie sheets protected by silicon baking sheets or cooking spray, spoon out heaping tablespoons of the dough. I mean <i>heaping.</i> When you look upon these delightful mountains of goop, I want you to feel your already ample ass broadening three inches in diameter. Finally, sprinkle the cookies with coarse sea salt. Bake for about 18 minutes. Cool. Eat. Read <a href="http://alpineurbanist.blogspot.com/">Alpine Urbanist. </a><br />
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Pancakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01741945474908732745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1263796221069518716.post-46258362650093850082011-07-27T13:45:00.004-04:002011-07-31T22:51:34.114-04:00My dog ate the foot off a tiger.<div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span class="Apple-style-span"><u><br /></u></span></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihoGTAFz9cx493nBW-brW1CFwqN8thRvBpDTvgurm1E2qC7bLsG2o4kEP-Inyg2N22CtzHGytl3C0r1KBmWYt59mcgD5-75V9rvpVi2JKWH83PPwqshIlbrQmQ_OjzFI31SM1MK5ZgWm0/s1600/IMG_4499.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635714098961189538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihoGTAFz9cx493nBW-brW1CFwqN8thRvBpDTvgurm1E2qC7bLsG2o4kEP-Inyg2N22CtzHGytl3C0r1KBmWYt59mcgD5-75V9rvpVi2JKWH83PPwqshIlbrQmQ_OjzFI31SM1MK5ZgWm0/s400/IMG_4499.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a><br />I made some god damn pancakes.<br /><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />These didn't turn out quite as awesome as the first time I made them. The batter was very thick the first time, and the swirls were impeccable. Highly visible. They were also so rich I had a belly ache for a full 24 hours. In a good way. This time around, you can't really see the swirls, and I feel full but not gloriously ill with happiness. Nonetheless, these tasted good. I will post the recipe, but look for improvements in the future when I try to replicate the first batch.</div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghKpEk1a8WU0vQMrJ99n1HGVTgEGr5m0qU2zIyCaRQvtS6pxycVHTIwvNxnCS6u3ZKb68fGvqfGSYJoTft90-HdQScB2PfhTQu4YLWxT1UJuIdbn2g54BjaAk5h56sbhNzSl6YDXF_lKo/s400/IMG_4552.JPG" /></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl Pancakes and visa versa</div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />INGREEDZ:</div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />PB batter-</div><br /><div><br />3 tbsp creamy peanut butter (I used Jiff Naturals)</div><br /><div><br />2 tbsp maple syrup</div><br /><div><br />1 tbsp oil</div><br /><div><br />1 tsp vanilla</div><br /><div><br />3/4 cup flour</div><br /><div><br />1 1/2 tsp baking powder</div><br /><div><br />1/2 tsp salt</div><br /><div><br />3/4 cup milk alternative</div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />Chocolate batter-</div><br /><div><br />3/4 cup flour</div><br /><div><br />1 1/2 tsp baking powder</div><br /><div><br />1/2 tsp salt</div><br /><div><br />2 tbsp cocoa powder</div><br /><div><br />3/4 cup milk alternative</div><br /><div><br />1 tsp vanilla</div><br /><div><br />2 tbsp maple syrup</div><br /><div><br />2 tbsp oil</div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />DO THIS:</div><br /><div><br />In a very small bowl, mix the peanut butter, maple syrup, oil, and vanilla. In two separate medium bowls, mix the dry ingredients for the two separate batters. To the sans cocoa dry ingredients, add the milk alternative and the PB mixture. Stir until just combined, with clumps still visible. In the cocoa bowl, add the milk alternative, vanilla, maple syrup and oil. Mix until just combined, and clumps are visible. In a cast iron skillet, melt down some Earth Balance. Drop 1/4 cup of one of the batters. Take a spoon and create a spiral with the other batter. Alternate so that you have chocolate pancakes with peanut butter swirls and peanut butter pancakes with chocolate swirls.</div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAHvIxUD17noUOGYiYv9DL4_lrWA3IackYViEeAwDdUqexhCZ_BXfV6IyOyfKWA5Eof73ytHx3ujSm785gCnErtC3E650OzRxy0fu8ziNA0X8_aHL3eWY1TCgQDzdpd0wnrZnW04DFTTw/s400/IMG_4546.JPG" /></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />Pancakes.</div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br />Also, observe the latest blog cooperative I started: alpineurbanist.blogspot.com.</div><br /><div><br /></div>Pancakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01741945474908732745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1263796221069518716.post-70708057873463585612011-07-23T12:20:00.007-04:002011-07-23T13:07:47.948-04:00Buttcheek fiesta<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOYm0fhkTuW-_YTzQG6QOqW_956p4wRV_Cr_bz_6MbtcZiFE6D_mrmgUmFmg7IsTfKEB26HJPafCXDwqEnuoCubejri4Y_piIcx9NwwHUgvqDX9Qr-UI26eTC5ur30aPqPnT-Zhr9SDuo/s1600/IMG_4542.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOYm0fhkTuW-_YTzQG6QOqW_956p4wRV_Cr_bz_6MbtcZiFE6D_mrmgUmFmg7IsTfKEB26HJPafCXDwqEnuoCubejri4Y_piIcx9NwwHUgvqDX9Qr-UI26eTC5ur30aPqPnT-Zhr9SDuo/s400/IMG_4542.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632594037683094642" /></a><div>!?!?!?<br /><div><br /></div>Is this some vain attempt to give the blog life again?<div><br /></div><div>WHO THE FUCK KNOWS! I'm not making any promises. All I know is that I made cookies, they are the bee's knees and the world needs to know about them. </div><div><br /></div><div>Fact: The Oxford Comma has been <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2011/06/29/oxford-comma-dropped-university-serial-comma_n_886932.html#s300555&title=Anonymous_Editor">annihilated</a>. I am upset about it, but am acting accordingly.</div><div><br /></div><div>Fact: I have been meaning to blog. I enjoy writing, and my outlets are few and far between.</div><div><br /></div><div>Fact: You can no longer find newer work by me on Alpinist, but you can continue to find it on verticalgirl.com. Also, anyone who is a climber (female), would like to try a hand writing about it and isn't afraid of exposing their work to the world should throw something together and send it to jenny@verticalgirl.com. It may just make it on the website!</div><div><br /></div><div>Fact: Although this blog hasn't seen new material since April, it's not because I haven't been eating.</div><div><br /></div><div>Observe.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cherry swirl pancakes with crumble topping</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho4e0K_18VgF-KRe_ttalYbmf6ZXydYcpHLSktPMzdRbxHYA4RSYD_SEAUUqe50P02nyQtPs-4ENX-3oREhPyko3lLwBzw6IwixUn4a-oDC7Zyo7-mJu_muCSzy6N2OdLSCeoYr2d0Prw/s320/IMG_4487.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cashew Tofu from VeganDad</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjULDD3n40KISPYMp3ynXe22bgnSzL_D60G2rzJbkXyPv7WRQ6LtdaRJBKFGDWx362B4iIV1cz2QrJf-LmOCqr-6xYU6rZhUx06VW1iomUCo1PmHimK456A15o5dPbyDk_MCsVHAfYbYx0/s400/IMG_4492.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Last night was the first day this week I've cooked. I've been in the lovely Leelanau, eating out every night. Dinner was stuffed bell peppers with a baguette on the side, courtesy of Bay Bread Co. I desperately wanted cookies afterwards, but watched a movie instead.