Fire Pit Dogs!

This isn't really a recipe but I thought I'd share it anyway because I think it's a fun meal idea. It's finally starting to cool off down here in the south, and we've been having some reeeeally pleasant 60 degree evenings. We thought it would be a good time to take our fire pit out and spend some time out in our yard enjoying the perfect weather. Matt picked up these awesome things (I have no idea what they're called) so that we could roast some veggie dogs and veggies over the fire. It worked out great!! I also made some rice (inside the house) to have as a side. 

Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars

This is another great recipe from The Joy of Vegan Baking. Anyone who loves the chocolate/peanut butter combo will love this decadent treat. This is definitely a "I can't believe it's vegan" recipe, but honestly, I think all of my dessert recipes are! Every time I've made this recipe I've doubled it because I've found that it just spreads way to thin in the 9 x 13 pan that the recipe calls for. Of course it makes the bars much more dense, but that's how I like 'em! I'd recommend doing the same or making the recipe as it is but using a smaller pan.

Herb-Scalloped Potatoes

Before I went vegan, I used to love those boxed scalloped potatoes. And up until I discovered this magnificent recipe, I was checking the ingredients on all of those creamy potato boxes hoping that maybe, just maybe, there would be a way to recreate it. It never dawned on me that it's possible to make scalloped potatoes from scratch! And then, Veganomicon came in to my life and I discovered a scalloped potatoes recipe that is just as delicious and creamy as the kind mom used to make. I make this side a lot, and I think if you give it a try, you will too! Mmm Mmm Mmm!

Jerk Seitan

Good news! I FINALLY have a computer! And you'll be happy to know that although I haven't been able to post these last few months, I HAVE been cooking up a storm and taking lots of photos. I thought I'd kick off with something really great and unique, so I chose Jerk Seitan. I've never had Jerk Chicken (I think it's usually chicken?) so I don't really know what to compare this to, but if you're looking for something with lots of flavor and kick, this is the recipe for you! It's sweet and spicy and tangy and just overall... yummy. I used my favorite and perfect seitan recipe from Vegan With A Vengeance, and the Jerk Seitan recipe is actually from the same book. I think this is a great recipe if you're getting sick of eating the same ol' thing every night, and you have some extra time to whip up something special. I served this with coconut jasmine rice and sauteed spinach. I can assure you this will certainly impress whoever it is you're cooking for!