Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Summer BBQ Leah style!


That's right kids it summertime! And the grilling is easy! Follow these recipes for your next cook out!

Drunk Mushrooms


We all can get a little tired of boca burgers or the like, spice it up!

You will need

A good sized bowl, A GRILL, basting brush, knife, spoon and a pair of tongs

1cup tequila
1/3 cup melted margarine
2 tbsp olive oil
1/3 cup lime juice
6 cloves garlic sliced really thin,mashed,mushed,crushed,however you like!
5-6 portobella mushrooms

Here comes the fun!
prep your grill! Heat it up and oil it up ( spray before your flame!)

1)Mix the tequila,olive oil, lime juice, margarine,and garlic in a large dish. Let it stew for at least 15-20 minutes. Enjoy a margarita in the meantime!

2)Dip the mushrooms into the tequila mixture for about a minute, then throw them on grill.

3)Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, then turn and baste with more of the drunken marinade and cook for another 3 to 5.

Place on the bun of your choice, and top that baby!

From Jimmy Buffett himself:

How do I make the perfect margarita?


The Perfect Margarita
1) Fill shaker with broken cubed ice
2) Squeeze 2 fresh lime wedges into shaker
3) Add 2 oz. of Margaritaville Tequila Oro
4) Add 1/2 oz. Margaritaville Tequila Blanco
(for bite if you wish)
5) Add 1 1/4 oz. of Roses Lime Juice
6) Add 1/2 oz. of Bols Triple Sec
7) Add a splash of Bols Orange Curacao
8) Cover shaker & shake vigorously
9) Rim glass with lime peel and salt, add fresh ice
10) Strain mixture over ice
11) Squeeze in 1 lime wedge
12) Enjoy


I could not have said it better myself!

Grilled Super Corn

Now some of you prefer the time tested flavor of corn on the cob with butter and salt, go right on ahead....Not me. I love buying those yummy Mexican style corns from the push cart guys with everything cheese, mayo,chili pepper. SO GOOD! But that got me to thinking....I know it could b better!!!

You will need:

6-10 ears of sweet corn-silk removed but husk still intact ( if you live in the burbs of Chicago I HIGHLY suggest checking out the corn at Sunny Acres! mmmm)

Margarine or butter

Sea salt

Mayo, Veganaise, sour cream, flavored mayo, yogurt whatever!( miracle whip is nasty on this skip it)

Ground chipotle pepper or chili pepper is fine

Garlic powder

Chives chopped fine

Parmesan cheese (freshly grated please!)

lime wedges for that authentic street corn feel and flavor!

And anything else you think would taste amazing!


1)Butter each piece of corn and sprinkle with chipotle pepper and sea salt
fold back up those little husks (this locks in the juices and makes for perfect lightly charred never dry corn)

2) Cook on the grill on 15-20 minutes or until done.

3) Roll the corn in your choice of mayo or alternative and top with spices and cheese.

What did you add?


More to come later today! For now I'm off to work!
feel free to checkout the website I made for afrouz: www.thelatestlook.com not finished but its still awesome!

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Garlicky (teehee) mashed potaters

Ok I've held you in suspense long enough! The perfect pairing for my veggie loaf. Real never dehydrated and instant (ie full of chemicals) yummy:
Garlicky (teehee) Mashed Potaters

You will need:
2 lbs potato of your choice
Organic if possible :)
6 cloves of peeled garlic
1 cup soy milk or regular
(For extra creamy you can take powdered non dairy creamer that isn't flavored and follow the directions to make liquid creamer)
2 tbs butter alternative (I like to use smart balance vegan)
1/4 cup chopped chives or green onion
Sea Salt and fresh pepper to taste

Fill a large pot with enough water to cover potatoes.

Peel (if desired) and cut potatoes into chunks and add potatoes and garlic cloves into the water to cook

When water begins to boil reduce heat and cover, cook about 25-35 minutes until potatoes are tender.

Drain potatoes and place in a large bowl (hot potato!! Be careful!)
Add the remaining ingredients and with and electric mixer or potato masher, mash em up until they reach your desired consistency...I hate lumpy potatoes but some people like that.
You may want to add in more milk or butter alternative if too potato-y for you liking!

Enjoy :)
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"And I would do anything for love...." Veggie-Meatloaf

It's Veggie Meatloaf time!