</div><div><br /></div><div>Beau's plate, arranged as a smiley face.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHxQzQ7cQzECFGipZZvPZ0bfrf3mMCfJl3gd_7Ba9JMf3iJCm8KzyzxMcHHZFnjgz3vcxDHjIQG2tZZpOalEOHor0IvVNtBGjqQ1RjaZko2TlH4hMzJ-gOGZ8o8RRlIWyc_-6sGpuo408/s400/IMG_4537.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div>So, I made cookies early this morning. Why not? Honey badger don't give a shit.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNDHJv6X0b_sdRHBIro0qzRab313lZCrzBIKclzEf3d5LybTa0own5tH79jA2dk13soED1i_-yaIMiBg1hZTj-qfirJa2VHY3GDh2YwngKi2qCa-TdQL0g8Ya0fPeKYKHF_KF0jNtFv9I/s400/IMG_4541.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies (Better with dried cherries)</div><div><br /></div><div>Ingreedz:</div><div>2 cups + 2 tbsp all purpose flour</div><div>1/2 tsp salt</div><div>1/2 baking soda</div><div>2 tsp baking powder</div><div>1 1/2 tbsp ground flax, mixed with 4 tbsp water</div><div>3/4 cup (tub) Earth Balance</div><div>1 cup light brown sugar</div><div>2 tsp vanilla</div><div>1 1/2 cups chocolate chips (or a mix of chocolate chips and dried cherries)</div><div><br /></div><div>Do THIS:</div><div>Pre-heat oven to 325. Melt the Earth Balance in the microwave (note, I used tub EB, not stick). Meanwhile, mix the flax and water and allow to congeal. In a small bowl, mix the flour, salt, baking soda and baking powder. Afterwards, in a larger bowl, mix the melted EB, brown sugar, vanilla and flax mixture. Once well-combined, add the flour mixture in spurts. Once everything is well mixed, stir in the chocolate chips (and/or cherries). Drop dough balls about a quarter cup in size onto parchment covered cookie sheets (unless you're a real badass and have silicon baking sheets like me). Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until brown.</div><div><br /></div><div>Consume as many as possible while they are warm, preferably with a tall, bourgeois glass of your favorite milk alternative.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYvlrbDu0xa_dpBGRN_BKVIEN537C1bTdmFwX68jIT1kiW989zHYw_pASgL8Kbq0MLU9uO3VsTUA0D9QcBL9n8IYFbX4l-9NaVPe7EQ9zeXOgpubYBdIcpl-hA7WFS3VlvWAyGhgTq6zE/s400/IMG_4533.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">WHY AM I NOT STILL HERE?</div></div>Pancakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01741945474908732745noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1263796221069518716.post-62587242170096105122011-04-11T13:31:00.006-04:002011-04-18T11:17:59.282-04:00Good Idea Monday: Southern Comfort.<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><u><br /></u></span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I GOT TO BUY GROCERIES.</div><div><br /></div><div>My EBT card re-upped. It's been weeks since I last went grocery shoppin'. Hence the no cooking thing. </div><div><br /></div><div>I started this post a week ago. I had two AMAZING recipes to share. In the time it took me to finish this post, I forgot how I made them. I'm angry, because now I can't duplicate them. We all suffer for my foolishness. I mean, LOOK AT THIS SHIT. Unforgivable.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ0li2J3ZUdGci3eYacp2N0yDQ6boll9sP2iXSnRRzpHV3dCZJpC8RKEjnrPJYHwczz_TCiP-QukJFdN4__Q11gZD8uOqtoTrwPfYlgCdV77uZjSGf8zIKbIDr9SFht7BiHn7jSqXlMvA/s320/IMG_4241.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZFfp621HdilYckq0Ob6XHJZ6dKc1spCoIioAFa-94OoS5XVyj1qqzJL7v6uTzJKUkVg_3WXch8YoKSRKoszNZTVB1bc-i1h10Pvqz-uyiJf2gtOyla8RY3WA2Rglo-nFHgPKcMTGFj9I/s320/IMG_4239.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div>As usual around these parts, updates to the blog after a hiatus come following a trip to Northern Michigan. I arrived home yesterday from a whirlwind vacation to Marquette and Traverse City. Marquette was for "business," and TC was for fun. I was supposed to interview climbing legend Fred Beckey for Alpinist following a presentation he gave at Northern Michigan University. That didn't really happen due to several reasons, none of which matter now. It was cold and windy. However, the two hours that it was sunny and moderately warm coincided perfectly with our finally finding the slab wall we were anxious to get trad with. We had chosen the location because it was easy for a bum shoulder, and because it was CLOSE. But then it took us hours to find it. Irony.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiltwlAdOicgw4KhxRogvV1MBA5fVo2XouTmTB5y4bVRM5gPkE-g3tSameb1rsrXA86_tpFZkPN9D-5Uw6q282sArYvXrDeLtv_n1LbTyZHx4F_oAaM2zWEI3BQoTxxr_ZNvQA8WRIUNcY/s320/IMG_4247.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div>This was my first time climbing in the UP. I hope it won't be my only chance.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsRkjBFKprhgvSo8bhB_DrzGGok6AsYOu4ufh8BDQDCtrz1mijmgfAFVDgCmZyb04LXuwiSE9rZN8AqMVsRGfQKWZr-vMSR28lg_t8J8nWOWIrEGwCtMBFTvVrLaSp6oSzzeWyIQ43Fy0/s320/IMG_4258.JPG" /></div><div><br />Traverse City was windy on one day (knocking out power at our hotel), and rainy the next. This didn't stop me from indulging in yet another hat, nor did it ruin a beautiful hike on the extensive trail network behind the Traverse City Commons. Brilliant! Wine was enjoyed at Left Foot Charlie, and beer at Right Brain Brewery. Meals were cooked and eaten in parking lots and on sidewalks. Pseudo-hoboism.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6TtO1koa2XgzBMEp7xqtKqqK2G47QqlgC4IEIna4W4sXoBegl62WsxxYTseEDkzUForxlBIT_2JT0Z-shrila9WQrM2m9R7bQyPvGn1PkorBZ12njbDftpjTwOS8H-cbCHSP93DvNTFg/s320/IMG_4319.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifhZ7AWCgVlG_XKMY9AaoASSY2ZM1fnp00mPljEwHb8ihjcczsXTrlHWtAQImjZXOshdm5G3WyXLxuuv-ai-oCDNCO3tAAIdc1PHvbCbuT7GYOrt-vmXKQydsVTqP7uQYenjgWPCifHUI/s320/IMG_4287.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidamRSDis3RAhz2Dlc1OgKjDlh2s7mj401nPejxg5U0VpA8AE7X2LJKh5kf8TdOvoxZmZtAgiCWHa8XdpAAT4mkEj5ZNVYAmp4gUvKijrodvYRDUlaO1Rq8vCGLdpemJjvPFZ_taZkQe0/s320/IMG_4274.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqurFFEXHJR_Z8xuPuEnRU4Z1mq-wd1Q29iKjY4hvhxpr-uV03uJyNyj2H4hVl8PnUDcZLy_tL8lr2u5tI7jn15H8xnAIfmXRJqoMutqrZ97OPgXdgdNuc7UMIYnGUYh-Amu-Dedpn2rg/s320/IMG_4276.JPG" /></div><div>I'd like to say that some cooking will be happening in the near future here, but I'm leaving for Seattle on a reconnaissance mission this Thursday. No cooking is likely. I'm sure I'll have plenty of exciting things to report. Maybe I'll find some tasty vegan eats out there to talk about. Today isn't even my turn for Good Idea Monday at work. </div><div><br /></div><div>Sorry for the hiatus!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUHVqfCp3lRewhCe_nLvxjGH973N9kg60Lil9E0wslO3rmalSkhR3qZw2Ox8Sz92c5bYjJuWLDYnxhXelKPujvntBKXgSg4qlRmmcBaAFUVqXzf6KhJEaY2maUprhj2BDPyHq2QYo_Heg/s320/IMG_4308.JPG" /></div>Pancakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01741945474908732745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1263796221069518716.post-22440396430720726552011-03-30T08:14:00.002-04:002011-03-30T08:21:22.899-04:00When things get tough around the Oops, It's Vegan! office, we have a saying:<br /><br />BAMFI.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGeMvdzL0Ux6ipmFj_rRDED82hjRRjpkD8-RQLSu-zimiHjl-GG-oAsTtHK4pCoCZf5zmWGSeqKFD7SHTKChdqdNjhC1uly5QJzZulDbAdOwNjN7yr6PeTmvozGgu4kWg4cGPhIfauuxY/s512/IMG_1185.