We went to the Richmond Vegetarian Festival this past weekend for food and fun.
I made a video about it...
Watch the vlog below
"Eat the Cake, Anna Mae!"
Don't mind me, I relate everything to a song or movie. Anyhoo....
After 2 years of being vegan, celebrating over a cake at social gathering is still awkward. I feel rude and like I'm not truly sharing in the festivities when I say "no thanks" to the cake.
In the last month, I've been to 3 social events where the cake is the centerpiece.
Bypassing the cake at my uncle's birthday party was easy because we were all spread out at the restaurant. I ate from the fruit bar instead.
One of my friends graduated a few weeks ago and cake was also the center of her celebration. Peek hubby on the right with his Corona bottle reaching for the cake. This situation wasn't as bad and many of her guests wanted to have candid conversation about veganism. As a matter of fact, I'm going grocery shopping with one of her friends next month. Woohoo! That was an amazing situation but still umm, awkward watching everyone eat while I sip on a fruity cocktail.
This coconut cream cake was the most awkward of them all. I think the size of my grandmother's gathering was a major factor here. There was only about 9 people and we mostly stayed in one area. When cake and ice cream was served, I listened watched and stared. Ummm, AWKWARD! Fortunately, since this is all family (they all know how I eat), no one said anything. I still felt out of place just watching them all gather around cake and ice cream.
The positive....
Since so many people are becoming health conscious, I don't catch much grief for not eating the cake.
I just smile and go along with the "you must be watching your waistline" comments.
Food Talk With Lisa
I did some cooking with my friend Lisa, then pulled out the camera to talk about our views on food.
Enjoy!
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Your Child Doesn't Like Green Leafy Vegetables?
Throw them in a smoothie!
Alvin (my middle son) is my picky eater. He doesn't like change with his food and was the hardest of the 3 to embrace vegan eating.
It's interesting though because in the last 2 years, he has become the one who is more likely to try new recipes/ingredients.
Even so, he still isn't fond of green vegetables on his plate.
My solution? Toss it in his smoothie.
Smoothies containing spinach & swiss chard & fresh fruit are the easiest to get kids to drink because it doesn't taste like anything (despite the green color).
One of my Facebook friends suggested fresh pineapple when using raw kale and collard greens in a smoothie to help mask the bitterness.
What are you favorite smoothie vegetables?
What's On The Menu?
I went grocery shopping today and spent $211 for 2 weeks of groceries. Woohoo!
While meal planning, I made sure to focus on less processed vegan junk foods and meat alternatives. Also, I didn't purchase as many organic produce as usual.
Some of the meals I plan to cook....
Creamy tomato curry with spinach and tofu
Spaghetti
Vegan grilled cheese and tomato soup
Red Quinoa & Black Bean Vegetable Salad
Black-eyed peas & rice
Vegan Meatloaf, mashed potatoes & gravy
Seitan stir-fry with bell peppers, onion and rice
Desserts: Peanut butter & chocolate chip banana ice cream, black bean brownies
Snacks: Hummus, avocado, fresh fruit, crackers and tortilla chips as snacks