Thank you, fellow bloggers!

I just wanted to share some quick food photos with you. This past week was interesting, because our meal ideas and recipes came almost exclusively from fellow bloggers. Everything tasted so good- you guys are super impressive! How did I ever live without the recipe clearinghouse that is the blogosphere? With each description, I will link to the orignal recipe so you can all try these for yourselves.

First off is the quinoa jambalaya from Eat Air. I wanted to make something like this last week to celebrate Mardi Gras even though we couldn't have a proper party this year. Ever the New Orleans purist, Daiku was a little skeptical of this untraditional recipe, but when we tasted it, all of that faded away. This is a savory and hearty dish, with layers of warming flavor.

One night, we had a very green dinner chock full of veggie goodness. The entree was this creamy kale soup from VeganYumYum. As soon as I saw this recipe, with its combination of kale, quinoa, lentils, and best of all, tahini, I knew I had to try it. My result wasn't as bright green as the original photo, but it had a deep, comforting, and healthy taste. I used soy yogurt for the drizzle topping instead of the tahini called for in the recipe because my tahini never got quite the right smooth consistency (there was some tahini in the soup itself, though). No matter, this was a serious soup! Next time, I might tinker with the ingredients a little to increase the spiciness and bring out the flavors more.

To go with it, brussels sprouts with toasted breadcrumbs and lemon from Food "Blogga." Words can't begin to describe how good these were- we gobbled them all up, even though I was sure I had made enough for copious leftovers. Susan designed this recipe to give a make-over to the under-appreciated cruciferous wonder veggie that is the brussels sprout. I didn't think this applied to me, since I already love them, but this dish takes things to a whole new level. If you don't like brussels sprouts, or are just on the fence about them, please try this recipe! Something about the combination of lemon, garlic, butter (I used Earth Balance) and breadcrumbs- mmmmm.

Here's a recipe I'm testing for Melody: far east spicy tofu and green beans. Oh my goodness, this dinner was so savory and extra spicy and good! Have you been to Melody's blog lately and seen some of the gorgeous things she's been cooking up? What are you waiting for?

I'm one of those people who loves to bake, but sometimes freaks out when a recipe calls for, say, 3/4 cup of oil, or 1.5 cups of sugar. That's why I get so excited when I find recipes like Diann's oat bran muffins. Made entirely with oat bran (no flour), and sweetened with just a touch of agave nectar, these are healthy and easy to make. I added some frozen blueberries and sunflower seeds to Diann's recipe for even more flavor and nutrients. Oat bran is a baking revelation! I went out and bought 2 more pounds of it from the bulk bins, and can't wait to experiment with these again!

They worked so well for breakfast, topped with some margarine and jam or agave nectar.

Ever since I read Urban Vegan's recipes for "punka" pie (and apple pie), I knew I'd eventually try both. I've tried the apple pie a couple of times, but only recently made the punka pie for the first time. Holy cow! This is the best pumpkin pie I've ever had! This is no exaggeration- before going veg., pumpkin pie was never one of my favorites, but it is now. The filling is so firm yet creamy and custardy. Do yourself a favor and bake up a pie now! Next time, I'd consider adding a bit of molasses or a touch more spice to kick up the flavor even more.

I made the pie late one day, and refrigerated it overnight. The next morning, this slice made the world's perfect breakfast.

My next recipe didn't come from a fellow blogger, but rather my mom. Last night, I was tired, it was getting late, and I just didn't feel like cooking. I called my mom, who suggested an easy simmered eggplant and tomato dish. I kicked it up by adding capers, olives, and hot sauce, and served with with the world's fastest and easiest grain: whole wheat couscous.

There were enough leftovers to have an easy lunch today made up of a baked potato smothered with the eggplant mixture. This was so flavorful- thanks mom! Oh, I want to take this opportunity for an additional shout-out to my mom- she has agreed to go meatless for March, even starting before the month officially did! Yay, veggie mom! (Click here for more information on Meatout March- it's not too late to give this a try and see how you feel in a few short weeks!)

I leave you with a photo of this menacing and gigantic black squirrel who found his way to our porch yesterday. He hung out for a long time, enjoying the thrill of aggravating our cats to death! I swear he was taunting them from behind the security of a tightly locked door! Cute.

Thank you, fellow bloggers!