H.A. Larson's Blog, page 65
March 12, 2016
Brewery Tour
Ever since I was old enough to legally set foot inside a bar, I've been a beer drinker. There's nothing more refreshing on a hot day than a cold beer, there just isn't. Over the years, my tastes in beer have become more refined, but I still like a Budweiser sometimes, much to my husband's chagrin. I've toured a few breweries in my time here, Budweiser (two times) in St. Louis, MO; Shiner in Shiner, TX; Boulevard in Kansas City, MO; Guinness Storehouse in Dunlin, Ireland; and Lucky Bucket in La Vista, NE, to name a few.
It was my husband's birthday recently, and I surprised him with a tour of the Brickway Brewery right here in Omaha, NE. The tour is short, but fantastic, and with your tour you get a beer of choice, the tour, a drink of whiskey (they distill spirits as well: vodka, whiskey, rum, and gin), a six-pack of their brews each, and a pint glass each. It was a bargain, and the beers were delicious. I had the Raspberry Hefeweizen, and a Chocolate Coffee Stout, both delicious. The whiskey was smooth and had nice back notes.
It was also half-off day on growlers, so we each picked up a growler. I got the Raspberry Hef, and for our six-packs we brought home the standard Hefeweizen, and the Vanilla Coffee Stout. Good stuff.
Classic beer cans.
More classic beer cans.
The still for the spirits.
Beer vat.
Our haul. Isn't it beautiful? ;)
If you ever get a chance to visit Omaha, NE, check out the Brickway Brewery, located right in the heart of the Old Market.
March 10, 2016
Chickpea-Cashew Vegan Cheeze Sauce
I have a confession to make: I love cheese. Simply adore it...always have. In fact, it was my love of cheese that was the hardest barrier to get over when I went vegan. Luckily for me, there are some good vegan cheeses on the market, and tons of vegan cheese recipes to be found on the internet. I really fell in love with the potato-carrot cheeze sauce (my variation can be found in the Cooking & Recipes section of this website) which is good for so many things. I also have a fondness for cashew cheeze sauce, because cashews.
Recently, I found inspiration for making a chickpea pasta sauce and I fell in love with that too. I was craving some pasta, chickpeas, and cheeze sauce so I decided to play around with making a chickpea-cashew cheeze sauce. What I came up with was perfect and delicious, and there's no need to soak the cashews first!
The finished cheeze sauce.
The cheeze sauce lovingly embracing a bed of pasta and veggies.
Here's how I made it.
Chickpea-Cashew Vegan Cheeze Sauce
Ingredients:
1 15-oz can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed1 c. vegetable broth1 c. water divided in half1 c. cashews1/2 c. nutritional yeast1 t. each granulated garlic, granulated onion, smoked paprika, turmeric, and pepper1 1/2 t. salt1 T. steak seasoning1 T. lemon juice1/4 c. olive oil
Instructions :
1. In a saucepan, bring the chickpeas, vegetable broth, and half of the water to a boil.2. In a blender, add all the other ingredients except the other half of the water.3. After the chickpeas have been lightly boiling for about 7 minutes, remove from heat and let cool for a minute.4. Add the chickpeas, including all the liquid, to the blender and puree until smooth.5. Scrape down the sides, add the other half of the water, and puree again for about 5 minutes on a medium-low speed until smooth and creamy.
And that's it! It's that easy, and it's very delicious. Put it on your favorite pasta, burritos, lasagna, or whatever you like cheeze sauce on. Enjoy!
2015: All rights reserved. H.A. Larson - Author
Recently, I found inspiration for making a chickpea pasta sauce and I fell in love with that too. I was craving some pasta, chickpeas, and cheeze sauce so I decided to play around with making a chickpea-cashew cheeze sauce. What I came up with was perfect and delicious, and there's no need to soak the cashews first!
The finished cheeze sauce.
The cheeze sauce lovingly embracing a bed of pasta and veggies.
Here's how I made it.
Chickpea-Cashew Vegan Cheeze Sauce
Ingredients:
1 15-oz can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed1 c. vegetable broth1 c. water divided in half1 c. cashews1/2 c. nutritional yeast1 t. each granulated garlic, granulated onion, smoked paprika, turmeric, and pepper1 1/2 t. salt1 T. steak seasoning1 T. lemon juice1/4 c. olive oil
Instructions :
1. In a saucepan, bring the chickpeas, vegetable broth, and half of the water to a boil.2. In a blender, add all the other ingredients except the other half of the water.3. After the chickpeas have been lightly boiling for about 7 minutes, remove from heat and let cool for a minute.4. Add the chickpeas, including all the liquid, to the blender and puree until smooth.5. Scrape down the sides, add the other half of the water, and puree again for about 5 minutes on a medium-low speed until smooth and creamy.
