How I became a VEGETARIAN

I have been a vegetarian since I was 9 years old. I simply stopped liking meat, chicken and fish. I do eat dairy products, however I rarely eat eggs and they have to be camouflaged and burnt to a crisp.

I have never been a good cook and my poor children had to suffer through the less than desirable meals that I would serve to them. To this day they joke about memorable disaster dishes that I put in front of them. Burnt steak still frozen in the middle was probably one of the most embarrassing moments. I did make tasty birthday cakes for them, except for one year when the center was raw! I have to laugh, cooking is just not my thing.

A few years ago my friend Sue made me this sinfully delicious dinner as a house warming meal. She knew it would be the only time that my stove would get any use, and it was! 

 Susan's Kitchen: Boiled fiddleheads made with butter, lemon salt and pepper. Pasta with garlic, butter & parmesan. Ciabbata rolls with fresh mozzarella, tomato, cucumbers, fresh basil leaves.  

Now that I am living alone and my children have all moved out on their own, I do not cook for myself at all, ever! I am always getting asked, "what the heck do you eat." To answer this question I have listed literally all of the food that I have in my house at all times. I eat tiny portions all day long from the second I wake up until right before bed. Basically I snack all day with no large meals. This keeps my metabolism fueled and I never feel hungry. *Please note I am not promoting that my food choices are considered healthy or nutritionally balanced. This is just how I eat and what works for my body. 

Another question that I get asked a lot is, "what do you eat when you go out to dinner?" I never restrict myself from enjoying food. It's all about portion control. I usually order side dishes or I will take a doggie bag home and eat leftovers the next day. I have started taking pictures of every meal that I order when I go out. I have an extremely bland taste pallet and I am doing my best to try new things.  

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Apple Walnut SALAD

Beautiful combination of tastes. Love the apples and walnuts together!

Autumn FLATBREAD

I wish I could say that this beautiful flatbread tasted better than it looked. Roasted butternut squash, caramelized onions, arugula pesto, toasted almonds, ricotta salata. I was so excited to try it but it was extremely dry. If the bread was moist this would have been a winner!

Veggie PIZZA

I love this pizza!! Super thin crust, mozzarella, fresh tomatoes, artichoke hearts, broccoli, sprinkled with Parmesan. Yummmm :)

Vegetable Risotto Balls

I really enjoy plain food for some reason. I don't like food that is too rich, or fried, or full of sauces, but I decided to give these Risotto Balls a try. I did eat one and that was enough of the richness for me. I would have enjoyed a side of the Vegetable Risotto without the fried coating.

Artichoke Tomato PIZZA

Thin crust Pizza with mozzarella, tomatoes, artichokes. Sometimes I will add broccoli and garlic also. Yummm!!

Japanese: Mixed Vegetable Rolls

Vegetable Rolls with Cucumbers, Carrots, Avocado, wrapped in Rice Paper. The other Rolls are all Cucumber wrapped in Rice Paper. I like them with plain Soy Sauce.

Gelato & Biscotti DESSERT

This was so deliciously rich and creamy! Mocha, Carmel, Gelato with a heavenly Gram cracker Crust. Whipped cream & Biscotti cookies on the side.

Tomato, Cucumber SALAD

This salad is one of the best I have ever had. It literally made my mouth water! Heirloom Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Green Beans, Red Onion, Lemon Vinaigrette.

Japanese Avocado Rolls

Avocado & Peanuts wrapped in Rice Paper (no seaweed) dipped in soy sauce. Salted Edamame. My favorite!

Couscous & Veggies

Couscous boiled in water, yellow squash, zucchini, chick peas, white kidney beans, sun dried tomato, artichoke hearts. Delicious!