Feeding Rocco

Hello loves!! We are back with another installation of Feeding Rocco! Hooray!! I love sharing all the fun, and sometimes not so fun, things we feed our mostly vegan toddler. With the exception of organic eggs and some fish we are raising this boy as a mostly plant-based nugget. I know a lot of people wonder if I'm some crazy controlling food mom and I guess the answer is yes… to a certain extent… At this stage in the game I feel I'm allowed to be! My 18 month old doesn't have the control over what's being cooked and served in our household,  just the same as the toddler of a meat eating family! He only knows what Mommy and Babbo feed him. Now I know this will change eventually and he will possibly want to try non-vegan foods and all I can do is support him and help him make well informed choices about his food. But if you're asking if I'm gonna ever get him a happy meal the answer is a resounding hell no! But at some point, if he wants some birthday cake or to try meat I will do my best to keep my emotions out of it. On to the food, you will notice there was a theme going on this week: starch and peas. He likes what he likes.Jimbo's Macaroni Salad with added Peas. This pasta salad was meant for The Captain, Rocco ate all of it for lunch! I added some extra peas and he went to town.

Mashed Potatoes with Gravy, Green Beans, and Corn. Shockingly he ate most of this! Towards the end the green beans were more fun to throw, but he loved the mashed potatoes and corn mixed together, just like his Nana! Note: I tried to give him leftovers the next day for lunch and he wanted nothing to do with it. Oy vey!

Daiya Mac n Cheese with Peas: My personal favorite boxed vegan mac n cheese. Tastes a bit like old school Velveeta without all the dairy and questionable ingredients. Loaded it up with frozen peas and boom. Dinner.

Fried Rice with Peas and Avocado: Rocco probably eats this a few times a week. Kid LOVES rice. So we fry it up with a touch of coconut oil and a splash of tamari, mix in frozen peas, and top with avocado. Sometimes I'll put in some onion chopped finely.

Annie's Mac n Cheese with Peas: This is my least favorite boxed mac n cheese, luckily Rocco could care less. It's a carb covered in a sauce. That's all he needs to know. Again, more peas. I usually alternate with broccoli, but right before the move I didn't want to buy more groceries, so using what I had!!

2 Eggs Over-Hard, Avocado, and Tortillas: At our favorite restaurant in SD, Coffee Cup! We both got the same order every time and our favorite waitress knew it by heart. Rocco kills this breakfast which is a common one at home too! Sometimes instead of tortillas, I will make him toast with a bit of coconut oil on it!! But he usually always starts the day with a banana as soon as he wakes up, I swear this kid is part monkey! We buy bananas by the case load!

Almond Butter Toast with TJ's Veggie Straws: Quick late lunch/afternoon snack! Simple, easy, and filling. I may have eaten one or 20 of the veggie straws myself. So tasty. So salty. Mmmmmm.

Well, there you have it folks another week of Feeding Rocco! Stay tuned for more posts as we really test what this kid will eat, it's amazing what, even in a few weeks, can develop in a child's palate and what they are willing to try!

All things San Diego, Part II

So here it is folks… My giant list of all things food in San Diego! The Captain and I are passionate about food and we pride ourselves on being the people you text when you are looking for a new spot to eat! Note: I should say I am a vegan, so every single restaurant on the list, while it might not be a vegan establishment, does offer vegan options! But I assure you, this is not just a list for veggies!!! In fact, out of the 26 spots listed, only 5 are entirely vegan or plant based! Meat eaters, rejoice! I have been compiling this list for weeks!! I am actually salivating after editing this post… I need some tacos… or noodles… or pizza… or falafel… or sheesh, I don't know, for love of GOD GET ME SOME FOOD! Best Coffee Drinks: Cafe Gratitude

Weird answer, I know, but the coffee beverages at CG are among the most original and delicious I’ve ever tried. Their Mocha!? Shut. Your. Face. Their teas and other libations are equally tasty!!

Best Breakfast: Coffee Cup

Not only is the best breakfast in San Diego, but also my favorite restaurant. The rosemary potatoes will change your life. I order the Papas Loco, no diary, add tofu, with corn tortillas. EVERY. TIME. I ate here the day I went into labor and I’m pretty sure it was the jalapeños that did the trick... We eat here... A LOT. Needless to say, the servers have my order memorized and I love them and I will miss them.

