Catching up

I've missed cooking and blogging and reading all of YOUR wonderful blogs for the past couple of days, but you know, sometimes school just has to come first. Fortunately, that will only be true for this semester and next, and then--well, I guess work will replace school. That's life, I guess.


Anyway, as you may guess, there is not much to blog today. I did want to show off this loaf of bread we baked, following a recipe we use often. This is the best looking loaf of bread we've turned out in a while, and I was really excited when I saw how nicely it rose and shaped while it baked. We LOVE baking bread, and so our progress is a big deal to us! :)

Tuesday night Bob wanted to make some cookies to share with the folks in a Bible study he leads every Tuesday evening. I had to work super late on Tuesday and didn't get to participate in the baking--but he did save me a cookie to sample. He really wanted to try the recipe again from Vegan Vittles that we made several weeks ago and that turned out looking kind of funky. I told him to use whole wheat pastry flour this time and that would probably improve the texture. It made a big difference from using regular whole wheat flour (obviously). I am not crazy about this recipe, but Bob really loves it. Next time we want chocolate chip cookies, I'm going to insist on Dreena's recipe that I've heard so much about! But here are the cookies he made, which did work out better than before.

Last thing I have to share right now. I woke up early yesterday morning so I wanted to try the Creamy Raspberry Oatmeal (p. 22) from Vive Le Vegan! I make oatmeal often, but I have never used the technique that this recipe calls for (simmering with the lid on for about 15 minutes). The result was very tasty--it really did make the oatmeal creamier than the way I usually cook it. I also used the nutmeg and allspice exactly as the recipe directed, although I have to say I was skeptical when I saw that there was no cinnamon! I love cinnamon... Anyway, I was glad I didn't add cinnamon because the flavors were subtle enough to sing back-up very well without overwhelming the raspberry flavor. I drizzled a bit more maple syrup over mine, and Bob preferred to sprinkle on some brown sugar and a little more soy milk. I love oatmeal, but Bob can be really picky about it sometimes. He seemed to really enjoy this, though. This recipe would be very tasty with blackberries too...

I have plans to make another batch of VWaV Chipotle, Corn, and Black Bean Stew later tonight. But Bob and I are going out for some sushi when he is done at work! I'm so excited! I have some ideas for the weekend, but we'll just see. I'll definitely have to spend some time catching up on all of your blogs this evening. See you soon!