Day 11 ~ Karen's Mexican Burrito Pie

What a tasty treat this was! I have never thought about cooking avocados before, but it was really delightful! My only problems with this recipe is the number of dirty dishes and utensils it created & it came out of the oven still cold ( I think I may need to invest in an oven thermometer like Sarah recommends). This makes a lot of food! We're going to be eating it for days! Hubs really really liked it too! I used jarred salsa because I had it & didn't want to dirty more dishes...I'm so lazy.

Just look at all those yummy layers!!!! Next time I might use Daiya Pepperjack cheese for a little added kick!

I served it up with my special Mexican rice and fresh jalapenos from my brother!

Not in a good way...

Hey BFF...I've been having a rough few days. I'm feeling really down. I'm feeling down on the yoga community and down on the vegan community and down in general. Ever have those days where you feel hopeless? Like you can't change the world the way you thought you could? Like you just don't want to be a part of a world that does such cruel and awful things? Like if you had a spaceship you'd get the eff outta here? Yeah, that's how I'm feeling. I wonder if this is how Chris Crocker felt when everyone was picking on Britney?

Watch out for the eff bomb & other bad words out of Chris's mouth. When you are distraught, these things just happen. *Hugs* Chris.

At least I've still got my weird sense of humor, BFF.

Day 9 ~ Noodle Salad with Nut Dressing

Recipe on page 81.

BFF, I'm not usually a fan of cold noodle salads with peanut sauce or any other nut sauce for that matter. But this is sooooo yummy! I used peanut butter, but mixed with all other ingredients it was not too peanuty. I used Agave Nectar instead of the sugar (I just can't do anymore sugar), and it wasn't too sweet at all. I also used Mugwort Soba noodles & they were delicious & added some extra color to the dish. There's a nice little spicy kick to this noodle salad that was a nice surprise. Thanks Vegan Culinary Institute once again for hosting this challenge...I'm finding lots of delightful new recipes!

Day ~ 8 ~ Baby Spinach and Apple Salad with Sweet Red Wine Vinaigrette

Recipe found on page 77.

Dear BFF,

I love me a spinach salad! And this one tasted just like fall! I didn't have raisins and don't really like them anywho, so I subbed a dried berry mix that I had on hand (cherries, blueberries, cranberries, and plums). The berry mix along with a tart apple made this salad just perfect in my opinion! And hubs, who could care less about dressing, actually commented on how good this dressing was. I paired this with the potato leek soup from the other night, and it was the perfect rainy day meal!

Heads up, BFF!!! These next few recipes may be a bit out of order. I am strategically planning the desserts to take with me to the lake next weekend. Don't want to make them too far ahead & DEFINITELY don't want to eat them all myself!!

Walk for Farm Animals

Dear BFF,

Every year Farm Sanctuary hosts a Walk for Farm Animals, to raise money and awareness for neglected and abused farm animals. I am doing my second walk this year in Pittsburgh and I am writing to request your help! Last year I came in 2nd place as highest fundraiser & Pittsburgh was in the top fundraising cities. We hope to blow both of these out of the water! If you'd like to help farm animals, please sponsor me on my page! There's a quick link in the top right corner! I'm currently in 2nd place again...can you help me get to 1st?

Farm Sanctuary is one of my favorite places on earth. I became vegan after being there for about a minute. FS has literally changed my whole world. I go there for inspiration & encouragement, for peace and reassurance.

Honestly, spend 5 minutes with any animal there & your heart and mind will be forever changed. Farm Sanctuary does life changing and life saving work. They cannot do this without our help and support.

Please help us make a difference in the lives of farm animals. Anything at all is so greatly appreciated.

Peace and Love,
Your Vegan BFF

Day 7 ~ Blueberry Dilip

Blueberry Dilip is found on page 228 of La Dolce Vegan. This recipe was really simple to make & was soooooo stinking delicious! It's a lot like a cobbler & is amazing served warm. My only complaint is the price of blueberries...I used fresh, but the frozen are just as expensive. That being said, I will definitely make it again!I took this to my book club dinner & the girls looooooved it!

Day 6 ~ Simple Leek and Potato Soup

Simple Leek and Potato Soup, page 109.

Perfect soup for a chilly and rainy day in the 'Burgh. This soup was so stinking easy...I'll be making it a lot this winter! I used my immersion blender (second favorite kitchen appliance), but left some chunks in there.

Pair it with some yummy crusty bread & it's the perfect comfort meal. Thanks Sarah!