Best Pancakes: Moncai Vegan

These pancakes will change your life. Change it. The Captain stands firm that these are the BEST pancakes he's ever eaten in his life!! HIS ENTIRE LIFE!!! You non-vegans will be like WHAT THE HELL!?! I don't know how it's possible to get such giant, fluffy pancakes with no milk or eggs… I don't know how the chef does it, but he does and it is spectacular.

Best Vegan Breakfast: OB's People Co-op

Not only is this the best value in town, these biscuits and gravy are the things dreams are made of! With an entirely vegetarian market beneath, this small kitchen whips up some tasty and simple food that will leave you satisfied and happy! I wish I lived closer to it because I would eat there daily… seriously, I'd do it.

[my beloved avocado roll from Lil' Tokyo]

Best Sushi: Ebisu Sushi Lounge

I love this place. We found this when we first moved out because they had a small, but interesting vegan sushi list, but we quickly became regulars. Their fish is always fresh and prepared in unique ways! The place is rarely packed, but always buzzing and they serve food way past your bed time. [special shout out to Little Tokyo in Carmel Mountain, this place makes me happy. Nothing super special, but it's yummy]

Best Cocktails: WhisknLadle

Fancy and unique cocktails in a fancy and unique setting. Boom.

Best Chinese: Golden City

So after years of looking for a decent Chinese restaurant we stumbled upon Golden City and it is authentic and delish! With a completely separate veggie menu, it was a clear winner for me! Their salted garlic string beans are a thing of beauty!! Note: the portions are MASSIVE and definitely for sharing!

Best Döner: The Kebab Shop

Now, maybe you are thinking, come again!?! But if you have never had a döner you are in for quite a thrill! It's like a Mediterranean burrito and it tastes like heaven! I order the falafel diner, no garlic sauce, add spicy hummus, add fries or rice depending on my mood. [3/19/18 I've been informed that the rice is loaded with butter. True Vegans, skip the rice!] The wrap is soft, almost like a thin naan bread… It is delicious! There are now locations all over San Diego, so no excuses get thee to The Kebab Shop!

Best Salad: NaPizza

The superfood me salad with tahini dressing is literally a thing of the gods!! Their pizza and [always vegan] soup are both magic, but I don't stray from my favorite salad! With locations in Little Italy, Hillcrest, and 4S you are covered!

[delish offerings from Cafe Gratitude. Top to bottom, I am: warm-hearted, awesome, & surrendering][Trilogy Sanctuary, just being awesome. Top to bottom: Nachos and bfast crepes.]

Best Healthy Eats: Tie Cafe Gratitude and Trilogy Sanctuary

Cafe Gratitude makes the list twice. I've eaten at the LA eatery a handful of times and at the recently opened San Diego locale 23,293,090 times. Slight exeggeration. I love love love everything on the menu. It's vegan plant based goodness and I'm gonna miss them like WHOA. And then there's Trilogy, a newer find, located in La Jolla on a rooftop with angels and fairies. OR flying aerobatic yogis. Close enough. The menu is small, but heavenly. I love their buckwheat crepes and the nachos!! OH THE NACHOS!!! Both of these spots are winners, for vegans and non-vegans alike!

Best Thai: Amarin Thai

My buddy Christina took me to this restaurant years ago and I fell... hard. Their Tom Yum Soup is AMAZING. They have an entire separate veggie menu that’s even fish sauce free! And good news North County, Siam Nara in Mira Mesa and Nok in Scripps Ranch are pretty much the same menu from owner Suree! Winning.

