Old Man Winter

thumb_IMG_6365_1024

Not everyone has experienced a Northern Illinois winter, let alone ride bicycles in Northern Illinois winter weather. The hardest part of winter cycling is being comfortable with freezing winds, ice, snow and bears – oh my. I will say it is easier to remain comfortable in super cold or warm climates. The 2-10 degree Celcius range is tricky and is best suited with removable and addable layers.

thumb_IMG_6337_1024

Riding a FatBike is basically a moving furnace conducting your own heat or a steam locomotive with the streaming trailing line of hot steam in a dissolving midst. And your central body is often warm and comfortable as long as you let the steam escape while still staying insulated. Fingers and toes are often the first to get uncomfortably cold.

thumb_IMG_6368_1024

Booze helps a bit, but proper gear is a must. I, for the first time, was completely comfortable on a time tenured sub-freezing ride with an average temp of 10° in 120 elapsed minutes.

I’ve known for some time that Thinsulate was an outstanding winter ally and I finally have amazing gear to truly backup my cycling nonsense and babblings. Here we go!

thumb_IMG_6296_1024

My Perfect 10° Cycling Gear ingredients:

thumb_IMG_6367_1024

The shoes were outstanding for two hours and the same goes for the gloves. I am contemplating a Gran Fondo this weekend. On a FatBike it’s gonna consume a good 7-8 hours. It may be a little warmer, but we will see.

thumb_IMG_6362_1024thumb_IMG_6332_1024

thumb_IMG_6348_1024

PROST!

Terrifying Tofu Genocide

TO(O)FU(N)

I wanted to have some fun with Tofu. I did have some fun. And it has been documented. I will say, grilled Tofu is now by far my favorite way to prepare it and consume it. I’m just gonna jump in… Feet first.

thumb_IMG_5971_1024

Srirsalmic ingredients:

  • Olive oil, all the dudes love extra virgins
  • Garlic, fresh and minced
  • Turmeric, fresh and minced
  • Balsamic Vinegar
  • Sriracha, cock sauce
  • Molasses
  • Shallot, diced
  • SeaSalt/Pepper/Oregano
  • Red Wine Vinegar & Cayenne powder, dashes

Mix & stir welly before usage.

thumb_IMG_5969_1024

SeanutSutter Soy:

  • Peanut Butter
  • Soy

Mix.

thumb_IMG_5970_1024

Wusuppy ingredients:

  • Wasabi powder
  • Broth, Vegetable
  • Sea Salt
  • Cayenne powder
  • Molasses

Mix.

So, I don’t believe I have ever had sushi. Traditional sushi does not appeal much to me. I am a rock star and why would I change that.

CECP0698

Marination ingredients:

  • Ginger, fresh and minced
  • Garlic, fresh and minced
  • Turmeric, fresh and minced
  • Sesame Oil
  • Tahini
  • Soy Sauce
  • Sriracha
  • Balsamic Vinegar
  • Cilantro, sliced stems
  • Peanut Butter
  • Lemon Juice, fresh
  • Shallot, diced
  • Molasses
  • SeaSalt/Pepper

Mix and marinate dried extra firm Tofu slices.

Tofu Crumbles ingredients:

  • Tofu, extra firm and crumbled
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Sea Salt/Pepper
  • Dill Weed

Mix.

thumb_IMG_5706_1024

Ⓥicatta ingredients:

  • Grilled Marinated Tofu
  • Tofu Crumbles
  • Capers
  • Onion, diced
  • Scallions, sliced for garnish
  • Lemon Juice
  • Earth Balance
  • White Wine
  • Mushroom, sliced
  • Celery, sliced
  • Sweet Potato, chopped large
  • Flower, Flour
  • Olive Oil, extra virgin
  • Balsamic Vinegar
  • Garlic, fresh and minced
  • Sea Salt/Pepper
  • Cayenne powder
  • Cashew Milk

Rules of Engagement:

