Lesson Plan: Single Girl's Lasagna

One of the things I love about living on my own is having total control over the kitchen. No awkward tango with roommates (who I love and miss dearly) in the tiny apartment kitchen. No changing what I'm making for a hulking (now ex)boyfriend that hates mushrooms.

It's all about me and what I am craving at that moment. Although it makes me feel a little bit selfish saying it, it's awesome. Sorry, I'm not sorry.

Cooking for one can be tricky though. Certain dishes are more appropriately prepared for a crowd. Like, lasagna, for instance. But, in this past year of being super-single, as I like to call myself, I have a couple of tricks that help me taper these recipes down to a perfect single-girl size.

So, without further ado, today's lesson, class, is lasagna. Single girl-style.

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Lesson: Single Girl's Lasagna (makes 2 servings)
                (vegan, gluten-free, low fat, low cal, budget friendly; see accommodations section for suggested   
                     modifications)
Necessary Materials:

•  one small eggplant
• 1 zucchini
• 1/3 bolck of extra firm tofu
• ~cup jarred tomato sauce (I used Classico Tomato and Basil. Use your favorite)
• garlic powder, italian seasoning, red pepper flake
• 2 ramekins
• mandoline slicer or sharp knife

Procedures:
1) Wash veggies, peel eggplant and use mandoline to slice them into thin slices.
    If you don't have a madoline, used a sharp knife to slice the veggies into ~1/8 in slices.

 2) Slice tofu into 6 thin slices and press between paper towels.

 3) Layer.
      Starting with a bit of sauce, begin layering the ingredients. I did sauce, zucchini, sauce, egglant, sauce, crumbled tofu, etc. I like sauce.

 On top of the tofu, sprinkle the seasonings.

 Finish the layering with a layer of sauce.

 4) Bake at 350 for about 40 min.
    I baked mine in my little convection/toaster oven , but a conventional oven would work also.

 5) Top with nooch, and enjoy!

Yummmmm!

Accommodations:
- If you are a meat/cheese eater, you could replace the tofu layer with a couple of your favorite stuffed ravioli.
    I used to do this for my ex-boyfriend, and he loved it. It's an easy way to add in the pasta and cheese      
    or meat with out having to cook the noodles. Ravioli layer really well, too!
- Also, add in layers of cheese (vegan mozz or dairy cheese if you want).
     I would have loved to add some daiya mozz, but I didn't have any, and on my budget, it wasn't 
     really an option.
- Add in whatever veg you have on hand.
     Thin sliced mushrooms would have been a great addition.
Assessments:
     I think this recipe was a great success! It was a lightened-up-for-summer version of the Italian comfort food I was craving. I have also recently developed a dislike for eggplant (it's a texture thing), and with this one, I was able to not waste it and disguise it in a tasty tomato-basil sauce costume. The best part, it made 2 perfectly-sized portions for dinner tonight and leftovers for tomorrow. It reheated beautifully.
       Overall, I give this one a solid A!

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On another note, I am spending the next 4 days babysitting hanging out with my Rabbi's (who is also a close family friend) 13-year-old son while the parents are out of town. Someone tell me, what am I supposed to do with this kid! Hopefully we can hit up a Red's game and the pool. Eh, at least it's some solid money to get me through the rest of the summer.

Here's to embracing single-girl life, and making the best of doing what's best for me more a change!

~ Rach

Screaming "Summer!": Italian-Style Lentil Loaf

It's sweltering outside. Temperatures in the low 90s.

Perfectly sunny sky. And, I just finished cleaning 30 chairs out in the garage.

It's safe to say I'm *schvitzing*. Sweating my balls off, if you will.

Sounds like the perfect time for some hearty, home-cooked, comfort food, right?

Eh, not exactly. Normally, I would have been wanting something cool and refreshing for dinner, but tonight, I had one thing on the brain. Meat Lentil Loaf. For no explicable reason. I had found a recipe that I wanted to change (always), and it's one of my Dad's favorite meals. Done and Done.

Lesson: Italian-Stlye Lentil Loaf

Materials:

• 2 c. cooked lentils
• 1.5 c. old fashioned oats
• 1 small onion chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic
• .5 c shredded zucchini
• .5 c shredded carrot
• 2 flax eggs
• 3/4 c jarred tomato sauce (I used Classico Tomato and Basil)
• as much as you like- dried basil, oregano, and parsely (feel free to use fresh if you have it)
• salt and pepper

Activities and Procedures:

• Preheat the oven to 375 and grease a loaf pan.
• Sauté the onions and garlic until soft, about 5 min.
• In a food processor, blend 1 c of both the lentils and oats until roughly ground. (This is personal preference- however fine you want it.
• Empty this into a bowl and combine with remaining lentils and oats. Add the cooked onions and garlic, zucc and carrots, and 1/2 c of the tomato sauce and stir to combine well.
• Dump it all in the pan, and cover with the remaining tomato sauce.
• Bake that sucker for about 4 min.
• Let stand for 10 min before cutting in so that it can get solid again.
• Enjoy!

