Guess what?! My sister love, Andrea (aka THA DRIZZ) is totes out of commission. She is v. sick and doing “everything but puking.”
Underachiever!
I kid! In any event, she’ll be gone for a little while. Exact time is TBD. Let’s wish her well. I miss my little pooks! 
I had a really busy weekend. Somehow, grad school caught up with me! But it was good! And you know I took Sunday to chill with my hubbers AND some friends, because my mental health matters. More than work!
I woke up at 2:00 and couldn’t go back to sleep. 
I worked for awhile, then decided on a snackster to see if that released the necessary brain chemicals to induce sleep.
I had 2 T PB2 and several figs and prunes. I chopped them up so I could eat them with a toothpick – like baby fondue! I think I went back to sleep around 4:30. Yay!
Due to my noctural adventures, I didn’t get up again until 7:00. I had a breakfast inspired by Shelby, who saw it on Krista’s Kravings. Can you believe I only discovered her blog two days ago? Unreal!
Anyways. Noggy Blueberry Bread Pudding!
I veganized it with a flax egg and vanilla almond milk and used blackberries instead of blues because Rob ate them all (in one sitting). It was such a nice change from my cereal bowls of late! YUMMY!
I did all the chores and stuff by 11:00. Without caffeine even!
My lunch was kind of a mix. I tried toasting a Boca vegan burger in the toaster, like Sarah. She crazy! No grill marks, which I find satisfying, but I also didn’t dirty a pan. So. I had it on lots of romaine and carrots.
And I spread a Flat-Out with Sabra garlic hummus and sun dried tomatoes. So good!
I erased the picture of my snack. Oops! Well, picture this: a blood orange, 1/3 block tempeh with a T of Tofutti on top.
We had friends over last night. Our favorite! Seriously, we are social. It was GUMBO NIGHT! My friend is from Baton Rouge and I really wanted her to give me a cooking lesson. She made a huge batch of carnivore gumbo, complete with crawfish, shrimp, and Andouille – and the roux was made with Rob’s precious hog grease.
I’ve never made an oil roux before – just the traditional French one with butter. My girl helped me make a reduced oil one. It required lots of stirring! I added tons of veggies to mine – cauliflower, peps, scallions, OKRA (my first okra!), and of course, tons of onion, garlic, etc. Oh, and some black eye peas that I made earlier that day.
That's mine on the right and the bacon grease roux on the left
Henry was directly overhead, trying to snag a sample
It was so much fun. 
They brought a book, The Encyclopedia of Creole and Cajun Cooking, and I loved perusing it. So fun! Like a history lesson and cooking party in one!
I served mine over/with sweet potato fries and the rest of the crew had theirs with white rice.
It was amazing! I feel like I totally learned a new technique! I have about eight servings. I’ll have to freeze some of it.
I’m getting my hair cut tonight. 
I just adore it. When I go, I seriously say nothing. I sit there with my eyes closed because it’s so relaxing. I’m a total hedonist and love having my head touched. What do you do? Chat it up? Read? Stare at yourself in the mirror?
Have a happy and fun Monday!
Posted by caitlin on February 9, 2009 at 1:11 pm
feel better, andrea!!
enjoy your haircut.
Posted by snackface on February 9, 2009 at 1:15 pm
Hope Andrea gets better soon!
That’s a funny question. I think I do a combo of staring at myself in the mirror and looking down at the floor, staring at hair that I’ll miss. I try to talk minimally too.
Posted by Beadie on February 9, 2009 at 1:16 pm
{{{HEALING VIBES TO ANDREA}}}
I chat it up.
Posted by Courtney (The Hungry Yogini) on February 9, 2009 at 1:24 pm
I’m the same way…I LOVE getting my hurrr did.
Hope Andrea feels better!
Posted by VeggieGirl on February 9, 2009 at 1:26 pm
Baby fondue + bread pudding = WOWZA delish.
Wishing Andrea a full recovery!!
