The Half-Way Mark

      We have two weeks under our hemp belts, and two weeks more to go in the 30 day vegan challenge. Ironically, the Wisconsin cheese head may be doing the best with the psychological part of the contest. The other two standing are admitting to intermittent uphill battles with the dairy demon, the butter beast, and the claw-footed cream creature. But many days or parts of days are truly fine, good, even excellent in terms of how cleansed we feel, and how good simple vegetable-based food can taste.

      One successful new meal we had this week is: pizza made with purchased Vicolo cornmeal crusts available in two packs at Whole Foods or other similar stores (thanks Liz and Kate for the idea!) topped with home made tomato sauce (see below), mirin and herb sauteed mushrooms, wilted greens ( baby spinach and kale), sliced olives, artichoke or eggplant tapenade (you can buy pre made or make it yourself), roasted fingerling potatoes, soy mozzarella and whatever other veggies you want to throw on there. Baking directions are on the crust package.

     Here's how I made the sauce: Saute sliced or diced onion in garlic oil (see previous blog) until soft and translucent. Add a little red wine and dried herbs and cook until wine is reduced. Throw in washed chopped tomatoes of all kinds- so plentiful right now in gardens and produce stores. I used some Romas, heirlooms, sungolds, beef steak, whatever. Add one can of tomato paste; I love Muir Glen organic paste (and all their tomato products!), some veggie broth or water, but not too much because the tomatoes juice out their own liquid while cooking, and a little black pepper. Cook gently for a couple hours till all the flavors have melted together, and the mixture is very soft. Blend with the blender stick or in a food processor until soft and then quickly put through the Mouli food mill so that your sauce has no pieces of tomato skin.

      And right now, we have a cauliflower and potato soup bubbling on the stove; outside it's foggy and cool, fall knocking on summer's door. And here in our cozy home, we are doing the Funky Chicken substitute dance to celebrate that there are only 15 more days of this extreme sport.