EDIN ADAH L- ALIBI-1983 AND BIOGRAPHY,DISCOGRAPHY

THIS ALBUM CONTAIN(10-TRACKS)
1-WAKE UP
2-ON THE CATTING EDEGE
3-ALIBI
4-BRING BACK THE JOY
5-LET ALL THE EARTH PROCLAME
6-SAVIOUR
7-FOR THE RAIN IN YOUR HEART
8-STORM IN MY HEART
9-SEND ME
10-YOUR HEART IS IN HIS HANDS
EDIN ADAHL-X-FACTOR-1984















THIS ALBUM CONTAIN(10-TRACKS)
1-X-FACTOR
2-LIKE A MOTION PICTURE
3-I'M WATING FOR YOU
4-HOLD ON
5-BLIND(A New Day Tomorrow)
6-CLOSER AND CLOSER
7-THE SECRET OVER ALL
8-LISTEN BROTHER!!
9-I LOVE YOU
10-THOUSAND YEAR
EDIN ADAHL-MIRACLE-1987















THIS ALBUM CONTAIN(10-TRACKS)
1-I KNOW
2-MIRACLE ENERGY
3-TOO EASY
4-IN THE GHETTO
5-CHILD
6-HEAVEN
7-GOING HOME
8-LONELY AGAIN
9-FAR BEHIND
EDIN ADAHL-BIG TALK-1989
















THIS ALBUM CONTAIN(9-TRACKS)
1-GOING BACK
2-MISSING YOU
3-WIDER THAN THE OCEAN
4-MAN OF THE STREET
5-BIG TALK
6-MISTICAL MOMENTS
7-WRITE ON THE WALL
8-UTOPIA
9-LONELY WITHOUT YOU
EDIN ADHAL-HEAVEN INTO MY SOUL-1990
















THIS ALBUM CONTAIN(12-TRACKS)
1-HEAVEN(Into My Soul)
2-FALLING
3-I'LL BE AROUND
4-COLD AS ICE
5-BLACK COFFE
6-TIME OF PEACE
7-PERFECT COMVINATION
8-DON'T SAY THAT YOU'RE SORRY
9-THIS FIRE
10-ONE BIG FAMILY
11-T.M.B(The Music Business)
12-LIKE A WIND
EDIN ADHAL-REVIVAL-1991















THIS ALBUM CONTAIN(10-TRACKS)
1-REVIVAL
2-WORDS OF LOVE
3-HEAVENLY LOVE
4-TEMPLE
5-TAKE ME THROUGH THE YEARS
6-PARADISE
7-THE IMPOSSIBLE SONG
8-ACT OF GOD
9-LET IT SHINE
10-FORGOTTEN CHILD
Swedish pop/rock band comprised of brothers, Lasse and Bertil Edin, and brothers, Frank and Simon Adahl. Their self-titled first recording was released in 1980 in the Swedish language. They made their international debut in 1983 with the English language, Alibi. After 1991's Revival, they recorded one more album in Swedish in 1992, followed by a Swedish/English best-of collection in 1994. In 2003, the Adahl brothers released an English language album, Roots Frank and Simon Adahl started with music in 1968. They released three albums in the seventies as "Frank and Simon". 1978 they met two other brothers, Edin's, and they formed a successful group called "Edin/Adahl". Edin/Adahl started touring full time in 1981. In 1990 they won the Swedish entry to the Eurovision Song Contest and after that the song "Heaven into my soul" went in as nr.1 on the CCM radio charts. Edin/Adahl had a number of christian radio hits in the 80:ies. Songs like "Alibi","For the rain in your heart", "Saviour", "Your heart is in His hands", "X-factor" ,"Send me" and others.. In 1992 the band split up and the brothers Adahl continued working as musicians to other artists. In 2003 the album "Roots"with Adahl was released. In April 20th 2006 Adahl released the CD/EP "Dags att leva" with five tracks, you can buy those tracks as downloads at http://www.dagen.se You are also welcome to check things out on Adahls website www.adahl.se Or Go To( http://www.bluedesert.dk/adahl.html)

(http://www.holymetalrob.com/)

UPFRONT - UPFRONT - 1991

THIS DEMO CONTAIN(6-TRACKS)
1-DRAW THE LINE
2-WE ARE THE YOUNG
3-CAN'T LIVE
4-HUMAN CONDITION
5-HOLLOW HEART
6-I WISH
CREDIT:
Tim Halbin - Lead and Rhythm Guitars, Backing Vocals
Mark Bevis - Bass, Backing Vocals
Paul Catron - Drums
David McCoy - keyboards
Lite CCM AOR? Arena Rock? I doubt these guys would've been filling arenas anytime soon - not even church halls! They look like the kind of guys who'd be strumming the guitars at a youth group meeting. "We Are the Young" Yeah, baby! Rock me for Christ! You can throw this CD in the $1 bin(http://www.holymetalrob.com/)

