When Pigs Fly

Hello, Hello! 

[...you say goodbye, and I say hello...]

So maybe there were no pigs flying today, but I did pass my pig lab practical. After mucho hours of studying and a review sesh with the piggies last night, I think I finally got it down. I opted out of the lab dissection itself, but knew the review would be helpful. Luckily, J was there to help me by moving the organs around so I could see (Thanks, J! It seems like your EMT training really came in handy!) Wow, that's an unappetizing statement for a food blog. Don't worry, I'm almost done and then we'll move onto much better subjects. If you don't want to read my views on the pig dissection, feel free to skip the next paragraph. 

Anyway, here's my thoughts on the lab that I promised. Although I've literally been dreading this since 4th grade, I decided that I could suck it up in the name of education. My studies are my top priority, after all. However, a few days before, my science teacher told us how they get the fetal pigs for us to use. I won't go into detail, but basically they're the product of the slaughterhouse. They are taken from their moms who are killed and turned into meat for us to eat. I personally could not handle this fact because of my veganism and general love of animals. If women and children (especially pregnant women) are always put in high esteem in our societies (just think of war, when those are the two groups that are supposed to be protected), then why should pigs be any different? I do recognize the importance of education of the parts of the body and therefore was able to look at the pigs last night and today with studying in mind. I agree that this is a great training method for doctors and such, but I just didn't think it was right for me to do. Regardless, I do not resent those who did participate in it and definitely don't have the "holier than thou" attitude on it. That also goes along with how I feel about dietary and lifestyle choices in general, but that's another subject. Basically, I believe that you should do what feels right for you, remembering to embrace that everyone is different. 

But on a happier (and much more appetizing subject), I really enjoyed reading all of the foods you've been enjoying. Fresh is definitely the name of the game! Strawberries, mangos, kiwis, tomatoes, avocados, the greek stuff ... the list goes on and on! Yum-O! 

My love of berries is totally obvious thanks to my breakfast choice. By pulling on my wonderful stock of fresh fruit, I made triple berry swirl oats. Oh my, this was insane. 

Oh how I love you, cinnamon, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, and golden flax seed!

I've been showing some veggie love as well. Just look at this bowl! It was practically overflowing with carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, yellow squash, and millet. 

All I did was spice it with a pinch of allspice and cinnamon. These veggies are so good that they speak for themselves. 

Have you ever not known what to eat but know you're craving a certain food group? Do you just eat that or try to balance out your meal? That was my exact dilemma tonight. I knew I wanted veggies, and LOTS of them. My "protein" options (I used quotes because veggies actually do have quite a bit of protein) didn't sound nearly as good as a bowl full of veggie and grain goodness, so I went with it... and I'm SO glad I did!

However, last night I wanted some dense protein before my review sesh. Enter tempeh. I made a marinade with mango-pineapple juice, freshly grated ginger, minced garlic, Braggs Liquid Aminos, a little cardamon and hoped for the best. 

My praying paid off because this was delicious! I served it up with millet (yes, I'm obsessed), green beans, asparagus, and a little wedge of kabocha (LOVE). This was the perfect studying fuel.

Speaking of protein, I should also mention my love of infatuation with chickpeas. I. Love. Chick. Peas. Really, that's an understatement. I made a batch of chickpeas (1 cup dry) and ate a third of the batch as a snack. I'm not kidding, my friends. I just pooped them straight up. As fun as that was, I knew they would make any meal amazing as well. However, I never imagined this. 

So. Good. Who knew throwing together little leftovers of salads and such could taste so good? I really should know this by now but it never gets old. In the wrap: chickpeas, carrots, green leaf lettuce, and spinach on a sun-dried tomato wrap. I also had some overflow and green beans. My wrapping skills obviously could use some improvement, but for now a pan to sear the edges closed and some tooth picks will do. 

I also tried a new flavor of Larabars. Ever since I tried my first Lara, I've been on the hunt for a Chocolate Mint Jocalat. Finally, one day I found some and snatched a few up. I'll admit I'm a total saver and like to keep my favorite things until it seems like the right moment. I'll even try to make them last longer. Does anyone else save favorite things for special occasions or prefer certain dishes?

As you see, I couldn't wait any longer. Unfortunately, it let me down a bit, though it was definitely delicious. As many other bloggers have warned, the mint flavor isn't very pronounced. I love the combination of mint and chocolate so it wasn't enough for me. Luckily, though, it redeemed itself when I warmed it up in the microwave. Just like a Girl Scout Thin Mint Cookie. 

If you've made it through this post, I thank you. I guess it's no surprise that I enjoy typing and sharing my eats with you. I'm just so glad to be apart of this community and would really like to express my gratitude to you all for reading (or just looking at pictures, really). 

Unfortunately, as school is drawing it's end, I've been super busy. I'm definitely ready for the weekend! What are your plans? It's time to do a little more homework and get a little snack-y before bed. I see some mango in my future. 

On that note, I'll leave you with one more picture. Can you guess what happened? Details to come. 

Have a lovely night! 

xox, 

Mandiee