This was a mighty tasty one, and a homerun with the Pops. He likes my vegan cooking but often complains that it isn't substantial enough. This one though was perfect for him. A great combo of protein and carbs. And, warm and comforting.

I enjoyed mine along with some crispy salad, steamed greenbeans, and some more, sriracha-spiked tomato sauce. Hit the spot! And the veg kept it light and cool for summer. A delightful dinner!

Here's to enjoying some awesome- and unseasonal- dishes on the parents' tab!
~ Rach

Weekend Wrap Up 6/15-6/17

The funny thing about summer weekends is how they don't really feel like weekends at all. I go from having no schedule during the week to having no schedule on the weekend. Life's tough for a teacher on Summer Break!

The one difference is, now that I'm home with my parents for a few weeks, is that they are home. For my family, this is mostly great. Mostly.

Saturday was spent shopping for my first apartment (moving in 5 days!!!). I spent an obscene amount of money, and broke into tears twice. Luckily, my parents were there to put things into perspective for me. I will be fine. And when my job starts and the paychecks start rolling in August, I'll be more than fine.

Yea that was the total at Costco. Only the first stop. I think I had a conniption when the clerk said that. Biggest and Most exciting purchase: New TV. Look at that Baby! 

Saturday night, I tagged along with my parents as the went out to dinner with one of their couple friends- who just so happen to be my best friend's mom and her boyfriend. We hit up Aladinn's Eatery, which is actually a chain mediterranean restaurant. Fresh-made hummus and babaganoush? Talk about this vegan girl's dream.

We started with a bottle of whatever red wine was on special that night to split.  It was fine. I don't discriminate when it comes to wine. Especially when Mom and Dad are paying.

Next, we shared the vegetarian appetizer platter. Served with pita, and naturally, I requested hot sauce, which they make in house. Delicious. (not my photo)

Since I ate my body weight in pita, hummus, and baba, I opted for the spinach salad (minus the feta) as my entree. The dressing was a delightful lemon-herby vinaigrette. It was the perfect hot-as-hell summer meal.

Sunday, Father's Day, I was up at 5:30 for no reason, so I hit the gym before we headed out for a family breakfast. We kept with out every-holiday-that-involves-parents-including-their-birthdays tradition. My parents, broski, and his gf (who is family as far as we are concerned) met up at out favorite breakfast/brunch spot, First Watch. Not kidding, we go here for every occasion. So, we knew to get their early to beat the Dad's Day rush.

I got my usual: bowl of plain oatmeal to which I added half a scoop of vanilla Sun Warrior (more on my love affair with this stuff later) and some of their perfect coffee, and a bowl of fruit. The bro was the beneficiary of the entire banana that came on top of the oatmeal due to my banana- induced digestive issues.

All dad wanted to do on Father's Day was chill at home. By his definition "chill" means wash cars, do yard work, putz around in the basement. He is really incredible. For dinner, he had a simple request. Grill out. We grilled some delicious veggies, tilapia, and a beef skewer (the latter 2 for the 'rents). I whipped up a salad to go along with. All devoured on the back deck.

My plate: all the grilled veggies on top of the salad, hit with some hot sauce and balsamic (x2)

Dad's surn-n-turf plate. He was a happy camper.

I spent the rest of the evening curled up on the deck with Mr. Christian Grey. I am almost 200 pages into it, and I am still waiting to figure out all the hype. It's all a bit to "weird" for me, if you know what I mean.

Anyway, it was a pretty great, last weekend at my parents. The next one will be jam-packed with moving. Oy vey, not again.

Here we go!
~ Rach

Coming Back to Earth

Well hello there, stranger!

It's been far too long since I sat down and wrote out a post. Honestly, in the past 10-or-so days, I have hardly had time to shower, let alone reflect on the day. I hit the ground running in my student teaching on Monday, and I have been whirlwind busy all week! This weekend, when I gave myself a day off from everything, was the first time it felt like my feet have touched the ground all week!

I have to say, I am loving it!

Here are some highlights:

1) A weekend home for Seder and some good family time. I'm happy to report that it was almost anxiety free, and I enjoyed every minute of it. I was sad to come back, but excited too because I started taking over classes on Monday.

Our Seder Plate

Deeeelicious Vegan Matzo Ball soup that Mom made specially for me. Even the carnivores were impressed!

