Keepin' It Kind

Since moving to Marina del Rey two years ago, we’ve discovered several things about our neighborhood.  We share the ‘hood with a TON of ducks (Chris and I refer to them as the Duck Gangs since they hang out in packs) and though they are partial to kicking it in front of the library, you can sometimes find them mischievously loitering in front of our home.  I think you are required to have a canine companion to live here, as dogs make up a strong majority of the demographic here in the marina, and you will likely learn your neighbor’s dog’s name before you learn your neighbor’s.  Our neighborhood, though usually quiet and peaceful, becomes a mad house during the holidays, the fourth of July being no exception.

Each of the streets in our neighborhood are walking streets, which during large holidays, such as the 4th, turn into street-long parties, red Solo cups in the hands of each inhabitant.  Our usually deserted beach is absolutely packed.  After 2 or 3pm, the main street, which adjoins all the little walking streets, closes to car traffic so you are unable to come or go unless you are on bike or foot.  This is not really mine or Chris’s scene, so we prefer to stay in with all windows open so we can eavesdrop on the hilarious drunken conversations which occur.  Our favorite from this last Memorial Day: Drunk Man (addressing his dog):  “I love you man, but barking has always been your downfall.”

Since we are planning on staying in, and we are twinless for the week, we are planning a festive little menu for two.  For the main course, I will be serving some baked BBQ Tofu Cutlets.  This is basically the same recipe that I used here, but in cutlet form, and seemingly sprinkled with a little more awesomeness.  For the salad, we have a cucumber salad, with quinoa and lentils, in a avo-pesto dressing (inspired by Caralyn’s recipe over at Gluten Free Happy Tummy).  This salad is so incredibly bright and refreshing, but filling enough to be an entree salad if desired.  For our side, we’re doing the classic corn on the cob, boiled on the stove-top, just like dad used to do it (but served with homemade vegan butter, which is not like dad used to do it).

Whatever your plans, be it partying like a rockstar, or staying in for the day, I hope this gives you some fun ideas for your 4th of July menu.  Have fun!

BAKED BBQ TOFU CUTLETS

makes 8 triangles

Ingredients:

• 1 package of extra-firm tofu, drained and pressed overnight or up to 24 hours
• 1/2 cup + 1-2 T barbecue sauce, separated (I like the Homemade BBQ Sauce from Veganomicon, if you want to make it yourself, but I just used Organicville’s Tangy Barbecue Sauce, made with Agave Nectar)
• 1 1/2 T balsamic vinegar
• 1 1/2 T Bragg Liquid Aminos (or tamari/soy sauce)

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375.  Lightly grease, or spray with olive oil, a shallow baking dish, such as a 9×9 casserole dish.

• In a small bowl, combine the 1/3 cup barbecue sauce, balsamic vinegar and Bragg Liquid Aminos.  Pour into the shallow baking dish.

• Halve the pressed block of tofu, horizontally.  Thinly slice the two blocks into two thinner blocks, so you have 4 tofu sheets, all roughly 2 inches by 4 inches.  Cut each of the “sheets” diagonally so that you have 8 triangles.

• Place the triangles in the barbecue sauce mixture and flip to coat each side.  Spread the triangles out evenly in the dish.

• Place the baking dish in the oven and allow tofu to bake for 30 minutes, flipping the triangles halfway through to cook both sides evenly.

• After 30 minutes, drizzle 1-2 tablespoons of barbecue sauce over the tofu and toss to combine.  Place back in the oven for another 10 minutes, flipping halfway to cook both sides.  Remove from oven and serve immediately.  Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.  Enjoy!

AVO-PESTO CUCUMBER QUINOA SALAD

Ingredients:

for the pesto-mole:

• ½ bunch cilantro
• 2 cloves garlic
• juice from 1 lime
• ½ tsp olive oil
• ½ avocado, mashed
• ½ cup frozen peas, defrosted
• dash of paprika
• salt and pepper to taste

for the salad:

• 1 cucumber, or half of an English cucumber (in the plastic wrapper), quartered and thinly sliced
• ½ cup cooked lentils
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• ¼ onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ tsp olive oil

Instructions:

• In the bowl of a food processor, combine all the first four ingredients of the pesto-mole and process until combined.  Add the avocado, peas, and paprika and process until smooth.  Chill until ready to use.

• In a small pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.  Add the onion and garlic and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until onion is translucent and garlic is golden.  Remove from heat.

• In a large bowl, combine the cucumber, lentils, quinoa, onion, garlic, and the pesto-mole.  Mix to combine.  Serve immediately or cover and chill until ready to serve.  It will keep for about 1-2 days.  Enjoy!

BASIC CORN ON THE COB

makes 2 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 ears of corn, husks removed and cleaned
• ½ -1 tsp vegan butter
• salt and pepper to taste
• several dashes of paprika (optional)
• 4 corn cob skewer/prongs

Instructions:

• Fill a large, shallow saucepan with water, and place pan on the stove.  Place ears of corn in the water and bring the water to a boil.  Once the water is boiling, let the corn cook for about 2-3 more minutes, then remove from water.

• Insert the corn cob skewer/prongs into each end and place the cobs on a plate or small tray.  Use a butter knife to spread the butter on each of the ears, letting it melt and fully coat each ear.  Add salt, pepper, and paprika (if using) to taste.  Use the skewer/prongs to roll the cobs around, fully coating all sides with butter and seasonings.  Eat while warm.  Enjoy!

I also need to take the time to thank two people, who have both awarded me with the One Lovely Blog award!  This is so long overdue (I’m horrible about remembering to do these things), but I want to thank Heather at Sunday Morning Banana Pancakes and Reia at The Cruelty Free Review for giving me this honor.  I am so flattered and filled with warm fuzzies.  Thank you so much, ladies!

All Photos taken by Chris Miller

© Kristy Turner and Keepin’ It Kind, 2012. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material (content and images) without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Kristy Turner and Keepin’ It Kind with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.