[Top to bottom: salad pizza from Luigis and a vegan pie from SDBC]

Best Pizza: Tie Pizzeria Luigi and San Diego Brewing Company

So Luigi's was an early find, after watching a San Diego episode of triple D Guy Fieri swore he'd eat it off of a flip flop, we had to try it. To my delight, I found out that they will sub vegan cheese and even make vegan calzones. The calzones are AH-mazing. But even more surprising is their cheese-less salad pizza. This pizza is the bomb. And dude, all of their cheesy pizzas look amazing!! Oh, oh and when I was very pregnant and wanted to get another slice, the so sweet pizza maker gave me a slice on the house. Two thumbs up. A more recent find is San Diego Brewing! This spot has a crazy amount of vegan offerings along side all of your typical pub grub. They have vegan hot wings AND vegan pizza!!! Who knew!? It is the lightest crust and I just can't say enough good things. The marinara is delish and the toppings are fresh. It's so yummy.

[vegan mezzaluna and the special from Civico1845]

Best Italian: Bencotto

Yummy, fresh Italian food in the chicest building. I love this place. Their arrabbiata sauce and zucchini soup really make me happy. A newbie that I’ve only tried twice is Civico1845, but it is really shaping up to be a winner! An entire authentic vegan menu, um dreams coming true.

Best Indian: Delhi Kitchen 

This is a hole in the wall if ever there was one, but Delhi Kitchen in Carmel Mountain is a killer find! It's super inexpensive and the family who runs it is so nice!! Their Chana Masala is spicy, full of flavor, and oh-so-good.

Best Ramen: Underbelly

Holy. Giant. Bowls. of. Soup. Batman. This spot is legit. They now have 2 locations, but if you can try out the original in Lil Italy it is totally worth it for the experience. The veggie ramen with truffle oil is lip smacking good!

Best Tacos: Don Carlos Taco Shop

One of the first joints we found when arriving in San Diego. Don Carlos is a hole in the wall if ever there was one! The owner is full of personality and with a tag line like “what would Jesus eat?” this place has to rock! And with multiple vegan options this joint is sure to please. We used to pick up food and bring it to the cliffs and watch the sunset with the rich people! Highly suggest it!!

Best Frozen Yogurt: Paradise Yogurt

Best vegan yogurt ever!!! They always have at least 2 vegan flavors and it constantly rotates. Their toppings are genius and they have the chillest employees. Love this spot.

Best Vegan Junk Food: Veggie Grill

The Buffalo Bomber has comforted me many, many a night... or day... or mid-morning. I ate here, nearly, twice a week when I was pregnant. The whole menu is awesome. And I'm gonna tell you right now, you will be surprised that vegan "chicken" tastes, well, pretty much like chicken!

Best Spot for a Group who can't Decide: True Foods

This is the perfect restaurant for a group of folks who just can't get their shit together. It's deceptively healthy, but will please a variety of palates! You can get a bison burger, a seasonal squash pizza[amazing], or [my favorite] the Mediterranean chopped salad. There's an option for the gluten intolerant, vegan, or meat eater in your group. And on top of all of those reasons, simply put, it's a delish and thoughtful menu!

Best Meal with a View: Cordiano Winery

Our amazing neighbors suggested this spot a few years ago and we have been frequent visitors ever since. It's nestled atop some impressive hills in Escondido, but you feel like you are in another world. The Italian owners are the sweetest and their pizza is out of control yummy! The wine is okay, but what you are really there for is the view! I could have sat there for hours!

Best Beach Front: Ki's Restaurant at the Beach

I love this spot in Cardiff. It's the utmost in chill dining spots! We love to go for breakfast and I just love all of their healthy options and there is nothing that can beat the view!!

Best Date Night Spot: Alexanders on 30th

Now there isn't much for a vegan to eat, but the few dishes you can have are totally delish and worth it for the wonderful and sexy atmosphere! It just feels… romantic!? The truffle mac n cheese is a favorite among my friends!

Best Brewery: Ballast Point

We’ve been to a few breweries and this is both mine and The Captain’s favorite. It’s not as touristy as Stone, but is on the larger scale. But with a super tasty menu, DELICIOUS beer, and a beautiful locale. It’s a winner.