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 384px; height: 512px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGeMvdzL0Ux6ipmFj_rRDED82hjRRjpkD8-RQLSu-zimiHjl-GG-oAsTtHK4pCoCZf5zmWGSeqKFD7SHTKChdqdNjhC1uly5QJzZulDbAdOwNjN7yr6PeTmvozGgu4kWg4cGPhIfauuxY/s512/IMG_1185.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />You know you're in a rut when your breakfast is thai food carry-out over cooked oats. It's actually really good.<br /><br />We will return to our regularly scheduled programming soon. PROMISExtinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08049619629185695250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1263796221069518716.post-29480518991868942722011-03-16T12:44:00.007-04:002011-03-16T13:20:14.077-04:00Ender's Dreams.<div style="text-align: left;">Last night I had a dream I went to Battle School with my siblings. It was a pretty awesome dream. I smote another kid, just like Ender when he was being bullied. Then everyone respected me. I don't remember, but I likely became a battalion leader. I wish I had <i>Ender's Game </i>dreams more often.</div><div><br /></div><div>Interpretation, anyone?</div><div><br /></div><div>Today I had some bananas that really needed to be used. I wanted banana bread, but not plain banana bread. For me, the idea of a peanut butter quickbread is always great in theory, but not as inspiring in reality. They have such a strange density. I worked around this, though, and the results were perfect.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY867e1A3ojOux8RSnCCqDjIHccjPQ07DUnVKLhqxOGLxu9IqkZlKF-U9D_eA4nK3R316mML5VewHog2UOWp_49aVRH4WHhNcLpKffNAYDrt084eyUDLjzC1H-pDD5GdfKXXWIpzOqEGs/s400/IMG_4157.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Banana Bread with Peanut Butter Surprise!</b><br /><div><br /></div><div><b>INGREEDZ:</b></div><div><div>2 medium bananas, mashed</div><div>1 tbsp ground flax</div><div>3 tbsp water</div><div>1 tbsp vanilla</div><div>1/2 cup oil</div><div>1/2 cup soy milk</div><div>1/2 cup vegan sugar</div><div>1 1/2 cups flour</div><div>3/4 tsp baking powder</div><div>1/4 tsp baking soda</div><div>1/4 tsp salt</div><div>3/4 tsp cinnamon</div><div><br /></div><div>For the surprise:</div><div>1/4 cup peanut butter</div><div>1 tbsp coconut flour</div><div>3 tbsp soy milk</div></div><div><br /></div><div><b>DO THIS:</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Pre-heat the oven to 350. In a small vessel, mix the ground flax with the water, and let it sit for a minute or two. Meanwhile, mash your bananas in a large bowl. Add the flax mixture, oil, milk, vanilla and sugar. In a smaller bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Add to the wet ingredients, and mix well.</div><div>In a small bowl, mix the ingredients for the surprise. In a greased bread pan, pour in half of the bread mixture. Drop in glops of the surprise, and swirl them around a bit with a fork. Or your finger. I don't care. Pour the remaining batter over the top, covering all of the surprise. You want to make sure that those you feed it to DON'T KNOW. It's a SECRET. Even if it's just you eating it. Forget what you've done, come back in an hour. FEEL THE JOY OF A SURPRISE. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh9Ofdgs28BIlaI-aDmHDyHvErXcFUqeLfoWJTDk5RXWe9fJKX3XGNs3lLbE2B25eliwuCitft56FFRaxAtPxqcvdeHaCTOOtCW3rDKawuTAVHDp459JhGBewal-QGXGf13oeqDQ21nCw/s400/IMG_4148.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Anyways, bake for about an hour or until a toothpick/fork/sword comes out batter-free. Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing. Cool completely on a rack. Enjoy.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOEcSv38Bs45OU0cMHqAykiLuUhw5zBXQiIVnROwaKirHF8ywe7YXSdg_CGFtB7fF5-04ICslWDTf40rc_YRYuqVW11FIXObZvClL8HGgi7dFGIMoI8WBLZH-VVWKEiEhvych2hNtl7BA/s400/IMG_4155.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div>I had mine for lunch in this fashion:</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsbqcfS_XpBoYKXxpeLHuecBJcHdXqwVRNzvwVQ4RbbwNUvGFWInE-pHkUZPj9BxmJ1NbdEXvhIlDz0qA2TfPw_yo7bdTvplH407eFtHnDIuAJeJ9kCjXt3LS4C_6IcyhpTU4iAsbCvcE/s400/IMG_4162.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Layer of peanut maple sauce (tablespoon or so of peanut flour, drizzle of maple syrup, and a tablespoon of soy milk mixed together)</div><div>Layer of coconut milk yogurt</div><div>Layer of banana bread</div><div>Repeat.</div><div><br /></div><div>For dinner last night, I whipped up some caramelized onions, kale, and dill socca. The socca was easy. Just 1 1/4 cups garbanzo bean flour, a little salt, 1 cup water, 1 tbsp apple sauce, salt, pepper and dried dill. I wish I'd had fresh dill, but we can't have everything that we want. I'll be taking the socca to work for dinner tonight.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQI6GrV0ADnFBE3wZlnM2JVm63kcbcwM1a0tGcz1g18G4TSCqCc0Rt16H-qRLeFqU5i3plS7poR0dh6DPIO3CZcFb9sGbpOPNu0kbAfTThnTy4NXWOayu-7UFUGRDdunfWpzdS2UYnt1Q/s400/IMG_4141.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1uJ1wxprYt2Z0wh6Ln-bePaOUNpJkRnjSmQn9taIO06VuioSiN57eGIbdwWizFrDtl1lXVahEaiD-uNEE3jGkeuB0BbP4LQ8AN9XwoUyCe5srWJRWw2VeCWAyu2vOYOwgfHc64OoxcCY/s400/IMG_4140.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Enter the <a href="http://oopsitsvegan.blogspot.com/2011/03/national-pancake-dayand-give-away.html">give-away</a>. May-Tank wants you to.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF5NpRZShdUReH7rZII7HI6uvUio8d9spOjDxysiw3lxY9N_UI-4VxLNF5sIItXHFeGjFkGkGmDA60tcupVJWeZ6_SQrLKarj2m0Yidj5dlSMG7m9SpD_i3f7FQbQu5UJgRulIItHnpKk/s400/IMG_4135.JPG" /></div><div> </div></div>Pancakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01741945474908732745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1263796221069518716.post-49471292689916476332011-03-13T18:51:00.004-04:002011-03-13T19:04:24.887-04:00Seek Sandworms and Spice in the Mojave.<div style="text-align: left;">This is what I had for lunch one day this week:</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCnbLY2Emx1tC2kLv64Vu7qLBbbIh7yJsATaZfJUA4ifnZAwWOykra97p6C1anmGmacO77ZLcH9t1j6Nk_Pet5ZakmFickZGyZ0w5NxKs4QJwpMqze77IaXL9HDApB1__MC_YFlA1DtZw/s400/IMG_4111.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div>A strawberry/blueberry/almond/chocolate chip smoothie. It was yum. Pretty simple. Threw my frozen Michigan berries, a little soymilk, some homemade cinnamon almond butter and chocolate chips into the food processor and WHAM. Lunch.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm reporting from the burbs of Detroit. I have one golden retriever lined up with the outside of my right leg, and another lying nearby on the floor.</div><div><br /></div><div>I would like to use this post as a DOUBLE REMINDER TO EVERYONE.</div><div><b>REMINDER 1: </b>ENTER OUR <a href="http://oopsitsvegan.blogspot.com/2011/03/national-pancake-dayand-give-away.html">GOD DAMN GIVE-AWAY</a>. It's so easy. Stop being lazy. You've probably never won anything in your life. Not even tick-tack-toe. Try now.</div><div><b>REMINDER 2: </b>Tomorrow is <b>Pi Day. </b>Celebrate the number. Eat pie.