Posted by sweetandnatural on February 9, 2009 at 1:27 pm
I chat! My hair stylist has known me since high school and she cuts my best friend’s hair too. We always have stuff to catch up on!
Posted by Amanda on February 9, 2009 at 1:31 pm
Mmmm all of your eats look awesome – I don’t even know which to comment on!
I close my eyes during the hair-washing/scalp massage. I swear I would marry my hairdresser when that is taking place. The rest of the time I chat it up and do a little bit of staring at myself.
Posted by Megan on February 9, 2009 at 1:36 pm
Yay for gumbo!!!!!! Your roux sounds great! I love when my Maw-Maw makes her gumbo- too good, seriously.
I hope you enjoy your day at the salon, sweets
Posted by sarahannmatheny on February 9, 2009 at 1:47 pm
NIce work on the burger. You just got to keep pushing that thing down in the slot, until its just how you like it (That’s what she said!). Sometimes it takes multiple times (That’s what she said!!!).
I knew you’d have a separate roux, you roux snob you!
My stylist is also Gracie’s best friend’s mommy, so we usually talk poop. I think you should try that too.
Posted by Jen on February 9, 2009 at 1:49 pm
MMMM we eat a lot of gumbo down here
Okra is great!! it’s best fried… 
I LOVE getting my hair cut and head massaged!! Enjoy girl!!
Posted by helloveggie on February 9, 2009 at 1:53 pm
Great post! I hope Andrea feel better soon. I love getting my hair cut but since I’m growing mine out, I’m see just how out of control I can let it get before I break down for a snip!
Posted by Julz on February 9, 2009 at 1:54 pm
Umm RAW 0KRA IS S0 FREAKIN YUM! With Hummus, Sabra’s Caponata (THE BEST SHIT EVER, BUY IT N0W.), or anything! Mmm’Mmm!
DRIZZLICI0US! Feel better lovebug! We miss you T0NS!
How about when they wash my hair! I’m such a WATER WASTER… But IZ C00 bc I RELISH that H2 the izzo. I’m always like, “Can I have two shampoos, and can you do a deep conditioning? Thanks”… Takes like 7-10 minutes AT LEAST and I just lay back (with my feet up, Mmm) and Purrrrrr
So DIVINE… Almost as divine as ma sista. But not quite 
Talk to you tonight, I love.
Posted by gina (fitnessista) on February 9, 2009 at 1:55 pm
i’ll be thinking about andrea! wishing her a full recovery
the gumbo looks awesome! i just had it for the first time last year… it was amazing
when i get my hair cut, i chat it up with the stylist
hope you have a great day! <3
Posted by Maggie on February 9, 2009 at 2:02 pm
Poor Andrea – hope she feels better!
OMG you’ve never had okra?!?! I love it so much. Your gumbo sounds great. And breakfast too – I’m going to check out Krista’s blog right now
Posted by Shelby on February 9, 2009 at 2:16 pm
Aww, Poor Andrea! I hope she feels better soon!
Cute baby fondue, and love the bread pudding! I like how you used blackberries. My little brother is the same way with blueberries! We have to buy 2 pkgs so I can hide one in the fridge for myself where he can’t see it haha
Wondeful gumbo! And the sweetp fries are a perfect match to that meal. I’ve never had okra either!! I can’t find it anywhere…not even frozen =(
Since I totally love my hairstylist (it took me years to find her) I talk a bit more than usual. But normally I just stare at myself in the mirror =P
Posted by Pearl on February 9, 2009 at 2:25 pm
I’ve always watched the hairstylist in the mirror. It’s so odd. I have this thing where I like to watch people do things, because I think I learn that way (I used to stand in the bathroom and watch my aunts and mom apply makeup. I wouldn’t say anything. I’d just stand there and watch – not like I learned any techniques from it… I was 6). But ya… so that’s why when I switched to a hairstylist, I must’ve freaked her out because I now have the WORST HAIRCUT i’ve ever had in my entire life. except for the one time my mom tried to “level out” the sides of my hair (i had layers) and she didn’t quite even it out the first few tries.
