Dinner

Cook What You Crave

Yikes, I’ve been hurtin’ all day because I am so exhausted. Just that overall “dead on your feet” feeling. I actually took a break at work and ran to starbucks for a soy latte! I never do that! I did, however, feel better with my soy latte and my snacks and am happy to conclude my work week! Now I just have to get through thisΒ  practical tonight and hopefully I will get to bed at a reasonable hour.

For some reason, I’ve been craving tempeh all day. Who craves tempeh? When I got home I kicked myself into high gear and produced a really great tasting and satisfying dinner.Β  I used the leftover zucchini, eggplant and canned diced tomatoes to make a simple ratatouille (SO easy–just saute them all together with a little bit of water and voila!), heated up leftover brown rice and made ED&BV’s Temp-eh! again with balsamic maple dipping sauce (also out of the same cookbook). Simple, healthy and oh-so delicious!
How’s that for a 30 minute meal? I think I could challenge miss rachel ray for that one πŸ˜‰

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Sorry this is such a short post but I’m headed to school early to work on my formulas for tonight’s practical. I’m a little anxious since its my first one for the class! I have to make a chocolate peanut butter pie in a graham cracker crust and a apple pie with a lattice crust. My chef instructor this time is much stricter on grading than my last one!!

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  • ibex hk
    April 11, 2008 at 9:18 pm

    you’ll knock them dead tonight, good luck! I love tempeh, definitely something I crave for dinner…WAY more than any of miss rachel ray’s dishes, that’s for sure!! looks delish, have a great night…and get some rest!

  • VeggieGirl
    April 11, 2008 at 9:25 pm

    haha, too fun that you were craving tempeh – hey remember, I’M the one who gets ’round-the-clock cravings for steamed vegetables!! :0D glad you satisfied your craving; and in 30 minutes!! Rachael Ray would be proud ;0)

    best of luck with the practical!!! you’ll rock it!! and I hope you feel better!!

  • babycakes
    April 11, 2008 at 9:31 pm

    Jenna, you asked who craves tempeh – I DO!!! I love it so much! (but haven’t had it in ages – i really need to work on that!) Wishing you lots of luck on your practical tonight – not that you need it πŸ˜‰ Hope you get some much needed rest tonight as well! πŸ™‚

  • Romina
    April 11, 2008 at 9:55 pm

    Ratatouille must be in style! I’m seeing it everywhere. =)

  • Kristie
    April 11, 2008 at 11:04 pm

    I’ve never tried tempeh before but I keep hearing about it! I think I might pick some up next food trip. Looks tasty! As does your ratatouille. Mmm.

    Good luck on the practical! The peanut butter pie sounds delicious…

  • Betsy
    April 11, 2008 at 11:17 pm

    good luck tonight!!! from what i’ve seen, i think you’ll be a-ok.

    and get some rest this weekend!

  • Susan
    April 12, 2008 at 12:22 am

    How did you sautee with water? Good luck on your exam!

  • Susan
    April 12, 2008 at 12:53 am

    Jenna, also, I was curious, what made you decide to switch to the pastry program? You seem to love cooking just as much.

    How are you never tempted to try your own creations, which look gorgeous by the way!

  • Kelly T.
    April 12, 2008 at 12:57 am

    haha, i thought those were french toast sticks before i read the post.

  • Mandy A
    April 12, 2008 at 1:11 am

    Okay, I am so sorry to ask this…but what exactly is tempeh? πŸ™

    Oh and I have to say that since I know so many are risotto lovers here, I got the BEST butternut squash risotto at Whole Foods today for lunch!!! SO good… the first time I’ve had risotto!!!! I want to try to make it on my own now πŸ™‚

  • bikergurl
    April 12, 2008 at 1:24 am

    Too late to say good luck, I guess… so I’ll say that you will do great judging by the pics I see! I’ve never tried tempeh, I’ll have to add that to the ever-growing list πŸ™‚

  • Alli W.
    April 12, 2008 at 2:02 am

    Thanks babycakes for the honey answer! That makes sense!

  • babycakes
    April 12, 2008 at 3:05 am

    Alli, you’re more than welcome! I always love answering questions about veganism. It’s a passion of mine πŸ™‚

    Mandy, no need to be sorry. Tempeh is fermented soybeans. It’s actually less processed than tofu and is so delicious! It’s incredibly versatile and can be transformed in so many ways depending on how you cook it. Even meat lovers are often fond of tempeh once they try it because the flavor is so great. Definitely give it a try!

  • Kelsey
    April 12, 2008 at 4:12 am

    I love making ratatouille! I probably make it every week, as bad as it sounds. I just buy every veggie that looks good in the store and put it in the pot! My favorite way to have it is with a serving of whole wheat couscous, some basil and parsley, mix it all together and I promise, it’s so good! And that chocolate peanut butter pie you’re making doesn’t sound so bad either!

  • Jill
    April 12, 2008 at 5:48 am

    Maybe I need to try tempeh again… the one time I had it it was fried and I don’t really like the flavor of fried foods!

  • Christine
    April 12, 2008 at 12:22 pm

    Do those taste like french toast sticks?

  • Mandy A
    April 12, 2008 at 12:35 pm

    thanks babycakes!! I will definitely try it out! it looks yummy! πŸ™‚

  • VTgirl
    April 12, 2008 at 1:22 pm

    YAY FOR GETTING A LATTE!!!!!!! you go girl πŸ™‚ there was a reason coffee was invented….