  • Saute Garlic and add Onion, Celery and caramelize in Oil.
  • Add Sweet Potatoes and stirringly saute.
  • Add Balsamic, Lemon Juice and Wine.
  • Cook down Wine. And don’t drive if you drink the rest of the bottle:)
  • Add Earth Balance, Mushrooms and ‘Milk’.
  • Season and add Capers, Tofu Crumbles.
  • Stir on medium high heat and grill your Tofu.
  • Plate and garnish. I forgot to garnish with Lemon…Too many sips of the Wine;)

thumb_IMG_5783_1024

Loaded Salad ingredients:

  • Tofu Marination, iBaked…defintely grill
  • Iceberg, wedged and removed from holding that door open
  • Radish, sliced
  • Tomato, graped halfly
  • Scallion, sliced
  • Rye Bread, toasted and cut
  • Capers
  • Mushroom, sliced
  • Daiya, slices
  • Carrot, shaved or slivered
  • Srirsalmic, mmmmmmmm
  • Spinach, basil-sliced

Boom.

Chinese Pizza ingredients:

  • Tortilla, the bigger the better-size does matter
  • Pizza Sauce, store bought or nought
  • Daiya, I used ‘provalone’ pre-sliced and sliced block ‘cheddar’
  • Cashews, raw and then grilled:)
  • Tofu, grilled and then sliced
  • Scallions, sliced for garnish

Pizza Pizza:

  • Grill Tofu and Cashews.
  • Put Tortilla in a hot pan.
  • Top the Tortilla and cover.
  • Garnish and EAT.

I also made an Eggplant version with basil-sliced Spinach.

thumb_IMG_5157_1024

Relish ingredients:

  • Cucumber (4.5) @ $0.70 = $0.16 per serving, deseeded and diced
  • Onion (4) @ $0.80 = $0.20 per serving, diced
  • Tomato (6) @ $1.50 = $0.25, deseeded and deiced
  • Serrano Pepper (8) @ $1.17 = $0.15, deseeded and diced
  • Celery Seed/Celery Salt/Pepper = $0.05 per serving
  • Garlic (3) @ $0.24 = $0.08, minced
  • Mustard = $0.05 per serving , ground
  • Basil (10) @ $3.00 = $0.30, freshly chopped

Mix & have fun with.

thumb_IMG_5385_1024

Tofato Souper w/ Grilled Daiya ingredients:

  • Tofu, not squared, but cubed (to the third power)
  • Tomato Concentrate
  • Guts, leftover Cucumber and Tomato guts from my abundance of Relish I posted a few days ago.
  • Garlic powder/Onion powder
  • Rye, grilled
  • Relish
  • Daiya
  • Vegenaise
  • Scallions, sliced for garnish

thumb_IMG_5482_1024

Make your sandwich and await your Tofato Souper.

thumb_IMG_5776_1024

Tofunated EZ Chinesey  ingredients:

  • Ramen noodles, undercooked and drain.
  • Sesame Seed Oil
  • Sesame Seeds
  • Ginger, fresh and minced
  • Garlic, fresh and minced
  • Turmeric, fresh and minced
  • Soy Sauce
  • Balsamic Vinegar
  • Tofu, Wasabified and grilled
  • Sriracha
  • Scallions, sliced for garnish

Simplicity simplified:

  • Undercook Ramen and donate the non-vegan seasoning.
  • Drain.
  • Dry same pot, add oil and heat.
  • Toss in Ginger, Garlic, Sesame Seeds and Turmeric.
  • Caramelize.
  • Include Balsamic, Sriracha, Soy Sauce and Noodles.
  • Stir. Plate. Oppositely subtract Tofu and Garnish immediately.

thumb_IMG_5733_1024

Ⓥinston’s Ⓥagel ingredients:

  • Earth Balance, mmmmm
  • Tofu Marination, get it extra firm and braise that bad boy.
  • Spinach, basil-sliced
  • Tomato, grapely halved
  • Shallot, sliced
  • Bagel, toasted

thumb_IMG_5359_1024

Ⓥ Fry ingredients:

  • Cauiflower, chopped
  • Tofu, cubed
  • Daiya, mmmmmmmm
  • Garlic, minced
  • Turmeric, minced
  • Ginger, minced
  • Serrano, deseeded and diced
  • Relish, mmmmmmmmmmm
  • SeaSalt/Pepper/Paprika/OnionP/NutritionalYeast
  • Balsamic Vinegar
  • Carrot, stringiness
  • Soy sauce

Have fun and Fry away.

thumb_IMG_5439_1024

Tofempehwich ingredients:

  • Tofu, grilled
  • Tempeh, grilled
  • Daiya, mmmmm
  • Bun, gurmet
  • Spinach, basil-sliced
  • Relish, mmmmmmm

Construct.

thumb_IMG_5965_1024

BBⓋ Tofu ingredients:

  • Tofu, extra firm crumbles
  • GarlicP/OnionP/Pepper
  • Sriracha, cock sauce
  • Balsamic Vinegar
  • Liquid Smoke
  • Molasses

Mix and broil if desired.

thumb_VELR2990_1024

ⓋLT w/ BBⓋ Tofu ingredients:

  • Bacon, Vegan
  • Bun, gourmet and grilled
  • Spinach, basil-like sliced
  • Earth Balance, mmmmmm
  • Tomato, sliced w/ a touch of SeaSalt

Erect and destroy with your big and strong plant eating teeth.

thumb_IMG_5963_1024

Wasabi Tofu ingredients:

  • Wasabi, powder
  • Ginger, powder
  • Garlic, powder
  • Tofu, extra firm crumbles

Mix.

thumb_IMG_5818_1024

Chinese Weiner ingredients:

  • Smart Dog, grilled
  • Bun, grillio, yo!
  • Wasabi Tofu

Consume.

I don’t know about anyone else, but some of these terms for these ingredients are somewwhat sexual. I’m not saying that I’m not a pervert, I’m just saying.

So, I had a Sushi idea in my head, but got lazy and decided to be a meatless lover. If that makes any sense. I’m a dude, I might practice a Vegan lifestyle, but I like to eat Vegan like a man, I think. Not too sure how other Vegan males deplete their hunger, but I am well aware of my processes.

Sushi Browned Rice ingredients:

  • Brown rice, post-soaked & rinsed
  • Olive Oil
  • Sesame Oil
  • Ginger, fresh and minced
  • Sriracha
  • Balsamic Vinegar
  • Garlic, P for powder

After ingredients:

  • Tahini
  • Molasses
  • Red Wine Vinegar
  • White Wine, dashly

Heat Oil mixture and get that Ginger going. Combine everything else with double water of Rice measurement and bring to a boil. Cover and Coolio.

thumb_IMG_5972_1024

Jeff’s Sushi? ingredients:

  • Sushi Browned Rice
  • Bacon, Ⓥegan
  • Tofu, sliced long and extra firm
  • Toothpicks

Roll ’em up and stick a pick through ’em. I was more impressed with the sauces to dip. (see very top)

HAPPY HERBIVOROUS EATING!

First 2016 Cycling Ride

I’ve been working super hard lately. Too hard, maybe. It was well above freezing today in January in Northern Illinois. Obviously El Nino makes a difference. Our climate change won’t be this drastic anytime soon. But, I am not the scientist. Just an asshole who likes bicycles, adventure and good beers. Dealing with a cold and floods, I just rode on! Grind them gears and just go and do anything you can to prevail. #RideOn

thumb_IMG_5704_1024

I did ride, met a cool lady with a cool female dog, got wet and just rode the FatBike. Very successful Friday.

thumb_IMG_5718_1024thumb_IMG_5710_1024thumb_IMG_5693_1024thumb_IMG_5717_1024thumb_IMG_5709_1024thumb_IMG_5692_1024thumb_IMG_5716_1024thumb_IMG_5715_1024thumb_IMG_5714_1024thumb_IMG_5713_1024thumb_IMG_5711_1024thumb_IMG_5712_1024