</div><div><br /></div><div>And read some of my other stuff. <a href="http://www.alpinist.com/doc/web11w/newswire-jordan-garlick-george">http://www.alpinist.com/doc/web11w/newswire-jordan-garlick-george</a></div>Pancakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01741945474908732745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1263796221069518716.post-21118131145955698042011-03-09T12:34:00.002-05:002011-03-09T13:02:15.481-05:00Gain the power of self respect.<div style="text-align: left;">"If I give you a hint and tell you it's a hint, it will be information." --Diana Wynne Jones, <i>Howl's Moving Castle</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>This is from my favorite book. It's about a plain girl that gets turned into a little old lady by a witch and experiences exciting things for the first time in her life.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>When you're a little kid, everybody tells you that yes, you can be a vet/astronaut/comic illustrator/massage therapist. They tell you that you draw really nice pictures, even when you color the all over the fucking page with the brown marker. They don't tell you that by the time you're 24, you'll be lucky if you're doing something you've always wanted to do and feel awesome about it. They don't tell you that you'll probably be on EBT cards working at Petsmart, and that no, you can't live in Traverse City because you'll have no way of paying for your lake house on Old Mission. What the fuck. </div><div><br /></div><div>I want to eat pancakes for a living, and then use the newly found fat-buoyancy to float across Lake Superior to Canada. </div><div><br /></div><div>Basically, what I, Pancake, am trying to tell you here is that I haven't had the time/motivation to cook because my lease runs out at the end of April and I have nowhere to go after that. Such moments in life are stressful and frustrating. Particularly when you'd really like the next thing you do to pay you legitimately and to be awesome. Being a pseudo-hobo eventually loses its charm. Charm=lost.</div><div><br /></div><div>I think I'm going to utilize this <a href="http://www.freewebs.com/syvak/teachings/TheBeneGesseritTrainingManual.pdf">Bene Gesseri</a>t training manual. I'll use the gom jabbar to get whatever I want out of life.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://images.cheezburger.com/completestore/2009/12/11/129050664652279426.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div>Pancakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01741945474908732745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1263796221069518716.post-74194419382553556852011-03-05T16:19:00.007-05:002011-03-06T16:45:35.141-05:00Never eat microwave popcorn again.Hey friends - xtina here. You can tell because I use copious amounts of dashes when I write - like this.<br /><br />Have you entered our giveaway yet?? It's YOUR chance to win what is seriously the best coffee/tea mug ever. No joke - the new game in my office is "steal xtina's mug while she's away from her desk." It's also our chance to feel like our blog doesn't suck for once. We might not have eight million followers on twitter or own fancy DSLR cameras, but we can do a give-away!<br /><br />Anyway, <a href="http://oopsitsvegan.blogspot.com/2011/03/national-pancake-dayand-give-away.html">go here and leave us some pancake love</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8zX83LfJo2E/TXKqpZaiS9I/AAAAAAAAEIA/08k7MI42FMc/s1600/2011-03-05%2B14.24.38.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8zX83LfJo2E/TXKqpZaiS9I/AAAAAAAAEIA/08k7MI42FMc/s320/2011-03-05%2B14.24.38.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580710516439010258" border="0" /></a><br />Why do I look so happy in the picture above? I'm popping popcorn! It's so fun - and healthy, and cheap, and quick - to pop your own, that I'm here today to tell you: <span style="font-weight: bold;">Never eat microwave popcorn again.</span><br /><br />First, the recipe. Then I'll break it down for you, infomercial-style.<br /><br />1/2 cup popcorn<br />3 tablespoons coconut oil<br />1/2 teaspoon sea salt<br /><br />Place the popcorn, coconut oil and sea salt in a big pot with a tight-fitting lid. Hint: our 2 qt pot was not big enough. Heat on high until the corn starts popping, and shake often until popping stops. Dump in a bowl...<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hQJR9zOPYNs/TXKuPa5554I/AAAAAAAAEII/RPuIAM5VnQQ/s1600/2011-03-05%2B14.34.28.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hQJR9zOPYNs/TXKuPa5554I/AAAAAAAAEII/RPuIAM5VnQQ/s320/2011-03-05%2B14.34.28.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580714468208928642" border="0" /></a><br />and nosh away! This recipe makes <span style="font-weight: bold;">11 cups</span> of popped corn.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DUf5jv_klc4/TXKua0rub_I/AAAAAAAAEIQ/az4dk-0sI1A/s1600/2011-03-05%2B14.34.51.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DUf5jv_klc4/TXKua0rub_I/AAAAAAAAEIQ/az4dk-0sI1A/s320/2011-03-05%2B14.34.51.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580714664107339762" border="0" /></a><br />So, why is this popcorn recipe better than the microwaved stuff?<br /><br />1. <span style="font-weight: bold;">It's healthier</span>. Have you ever looked at the ingredients list for microwaved popcorn? Artificial flavors, trans-fats and awful-tasting vegetable oil are usually included. Yuck. This recipe boasts healthy helpings of whole grains - and <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/02/dining/02Appe.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=coconut%20oil&st=cse">coconut oil isn't the bad guy it used to be</a>. In fact, coconut oil is not only fabulous to use in the kitchen, but also as a hair conditioner, lotion, moisturizer, and other things we can't mention on a blog our families read!<br /><br />2. <span style="font-weight: bold;">It's just as fast</span>. Start to finish, this recipe clocked out at 2 minutes, 30 seconds - five seconds under my parents' microwave's popcorn button.<br /><br />3. <span style="font-weight: bold;">It's cheaper</span>. I used the finest ingredients money can buy for this one. US-grown popcorn distributed by a Michigan company, and pure coconut oil - both certified organic. Sounds pricey. But its not. I did the math - and it comes out to <span style="font-weight: bold;">$0.60</span> cents per serving! That's incredible.<br /><br />4. <span style="font-weight: bold;">It's fun</span>. Trust me. You will start giggling like a small child as soon as the kernels start to pop.<br /><br />You really have no excuse - never eat microwave popcorn ever again.xtinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08049619629185695250noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1263796221069518716.post-71585275692040778522011-03-03T10:41:00.004-05:002011-03-03T14:21:19.453-05:00I'm angry. So I'm blogging it out.<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><u><br /></u></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDnmupGkNC_TZtONKrbA2xqvMGz7e8Z1ZqcK-dj-g2ZNEtYURLasaON4TBM2FYxI9PgH8BBRdgp2j22ZA65ZFChWVR5PdnlzvEu7kgeegsr1s8I9m-Z7NEzCS2Uh7dn-T42S8TF3XmJxA/s1600/IMG_4101.