Meatless Monday After Midnight - Can You Say "Classic"

Slacker. There is no other word for it. I am a Blog Flunky. Maybe more of a Disstracker since I haven't just been lounging around, but more buzzing about with the goings on of life with children and various other beasts. So here I am, in the wee hours, putting down the words that have been swimming in my brain for weeks now.
I actually can't believe that this recipe was not Week One of Meatless Monday since it is not only in the bible of vegetarian cooking, but was probably my first introduction to the V-Word. The Vegetarian Epicure by Anna Thomas is one of two cookbooks that I associate with my mother, The Joy of Cooking being the other. And the recipe for Corn and Cheddar Cheese Chowder is probably my all time favorite thing that my mom made. It brings back warm, winter memories of ski vacations and wool socks; of my Dad's satisfied grin and footy pajamas. The book itself is a time capsule that has made it's way into my permanent collection.

Upcoming Events

Feb 18th - Storytime at The Divine Cafe in Exeter, NH at 10am. This is part of the new, weekly storytime where I will be reading from some of my favorite Barefoot Books. It's a natural fit with the Divine's motto of "nourish the body, respect the earth". This will run about half a hour and is a great opportunity to get out with the kids during the long winter months.
Feb 20th - Newmarket Winter Farmers Market at the Stone Church in Newmarket, NH from 9am-1pm.  I will be in the cozy, corner booth and will be helping kids to make Collage Bags. Collaging is a great way to utilize bits of household materials that would normally be thrown away. Kids love to create with these items and we will be creating a community collage at the market.
Feb 25th - Storytime at The Divine.
March 4th - Storytime.

March 6th - NOFA (Northeast Organic Farmers Association) NH Winter Conference in Concord, NH. A wonderful event for farmers and those that support organic and local agriculature. Tons of amazing worksops for kids, teens, and adults. I will be presenting as part of the childrens conference and will also have a table set up in the Green Market. Hope to see you there!

More events on the way!

Meatless Monday on Wednesday

I was planning to do a mind blowing post on falafel this week, but between forgetting to soak the chick peas overnight on Sunday and then realizing that I needed to get a little more in depth to sell falafel virgins on the idea, I got a little behind. But rest assured, the treat from the middle east  is coming to a Monday near you ASAP.
In the meantime in between time, I have whipped up one of my favorite, but often forgotten dishes that is so much easier and yummier than you might think. This one comes from the good ole Joy of Cooking, my kitchen bible, with a few tweaks.

Barely and Mushroom "Risotto"

6 tbl butter
1 1/2 cups finely chopped onions
8 oz diced mushrooms, shitake are awesome, but others are fine
1 cup barley
2/3 white wine
1 tbl crushed garlic
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
6 cups stock, vegetable stock makes it truly meatless, but chicken stock works great too

Meatless Monday- Postponed till Tuesday.

Momma forgot to soak the beans overnight. It will be worth the wait.