Memorial Day, Peanut Butter Tofu, & Little NYC Shenanigans

Tofu smothered in thick peanut butter sauce may be just what the doctor ordered.

It's Memorial Day everyone! Enjoy those vegan hotdogs, veggie burgers, side salads, and Patriot Pie, but don't forget that this beautiful, honorable day commemorates the brave women and men, the veterans who fought hard and diligently to protect this country. They valiantly gave their lives or returned home wounded, struggling with unimaginable inner turmoil, harboring much emotional pain. We owe them gracious gratitude, unconditional love, and steadfast support.

Thank you to the fallen. Thank you to the veterans. Thank you. Thank you for all that you do.

Here begins a mild discussion about peanut butter tofu and a small briefing of May 17th- a wonderful Saturday in NYC. Okay, it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows, but it ended on the highest of positive notes.
Combined pros and cons. Greyhound arrived an hour late. I got lost looking for Kara Walker's latest exhibit in Williamsburg Brooklyn. For a while, my head hung low, miserable and disheartened. I did, however, manage to find Union Square and ate amazing pizza at a busy, three story Whole Foods. A touchy-feely guy named Mike helped me find the theater. I, of course, not needing to have this man at my side much longer wished him well and proceeded inside without him. Ah, my first film festival. Simply fantastic seeing people pose and take heavily flashed photographs in front of the white background with Soho International Film Festival's black font all over it. Met older ladies dreaming of kidnapping handsome young  men. I saw Tom. He walked right pass me and his cologne smelled quite wonderful. I enjoyed Please Reply- an eccentric, upbeat short that set the tone for Tiger Lily Road (my review is up!). Once again, I delighted in the screenplay, the acting, the music. It uplifted dwindling spirits. Truly. I met Ilene Kristen (who played the wild, crazy Roxie on One Life to Live), appreciatively thanked Michael for the complimentary pass (he's too kind for words), and inwardly squealed at his invitation to attend the cast party at some place called The Smith. I declined, nervous as heck to be around Tom and Company for longer than three seconds. My ruby red kitten heels couldn't withstand that torture, even if seated. I met a guy named Ibn on the Megabus home. (Yes, I swap bus carriers time to time). We had met ages ago on my first Megabus back to Philly, but swapped information this time around. He's a big time theater enthusiast, an actor actually. Anyways....
Also learned that my high school mythology/creative writing teacher happened to be in NYC with her former assistant Johnny Ramos (whom I haven't seen since 2002!!!). They saw the Walker exhibit almost at precisely the same time I would have been there. Why fate? Why????
Another positive note:

Our post baccalaureate graduation photograph. Ahem. Well, some of us were ready for the photo. I think I may be missing school a little too much right now. More than normal...

Okay enough NYC babbling, soapy entertainment, and school reminiscing. Let's get to the food, right?
Peanut butter tofu. Incredible peanut butter tofu.
I remember my first taste of peanut butter touched noodles at an art party. Back in Dayton, Ohio there used to be an Asian cuisine restaurant called Chin's- next to my beloved Neon art house theater. Chin's catered the party and I freaked out at the thought of noodles having a nonsensical affair with peanut butter. It just didn't sound right. Everyone laid the pressure on me. I caved and fell in love.
Now the love story gets tastier. I discovered Lotus Food's Forbidden Rice Ramen Noodles on sale this week at Whole Foods and decided that it would be the perfect bottom for saucy peanut butter tofu. I found the recipe on Veg Web which can be very helpful at times. It's always wonderful when instincts are proven correct. Spicy, nutty sauce complements meaty tofu goodness, amazing noodles (saved seasoning packet for another day), and yummy veggies (carrots and broccoli).
Definitely a splendid, fulfilling meal for two hungry mouths.

Peanut Butter Tofu Ingredients and Preparation

2 tablespoon olive oil
3 tablespoon creamy peanut butter
1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
2 teaspoon Liquid Aminos 
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1/2 block extra firm tofu, pressed and chopped into triangular pieces
2-3 teaspoon water

Heat a skillet with olive oil.
Mix together peanut butter, white vinegar, Liquid Aminos, and crushed red pepper.
Pour this into the skillet.
Add tofu triangles, making sure to coat it all as even as possible.

