Sunday, August 14, 2011

What I learned from Pepe: Vegan Sweet Potato "Quesadillas"

My friend Michelle and I went on little girl's lunch
at a quiant little vegan mexican resturaunt that goes by the name of:
Pepe's

I have had the pleasure to meet Pepe himself at a party where he happened to bring a little guacamole.
Well, very tasty little guacamole.
I also heard him talking about avocado "cheese" cake.
Needless to say, I was intrigued.

So, Michelle and I worked our way down to Pepe's.
The menu, like any great resuraunt, changes everyday.
There are about 5-8 options of dinnerplates ranging 6-10 dollars.
The drink option for us water cucumber lemondade.
If you have a juicer, please make this and invite me over ;)!


The atmosphere:
A home feel with a cute little rooftop patio that includes:
 vintage bicycles, salvaged antiques and several container gardens.
 I felt like a was just hanging out at a  friends house.
Advice to men: Take a girl to Pepe's for a first date. It will tell her: hey, my date is obviously creative, enjoys trying new things, likes to hang out in relaxing enviroments. Pepe's vs. Sportsbar for a first date. Pepe's: +1, Sportsbar: -110.

I ordered the Sweet Potato Quesadillas. They were incredible.
I decided it was absolutely necessary to share the recipe to those who don't live in Lincoln, NE.
(Because if you die before trying these, you did not really live).

So, here we go, my best attempt:

VEGAN SWEET POTATOES with SAFFRON RICE, BLACK BEANS and FRESH TOMATOES

What you'll need:
6 cups boiling water
One large sweet potato
12in flour tortillas
1 can black beans, drained
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 T brown sugar
Salt+Pepper
2 TB oil + some for tortillas
Saffron Rice (Yellow package in the mexican foods section or in the rice section)

First:
Boil water. Peel and cut the potato into 1inx 1in cubes and toss them into the boiling water.
Heat the potatoes until easy cut into with a knife. (This should be about 12-15 minutes). Meanwhile, heat the beans on the stove and follow directions on the saffron rice bag. After that is done, mash the potatoes and spread over half of a 12in tortilla. Sprinkle with black beans and fold in half. Heat skillet with 2 tablespoons oil. Brush the top side of the tortilla and heat over medium heat.

Serve leftover black beans and fre

YUM! I believe this to be a recipe that a non vegan enthusiast would take delight in.

Enjoy! Love, Meg

Fancy pants watermelon jello shots

I am not a big jello shots person.
(Mainly because I prefer brewsky)
but I am a jello shots person when they are in the shape of
adorable little watermelons.


These little jigglers are easy as 1-2-3, and they will
add a little zest to any girl's night.

You will need:
One large box of watermelon jello
1 1/2 cup vodka
2 cups boiling water
1 cup cold water
limes, lots and lots of limes

First things first:
Cut your limes in half lengthwise and hollow each half out.




Next:
Make your jello. Add your boiling water to the mix first, then the cold water and
then the vodka. Make sure to add vodka last so the alcohol doesn't evaporate!
Fill your lime halves with the jello mixture all the way to the brim.


After that:
CAREFULLY, put your tray into the fridge and let the shots sit overnight.
Don't be tempted to take one for breakfast. These are not
a good breakfast food.

After waiting:
Take a VERY sharp knife and slice each half in half again.

Finally: Enjoy! Yummy! You can also use lime jello and make limes!

Sunday, August 7, 2011

On what's in store for August: Sneak Peak

Hello friend.

Wow it's hot outside.
The best thing about living in Nebraska is:
 you always have a new season to look forward to.
I'm almost certain that no one loves fall as much as I do.
That is why I am devoting August to preparing fall how-to's and getting-to-know-you's.

My first project of August:
Experimenting with needlepoint.

This project is a little loosey-goosey but for my first time, I had a blast!
Stitching is a great activity to pass time on a road trip
or while watching TV
or waiting for the cable guy.
(Which is where I did all these things because I worked on this for a very long time)
This is also a great way to use up scrap fabric.

I have many things that I will be working on in August, perhaps you would like to join me as I share:

Oh-So adorable and tasty Shortbread Buttons
Feather features
Manly crafts
Accessories galore
bike care 101
Easy-shmeazy dinner ideas
picnic planning
and a few vintage treats! (just to name a few)

Oh goodie! I'm so excited!

I hope you have a wonderful Sunday!

<3 Meg