PROST

Relish Ⓥersatility

thumb_IMG_5157_1024

Relish ingredients:

  • Cucumber (4.5) @ $0.70 = $0.16 per serving, deseeded and diced
  • Onion (4) @ $0.80 = $0.20 per serving, diced
  • Tomato (6) @ $1.50 = $0.25, deseeded and deiced
  • Serrano Pepper (8) @ $1.17 = $0.15, deseeded and diced
  • Celery Seed/Celery Salt/Pepper = $0.05 per serving
  • Garlic (3) @ $0.24 = $0.08, minced
  • Mustard = $0.05 per serving , ground
  • Basil (10) @ $3.00 = $0.30, freshly chopped

Mix & have fun with.

A good Vegan Dawg, to me, is spiritly uplifting.

thumb_IMG_5121_1024

Ⓥ Char Dawg ingredients:

  • Lightlife Smart Dawgs, charred
  • Buns
  • Relish, mmmmm
  • Mustard, optional
  • catsup/ketchup/tomato flavored sugar, NOT AN OPTION

thumb_IMG_5340_1024

Gnocchi Ⓥreatness ingredients:

  • Gnocchi, I used packaged whole wheat
  • Capers, mmmmm
  • Relish, mmmmm
  • Spinach, basil-sliced
  • Brown Sugar/SeaSalt/Pepper
  • Sriracha
  • Nutritional Yeast
  • Dill

thumb_IMG_5017_1024

Ⓥimmitation ingredients:

  • Ⓥ patty, I used Hilary’s

  • Ⓥ bacon, Sweet Earth

  • Daiya, provolone and block cheddar
  • Relish, mmmmm
  • Bun, gourmet/large/yummy
  • Spinach, basil-sliced
  • Pepper
  • Vegenaise, mmmmmm

It’s not burger, it’s not bacon, it’s not cheese, that is not an egg… It is Plant Based win-win happy food! Healthy tastes so good!

Ground Tempeh ingredients:

  • Onion, diced
  • Tempeh, crumbled
  • Celery, diced
  • Sriracha/Balsamic Vinegar
  • Salt/Pepper/ChiliP
  • Serrano, deseeded & diced
  • Garlic, minced
  • Soy, saucy

thumb_IMG_5315_1024

Tempehito ingredients:

  • Ground Tempeh
  • Rice, cooked
  • Relish, mmmm
  • Spinach, basil-sliced
  • Potato, chopped & sauteed
  • Tortilla

Daiya’s Patatas ingredients:

  • Potatoes, chopped
  • Daiya, mmmmmmmm
  • Salt/Pepper/Rosemary/Caraway/Fennel/Dill
  • Relish, mmmmm
  • Tempeh, sauteed

And construct.

thumb_IMG_5279_1024

Rice-Spinach-Relish Burrito ingredients:

  • Rice, cooked
  • Spinach, basil-sliced
  • Relish, mmmmmmm
  • Tortilla
  • Potatoes or something, on the side

thumb_IMG_5359_1024

Ⓥ Fry ingredients:

  • Cauiflower, chopped
  • Tofu, cubed
  • Daiya, mmmmmmmm
  • Garlic, minced
  • Turmeric, minced
  • Ginger, minced
  • Serrano, deseeded and diced
  • Relish, mmmmmmmmmmm
  • SeaSalt/Pepper/Paprika/OnionP/NutritionalYeast
  • Balsamic Vinegar
  • Carrot, stringiness
  • Soy sauce

Have fun and Fry away.

thumb_IMG_5439_1024

Tofempehwich ingredients:

  • Tofu, grilled
  • Tempeh, grilled
  • Daiya, mmmmm
  • Bun, gurmet
  • Spinach, basil-sliced
  • Relish, mmmmmmm

Suggestion: Enjoy a delicious high octane brew and have fun session.