Trying something new too- Lotus Food's Forbidden Rice Ramen is made from black rice flour.

Holding this in my hands reminded me strongly of....

Large scale Louise Nevelson sculpture for some odd reason. Ha ha!

Flip over tofu every minutes, adding water every now and then so that nothing sticks. Ready in about 10-15 minutes. Since I didn't have peanuts handy, I topped added Italian herb panko bread crumbs for crunchy texture. Very delicious idea!

Top prepared peanut butter tofu over desired black ramen noodles and veggies (or whatever you choose to use).

Extra crushed red pepper for bonus heat.

Enjoy.

Chocolate Chocolate Chip Banana Coconut Ice Cream

Despite the rain, summer is still coming and it will get hot and ice cream will become necessary.

There's nothing like making your own ice cream, especially if living with horrid housemates. The other day discovered that my So Delicious Almond Milk Cookies And Cream Ice Cream had been opened and eaten with greedy relish. An expensive celebratory treat stolen and vandalized. It's difficult when living with people who want to spoil life's little victories. However, when crafting my own ice cream no one seems to want any, even if it's pretty. I'm happy that this latest creation, eaten solely by me, wasn't compromised in any way. Califia Farms brand vegan milks are on sale this week at Whole Foods 2 for $7. I decided to give the Toasted Coconut Almond Milk a try.

Dress up Nature's Path Flax Plus Flakes with shredded coconut, diced apples, slivered almonds, cinnamon, and Califia Farms amazingly delicious Toasted Coconut Almond Milk- a real satisfying breakfast treat!

Simple to make ice cream. No powerful kitchen appliances required. Three near blackened bananas provide both fantastic fruity flavor and sweetness (no extra sugar needed) for a chocoholic treat. Mashed to smithereens- chunky bits saved of course, mixed with the incredibly yummy coconut almond blended milk, chocolate goodness, and extra coconut. I covered plain white bowl with a small black bag, making it look utterly unattractive and voila! A few hours later, ice cream readied and untouched, I satisfied craving hitch free! Just a great treat! Sure it's raining right now, but tomorrow the sun is coming out and so is more ice cream.
Recipe serves two vegan ice cream lovers. Or one ravenous fiend.
Oh and FY: It's May 16th. Janet Jackson Day. Let's break out the Rhythm Nation and Control and everything else Damito Jo! Dance everybody! And grab a bowl for the ice cream....

Chocolate Chocolate Chip Banana Coconut Ice Cream Ingredients and Preparation

3 ripened bananas
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup Califia Farms Toasted Coconut Almond Milk Blend
1/4 cup shredded coconut
1/4 cup vegan chocolate chips
1/4 cup slivered almonds (optional)

Mash bananas together with cocoa powder, coconut almond milk, shredded coconut, and chocolate chips. Cover and freeze for 5-6 hours.

Use an ice cream scooper to scoop out bowl contents and enjoy.

Delicious, simple yum. No ice cream maker or blender needed.

Vegan Grilled Strawberries, Basil, And Cream Cheese Sandwiches

Not your average standard grilled cheese fare.

School is out for summer and the weather is gearing towards more sunny days, less rainy grey. 
That definitely calls for a grilled "cheese" kind of celebration! Lately, I have adored Daiya's utterly delicious Strawberry Cream Cheese Style Spread, laying it down on far more than vegan bagels and breakfast toast. It makes for amazing grilled strawberry sandwiches. Strawberry grilled cheese sandwiches? Oh yes. Sounds frightening, but actually not a bad combination. In fact, when I first made them, I couldn't believe how incredible they tasted. Plump, juicy strawberry slices surrounded by strawberry cream cheese spread and rustic crusty olive oily bread. Far better than imagined. Now it needed extra oomph- some pow wow to up the flavor profile. In this delicious winner, balsamic soaked strawberries take on basil and red onion goodness. An overly messy sandwich- strawberries ooze from the dripping cream cheesy explosion between two slices of crisp bread seasoned with Italian seasonings and garlic, this truly tastes like the joys of this season.
Warning: Will need plenty of napkins.

