Of Earth and Stars

So my partner, L., has really fantastically taken over the cooking since it's been difficult for me to stand around the kitchen with all my weight on one leg and trying to carry plates/etc. with crutches in hand. He decided to not only cook, but to pull together what he called a "Vegan Around the World" menu that we've been enjoying. He's done the shopping, the prep work, and even come to the table armed with a few facts about each country/region the dish represents.

Here's the stuff we had last week:

• Tofu Shrimp Scampi - Not as grand as we hoped, but still definitely edible. Just a bit lemony.
  
• Squash and Black Bean Quesadillas - These are amaaaaazing. Cook the butternut squash first (instead of steaming) and it's easier to cut, and also super-nummy.
  
• South African Roasted Beetroot Salad with Pecans - I was really surprised by this. I love beets, but the boys were dubious, and we all liked this. A little oily for me, though.
  
• Coconut Curry - A curry is not a curry without coconut milk, amirite? :P
  
• Pineapple Sweet & Sour Tofu - This was so good. L. went all out and bought a whole pineapple, so we had extra. Pretty sure L. has upstaged all of my cooking with this one.
  
• French Onion Soup - Really lovely and comforting.
  
• Brazilian Feijoda - L. found this too beany, but I really enjoyed the flavors.

Tonight I think we're going with General Tso's Tofu since we just finished watching The Search for General Tso.

I decided to help do some of the searching for the coming week and this is what we have for the que (am updating w/ reviews as we work through!):

• Italian Farinata w/ Sundried Tomatoes and Olives - Tasty! The chickpea base reminded me a lot of cornbread, which I miss! I'd like to try with different toppings.
  
• Morrocan Tagine
  
• Lahmajun (Armenian/Turkish Pizza) or maybe this Armenian Eggplant Caserrole
  
• Kenyan Pilau
  
• Tempeh Reuben Sandwiches w/ Caramelized Onions - Sooooooo gooood. Make these, you will not regret it.
  
• Nepalese Momo w/ Chili-Sesame Dipping Sauce or maybe this Nepalese Vegetable Paluo.
  
• Carribean Gingered Butternut Squash, Rice, and Kale
  
• Russian Ikra "Caviar"

Sure, many of these (especially having been veganized) may be more of an Americanized version, but I also tried to find traditional dishes that were "accidentally" vegan.

Now I am very hungry. And excited about dinner.