Greek Village!

When Nikos in Lakewood closed about a year and half ago, I was upset. I was slightly addicted to their dips! When I saw that there was a new Greek restaurant in Lakewood, I HAD to try it. The restaurant is called Greek Village. This place is awesome! Its cheap and delicious!! There are only a few small tables so we decided to get carry out. We got the dip platter (you pick 3 dips) and the spanakopitas (spinach pies). We tried the spicy feta, hummos and the tzatziki. All three dips were amazing but Art and I agreed that the spicy feta was the best. Check this place out! They have awesome hours too!

Heinen's

I know that this post may seem weird but its not, trust me.

Heinen's is a wonderful local grocery store. Their bakery is more than enough reason to shop there. Plus, their produce is pretty decent for a grocery store. The stir-fry bar isn't too bad either. Every week from now on, they are offering a vegan/vegetarian entree in their prepared food section, along with a variety of other vegetarian options. This weeks options: grilled sundried tomato meatless chicken salad, fire roasted vegetable soup, black bean, corn and edamame salad, vegetable lasagna and penne pasta with creamy pesto. Mmmmmm, they all sound great to me! I had the meat loaf last week and it was awesome! So ride your bike or drive to Rocky River and pick up a delicious dessert and one these items!

Hope everyone is having a wonderful week and enjoying this amazing weather!

Vegetarian or Vegan Chicken and Dumplings

I have always loved comfort foods. Especially southern ones. This was my favorite meal made by my grandma (we called her Mama). Its a modified version of her recipe. So in memory of my mama, I present you chicken and dumplings!!

Ingredients:

-Dumplings:
1 Tbs baking powder
2 cups flour
1 1/4 tsp salt
1c + 2Tbs milk

-Slop (as I call it):
1/2 stick butter/margarine
1/2c onion, chopped
1/2c celery, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1/2c flour
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp oregano
4c vegetable broth
2c water
2-3 medium carrots, chopped
1 package chicken style seitan or your fake chicken of choice

1. Saute butter, onion, celery and garlic, over a low flame, in a large pot until veggies are soft.

2. Once veggies are soft, add the flour, pepper and oregano. Stir until forms a thick paste.

3. While the flame is still on low, make your dumpling mixture. Combine dry ingredients first, then add the milk. Stir with a fork and let sit for 5-10 minutes.

4. Slowly add the vegetable broth and water to the pot while constantly stirring. Add chicken and carrots. Turn heat to high and bring to a boil.

5. Once the liquid mixture is boiling, add the dumpling mixture, Tbs "globs" (I know a very technical term) at a time, to liquid. Bring to a boil again. Cover and turn heat to low. Simmer for 30 minutes. Enjoy!!!