Too funny about The Island. I was thinking a lot about language today, and labels. It is all very strange…

Interesting what we do with language to define ourselves . . .

It never hurts to ask the grocery stores if they could carry certain things – the worst they can do is say no. The good thing about those breads is that they are kept frozen, so even with a slow turnover there is less risk for a grocery store in stocking them. It is worth a try anyway! I’ll let you know how they taste when I give them a try!

If you’re near FS, then you’re not far from Vegan Wonderland Jr, Ithaca! I know what you mean about preparing food at home – overall, it is best, and I enjoy the process (usually) and generally feel better about most everything when I can spend some time chopping the veg and creating a meal. But…it really is nice to be able to go somewhere and order vegan meals and feel taken care of and pampered in that way.

I actually have need to go to FS again (I’m working on a project of sorts), and I will definitely let you know when I go, and we can meet up – at FS, or closer to you, however it works out. FS is about 10 hours from me, I think, so it will take some planning, but it will happen regardless.

I’m a true believer that preparing our own food at home is the way to go, but it would be nice to be able to go out to an actual vegan restaurant and eat their food from time to time.

One question – Have you ever visited Farm Sanctuary here in western NY? I haven’t as of yet but I live fairly near there. If you’re ever around here, lemme know.

Peace, love and understanding.

Bella, if you’re ever in NYC, definitely go to Sacred Chow! Those were some fine biscuits and gravy!

OB, I was thinking of your Ken as I wrote that story. You’ll have to get your Ken a little stick with a bandana tied on the end like a little bag, and take his picture. heh. I’ll see if Rich can come up with a recipe that comes close on the peppersteak hero. Slightly different in intent, but awesome seitan, is this recipe: http://blog.fatfreevegan.com/2007/05/barbecued-seitan-ribz.html I think you could turn it into a hero/hoagie/sub/grinder (depending on what part of the country you’re from!)

And a sporfe sounds perfect. Now who’s going to invent it for us? lol.

Laura, I always chuckle when people act like we’re deprived as vegans. I’ve never eaten so well, such variety, or enjoyed it so much as I have since going vegan! Thanks for the “nice matters award”! I’ll definitely check it out!

Muse, I’m glad you enjoyed it! Somehow it seems doubtful that the food network would be interested in us vegans, but who knows! The times they are a changing!

Rich and I were talking about Babycakes this weekend, that as much as we adore that they’re a vegan bakery, the real reason they started was to be for the food allergy crowd. No nuts, no soy, no dairy, no eggs, no wheat (in some of their cupcakes – though I think they use spelt, which can still be an issue for some – and they have a flourless chocolate cake!).

Celiac’s is such a challenge. I know several people with Celiac’s, and I know there is tons that has been done, researching, finding new ways to do old things….still, it makes the label reading I do as a vegan pale in comparison. You’re such an awesome friend to want to find a good gluten free bread for her. I’m sure she completely understood you wanting to feed her and forgetting about the bread issue! I think bread is the last thing we expect anyone to have difficulties with.

I can actually find healthy gluten free bread in the freezer section at my local health food store. I haven’t tasted this particular one yet, but I’ve had this brand before. It is even sweetened with fruit juice, so it is really super healthy! The brand is Food For Life, and is is based on brown rice flour and ground pecans. I’ll let you know what I think about it after I have a slice! I often go for the gluten free stuff just because I figure too much of any one thing isn’t great, and I love me some seitan! lol.

Here’s a website on vegan gluten free diets (you know I couldn’t link in anything that wasn’t vegan, right? lol): http://www.vegfamily.com/health/gluten-free-vegan-diet.htm

It has a good chart you can use for substitutions, if you were cooking for your friend, and it also talks about restaurants. Basically, it is a good source to remind yourself of the various gluten pit falls so you can learn how to feed your friend! Believe me, she’ll love you for trying, no matter how many stumbles along the way.

Something I *always* forget until I’m reminded is of oatmeal. It is a different kind of gluten, and not everyone with celiac’s (from what I understand) is sensitive/allergic to it, but going with the better-safe-than-sorry theory, most people with Celiac’s avoid it.

Love all this talk about food!! I am vegetarian who only eats organic cheese on pizza and lasagna, so an “almost vegan” if there is such a thing (grin). However, I am of the opinion that we eat sooooo much better than most people think. Our food tastes so good, so I love all your vegan/vegetarian talk. Keep it up and the yummie photos too. And the sweet kitty photos…got to have those too!

Okay, I just wrote a new post today, and I have a surprise for you. I gave you and your blog the “Nice Matters Award.” Come to my blog and pick it up.

Much love to you and many faery hugs and kitty kisses today!!

I liked the peppersteak hero w/home fries. I would totally eat that.