Vegan Grilled Strawberries, Basil, And Cream Cheese Sandwiches Ingredients and Preparation

8 slices whole wheat bread
olive oil
Italian seasonings
8-10 strawberries, thinly sliced
2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup Daiya Strawberry Cream Cheese Style Spread
red onion slices

Sit strawberries in balsamic vinegar for 10 minutes.

Warm up a skillet with olive oil.
Prepare one slice of bread with a thin layer of Daiya Strawberry Cream Cheese Style Spread.
Top bread with an even layer of basil leaves, strawberry slices, red onion, and another slice of bread.
Lay into the skillet, brushing other side with olive oil, Italian seasonings, and garlic powder. Grill until reaching desired brown toastiness at 3-5 minutes. Sprinkle Italian seasonings and garlic powder again.
Repeat until 4 sandwiches are created.
Garnish with basil and strawberry if desired.

Strawberry goodness creeping from crispy Italian seasoned bread.

Ooey gooey creamy goodness will ooze from deliciously messy sandwiches. Napkins are highly recommended for these babies.

Vegan Tropical Chickpea Salad With Avocado Coconut Dressing & An Unforgettable Graduation Day

A lovely salad adds colorful flare to any celebration.

Ah. It's all over. Well, for now.
I'm on summer hiatus. Sort of.
Before we get into delicious tropical salads and tasty avocado dressings, one must bring forth all the exciting graduation action from yesterday- a Friday like no other.
First, PAFA board of Trustees Chair Kevin Donohoe welcomed graduates into a significant place in PAFA history books alongside Mary Cassatt, Cecilia Beaux, and Henry Ossawa Tanner. PAFA president David Brigham delivered encouraging words about tomorrow. Commencement speaker Jane Golden, executive director of Philadelphia's well renowned Mural Arts Program, urged us all not to give up, to persevere, to overcome odds, and used "tenacity" in her eloquently composed speech frequently. One of my favorite MFA students, Nancy Bea Miller (sadly retiring from her post as President of PAFA's Alumni Association) awarded PAFA alum Raymond Saunders with the Distinguished Alumni Award. Must mention my envy at the lucky students who got to have lunch with him this morning. Amazing instructors Jan Baltzwell and Michael Gallagher scored teaching awards from respective MFA and BFA/Certificate student bodies. The astonished look on Jan's face was everything. :) Phyllis Gorsen, chosen MFA speaker, recited a commendable address that spoke volumes- saying that artists are some of the most intelligent people on the planet. We don't get enough credit for our intelligence. Jeanne O'Shell, BFA/Certificate speaker, humorously voiced that we don't necessarily have completed puzzles upon entering college- the teachers/critics offer us more pieces, but it's our "job" as artists to make them fit. Clint Jukkula, head of graduate programs, announced our names along with the MFA candidates, Jeffrey Carr, dean of PAFA, awarded the BFA/Certificate students, and David gave closing address, ringing in the class of 2014. Then it was off to reception duty and the official public opening of not only the big 113th Annual Student Exhibit, but the Post Baccalaureate Exhibit as well.
All in all, a pleasurable experience worth cementing.

Group photo sent by Michael Moore, our wise and wonderful co-leader.

Congratulations to my awesome fellow Post Baccalaureate 2014 classmates- Kalab, Alma B., Lydia, Abby, Peter, Tovah, Louisa, Ken, Julene, Jerome, Camille, Loran, Alma R., Francine, Tim, Katayoun, Laura, and Eric! We made it! I'll be seeing Alma B., Lydia, Abby, Ken, and Laura this coming fall for the MFA Program.

Lovely certificate- the most expensive one yet! Just keeping it 100% real. But I am quite proud of it. One of the finest educations ever received. Words cannot express how much I adored the faculty- Michael, Mark, Neysa, and Jan were outstanding.

Posing with certificate and selected pieces from the Post Baccalaureate Exhibition!