As a meat eater for many years, I really had my fair share of meat-bricks topped with gravy or ketchup like sauce. I would like to share a story!

Growing up without air conditioning because your parents don't want to add to the collapse of the environment or their pocketbooks and "air conditioning is full of chemicals open a window and sit by the fan" rang true for many years, the long cooking stove made meals were reserved for winter. Meatloaf was a meal meant for winter time and would fill the house with a fragrance of herbs and spices and bell peppers, enough to make any one's mouth water.

When I became a vegetarian I soon found during the cold months that I longed for that fragrance of a brick shaped loaf of meat and the mashed potatoes and greens we ate with it! Enough was enough and I decided to make my own! To my surprise it was amazing! Even better than real meatloaf! You try!

Veggie Meatloaf

You will need:

*One Package of Veggie Crumbles (Boca or MorningStar) thawed
*2 cups italian style breadcrumbs
*1 package Meatloaf seasoning (one without dead animal flavor) read the label!!
or
onion powder, garlic powder, sage, pepper, etc to taste
*1/2 cup egg substitute like flax or 1 cup instant potatoes and 1 cup water or if you must two eggs
* Chopped bell pepper (green pepper)
* Chopped onion (red or white)
* One tbs soy sauce
* One tbs hot pepper sauce (don't worry it wont be spicy)
* Salt and pepper to taste



Now the easy part! Throw all of those ingredients in a large bowl, and mix by hand! Its the only way to get it done right! It should feel wet but mold-able. Like real meatloaf! Only your hands wont be covered in fat haha!
Spray your loaf with nonstick spray and gently or violently depending in mood, squih that mix into the pan.

Cook for about 45-60 mins in the oven at 375 degrees until cooked through.

I like to serve it with mushrooms gravy and mashed potatoes with a side of spicy spinach!

Want those recipes? Read on!

Long time.....no post!

Well aparently I have taken a hiatis from blogging, but I'm back now! I plan to post lots of yummy recipes and reviews! And hey, if you are reading this why not become a follower or at least leave anonomys comments! Let me know how I'm doing, what you like or don't like even reqeust a recipe!
Thank you!
Love Always,
Leah Who

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

A quote

"My recipe for dealing with anger and frustration: set the kitchen timer for twenty minutes, cry, rant, and rave, and at thesound of the bell, simmer down and go about business as usual."
- Phyllis Diller

Enough said! Goodnight!
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Friday, March 12, 2010

Mmm Spicy

I'm feeling saucy....a nice spicy curry to be exact...oh and speaking of sauce,the "sauce master" will be making an appearance on my blog soon. I'll introduce you later!

Now, let's cook!

Thai (ish) Veggie curry with spiced noodles

First we are going to make the curry paste, you can always purchase some, but I've found and tweaked this recipe and I really like it. Lots of times if I buy a paste it just doesn't taste right or its not spicy enough etc. So I make it!

You'll need:
*3-6 red chili peppers seeded and chopped (hello latex gloves!)
*About an inch or two of ginger root peeled and chopped
*1 lemongrass stem chopped
*1 tsp of black pepper
*two garlic cloves chopped
*1/2 med sized onion chopped
*juice from one lime
*1/4 cup of cilantro(fresh!)
*one tbs olive oil

Mix all of the curry paste ingredients in a food processor until smooth

Ok set aside and we will prep our veggies, you can put anything you like! I always head to valli produce and get whatever A)looks good and B)is on sale. Here is what I love:

*Fresh green beans
* sliced carrots
*sliced zucchini
*sliced chinese eggplant
*more cilantro!
*red pepper
*cherry tomatoes

Now we will begin the cooking process.

You'll need oil for cooking about two tbs and 12 oz can of coconut milk
About 1/4 cup water

*Add your oil to a large fry pan. When hot pour your prepared curry into pan and stir constantly for about 3-5 minutes until heated through. You will smell it! Mmmm
*Stir in the coconut milk and water
* Stir occasionally until boiling making sure to scrape the sides and bottom so nothing burns or sticks!
*Once boiling add your veggies and reduce your heat!
Cover your pan Cook until veggies are tender to your liking!

While that's cooking make your noodles.