thumb_IMG_5333_1024

Reward: A decent buzz and good food.

thumb_IMG_4211_1024

Xmas Feast

I might’ve been guilty of forcing family members to enjoy  a taste of Veganism this holiday season. I did make sure it would be super tasty. This was my second Tofurky Veggie Roast made in the last month. I had already come up with an idea before actually reading their instructions/recommendations. I was glad we were on the same page.

thumb_IMG_4513_1024

I made two different feasts a couple of weeks apart. Both being very similar, the first being a trial. It took me quite a few minutes to make sense of my notes, but I think I got it. I think we’re good. Let’s go!

thumb_IMG_3567_1024

The only mistake was not being sober enough both instances to take a decent picture. My tastebuds, however, took a few amazing photographs.

Trial Xmas Feast ingredients:

  • ⓋraⓋy or GraⓋy

  • Tofurky Veggie Roast, thawed
  • Veggies
  • A beer or two to help the brain to think freely

thumb_IMG_3995_1024

ⓋraⓋy or GraⓋy ingredients:

  • Chipotle/Chili/Paprika seasonings
  • Fresh Garlic/Turmeric, minced
  • SeaSalt/pepper/Sage/Savory
  • NutritionalYeast/LiquidSmoke/BrownSugar
  • Oil/BalsamicVinegar
  • Water
  • Onion/Celery/Carrot/Mushroom/Radish, super diced
  • Serrano, deseed or not for more spice, super diced

thumb_IMG_4539_1024

GraⓋy grooiness:

  • Heat oil and add Turmeric & Garlic and slightly brown.
  • Add super diced Veggies and stir for 10 minutes.
  • Season, add Balsamic Vinegar/Liquid Smoke and cook for a few more minutes before adding water.
  • Simmer and cook down before blending for smootherness.

thumb_IMG_4512_1024

Veggie Mix ingredients:

  • Brown Rice, dry
  • Carrots, baby
  • Celery, chopped
  • Onion, sliced or diced
  • Potato, chopped
  • Lightlife ‘Sausage’ & ‘Beef’, torn
  • Raw Cashews, smashed
  • SeaSalt/Pepper/Fennel/Rosemary
  • Broth/BalsamicVinegar
  • Lentils, dry

Mix. And don’t worry about getting those Cashews too smashed. They can hold their own.

thumb_IMG_3694_1024

Use a casserole dish and fill with Veggies. Make Veggie Roast fit in the middle of Veggies and cover with GraⓋy. Save GraⓋy for afterwards, also.

thumb_IMG_4511_1024thumb_IMG_4510_1024

Very tasty and a job well done; deserving some tinkering for a Xmas meal.

thumb_IMG_3786_1024

Xmas Feast ingredients:

  • GraⓋy
  • Tofurky Veggie Roast, thawed
  • Veggies
  • I refrained from a deliciously good beer until party time, but be my guest!

GraⓋy ingredients:

  • Broth, veggie of course
  • Balsamic Vinegar
  • Salt/Pepper/GarlicP/OnionP/Paprika/ChiliP
  • Fresh Garlic/Turmeric, minced
  • Oil/LiquidSmoke/NutritionalYeast/BrownSugar
  • Soyrizzo
  • Serrano, deseeded or not, diced
  • Cilantro, chopped
  • Mushroom, super diced
  • Carrot, super diced
  • Celery, super diced
  • Onion, super diced
  • Bell Peppers (green,yellow,red), super diced

I wanted to go with a mexican warmer Gravy, cooking down all of the flavors for some time before blending.

thumb_IMG_4509_1024

Veggie Mix ingredients:

  • Brussels Sprouts, sliced
  • Potato (Sweet and Russet), chopped in-skin
  • Carrot, baby
  • Onion, sliced or diced
  • Salt/Pepper/Rosemary/Fennel
  • Broth
  • Beans (I used Northern), undercooked
  • Brown Rice, dry
  • Tofu, extra firm
  • Vegan ‘Bacon’, sliced

Mix. Same as my Trial Feast, let this baby cook and intensify its wonderful flavor.

thumb_IMG_4269_1024thumb_IMG_4507_1024

Couldn’t be happier of the Xmas Feast’s results.

thumb_IMG_3797_1024thumb_IMG_3153_1024

I hope y’all had a wonderful Christmas! Onto the new year!

