SUMMER of FOOD LOVE

Sunshine, loud music, laughter, water play, and FOOD….it is Summer time! Now I am not sure where you are from, but this Seattle girl LOVES summer. Western Washington does not get many warm sunny days, but when we do…IT IS MAGICAL. The mountains are out soaking up the sun for all the wildlife. The waters are piercing blue with a nice breeze, and the happiness on people’s faces is priceless, for we are not running inside because it is raining or cold. Summer brings out a different side of our population, and the food….oh the food. Going outside you will smell the BBQ. Going to the markets you will smell all the different ethnic foods. Strolling Pike Place the fish market will be very prominent, none the less the fresh fish is DIVINE. For me though, the best summer food is made in my very own kitchen. I am talking about mouth-watering homemade sandwiches. Savory pasta and quinoa salads. Freshly baked desserts to enjoy after grilling some kabobs and vegan burgers. I know this does not appeal to all, but you haven’t had my cooking yet.

Plant-based foods are the up-and-coming specialty foods across the nation. Taking traditional sweet treats, or comfort foods and turning them into healthier, and sustainable options is my specialty. Biting into a piece of chocolate cake that leaves you licking the plate and wanting more. Enjoying a slice of carrot cake, with vegan cream cheese frosting and realizing when you are done there are no animal products to be found, yet it still tastes so damn sweet and delicious. Devouring an impossible burger with the works, and at the last bite realizing this is not beef……oh my goodness, this is the experience my children live daily, and my husband is quite satisfied as well. For a great summertime experience foods play a big role in what we remember. With foods come the mouth-watering aromas, colorful displays of fresh fruit and vegetables grilled to perfection, and that perfect stack of grilled burgers and sausages waiting to be blanketed with toppings. These make summertime an experience.

When many of us think of summer the number one item on the summer to-eat list is of course S’mores. The experience of roasting the marshmallows over the fire. Rotate it until it reaches your idea of perfection. For some that are the golden crispy color, or the burnt layer that you slowly peel off to re-roast the mellow for round 2. Regardless of your roasting method, there is nothing better than that gooey, chocolatey, crunchy bite into your glorious s’more. It brought me great pleasure in finding plant-based JUMBO marshmallows, and dark chocolate bars to commence the S’more extravaganza. It is my mission to bring Plant-based foods alive, and for people to see that plant-based food is not flavorless, boring, or tastes like cardboard. We enjoy the same classic dishes as anyone else, our food just doesn’t require animals to enjoy, unless it’s your furry pet by your side.

Now, let me leave you with one simple and DELICIOUS recipe that you can make at home. You will make this sandwich, and your family will continue to ask for more. The first step is to make the bread:

You will ONLY need these basic ingredients:

3 cups of flour

1 ½ Teaspoon of Instant Yeast

1 ½ Teaspoon of Himalayan Pink Salt

1 ½ Teaspoon of Raw sugar

1 ½ cup of warm water

Olive Oil

Ready to make this? Put all the dry ingredients in a big mixing bowl, and mix. Slowly add in the warm water and continue to mix. It will be sticky do not worry. Once mixed cover the bowl with clear wrap and a towel. Keep in a warm place for two hours. Once the two hours are up, drizzle some olive oil on the top and pull the dough from the walls with a fork. Butter your loaf pan generously, and place the dough inside. Cover this with plastic wrap and a towel. Preheat the oven to 350 and let your loaf pan sit on the stove for another 30 minutes. Then place your pan in the oven for about 35 minutes. Take it out and place it on a cooling rack! Note: If you want to make MORE portions, double everything and lay your dough out in a buttered cake pan.

While your bread is resting get the star of the show ready. Take out your favorite vegan or non-vegan cheese as well as vegan or non-vegan deli slices. You will cut your loaf in the middle horizontally and place your cheeses and deli slices on each side. Place in the oven at 350 for roughly 5 minutes. While that is baking it is time for you to make the star of the show. You will need to slice up some fresh iceberg lettuce. This next part is trial and error my friend because you will do this based on your taste buds. In a small bowl add in some mayo (Vegan or not), a splash of red wine vinegar, a little bit of diced onions and banana peppers, and minced garlic too. Sprinkle in some salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Stir it up and mix it up with the lettuce baby! Pull out the toasted bread, add some sliced tomatoes, red onions, and your divine lettuce mixture, and ENJOY THAT DELICIOUS MOUTH_WATERING SANDWICH LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! Of course, I would hope you would try some plant-based options with the cheese and deli meat. Regardless, you will enjoy your sandwich and be prepared to make it again.

Thank you for coming on my summertime food journey. This is just a sneak peek into my world of plant-based food and let me tell you there is so much more!