Combs and naps make up the sculpture entitled:

Tovah- by far one of the sweetest people I've ever met.

Alma Rad will always be the epitome of awesomeness!

Our cordial co-leader, Michael Moore, surprisingly gifted each student beautiful, inedible Jasper doughnuts. At the end of a rather thoughtful, encouraging paragraph, he kindly states, "these stones are given with love and respect in honor of the Post-Baccalaureate class of 2013-14 who gave so much to one another."

I feel it only wise to wear every single day.

I have bombarded the blog with graduation news. Such a wonderful time to be remembered always. Yes, I am still here at PAFA for an additional two years, but being a Post Baccalaureate student had a special uniqueness that cannot be manufactured. I loved it- the good, the bad, and the ugly! Well, worth Sallie Mae hounding me once a month. 
Now onto Tropical Chickpea Salad.
No cooking required for this cold number. Plain ole chickpeas meet an array of tropical fruit and coconut flesh for an invigorating plate of colorfully engaging yum. The other dish brought to our class picnic,Tropical Chickpea Salad combines sweet juiciness and savory chickpeas dressed in a tantalizing avocado dressing. Made from ripened avocado and mixed with lime and coconut water, the dressing is simple and doesn't overpower the unique flavor profiles.
For a nuttier flavor and added crunch- I suggest crushed pine nuts or macadamia nuts. 

Vegan Tropical Chickpea Salad With Avocado Coconut Dressing Ingredients and Preparation

1 16 oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup pineapple, chopped
1/2 cup papaya, chopped
1/2 cup mango, chopped
1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
1/2 teaspoon cumin

1 ripened avocado
1/2 cup coconut water
2 tablespoon olive oil
juice from 1 lime
salt and black pepper

Toss chickpeas together with fruit, shredded coconut, and cumin. 
Whip together avocado, coconut water, olive oil, lime, salt, and black pepper.
Pour over salad and until evenly coated.

Colors and tastes of the tropics take over chickpeas.

Add sliced lime for decor and extra zest.

Vegan Chocolate Chip Cherry Almond Cookie Bars

Less than an inch thick, these little squares are filled with delicious surprises via decadent chocolate chips, sweet cherries, and crisp almonds.

So according to my body that weekend trip definitely wasn't the brightest idea without hand sanitizers and whatnot. It felt like death came crashing down on me last Tuesday. I had high fever, inability to lift my swollen, painful neck, an excruciating headache, and disgusting cold symptoms as well as a voice on the verge of disappearing. Turns out pharyngitis and pesky lymph nodes got me out of commission. I missed final critiques, peeking in on MFA reviews, and May First Friday- where one of my classmates' parents had a show in Olde City. I only consumed orange juice, water, broth, and tea hence the lack of recipes and such. I apologize greatly.
Right now, I'm finishing up preparing works for the Post Baccalaureate show (that should have been up this past weekend!) and planning the vegan part of the reception menu for Friday. Swamped!
Today, our soon-to-be-disbanding class (including our four lovely critics) had a yummy sumptuous picnic up in Lemon Hill (the first lemon tree in America was planted here). Yes, I did get lost looking for it. Again, sometimes Google gives THE worst directions, especially from a bus point of view.
I brought along two delicious eats- Tropical Chickpea Salad with Avocado Coconut Dressing and these wonderful Chocolate Chip Cherry Almond Cookie Bars- try saying that three times fast. The small, soft cookie bars are light and airy. Filled with chocolaty cherry goodness and amazing almond crunchiness, absolutely perfect treats for outdoor celebrations.

Vegan Chocolate Chip Cherry Almond Cookie Bars Ingredients and Preparation

1/2 cup pumpkin puree (or applesauce)
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup almond milk
1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips
1/2 cup dried cherries
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Whip together pumpkin puree, sugar, and vanilla extract. Set aside.
Mix all dry ingredients together.
Blend pumpkin mixture with dry ingredients.
Add almond milk, chocolate chips, cherries, almonds, and cinnamon.
Stir evenly.

Layer onto greased cookie sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Close up.

