A Hit (Ginger Peanut Squash Stew) and a Miss (Funky Frittata)

I overbought produce last week, so I spent my Saturday evening roasting various squash and digging into my cookbooks for recipes that matched the contents of my fridge and pantry. 

The high: ginger peanut squash stew (p.129) from Vegan Eats World. 

I used a roasted acorn squash and omitted the cilantro (that's dried parsley you see); it was FANTASTIC!  I love a recipe that only requires one pot and this was it.  I even shared: VM loved it and OD ate his whole bowl- which is saying alot since it was pretty spicy. 

Although I've had enormous success with it in the past, the recipes from Viva Vegan intimidate me.  After this incredible stew, I will make a point to revisit both Terry tomes.  It's a good feeling to be shocked that the meal you created was done so by your hands.

The low: frittata from Vegan Brunch.  I've been cooking with Isa/Terry books most of my vegan life and this was an unexpected (user error) disaster. 

My add-ins were looking great:

But, once in the dish, I could see that the frittata seemed loose. 

It did look fine enough when it came out of the oven.

But, in the end, over-cooking it didn't save it.  Upon introduction to my slice-and-serve, it veritably melted into a frittatta puddle.  Let's just say it was suggested that I serve it with straws.

But, despite the texture, the taste was really good; I think maybe the sauteed mushrooms, onions, and peppers continued to release moisture into the frittatta as it baked.  Totally my fault, as the recipe called for chard and I messed with altered it.  I'll try again, but next I have my sights set on a quiche. 

Lest you think I wasted the leftovers, fret not.  I enjoyed it the next day on toast with sriracha and sliced tomatoes (underneath).

Valentine's Recap

What?  You didn't think I was done, did you? Impressive as it was; that was just a preview.  I ate all of those chocolates pre-Valentine's Day so you would know what you were getting into.  Admittedly, there was an unexpected supplement.  And then even more rolled in (pun intended).

It was quite the Valentine's explosion, actually.

89 had already swiped this toy from the shopping bag moments after I'd carried it in the house I'd already given 89 this cool alligator; it looks like she's snuggling, but she's really chewing on his foot (that's her m.o.).

Valentine lovin'

Further proof of her ferocity (and affinity for animal feet):

For myself, I was expecting my annual chocolate feast from my parents.


yes; this a real note

To my surprise, I came home to find that they'd delivered not only a selection of Rose City Chocolates:

But also chocolate-covered pretzels.  Unfortunately, they turned out to be unsalted (I do not recommend unsalted chocolate-covered pretzels; they should have come with a warning).    

Gorgeous sterling roses:

And even a Valentine's bagel (otherwise I would have just eaten chocolate until it was gone):

There was even a few more things from Vegan Treats: chocolate lollipops (swoon):

And...wait for it....

peanut butter twix!  They taste even better than they look and are one of my new favorite things from VT.  Positively outstanding.

As if all of this wasn't enough, I'd swung by Vegan Treats myself to pick up a few things for my parents (and me):

Red velvet cake:

V-day confetti cake:

Valentine's-themed, chocolate-covered, cheesecake on a stick!

Mine!

Suffice it to say I've had more than my fair share just enough chocolate and sweets as of late. 

And plenty of Valentine-themed revelry.

It's exhausting!