And that's it! It's that easy, and it's very delicious. Put it on your favorite pasta, burritos, lasagna, or whatever you like cheeze sauce on. Enjoy!
2015: All rights reserved. H.A. Larson - Author
March 8, 2016
Monday Edition #1
Typically, I work 4-10 hour shifts with three days off. Work has been very busy lately (as most of you who keep up with me already know) and we've been short-staffed as well. This means we've been working a fair amount of mandatory overtime, which is nice for the paycheck but rough on days off. I'm forever grateful for my job though, so I'm not complaining, but I digress. Mondays are one of my days off, and I refuse to schedule myself any hours on that day. It's my day.
Since Monday has been my only real day off, for the most part, for the last several months, I've begun to make the most of those days. Instead of going back to sleep after getting kids/husband where they need to go, I've been staying awake and taking full advantage of my Mondays. Yesterday, it was an absolutely gorgeous day. It was nearly 80 degrees, and the sun was shining so beautifully! After getting back home from dropping everyone off, I picked up the house, did the dishes, worked on my author stuff, took a shower, and headed out to the woods.
It was a perfect day to go hiking and since we're just coming out of Winter, it was the first time in quite awhile that I've gone hiking. When I came out of the woods I was absolutely exhausted, so I figured I must be out of shape from not hiking much lately, but then I checked my watch. What normally takes me two hours to hike, took me just a little over an hour. Which means I'm not out of shape...I'm in better shape! It was a tremendous feeling to know that I'm slowly, but surely and steadily, improving my health. Anyway, here's how my day went.
This is one of a couple of benches out at Neale Woods, my favorite hiking spot around here. It overlooks a valley surrounded by forest, and from that bench, you can just make out the Omaha skyline. Gorgeous.
I found this little artistic creation on my way into the forest. Someone found an animal skull and made it the centerpiece of carefully placed rocks. I thought it was pretty cool so I took a photo for posterity.
Itsa me. I got my hair and outfit hiking-ready. Check out my new hiking backpack that my husband gave me for Xmas. It's so much better than my old school backpack.
This is the barn where I'm pretty sure they keep a large mower in. It's usually closed up, and I'm pretty sure this is only the second time I've seen it open. It's a cool structure that has obviously been around for a number of years.
Here I am, deep in the heart of the forest. Down in the valley, surrounded by trees and bathed in sunlight. Is there a better way to reset your batteries? I think not.
My view coming out of the forest. Just off in the distance is the Omaha skyline that I mentioned. Cool huh?
Overall, it was a wonderful day off, and I enjoyed every second of it. I rounded the day out with a visit from a friend, spending time with my family, enjoying a few good beers, and an easy meal of vegan fish & crab with french fries and some miso-sauteed veggies.
It's back to work for me today, but I have my regular schedule this week, and I'm excited for my impending weekend off. Have a fantastic day!
Since Monday has been my only real day off, for the most part, for the last several months, I've begun to make the most of those days. Instead of going back to sleep after getting kids/husband where they need to go, I've been staying awake and taking full advantage of my Mondays. Yesterday, it was an absolutely gorgeous day. It was nearly 80 degrees, and the sun was shining so beautifully! After getting back home from dropping everyone off, I picked up the house, did the dishes, worked on my author stuff, took a shower, and headed out to the woods.
It was a perfect day to go hiking and since we're just coming out of Winter, it was the first time in quite awhile that I've gone hiking. When I came out of the woods I was absolutely exhausted, so I figured I must be out of shape from not hiking much lately, but then I checked my watch. What normally takes me two hours to hike, took me just a little over an hour. Which means I'm not out of shape...I'm in better shape! It was a tremendous feeling to know that I'm slowly, but surely and steadily, improving my health. Anyway, here's how my day went.
This is one of a couple of benches out at Neale Woods, my favorite hiking spot around here. It overlooks a valley surrounded by forest, and from that bench, you can just make out the Omaha skyline. Gorgeous.
I found this little artistic creation on my way into the forest. Someone found an animal skull and made it the centerpiece of carefully placed rocks. I thought it was pretty cool so I took a photo for posterity.