Posted by Heather McD (heather eats almond butter) on February 9, 2009 at 2:28 pm
Oh, feel better Andrea!
I’ve never made a roux either. They’ve always sounded so complicated. I love how you ate your dinner with fries instead of rice. I would have done the exact same thing.
LOVE getting my haircut. The washing is my favorite part. I read trashy mags. while the color sets and then I keep my eyes closed during the hair-dryer action. I have really thick hair, and it takes forever to dry. It’s nice to be quiet and get pampered! Enjoy Erin.
Posted by HangryPants on February 9, 2009 at 2:29 pm
Feel better Andrea!
Erin, don’t you love the flax egg. It’s my favorite thing right now. Too bad it doesn’t scramble.
I read, chat and stare.
Posted by Marianne on February 9, 2009 at 2:32 pm
Gumbo is awesome! Especially with okra in it. I make a lovely chicken & smoked oyster gumbo myself
I would love to sit in silence while having my hair did, but alas, my hair dresser can be chatty. Speaking of which, I need my hairs did like, yesterday, as they look like shite. I keep putting it off and putting it off because I’m cheap, and I can’t leave there without spending over $200. Oh hair, why you gotta be that way!
Posted by Hallie on February 9, 2009 at 2:39 pm
Ok this might be wrong, but I saw that dried fruit and thought, “she must have an iron tummy”….I’m just sayin’…I LOVE fiber-rich foods but man….ok I’m stopping now. Sorry.
Anyway, I chat it up. I’ve had the same hairdresser since I was 12 and my mom goes to her too (and my grandma before she got too sick) . Even when I went to college across the country. She’s seen me through weight loss, boyfriends, college, parents’ divorce, you name it. Plenty of history to rehash every time I go in.
I’m adding you to my blogroll, if that’s cool. I need to beef it up since I’ve got like 4 on there yet a read a million blogs!
Posted by coco on February 9, 2009 at 2:46 pm
1. I need to learn “…mental health matters” to say stop to research stress!
2. want recipe for Noggy Blueberry Bread Pudding!
3. I also enjoyed having my head touched. That’s why I didn’t wash my hair even once when I was in China (since it’s much cheaper there going to a salon)
4. did you got the comment I left in your last post?
love ya~
Posted by coco on February 9, 2009 at 2:48 pm
sorry Erin, just read your answer to my question. About the ketchup, the one that you used to have it with your butter squash fries!
Posted by Kate on February 9, 2009 at 2:49 pm
holy moly!!! That pudding looks amazing. Praise the lord I’m back!!! I couldn’t go much longer w/o my sweet p fries!
Posted by coco on February 9, 2009 at 2:49 pm
me again! sorry that I’m so inatentive today and missed the link to the Noggy Blueberry Bread Pudding. Forgive me love, a productive research day= idiot in the rest!
Posted by Tea on February 9, 2009 at 2:54 pm
Best Wishes to Andrea!
So I’m totally stealing your fondue trick! For some reason people really feel that being vegan the biggest thing I’m missing out on is fondue. Hah! I’ll show them!
What a fun cooking and social night! I’m totes jeal that your friends are so open and fun, embracing your diet rather than scorning it. They are so lucky to be your friend!
Hair cut= once every 2 years or more(usually more)= I’m always super confused as to how I’m supposed to act. But I always do enjoy it!
Posted by Kersten on February 9, 2009 at 2:58 pm
Aw…I was wondering where the Driz was. Didn’t see her at the gym on Saturday and thought it may be she was illin’. Girl, if you readin, get better soon!
Erin…the Creole experience sounds so cool. Nothing like a fatty roux! Congrats on your first okra
When I get my hair done I’m yackin’ it up with my stylist as we go. While under the dryer during coloring I’ll read up on the latest gossip in Us or People. My stylist is a family friend and like the only person I’ve ever had do my hair in my 27 years. I’ve strayed twice in my lifetime and have not had good results. I need to get a haircut SO badly right now. I am so lazy and don’t schedule them until like the last minute; I should just schedule them in advance.