Sloppy Joe, Slop-Sloppy Joe

As promised, here's my own little take on the lentil sloppy joe! I have been craving these suckers big time which is super weird because not only have I never had one, I thought they looked disgusting when I was a kid. I mean, have you ever seen It Takes Two!?!? They are so messy and ground beef is the worst… But alas, while cray sloppy [hardy har har] they were also quite delicious. I was going to make everything from scratch via this recipe until I realized ain't no body got time for that, so here' s my super easy recipe.  [Sloppy Joe Innards] 

1 cup red lentils

3 cups water

1/2 yellow onion, chopped

1 red bell pepper, chopped

1 teaspoon of dry mustard, garlic powder, and salt

1 tablespoon brown sugar, optional [my sauce was a bit tart, so I wanted the sweetness]

1.5 cups of your favorite bbq sauce

Slider buns

Start with the onions and red peppers on medium heat in a dutch oven. You can use a touch of olive oil or water until soft. Once onions are translucent add mustard, garlic powder, salt, and brown sugar. Add 2 cups of the water and red lentils. Cook covered for 25 minutes. Stir add additional cup of water and bbq sauce. Cook uncovered for another 15 minutes until nice and thick!!

[Slaw]

1 quarter of a red cabbage, shredded

1/2-3/4 cup Veganaise [personal preference]

1 tablespoon dijion mustard

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

pinch of salt

Mix all ingredients and pop in the fridge.

[HomeFries]

2 potatoes, cut into large wedges

tablespoon dried thyme

lotsa salt

olive oil

Preheat oven at 425 degrees. Drizzle with olive oil, thyme, salt and coat all of the potatoes. Make sure they are all touching the pan. Cook for 20 minutes and then flip, cook for another 15 or until crispy.

You can add Tabasco, Pickles, more BBQ, Slaw, the options are endless!!!!!!

Meal in a Minute… Well, 4…

I barely have enough time to shower or take a poo by myself, so making a healthy lunch or dinner with fresh veggies sounds utterly exhausting… Like, I didn't know it was possible to operate on so little sleep and I have a nugget, who for all intents and purposes, sleeps really well for an almost 5 month old. Like seriously. Whoa. WHOA. So my darling love, Chelsea [she is so gonna be famous one day] introduced me to these amazing Lotus Foods ramen packets! Completely clean, fat free, oil free, gluten free, and vegan! For a buck seventy-nine these suckers are a pantry staple in my new normal. To jazz these puppies up I like to add various roasted veggies, baked tofu, a handful of greens, or all of the above!  [Step 1] Follow package instructions. Basically boil 2 cups of water. Add spice packet and noodles. Cook for 4 minutes. Boom. Done.

[Step 2: Optional] Add a splash of tamari which adds a great depth of flavor. Easy peasy.

[Step 3: Optional] Add your desired flare.

[I love baked tofu. You can make your own or buy it pre-baked. To make your own, cut super firm tofu and press to remove all water. Mix tamari, honey, lemon juice. Coat Tofu and bake at 375 until firm about 25 minutes.]

[A handful of spinach or kale on the days that's all you've got in you. Just toss it in the water for the last minute of cooking.]

[I like to make a huge batch of roasted veggies at the beginning of the week and use them for ramen or tacos, etc. Preheat oven to 400 degrees, roast bell peppers, red onions, zucchini, mushrooms.]

[Toss in snow peas, broccoli, or zucchini the boiling water to give them a quick cook.]

[Top with jalapeños, scallions, sambal oelek, sesame seeds, chopped cashews, I could go on and on]

[Stuff your face.]

Papas Loco

If you are my friend and want to go out for breakfast/brunch/lunch you know where I am going to suggest. Coffee Cup. Every. Damn. Time. Seriously, it's my favorite place in all of San Diego and I'm not alone, come the weekend there is always a giant line! It's like Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives good, but wayyyyyyy too cool to ever appear on that show. It's nestled in fancy pants La Jolla and barely seats 45, maybe. I have probably been to CC at least 40 times over the past few years… maybe more, maybe a lot more… Rocco has been there 7 times since he's been born… It's a serious obsession. They have my order memorized, yes, I'm happy to announce that I am a regular somewhere. I just love that!!! I even ate there the day I went into labor!! I am super positive it was the jalapeños that started the whole labor shenanigans. But now that our little bundle of joy is here and all kinds of serious about his nap times we don't get to brunch as we used to, so while not nearly as scrumdidilyumtious our recipe hack was pretty freakin yummy. Enjoy!!! Fed 2, but it's probably a good 4 servings… I'm sustaining life, I eat ALL. THE. TIME.

