Seitan and Barley Bowl with Lemony Tahini Sauce

I've learned that while I don't really need to leave my house, I do need to eat. So I feel completely guilt -free when I take a few minutes to cook and post my study break meals. I get to share cool recipes and not starve. I'd say its a win-win. This delicious bowl is jam packed with goodness: barley, kale and seitan, smothered in a creamy (but diary free) sauce. It really can stand as a meal all on its on. Perfect when you're big on hunger and short on time. 

Seitan and Barley Bowl with Lemony Tahini Sauce

Here's What You Need:

• 1 1/2 cup Brown barley cooked

• 3 cups kale

• 10 oz can of braised Gluten aka Seitan Tidbits Drained*

• 1 tsp sesame seeds ( optional garnish)

Tahini Lemon Sauce

• 2 Tbs Soy Sauce

• 2 Tbs Tahini

•  1 1/2 Tbs Lemon Juice

• 1 Tbs Rice Vinegar

• 1 Tbs Water

• 1 Tbs Olive Oil

• 1 tsp garlic minced

• 1/2 tsp ground ginger

Here's What You've Got To Do: 

• Mix all of the ingredients for the sauce in a small mixing bowl and set aside

• In a large pan, over a medium heat, sauté the seitan until it becomes a deep brown (around 10 minutes)

• Add kale to the pan and cook until the kale begins to wilt. 

• Add the brown rice and Lemon tahini sauce to the pan.  

• Split between two bowls and garnish with sesame seeds. 

 Serves 2 very hungry people

( Or in my case, one hungry person who loves left overs!)

I found the canned Seitan at my local Asian Grocery store $1.69/10oz can*

I used 10 minute Barley from Trader Joe's. I made the whole bag according to the directions and have been throwing barley in everything, salads stir fries, the dog's bowl. 

Tahini is a paste made from hulled and ground sesame seeds. You can usually find it in the Kosher section of your local grocery store. 

Life is Delicious...Go Taste It!

Chick Pea and Arugula Salad

Studying for the bar leaves little time for fancy meals so quick and dirty is my m.o. these days. Today, these were the ingredients I had on hand so I made the best of them. Lo and behold, my best turned out to be pretty darned good. I'm hoping for a similar outcome with the bar exam. This simple and hearty salad can easily be served as an entree. 

Dressing: 

2 tbspn lemon juice

2 tbspn seasoned rice vinegar

1 tbsm olive oil

1 tspn minced garlic

1/8 tspn salt

Salad Ingredients:
2 cups of cooked brown rice (cooled to room temperature)
4 cups arugula
14 oz can of Fire Roasted and diced tomatoes
14 oz can drained and rinsed chickpeas
1/3 cup feta cheese crumbled (can be omitted for some vegan lovin')


Serves 4
1) In a medium bowl, mix all of the dressing ingredients together.
2) In four large salad bowls divide all of the ingredients evenly among 4 bowls.
3) Pour 1/4 of the dressing over each of the salads and Serve.

Life Is Delicious... Go Taste It!

High Waist and High Hopes

Last night I rubbed elbows with some progressive Arizonians. I know to some folks this sounds oxymoronic. But there is a great movement of forward thinking and fabulously clad women ( and male allies) working toward social change here in the valley. Arizona's List is a great organization that supports progressive minded women who want to run for an elected office. They provide training,  mentorship, and a solid network for aspiring candidates. The event was held in a modern but warm home right in the Midtown Corridor. It was business casual but the crowd was as friendly as they come. I paired a black and white turtle neck with high waisted cropped trousers for the engagement.

Looking ahead in a casual striped turtle neck from Ann Taylor Loft,

J. Crew high waisted trousers, ( part of a suit, but I opted to go sans matching jacket)

Tip: High waisted pants make your legs look a million miles long.

Green triangle earring: Vintage

There is my clay bead ring from the Yellow Green Farmer's Market in Hollywood, Florida. 

Nail Polish is "Jungle Me" from H&M

Vintage Shoes: Comet Vintage in Chicago (Pilsen) 

A Studious Rebel

Bar Prep has begun. It is the time in every law school graduate's life when they question their sanity and decision making skills. Four years of undergraduate studies, three years of law school and tons of hard work and it all comes down to a test that lasts for two  days and determines whether or not you will be able to practice law.
No pressure. Well these posts will sadly become few and far between because, let's face it, I will likely be wearing the finest in comfy wear for the next seven weeks; leaving the house only for groceries and the library. I'm not complaining this is what I signed up for.
I will find small joys in my study time. One little bright spot came this weekend when I realized I finally saved six empty MAC containers for their recycle program. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, here is the deal: MAC Cosmetics will give you a FREE lipstick when you bring in six empty MAC containers for their recycle program. This includes eyeshadow compacts, lipstick tubes, concealer bottles etc.
Now, before you go digging through your trash, only free standing MAC Cosmetic stores will honor your coupon of sorts. So, the MAC counter at Macy's will not give you a free lipstick , but the stand alone store filled  with music and multicolored makeup artists will.  I scored my new favorite color: Rebel.  How appropriate since I really should have been writing practice eassays when I stole away to the mall for some discounted fun. The dramatic plum hued lip color is perfect for cold weather and fresh enough that I think I'll be able to pull it off in well into the spring. The satin formula offers a rich color and deep moisture for your kissers.

MAC Satin Finish lipstick in Rebel

Such a Rebel!

Life is Delicious...Go Taste It!

Side zip Jacket: H&M - Myeongdong

Glasses: Michael Kors

Beret: Street Vendor in South Korea

Photos: Me