Thursday, September 22, 2011

Frankly Speaking - Gourmet Hot Dogs!

Sometimes when I don't feel much like cooking, Patrick and I decide to indulge in such things as Smart Dogs and burgers. Recently, we decided to experiment with making some gourmet hot dogs and WOW.

Patrick was craving a chili dog, but I was looking for something a little different. I thought about all of the things I love: Thanksgiving, Bacos, and Mermaids.(The movie! Well, and real mermaids AND mermen).

How did this experiment end, you ask?

Patrick dined on a Carnival Dog, as well as a Chipochili Dog. (I am really good at naming hot dogs).


Carnival Dog:

Smart Dog, Ketchup, Mustard, Veganaise, onion, relish and Cheddar Daiya

ChipoChili Dog:

Mexican Chipotle Field Roast, Amy's Organic Chili, Veganaise, Jalapeno Mustard, homemade cheese sauce, and sliced Jalapenos

That chili dog looked so good that I had one as well, sans the bun because it is my least favorite part. The second dog I created was something I like to call The Frenchy.


Thursday, September 8, 2011

Highline Part 3: Because I wasn't Bacon Breakfast

Oh, Highline. Why are you always my go-to brunch place? Is it because you are within walking/biking distance? Is it your reasonably priced brunch food? Maybe the fact that the staff understands that it is morning-time and I don't feel like chatting, just eating? Whatever the case may be, Patrick and I ended up at Highline for brunch not too long ago.

Summer is winding down and Autumn is upon us, although now that school has started and I am getting excited to make casseroles, the weather has decided it needs to peak at 89. Patrick and I had a last hurrah Highline Brunch, complete with red beer before embarking on Sober September (no alcohol--30 days), which is part of my Autumnification, as well as to celebrate the last days of Summer (even though it feels like Summer is finally beginning, but whatever). It was a gorgeous day; one of those moments you tuck away to remind yourself that you are happy and life is great!

Just a little fence climbing and construction work.
Enjoying our final beers of the summer!

Friday, September 2, 2011

Easy Etouffee: For The Southerner Who's Quick On The Drawl

Happy Friday!

Labor Day weekend is upon us again and I am beyond excited for 3 days off and minimal plans. The weather promises to be gorgeous. I will be barbecuing in West Seattle and later in the weekend partaking in  homemade brunching with my book club

In the meantime: Southern Comfort. Not to be confused with Southern Comfort <shudder>.

I have a lot of friends who hail from the South. I don't really understand how they all ended up in Seattle, but I sure lucked out because they are all awesome. Really. So, anyway, a few weekends ago Dylan (who you may remember as the one who excels at opening champagne bottles) mentioned his desire to have a down home Southern cookin' night; minus the lard or whatever actually goes into non-vegan Southern food. Shrimp? 

We decided to make Etouffee, cornbread, collard greens and peach cobbler! What made it even more stellar was the fact that the collard greens and green onion were from the garden as was the zucchini for the Etouffee. Success!!


The Etouffee recipe is simple and delicious. Don't worry if you don't have all the ingredients, or can't find something at the grocery store. It is very user-friendly and will taste great!