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDnmupGkNC_TZtONKrbA2xqvMGz7e8Z1ZqcK-dj-g2ZNEtYURLasaON4TBM2FYxI9PgH8BBRdgp2j22ZA65ZFChWVR5PdnlzvEu7kgeegsr1s8I9m-Z7NEzCS2Uh7dn-T42S8TF3XmJxA/s400/IMG_4101.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579933812555519970" /></a><br />Okay, last part of the sweet potato was finally used. This time, it was savory and it was dinner. And dinners to come. Lots of leftovers. I probably won't be able to eat it all before it goes bad.<div><br /></div><div>Also, had a couple of things published in my other life today. Check 'em out!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.alpinist.com/doc/web11w/newswire-memento-mori">http://www.alpinist.com/doc/web11w/newswire-memento-mori</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.verticalgirlclothing.com/?p=733">https://www.verticalgirlclothing.com/?p=733</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Anyways, the recipe. <a href="http://oopsitsvegan.blogspot.com/2011/03/national-pancake-dayand-give-away.html">AND DON'T FORGET ABOUT THAT GIVE-AWAY!</a> This mug wants to go home with you.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoemv_LvCKZZGYHR3g9SQHo0XjgOHASKaS2K833rthMZFhEXH9xRclADkDmkoEUMan0ZbJ3jermI4r-FEWNoMbc2DRanEFu-TAgaj8aDA3WXQTH_Gxj9wwUcFQXPnOZlfoGOjSnKuJVxk/s400/IMG_4100.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Vegan Sweet Potato Mac & "Cheese"</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ey7FemFRgvwhMmh004MYQrfbieyU64n0Rjuf5w5ZsNZCvon4o0bil7nyebaeXe21owXZ4eXIlfnqLXk1WWJbDOZg8m6ovuDNyibbN27omuGYhAy1j2K9lOMDd9e0i_i8-cbXP5etPbo/s400/IMG_4102.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><b>INGREEDZ:</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div>1 cup cashews</div><div>1 1/2 cups water</div><div>1 tsp tumeric</div><div>1/2 tsp paprika</div><div>1/2 tsp salt</div><div>1/4 cup nutritional yeast</div><div>2 tsp yellow mustard</div><div>1/2-3/4 cup mashed sweet potato (feel free to mess with that amount!)</div></div><div><br /></div><div><b>DO THIS:</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>In a food processor, grind up the cashews. Add in the water and whir that shit together. Add remaining ingredients, and process some more still. At this point, I added a bit more water to make the consistency slightly thinner than it was. Something less than Velveeta-like, you know? But still substantial. In the meantime, I was cooking up 15 or 16oz of pasta according to package instructions. Drained it, and mixed. What else are you seeing in that picture? Well, I wanted a bit more than simple mac and "cheese," so I also made some caramelized onions and sauteed spinach and threw them in. Delicious! </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1WYpnHJ8srms_hgbyo6bfzv4nOQpox2Iw8SMJcbdOUm7SrMXdJ1pJevF1DOv7_H5VZPA_NutEpsE5hhvmI0vVHSi2lvn2oFNN4Vlo27jEm8eQXCkTlahu_eUvkpqv-4J-vrdJEHS8NTw/s400/IMG_4103.JPG" /></div>Pancakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01741945474908732745noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1263796221069518716.post-38479979368376339702011-03-01T09:05:00.004-05:002011-03-01T09:37:47.192-05:00NATIONAL PANCAKE DAY...And Give-Away.<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><u><br /></u></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWiNX6-_Uc9TacXRd1kRhQHNhkCoepqTWDpWr_ByEhZ9GEuEux1MI1M7yq8fqDugfmL4YO5JOG6GY3V6Sgjb8iewAd22uDwUJiDjpYTM-okonMWd6ttYu02e3jr5zXuOCYbrVowZShAeQ/s1600/IMG_4089.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWiNX6-_Uc9TacXRd1kRhQHNhkCoepqTWDpWr_ByEhZ9GEuEux1MI1M7yq8fqDugfmL4YO5JOG6GY3V6Sgjb8iewAd22uDwUJiDjpYTM-okonMWd6ttYu02e3jr5zXuOCYbrVowZShAeQ/s400/IMG_4089.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579119700283770834" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><u><br /></u></span></div><div>Holy Hell, folks, it's National Pancake Day! My favorite food on earth has a day. I mean, I'd be disappointed if it didn't.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have TWO recipes for you today. Yes, two. Yesterdays breakfast, and today's. And yes, yes, there is a give-away in this post as well. </div><div><br /></div><div>Yesterday morning I got in on this raging fad of "breakfast bakes." I made one with sweet potato and oats. The results were quite excellent, and I imagine I will be doing it again someday. I enjoyed the finished product with some maple syrup and peanut butter (after the peanut butter sweet potato fries, I was rolling with a theme).</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzNIIzrDXWY3hH_UNNqKNaYHj1LNL6GP9snoI-QsPZYF2tF2kKnbUlf1UQBQe7_8bEx0oFo3h4MDOVv1it1Pc9a8LpT9iyQtY_9aQV2ee1Di7yGNap_fSp48q3ITIW_AWj2Es2WND6los/s400/IMG_4087.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Sweet Potato Oatmeal Breakfast Bake</div><div><br /></div><div><b>INGREEDZ:</b></div>1/4 cup sweet potato<div>1/3 cup oats</div><div>2 tbsp oat flour</div><div>1 tbsp flaxmeal</div><div>1/2 tsp baking powder</div><div>pinch salt</div><div>2 tbsp maple syrup</div><div>2 tbsp milk substitute</div><div><br /></div><div><b>DO THIS:</b></div><div>Preheat your oven to 350. In a personal-sized, heat-safe bowl (Spray it with non-stick something. This is a step I failed to take, but would encourage others to do), mix the dry ingredients. Add in the wet ingredients, and mix until incorporated. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until you can fork it and it comes out clean. Eat with favorite toppings.</div><div><br /></div><div>ANYWAYS ON TO MORE IMPORTANT THINGS. LIKE PANCAKES.</div><div><br /></div><div>This morning, I continued to use my leftover sweet potato (no peanut butter this time).</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI2khr0TrQwF7hxg5gHgnmRl7XP4fCI7XHIijirsB1bb9A067E2xhuomqb2_ZfCg-4nvNDVirObHXdQ9kFoCtBGQ7ocuVqMVCMkb-wONUPLeNb7PJvHghUDyHaWZ9yK-7_YbJEpVPoF0M/s400/IMG_4090.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Sweet Potato Pancakes for One</div><div><br /></div><div><b>INGREEDZ:</b></div><div>1/2 cup all-purpose flour</div><div>1/2 tsp baking powder</div><div>1/4 tsp cinnamon</div><div>1/8 tsp ginger</div><div>dash of salt</div><div>~1/4 cup sweet potato (maybe a bit less)</div><div>1/3 cup fake milk</div><div>1 tbsp coconut oil, melted</div><div>1 tbsp maple syrup</div><div>Extra coconut oil for frying</div><div>Some hazelnuts (optional)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>DO THIS:</b></div><div>Heat cast iron skillet over low-medium heat. In a bowl, mix the dry ingredients. Create a well in the center, and put in the wet ingredients. Mix until just incorporated (clumps are A-OKAY). Melt some coconut oil in the pan to fry the cakes. Drop 1/4 cup of batter in per pancake, and cook until each side is golden brown. Makes about 3 1/2 cakes. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpxb-uo9MErngSBUcZ3CTKdZ-z1UMsS2xxDpMFxMxeYvWuOkbO_JX1WOY4RXsAbDuYvdj39qdmGSsgLUKgAoiU9y94Yr5whaasQpafudeSO0CGuVgNhAEuVlT1ZgoSJ1PooZ33zix0H0I/s400/IMG_4091.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>When I was making the 1/2 cake, I toasted some chopped hazelnuts in the pan for a nice topping (along with the traditional maple syrup, of course). They were delightfus. I love National Pancake Day. It's almost like my birthday.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ready for that give-away?