Snooze

This place is on the list for my next trip to Denver. It’s a breakfast joint and they’re committed to locally sourced and delicious food as well as to recycling about ninety percent of their waste.

Plus one percent of their sales go back to the community.

If the food is half as good as their philosophies, there’s much to look forward to. They even have vegan and vegetarian options as well as some French toast that looks divine. The creativity and consideration toward non-carnivores found in small chains like this place makes dining out fun for people like me.

Want to learn more? Visit their website!

Are you in the area? I would love a review! Meanwhile, I’m just gonna enjoy this fabulous sign!

Voodoo Donuts

When my friend picked me up from Denver International Airport we were together for all of about eight minutes when she announced that there was a donut shop we had to try.

Being the supportive friend that I am, I thought that sounded great.

It is a chain but each location is said to have its own flare. While the decor is kitschy and fun, no one goes for the artwork.

They have a huge selection of yeast and cake donuts in more flavors than I can recall. Some are vegan. All look delicious.

I got a hot chocolate and a vegan maple cream to enjoy on our journey that day. It was soft and just the right degree of sweet. I also picked up one with Oreos and peanut butter to enjoy later.

That one required a fork and plate as you can see from the picture above..

They have a number of seasonal items like a pumpkin cannolo and a pumpkin spice cake donut topped with cream cheese icing.

There are the regulars with jelly or creamy fillings and some with creative names like Oh Captain, My Captain which is a vehicle for a mound of Captain Crunch cereal. The Memphis Mafia involves peanut butter, chocolate and cinnamon.

How could you go wrong?

There was a study done some years ago that found that food is more attractive when placed in a lit and rotating case. If that’s true, the two revolving and thoughtfully lit tall cases of donuts in motion was overkill.

They look amazing standing still. And the smell is heavenly too.

There are two Voodoo Donuts locations in Denver and more in Oregon, Texas, California and Florida. If you’re in the vicinity, my advice is that you find your way there. Want to learn more? Visit their website!

Food Prep And Relaxation

Relaxation comes in different forms for different people. Personally, I find prepping for the week ahead very relaxing. Since I’m going back to the office today after some time working from home, yesterday morning was all about making food for the week and getting ready for my first workweek away from home.

I had become spoiled by not having to plan and pack lunches, opting instead to just walk into the kitchen and make something. I could throw a load of laundry into wash in the morning before work and put it away at lunchtime.

Since visiting the lunch room at work isn’t something I’m willing to do, I made pasta salad to go with a nice veggie tray or spinach salad.

I also made some chocolate chocolate chip zucchini bread to slice for the freezer, homemade granola and a mess of beans.

A veggie plate and fruit tray for the fridge encourage me to nibble on healthy snacks.

The two loaves of chocolate chocolate chip zucchini bread didn’t rise well but taste amazing. They have already been sliced and frozen for later.

In all, it was a productive morning and it felt good to make some things. It’s especially rewarding to make things that can be appreciate later. It’s probably odd that I relax while doing work but it really does feel good!

The Games We Play: Healthy Food Edition

I learned something about myself last week. When there are nicely arranged platters of fruits and veggies in the fridge, I eat about five times more fresh produce in a day than if it were all packaged up in separate containers.

It would be lovely to say that I’m exaggerating but it’s true! I had made fruit and veggie platters for a small retirement get together for my dad. Leftovers came home with me and I nibbled on them till they were completely gone. So I made smaller versions and found myself eating fresh veggies with every single meal!

What can I say? I’m a visual person and I like pretty things! Oh, the games I play to be healthier!

Beyond Burger

A recent trip through Kroger revealed a refrigerated case full of Beyond Burger patties near the check out. I squealed like a little girl and grabbed a package to try.

I’ve had Beyond Burger in restaurants but never had the opportunity to cook it at home.

In case you’re not familiar, it is a simulated beef that contains no meat or dairy. If you eat beef every day, it may be a clear imposter. However, if you’re like me and haven’t tasted cow in a while, it’s a convincing replacement. The texture and taste are great but I will admit that it doesn’t smell quite right. It doesn’t smell bad – just not right. However, it cooks up nicely with no shrinkage and good flavor.

If you are a beef eater and are happy doing that, say no more. Do your thing. I’m not interested in pushing my choices off on anyone.

If you’re interested in eating less meat, this might be a good way to ease into it. And if you’re vegan or vegetarian like me, it’s a fun way to have something that reminds you of your old life without harming an animal or eating meat.

When I stopped eating meat some years ago, there were few faux meats worth eating. Thankfully, many advancements have been made and the options are broadening rapidly. It’s fun rolling up to Burger King for an Impossible Whopper or finding really good fake chicken tenders in the frozen food section.

This stuff is still processed and not something we should be eating every day but it’s a great treat and I highly recommend giving Beyond Burger a whirl if you’re so inclined.

Happiness Is…

Happiness is a homemade meal that comes together in mere minutes. This veggie enchilada dish allowed me to use up odds and ends of yellow squash, onion, peppers, mushrooms, broccoli and spinach that might have been wasted. It took just a few minutes to prep and twenty minutes to bake!

Happiness is also homemade “Nicecream” made in the blender with just three ingredients – all of which have names you can pronounce!