Topped with Soyatoo's infamous Soy Whip and bonus chocolate chips.

Pumpkin puree gives these cookies a beautiful orange.

Eat these plain or with vanilla (or banana) soft serve.

No Longer Sad But Glad: Hotlanta, SoapWanderlust, & Dough Bakery

Atlanta skyline from the view of a not so clean Greyhound window.

So long ago, my mom, youngest of eleven chipmunks, born in Atlanta, Georgia, left state capital around age four and never returned. Now years later, I come along on a twenty-one hour journey straight from Philadelphia, stopping in Baltimore, Maryland, Washington D.C., Richmond, Virginia, and Charlotte, North Carolina, passing through my born state South Carolina towards Mama's former roots to attend my final soap opera convention at the Sheraton Hotel.
Whilst waiting for Lynn at the free internet station around 11AM (left Philadelphia around 5PM Friday), I stumbled across a startling itinerary schedule of a DCE crew member, which included times of lunches, airport details, and etc. It's not something that should be lying around- especially at a soap event where craziness tends to occur. Instead of using this information to some kind of crazed fangirl advantage, I merely folded up findings and inserted paper into journal as a keepsake memento.

Ruby Tuesday's has an excellent spaghetti squash. Too delicious! Yes, I admit to being surprised.

After a short refresher, I met the Forbidden Love ladies (Lynn, my roommate, Dsintra, DD, Leslie, Katie, and Patty) at Ruby Tuesdays for lunch where we dished all things Days of Our Lives. It felt extremely good, in that moment, to be surrounded by those who understand soap opera addiction. I got to catch up- for those who don't know I don't own a TV and barely have time for Youtube. This event was a means of meeting not just the men, but find out juicy tidbits on/offscreen from the women.
First, at 3:00PM began the Meet and Greet Autograph Session. Lynn, DD, and I joined with Dawn and Diane stood in long, long line for Shawn Christian (Dr. Daniel Jonas) and Greg Vaughan (Father Eric Brady), playing Truth or Dare to pass the hour.
Finally Shawn upon us, I seemingly leaped out of my skin, scaring him in the process, whilst jumping up and down in raucous excitement. One would think I never met the former As the World Turns' Mike Kasnoff before.
"Whoa there!" He exclaimed, laying a calming hand to my shoulders, steering me gently towards earth.
We shook hands and everything became normal again.

Calming down a bit after nearly killing Shawn Christian who never stops smiling.

Greg next, I can truly say that demure nature rose again like a startling thundercloud, booming so loudly in startled ears and making vocal cords unable to function accordingly. My own eyes darted towards feet and earth toned floral patterned carpet, forgetting earlier innuendos about confessing sins and playing coy. Unfortunately, coy woman isn't a role that I have to pretend to be.
Stunned into silence, he completely guided me into hug central.

Romance novel cover?

"Just place your hands here..."
He gently took my hands, led each one towards the sides of his hips, and wrapped around him, all whilst laughing.
I thought it over until....
Without warning, Greg cups my face into his hands and tells me, "look up. I want to see your face."
I couldn't believe it was happening. A ruggedly handsome, blue-eyed, dimpled Texas man, former priest on a soap opera, touched my suddenly hot cheeks smeared haphazardly with foundation. I thought death was surely on the way- until hug 2.0 came next!

Epic hugging right here!

Yes, I received another hug. One that made embrace history. Depressing emotions about James Scott's absence drifted away like it never arose. That abyssal dark tunnel of regret and heartbreak turned into a tunnel lightened with an intensity brighter and richer than gold.
I was over the moon afterwards. Just completely over the moon!
Before getting to Eric Martsolf (Brady Black), my critique hit me. This whole following of soap opera actors and trying to form a piece about phenomenon wanted to be art. I came to Eric, asking if he would do a "Soap Opera Digest" inspired cover photo with me and he kindly obliged. I loved the end result and cannot help laughing! He has certainly mastered craft. This (well all of this) will be part of SoapWanderlust: The Short Documentary. One woman's quest to see all her serial favorites wherever they may be- a real treat with soaps dying off one by one. She goes out of her way to events like soap conventions, theater stage readings, little league games, and movie premieres, but at the same time has shyness disease like wouldn't believe! So excited. I plan to work on this during the 21 hour journey home. Hopefully, it'll be a winner on Wednesday's critique however rough it may be.
Anyways, back in Atlanta, one thing must be said about Eric- he's definitely a man filled with personality, especially humor. We had a great time just staring at his varied expressions (One Eyebrow Raise King, yes!) during Tony, the event emcee's monologues containing jokes about various Salem characters- Brady an easy pick. 

