READ, EAT, REPEAT

I Just Love A Good Mystery

Who doesn't?  Although this month's Mystery Book Club selection, Patricia Cornwell's "The Front" was panned by everyone but me.  So for a recommendation of a book that everyone gave the thumbs up to, pick up a copy of "The Analyst" by John Katzenbach.  It's a psychological thriller reeking with suspense.   Other recent reads of mine include "The Last Suppers" by Diane Mott Davidson (a culinary/cozy genre mystery with recipes), and "The Private Patient" by P.D. James, who never disappoints (still reading this one).  What have you read lately?



Joy to the World

There's a new 99 Cents Only Store in El Segundo.  The grand opening was last week and 9 lucky campers (they qeued up outside the store for 3 days) went home with brand new 39" flat screen tv's for only 9 dollars.  While I didn't attempt to win one, I

http://www.99only.com/

was still super excited to shop at this brand spankin' new outlet of one of my favorite retailers.  Can I just say 1 pound containers of Earthbound Farms herb/spring mix for 99 cents!

What are your favorite retailers?




CREATE KARMA 2013 IS THIS SATURDAY NIGHT!

Snack at Create Karma Planning Meeting

Dog lovers, get yourselves to Culver City this weekend for Create Karma 2013.  It's the annual fundraiser for Karma Rescue to help raise much needed money to save dogs from the pound.  It's going to be amazing - Southern California's best vegetarian and vegan eats, cocktails/mocktails, drag queen bingo, and plenty of shopping opportunities from the silent auction and BowWOWser boutique.  Come for the Dogs - Sit/Stay for the food!



October is Vegetarian Awareness Month

I'm a couple of days late for World Vegetarian Day but that's not a problem because Vegetarian Awareness is being celebrated all month long.  And in my world, every day is vegetarian awareness day, and everyday is "Meatless Monday".  So in honor of all of that, here's a recipe that is easy, healthy, delicious, and even has an international flair.  The recipe features Belgian Style Leeks and Sweet Red Kapia Peppers from Melissa's, and two kinds of French mustard provided by Maille.

Tofu Provencale'

Tofu Provencale'

3 Tbsp. grapeseed or olive oil
1 package fresh tofu, extra firm, patted dry and sliced into 1/4" thick squares
1 1/2 Melissa's Belgian Style Leeks, carefully cleaned and sliced into rings
3 Melissa's Sweet Red Kapia Peppers. sliced into rings
5 Dutch yellow potatoes, sliced
3 Roma tomatoes, sliced
1 Tbsp. Maille Dijon Originale
2 Tbsp. Maille Honey Dijon 
juice of 2 large lemons
2 Tbsp. plus 1/2 cup white wine
2 Tbsp. fresh tarragon
2 Tbsp. capers (optional)

Spread the oil over the bottom of a baking pan.
Place the leeks and peppers in the pan.  Top with the potatoes, tomatoes, and tofu.
Whisk together the lemon juice, mustards, and 2 tablespoons of white wine, until completely blended, then pour the mixture over the other ingredients.  
Generously season with salt and pepper, then top with the tarragon and capers. 
Place the pan in the oven at 325 degrees and bake for 20 minutes.  Add the remaining 1/2 cup of wine, stir the mixture, and continue baking another 15-20 minutes until the potatoes and leeks are tender.  Remove from the oven and serve.  More white wine anyone?

I Just Love A Good Mystery

Who doesn't?  Although this month's Mystery Book Club selection, Patricia Cornwell's "The Front" was panned by everyone but me.  So for a recommendation of a book that everyone gave the thumbs up to, pick up a copy of "The Analyst" by John Katzenbach.  It's a psychological thriller reeking with suspense.   Other recent reads of mine include "The Last Suppers" by Diane Mott Davidson (a culinary/cozy genre mystery with recipes), and "The Private Patient" by P.D. James, who never disappoints (still reading this one).  What have you read lately?



Joy to the World

There's a new 99 Cents Only Store in El Segundo.  The grand opening was last week and 9 lucky campers (they qeued up outside the store for 3 days) went home with brand new 39" flat screen tv's for only 9 dollars.  While I didn't attempt to win one, I

http://www.99only.com/

was still super excited to shop at this brand spankin' new outlet of one of my favorite retailers.  Can I just say 1 pound containers of Earthbound Farms herb/spring mix for 99 cents!

What are your favorite retailers?




CREATE KARMA 2013 IS THIS SATURDAY NIGHT!

Snack at Create Karma Planning Meeting

Dog lovers, get yourselves to Culver City this weekend for Create Karma 2013.  It's the annual fundraiser for Karma Rescue to help raise much needed money to save dogs from the pound.  It's going to be amazing - Southern California's best vegetarian and vegan eats, cocktails/mocktails, drag queen bingo, and plenty of shopping opportunities from the silent auction and BowWOWser boutique.  Come for the Dogs - Sit/Stay for the food!



October is Vegetarian Awareness Month

I'm a couple of days late for World Vegetarian Day but that's not a problem because Vegetarian Awareness is being celebrated all month long.  And in my world, every day is vegetarian awareness day, and everyday is "Meatless Monday".  So in honor of all of that, here's a recipe that is easy, healthy, delicious, and even has an international flair.  The recipe features Belgian Style Leeks and Sweet Red Kapia Peppers from Melissa's, and two kinds of French mustard provided by Maille.

Tofu Provencale'

Tofu Provencale'

3 Tbsp. grapeseed or olive oil
1 package fresh tofu, extra firm, patted dry and sliced into 1/4" thick squares
1 1/2 Melissa's Belgian Style Leeks, carefully cleaned and sliced into rings
3 Melissa's Sweet Red Kapia Peppers. sliced into rings
5 Dutch yellow potatoes, sliced
3 Roma tomatoes, sliced
1 Tbsp. Maille Dijon Originale
2 Tbsp. Maille Honey Dijon 
juice of 2 large lemons
2 Tbsp. plus 1/2 cup white wine
2 Tbsp. fresh tarragon
2 Tbsp. capers (optional)

Spread the oil over the bottom of a baking pan.
Place the leeks and peppers in the pan.  Top with the potatoes, tomatoes, and tofu.
Whisk together the lemon juice, mustards, and 2 tablespoons of white wine, until completely blended, then pour the mixture over the other ingredients.  
Generously season with salt and pepper, then top with the tarragon and capers. 
Place the pan in the oven at 325 degrees and bake for 20 minutes.  Add the remaining 1/2 cup of wine, stir the mixture, and continue baking another 15-20 minutes until the potatoes and leeks are tender.  Remove from the oven and serve.  More white wine anyone?