Basil Pup

spinach and mushroom tofu scramble

I enjoyed this quick and easy lunch earlier this week, and it was so tasty I wanted to share it with you, even though all I did was instagram it.

The photos look all olden style, and I like that. I also like to make up words, like olden.

Old timey, you know.

I started this scramble with a spoonful of coconut oil in a pan – then sauteed mushrooms and spinach.

vegan veggie scramble

For the “scramble” portion, I make my scrambles one of two ways, depending on what I have on hand. I use extra firm tofu, like my Cuban breakfast scramble, and I use whipped silken tofu, like my Baileys and black tea French toast. This time I used silken – I like it.

Topped with requisite buffalo sauce:

buffalo tofu scramble

spinach and mushroom tofu scramble

dairy, egg, gluten free, vegan

serves one

1 tablespoon coconut oil
5-6 baby bella mushrooms, sliced
1 large handful fresh spinach
1/2 package Silken tofu
2 tablespoons coconut milk (So Delicious carton)
2 teaspoons turmeric
salt, pepper, buffalo sauce

In blender on high speed, blend tofu with milk and turmeric into a “sauce” consistency.

Saute mushrooms and spinach in coconut oil until spinach wilts, mushrooms begin to crisp at edge. Pour blended tofu into pan, stir to combine with spinach and mushrooms. As it cooks, break it up with spatula as you would a ‘normal’ scramble, into pieces.

Season with salt, pepper, toppings / sauce of choice.

As you all know, my current choice is buffalo.

spinach mushroom tofu scramble

This was SO good, and SO easy. Five seconds whipped in the Vita-mix is almost faster than cracking eggs and beating them. I think it is faster.

…and because many of you are asking about Rosemary, and how she is getting along with us, how Basil is welcoming her. Everything is clearly just fine:

Basil and Rosemary

Happy Thursday.

 

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Yesterday was another big day – for Basil.

Basil was dropped off at the vet in the morning, he had a minor surgery and a teeth cleaning. Poor sweet puppers was so dopey and sleepy when I picked him up last night… but his teeth are squeaky clean and his surgery went well.

So, can I show you the cutest thing ever?

Basil in his 2012 Halloween costume (um, Halloweenie costume…). Isn’t he just so dang cute?? I can’t get over the “pants”. <– How cute is that?? We have been calling him Pants. It’s his new nickname.

This actually was perfect timing – the vet told me if we had a small tee he could wear, it would work better than a cone. So he gets to wear his Skeleton Pajama Pants all the time now! His recovery will be 14 days before the sutures come out, I may have to go find a couple more costumes like this…

chai-spiked pumpkin shake

dairy, egg, soy and gluten free, vegan

serves two

2 scoops pumpkin ice cream*
1/3 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup coconut milk (carton)
2 tablespoons chai tea powder (Natures Flavors)
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

In blender, combine ice cream, pumpkin puree, coconut milk – blend until smooth. Add chai, cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice, pulse blender to combine. Pour into glasses and garnish with a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon. 

*For a smoothie rather than a dessert, replace the ice cream with two scoops of vanilla protein powder and another cup of coconut milk.

I’m playing Puppy Nurse today – he’s wagging his tail right now so I know he’s feeling a little better – we are spending the morning making more pumpkin ice cream…

 

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You want to know what is simultaneously exciting and heart wrenching at once? Searching Oregon Dachshund Rescue to find my little Basil – basa a sister.

The little kielbasa has a birthday tomorrow, he turns nine. Given that Basil was a birthday gift for me when we adopted him, why not find Basil a little sister for his birthday?

Hence the excitement. The heart wrenching roller coaster comes when I see all of these little sweetie long dogs, so many needing extra love and care, all of them needing real homes. I just want to adopt them all, make up for their sad past and help them heal and trust.

There has to be a sweet little girl pup that will fit in perfectly with Basil and our family. I hope she finds us soon, just as I hope all of these pups find their perfect place soon.

We had another Happy Hour at Home recently, featuring one of my favorite easy summer appetizers – bruschetta. At the market, I cannot pass by the heirloom tomatoes stands without choosing a few, and they really make a bright and fresh bruschetta. Basil provided by mom’s garden, thanks mom!

heirloom tomato bruschetta

1 (gluten free) sourdough baguette
olive oil
2-3 heirloom tomatoes (depending on size)
bunch fresh basil (chiffonaded)
sea salt, pepper
balsamic reduction*

Slice baguette, arrange on baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil. Toast breads in 325 degree oven for 5-7 minutes or until crisp. Chop tomatoes and chiffonade basil, add to a bowl. Toss with olive oil, salt and pepper. Arrange toasts on serving plate, spoon tomato basil mixture onto each toast. Drizzle balsamic over each toast. 

*balsamic reduction – how to

In a well ventilated area, in a saucepan over high heat, bring balsamic vinegar to a boil (the amount you begin with will reduce to about one quarter that amount – 1 cup balsamic vinegar = 1/4 reduction). Reduce heat to simmer, stirring continually. Vinegar will thicken within several minutes, remove from heat. Allow to cool, transfer to container (preferably a squeeze bottle) and store in refrigerator. 

Are you a bruschetta fan? What is your favorite easy summertime appetizer?

Have you ever adopted a pet from a shelter or rescue?

 

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bienvenidos!

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have a great night!  Bookmark on Delicious Digg this post Recommend on Facebook share via Reddit Share with Stumblers Tweet about it Subscribe to the comments on this post

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