 

Striking a future "Soap Opera Digest Cover" with Eric Martsolf!

Met Blake Berris next- who complimented my head scarf. Our little photo appeared the usual typical- stand there and smile, but I beg to differ. Amongst giddy expressions and that big thumbs up, a certain mischievous cheekiness is depicted somewhere in between these happy people. And no, don't bust out the Pharrell tune please.
I think he's incredibly talented as well as adorable. What a sweet guy! Wish we could have talked more. *sighs*

Blake! Blake! Blake! So much nicer than that creepy Nick Fallon.

Bryan the sweetest man who just welcomed a daughter. Surprisingly a very gracious spirit.

Bryan Datillo (Lucas Horton Black or something like that), last but not the least, an all-around warm man. In just the five minutes of being near him, I think in another life, sans the glitter and the swoony women that come along in soap opera stud status life, we could have been friends.
This morning, Lynn said it best- "he just has the nicest smile. It's a trusting and infectious.Makes everyone want to do the same." His smile does contain these genuine qualities. I groaned when she told me he didn't like it. Why not? He must be joking. But then again, even actors have these pesky confidence issues. We're all human.
After afternoon shenanigans, I momentarily escaped soapy entertainment and headed rogue, strolling to bus stops and riding Marta metro trains. In my destination of Reynoldstown, found Target, a Kroger (yes please come to Philly!!!!!), and Dough Bakery (highly recommended via Twitter)- an all vegan eatery that features prepared sandwiches, deli "meats," and specialty raw "cheeses." It was all heaven to me. Just a dream come true.

Dough Bakery was definitely the place to be- for a vegan!

Not your typical dinner fare, but I enjoyed the soy sausage,"egg," and "cheese" biscuit sandwich with a Bolthouse Farms Acai+ Superblend Juice (which was buy one get one free at Kroger!). Very, very tasty! For breakfast, the incredible cheddar-jalapeno bacon scone hit all the right notes. Not too crumbly, not overly salted, perfect myriad of flavors and textures. Pitch of cheesy goodness kicked by spiciness and delicious "bacon." Started my Sunday morning off terrifically paired with a Bolthouse Farms Vanilla Soy Tea.

Yummy closeup.

Delectably moist chocolate cupcake with strawberry frosting. Sweeter and far more sinful than the eye candy.

I did briefly attend the cocktail party, arriving late and leaving early. It felt like a soap opera, watching the soap men swarmed by low cut dresses, big guns blazing and wicked scheming on sight. Other than that, I fled to the hotel room to plot out my homework, still holding onto Eric wishing me luck earlier.
Alas, I am back on the bus, delighting in the beautiful, lush greens my born state provides. Gorgeous, glorious South Carolina offers such a wonderful background writing and focusing on Wednesday's last group critique, thoughts of beguiling yesterday still fresh on hazy mind. I feel like the happiest afro vegan chick alive more enthusiastic than a Christmas morning child. Not only has this final soap venture been an rewarding experience, but meeting these women, strengthening foundations with them has made it all worthwhile.
Hugest thank yous go out to the actors who took time out of their busy schedules to grace us with their presences, making a majestic event an intimate, candid, and fun leisure. Thank you to Lynn and Dawn for holding my heavy tote bag and taking my photos. Also Lynn again for letting me browse through her copy of Days of Our Lives Better Living to capture cast recipe ideas and photos. If I could bottle appreciation, I would and split it amongst those who truly made Saturday more than just an ordinary day of the week.
42 hours spent traveling via bus isn't such a wasted sacrifice after all.