Vegan Food For The Crooked Soul

Remember the era of "Chicken Soup for the Soul", and all the spin-offs from that book?  Comes to mind this morning, because I am crooked.  Downright cranky, crooked.  Partly because I was woken by a strange dream of a nasty high school teacher reprimanding me for not finishing my homework (analyze, anyone?)... and partly because it's been a busy week with things going on with the girls, and then a wonky morning with a screaming toddler and miscommunication with hubby about events of the day hubby screwed up... and here I am, quite a grouchy sort.

I've cooked and that's not helping.  Had chocolate, and even that didn't help (much)!  So, I thought I'd blog, maybe some photos of vegan food will brighten my crooked soul!  Plus, I haven't posted any of my food pics for a while, so now's a good time.  I realized yesterday that I haven't even taken many photos of my food lately.  I really need a new camera.  A good one.  I have one of these little Canon powershot cameras that is good enough for most photos, but it's really challenging to take good food photos unless I have some natural light to work with.  Given the pissing-down rain we've had in recent weeks, there's not much opportunity to shoot photos outside.  Also, I've been more focused on finishing edits with my recipes and book that I haven't been snap-happy.  I've rambled.  That happens when I'm cranky.  Well, it happens all the time actually.  Anyhow, shall we get on to some photos?  Here's some stuff that will be in the next cookbook:
 

Almond Roasted Cauliflower

Almond Roasted Cauliflower.  This recipe has even me liking cauliflower - and one of our daughters can eat the entire dish.  Still working on hubby, nah, forget that.  Too grumpy to bother.

Creamy Grilled Eggplant Dip

Creamy Grilled Eggplant Dip. Not the best photo (dang camera), but this dip is a switch-up on baba ghanoush (don't give me heck on the spelling today).  Often baba can be bitter from the tahini, as well as the eggplants.  This recipe grills the eggplants first until smoky and caramelized, and then combines with raw cashews and other seasonings for a creamy, smoky dip.

Caramelized Onion and Hemp Hummus

Caramelized Onion and Hemp Hummus.  Think I'd do another book without a couple hummus-type recipes?  This recipes borrows sweetness from caramelized onions to combine with earthy hemp seeds and chickpeas.  The result is surprisingly addictive!

Caribbean Fusion Stew

Caribbean Fusion Stew.  Deeply comforting and nourishing, with an exotic edge combining beans, veggies, and plantains in a curried coconut broth spiked with lime.  I love this stew, in fact I'd love to have it tonight, but I've done enough food prepping already today.

Next bunch of food porn I'll squeeze in the sweet treats.  They'll be in order for me today anyhow!  Alright, I'll try to shape up my mood now.  But, if I happen to cross paths with any of you today, you've got my apology now - in advance!

Food-unrelated (but topical) question:  When you're feeling cranky, do you throw on something colorful to feel better, or stick to the black/brown/gray stuff in your closet?

The effects of diet do not start at puberty.  Food choices exert noticeable effects much earlier, even in the toddler years. [Vegetarian children] grow up more gradually, reach puberty later, are much less likely to die of heart disease or cancer in mid-life, and overall live years longer than people raised on typical Western diets.  (Food For Life, Dr. Neal Barnard)