ⓋLT Science

I’ve been vigorously trying to construct the perfect ‘blt’ever since finding Sweet Earth ‘Bacon’ in early December for the first time. It is a great product and will continue to purchase it. However, I’ve come to the conclusion that any ⓋLT is not perfect unless I have made my own Vegan bacon or Seican. I have a recipe map already made up, just need to pull that trigger and kill some plants! I truly hate plants and hope that they all die.

thumb_IMG_3135_1024

A ⓋLT (Vegan BLT) is common sense and easy to make and configure. I did make Vegan Island Dressing.

thumb_IMG_3232_1024

Vegan Island Dressing ingredients:

  • Vegenaise, mmmm (64) @ $9.98 = $0.16 per serving
  • Cucumber, deseeded & diced (4.5) @ $0.70 = $0.16 per serving
  • Radish, diced (7.5) @$1.19 = $0.16 per serving
  • Celery seed = $0.05 per serving (probably less)
  • Seasonings: GarlicP/OnionP/Paprika/Salt/Pepper/Sugar = $0.05 per serving
  • Shallot, diced (4.5) @ $0.72 = $0.16 per serving
  • Sriracha (96) @ $2.97 = $0.04 per serving
  • Balsamic Vinegar (32) @ $2.97 = $0.10 per serving

Prep, Mix & Spread. For roughly 88 cents per serving and for the number of servings you can have, the punch in the mouth of flavor compared to cost is unreal. Making a Vegan BLT with Vegan Island and pairing with a nice (local) IPA hits the spot so hard.

thumb_IMG_3264_1024

The only things that I can recommend for awesome VLTs are:

  • Use fresh Veggies
  • Use good Bread
  • Toast the Bread
  • And prep your own Veggies
  • Use your imagination 🙂

CAUTION:

ⓋLT pictures and adaptations to follow…

thumb_IMG_3146_1024thumb_IMG_3474_1024thumb_IMG_3170_1024thumb_IMG_3465_1024thumb_IMG_3708_1024thumb_IMG_3792_1024thumb_IMG_4461_1024thumb_IMG_3706_1024thumb_IMG_4037_1024thumb_HQUS6724_1024thumb_IMG_3744_1024

I’ve also found it better to use the Vegan ‘bacon’ right out of the package. I hope everyone takes pride in the Quality of their pictures as much as I do. QUALITYoverQUANTITY. Have fun & be healthy! Happy SUNDAY!

Battle

Many folks say that things happen for a reason. Prove it on an astronomical level and disprove that shit just happens. There is a huge difference from cause and effect and fate, basically being the difference of air and water between all living beings. 

thumb_IMG_4445_1024

Tonight’s ride attempt was a fail. Hence, my battle. I am not a prancy-everything-has-to-be-perfect, cyclist. I am a grinder and a true sport. I got off of work early today to follow that with having a beer with my boss. I decided to ignore the wet atmosphere generously dampening my world and suited up to hop on the Fat Bike.  I, first of all, encountered a flood I was not going to ride through. I unclipped left and couldn’t unclip right and immediately noticed that I lost a screw.

thumb_IMG_4457_1024

The Elements and Technology hit me hard. Using the Fat Bike and my one free foot for balance on a damp slight slope was not easily achievable for first to get my foot out of my Bontrager cycling shoe and two to then remove my shoe from the Crank Brothers Eggbeater pedal to better protect my cold foot from the cold wetness. I threw in the white flag and walked the bike home. I am thankful for this happening close to home. I am thankful for bringing beers.

thumb_IMG_4456_1024

I have lost a battle, however, I will win the war.