Posted by jenngirl on February 9, 2009 at 3:21 pm
Aw poor Andrea!!
I enjoy having my hair washed by the person beforehand, but when it gets to cuttin’ I’m “totes” guilty of eyeing the stylist like a hawk! If she cuts more than I specify, or if I think she’s gunna neglect my bangs (it’s all about the bangs) I will jump on it! Politely of course
Posted by Rose on February 9, 2009 at 3:28 pm
Sending good vibes to Andrea*
Have fun at your haircut! They are never that pleasant for me – my hairdressers are usually ultra chatty, which I’m not into.
Posted by wholefoodswholeme on February 9, 2009 at 3:34 pm
yay! please show us your shiny new haircut later
sounds like a fun evening, it’s always great to learn new cooking skills from authentic sources! your dinner looks yummm. though i do love shrimp like crazy so i probably would have gone for the omni version 
Posted by lilveggiepatch on February 9, 2009 at 3:46 pm
Poor Andrea. Way to pass the virtual plague, Erin! I’m liking that bready pudding.
Posted by ksgoodeats on February 9, 2009 at 4:10 pm
“but I also didn’t dirty a pan” – THAT is me cooking to a T! Less the mess, the better it is
My hairdresser is a crazy Greek woman but I love her! She is always talking to me, to other customers, to her co-workers – everyone!
Hope you had fun gettin’ yo hurrr did!
Posted by Sarah on February 9, 2009 at 4:12 pm
aww, feel better andrea!
i LOVE getting my head touched too! my favorite is when they wash and massage it. mmmm. I really like when people play with my hair. I like closing my eyes and relishing the peace too and hate it when my hair stylist tries to talk to me, especially when the hairdryer is going! Duh–I can’t hear what you’re saying! It’s like at the dentist when he tries to talk to me with his fingers in my mouth—obviously i can’t talk back! haha
Posted by Elise on February 9, 2009 at 4:28 pm
im the same…my mom cut my hair until i moved to nyc, so ive only gotten my hair cut professionally, like, 3 times…and i close my eyes and trying not to visibly orgasm in the chair…hehe (too graphic?)
Posted by Erin on February 9, 2009 at 5:46 pm
Love the “fondue”
I love haircuts too and hate talking. I like to sit and relax. I love having my hair cut (as evidenced by the fact that I have no hair!)
Posted by cleanveggiex3 on February 9, 2009 at 6:13 pm
love the idea of putting the veggie burger in the toaster!
Posted by Erica on February 9, 2009 at 6:16 pm
Hey g friend- whats happening! Gumbo night? I’m in! Frank says hi to Henry! What a cutie Mr. Henry is!!
LOVE getting my hair done! I like to chat except when they are washing my hair-that is relaxing time!
Posted by emily on February 9, 2009 at 6:55 pm
I always chat during a haircut, but I Hate talking while I’m getting my nails done (not that it’s an issue in this economy!). I’ve gone so far as pretending to text during a pedicure b/c I forgot my i-pod and the woman was trying to become bffs!
Posted by strongandhealthy on February 9, 2009 at 7:01 pm
Love your eats! Sweet Henry! I’m getting my haircut this week too! Yay! I would love to just sit there, but I always feel obligated to chat with the lady. Maybe I’ll try relaxing this time!
Posted by seeleelive on February 9, 2009 at 7:36 pm
Erin, I got the carobs tonight. You are one heck of a woman.
Seriously though, WHEN CAN I MEET YOU? You should be famous, You are utterly hilarious and uber interesting! Okay, enough asskissing.
I ate the carobs with white chocolate wonderful on a tortilla wrap and tons of cinnamon.
Your the bomb dot com.
Posted by Diana (Soap & Chocolate) on February 9, 2009 at 8:01 pm
I actually got up and ate a fig the moment I saw the first pic on this post. Some impulses are better indulged than ignored! I love the nut butter combo, and prunes are an age-old love of mine as well. I get made fun of for eating prunes so I hope you don’t take the same heat.