Itsa me. I got my hair and outfit hiking-ready. Check out my new hiking backpack that my husband gave me for Xmas. It's so much better than my old school backpack.
This is the barn where I'm pretty sure they keep a large mower in. It's usually closed up, and I'm pretty sure this is only the second time I've seen it open. It's a cool structure that has obviously been around for a number of years.
Here I am, deep in the heart of the forest. Down in the valley, surrounded by trees and bathed in sunlight. Is there a better way to reset your batteries? I think not.
My view coming out of the forest. Just off in the distance is the Omaha skyline that I mentioned. Cool huh?
Overall, it was a wonderful day off, and I enjoyed every second of it. I rounded the day out with a visit from a friend, spending time with my family, enjoying a few good beers, and an easy meal of vegan fish & crab with french fries and some miso-sauteed veggies.
It's back to work for me today, but I have my regular schedule this week, and I'm excited for my impending weekend off. Have a fantastic day!
A Perfect Day Off
Typically, I work 4-10 hour shifts with three days off. Work has been very busy lately (as most of you who keep up with me already know) and we've been short-staffed as well. This means we've been working a fair amount of mandatory overtime, which is nice for the paycheck but rough on days off. I'm forever grateful for my job though, so I'm not complaining, but I digress. Mondays are one of my days off, and I refuse to schedule myself any hours on that day. It's my day.
Since Monday has been my only real day off, for the most part, for the last several months, I've begun to make the most of those days. Instead of going back to sleep after getting kids/husband where they need to go, I've been staying awake and taking full advantage of my Mondays. Yesterday, it was an absolutely gorgeous day. It was nearly 80 degrees, and the sun was shining so beautifully! After getting back home from dropping everyone off, I picked up the house, did the dishes, worked on my author stuff, took a shower, and headed out to the woods.
It was a perfect day to go hiking and since we're just coming out of Winter, it was the first time in quite awhile that I've gone hiking. When I came out of the woods I was absolutely exhausted, so I figured I must be out of shape from not hiking much lately, but then I checked my watch. What normally takes me two hours to hike, took me just a little over an hour. Which means I'm not out of shape...I'm in better shape! It was a tremendous feeling to know that I'm slowly, but surely and steadily, improving my health. Anyway, here's how my day went.
This is one of a couple of benches out at Neale Woods, my favorite hiking spot around here. It overlooks a valley surrounded by forest, and from that bench, you can just make out the Omaha skyline. Gorgeous.
I found this little artistic creation on my way into the forest. Someone found an animal skull and made it the centerpiece of carefully placed rocks. I thought it was pretty cool so I took a photo for posterity.
Itsa me. I got my hair and outfit hiking-ready. Check out my new hiking backpack that my husband gave me for Xmas. It's so much better than my old school backpack.
This is the barn where I'm pretty sure they keep a large mower in. It's usually closed up, and I'm pretty sure this is only the second time I've seen it open. It's a cool structure that has obviously been around for a number of years.
Here I am, deep in the heart of the forest. Down in the valley, surrounded by trees and bathed in sunlight. Is there a better way to reset your batteries? I think not.
My view coming out of the forest. Just off in the distance is the Omaha skyline that I mentioned. Cool huh?
Overall, it was a wonderful day off, and I enjoyed every second of it. I rounded the day out with a visit from a friend, spending time with my family, enjoying a few good beers, and an easy meal of vegan fish & crab with french fries and some miso-sauteed veggies.
It's back to work for me today, but I have my regular schedule this week, and I'm excited for my impending weekend off. Have a fantastic day!
Since Monday has been my only real day off, for the most part, for the last several months, I've begun to make the most of those days. Instead of going back to sleep after getting kids/husband where they need to go, I've been staying awake and taking full advantage of my Mondays. Yesterday, it was an absolutely gorgeous day. It was nearly 80 degrees, and the sun was shining so beautifully! After getting back home from dropping everyone off, I picked up the house, did the dishes, worked on my author stuff, took a shower, and headed out to the woods.
It was a perfect day to go hiking and since we're just coming out of Winter, it was the first time in quite awhile that I've gone hiking. When I came out of the woods I was absolutely exhausted, so I figured I must be out of shape from not hiking much lately, but then I checked my watch. What normally takes me two hours to hike, took me just a little over an hour. Which means I'm not out of shape...I'm in better shape! It was a tremendous feeling to know that I'm slowly, but surely and steadily, improving my health. Anyway, here's how my day went.