thumb_IMG_4458_1024

#RIDEON

thumb_IMG_4455_1024

LBⓋ 11/10 Roasted Potatoes

LBⓋ = Low Budget Ⓥegan

thumb_IMG_4261_1024

MERRY CHRISTMAS, y’all!

thumb_CZLT5224_1024

Good food, good beer, a bit of time on my CROSSMAS bike (2014 TREK CrossRip aka HULKRIP) and not to mention quality family time is the perfect balance of greatness for I to strive this holiday season.

thumb_IMG_4245_1024

My sisters were mentioning that I need to write a cook book. I failed to mention all of you wonderful people that I annoy and torture with my deafening words and blinding pictures on WordPress. I will, however, take it into consideration.

thumb_IMG_4249_1024

It is oftenly easy to get ahead of yourself (myself) and experiment with food. Which is great, but not the best thing to do with family as your test bunnies unless you do not like them. There is nothing wrong with keeping things simple. I made Roasted Potatoes and a mastered experimental dish that I’ll get into another time. I will seriously not be climbing into the casserole dish with all of that glorious food consuming space waiting to be embraced inside of my tummy. Apologies for any misleads. I have an idea for bread, but decided to hold off and do that concept as a project just for myself. Crafting your (my) Ⓥ experiments before sharing is ideal. And it pans out. Happiness and joy to follow. Nothing is more satisfying (to me) than showing off a successful experimental dish you (I) constructed.

thumb_IMG_4250_1024

LBⓋ 11/10 Roasted Potatoes ingredients:

  • Red Potato (15) @ $2.49 = $0.17 per serving
  • Sriracha (96) @ $2.97 = $0.04 per serving
  • Balsamic Vinegar (32) = $0.10 per serving
  • Seasonings: Salt/Pepper/Oil/Rosemary/Basil = $0.08 per serving

Potato Process:)

  • Chop potatoes and from a decent distance, throw into large mixing bowl;)
  • Add everything except Basil and mix.
  • I put on baking sheet and wrapped with foil.
  • I baked for 60-75 minutes before removing foil and broiling slightly to finish.
  • Garnish with Basil and transfer to be made presentable.
  • At a whopping $0.39 per serving, this is a simple no-brainer for a side dish.

thumb_IMG_4265_1024

Happy Crossmas!

I & M Canal’s Issue

The Illinos & Michigan Canal united the East Coast to the Gulf of Mexico with easier access as of 1848. According to Wikipedia, since 1964 eight engineered canal locks were designated a National Historic Landmark.

IMG_2396

I’ve been getting to know this historic path extremely well since 2012. I documented a ride in September, 2012 that did not show any signs of a washout. I only documented aftermath of a fire that burned a field. And I have experienced and taken at least one decent bicycle ride via I&M Towpath that was washout-free. I remember this individual ride because of pictures and it was my contemplation process of ending a relationship. Without any detours or hazards, it was a free-thinking and relaxing ride.

IMG_4354_1024

In September the following (2013) year, was my next documentation of the I&M Canal. The towpath and I became close from then on. Ever since 2013 the same washout has been between Utica, IL and Ottawa, IL like one side is Mexico and the other the U.S with neither claiming the territory resulting in ultimate neglect..

Starved Rock State Park

There has been washouts along the Illinois & Michigan Canal, but have been fixed. There has been a near washout along the Hennepin Canal and even that has been fixed.

thumb_IMG_3688_1024

And then.

Hennepin Canal

The most West part of the I&M Canal does contain a rich Irish and Polish heritage equalling a poor catholic culture with a life involved around hefty drinking and vices.

Illinois Valley History

Furthermore, The I&M Canal provides immense opportunities for various activities from walking, running, adventurism and cycling. To pass the washout in and concludes risking injury, breaking the law, taking a high traffic road, and/or traveling extremely out of the way defeating the purpose of a worry free environment in which to roam.

I have heard IDNR has projected the project at a cost around $300,000.

