Last night we made a tomato basil frittata because we wanted to use some of the fresh basil from our garden. Our basil plants are starting to get pretty bushy. For the Frittata you need: 1/4 cup diced shallots 1 tomato sliced thinly 2 tbsp fresh chopped basil 1 tbsp butter 6 eggs 1 tea sp salt 1/4 tea sp black pepper Pre-heat your oven to 400 degrees. Use a large cast iron skillet and saute the shallots in the butter. Crack open six eggs and beat them together with the salt and pepper. Add the basil to the eggs. When the shallots are cooked stir in the egg mixture…

Just got back from the beach and wanted to share a few pics. We went to Navarre Beach Florida. It’s a little more laid back there not quite as busy as some of the other gulf coast beaches. Back to cooking next week!

The plants have grown a lot in just three weeks. The basil and peppers are the most noticeably different in size.  The cucumber has small yellow flowers on it. The okra plant didn’t make it shriveled up and died a few days after we transplanted it. That pot is still empty we haven’t replaced it with anything yet. Also the irises in our side yard finally decided to start blooming.

To make the Seitan for the sandwich you need: 1 cup vital wheat gluten 1/4 cup nutritional yeast  1 tea sp chickpea flour 1 tea sp onion powder 1 tea sp garlic powder 1 tea sp chipotle seasoning 1 tea sp smoked paprika 1 tea sp cumin 1 tea sp vegetable bullion 3/4 cup water 1 tbsp liquid aminos 1 tbsp vegetable oil Combine all the ingredients well. Flatten out the dough in an aluminum foil covered 8×8 baking dish and bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes. After it has baked you can chop it up and combine with the guava sauce.    To make the Guava Sauce: 1…

Boiled peanuts are totally a southern thing. They are a common thing to see at road side farm stands and even in some gas stations. I wish I had taken a picture of it but I saw a gas station once with a sign for “Boiled Peanuts and Fine Wines Inside”.  I made some at home today in the crockpot with this simple list of ingredients. You need: about 1 pound or so of raw green peanuts 1/2 cup of salt 2 tbsp Old Bay Seasoning or other spice mix 6 cups of water Just add everything to the crockpot and cook on high for about seven hours. They are…

Today is our one year anniversary of our blog and we wanted to celebrate by ranking our top 5 favorite and most popular posts from the past year.#5 – No-Chicken Chicken Dumpling Soup http://vegetariansouth.blogspot.com/2012/11/no-chicken-chicken-dumpling-soup.html  Usually I think of soup as wintertime food but I also think about chicken and dumplings as a summer dish. It is great with fresh veggies out of the garden like tomatoes and corn.#4 – Muffaletta http://vegetariansouth.blogspot.com/2012/06/muffaletta.html This is our favorite picnic sandwich! It’s so easy to make the night before. Then in the morning I just cut it and wrap in to pieces and throw into the cooler with some grapes and hit the road.  #3 –…

Every summer we try to grow some veggies and herbs on the back deck. Our favorite is always basil but we also grow peppers and tomatoes.  New this year we are trying a cucumber and okra plant.  We use a drip irrigation system that is on a timer and just adjust through out the summer depending on how dry and hot it gets.

Been using the grill a lot since it has warmed up outside. Last night we made seitan burgers and grilled some brussel sprouts. Pre-cook your brussels by boiling for about 5 minutes blanching in cold water, then cut  the stems off and then add to skewers.  We brushed the teriyaki glaze on the burgers and the sprouts and then added more to the sandwich buns to make it a little juicier. For the Seitan Burgers: 1 cup vital wheat gluten 1/4 cup nutritional yeast flakes 1 tbsp chickpea flour 1 tea sp onion powder 1/2 tea sp garlic powder 1/4 tea sp white pepper 2 tbsp “beef” flavor broth powder…

The first weekend in May means a few things. Its Kentucky Derby weekend and in our house we will be enjoying cold minty drinks. Mint Juleps are the official drink of the derby but not everyone loves bourbon the way I do so we also serve another drink made with mint the mojito. To make a Mint Julep: 2 tbsp fresh mint  3 oz Kentucky Bourbon 2 oz simple syrup In a small glass muddle the mint then add the bourbon and simple syrup. Stir and fill with ice. To make a Mojito: 1/4 cup fresh mint leafs  1 lime quartered 2 oz rum 4 oz simple syrup splash of…

We have had a weird spring this year. Lots of rain lately and it’s been colder than usual so last night was the first night we have had a chance to use the grill in a long while. This is a pretty simple recipe. For the salsa you need: 4 cups cherry tomatoes (we used yellow tomatoes last night but any will work) 1/2 cup cilantro 2 tbsp chili powder 1 tea sp oregano  1 tea sp cumin  salt to taste cayenne to taste for a spicy kick Just simply mix all ingredients in food processor and then you have fresh salsa. For the tacos: 2 cups chopped radishes  1…