Whatcha need:

3 larget red potatoes, scrubbed clean and diced

1 tablespoon dried rosemary

2-3 tablespoons of olive oil***

1 15oz can of black beans [preferably organic]

1/3 cup onions, chopped super fine

1 clove of garlic, minced

3-4 green onions, sliced [we go a bit crazy with them]

1 jalapeño, sliced [We use the whole thing, seeds and all. If you are a pansy you can seed them]

2-3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped fine

1 avocado, sliced

Serve with your favorite salsa and corn tortillas[preferably organic, non-gmo]

[Step 1] Get potatoes in boiling water or in a steamer, whichever method you prefer. Cook until fork tender. When they are finished strain and then pat dry with paper towel.

[Step 2] In a pot, add a drizzle of olive oil and then toss in green onions and jalapeños turn heat up to high. Add a pinch of salt and some fresh cracked pepper, sauté for just a few minutes until they have some color! Pour out onto a paper towel.

[Step 3] In the same pot, [we like to use as few pans as possible] add another little drizzle of olive oil, toss in onion and garlic. Watch carefully so they don't burn. Cook until translucent. Then toss in beans. Add a pinch of salt and let simmer while you brown up the potatoes.

[Step 4] In a nonstick or cast iron pan, add a tablespoon of oil and get it nice and hot on medium/high heat.  Then toss in potatoes. Smash them down with a spatula and let them just hang out. You can sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper before you toss them over. If the pan is getting dry you can add another tablespoon of oil. The key here is to get them super brown and crispy!!!

[Step 5] Assemble. Pototoes, then beans, top with jalapeños and green onions, then place avocado and sprinkle with cilantro!! Done and Done. Serve with your favorite salsa and corn tortillas.

***Some of you may know that I don't like to cook with a ton of oil, if any, but I think for a special meal is completely acceptable!!!

Mocha Brownie Smoothie

So now that The Captain is back on the mainland, we are both trying to get our health and digestive tracks back in order... Me from growing a child, him from living like a college student. Definitely the same... Hmmm. Any who, in our attempt to "cleanse" we have given up wheat, processed sugar, processed foods, alcohol, soy[mostly], and dairy[obviously not a struggle for me]. It's quite the list. Not nearly as crazy as some, but still I want to ravage a piece of bread right now. Yes, vegans LOVE bread. We did decide to keep caffeine in the mix as we both only have 1 cup of black coffee a day and we have a 4 month old. No sodas up in this crib. Well, I was craving a brownie something fierce with my morning coffee when this smoothie popped in my head... It was perfect!! Yummy, fudgy goodness!!! 1 giant serving or 3 double old fashioned servings

3 dates [soaked for 10 min in hot water]

1 1/4 cup almond milk

1/2 cup coffee

1 tablespoon flax seeds [ground if not using a high powered blender such as a Vitamix]

1 tablespoon chia seeds

2 tablespoons of a clean diary/whey free protein [I used the vanilla juice plus powder. SO GOOD.]

1-2 tablespoons cocoa powder depending on how chocolatey you like it [unsweetened, raw if possible]

1/2 cup frozen spinach

1 frozen banana

Throw it all in a blender and presto!!!! Deliciousness!

The Niçoise was Delicious

Third trimester pregnancy has had me craving pretty much the same things over and over again. Avocado rolls and veggie tempura, but I have been trying my darnedest to keep my diet varied and healthy. After eating at a fancy restaurant and seeing their classic niçoise on the menu I haven't able to get it out of my head… I kept seeing them everywhere and any salad with potatoes in it is pretty much ace in my book. So this is my not so specific recipe for a delish and vegan niçoise! Enjoy!!!! Whatcha Need:

Butter Lettuce

Red potatoes, chopped and steamed until soft

String beans, trimmed and steamed [try to keep them a bit crunchy]

Niçoise or Kalamata olives, chopped [niçoise are actually not my fave]

Red onion, sliced very thin

Roasted red peppers, sliced super thin

Artichoke hearts, quartered [canned is fine, but in a perfect world I would've steamed my own]