Local businesses have offered to fund and construct permanent results only to be turned down. I’ve had about enough of this hazard/annoyance/apathy/lack-of-government-help

10455639_10205979193658863_1813363887024255375_n

There has even been rumors of the BEAUTIFUL Starved Rock park to be promoted to a National Park. How is this neglect possible just outside of this unique beauty?

thumb_IMG_0191_1024

Just hoping for a miracle. Please share.

Happy Monday!

LBⓋ 10/10 CHILI

My mother, the wonderful angel she is, made Vegan Chili for me the other night. It was nothing spectacular other than her kindness and simplistically comforting Chili flavor. I decided to try out block Daiya for the first time and prepare Chili ‘Cheese’ ‘Steak’ Fries. I also included a Chili recipe within my Low Budget Ⓥegan concept.

Last night I purchased a used, but basically new FAT BIKE as most components were not used except for wheels and frame. It has been nicknamed Arrogant Bastard.

thumb_IMG_3190_1024

I often come across things on Netflix that are popular and OK, but not very good in my opinion. I sometimes continue to watch them because hunting for something you feel like watching is the entirety of the battle. And then I came across this and the war has been victorious!

Real Rob

thumb_IMG_3227_1024

Low Budget Ⓥegan Chili 10/10 ingredients:

  • Celery, diced (13) @ $0.39 = $0.03 per serving
  • Onion, diced (5) @ $0.80 = $0.16 per serving
  • Carrot, diced (12) @ $0.84 = $0.07 per serving
  • Sweet peppers, diced (2.75) @ $2.50 = $0.91 per serving
  • Stewed Tomatoes (6) @ $2.19 = $0.37 per serving
  • Tomato Paste (5) @ $0.58 = $0.12 per serving
  • Broth (4) @ $1.98 = $0.50 per serving
  • Dry Pinto Beans (13) @ $1.12 = $0.09 per serving
  • Dry Kidney beans (13) @ $1.16 = $0.10 per serving
  • Dry Black Eyed Peas (13) @ $1.52 = $0.12 per serving
  • Corn, canned (3.5) @ $0.50 = $0.15 per serving
  • Seasonings: GarlicP/OnionP/Paprika/Salt/Pepper/ BrownSugar/Cayenne = $0.06 per serving
  • Saltines (30) @ $1.78 = $0.06 per serving

thumb_IMG_3179_1024

Approach: 

  • I decided to cut out the use of any Oil for this Recipe.
  • I pre cooked Beans together for 60-75 minutes.
  • I chopped all Veggies and strained Beans and Corn.
  • Add Tomatoes and Paste. Fill Paste cans with Veggie Broth and add all ingredients with remaining Broth.
  • Add Pasty Broth and Season
  • Bring to boil, cover, simmer and periodically stir
  • GO FOR A FAT BIKE RIDE IN THE WET AND COLD AND COME BACK AND ENJOY!

thumb_IMG_3226_1024

It may be a bit deceiving at a whopping $2.74 per serving for this Chili, but the amount of serving are plentiful.

thumb_IMG_3177_1024

The block Daiya ‘cheddar cheese’ did not melt as I thought it would, but was extremely tasty!

thumb_IMG_3231_1024

Chili ‘Cheese’ ‘Steak’ Fries ingredients:

  • Potatoes, sliced and grilled (20) @ $2.99 = $0.15 per serving
  • Vegenaise, mmmm (64) @$9.98 = $0.16 per serving
  • Spinach, sliced (12) @$2.99 = $0.25 per serving
  • Chili, mmmm = $2.74 per serving unless MOM makes it for you 🙂
  • Daiya ‘cheese’ (7) @$5.95 = $0.85 per serving

Barrel Rolls:

  • Grill Potatoes
  • Slice Spinach and Daiya from block
  • Place Potatoes on plate and bake with heated Chili and Daiya.
  • Add Daiya and Vegenaise 🙂

thumb_PJDY3699_1024