Dates for the evening, Bro and Maddy on the left and me and their friend Chris on the right.

Date night with Mom

The baby and entertainment of every family get together, Bro's puppy, Jolene

2. Started taking over classes in Student Teaching! This is, by far the most exciting part of this last week. It has been so satisfying and fulfilling and energizing and encouraging... can you tell I'm happy about it?!

Yes, I am crazy busy, and with my 4 preps, I have very little free time, but I feel like I am thriving. I am even more convinced now that I am doing what I am supposed to be doing. 

So far, I have been able to keep a healthy balance and found enough time to maintain eating in the way that makes me feel my best and work out on days that allowed for it. My hyper-organization and time management have been a god send, and I know that if I keep on top of things, I will be able to keep this momentum going.

Next week, I am picking up another prep, and although I was feeling overwhelmed earlier in the experience, I am ready to take it head on!

My GIANT "teacher bag" and million texts for my classes. Organization is the key to my sanity.

I've even had some time this weekend for some time out with good friends, and a lazy movie night!

Here's to conquering next week!

~ Rach

Spring Break Double Take

The school where I am doing my student teaching has their spring break this week, so I am lucky enough to have a second week off in a month's time! Lucky, if you're focusing on a week of sleeping in, being productive, and not dealing with the hour commute each way. Not so lucky if you think about the valuabe experience time I am missing out on. It takes a week out of the total internship experience which could be a make-it-or-break-thing when it comes to looking for jobs in the next few months.

Either way, I have definitely enjoyed my first day off! I was extremely productive today, and some interesting things have come up.

First thing this morning, I was at the Student Health Center. Apparently, my body decided that 22 is the perfect age to become allergic to everything! I have always had fair skin, and I figured that all the sun I got over spring break was not going to make it happy, but my skin has turned into a raging, angry beast. Not only am I peeling from the sunburn, my entire torso has broken out in an allergic reaction to the new lotion I started using after SB (I'll spare you a picture). Talk about itchy mess! I guess that's even more evidence that the things we put on our bodies should be as pure and natural as possible.

Also, I have developed the stuffy, congested, pollen allergies that have always plagued my whole family forever. I was always the lucky exception. Well, not anymore! Great.

Despite not feeling fantastic, I managed to crank out some good preps today. I wrote a week's worth of lesson plans! I am getting pumped to start taking over the Spanish II classes next Monday!

I am a little worried, though. These lessons make up one "prep" for one class, and it took me nearly all day. As I explained when things are under way, I will have 4. I also won't have all day to do them because I will be in the classroom during the day. I am going to have to stay on top of my organization to stay ahead of the game and get everything done. I know I can do it, but it's going to take some real discipline.

After a sweaty, sweaty workout, I even had time to experiment in the kitchen tonight!

And, the photo is kind of blurry. Thank you, iPhone.

That may look like just another stir-fry bowl. But, think again! It's a curry stir-fry bowl! I have seriously been missing good Middle Eastern food here at school because we don't really have a good (and inexpensive) place to go get it. Also, my one roommate is hyper-sensitive to smells, and out of respect to her, I have refrained from the uber-stinky stuff.

But tonight, I just had to have it. I made my stir-fry as I normally would, but while it was cooking, I mixed together about 1/4 cup almond milk, 1 tsp Bragg's liquid aminos, and a heaping tbs of curry powder (I like it spicy). When the veggies/tofu were about done, I poured the mix on top and let some of the moisture cook off.

I had fully intended on making rice, but forgot until it was too late. Oats saved the day by providing a fast starch base for everything.

The outcome? Not too shabby! On my grading scale, I would give it solid B. It doesn't come close to a really, good curry, but it was tasty and easy. I'll take it!

The rest of this Spring Break Double Take week will be full of finishing Lesson Plans, getting organized, and going home on Thursday for Seder. I can't wait for Passover. Definitely my favorite holiday every year.

Here's to enjoying time off while I have it!
~ Rach

WIAW Spring Break!

It's that time again, folks! Everyone's favorite blog party!

Thanks again to Jenn for hosting! I don't know what my Wednesdays would be like without her!

Last week, I was in Hilton Head with my besties. Although they did mostly communal meals, I decided to pack/take care of my own food so that they wouldn't have to make any alterations or special efforts for me. As I explained, it was harder than I expected. Still, I managed to get in some pretty good, veggie-filled, micro-cooked meals. Here's what I managed to document.

 Breakfasts look like this. Obviously, I toted my entire stash of oats withe me. Enjoyed in the morning sun on the back deck.

 Beach snacks/lunches look mostly like this: fruit, carrots, luna bars (they got all gooey and melty on the beach. even better). And tons of peanut butter sandwiches. Too many. I may be PB'ed out. Yea, right.

