Friday, November 16, 2007
Good finds
I have been trying to get back into cooking and baking lately after taking a sabbatical of sorts. I think I am the only vegan blogger left to not have the two latest cookbooks, Veganomicon and Eat, Drink and Be Vegan. They are next on my list of purchases, though, darnit!
But here is one of my favorite prepackaged comfort foods: New England Vegetarian Chicken Noodle Soup. I think the last time I made it I ate it for every meal. It's not fancy or anything, but just good and warming. I jazzed it up with one of the suggestions on the back and made a Thai Curry version (coconut milk, curry powder and basil), and next I want to make the Mediterranean version with pesto and white beans. I actually have a pot simmering away on the stove right now. Once again, sorry for the lack of pictures. Camera is still sick.
And I found this new cookie at the store yesterday, and felt the need to reward myself with these for my hard work in school: Vanilla Bean with Green Tea Cookies! These are nice and mellow, not anything wacky tasting...my husband gave me the raised eyebrow look when I offered him one ("green tea? why?? in a cookie?") but gave me the double thumbs-up after partaking in it. Definitely a go-to sandwich cookie when in desperate cookie withdrawal. Or even when not!
Three months ago yesterday my Mom died. I am adjusting to the reality of it all, slowly, and I know that the holidays are going to be difficult this year. My Dad and sister and her husband are coming here for Christmas, and I imagine it will be wonderful and sad and all those different emotions jammed into one week. My Dad attended a seminar sponsored by Hospice on how to handle the holidays after the death of a loved one, and he sent me a copy of the power point presentation. I got some good ideas, but was wondering if any of you have experienced the holidays together with your family after a tragedy like this, and what you did to get through it. How do you celebrate?
I have been trying to get back into cooking and baking lately after taking a sabbatical of sorts. I think I am the only vegan blogger left to not have the two latest cookbooks, Veganomicon and Eat, Drink and Be Vegan. They are next on my list of purchases, though, darnit!
But here is one of my favorite prepackaged comfort foods: New England Vegetarian Chicken Noodle Soup. I think the last time I made it I ate it for every meal. It's not fancy or anything, but just good and warming. I jazzed it up with one of the suggestions on the back and made a Thai Curry version (coconut milk, curry powder and basil), and next I want to make the Mediterranean version with pesto and white beans. I actually have a pot simmering away on the stove right now. Once again, sorry for the lack of pictures. Camera is still sick.
And I found this new cookie at the store yesterday, and felt the need to reward myself with these for my hard work in school: Vanilla Bean with Green Tea Cookies! These are nice and mellow, not anything wacky tasting...my husband gave me the raised eyebrow look when I offered him one ("green tea? why?? in a cookie?") but gave me the double thumbs-up after partaking in it. Definitely a go-to sandwich cookie when in desperate cookie withdrawal. Or even when not!
Three months ago yesterday my Mom died. I am adjusting to the reality of it all, slowly, and I know that the holidays are going to be difficult this year. My Dad and sister and her husband are coming here for Christmas, and I imagine it will be wonderful and sad and all those different emotions jammed into one week. My Dad attended a seminar sponsored by Hospice on how to handle the holidays after the death of a loved one, and he sent me a copy of the power point presentation. I got some good ideas, but was wondering if any of you have experienced the holidays together with your family after a tragedy like this, and what you did to get through it. How do you celebrate?
// posted by Brooke @ 12:58 PM 
Comments:
<< Home
so glad to read that you've been able to do some cooking!! I own both Veganomicon and ED&BV, and can attest that they are definitely two excellent purchases worth making - and don't worry, I'm sure you're not the only vegan without these cookbooks; but I do hope you will have the chance to buy them soon! :0)
I've never heard of that vegetarian "chicken" noodle soup product from the Fantastic Foods line, but it sounds quite intriguing - as does your Thai Curry rendition of the soup! Hopefully your camera will "get well soon" so that you can share photographs of your delicious meals!
I've heard a lot of praise for those Late July brand sandwich cookies - sounds like you and your husband are all for it, as well! I have yet to see these in stores near me, but I'd like to try them, for sure.
My grandmother passed away (years ago) DURING the holiday season, which was especially heartbreaking and rough; but it was a wonderful time for my family to reminisce about our memories of her, experiences with her, what she will be remembered the most for, etc. I do hope that you and your family will be able to enjoy the holiday season, and reminisce about your dear mother.
I've never heard of that vegetarian "chicken" noodle soup product from the Fantastic Foods line, but it sounds quite intriguing - as does your Thai Curry rendition of the soup! Hopefully your camera will "get well soon" so that you can share photographs of your delicious meals!
I've heard a lot of praise for those Late July brand sandwich cookies - sounds like you and your husband are all for it, as well! I have yet to see these in stores near me, but I'd like to try them, for sure.
My grandmother passed away (years ago) DURING the holiday season, which was especially heartbreaking and rough; but it was a wonderful time for my family to reminisce about our memories of her, experiences with her, what she will be remembered the most for, etc. I do hope that you and your family will be able to enjoy the holiday season, and reminisce about your dear mother.
