Brownies

While in Target the other day, I had a brownie craving. The only vegan brownies they had in their baking aisle were the Ghiradelli Double Chocolate (the BEST brownies, in my opinion).

Last night, I dumped the mix into a large bowl and, instead of oil, water, and eggs, I added 1 heaping cup of pureed pumpkin. I then put this heavenly mix into a dark 9x11 pan and baked at 325 degrees F for 35 minutes (instead of the 45 the box called for)

They didn't rise quite as much as a normal brownie, but they certainly weren't flat either. They were very moist, and I couldn't really even tell there was pumpkin in them.


Yum!

Raw Brownie Balls of Delicious

1.5C raw walnut halves
12 Dates
1/3C raw cocoa powder
1/4 vanilla bean (or less than a tsp vanilla extract)

optional: ginger, shredded coconut

in food processor, process walnuts until you get very tiny chunks. add dates. mix until mixture sticks together. add cocoa powder, optional ginger and vanilla - mix well.

If you like, put mixture in separate bowl and stir in walnut chunks

I rolled the brownies into 11 balls, then rolled them in dried, shredded coconut. I recommend keeping these in the fridge.

Featured Seller: Kendra Renee

Today's featured seller is Kendra of Kendra Renee Jewelry Design on Etsy.

 My name is Kendra Lawrence and my business is called Kendra Renee Jewelry Design. I think of myself as an artist, jeweler, and businesswoman. You could say I am completely obsessed with jewelry. I have always loved jewelry, and have made my own as long as I can remember. About two years ago I was introduced to metalsmithing and knew that I had found my passion. I can play with metal all day, every day and never become bored. I delight in creation and the physical realization of an idea. I just can’t seem to get enough.

I started selling on etsy about a year ago, although I joined long before. Etsy is an amazing tool, and I am so grateful to its creators and administrators. They make it possible for so many artists, myself included, to do what they love. I am learning new things from the online craft community every day, and this helps to fuel my excitement and inspiration.
When I am designing, I think about how my work will interact with the body. I try to incorporate motion into all my pieces, so that they move with the wearer. I develop contrast between textures, colors, and shapes within each piece to maximize their dramatic impact. I am not afraid of asymmetry! I find myself taking inspiration from mechanical objects as well as natural phenomenon.
Each piece is completely handcrafted. I begin the process with flat sheets of metal and wire, and carefully shape, forge, and solder each component of the design. I strive to make works of the highest quality that enhance the personality of the wearer. I am kind of a shy person, and so for me, wearing my own bold creations is the way I express my inner strength and creativity to the world. My hope is that others can see this in my work and feel it when they wear my pieces.
Links:
Facebook Fan page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kendra-Renee-Jewelry-Design/89092182689?ref=ts
Twitter: http://twitter.com/kendrareneejd
Etsy: www.KendraRenee.etsy.com
Personal Website: www.KendraReneeJewelry.com

Avon Walk for Breast Cancer

I have officially signed up for Avon's Two Day Walk for Breast Cancer in San Fransisco on July 10 and 11th 2010. I started training yesterday, and as of today, I have 242 days to train and to raise $1800. **eek!**

If you would like to help me out, you can donate here:
http://www.avonwalk.org/goto/kellydawnreckas

Roasted Pumpkin Soup

The other day, I bought three baking (sugar) pumpkins for pies, breads, soups, cookies, etc. Today, I roasted and pureed all three. I put the puree into freezer bags - two cups per bag to throw in the freezer for later use.

I kept one bag out for soup tonight.

Ingredients:
2C roasted pumpkin puree
1 medium butternut squash
1 leek, sliced - white and light green part
4 garlic cloves (I like it garlicky)
1 container So Delicious Coconut Yogurt - plain
a bit of So Delicious Coconut Milk (this can be found in the refrigerator section with the "alternative" milks at Whole Foods -- you can also use soy milk) I like my soup thick, so I didn't use too much, but if you like your soup thinner, add more
cinnamon - to taste
chili powder - to taste
sea salt/pepper - to taste

Combine all ingredients in saucepan. heat for about 20 minutes - stir occasionally to make sure nothing is burning.
Use an immersion blender to blend butternut squash into puree. If you don't have an immersion blender pour into standing blender -- very carefully! -- and blend until smooth.
Enjoy with your favourite sourdough bread.

Friday's Featured Seller: customdesigns4ubynan

My featured seller this week is Nancy of customdesigns4ubynan on Etsy. She lives and works in her studio apartment on Long Island, New York. Nancy has been collecting fabric pieces for a few years, now, and with them, she makes aprons, table-cloths, pillows, bedspreads, quilts and throws.

In January 2009, she was laid off from her full time job, and someone suggested she start selling her work on Etsy. Since March of this year, Nancy has spent her days "slaving over a hot computer on the etsy promotion forum, and sew[ing] in the evening [while] watching Yankees games."

Nancy can be found on Etsy at www.customdesigns4ubynan.etsy.com
She also has a blog at http://customdesigns4ubynan-myheartandmind.blogspot.com/

Almond butter and Jelly sandwiches

No photos for you tonight.

For lunch today, I had a hankering for peanut butter and jelly. I haven't wanted peanut butter in quite a while, and I had a handful of almonds in my cupboard, waiting to be eaten.

I made almond butter with about 1/3C of almonds, a drizzle of honey, and a splash of water - threw it in my magic bullet and had almond butter - delicious!

I then made my own jelly (store-bought has been too sweet for me lately) with four or five strawberries, about 1/3 of a really big mango, and a few dates. It was too runny to be jelly, so I added some chia seeds. I'm hoping tonight, when I get home from work it will be a little thicker. It was delicious.

AB&J for lunch tomorrow!

Sweet Potato Casserole

Dinner tonight was sweet potato casserole courtesy of Cake_or_Death (thank you!)


I planned on being the only one at the table eating this, my family had chicken salad. They tasted it, and loved it! I think I've only got about 1/3C leftover for lunch this week.

The photo isn't great, but its a casserole - honestly not the prettiest of dishes.

Ingredients:
2 medium sweet potatoes
1 can black beans
two cloves garlic, sliced, chopped, halved, its up to you (I used my garlic press)
onion
cumin
oregano
1 can creamed corn

Directions:
peel your sweet potatoes. Cut them into smallish chunks so they cook quickly. Boil for 15-20 minutes (until soft enough to mash). Mash. Set aside.

In large pan, cook black beans, garlic, onion, cumin and oregano. Place in casserole dish.

Layer corn on top of beans

Layer mashed sweet potatoes on top of corn.

Bake at 375 for about 35 minutes.

I ate mine with a slice of some delicious Italian bread from the local market.