You will need:
* some thin noodles like rice or egg noodles
*one diced garlic clove
*tbs chili flakes
*1/2 tsp sea salt
* the other half of that previous onion chopped
*1/2 tsp
*olive oil to coat noodles
And cook garlic and onion

*Boil and cook the noodles
*in a separate pan heat the oil and cook onion garlic and spices until onion is carmelised
* Drain noodles toss in oil and garlic/onion/spice mixture.
*add to a serving dish

Remove the veggies and curry and put them into a serving dish as well!

Enjoy!!!!!!!!!

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Sunday, February 28, 2010

Vegetarian Enchiladas

I've been sick, sorry I haven't posted so let's make up for it with some delicious melty enchiladas!
These enchiladas can be done more than one way. I have used just vegetarian refried beans, black beans and veggie crumbles (the fake ground beef) These are super quick
And super tasty!

You will need:
-One pack veggie crumbles or one large can vegetarian refied beans or black beans
-about one half of an onion
Chopped
-one pack taco seasoning
-two cups of shredded cheese(I use 4 cheese mexi blend)
-two cups enchilada sauce
-6to 10 tortillas depending on size
-garnishment if you please including sliced black olives, minced green onion, sour cream etc.

Preheat your oven to 350
In a fry pan cook your onions until soft.
In the same fry pan either add in beans or crumbles. (brown your crumbles according to package directions)

In a baking dish pour about one half of a cup enchillada sauce into the bottom of the dish. Set aside

When mixture is done, take tortillas one by one and fill them with the mixture and roll up! Snuggle them together in a baking dish!

Top the rolled tortillas with
the remaining enchillada sauce and then with your two cups of cheese.

Put those babies into the oven for about 20 minutes until bubbly and ooey gooey!

Take out and top if you please mmmmmm enjoy!


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Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Vietnamese Noodle Salad

I'm sick :( and its snowing ! I wish it were summer!

Here is one of my favorite summer salads, its quick easy and delicious!

You'll need
*rice noodles
*One cup crushed peanuts
(Fun with a rolling pin or food processor)
*about a handful of chopped mint leave
*about a handful of chopped cilantro
*one medium cucumber (seeded and sliced in thin strips)
*about half a cup of red onion thinly sliced
*half of a large mango peeled and thinly sliced into strips

Cook the noodles as directed on package. Rinse in cool water and set aside. (You may want to cut the noodles into smaller pieces, your choice)

In a large bowl, combine all of the veggies, fruit, and peanuts. Mix well.
Add the noodles and toss together.

You can add a vinegar type dressing or make your own.

Once you add your dressing chill about an hour in the fridge and enjoy!

To make an easy asian inspired dressing :
1/4 cup lime juice
1-3 chopped thai chili peppers or other small chili pepper(seeded and stems removed)
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1 tbs sugar (raw sugar works great!)

Mix in food processor or shake it in a bottle or martini shaker (like bond's martinis, don't stir!)

I like to top the salad with a few extra crushed peanuts and pour myself a glass of ginger mint lemonade mmmm!

ENJOY THE TASTE OF SUMMER!e
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Monday, February 22, 2010

Vegetarian Sloppy Joes!

Mmm I love sloppy joes! They are so easy to make and almost everyone loves them. As vegetarians we tend to forget there is more to life than the usual and tasteless! And hell, make these for your friends! They will never know the difference between a real sloppy joe and a veggie version! I promise. I was a meat eater for 23 years! I know! Here we gogo!

One bag of MorningStar( or Boca etc) ground crumbles
One can of Manwich
Buns
Cheese if you please (soy slices work very nice!)

Oh my what a list of ingredients! So comlicated! I kid I kid!

1)Brown the crumbles as directed in a frying pan over medium heat.
*This takes maybe five minutes! Much faster than beef!
2) Add the manwich sauce and bring to a simmer reduce heat and cook until your joes are your desired level of sloppy. *The longer you cook them the less wet they are
And I like em sloppy!
3) Spoon scoop or dish them onto a bun! Cover with a slice of good old american cheese, cheddar or veggie slice and enjoy!
4)Oooh right put the bun top on and don't forget the napkins and sides mmm!

Enjoy!

In true sloppy joe fashion? Take a listen to lunch lady land by adam sandler :)
sloppy joe, slop, sloppy joesloppy joe, slop, sloppy joesloppy joe, slop, sloppy joesloppy joe, slop, sloppy joe
Haha and you thought I was joking! Well there it is! The sloppy joe recipe!

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Bad day for cooking...time for a review!

