Leek and Asparagus Stir-Fry with Mushrooms

I learned a very important lesson recently.

You know those lessons that you'll never forget because they were so embarrassing to learn?  Yep, it was one of those.

Lucky for you that I'm going to share it with you so that you will never have to learn this the hard way: when you are signing one of those slightly awkward cards being passed around your office (you know those cards from everyone for someone's birthday, departure, or a general congratulations, etc...), make sure to double check who the card is for.

I mean, you wouldn't want to be the one who wrote "best of luck at your new job!" to someone who's supposed to be getting a "congratulations" card for starting their family, would you?

That's just awkward. Don't be that person.

But, if you do happen to be that person, here are a few options:

Option #1: White it out. However, this only works if the card is white and those tricky Hallmark folks love those fun colors...

Option #2: Cover it up with stickers. Of course, that is assuming that you are an adult who happens to carry stickers around. Unfortunately, (or perhaps, fortunately), I'm not that person.

Option #3: Own it. Just admit that, yes, you are that person who wrote the weird message in someone's card and there is no taking it back now.

Ohh if only cards were as easy as stir-fries... 

See, with stir-fries, there are no mistakes, no awkwardness. You can always alter ingredients or change things up as needed. They're impossible to mess up. And they work for any occasion.

So, I guess the lesson I learned is really this: sign less cards and make more stir-fries. I think that's my new motto.

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Gluten-Free & Vegan Mushroom Gravy

When I was growing up, gravy was always one of my favorite parts of holiday meals. I was one of those people who would cover their entire plate in gravy if they could.  I didn’t even care if it touched the cranberry sauce.

Once I went vegetarian and then vegan, gravy was one of the things that I missed most at the holidays.  Until, of course, I discovered that you can make a fabulous gravy with mushrooms that (dare I say it?) tastes even better than the original. 

With Christmas quickly approaching, I have been experimenting with different mushroom gravy recipes and have come to love this one the best.  It’s gluten-free and vegan, which means it can be enjoyed by everyone at your table this holiday season.

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Creamy Mushroom Soup

I think I'm having an identity crisis. Instead of dreaming about kale I've been thinking about cupcakes.  Instead of listening to Sara Bareilles or Jack Johnson I've been rocking out to Katy Perry. And instead of sporting my usual casual jeans and a plaid shirt I find myself wearing... skinny jeans and a blazer? Something is definitely wrong with this picture.

My recent Pinterest obsession has made a me a much more stylish and fashionable person.  And surprisingly, I'm enjoying it.  Yesterday I found myself wondering why I don't always dress this way.  And then I quickly discovered the reason as I tried to harvest compost from my worm bin this morning in skinny jeans and a blazer... In case you haven't already learned this lesson, that is a truly, truly bad idea.  
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Mushroom, Barley, and Black Eyed Pea Soup

It takes a lot of time and love to prepare meals for others.  Are there any primary meal makers out there? This is a shout out to you.  So much of our heart and soul goes into making and preparing food that our loved ones eat.  So much of our lives go into everything that we make.

So, loved ones, a little request... please, say thank you.  Thanks.  Relish each meal as the gift that it is.  And respect it.  Even if it has mushrooms.

See, mushrooms are a dividing issue in our house.  I'm going to assume that they might be in yours as well.  But, this soup is a game changer.  This soup just might be the thing to win the mushroom battle and finally get that well-deserved... thank you.

Dinner is served.  You are welcome.

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The Best Mushroom Gravy

This is the first time I have posted a recipe on this blog that contains mushrooms.  Depending on where you stand on the mushroom issue, I'm sure you are either delighted or disgusted.  I'll do my best to appease you either way.

For years, mushrooms have been one of the few foods that myself and Ashley have shared a mutual hatred for.  In fact, don't get Ashley started on a rant about mushrooms. More than one of our mushroom-loving friends have been subjected to her argument of "How can you eat mushrooms?  Do you know where they grow? Why would you eat something that grows in $h&t?" I guess you can't argue with that. 

Nonetheless, if you happen to be vegan and ever want to eat out in this town, you are constantly subjected to mushrooms.  As a result of this unavoidable repeated exposure, I have grown to like them.  At least, for the most part.  Ashley has continued to stand by her convictions.  But then came this gravy.

This gravy is so good that I didn't mention the mushrooms so that Ashley would try it.  If you are someone that also cooks for a picky eater, I am sure that you too have learned the art of food fibbing.  Well, it worked.  Ashley now has a new favorite food and I have my first mushroom recipe.

Adapted from this Easy Vegetarian Mushroom Gravy Recipe

1 cup white or button mushrooms, chopped
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 Tbs Earth Balance margarine
1 Tbs soy sauce
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
2 1/2 cups vegetable broth
1/4 cup flour
1/2 tsp dried sage
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp dried basil
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the Earth Balance and add the chopped onion and mushrooms.  Saute for two minutes.

Reduce heat to medium and add the broth, apple cider vinegar, and soy sauce.  Slowly add flour, stirring well to combine and prevent lumps from forming. Bring to a low boil, then reduce heat.

Add sage, thyme, basil, and salt and pepper, stirring constantly.  Allow to cook for 6 minutes, stirring regularly.  Pour into a blender and blend until smooth (you can also blend less for a chunkier gravy or skip this step entirely).  Return to the skillet and let simmer for 4 more minutes then remove from heat and serve.