Around the Garden: July

The month of July was a very warm one in Kansas. We didn’t too too much in the way of gardening, other than watering plants, and picking lots of tomatoes.

The tomato plants are taller than the fence.

Please bring rain

We’ve been pretty lucky with this year’s tomato crop!

Tucked away, in a shady corner on the north side of the backyard is where Agnes’ bird habitat is. We have two seed feeders, lots of plants, fresh water, and a hummingbird feeder too.

We have a few squirrels that visit the backyard often. There are three different ones that make an appearance at lease once a day to nibble on the seed that the birds have dropped.

This year we have three ruby-throated hummingbirds that have been visiting. We make them fresh food, and they are absolutely beautiful. Two are decent sized and one is teeny-tiny. We are hoping that just maybe some hummingbird chicks will make an appearance.

My avocado Hosta bloomed for the first time this year. It was so beautiful, and very fragrant.

As the month went on, more and more little chicks visited the backyard. We have an adorable baby blue jay, and three baby cardinals. The ones that stole our hearts was Cupcake and Biscuits brood.

Cupcake and Biscuit are Chickadees, and they started this love of bird-watching, and bird-taking-care-of, they are pretty social and follow us to the front yard, and even on walks. Cupcake always lets me know when the feeders need restocked. They also roost near Agnes’ window, and wake us up first thing in the morning. We love these little ones.

Agnes named the chicks Biscoff and Butterscotch, and they are just darling.

 

 

Vegan Meals from July part 4

I’m wrapping up the vegan meals from July. I was lucky and had lots of fresh veggies sent my way.

Roasted Veggie Pasta

Panko Veggies and Cheeze Grits

Double Veggie Burger

I got a text from my neighbor, and she asked if I wanted some homegrown veggies.

There were three very large zucchini.

Lots of Okra

There were a ton of tomatoes that were ready to be made into sauce.

I prepped all of the veggies for the freezer, and made a big batch of Vegan Minestrone Soup.

More messy Tostadas

 

 

 

Vegan Meals from July part 3

Snack Burrito

Lemon Pasta

Vegan Scalloped Potatoes

Homegrown produce from my gardening buddy

Roasted Vegetable Pasta. This dish is delicious hot or cold.

Homemade five minute vegan Broccoli and Cheeze Soup.

Vegan Tacos and vegan cerveza too.

Agnes was extra proud of this tomato haul.

I made a batch of Tomato Relish to add to rolls.

Burrito Bowl

Vegan Meals from July part 2

I made some yummy soup out of leftover vegan mac and cheeze.

I baked some vegan rolls (don’t tell the family) and paired it with pasta salad with plenty of veggies.

We picked a few tomatoes from the backyard.

I turned them into a simple, but delicious rustic lunch.

I also used a few of the homegrown tomatoes and some okra from the front porch in an amazing batch of veggie fajitas.

I have to say that my fajitas have been better than the take-out fajitas.

Guacamole topped burrito bowl.

Stir-fry

More vegan baking, Banana Muffins. The kids love these, but my husband doesn’t. Oh well, can’t please them all.

Messy Tostadas with homemade Mexican Rice

 

 

Vegan Meals from July part 1

Holy moly I am very late with these posts this month. August has already gotten a little too busy, and the kids are still out of school for another week. Today I’m going stir crazy, so I am rearranging the pantry in the kitchen to be ready for school lunch prep.

Anyway… I’ve got a whole bunch of vegan foodie posts from my kitchen to you. Here’s what I was cooking in July.

One of my very favorites, homemade Vegan McRib! It is seriously delicious, and way better than take-out.

I’ve been on a scalloped potato kick lately, and I’ve got my veganized recipe down.

We kept things simple for the 4th of July, and I grilled indoors on the grill pan.

Most Sunday nights I make Panko Fried Chicken for the family. For me,  I made a batch of vegan Panko Fried Cauliflower (even tastier) and I also made some fried pickles.

I made an extra rich and creamy batch of vegan mac and Cheeze. I had a few odds and ends of pasta hanging around, so I threw them together and called it good.

July in Kansas also means that it is just too darn hot to cook. I try to keep ready made goodies in the fridge for when I don’t feel like making another meal.

Snack time!

I had some leftover Mac & Cheeze in the fridge, so I added in some veggies, and called it dinner.

Agnes put in a request for Sushi, so of course I said yes. I made us a big platter to share. This kiddo of mine lover her vegan sushi.

I’ll have a few more posts up soon, now I’m off to make lunch.