</div><div><br /></div><div>In honor of National Pancake Day, I will be giving away the best tea mug one could ever own. I own one. X-tina owns one. Everyone on staff at Planet Rock owns one. Now it can be yours.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs2CroOZV9J634TaeCFNo9UF-zMY9OuCQxbQj6K6iK2T6DMxpP4MoBksr0ZrEu5pPljuk0TlDMJHXPRaJ7EZPjGKMyy_qlQTIDywzXk6eMKbPsIBG8DyAUvV3n9Jl2vbKh9cIzkVoKmHQ/s400/IMG_4098.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Perfect for hot drinks, soup, oatmeal, and just about anything that needs bowl-like containment. If you're curious about the logo, the gym I work for manufactures their own climbing holds through this company (<a href="http://www.thedrcc.com/catalog/">The Detroit Rock Climbing Company--DRCC</a>). Since we don't get many readers, I'm going to keep this give-away opened until at least 10 people have participated. <b>This give-away is not open to family members or Planet Rock co-workers (both current and past).</b> Sorry guys. How to enter? Simply leave a comment on this post. Tell me what your favorite flavor pancake is. If you don't like pancakes, fuck you.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHtGq9z1oOdopKOq_NzQBzlmfPNRGSvRsf5H2WGKLoi_dx71Z1FMpfCf2XLCQRfud1qd8s4UNdXj1GY1ZryxXGEDFqWM10kvb0nfoQ3ke4Lwe2tCit9j_eswAXPbWHowc8gB9leiTPtg/s400/IMG_4100.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Have a nice Pancake Day, everyone. I'm off to Detroit later for a bit of fun.</div><div><b><br /></b></div>Pancakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01741945474908732745noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1263796221069518716.post-50718312498880415992011-02-27T20:20:00.006-05:002011-02-27T21:08:52.861-05:00Look up Live Avatar Role Playing on Youtube. Change your life.<div style="text-align: left;">Dinner today waz gud.</div><div><br /></div><div>The mancandy is out of town this week. What's a girl to do?</div><div><br /></div><div>Well.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQA_DFYAdLqoE0tuamkQn0TEnkb-7amtb85ylQhNv2c9VodE8NeFByylUH6zyYxBSGh5BZMg_OYcVqIFg2JDMvRnp8TNMxLfng-kaxQ13MR6aiZqBMzlhyphenhyphen2csN1HuKjZ0vZHTJ_uHMOlQ/s400/zeldaimage.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Lot's of things.</div><div><br /></div><div>Have simple breakfast. Go to Meijer. Find out they DO sell coconut oil, and for half as much as everywhere else. Realize how much money you could have saved. Throw mini fit in baking aisle. Climb. Make delicious lunch. Transcribe interview. Go to library, rent movies. Russa. MAKE FANTASTIC DINNER. Because I fucking DESERVE that. Eat a store-bought cupcake.</div><div><br /></div><div>Let's talk about that dinner.</div><div><br /></div><div>Milling about on Twitter, imagining witty things to tell our readers, I found windattack's tweet about peanut butter sweet potato fries.</div><div><br /></div><div>REWIND.</div><div><br /></div><div>Peanut butter sweet potato fries.</div><div><br /></div><div>Yes. I, too, was intrigued. I investigated. I made them. Here's the <a href="http://fakeginger.com/?p=1219">link</a> to the recipe. I used my Jiff Natural and it turned out perfect. Upon first bite, your mind doesn't know what to think. The strength of the two flavors, and their not obvious pairing, makes you stop and wonder: Do I like this? What is HAPPENING to me?</div><div><br /></div><div>Second bite--SOLD. It's amazing. I wanted to eat the whole tray. My brother, a picky eater, also tried them. The reactions were identical. MAKE THEM.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrRptyF2GvqGW5waLDlWek7M0ZsijTV7DUQzJywvACGV_dX-GDmabanm5aym1-dRiXStYuJXtc0HrdN3sTCxbHBswbkpLYo0GyaVcb0ytIP1qA7eQeJePAct0mWh0l8XR7a98s1WOKFZU/s400/IMG_4080.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div>I spent 20 minutes wondering what would go good with these. Traditional burgers or sandwiches or ANYTHING really didn't fit. So I imagined what I usually use peanut butter for in savory circumstances (that being peanut sauces in stir fries). Enter the bbq tofu.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYCxKrD2wJ-bDNiDNmgQHPp19q7m0uIZoGNK4gTdOKDAA3GV-O_clfeLH5ObMuZVmvTSyFSeEh8ph2HvqHeKBdLc15T6RpXNWFtc0lKOpsPAksvZLo4WwETpk-sI2gC9VpC9YoF2HsEQk/s400/IMG_4065.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div>RECIPE FOR HOISIN BBQ TOFU (for one)</div><div><br /></div><div>INGREEDZ:</div><div>1 slice of tofu, cut corner to corner</div><div>2 tbsp olive oil</div><div>2 tbsp hoisin sauce</div><div>1 tsp hot sauce of your choice</div><div><br /></div><div>DO THIS:</div><div>Mix the oil and sauces in a small bowl. Put it the tofu (if you aren't in a hurry, press it beforehand). Allow to sit while preparing the fries. Soak. Let it soak (taking care to flip them over halfway through this) for about 20-25 minutes. Warm up some olive oil over medium-low heat in a cast iron skillet. Cook tofu on each side until browned. Serve with fries, and delight!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaL8-zpkg1AXEDUNjI25l7LHotsKgtx_ddsBLdGEt_vGs_qVMDz4VQwb4sB2nyZHTMx9aZghbt_y1u0H-7GAhr6TW2iN_k6-DOvFxDQIHwm2oog25edUU_6DTY2sNw3kbgTJhwBf50sEw/s400/IMG_4081.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Stay tuned this week, my pets. I plan on announcing a give-away.</div><div><br /></div><div>TUESDAY IS NATIONAL PANCAKE DAY HOLY SHIT</div><div><br /></div>Pancakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01741945474908732745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1263796221069518716.post-1870731057256223282011-02-24T19:50:00.004-05:002011-02-24T20:14:14.226-05:00Well, THIS is a bit late.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXr3WF9vevSEQ0fg2VxEjuJO8lonNLGc23z3tYNkMwGo3VfVbqwW0Cq1SgYiiTIS-YGBJ-s2iXVFGHciFq-Afbemxa0d6PFVrqweYf4Eo84_mchB4xmJ7tS1cRoIRIBv1vXr44IOWG7Ls/s1600/IMG_3971.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXr3WF9vevSEQ0fg2VxEjuJO8lonNLGc23z3tYNkMwGo3VfVbqwW0Cq1SgYiiTIS-YGBJ-s2iXVFGHciFq-Afbemxa0d6PFVrqweYf4Eo84_mchB4xmJ7tS1cRoIRIBv1vXr44IOWG7Ls/s400/IMG_3971.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577428020460496434" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Friends, readers, I'm so sorry for abandoning you for so long.<div><br /></div><div>It's been a rough week or so. Stress levels were high. Frustrations abound. Like Bilbo Baggins, I was butter scraped over too much bread. I did, however, win a burrito at a competition on Sunday--a high point in an otherwise regrettable seven days. Then I found there was a large picture of me on the climbing gym's webpage, warming up on a climb with my pants falling down. AWESOME.</div><div><br /></div><div>My "contribution" to last weeks dinner was supposed to be dessert. I was going to make an ice cream cake. However, I forgot key ingredients. I mean, can you blame me? I BROUGHT THE PARTY, BITCHES. Amidst my bags filled with an ice cream maker, slicer, cookies, ingredients, dome cake pans, and the N64/Zelda, it should come as no surprise that I forgot shit. NO SURPRISE.</div><div><br /></div><div>Unfortunately, my dessert mostly sucked. I was going to make chocolate chip cookie "ice cream," and put it in a vanilla cake. But all the substituting failed. Bombed. The ice cream was okay, but the cake was awful.