First Vegetarian Thanksgiving

OK... so this was a substantial stretch for me. I did my homework and found the Quorn Turk'y Roast to be recommended over Tofurky... If you want the "skinny" on this product, find it in this interesting blog posting: http://notmeat.blogspot.com/2007/11/quorn-turky-roast.html
I knew key sides would be the make or break factor so a good stuffing and gravy were essential. AND, what a patient, beautiful brown boxer waiting for dinner by the fire!! Good doggie!!

Pre-Thanksgiving Pizza

Ahhhh, for the love of pizza...

While trying to use up things in the fridge before Thanksgiving shopping, I threw together this tasty morsel. Lacking pizza sauce, I used a light dressing of salsa. Add onions, black olives, green pepper and roasted red pepper, it was delicious.

Beefy Pasta

Cleaning out the fridge to get ready for Thanksgiving came down to a heartwarmng pasta dish. A trio of peppers minced and used as garnish gave the plate nice color.

Pumpkin Bread & Vegetable Pasta

Re-did a pumpkin bread from Trader Joes but this time added some delicious, fresh walnuts that I picked up at a local farm and, also, added some dried cranberries. Turned out great. And, I got back to a delicious rotini and veggie bake that I always love but have not made in quite a while. The feta cheese makes it rich and the slight carmelization is wonderful. Some added basil, fennel seed and extra garlic really add great flavor.

Tomato-Lentil Soup

With the fall chill in the air, I thought this would be a heart warming soup. I always like recipes with few ingredients and this fits the bill. I used a "fire roasted" type of tomatoes that gave depth and dimension to the dish. It turned out delicious, vegan and very nutritious.

Roasted Squash Pizza

This is one of the most delicious pizza's I've ever made... Starts with a rosemary infused pizza dough, a bunch of chopped mushrooms, diced roasted winter squash and seasoned with fennel, red pepper flakes and ground pepper. A few days ago, I did pretty much the same pizza with a thyme infused pizza dough and it too was wonderful.

Crabbing in Seaside.

It was such a beautiful day last Monday that I had to make a trip to the coast to go crabbing. The fall colors were spectacular on the drive over there and it was t-shirt weather with no wind on the 12th Ave. bridge where I usually go. And, there was bounty.

Yum..... Dirty Rice...

I picked up some of the best andoille sausage from a place called Pooches just out side of New Orleans. Already I'm missing some of the great food that I had there on my vacation. Just a little doctoring and this turned out great.

Yummy breakfasts...

Finishing up the last of my unbelievably tasty Paul Robison tomatoes. One is along side a delicious crustless quiche from Trader Joes.

And nothing like breakfast in bed for Sunday football. A few eggs on tomatoes and toast with some chicken, sundried tomato sausage.

Post NOLA...

I've been a bit slack on posts since getting back from New Orleans. But, I haven't been starving. Most meals have been very healthy to make up for indulgences on my trip. Anyway, here are some standouts.

God, I love pizza. And this was one of my favorites.

Nothing like fresh winter squash with some grated parmasean.

Of course, my old standby of rice with veggies and grated cheese. My dog, Mattie is always happy having some of this mixed with her kibble.

A delicious apple crisp made with Honeysweet apples.

Some pictures from New Orleans trip

From hopping street cars to just wandering around. Here are some things from my New Orleans trip.

A very cute little girl on the St. Charles streetcar.

I heard an interesting story about Emeril from some locals.

A typical courtyard.

Jackson Square and the St. Louis Cathedral. Originally built in 1724 it had to be rebuilt twice — after a fire and then following a hurricane.

And, classic New Orleans transportation.

Electric Ladyland Tattoo, New Orleans, LA

Well, I guess this is somewhat food related.... it is a crawfish... playing the sax... with music coming out...

Anyway, I've always had this idea in my head of the perfect tattoo that would encompass what I love most about New Orleans... fantastic food and the best music. I worked with Cameron Sweet at Electric Ladyland Tatto and he is the best. After being recommended, he was enthused and came in on his day off to get this done. Showing tremendous talent, he took my idea and then drew it freehand on my calf. I thinks the results speak for themself. I am delighted and think it looks spectacular. Thanks again, Cameron!

The Corner Oyster Bar and Grill and Fleur-de-Lis Cafe

Breakfast on Wednesday was had at the Corner Oyster Bar and I had a Gumbo Omlette. Although the picture is deceiving, it was chock full of anduille sausage, chicken, okra, other veggies and a great creole sauce. The grits were so-so.

Corner Oyster Bar & Grill
500 Saint Peter St

New Orleans, LA 70116
(504) 522-2999‎

On Thursday I wondered into the Fleur-de-Lis Cafe. Although I forgot to take a picture of it, I had a fabulous Seafood Omlette with really good hash browns. The omlette was full of crawfish, shrimp, mushrooms, green onions, bell pepper and cheddar cheese. Delicious!!

Fleur-de-Lis Cafe

307 Chartres Street

New Orleans, LA

504-529-9641