A New Take on an Old Fave

This is a new recipe which I am going to try this week. Sounds delish and not too bad on the calories. It is however, a little high on the sodium. If anyone cooks this let me know what you think!

Grilled Cheese
with Fig and Basil

Vegetarian Times Issue: January 1, 2006 p.42

Fresh basil and fig preserves transform good ol’ grilled cheese into a sophisticated sandwich. Honey-lovers will like this recipe as is; others may prefer the less-sweet honey-free rendition.

Directions

1. Combine chèvre and honey, if using, in bowl, and mix until well blended. Spread about 1 Tbs. mixture on each of 4 bread slices; top with 1/2 tsp. basil each. Spread remaining slices of bread with 1 1/2 tsp. fig preserves. Close sandwiches, and lightly coat both sides with cooking spray.
2. Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add 2 sandwiches to skillet. Place heavy skillet or pot on top of sandwiches; press gently to flatten. Cook 3 minutes on each side, or until bread is lightly toasted (leave skillet or pot on sandwiches while they cook). Repeat with remaining sandwiches. Serve warm.

Ingredient List

Serves 4

• 4 oz. chèvre (soft goat cheese)
• 1 Tbs. honey, optional
• 8 thin slices cinnamon-raisin bread
• 2 tsp. minced fresh basil
• 2 Tbs. fig preserves

Nutritional Information

Per SERVING:

Calories	280
Protein	10g
Total fat	10g
Saturated fat	5g
Carbs	40g
Cholesterol	30mg
Sodium	320mg
Fiber	3g
Sugars	20g

Saturday Night is Alright For Eating Homemade Pasta

Happy Saturday!

Today, my dad and I went to St.Lawrence Market today for a sole purpose. To get ingredients for homemade pasta. I love St. Lawrence on Saturdays. It's so full of life with the most interesting cast of characters. The food is unbelievable, with produce that I have never seen before. It is a dream land for food lovers. That's the thing- I thought becoming a veggie would limit my food options-with myths of nasty tofu with flavorless veggies as a side. This could not be further from the truth. Becoming a veggie has allowed me to expand into new and creative ways to make meals. I get more excited now about cooking at home than going out for dinner. But I digress...

When we came back to my dad's we were armed and ready for our pasta adventure. We were going to make tortellini with butternut squash and ricotta cheese as a stuffing, with a garden salad and freshly made french baguettes. Excited, we began making the dough and then.....it failed. Like, epic failure. Not only was the pasta inedible, but we put bets on how quickly it would disintegrate in hot water. Nasty! Which is so very sucky, because I was so excited about this!!! Boo urns. Oh well-chudleighs blueberry pie helped ease the pain. :)

peace, love and carrots to all!

L.

The friendly veggie

Whenever I tell someone I am a vegetarian (which I lovingly call 'being a veggie') I get the following responses:

1. OMG, no way! I had no idea.
2. Wow, seriously....no meat?! How is that even possible, I could NEVER do that!
3. Now how am I suppose to cook a meal for you?! (thanks mom....)

I have learned the fine art of smiling and nodding. I kindly answer their questions, and then life continues as normal. I am fortunately, because the majority of my friends and family wholly support my lifestyle and make sure there are plenty of options when I come over for dinner.

This blog is for my Corporate Communications program, in our Online Communications class, where we have to blog about something of interest to us. Since being a veggie affects me daily, I've decided to blog about this! Being a 24 year old veggie has its challenges, and sometimes I do buckle, especially if I am at Christmas Dinner or if a shrimp cocktail is being offered at a party, I may indulge. I'm not perfect and sometimes having a quick bite of some turkey allows me to feel involved with holiday dinners. But, this is only a few times a year. 99.9% of the time I chose a veggie lifestyle. To be honest, I did have some chicken at a professional event and I almost ralphed it up on the drive home. Sometimes, when its between starving because there was NO food besides bruschetta and chicken kabobs, a girl has to do what a girl has to do.

All in all, life as a veggie is great. More on that later!

love, peace and carrots
L.