This is one of a couple of benches out at Neale Woods, my favorite hiking spot around here. It overlooks a valley surrounded by forest, and from that bench, you can just make out the Omaha skyline. Gorgeous.
I found this little artistic creation on my way into the forest. Someone found an animal skull and made it the centerpiece of carefully placed rocks. I thought it was pretty cool so I took a photo for posterity.
Itsa me. I got my hair and outfit hiking-ready. Check out my new hiking backpack that my husband gave me for Xmas. It's so much better than my old school backpack.
This is the barn where I'm pretty sure they keep a large mower in. It's usually closed up, and I'm pretty sure this is only the second time I've seen it open. It's a cool structure that has obviously been around for a number of years.
Here I am, deep in the heart of the forest. Down in the valley, surrounded by trees and bathed in sunlight. Is there a better way to reset your batteries? I think not.
My view coming out of the forest. Just off in the distance is the Omaha skyline that I mentioned. Cool huh?
Overall, it was a wonderful day off, and I enjoyed every second of it. I rounded the day out with a visit from a friend, spending time with my family, enjoying a few good beers, and an easy meal of vegan fish & crab with french fries and some miso-sauteed veggies.
It's back to work for me today, but I have my regular schedule this week, and I'm excited for my impending weekend off. Have a fantastic day!
March 7, 2016
March 5, 2016
Geese Migration
Last night, we drove our kids a mile north to drop them off with my parents for the weekend. As we drove along the interstate, we came across a very large pond that had tons of geese flying above it and several more in it. I'm not sure if they're migrating or not since I'm no wildlife expert, but it sure seems like they were. Either way, with the setting sun on the horizon, it was a beautiful sight! My son took these pictures with his new iphone, and it does a pretty good job.
March 4, 2016
Bricks
It's raining and cold as I walk along the brick street older than my grandfather. I contemplate my place in the world as I stroll.Much like the bricks I'm stepping on, I'm one amongst many, only slightly different from the others.How many feet have trod upon these bricks over the years?These bricks have seen and heard many things:unrequited love and love lost,death and life,sadness and happiness,anger and defeat,even tragedy.These bricks have seen it all.I ponder all the people that have walked along this same pathand imagine what they were like.Where were they going?What were they doing?The rain has stopped, and from the brickscomes water that could not be soaked up by the ground underneath.The bricks are crying with a thousand memories ofyesterday and today.The sun begins to shine.
March 2, 2016
Longing for a Place...
I'm sure it's partially because Winter was just here and Spring looms closer, and partially because I absolutely love being outside in the supreme beauty of nature, but I have definitely been longing to get out there and have a new, amazing experience. I long to walk where the Sun hits my face, a gentle breeze blows, and my views are stunning. Today then, I give you a taste of some of my favorite places that I've been so far and what it is about these places that kick up my wanderlust.
The Burren, Ireland - 2014
I took a trip to Ireland in 2014, and one of my favorite things while there was the day we went to the Cliffs of Moher. We stopped along the coast on the way back to Galway and I was blown away while watching the mighty Atlantic crash against the shores of the rocky Burren.
Petit Jean State Park, the Appalachian Mountains, Arkansas - 2015
I took my kids to Arkansas for a visit with my mother during Spring break of last year. It was the perfect time to go as the usual tourist throngs were absent. Some color was coming in, and, much like Ireland, it's moist enough to have plenty of moss growing.
Murray Lookout, the Loess Hills, Iowa - 2015
I'm fortunate here in the Midwest to live near some beautiful nature. Although not as large in scale as the other places I've been, this place is beautiful in it's own right. I took my kids there on a day trip early last summer, and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
Rocky Mountain National Park, the Rocky Mountains, Colorado - 2012
This trip, for business, ended on a high note when my former bosses took me on a day trip out of Denver and into the Rocky Mountains. I took so many pictures because every view was a feast for the eyes.
Devils Tower National Monument, Wyoming - 2011
I took my kids on a trip to South Dakota where we met up with my mom, stepdad, and grandma. We drove out west where we stayed out by Mt. Rushmore, and one day we headed into Wyoming where we enjoyed an afternoon at Devil's Tower. It was a breathtaking hike around the rock formation with beautiful views all the way around.
I can't wait to get back out there! How about you? What are some of your favorite places? Where would you like to go?
