Vegetarian...who would have thought!

Hello kiddies...

Super changes at my dinner table...long gone are the roasts and cutlets...and those homemade Italian sausages. Now it's all about the veggies and sauce.

If you recall it was back in February (2009) that I decided to give up meat for Lent. Never before have I given anything up for Lent that I didn't break the fast within a week, so I had figured I would save one chicken. As the weeks passed and Easter arrived I was surprised how easily I managed my meals without meat.

Surprisingly the real test was in the summer months...barbecue time. In my family the amount of time spent out at the grill was...let's see...every day. My son Joseph and his friend Vinny truly made the best smoked ribs and chicken this side of the Mason-Dixon line. On weekends they would sit for hours on the patio patiently waiting to baste their feast. My neighbors were always commenting how delicious the smells were rising from our grill, over the fences, and into their kitchens.

This is not to say we only cooked ribs and chicken...burgers were always homemade and all meats were well rubbed and marinated with some finger licking sauce. From time to time we would add some fish (usually shrimp or king crab.) And yes, of course, we BBQ our corn, potato, and other veggie of the day. But, no one came for the veggies...it was the meat that enticed our invited diners.

So...as the summer passed...and they lazed in the pool...the grill remained closed. The only food that was eaten outside were some cut up veggies...to accompany their brews/wine coolers...with an occasional pizza on the side. Finally, the grill was dismantled...replaced by a corner table.

Summer passed into fall...now it's time to plan for Thanksgiving dinner. Mmm what does one do? My daughter Jacqueline (a very strict Vegan) introduced us to the Tofurkey. Just picture this...a round ball, made with Tofu, filled with a wild rice stuffing. Flavor was pretty much that of turkey (I was never fond of the taste of turkey.) Didn't feel like we missed much...made all the trimmings that usually fill the table. Well, with one other change...I omitted dairy products as Vegan's don't eat dairy...a Thanksgiving dinner with little, if any, cholesterol.

And so goes life as a vegetarian...will get back with a wrap-up of the year as a vegetarian meets Christmas...

Peace,

Claire / OWW

Lenten update...

Well...I have surprised myself! I am still being true to my commitment of not eating any meats during this Lenten season.

I don't think in all the years I have been on the planet (and they number quite a few) I have eaten so much fish. I have expanded my tastes.

In the past I have limited my seafood choices to either lobster or shrimp. Who would believe that I would be making real fish! I go to this wonderful fish shop...owned and operated by an Italian/Egyptian couple. They are educating me in the art of selecting and cooking fish. I must admit I am not an easy student. I am still resisting buying a whole fish or even one that still has it's bones. But hey, someone has to keep the fish people (okay, made up that title) in practice.

To be honest, I am not really missing the taste of meat as I am it's texture. There is no real chew thing to eating seafood...that is the part of eating meat I miss. Or, I should say, I did miss...no more! I have replaced the need for that type of texture with the saute and breaking of freshly baked brick oven breads. Oh my goodness...I doubt if I will ever have that strong urge to go back to meat.

I am now eating quite differently...and no, I have not added beans to my diet. I cannot seem to get over my dislike of most beans. The closest I come to that vegetable is the string bean. I have in the past planted them in my garden and I might possibly add a few more this year.

Tomato is always going to be my very favorite...I can take one right off the vine and eat it like it's candy. And how I love fried green tomatoes...I can barely handle the decision of picking them while a rich green color or allowing them to become ruby red. Oh, the trials and tribulations of being a gardener.

Well, back to my lent stuff...my daughter Jacqueline is so happy that I am being a vegetarian, for however long it may last. She is now a vegan. I doubt if I could go that far, I enjoy having dairy products way too much. Nothing like some fresh mozzarella with freshly picked tomatoes and crisp garlic...oh, let me stop there...I am making myself crazy.

Must close now...do hope you all have a safe and wonderful week!

OWW/Claire

Lent Update...

So far so good. I am feeling pretty confident now...I will have no trouble sticking with my Lenten resolution.

Saturday's dinner was really good (if I must say so myself.)

In the morning I baked a very rich dark chocolate cake. I made a smooth dark chocolate icing to top it off. I then outlined the bottom one inch of the sides with a paste made using sugar cookies, I had previously baked, and fresh pecans...mm the smell alone was delicious!

The main course was vermicelli with sauteed garlic in virgin olive oil, fresh lemon, lots of mushrooms and super tender asparagus...crowned with fresh shrimp...just before serving I added freshly grated Parmesan cheese and black pepper. This was not what anyone would call a heart-healthy dish...but, oh so good!

I am determined not to let myself become bored with cooking...never was, and I'm a bit too old now to become a basic foodie.

Enjoy your dinner...and feel free to share any favorite recipe...I'm always open for new ideas/recipes.
OWW/Claire

Me and Lent...

Here I am into my third day of Lent and already I am feeling committed. I'm not one that usually gives up anything for Lent...but, something this Lenten season has me feeling obliged to do so.

I have to say the decision to give up meat was not one I thought on long and hard. I was sitting at my desk and suddenly it came to me...give up eating meat...all kinds of meat.
I'm one of those types that once I make my mind up to try or do something I will 99% of the time follow through (we just won't talk about those diet plans here and there.)

I have eliminated all meat in my house - gave it to other people. Some have asked my what about my son that lives at home...I told them....if he wants to cook meat...by all means he is welcome to do so...I just won't assist. But, I get off pretty easy here as he isn't a big fan of eating red meats at all...so he's all for the new diet plan. We're also eager to find what kind of changes it will make in our health.

Will keep updating my progress as a non-meat person...I feel determined and positive that this will be good for me...and might even last a lifetime...we'll see.

Would love to hear from you if you have eliminated meats from your diet. I will eat dairy and eggs...I know that the proteins there are necessary for me at this time.

To all you that are making some sacrifice this season...I wish you a wonderful & successful celebration of your inner strengths!

OWW/Claire