Eclectic Lamb

A few weeks ago, my friend Deborah came over for lunch. When I told her my plan was to make a vegan stacked vegetable trio, she said she could make a vegan layered dessert. I love menu planning and took on the challenge of making a special plant-based trio. I used the same dishes that I originally purchased for my Christmas dessert trio.  Deborah and I ate a beautiful and delicious feast! It was a warm day for February and it was delightful to go for for a walk after the meal.

Tortilla Stack – Homemade tortilla chips (cut flour tortillas with a cookie cutter, brush both sides with a little olive oil and bake in a 350 degree oven for about 10 minutes or until lightly browned and crisp), layer tortilla chips with hummus, chopped avocado and chopped red pepper, fresh spinach leaves add color at the bottom of the stack.

Balsamic Roasted Zucchini and Eggplant – Cut zucchini and eggplant into 1/2 inch rounds, brush with a mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar and a minced garlic clove. Roast at 450°F (turning half way) until tender – about 25 minutes.

Baked Potato Slices with Pesto – I used this potato recipe without the salt-free seasoning blend. Before serving, I spread vegan pesto between the potato slices.

Tiered Chocolate Cupcake – Deborah used a fluted cookie cutter to cut a vegan applesauce chocolate cake. Then she spread an apricot coconut filling between the layers. The drizzle is a strawberry tangerine tofu sauce.

My critique of the meal: Of the trio, my favorite was the tortilla stack with the potatoes being a close second. I had considered making a white bean garlic puree to serve under the roasted zucchini and eggplant but decided not to do it at the last minute. It was delightful to eat Deborah’s beautiful and delicious dessert. I think it was a memorable meal.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

I am a planner. Since having a blog for nearly 8 years, it has become normal for me to celebrate some holidays ahead of the actual holiday. In January, while planning what I would do on Eclectic Lamb for Valentine’s Day, at first I was at a loss. I did not anticipate having a Valentine this year. Then I came up with the idea of making breakfast for my friend Renae and her family. It was enjoyable to prepare the food and bring it to them on a Saturday a few weeks ago. The delicious aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls filled my car as I drove to their home. I was very happy to share the love to a deserving family who has always been there for me.

Heart Shaped Cinnamon Rolls – I served some rolls with icing and some without.

Fruit Kebobs – Strawberries, apples cut with a cookie cutter (dipped in water with lemon juice to prevent browning), kiwi cut with a cookie cutter (I attached stickers to the top of bamboo skewers)

Greek Yogurt

Herbal Tea / Hot Chocolate

Note: I was impressed with these dishes and tea cups that were hand painted by Renae’s grandmother-in-law.