Hi Brooke,
My grandfather died at the beginning of December 5 years ago (during my first quarter of grad. school) and my whole family sensed that that holiday season would have to be more subdued. None of us felt super-celebratory. We haven't regretted it. If you don't feel like having a huge holiday with all the trimmings, there's no harm in scaling back, and focusing this year more on remembrance and meditation. I know that whatever you do, that your family will get through the holidays this year, especially since you all get to be together.
You have reminded me how much I've been craving a chicken-style soup lately... I think especially chicken and dumplings would be good right now...
My grandfather died at the beginning of December 5 years ago (during my first quarter of grad. school) and my whole family sensed that that holiday season would have to be more subdued. None of us felt super-celebratory. We haven't regretted it. If you don't feel like having a huge holiday with all the trimmings, there's no harm in scaling back, and focusing this year more on remembrance and meditation. I know that whatever you do, that your family will get through the holidays this year, especially since you all get to be together.
You have reminded me how much I've been craving a chicken-style soup lately... I think especially chicken and dumplings would be good right now...
Yyou are not alone. I do not own either Veganomicon or Eat Drink & Be Vegan. But hopefully soon I will own them.
i always hit publish beforfe i am done!
my grandfather passed away 8 years ago (dec 14th). the day after my 18th birthday. that year was the hardest christmas i ever had but every year i think about him & remember all the great memories i have of him. i still miss him but i know hes still with me.
my grandfather passed away 8 years ago (dec 14th). the day after my 18th birthday. that year was the hardest christmas i ever had but every year i think about him & remember all the great memories i have of him. i still miss him but i know hes still with me.
Brooke, Dave's mom passed away the day after his birthday last year, two days before Christmas. The whole family will be here this year. We talk about her freely, and I say that's the best; don't make it a taboo subject. Bring out past xmas pics with her, and enjoy each other. She will be with you.
Love,
Berner
Love,
Berner
# posted by 
: 8:12 PM
: 8:12 PM
Hello Brooke. I'm a newcomer to your blog and you can add me to the list of people who don't own Veganomicon or Eat, Drink & Be Vegan. It's best not to hold your emotions inside; letting others know how you feel can be incredibly cathartic. I hope that your emotional pain dissipates soon.
Take care,
Eric
Take care,
Eric
# posted by : 9:41 PM
: 9:41 PM
Take care and spend time with the family that's with you now. Talk about your missed love one. Carry on your traditions. Make new ones. Cry. It's all you can do. It will get better, I promise. But I also promise that will hurt in turn.
-Cheryl
-Cheryl
# posted by : 12:47 PM
: 12:47 PM
Hi, sorry to hear about your recent loss. I lost my dad unexpectedly after a lingering illness. I remember afterwards holding his cold hand and sobbing loudly... for several days after that I couldn't sleep because I was listening to te breathing of who was near me. During the holdiays famly got togther and we cried and laughed and cried. Throughout the year at the most unexpected times grief would well up deep within me. Now 10 years later we still rmember, we still reminince, we still love, only the grief begins to go away.
I wish you the best as you live through your grief. Happy Holidays. I am also glad to see you have some good vegan food going on there!
I wish you the best as you live through your grief. Happy Holidays. I am also glad to see you have some good vegan food going on there!
I hope that with the new year... a fresh start... we'll be hearing more from you.
# posted by : 9:35 AM
: 9:35 AM
Just found your blog and am excited because you live in Mesa - I live in Gilbert.
Anyway, great blog here!
I'm so sorry about your mom. I don't know what I would do (or will do) if I ever have to go through that. Cling to your children and the rest of your family - I'm sure you all need each other in a time like this.
God bless you,
Danielle
Anyway, great blog here!
I'm so sorry about your mom. I don't know what I would do (or will do) if I ever have to go through that. Cling to your children and the rest of your family - I'm sure you all need each other in a time like this.
God bless you,
Danielle
# posted by : 8:17 AM
: 8:17 AM
Hello,
Another new arrival to your blog here. I'll definitely be reading more, and I've added you to my blogroll.
My thoughts are with you as you work through the emotions from losing your mom. Just don't be too hard on yourself and try not to worry about the "what ifs", okay? I know, easier said than done.
Maybe you could think of something special to do during the holiday season to honor your mother... acknowleging the hurt from the loss, but experiencing the full joy of her memory at the same time.
Sorry, I'm babbling. Anyway, thank you for sharing this blog. I look forward to reading more!
Post a Comment
Another new arrival to your blog here. I'll definitely be reading more, and I've added you to my blogroll.
My thoughts are with you as you work through the emotions from losing your mom. Just don't be too hard on yourself and try not to worry about the "what ifs", okay? I know, easier said than done.
Maybe you could think of something special to do during the holiday season to honor your mother... acknowleging the hurt from the loss, but experiencing the full joy of her memory at the same time.
Sorry, I'm babbling. Anyway, thank you for sharing this blog. I look forward to reading more!
# posted by : 7:36 AM
: 7:36 AM Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home
Subscribe to Posts [Atom]
