Summer is Over

At least, the school year summer is over. I have one last day to prepare for the new school year, but I also have only one last post to finish with all the summer blog entries. I really thought that summer would prove to be a good time to blog. All the time in the world to relax and enjoy the weather. But that did not happen. I am still pale as a ghost and I was not able to de-stress too much. I did though have some great moments and it was overall a pretty good summer. Of course, no more carefree world of childhood where we played in the sprinkler and swam at the pool every waking hour.

A few weeks ago, I saw CeciLiA's post on the Jelly Donut Cupcakes from Veganomicon. I had never really thought of making them, but they looked damn good. I posted right then and there, that I was going to make them that night. And of course, when it comes to baking... I follow through! My dad was excited for the cupcakes, though my mom had high hopes that Id make those chocolate chocolate walnut cookies that I keep saying Ill make. But without chocolate chips she was out of luck. I didnt have powdered sugar to top off the cupcakes, but I had a huge jar of raspberry jam that was calling to me. They were super easy to make, and the cupcake base was amazing. I will definitely be using the base for plain vanilla cupcakes (i was not too fond of the vanilla in VCtotw). The richness from the nutmeg and cinnamon was heavenly, and made these bites extremely hard to keep to just one. I got a little carried away with the dollop of jam in the batter, so as you can see a few of my cupcakes caved in. It just made them even more fun to eat. Like a real jelly donut that always finds its way on your clothes. Like Cecilia says, I had to put them away in a container before I could eat every single cupcake. I'll be making these again and again.

On one of my busy work consumed days, I was looking for a quick bite, but had no idea what I wanted. I finally decided just a plain old sandwich. I found some yellow squash, red pepper in the crisper. Yet, I was extremely hungry, so I added a garden burger to the mix. Set with a layer of hummus, I piled all the pieces atop, and a sprinkle of seasoned salt. The sandwich was delicious, and it looked so pretty that I could help posting it. It was a mouthful to take a bite into, but its worth it for art ;) I was completely satisfied my entire work day. Which does not happen to often, since I always am running late.

The days that I am not working, I normally roll out of bed at noon and have no motivation to make anything delicious. Even so, I still want something delicious. I had been reading my new cookbook Eat, Drink, and Be Vegan and noticed the amazing sounding burrito mix from the recipe Veggie-Sizzle Burritos. I had all the ingredients except for the tortilla. So I used my fresh pita bread I got at the farmer's market instead. I also forgo the mushrooms and put red bell peppers in the mix instead. Fresh zuchini, red bell pepers, black beans, and onions were all delectably seasoned with chili powder, paprika, and tamari. I ate every bit of it. They were so good.

I cannot believe I am all updated for the summer. But that does not mean I am out of food to talk about. I have a cooked a bunch in the last week in my new apartment. I have yet to use the oven, but I am thinking about making some of Dreena's home-style chocolate chip cookies tonight. Oh my, heaven in a cookie.