</div><div><br /></div><div>Phallic, in fact. Phallic Cake.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg31lJgncZ4HJEynq5tGs8KSaZGTeQA6bV2j8_vTqPTa0gIWC1BOnEcF7hhEj5FoBY882UjlImKUJ8YqFCokGz08ZDA2TrWwQQmhoimNQkhSYtZTd49-NFaSfptykZj3d9823Yd8WLGTd8/s400/IMG_3981.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrMCpnhbrSWhDOFDIqCLmliykdeFX38sz0x_JT8POgd2k8-sPyobqsPDOfUwdQ902R6shYd9MnQmIr5JfA7PpuMOIKBr5809AApYXsgvIHCDQ8y9lvivreC40-pQuj4N4cZiJvBucedwE/s400/IMG_3980.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>I will, in the near future, blog this cookie recipe for you. But not tonight because I'm feeling unmotivated to go and dig it out from the mess that is my apartment. I just wanted you to know that I haven't forgotten about Oops. That I wish I could have written on it all week.</div><div><br /></div><div>We took sweet pictures. Here are a few. More will appear with the post about the sandwiches. Candy cigarettes. Not vegan. Found out after we worked our way through a box. Who knew?</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdLo-4_uGTj2_y8Vf_PyQl0VMW21xX1nR8e_6RecxLL7sUs-ZgDG4HjB4g0sMLJS3GD4jY7htjFDbo1YBd2LmS0Ffzk04BKABwPn3cIRkG4RExM62ZsfCZ4TdRGldhs_37hVUkHwDhMvY/s400/IMG_3961.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh66yGgHrsg02mMattmM726r8RS6gSP5xkCzb0Z6zlw2MIsGhJwh92QlBLK3xuZH3Ypy_2B9mDXBAOBHPhDaxC3IDy-APuLG1BOvHXyXdUfKccWvW1z25JNZ3HtoIrUOSFUDcK2RbNAF50/s400/IMG_3977.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Zelda. So much love. So much heartbreak.</div>Pancakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01741945474908732745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1263796221069518716.post-90101832027476258802011-02-19T23:11:00.002-05:002011-02-19T23:15:09.421-05:00It's coming...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB8aIPJv2kDFvpyuB3H8nfsLcWZMTsSS2OgN6ChAxxrS_N0Jz_qQiDDClm4mfL7nNyN6k3fPmJPUlErZVmyne46OEEaQfbqi4aZY1p7wRlovKZm4-V7ASE_fTRCJm8kZA7e9g7YrIZ3SY/s1600/IMG_3970.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB8aIPJv2kDFvpyuB3H8nfsLcWZMTsSS2OgN6ChAxxrS_N0Jz_qQiDDClm4mfL7nNyN6k3fPmJPUlErZVmyne46OEEaQfbqi4aZY1p7wRlovKZm4-V7ASE_fTRCJm8kZA7e9g7YrIZ3SY/s400/IMG_3970.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575620314627869186" /></a><br /><b>We promise.</b>Pancakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01741945474908732745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1263796221069518716.post-62697500120269652502011-02-15T08:39:00.006-05:002011-02-15T09:40:45.558-05:00I bet you're wondering what that amazing smell is. Well, it's my waffle.<div style="text-align: left;">Ladies and gentleman--</div><div><br /></div><div>Tonight is the <b>party event of the year.</b> Big names. Amazing music. Great catering. And Zelda: Ocarina of Time.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>THE OOPS, IT'S VEGAN 1 YEAR BLOGOVERSARY BANANZA!!</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>The menu is extensive and has required prior preparation by all members of the Oops team. Multiple courses of breathtaking mouthgasms. All of which will be blogged post-event.</div><div><br /></div><div>Until then, to keep you satisfied, I bring you yet another pancake recipe.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFaqGCIqUGhM4uPjWk4Y40N4EavspUyLAF7khlF_c1I4KbjoNd6BU6IwLt2b4Qo_bnjCiBZ4bHGSd9K0a-tFGTc6cZ_fQ34LL84kMDzf0i-alf-2uG85lbi3QHDaME9QUZ1xS3rcvrK0Y/s400/IMG_3951.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Fluffy Lemon Poppyseed Pancakes</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>These were incredible. I've never had a vegan pancake with so much loft. Each was about 1/2 inch thick. Light, flavorful, and lovely to gaze upon.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>INGREEDZ:</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>1 1/2 cups flour</div><div>1/2 tsp salt</div><div>1 T baking powder</div><div>1 T poppyseeds</div><div>2 T sugar</div><div>1 1/4 cups "milk"</div><div>1 tsp apple cider vinegar</div><div>2 T oil</div><div>1 T lemon juice</div><div><br /></div><div><b>DO THIS:</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, salt, baking powder, poppyseeds, and sugar. Make a well in the center, and pour in the milk, cider vinegar, oil, and lemon juice. Mix together, but not too thoroughly. These are pancakes, so lumps are not only acceptable, they are ideal. Meanwhile, you can be heating lavish amounts of margarine in a cast iron skillet over low-medium heat. Drop a third cup or so of batter (more or less, depending on your desires) and cook both sides to a golden crispiness. Serve with real maple syrup. Love yourself for the accomplishment.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiZb5IJgfetvIskT_y5tA_B9ZpK9Q6z7KCzogDtDY5fhbB2bk3JGpfF-nJzlPwWMXWAlWcX9CMqo1rpLt-J69-IpFELBa8muwGjSwEJu8x_ntPvbKT0sSSgYlT6bnw-gaSn0g7jd6FLW4/s400/IMG_3948.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Did everyone have a nice Balumtimes? I did. Mom sent me Valentines chocolate. I had to work, but it was Good Idea Monday. Every Monday, we have some grand idea (generally edible). This week, it was me bringing in waffle making supplies so that we could have Boston Creme Pie Waffles. I unfortunately don't have pictures. They made the whole gym smell heavenly, and we had customers asking if they could purchase whatever was cooking. The answer, of course, was a cheerful "NO! THEY'RE MINE!!" I made sure to take a safety walk while eating my waffle, just to relish the feeling of everyone's longing eyes on my bounty. Yeah, climb that wall. The satisfaction of doing so won't be even half as good as that which I get from eating my chocolate and pudding coated waffle, bitch.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisxPSUR7ujXGgXgE8DOfLuGxAlH55rWMOUetRDkX-3tblfK1fsW23kNyuVRnLnf7Hih-s0NTaAfbTw83YXWzZPMYzujA1h0oTZEjKV6I8ckDW4yCzzkh7VxCeBktVt5_5AUbyw0O6xDZQ/s400/urukhi.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">(Found at <a href="http://travisjustinwhite.blogspot.com/2009/02/valentines-day-cards.html">http://travisjustinwhite.blogspot.com/2009/02/valentines-day-cards.html</a>)</div><div><br /></div><div>Also, the clothing demo went well last week. Someone gave me a home-brew.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2jOYf8aqTmw9_E5smaG8zmu6lGWe7j5eEZ3UhCoDT4yZTOvhJtXCYleNIe_Blets2dgQyB_S7GWIZLdn_xHbZrUyPVsbscXQZyAbcQJn0TYqrppaFTNTKWntf0E6ohPfmcsJcyqdWkeM/s400/IMG_3938.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjewnPBw3sqyVbDpC3Xe2fpOBGguaD5qcW_-hKB82GHRk1xqxwPgNkAe24QtH8MKXVE-vmIymmXXd1kXD2DgL6kqtW4av1RvyhZ6WMytidMI7kh8mPOtbntqdL_heNkIWGlw8SytVCVTu4/s400/IMG_3942.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div>I have a mission to acquire more soymilk and to locate candy cigarettes (where does one find these things nowadays, anyway?). </div>Pancakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01741945474908732745noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1263796221069518716.post-34051432502728146312011-02-10T13:21:00.005-05:002011-02-10T14:23:22.428-05:00People for a Disney-Free Ender Wiggin.<div style="text-align: left;">I'd like to dedicate the last discussion in this post to a certain editor.