White beans, strained and rinsed

Avocado sliced

Dressing:

3 cloves of garlic, minced

1 tablespoon dijon mustard

1/3 cup of Olive oil

a few splashes of warm water to loosen it up

A healthy pinch of salt

A few turns of the pepper mill

Chives, chopped [I didn't have any, but it would've made the dressing perfect]You can make enough for 1 or for 10 very easily. There aren't any rules on how you compile this salad!!! Seriously, enjoy putting it together. I'm a fan of the deconstructed plate. I like to lightly dress each component before plating it. You don't need much. There's nothing I hate more than a soggy over dressed salad. Well, maybe ugly shoes… and ugly handbags… and ugly wedding dresses… I think you get the point. Anywho, I plan of eating this salad for like a week. Enjoy!!!

Cauliflower Wings, say whaaaa!?

So I've wanted to make these "wings" for a while now and at a recent wifey event I decided to try it out. I based my recipe off of A Simply Raw Life's recipe found on Pinterest. I kept pretty much everything the same, but I did switch up the dipping sauce. Let me tell you, this was a MASSIVE hit. Veggies and non-veggies alike were stuffing their faces with these things!! I mean the outside was spicy and crunchy and inside was soft and delicious. I really seriously can't say enough amazing things about these things!! I think football season is getting ready to start soon [right!?] and these would be perfect even for the manliest crowd! I can't wait to make them for The Captain. Awesome for any get together or even a quick and yummy dinner. Cauliflower

1 head of cauliflower, chopped into bite size pieces

1 cup unsweetened almond milk

1 cup flour

2 teaspoons garlic powder

1 cup buffalo sauce, I used the Trader Joe's

2 tablespoons of earth balance, melted

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Mix milk, flour, garlic powder in a bowl and then add the cauliflower and coat all of the pieces. Place evenly on a cookie sheet and pop in the oven for 25ish minutes until good and crunchy. Mix hot sauce and melted earth balance and pour all over cauliflower. Pop back into the oven for 5 minutes. They taste amazing right out of the oven. Proceed to stuff face.

Dipping Sauce

1 box of silken tofu

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon of garlic powder

1 teaspoon dried parsley

1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar

Juice of 1-2 lemons [I like it with more lemon]

Toss all ingredients in a blender and pop into the fridge for at least an hour.

I ain't got time for that sh-- stir fry.

I love stir fries. I had them all the time when I was a kid and I totes see why!! They are packed with veggies and take 5 minutes to make. I have very little patience to cook these days, but am conveniently hungry all the time, so these are the perfect quick meals. I still opt for very quick cooking veggies that taste delish crunchy. Other quick options are thinly sliced red onions, thin asparagus stems, shredded kale, mushrooms, etc. You get it. I serve mine with jasmine rice because for some reason pregnancy has made my desire to eat brown rice non-existent. For the perfect rice, I always go just a little shy of the package ingredients. I loathe mushy rice. Like ugh, that's just day ruining. Feeds 2 decently hungry folks 2-3 tablespoons of vegetable stock to cook veggies

Big ole handful of snow peas, trimmed

1-2 handfuls of mini bell peppers equivalent of say 1 small bell pepper, sliced

1 can of baby corn, eat approximately 3 handfuls while prepping food

Sauce

1/4 cup Tamari

1/2 cup veggie stock

1 tablespoon arrowroot or cornstarch

1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder

Optional

Sambel Oelek or Garlic Chili Sauce [I like to add mine as I go]

1-2 tablespoons of crushed cashews

So add a tablespoon of veggie stock to a pan and add snow peas. Cook until bright green and still crunchy, a few minutes. Add another tablespoon of stock and add the peppers, cook for just a minute or two. Then throw in the baby corn. Mix all of the sauce ingredients together and pour into the hot pan. Cook on medium high until the sauce is thick and delish. You can then top with cashews or some spicy sambel oelek. If you want to have fun with the sauce you can add a touch of honey for a little sweetness or mix in a tablespoon of smooth almond butter for a delish nutty flavor. Seriously, the possibilities are endless.