This is one of the coldest winters I have ever lived through in Oklahoma, so it makes the anticipation for spring and gardening even more unbearable. To keep myself busy while I wait on the sun to make an appearance, I have taken up cooking. I’ve been learning how to make bread, and turned out my first loaf that was edible just last week. I think I finally got the hang of yeast and rising the dough. I’ve also decided to try and cut back on my dairy intake. Partially due to reading horror stories about how progesterone in dairy affects us ( Harvard Article and Time Article ), and partially because I eat a lot of pizza and could stand to shed a few pounds. So I am trying out a few vegan recipes to start a healthier diet. I don’t intend to go vegan though. I buy my eggs from a local farmer most of the year, and they are free range and organic, so I intend to continue eating them. I have borrowed (it’s an extended borrow at this point) a cookbook called La Dolce Vegan from a friend. So far I have tried two of the recipes in it. I made Carrot Ginger soup and Veggie Pot Pie. The Pot Pie turned out phenomenal. It is delicious, savory, and filling beyond my expectations. A healthy comfort food, and I estimated it only came out to 300 calories per serving, which is pretty good for a dinner. It covers all sorts of nutrients, the crust is made from whole wheat flour, so that covered grains, and there are tons of veggies in it, and then lentils to add the protein needed to get through the evening. The carrot ginger soup was decent, but it seemed to be lacking something, and the reheated version was unpalatable. I have few other recipes to try for carrot ginger soup, and I may begin experimenting on my own. I am looking for some decent cookbooks that feature whole foods and don’t contain too many strange ingredients. If anyone has any recommendations I would be thrilled to hear them. Jason and I went on the Valentine’s Day Weekend Art Walk in the Paseo district of Oklahoma City yesterday. It was fun, and they had a wine tasting from Tidal School Vineyards from Drumwright, Oklahoma. They have an excellent wine called Blackberry Essence that I recommend for anyone looking to buy local and delicious. I hope everyone is having a cozy Valentine’s Day this week. It’s a little chilly here today, so I am glad we celebrated yesterday by going outside all day!
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Valentine’s Day in Oklahoma
