First, I want to thank EVERYONE who so generously participated in my recipe contest.  I truly appreciate your sharing of recipes - so many of them sounded wonderful.

The winner of the recipe contest is: Andie for Rachel Ray’s Rata-stoup-ie recipe.   THANKS! It sounds really good. And easy.  And healthy.  And veggie.  And Kael-safe.  Runner-up is Rebecca for the Tortilla Soup recipe - I love avocado, and chips - mmm.  Now I just need a kitchen herb garden.  You win a packet of personalized note cards OR thank you cards.  You may pick from the designs here.  Any of the designs can either be personalized with a name or simply say “thank you”.  Just let me know what you would like either in the comments or via e-mail.

The winner of the book bonus (well there are two):  Michelle (via e-mail, thanks!) for 1001 Low-Fat Vegetarian Recipes and Susan for Vegan Lunch Box, plus  the Vegan Lunchbox site which has some amazing links on it.  THANKS SO MUCH!  I will likely buy both of those books, and I plan to frequent the site, plus visit some of the links on there, especially the Laptop Lunches site (been feeling like I’ve been using too many sandwich bags lately, and want to make a change for the better). I will e-mail you and we can discuss your prize.

I guess I need to head out to “Half Price Books” and see if they have either of those books… Now, if I could only remember to take the reusable shopping bags with me…

Note on the graphic - that is a piece of whole wheat spaghetti - and I did NOT pose it that way - I discovered it dried that way, on the stove (leave it to the typography junkie to find a letter in it), so I grabbed the camera, and added the text in Photoshop.  Any food adventures/creativity of your own??? Please share!

I did it.  I submitted my artwork to the church’s International Art Competition.  This is the first art (not design) competition I’ve entered in about 14 years, probably - I did submit one item to a juried show back in ‘94 (didn’t get in).

“Sanctification”, Encaustic on panel (Diptych)

detail 1

detail 2

And, though I still feel like I am just getting started, I also feel I made a good effort.  This is a huge step for me - first, to have actually taken enough time to finish the piece by the due date, and second, to have gotten myself to the point where I’m not really worried about whether or not I get in the show… truly a milestone for me.  I’ve always been highly demanding of myself, especially when it concerns my artwork/creative projects.  I had a hard time accepting less than the best in recognitions, etc.  But, I’ve gotten through that now, and it feels so GOOD.  It feels good to be painting again AND it feels good to not be worrying about the outcome of the competition.

BTW - the piece is better in person, because it’s easier to see the contrast between the textured area and the super smooth area.

**The recipe competition is still on with two weeks left - see previous post.  Please note - rice is ok, and beans are ok.  Rice & beans together - let’s avoid for now (we already eat a few dishes like this and they’re not favorites).  Thanks!**

Creativity Question:  Do you allow yourself to create “imperfect” pieces, knowing that each imperfect work is a step toward mastering that skill?

I’m learning to accept the in-between stages, and loving it, and savoring it for what it is.  That doesn’t mean I don’t get frustrated occasionally in the midst of the learning curve, but I’m learning to enjoy the process.

THE CHALLENGE:
I am suffering from a cooking rut - definitely NOT very creative in everyday cooking.  I desperately need some good, new-to-us entree recipes to mix into the rotation.

THE GUIDELINES (I didn’t call it a challenge for nothing):

• Simple & easy - I usually don’t like to spend more than 20-30 minutes for everyday meals (if it’s in the oven or crock pot and I don’t have to stand over it, it’s ok if it takes a little longer)
• Preferably vegetarian entrees - I don’t eat a lot of meat, and have plenty of recipes for meat dishes
• NO dairy  - My son is allergic - if cheese is optional, it’s ok.  I can usually substitute for milk & butter with no problems
• NO peanuts, corn or oats (also allergic) - I can substitute for corn starch in most recipes
• I prefer to avoid white flour - sometimes I can substitute for whole grains, but other times it just won’t work :: I love spelt
• You may post the recipes in the comments section, or post a link to a website with the recipe (which you’ve hopefully tried), or e-mail me
• DUE DATE - OCTOBER 25 - I know that’s not a lot of time.  Did I mention I’m desperate?

A COUPLE OF NOTES: Remember, I have four children and a husband to feed - and sometimes extra people, so the recipes need to be family-friendly: easy to make or adapt for 6+ people.  My kids will eat a variety of vegetables.  If I have never heard of the vegetables and/or other ingredients I am less likely to make it.  I am familiar with different flours, grains and many alternative health food ingredients, but not as many vegetables - I am willing to try as long as they’re not hard to find or require me driving for 20+ minutes to health food store.  My family will only eat so much rice and beans.

YOUR PRIZE:
To the winner, I will send a package of personalized notecards or thank you cards or a mixed pack (you choose) .  If they sound really yummy, I may choose more than one.

BONUS:
I think I might have to buy a vegan cookbook - it would meet the no-dairy, no meat thing.  Anyone know of a good one with simple, family friendly recipes which aren’t all made of white flour?  If you rise to this challenge and I buy your book recommendation, we’ll work out something special for your prize.

Thanks everyone!  You are welcome to pass this challenge along to friends/family.

Fun menu graphic from image generator at  RedKid.net