Squirrel’s Vegan Kitchen

With Farmer’s Market season in full swing here in Portland, I am blessed with 2 farmer’s market within blocks of my work during the week. Another one on the weekend will be opening in my neighborhood soon, just a leisurely afternoon bike ride away! And this is not including the giant downtown Saturday famer’s market. Boy oh boy, there are no limits to these fertile lands!

Last week I went to the Eastbank Thursday market and got some new treats: garlic scapes and fava beans. We ate them on Saturday along with Susan’s Ribz.

I tend to have mixed results with seitan, so I’m not writing this recipe off, because I’m sure I did something wrong. Possibly over-kneaded it? It was a little foamy texture wise. But seriously, covered in BBQ sauce, what isn’t great? The fava beans were sauteed in garlic and EB. They are a little time consuming, but they were delicious and I’m looking forward to getting some more this week. We also grilled up some garlic scapes, also a new treat. The texture is similar to asparagus and was very delicious. Jim, the budding food critic, said it had a “mild, but distinct flavor”.

Weekend breakfast:

Banana peanut butter pancakes with maple syrup and banana slices and half of a mini watermelon with balled melon, strawberries and bananas tossed in lime juice.

My new favorite snack- I’m just obsessed!

Just simple plain popcorn (I use Garden of Eatin’) with some melted EB drizzled on and then coated with Parma. Oh lordy, I am really digging on Parma! I never thought much of it before, from looking at the ingredients, I even have a similar cheezy topping in my cookbook using cashews. But they have the perfect proportions, making this the best popcorn I’ve had in I don’t know how long. Yum!

Dinner last night:

Local muligrain tempeh with snap peas, carrots, garlic scapes and broccoli served over brown basmati rice. I made a huge container so we have plenty of leftovers. We enjoyed it on our porch, which I spent the weekend cleaning, scrubbing and gardening.

If you live locally, you can pick up copies of The Damn Tasy! Vegan Baking Guide at Food Fight!, Mirador Community Store (why did I not know about this place!? They have every veg cookbook I’ve ever heard of along with all sorts of amazing kitchen supplies, including my new yogurt maker. Adventures with that soon…), and at Veganopolis. Thanks to everyone for your continued support, it’s great seeing you all enjoying my treats!