Tuesday Breakfast

Ken made this for breakfast yesterday.

It's a quick hash he tossed together with sweet potatoes, soy chorizo, peppers, and spinach, placed on corn tortillas and topped with broccoli shreds and avocados, and served with a side of fried plantains. That's about the closest to a recipe I can give you, as the boy just knows how to make magic in the kitchen with no guides.

Have I mentioned lately how deeply and passionately in love I am with that man? He puts such fine snacks in my belly. I'm a lucky girl...

Snack Master of the Universe

I'm a pretty awesome girlfriend. It's true. I love baseball and football. I don't like shopping or most romantic comedies. I'm handy with a drill and don't take very long to get ready, and yet I clean up pretty well, I'm extremely affectionate, and I almost always have a homemade baked good in my kitchen. My boyfriend's birthday just passed, and I took him to the Oyster House for lunch and spent a few hours playing skee-ball and shooting baskets at Dave and Buster's. Best. Girlfriend. Ever. Ken's a lucky guy.

But I'm an even luckier girl. I found a dude that will not only cook for me, but loves to cook. And loves to play around in the kitchen like a mad scientist, in a never-ending attempt to create the most powerful snack the world has ever known. And because I'm eating vegan these days, he's taken on the challenge of creating tasty, healthy and well-rounded snacks without animal products. Swoon.

He created this dish a week or so ago. I wish I could give you the recipe, but I usually don't even understand what kind of magic he uses to make his snacks so tasty. These are the basic ingredients: Organic sweet potatoes, rainbow chard, and vegan sausage from the Renaissance Sausage truck. Maybe some vinegar? Probably some onions. All I know is, it was like heaven in my mouth and I didn't want it to end. If he ever recreates the dish, I'll be sure to pass a recipe along. Till then, we'll all just have to drool at these pictures.

In related news for Philly readers, the sausage truck is starting a winter CSA and selling their sausage by the pound. Their vegan sausage is the best I've EVER had, and though I can't speak for the rest myself, Ken loves their chicken sausage. (Oh, and the boys that run the truck are super nice and really cute. But don't tell my awesome boyfriend I said that...)
There will be pick-ups at 3 different locations, one in the city at Pumpkin Market, and two outside the city. For an official order form you can e-mail them at renaissancesausage@gmail.com. The deadline for this month's order is tomorrow, Tuesday December 7th. It's the perfect gift for that sausage lover on your list. And let's be honest, we've all got a sausage lover on our list...

The One Where I Wish My Mom a Happy Mother's Day

My mom and I, circa 1983

I couldn't get home to Scranton this weekend, so I'm gonna use this space to wish my mom and grandma a Happy Mother's Day (even though they're not exactly social media mavens, and will probably never see this)!

Like most of the world, the older I get, the more I appreciate everything Mom and Grandma did for me. They're kinda awesome.

Mom, pregnant with me and ready to pop, 1982

Mom, thanks for always helping me move. And for getting me those Reebok Pumps back in 4th grade, even though they were really expensive, and you were a single mom. And for paying for all those dance lessons. And for all those late-night calls from work to sing "I just called to say I love you," and tell me goodnight. And for showing me how to take care of myself, and be independent, and balance a checkbook. And for dealing with me as a bratty kid, and an even moodier teenager (SHEESH... sorry about all that!). And, ya know, for popping me out in the first place. THANKS. Love you!

My Grandmother and Grandfather

My Grandmother holding my mother

Grandma, for all the time you spent raising me, and brushing my hair and wiping my butt and getting me dressed, you're really like a second mom. Thanks for letting me dust the nut log cookies with powdered sugar (I loved that sifter!). And thanks for instilling a love of baking in me, even though it didn't manifest until years later. And for all the hugs and kisses. And for encouraging my dancing and singing. And for waking me up with silly songs. And for making up silly songs on the spot for any random thing you were doing. And for reading to me, and making up stories to put me to sleep. And for giving me a love of old movie musicals and Patsy Cline. And for putting up with me as a bratty kid, and moody teenager. (Seriously, HOW did you guys put up with me? SORRY!) And for all the other ways you've taken care of me in the last 27 years, THANKS. I love you lots!

Grandma D, Great Grandma B, Me

Grandma B and Me. 

And Great-Grandma B, I miss you every day. You were the sweetest, most loving Grandma any little girl could ask for. Thanks for all the cake. And all the unconditional love. And for all those $20s you slipped me when Grandpa B wasn't looking that helped me eat in college. I hope I make you proud.

And to all the other baby's mommas and baby's mommas mommas out there, HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!