parting is such sweet sorrow

Darlings.

I've made the really hard decision to close up shop on Veg is Sexy. I had such a blast writing it the last 9 months and it's been such a great experience. However, I think I've learned what I needed to learn, said what I needed to say, and it's time for me to move on.

There are so many incredible blogs and resources out there that pertain to vegetarianism and veganism (check out my blogroll and Super Sites on the lefthand side of the page). I will continue to read all the sites and blogs I've come to love, I just think it's time for me to retire mine.

If you'd like to stay in touch, I'll keep my sexyveg@gmail.com account open for awhile. Feel free to contact me there! Please stay healthy and happy, not only for yourself but for the animals and environment as well. Lots of love to you all and thank you so much for your support and encouragement! I look forward to continuing to support you all on your work and personal journeys in the future.

Best,
Andria

The Quesapizza Returns

Do you ever go through food phases? It happens to me all the time. You buy the ingredients to make one thing and suddenly you have to have it every day. Usually this lasts a few days, or maybe you even replenish your supplies at the grocery store (possibly Trader Ming's, perhaps?) and extend the phase an extra weekend or two. This recently happened to me for a second time with the Quesapizza (original recipe here). You may remember when I created basically the most gorgeous and delicious combination of Mexico and Italy into a quick and easy and oh-so-creative meal idea (yes, I'm loud and proud tooting my own freaking horn. TOOT TOOT).


With this one I used a whole wheat tortilla topped with Trader Jose's refried beans, peppers, onions, and Daiya. Pop it under the broiler to melt and crisp. Fold.


What are your favorite (or not so favorite because you're sick of it!) food phases? What would you put in your Quesapizza?

Skin MD Discount Code!

Back in January I did a VERY POSITIVE review of Skin MD lotion, and also gave away a bottle! To refresh your memory, Skin MD is a really yummy, smooth, light face and body lotion that is entirely vegan and made in a green plant! Check out the review for more info.

Anyway, the awesome Amber at Skin MD has offered Veg is Sexy readers a 20% discount code off the products on the Skin MD web site!

So check them out at skinmdnatural.com...
Make your selections of which awesome, vegan lotions you want...
Enter coupon code "VEG" at checkout...
And receive 20% off your order!

The code is caps sensitive and will expire in 30 days, so hurry over now! You're going to be wearing shorts and bathing suits all summer, show off those smooth legs!

Amy's Soups

I underestimate soup. I just do. I've never considered it a "full meal," and I like to chew my food, so soup has freaked me out in the past. But once I became veg, my eyes started to open. In her book, Alicia Silverstone talks about how good soup is for your body and digestive system, that soup is really healing and healthy. I also started to love Compassionate Cooks' recipe for Garlic and Greens Soup, which is great when you're under the weather and also just really hearty and healthy. Obviously, I've started to realize that soup a GREAT meal. Here are some Amy's soups I recently picked up for a quick fix when I'm running late or just really hungry.

Thai Coconut - I really wanted to love this one, but I only kinda liked it. Maybe it's because I'm still a little new to ethnic soups and the savory coconut threw me for a loop. I would highly recommend making your own decision though! I did really like the pieces of sweet potato in there, they were awesome.

Minestrone - I love that this minestrone has little pieces of pasta in it. Mmmm! This is really hearty and good, great if you throw in just a pinch of garlic salt!

Medium Chili - Ok, so obviously I love to toot my own horn about this stuff, so trying someone's else's chili was really going out on a limb. It had a way different flavor than mine, but in a good way. This stuff would be really good to pour over nachos to give it a chewy, spicy kick. But as far as eating it out of the bowl, I'll stick to mine.

Split Pea - MY FAVORITE! I tried this soup back in February along with some other goodies, and apparently I keep coming back for more. I never liked split pea soup, but this stuff is just SO SO GOOD! I love it.


What's your favorite soup?

TV News Snapshot

I saw this and had to post it because it's hilarious. Smile, LAUGH, have a light and happy Friday!

Mushroom Parm

Why stop with eggplant? This mushroom parm is much simpler, however, and so much healthier thanks to the absence of deep frying. Enjoy alone, paired with a salad, or even in a sandwich!

Ingredients:

• Portobella mushroom cap
• Marinara
• Non-dairy mozzarella cheese (Try Daiya or Follow Your Heart)
• Garlic salt
• Oil or non-dairy butter (I prefer Earth Balance)
  

- Saute the mushroom cap in just a bit of oil or non-dairy butter until cooked through
- Top with marinara, mozzarella, and garlic salt
- Broil until cheese begins to melt and bubble.
- You're done.


