Vegan MoFo: Dill & Mint "Chicken" Salad with Grape Tomatoes

I got the idea for this dish when I glanced through an issue of Simply Delicious. I found a recipe for Chicken Salad with Pear Tomatoes and Tarragon. I was intrigued with the lack of mayonnaise in this chicken salad, vegan or not.

As a youngin' the only parts of a standard chicken salad I didn't enjoy were the grapes, typically added for sweetness. I tended to want a more savory salad. This recipe subs grapes for tomatoes, which reserves some sweetness but in a savory way. I used grape tomatoes instead of pear ones; clever, I know.

I also subbed dried mint for tarragon. For one thing, I have never cooked with tarragon and am not really all that familiar with its flavor. I've heard it has a licorice taste. Bleh. I thought mint would pair nicely with the tomatoes and poultry spices.

"Chicken" Salad with Grape Tomatoes and Mint

1 1/2 cup TVP chunks

1/2 tsp dried thyme

1/4 tsp dried sage

1/2 tsp dried rosemary

1 tbs Bragg's liquid aminos

2 tsp nutritional yeast

1/2 pint grape tomatoes, sliced in half

2 large bunches scallions, sliced, white parts included

2 tsp dried mint, crushed between your fingers

1 tsp dried dill

Some thoughts: This salad would go wonderfully over a spinach salad. I know firsthand. Also, you could try blending it briefly in a food processor.

Veg-Billy Hotdogs!

I am referring to these as veg billy hot dogs to pay homage to Huntington, West Virginia's one unique dining experience, Hillbilly Hot Dogs. I've never dined at this restaurant, not even when I was omnivorous. I've always been a bit creeped out by hot dogs in general, but when you pile crap on them like eggs or pizza toppings, you have officially triggered my gag reflex. Still, I think it's pretty awesome that there is actually a unique place to eat in Huntington, despite the fact that it has an overall unhealthy menu and very limited vegetarian options.

Anyway, these hot dogs weren't anything too outrageous. Ty made a nice, simple slaw to top 'em off with and I made some sauce to go on top. It consisted of TVP, kidney beans, cumin, turmeric, paprika, veg broth, and tomato sauce. I haven't perfected the measurements yet so no recipe. Obviously things got a little messy while eating so I ended up finishing my meal with accidental chilli fries. Delicious.

Golabki and Dave Foley

I don't know why I was so intrigued with the concept of cabbage rolls, but I decided I had to make them today before I went to work. I'm a pretty big sucker for cooked cabbage. Weird? Not really, considering it's pretty much the only thing I can eat at work, given that I work in the mall. Everyday, it's steamed white rice and vegetables which consist of broccoli, carrots, and cabbage.
Now, take the time to enjoy the golabki montage. Also, note the filthiness that is my kitchen. Filthiness is totally a word:



Also, take time to say hello to my cooking pal, Bronson:

Cutest cat ever? Probably.

And, now, RANT: I have a complete and total love/hate relationship with Netflix. I only really love Netflix because of the instant queue thing for my 360. Here's what they do: they make the first season of every show, sometimes the second season, as well, available on your instant queue so that you can watch it compulsively on the rare days that you don't have class or work, the days where your agenda consists of cuddling with kitties and making cookies. Well, I rushed through the first two seasons of News Radio and I'm having Dave Foley withdrawls, damn it! I have a bit of a nerd crush on Dave Foley. I'm not sexually aroused by Dave Foley, I just love to watch him. Slightly more creepy? Point being: F U Netflix. You are forever the bane of my existence, while at the same time, the love of my life.

Come back to me, Foley! :(

I'd love to rant more, but I have a bus to catch.