christmas eve style.

Baked Ziti w/ Tofu Ricotta & Garlic Bread.

Got back to the basics this xmas eve. For as long as I can remember my family has made Italian food the night before that jolly guy drops by with some presents. It all started yesterday morning. Was in search for a new french bread recipe. Not only did I find a great and simple recipe but a new vegan blog to follow as well. Its the Holy Cow! Vegan Recipes blog. Definitely worth following if you arent already. Here's the recipe. So after making this, I put together a garlic spread and made garlic bread. Also made the baked ziti with tofu ricotta from my menu. What's nice about baked ziti is you can prep it in the afternoon and put it in the oven to bake about an hour before you are ready to eat and throw in the garlic bread halfway through. My friends Mark & Sherry from here in town came by to eat and brought some vegan cinnamon rolls. All in all a great quiet way to spend xmas eve. Happy Holidays everyone!

Jailhouse Chili for the Hendricks.

Jailhouse Chili w/ Cornbread.

After that brief period of dry days here in Portland yesterday was back to normal here. Cold, wet, and periodic heavy rain throughout the day. Good friends of mine have been asking for another round of my chili so before they flew off for the holidays I cooked up a batch for them last night. 

This is a recipe that my family has been making for years. Starts off with slow cooked kidney beans, added to garlic and spices. Add in a tomato base, soy curls, and some chopped yams. My favorite part of the recipe has always been "and let it cook for awhile". The longer you let it stew it seems the better tastes. Served the chili over some brown rice with a side of my fresh backed corn bread.

And in the beginning...

With today’s hectic lifestyles, coming home to the aroma of a home cooked meal is all but history in today’s society. Thankfully I grew up in a family where the love of cooking was handed down through the generations.

In 1997, two close friends introduced me to vegetarianism and animal rights. Learning about factory farming and the suffering of animals changed my life forever. Months later I rid myself of all animal products and I fully committed to a vegan lifestyle. We all know at a certain time it was difficult to create exciting vegetarian or vegan meals. Through trial and error, and with the help of many hungry friends, I found creative ways to prepare the home cooked meals I grew up with and modify them to meet a vegan diet.

In 2008, I packed up my life in New Jersey and headed out to the Pacific Northwest. With its strong sense of community, endless supply of eating options, cycling, and outdoor adventures Portland was the right fit for me. I’ve made the decision to lay down roots here and start my own business sharing something I’m really passionate about… good food!

My cooking style is inspired by the meals I enjoyed growing up, so I have to thank my dad for his early influence. By doing this project I feel I am fulfilling a dream for both of us. That is, to offer people a hearty, home cooked meal making them feel like they are a part of a large family. As the season allows, my produce will be sourced locally. Sustainability, environmental responsibility, and supporting our local farmers and businesses are important to me. I look forward to strengthening bonds with my newfound community here in Portland. If you have any special requests please let me know and I will try to accommodate you the best I can. Who knows: maybe I will change a few minds along the way.

Thanks.
Josh