I pretty much just try not to fall asleep when the hair dresser is blow-drying my ‘do. All stylists’ attempts to chat me up have failed to date. I just turn into mush.
Posted by Laura on February 9, 2009 at 8:17 pm
Gumbo night looks like fun!
I usually talk to my stylist and look at myself in the mirror the entire time.
Posted by Meg on February 9, 2009 at 8:41 pm
I am like you! I love to close my eyes and relax!
YUMMY gumbo!
Posted by jane on February 9, 2009 at 8:51 pm
I don’t know if I’ve left a comment on your blog before, but I just wanted to tell you I LOVE IT! You are so funny and your posts are so entertaining to read. You have one of those writer’s voices that makes me feel like I’m talking to you when I read your blog. That’s a compliment, trust me! Anyway, keep it up, and I’ll keep reading
p.s. I chat it up with my hairdresser until we run out of things to talk about and then it gets awkward and i usually end up looking in the mirror. At myself, not at my hairdresser.
p.p.s. do you listen to music while you cook or do you just dance without any music? (that’s in regards to your last post in case you are confused haha!)
Posted by Kelly on February 9, 2009 at 9:01 pm
Chat some but love to sit there and have my hair played with!
Question Erin, whats your favorite food/ food combo?
..Dried fruit and PB?
Posted by Nicole on February 9, 2009 at 10:06 pm
It would be great if you would post your gumbo recipe. I’ve been looking for a healthy one for forever.
Thanks.
Posted by Caroline on February 9, 2009 at 10:39 pm
Oddly enough, I usually fall asleep–ever since I was a kid, something about the cold scissors on my neck makes me super drowsy!
Posted by Andrea (Off Her Cork) on February 10, 2009 at 5:05 am
Get better soon A!!!
I’m chatty when I get my hair cut because I like my stylist a lot, so we usually chit chat for a bit.
I’m not a chit chatter by nature though, usually meeting someone for the first time I don’t say too much.
Posted by Janie on February 10, 2009 at 6:25 am
Feel better Andrea!
I chat it up when I’m getting my hair cut. I’ve been going to the same person since I was 15, and she now cuts my close friends hair too so we always have a lot to talk about
Posted by And an eggy morning to YOU! « Lilveggiepatch on February 10, 2009 at 6:49 am
[...] Good morning! I love blog-spired foods. This morning I had Noggy Berry Pudding, inspired by Erin, who was inspired by Shelby, who was inspired by Krista… oh, it’s just wonderful! [...]
Posted by Erin on February 10, 2009 at 7:33 am
Hallie – You’re funny! I totally see where you’re going with that! Well, I’ll say this…it’s not like I eat all the fiber without consequence, but I definitely have a pretty high tolerance
Tea – WHOA GIRL! How long is your hair?
jane – That’s so sweet of you. Thank you
I usually need music to dance, but not always. I have my own inner beat!
Kelly – I think so. I go through phases with peanut butter combos but generally speaking I like it with everything!
Nicole – Yes!
Posted by Andrea [bella eats] on February 10, 2009 at 10:15 am
Lady…I can’t believe this was your first okra experience!!! Its one of my faves, I can’t wait ’till summer when we grow it in our garden. You did it right though, in gumbo! Yum. Mardi Gras is coming up, I think I’ll have to do a special gumbo post.
Hope Andrea’s feeling better!
Posted by Kelly on February 10, 2009 at 10:26 am
Me too! I love the Better ‘n Peanut Butter, it works well with all kinds of foods.
Hope Andrea feels better.
Illness has been going around campus like the plague!
Posted by eatingbender on February 10, 2009 at 10:09 pm
Get well soon, Andrea!
Love that bloggie-inspired breakfast! Krista’s blog is supa cool!
Hello gumbo! Holla Henry!!
I chat it up with my hairdresser until the blow dryer goes on. Then I stare at myself endlessly…I kid! I just don’t like to shout