So I received some bad news today and frankly I am just too upset and to hungry to cook. Instead I stopped by Target and picked up a box of Chungs vegetarian pot stickers and a Morningstar brand Sweet and Sour Chik'n ....I would have liked to pick up some chocolate cake, doritos, or other really bad for you but good to you foods, but I figure this should do me just fine!
The Chungs brand pot stickers were simple to cook. I added olive oil to the pan and heated them until they were brown on one side turned and added about one cup of cold water then I covered cooked an additional five minutes and placed them to drain on a paper towel.
The MorningStar Sweet and Sour Chik'n was twice as easy about four minutes in the microwave!
The Pot stickers: amazing! If you like broccoli (I do) yesss if you don't...pass! I dipped them In hoisin sauce and loved every bite.
The sweet and sour chik'n could use some flavor...it is definitely convenience taste a lot like mall chinese, the actual chik'n (btw chik'n is a soy product not real chicken) is delicious! Extra credit for the bits of pineapple though!
Tonights convenient dinner? All in all,Yum!
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Sunday, February 21, 2010

Cheese and Spinach Crepe Bake

Be warned: This recipe takes some time, I'd say an hour and a half..but is well worth it!

I made it for dinner but it could easily be made for brunch! It is very filling and very delicious!

The actual crepe can be seasoned to your liking, I put a dash of onion salt and some garlic powder and black pepper(freshly ground!) Directly into the batter. Feel free to make it your own!

Ingredients for filling:

-Fresh chopped spinach about 2 cups OR one half of a frozen block of spinach thawed and squeezed (get that excess water out!)
-1/2 cup of either ricotta, feta, or mexican crumble cheese
-1/2 cup shredded moz or other white cheese
Black pepper to taste
* I added in a dash of garlic! Mmm mmm garlic!

In a bowl combine the spinach,cheeses, and pepper (spices if you like-es) mix it up with a spoon and set it aside!

Oh crepe! Now we make the crepes!

Crepe Batter Ingredients:
-1 cup flour
-pinch of salt
-1 1/4 cups milk
-1 egg
- butter or margarine for cooking the crepes
*** this is where added a little black pepper,onion salt and garlic powder!

Begin the batter by adding the flour and your pinch of salt into a bowl. Add half of the milk and the egg. Whisk until smooth (shhh you can stir with a spoon if you don't have a whisk)then add the remaining milk and any special spices! Batter up! Haha

Now, we cook the crepes!
(Over medium heat)
Heat about a teaspoon of butter in a frying pan. Once its good and hot pour a thin layer of batter into your pan. (I like to pour then quickly and carefully tilt the pan in various directions to make the batter spread even and thin ) Cook the crepe until the bottom is golden, turn or flip and cook the other side until golden. You should get about 6-8 crepes depending on size. Feel free to add more butter for cooking as needed!
Set the crepes aside when finished.

Now we start the cheese sauce!!

Ingredients for Cheese Sauce
-2 tbs butter or margarine
-1/4 cup flour
-1 3/4 cup milk
-1 cup grated cheddar cheese

Melt the butter in a sauce pan over low heat, stir in the flour until smooth and cook for one minute (yes it looks like paste from nursery school! ) Remove from heat and SLOWLY stir in the milk
It should blend away the paste and now be liquid again. Bring this to a boil and STIR IT CONSTANTLY. I mean it! Burnt milk is gross! Once it has boiled remove it from the heat and add the cheese and a little bit of pepper. Stir until combined and set aside.

Time to throw it all together!

Heat your oven to 350
Divide the filling among your crepes and roll them up. Place them snuggled side by side into a lightly greased oven proof dish. (Like a pyrex) Once they are cozy in your dish pour the cheese sauce over the crepes. You can top the cheese sauce with a little extra. I like to use a layer of bread crumbs then about a half of a cup of shredded cheese. Mmm its crunchy and delightful!
Bake for thirty minutes, cool and enjoy!

