The boys all moved. First Kris, then Gabriel, then Shane...all with in a week of each other. It was a pretty huge bummer but just allowed me more time to spend with my bitches. Right after Christmas break I was relieved of my position as Professional Cheesecake Bitch and Ass-Kisser. January was spent searching for jobs, doing some freelance writing (another reason I had NO desire to write in this thing) and, of course, hanging with my bitches.
I've started writing some music. Most of my songs are my jaded view on dating and relationships a la early Liz Phair. My favorite so far is a song called "Numbers Game" ...named as such because within a week FOUR of my friends told me the dating thing was "just a numbers game" like it's freakin' power ball. Of course, to this I simply replied that I must just have dick repelant in my deoderant. That was definitely THE joke for a couple weeks. Maybe I'll try my hand at stand-up next.
In other news, I am trying out for the roller derby next month and I have boot camp this upcoming Sunday...I haven't been so excited for something in a VERY long time. I've dyed my hair pink upon starting a new job working on behalf of non-profit organizations as well as rekindled my love of fake eyelashes.
To stick with the general theme of my blog, as everyone knows the Steelers are now six time world champions which was insanely exciting. I had a great time watching them win, the city was INSANE, and I....well, I was drunk as I have been fairly often lately. I've never been a drinker and my mom did always encourage me to try new things so I've decided I'm going to go through a drinking phase. Hey, I'm in Pittsburgh, that's what we do here. As many stupid decisions as I made in college, I missed out on a lot of integral college experiences for which I am determined to make up. Let's face it, I'm 25. I need to get this out of my system before I'm 30 and have to really try to be a grown up. But I digress...Christine and I made a deal that if the Steelers won the AFC Championship I could shave their emblem into her head. Have a look:
Now for my Single Vegan recipe of the day:
It is well known to most dietitians that the most mentally satiating meals are those which contain all five taste sensations: sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami. Vegan meals are pretty much always already full of fiber which is another great way to keep you full and satiated longer but how often do we really pay attention to the taste combination in our meals? Anyway, being that I have almost nothing in my fridge at present I had to get really creative but managed to come up with an excellent dinner that is also easily fudged based on what you have and is great for meat eaters, too!
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KITCHEN SINK ASIAN NOODLESThe Ingredients:
*toasted sesame oil
*plum vinegar
*lemon or lime juice
*ground boca (or broken up veggie burgers/meatballs, or even real beef)
*asian noodles (I used some carrot and spinach noodles I got at an asian market because I like colorful food)
*frozen (or fresh) veggies (I used tri-color peppers, sweet corn, and peas)
now here's where it gets tricky. I used Urban Accents' Mongolian Ginger BBQ seasoning which I imagine pretty much no one has lying around (although it's available at Whole Foods and really yummy) so try this:
*orange peel (orange juice will work, too)
*ground mustard powder (or dijon mustard if that's all you've got)
*ground ginger
Really, this is not exact...use what you have and don't be afraid to experiment...that's when the chore of cooking for one becomes fun!
Okay, you've got your ingredients and we're ready to start! Heat up about a tablespoon of sesame oil in your pan on medium, once its warm add your veggies. If you are using frozen veggies like I did, you can add your ground boca at the same time, otherwise, let your veggies get a little tender before you add it. Once this mixture has warmed up, throw in your spices. Now is a good time to start the hot water boiling for your noodles, too. Add them when it starts to boil and throw in just a pinch or two of salt to keep them from sticking together.
Orange peel is preferable to OJ because it adds the bitter element, use just a dash of plum vinegar if you dont have orange peel as that is also bitter(and sour). Your citrus juice will give a good sour note while the mustard provides a little umami in your life. I tend not to measure things but start out small...no more than a tablespoon of citrus juice and 1/4 teaspoon of ground mustard and 1/2 teaspoon of ginger. You don't want the mixture to have too much liquid but if it does, just let it simmer until the liquid is absorbed. Since you're not using real meat, you don't have to worry about it drying out.
Keep in mind that everyone's taste buds are different, this is why I say start small with the flavoring. Take a LITTLE taste after you've added everything and see what you think...not sweet enough, some OJ will do the trick and keep with the citrus theme. Not sour enough? Add a dash of lemon or lime juice. Not savory? Add a bit more sesame oil or mustard. Essentially the citrus and the ginger should be the main flavors you taste, though.
When your noodles are done, drain them. Unlike it's italian counter part, most asian noodles are prepared by rinsing the noodle in cold water after draining to keep them firm and wash away any extra starch, however, this is not necessary. Toss them in the slightest bit of sesame oil and throw a splash of soy sauce in there if you really like salty food. Top it off with your ground boca mixture and chow down.
Prep time: however long it takes to get stuff out of the fridge/freezer
Cook time: about 10 minutes.
Note: I think this tastes just as good cold as it does hot which makes for really easy leftovers for us lazy single vegans!
Look at these colors! Not my most attractive dish but quite tasty for just throwing some stuff in a pan!
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