This is also a great little meal to make when you're in a time crunch, and perfect to serve to non-veg friends and family. The mushroom is hearty and filling, and with the salt and fat of the non-dairy cheese they won't feel like they are missing out.

Like it, love it? You can also try this amazing portobella sandwich!

Yogurt . ! ?

I was a huge yogurt fan growing up, but I think that's because I was eating the stuff loaded with sugar and thinking it was a healthy snack. While non-dairy yogurt is fairly healthy (full of probiotics, calcium, vitamins) and it's nice to have a cool creamy snack once in awhile, you really have to pick and chose your poison. Watch out for crazy sugars, high fats, hidden dairy ingredients, and don't get stuck with one that tastes like crap.

My go-to coconut milk-based yogurt in raspberry:

The chocolate one I tried (like but not loved):

Once upon a time I used to find one of these in a Cinnamon Bun flavor and it was killer!!! If you can find it, buy it up.

But now I think I have a cheaper, yummier, creamier standard:


Even though you're a racist, Trader Joe you still did me proud. This stuff is by far the best non-dairy yogurt I've had yet. The consistency and flavor are perfect - go for the strawberry, it was the best.

Do you like yogurt? Do you consider it a treat or a snack? Or a meal? What's your favorite non-dairy yogurt? How do you like to eat it (mix-ins, toppings, smoothies, etc)?

Photo Salad II

Hey loves! I have a lot of random photos so I decided to toss together another Photo Salad (you can see the first one here).

Here's a delicious Simple Sexy Tofu Scramble with a few added veggies:

A gorgeous blossoming tree. Spring is here!

A strawberry-spinach smoothie made with soymilk:

A huge mixing bowl salad made with Chive Buttermilk dressing and a Gardein Scallopini:

A nice lunch I made for my non-vegan dad but loved in anyway - a Gardein Scallopini, kale chips, mixing bowl salad, green iced tea, and lit with a Scent of Scandal candle:

A tofu-sausage scramble - pretty much a scramble with added Gimme Lean sausage and Daiya!

And a little flash back to winter. Picking up the kids I sit for at school and these ten foot icicles are about to fall on and kill the children. Classy, Elementary School. Classy.

Trader Joe is a Racist

It's gotten to the point where I can barely shop at Trader Joe's anymore because I walk the aisles doubled over in hysterics. Don't get me wrong, I love saving my pennies as much as the next sexy veg, but let's take a little look at Joe's ethics, shall we?

Here he is, just hanging out, shamelessly advertising some dark chocolate.

Sometimes Joe forgoes his Trader status in exchange for a Diner quality.

Oh and isn't he so clever and funny, naming his health and vitamin supply after a name associated with longevity?

Here Joe takes on a South-of-the-Border flair for this imported beer

But wait, like a chameleon, Trader Jose is staying festive for the Mexican foods as well...

...and the Italian...

...and the Chinese...

and, my personal fave...

Ok, do I really think Trader Joe's is racist? No. Do I think they are hilariously politically incorrect? One hundred percent. Anyone else? In college we just stopped calling it Trader Joe's and started calling it Trader Ming's.

If I've missed any Trader Joe-wannabes, let me know! Or feel free to make up your own! In Lithuania he would be Trader Jonas. I'm still debating between Trader Jean or Trader Pierre for the French, though. Thoughts?

Love Letter to Garlic Salt

Dear Garlic Salt,

I can't live without you.

You are so underestimated, but just hearing your name sets me off in a flutter of excitement. What can I put you on today? I just want to sprinkle you on my veggies, stir you into my soup, and cook you up in my casserole. Some people think that you're too easy, that this relationship won't last because I need to get out there and try other flavors. They don't understand that I've done my fair share of experimenting and am done wasting my time. I'm ready to settle, and I only have tastebuds for you. You're classic. You're strong. You're rich and flavorful and oh so yummy. You make any plain dish taste like a gourmet recipe, and just a dash of you takes me so far. Sodium schmodium, I want you.

I think my blog friends are starting to wonder if there's something going on between us, I talk about you all. the. freaking. time. I casually drop your name here and there, careful not to say too much. But the truth is, you're always there. In my heart and in my food.

You are the sexy to my veg.

I love you.

Always and forever,
Andria