Stack-o-Waffles for the Portland Cello Project May 3, 2010

Made a Stack-o-Waffles for my husband‘s fellow band mates of the Portland Cello Project who are feverishly rehearsing for their upcoming trip to Tucson this coming weekend.  I’m waffled out for the week!  Is that possible?

The mix I regularly use is All-Purpose Pancake & Waffle Mix from The Cravings Place and this by far makes some of the best waffles I’ve ever had.  All of their mixes are special in that they are  ”committed to satisfying cravings by using all natural ingredients, manufacturing in a 100% gluten free, wheat free, dairy free, egg free and nut free location and using only products from reputable manufacturers” AND they are from Bend, Oregon!

The bag reads:

Description: this mix is not presweeted and is flavored lightly with vanilla. Makes wonderful waffles and pancakes. Now use this mix to make delicious biscuits, pie crust, shortcake and flatbread. Use the flatbread for pizza or a sandwich.

This mix was designed especially for children so the flavor is very mild. This is a great thing so depending on your dietary restictions add your favorite ingredients such as fruit, nuts, oats or flavorings to create your own yummy recipes.

Directions: just add Water. Mix until smooth. Cook and enjoy!

All NATURAL INGREDIENTS
BROWN RICE FLOUR,, WHITE RICE FLOUR,
VANILLA BEAN POWDER (vanilla beans, corn based dextrose), SEA SALT, XANTHAN GUM, NON-ALUMINUM BAKING POWDER (sodium acid pyrophosphate, bicarbonate of soda, corn starch (from non GMO corn), calcium acid phosphate), BAKING SODA.

Allergen Alert: contains corn.

Produced in a dedicated allergen free facility.

Vegan or not, this mix decidedly makes the BEST waffles.  Did I mention that it is the best waffle mix ever (and I am really picky about my beloved waffles, man.  Don’t mess with my waffles.)

Lisa’s Tofu-Walnut-Spinach-Garlicky-Brown Rice-Garam Masala Thing April 28, 2010

I love to make this for Thanksgiving.  Good any time of the year though…it’s just our tradition.

Adapted from “Tofu, Spinach & Walnut Loaf” from The Enchanted Broccoli Forest)

40 minutes to prepare — 1 hour to bake — Serves 4 to 6

Pre-cook 1 cup brown rice in 2 cups water

Steam separately:

• 18 oz fresh steamed spinach

• 2 cups minced onion (I like to use chive as well) with 6 large cloves chopped garlic

Fold the steamed spinach, onion and garlic together and add:

• 1 cup chopped walnuts

• 1 Tbs. Braggs (or soy sauce)

• 1/4 cup Worcestershire or BBQ sauce

• 1 tsp. Garam Masala

• 1/2 lb. firm tofu, mashed

• 1 1/2 cups cooked brown rice

• 1/4 tsp. nutmeg

Adjust seasonings/add salt according to taste.

Place into oven-safe dish, top with panko for crunchy yum-yum sensation.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 1 hour.

Let sit for about 10 minutes before consuming.

* I personally like to make this the day before and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight.  I feel that it lets all the flavors combine.

Buon appetito!