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><div>So, friends. I apologize for our slacking, but the Oops! team has been suffering from illness and work (Are these two things mutually exclusive? Is work an illness? I swear, more than one child I see on a daily basis has made a pact with Satan to destroy me). But I have plenty to share with you today.</div><div><br /></div><div>First, chocolate.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm9C861QB-4lv1BFvESgEb28JePoTebrYfgDgA8G593Ox2Q4hN7SqPDC-jJAeuZengOn50KbmQN4osZg5-INXWKAT5Bq88MbwSEN-XE4TjCIqxOoKzzzuYbhU2rF7VtyPAFNTiIkGQmCE/s400/IMG_3911.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Chocolate delivered from Ecuador by my brother.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxLLGlXZX76iy5OY-tc8qjiMXQGGLpbIP7ZJIBT2RVIjM_szxytMNawgR14tSen-7Js7VUHCS5SGZ4qIcjsBq_WDZVSN7L4yXxJ4NM0jKU_VIFUowwXxJcVW_HWEwAlo-KukuLNChWXH8/s400/IMG_3913.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><i>Good</i> chocolate.</div><div><br /></div><div>Second, my lunch today: A Jalapeño Popper Sandwich.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7KDmvzYscLx6xwX6XCKcMuXMd9DsyVGHJvLyzF8jdJ529XQLEYonexb5EEnT9xdOpAzh9d70MHbq2wR5NdoMstFI0oEMZ7I_oJMB_37ovebkEYIDqDuF71-jk4B8eZ7eXtyL4Z4gD9EY/s400/IMG_3919.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>This sandwich was made possible by my mother. Although I never get to see her, despite being a mere 50 miles away, I still receive gifts representing her affection, as she receives mine (recycling, because my apartment complex doesn't handle that shit). Most recently I received some home-made, home-canned jalapeño pepper jelly. It's delicious, and has been interesting to experiment with. Like eating the pepper but sweeter and without the kick. Thinking about this spicy jem, I realized that there are too few jalapeño poppers in my life anymore, and I should probably do something about it. Enter the sandwich. Two pieces of bread (generously buttered), a smothering of Toffuti cream "cheese," and the jelly. The sandwich was then fried to a golden brown state in my cast iron skillet. Delightfus.</div><div><br /></div><div>All right, now third. Maple oatmeal cookie crust. A discussion about maple.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFceqG5h6LOZSb34m5lLUE3AZGuV9EBNkJHic5RpZs8PC6jLmEeUXrMEjzDiWtoxA_xL2lAoeKkTcy0gqk7BSSbKlPl3KCQqSyjuXv1QwiskblSj8n-AOsv2TrU0MyZM3aH5H0IcfGvgw/s400/IMG_3927.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div>I made a berry tart today with some of my frozen blueberries and strawberries from the summer markets. Here's the recipe for the crust:</div><div><br /></div><div><b>INGREEDZ:</b></div><div>1 1/2 cups rolled oats</div><div>3/4 cup flour</div><div>1/2 tsp salt</div><div>1 tsp cinnamon</div><div>1/2 tsp baking powder</div><div>1/2 cup Earth Balance, melted</div><div>1/4 cup maple syrup (I used grade A medium)</div><div>1 1/2 tsp vanilla</div><div><br /></div><div>Mix the dry ingredients in a medium bowl. Create a well in the center, add the wet ingredients, and stir until well-combined. Spread into a baking dish. Fill with whatever kind of tart filling you enjoy. I just threw my berries into my skillet, cooked them down until they were almost jelly-like, poured them over the crust, and baked at 375 until the edges were brown. I will be taking it to the Vertical Girl Demo at work tonight. Probably won't eat it, though, because I have brownies and I want those more.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZSzJgfNnCR2xIM0lx02fnGmDHoCUfVoGrKeojmoINttrFTi9zaFOZrfS_PMI8THBOeQryv_6PgYWRXSLmhORxC857ov7qrW4MqEVN31DUfeqS7_-V9ye3a8hsgSd2u47RzjNZPuPjk-E/s400/IMG_3933.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div>MAPLE SYRUP.</div><div>Yes, maple. The Oops! team's favorite sweetener. Remember when we made our own? Probably not. I'm pretty sure that the only people reading the blog that far back were our suburban mothers, our Frog Holler friends, and ourselves. That's okay, because thanks to archiving you can read about it <a href="http://oopsitsvegan.blogspot.com/2010/02/maple-syrup-hoes-muddy-puppies.html">here</a> and <a href="http://oopsitsvegan.blogspot.com/2010/02/syruping.html">here</a>. When it comes to syrup grades, how do you know which one to use? Depends on what you're going for.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Grade A Fancy</b>: Very light amber color. Very good on ice cream. Doesn't have a strong maple flavor, and lacks a very thick consistency.</div><div><b>Grade A Medium: </b>My general choice for baking. The flavor is just enough that it will appear in the baked goods, but not overpower them (unless I really lay it on heavy). Also ideal for pancakes and waffles. I put it in the batter and on top of the finished product.</div><div><b>Grade A Dark: </b>Maple flavor is getting stronger, and the syrup is thicker. Use when maple is the flavor you want to highlight. Great table syrup.</div><div><b>Grade B:</b> Serious shit. Not for the impotent, infirm, spineless wimps of the world. Very dark and thick with both an extreme maple flavor as well as a--dare I even say it--caramel one. Want to be able to grab the skull of your enemies and rip out their spine like predator? Drink a gallon of this for breakfast.</div><div><br /></div><div>Some news: Next Tuesday the Oops! team will be having a banquet to celebrate the blog's one-year anniversary. X and I will be having a planning summit on Sunday. Expect big things. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4pLxHKDasTu1nrzu0rhG7e_Fe377m8dvEXvf0Ph8m7TFspHKlYYDB-wCq2tAos7Gk5oWVpXIZiQaiPFvPTLraivaB2xVNksdTk74ZTJvdZFIhjEjDf0L71U-6cs3uxDpbZSm_wOwDQpg/s400/zelda+link.jpg" /></div></div>Pancakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01741945474908732745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1263796221069518716.post-59182035088515096042011-02-08T21:31:00.002-05:002011-02-08T21:33:28.277-05:00"to my mind, the cause ought not to be to end slaughter, but to end the cycle that causes people to choose it. fight ignorance, fight deception, fight self-loathing, fight fear of the other, be a witness to the truth as you have experienced it - reject the inevitability of that unspoken social contract - and in doing such, empower people to make compassionate choices for themselves." - tara sophia bahna-jamesxtinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08049619629185695250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1263796221069518716.post-17579947283219716902011-02-03T23:12:00.004-05:002011-02-03T23:16:19.114-05:00Windburn: A Sob Story. Oh, and an Event.<div style="text-align: left;">For those of you who live in the Ann Arbor area...</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOlzq6OeIOgDSxWGa4D0n6wShIGiNiibzn-h95qbYmy9fXOBzG4oF2gSsM3TRIxeYXNzPhuKoR7KbvnDyXtpI86boeU-dPl1GcIEmXQPANcOJmQM_dJDAUXL6UOh2fsbqKR8d1BwFw2ZY/s400/vgposter.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This event is my brainchild. So, I want people to attend. Know a climber? ARE a climber? Are a she-climber? Come climb in these clothes. Yay.</div>Pancakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01741945474908732745noreply@blogger.com0