Pancakes

On the Saturdays I have to work, I must go in very early to get a free parking space. Going to work at 6:30 AM sucks. This past Saturday I was able to leave around 9 AM, so I came home to make pancakes using the recipe in Quick and Easy Vegan Comfort Food. I served my pancakes with clementines, So Delicious coconut yogurt, and homemade hot cocoa. I used Alton Brown's recipe but I used soy milk powder to make it vegan. The leftover pancakes were stored in the fridge overnight and tasted fine when I reheated them the next day. That's a good thing! I slept in on Sunday, so I enjoyed waking up to a delicious, homemade breakfast already prepared! ;) I will be posting intermittently for the rest of the year. December is always busy trying to wrap up experiments at work and travel home, but this year is extra busy because the dude is joining me on a road trip to see Book of Mormon in Florida. :)

Thai Cottage - Houston, TX

Did I mention that I really enjoyed the food at Thai Cottage? I went there on a date with the dude recently (posted here). When some friends invited me to see Free Birds, I suggested we grabbed dinner at Thai Cottage afterwards. The movie is an animated movie for kids about getting turkeys off the Thanksgiving table. (Spoiler: They suggested cheese pizza for the alternative, which made me laugh since a turkey would not eat cheese.) I ordered the tofu chili basil dish from the vegetable lover section. So good! My friends both enjoyed their dishes too, so I would highly recommend this little spot for a dinner and movie date night.

Quick Chili

I soaked some black beans, black-eyed peas, and red beans and cooked them in the crockpot for chili. I used an onion, garlic, two green bell peppers, and half a bag of frozen okra as the veggies. I kept the seasonings simple with chili powder, cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper. I served this over rice for a weeknight meal that was hearty and healthy. Chili is a great clean-out-the-fridge meal, so just use what you've got. I put a big scoop of nutritional yeast on top for extra nutrition. Yum! Nooch!

Sweet Paris Creperie - Rice Village, Houston, TX

This adorable restaurant Sweet Paris Creperie is tucked in Rice Village, a ritzy little area. My friend and I met up for lunch there. They have one vegan savory crepe. I did ask about the crepe batter being vegan and they said yes. It was so good, but a little pricey ($12 for a bottle of apple juice and the crepe). My crepe had mushrooms, black beans, corn salsa, and chipotle sauce. I told the dude we should check this place out. It's a cute little date spot or for a day with a close friend. My friend and I talked for a while and then headed over to Starbucks to continue chatting. We gave our table to my friend that we joked about seeing in Starbucks because he's always there. Turns out that was his first time at the crepe place too!

Thai Cottage - Houston, TX

When the dude and I went on our last dinner/movie date night, we walked past the Thai Cottage and he remarked we should try it. He loves yellow curry, so he ordered that with tofu. I got the veggie curry with tofu. The food was delicious. We enjoyed the little restaurant and it was full of people. We went to see Gravity after dinner.

Renaissance Festival

I went to Texas Ren Fest a couple weeks ago with some friends. Got to wear my costume that my mom mailed me for the event. Too bad the shirt is untucked and doesn't look very flattering in the photo of the group. I did get vegan falafel in the Greek area, but I didn't even snap a photo of it! I did get a photo of the amazing pineapple sorbet I bought mid-afternoon. We went to see Sound & Fury, Christophe the Insultor, belly dancers, and jousting. I thought jousting was sword-fighting, so it was a little sad to see the horses being used.

Fur-Free Friday

I joined the Houston Animal Rights Team for a demo in front of Neiman Marcus for Fur-Free Friday. Apparently, Neiman Marcus sells A LOT of fur, including a $23K mink vest. Ew. There is no reason to wear fur. Animals are skinned alive for their fur; because if you cut their throat, their blood would stain the fur. Lots of fur sold in the US is actually cat and dog fur from China. Double ew.