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Getting to know me:)

Hi, my name is:Leah
But you can call me:lele lilo Lia pia
My fav. color is:pink
My high school was:Glenbard North
My hair is:Blonde
My birthday is:Nov. 7th
My middle name is:Nicole When I look down I see:My shoes!
If I were a character on 'Friends': I would be everyones favorite
By this time next year: I would love to be healthy happy and rich lol
I have a hard time understanding: how people can be so mean to each other!
If you spent the night at my house: you would never want to leave :)
The one person who can drive me nuts is:Nancy Grace...she is so annoying! Or my sister loren I love her to death but we can fight like cats and dogs sometimes!
Most recent thing I've bought myself: cute little red shoes I'm wearing right now!
In the morning I: Get up take vitamins, have some coffee and get ready for work!
If I was an animal I'd be a: person..were animals right?! Idk what I'd be :(
Ever been in love:yes :)
Believe in love at first sight:somewhat
What is your bed size:Queen
Do you prefer writing in pen or pencil:Pen or sharpie What's your favorite season:late summer early fall in chicago that's a season :) Favorite radio station:oh man...I switch q101, kiss103.5, b96,us99,97.9loop,NPR,jackfm and any stations that play music I land on!
Coke or Pepsi: Diet COke Favorite subject in school:Biology and Physics and music theory
Last book you read:"Century Girl: 100 years in the life of Doris Eaton Travis Last Living Star of The Ziegfeld Follies :)
Do you prefer cats or dogs: Dogs
What's your dream job:To be either a famous Actress or TV personality or to be a Surgeon
What kind of car do you drive: 2009 Nissan Versa S
Are you a better talker or better listener: Both! And I give great advice!
What do you miss most about childhood: No worries!
How many times did it take you to pass your drivers test:Two...I didn't start driving until I was 18
How many kids do you want:idk
Can you cook:YES!
Have you been to Disney World: I have and I loved it! I was 17 and I performed there with my school choir!
How many TRUE best friends do you have: one
Would you rather smile over a lie or cry over the truth: I guess it depends on the situation
Who's the last person you got into a argument with:hmm I don't know?
If you could move away, no questions asked, where would you move: Somewhere warm and beautiful
How much do looks matter to you in a guy:Well obviously physical attraction needs to be there but I need to be intellectually and emotionally attracted too so 25 percent?
Whats the best feeling in the world:Making a difference in someones life. When they smile or thank you and you know its genuine!
Are you close with your mom and dad:Very very close!
Do you tell your parents everything:yes!
What's your favorite color to wear:pink red and black
Who was the last person in your bedroom: Me!
What's something that someone can do that really bothers you:Chew with their mouth open. It makes me sooo mad!
What are you freakishly obsessed with:ready? Shoes, buddah statues, music, the singer from fallout boy, Girls next door (Holly Bridgett and Kendra)Playboy watches and purses and hats, cooking and baking and all the gadgets and pans and knives I can find, hair products,eyeliner,Marilyn Monroe and COFFEE!
What piercings do you want:I have my ears nose and belly button..I think I'm set!
Say you were given a drug test right now, would you pass or fail: Pass!
Do you think that someone is thinking about you right now:one can only hope!
Do you start the water before you get in the shower or when you get in: before
Have you ever brushed your teeth in the shower: No, that's so weird!
Your favorite sport to watch:Football baseball and racing
Ever had stitches: Yes!
Have you ever given money to a homeless person:Yes
Would you kiss someone of same sex for $100: of course!
More of a coffee or alcohol drinker: COFFEE!
Ever thrown shoes on a telephone wire:Actually yes... But they weren't mine!
Do you snore:Only if I'm sick What are you afraid of:Clowns and moths
All together, how many people have you kissed: idk? Are you comfortable with your body: for the most part yes...but everyone could use some upgrades.
Whats your stand on gay marriage:I really think that love happens, it doesn't matter who with and if you want to spend your life with someone you should be able to!
Do you like surveys: I love them!
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Happy Sunday!

I have finally decided to start this blog up.
Let me introduce myself, my name is Leah Enderle. I'm 26 years old and I live in the suburbs of Chicago. I love music and I mean LOVE music! I work at a dental office in Schaumburg by day with the best co workers ever! They are like my second family. If you are looking for a dental office look no further! By night - or any other time I'm not working I love to cook and bake! Its my time to wind down and relax. I make everything with love and passion! Did I mention I am a vegetarian? I am! All of my recipes will be of veggie nature but I'm sure you carnivores can sub in that dead flesh where needed! I also love to bake and decorate. My mom calls me martha ...I love Ms Stewart so I take it as a compliment but I like to think of myself as Martha Stewart's evil more bubbly twin. Doesn't make sense? It will!