 Dinners were of the steamed veggie variety. With a frozen veggie burger. Mixed into black bean soup. On top of a sweet potato (it's under there, I promise).

 We had to hit up the classic Salty Dog, and it was here that I had the absolute best meal of the trip. Their homemade black bean burger (smothered in hot sauce and mustard, obviously) with a side of fruit and extra pickles. So satisfying. MMmmmm.

 The one coffee I had over the whole week. It was heaven.

And, of course, afternoon cocktails from the Frosty Frog shared with my roomie-love Allie.

Quick post, but I'm exhausted. I had my first day of Student Teaching today! Recap to come later.

Here's to getting in those greens!
~ Rach

Quick Trip Home

Last week, I randomly decided that I needed a night back at home this weekend. That would have all been dandy if I didn't already have plans Saturday night and all day Sunday. But, I was determined and made the quickest trip home ever. In 24 hours, I drove for six, slept for six, and hung out with the fam for 12.

Although it was rushed and I wished I could have stayed longer, it was just what I needed. A little time with loved ones was the perfect thing to refresh me and get me ready for the hell that is exam week this week.

The visit started off meeting Dad at the Carrabba's where Bro works. It's on my way into town, and Dad was out working, so it made sense to just meet there. The Bro always takes care of me, and made sure the kitchen made me a perfect vegan feast.

The remains of my Fiorucci salad without cheese and a side of sauted zucchini and tomato sauce. Soooo tasty along with about an entire loaf of their warm, bread.

 After dinner, Dad and I headed over to Bro's house to spend a little time playing with this monster before Bro got off work. Meet Jolene. The most exciting member of the family. She's a terror, but might be the best dog ever.

 When I finally got to my house around midnight, I was welcomed with this mess in my old room. You know you are grown up when your parents start using your room as storage. At least they cleared of the bed for me.

 Breakfast the next day was courtesy of my parents kitchen. The only thing better than oats for break fast is oats/berries/PB on your parents tab. I wasn't thinking and made less than I normally do, so the bowl was refilled with some old-school cheerios and soy milk.

 After breakfast, my dad took me to a new coffee shop, Bilog, that just opened in my little home town. It's hard to believe, but this is the only coffee spot in the whole town. It was something we definitely needed, and I was pleasantly surprised by it.

 I loved the modern decor. It had a chill vibe, and was nice and open and clean. They offer a great variety of single-source coffees and some little-bite style lunch options as well as baked goods. Dad and I kept is simple with some coffees enjoyed by the window.

 Dad wanted to portray the thoughtful look in this one. And the coffee? Yummo! No creamer necessary. I love times like this with my dad. The discussions we have take every twist and turn you could imagine, and he always leaves me with some amazing little nuggets of insight. (more on that later).

We picked Mom up from the airport, and headed back to Bro's for some take-out lunch. The restaurant they picked didn't leave me with many options, so I had a pretty lack-luster salad topped with mustard and a few of Mom's sweet potato fries.

Luckily, the Parents kitchen was stocked for me to pick through when I got home. And that was it. I headed back to Athens 24 hours after I left. But, the travel time and gas money were absolutely worth it.
Ready to take on these exams now!

Here's to appreciating the simple, unconditional love of family.
~ Rach

Hopping on the Band Wagon

One of my favorite things about the blogging world is gathering inspiration to try new and creative things in the kitchen. I honestly think that many of my current favorite foods would be completely foreign to me i it weren't for the blogs that I read. Almond butter, brussels sprouts, quinoa- just to name a few. I can't imagine going a week without any of these! Thank you, bloggie boos, for turning me on to their wonder!

Well, last night, I attempted a new food that I discovered by reading about it several times on the super-web.

Hello, Kabocha!

Not my pic (source) forgot to snap one before I cut into him.

I had read about them several times, and had them on my radar, but couldn't seem to find them in Small-town-Nowhere, Ohio. But, last week, they had a couple little organic babies at my grocery store, and I had to pick one up.

A week later, I actually had the time to roast it up for dinner.

 
 The process underway. Chopped up and roasted with the rest of my dinner.

I enjoyed the kabocha with roasted cauliflower, zucchini, asparagus, and tofu. Some spicy marinara on the side.

So how did kabocha score on the grading scale? B

Honestly, didn't blow my socks off. Sure, it tasted good, and I definitely enjoyed my dinner, but I found it to be a less flavorful, not as sweet, version of butternut squash. And, at about twice the price. Maybe my cooking method wasn't perfect. It's definitely worth a second try... if it ever goes on sale. Until then, I'll stick with butternut.

Here's to experimenting in the kitchen!

~ Rach