The Burren, Ireland - 2014
I took a trip to Ireland in 2014, and one of my favorite things while there was the day we went to the Cliffs of Moher. We stopped along the coast on the way back to Galway and I was blown away while watching the mighty Atlantic crash against the shores of the rocky Burren.
Petit Jean State Park, the Appalachian Mountains, Arkansas - 2015
I took my kids to Arkansas for a visit with my mother during Spring break of last year. It was the perfect time to go as the usual tourist throngs were absent. Some color was coming in, and, much like Ireland, it's moist enough to have plenty of moss growing.
Murray Lookout, the Loess Hills, Iowa - 2015
I'm fortunate here in the Midwest to live near some beautiful nature. Although not as large in scale as the other places I've been, this place is beautiful in it's own right. I took my kids there on a day trip early last summer, and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
Rocky Mountain National Park, the Rocky Mountains, Colorado - 2012
This trip, for business, ended on a high note when my former bosses took me on a day trip out of Denver and into the Rocky Mountains. I took so many pictures because every view was a feast for the eyes.
Devils Tower National Monument, Wyoming - 2011
I took my kids on a trip to South Dakota where we met up with my mom, stepdad, and grandma. We drove out west where we stayed out by Mt. Rushmore, and one day we headed into Wyoming where we enjoyed an afternoon at Devil's Tower. It was a breathtaking hike around the rock formation with beautiful views all the way around.
I can't wait to get back out there! How about you? What are some of your favorite places? Where would you like to go?
March 1, 2016
Miyoko Schinner
Most of us vegans have heard the name Miyoko Schinner. For those of you who aren't vegan, or who haven't heard of Miyoko, read on. Miyoko is one of the chefs on Vegan Mashup, which can be seen on PBS. I've only gotten a chance to watch the show a few times, but it's a great resource for us vegans. Anyway, with my Amazon gift card money from the holidays, one of my purchases was Miyoko's cookbook "The Homemade Vegan Pantry." Next to Isa's 10-year anniversary edition of "Vegan with a Vengeance" it's my favorite vegan cookbook. Inside are tons of recipes for vegan butter, flavored mayos, cheeses, milks, and how to make seitan (including nuggets and unchicken), just to name a few.
Miyoko is also the creator and genius behind a cashew-based, artisan cheese company called Miyoko's Creamery. The Classic Double Cream Chive and the Aged English Smoked Farmhouse are my absolute favorites! Finally, we vegans have a snacking cheese! One that can be eaten with crackers and a bunch of other fun stuff. My omni husband couldn't tell they were vegan at all, and neither could I!
This is what I did last night. Both cheeses are on the left, and I added sweet Italian peppers, jalapeno peppers, grilled artichokes, and a pile of Tofurky Italian sausages sauteed with mushrooms. I used all this to top crackers, and everyone loved it!
I highly recommend Miyoko's cookbooks and cheeses! You'll love them, even if you aren't vegan. ;)
February 27, 2016
Spring
It is definitely feeling like Spring outside. It's a sunny Saturday, the temperature is in the mid-60s, and the air smells fresh. I love Spring and the feeling of newness it brings with it. Indeed, Spring has been the harbringer of renewal for time immemorium. Not only does it herald the end of Winter and bring the weather necessary for the crops of the summer, it also brings with it an emotional sense of renewal. Those who have been cooped up all Winter are more than ready to let in some fresh air, get outside once more for play, and feel the warm rays of sun on their face.
I know for me, this really is a time of renewal. Last year was quite the year, filled with good and bad of varying degrees, and when this year dawned, it was with the promise of a new beginning. Now that the air is fresher, the weather warmer, and Spring is on the horizon, I am beginning to feel renewed.
I'm ready to embrace my future anew and go forward bigger and better. I'm excited about the prospect of my writing career and how it knows no boundaries. I'm also fortunate in that I have complete and total creative control over every aspect of my work. It's a great feeling and fills me with a renewed sense of vigor. After this long winter where I went through so much, worked so many extra hours, and waited through the cold, bitter wind, I'm ready for everything.
I've given up editorial writing for the local magazine, and I'm done doing peer book reviews for awhile as well. There might be an end in sight to all the extra hours at work, so I'm ready to get The Box finished and start working towards a full-time writing career doing many freelance works that keep me in charge of my own destiny.
It's a gorgeous day, and I hope you're out there (or will be soon) enjoying it to the fullest. Embrace the Sun today my friends.
-H.A.