MAJESTY - IN HIS TIME / 1996

THIS DEMO CONTAIN(6-TRACKS)
1-FALLING FROM GRACE
2-FIVE-THIRTY-SEVEN
3-EVENING SKY
4-WALK WITH ME
5-HOURS OF
6-THIS CHANGE EVERYTHING
CREDIT:Last known line-up
Mark 'Mack' Mullins - Vocals
Drue Armstrong - Guitar
Jeff Whitmire - Bass
Jimmy Callaway - Drums
Additional musicians :
Julie Armstrong, Ian Anderson & Chad Cross Additional vocals
Gary Teal - Drums (on "Evening Sky")
Billy Gewin -Bass(on "Evening Sky")
Ian Andersson - Keyboards (on "Evening Sky")












The searing guitar work often reminds me of AXEL RUDI PELL with some occasional prog influences. Although only a 6 tracker, this is an excellent 80's sounding metal release. ,Dynamic progressive metal that changes from sweeping acoustic passages to speedy thrash riffs in the context of one song. Much of the disc features epic length tracks, which makes the disc all the more enjoyable for me. Vocalist Mack Mullins has a smooth, midrange voice that fits the style well. The lyrics are all based around Christian themes, yet they are poetic as well. If I am not mistaken, the band changed their name to His Majesty soon after the release of this cd because of a conflict with another band with the same name. I believe a second pressing of this CD has the name change on the cover(http://www.holymetalrob.com/)

CRAZED BUNNYZ - ACHTUNG:MUSIK KLIRRFAKTOR-1986

THIS DEMO CONTAIN(10-TRACKS)
1-UFO
2-BACK FROM THE DEAD
3-DON'T FLICK THAT OVER HERE
4-FLAT BRAINS
5-PHYSICAL DISTORTION
6-THE MESSAGE
7-THE KILLING OF A RACE
8-CHURCH OF THE LIVING DEAD
9-TAPDANCING INTO HELL
10-WORLD MEDIA
CREDIT:
Gadget-Bass Synth & Absurd Remarks
Shaka harrison-Vox & Munchy Crunchies
Futch-Bone-sucking Guitar & Vox
1986 Plan 7 Music Release
I Want it,,Do You Have it Reach Me To(http://www.holymetalrob.com/)

PROPHETS ON VACATIONS-"MOSH TO RELAX TO"-1993

THIS DEMO CONTAIN(8-TRACKS)
1-BURN
2-ABOMINATIONS
3-CRASHING DOWN
4-THE HEAVY METAL SONG
5-GOLGOTHA
6-LAND OF THE FREE AND THE GRAVE
7-MOSH ON SATAN'S HEAD
8-I LOVE MY GIRLFRIEND
CREDIT:
Fred-Drums & Brains
Obadiah-Bass & Hair
Moses-Vocals & Dumb Ideas
Enoch-Guitar & Broken Strings
I Want it,Do You Have it Reach me To(http://robertigno.webs.com/)

TRINITY - NEW DAWN / 199

THIS DEMO CONTAIN(4-TRACKS)
1-A NEW DAWN
2-CLOSE TO THE EDGE
3-BOUND
4-ONE WHO CARE
CREDIT:
Peter Andersson-Vocals
Patrik Carlsson-Bass
Pierre Andersson-Keyboards & BGV
Jorgen Bjork-Drums
Fredrik Bjork-Guitar
I Don't Have it,Do You?Reach Me To(http://www.holymetalrob.com/)

HOPE SPRINGS ETERNAL - STARK RAVING GLAD EP-1991

THIS DEMO EP CONTAIN(4-TRACKS)
1-ORIGINAL LOVE
2-SHE SAID
3-BRIDGE OVER NOTHING
4-NO-ONE
CREDIT:
If You Have It Would You Please Reach me to(http://www.holymetalrob.com/)

TOTALLY SQUARE - LADDER IN YOUR HEAD/SENSIBLE-1991

THIS DEMO CONTAIN(10-TRACKS)
1-RAISE THIS HEART
2-HONEST MAN
3-FACE
4-SIZZLE AND PILE
5-SEE YOU
6-DEAD ON THE WATER
7-HAND
8-BEWARE
9-LITTLE MR HUMAN FETUS
10-HOPE
CREDTI:
Dann Gunn-Vocals
John Paul Nefflen-Drums
John Coble-Guitars
Dennis V Maddox-Bass
I Want This Demo If You Have it Then You Can reach me To(http://www.holymetalrob.com/)

SCOTT ROMAN - CARVED IN GREY MATTER - 1989

THIS DEMO CONTAIN(9-TRACKS)
1-ONE MAN'S FLOOR(Is Another Man Ceiling)
2-I CAN SEE IT COMING
3-SHE'LL BE SORRY
4-THE DEFILED SANCTUARY
5-LAMENT
6-THE POOL OF TEARS
7-TOMORROW
8-ON ANOTHER'S SORROW
9-AWAY FROM BABYLON
I Want Thos Demo IF You Have It Please Reach me To(http://www.holymetalrob.com/)

DAWN TREADER ONE - DAWN TREADER ONE-1978

THIS DEMO CONTAIN(TRACKS)
1-
2-
3
4-
I Do not Know Much About this band but if you can help me and reach me something of this I Would Really apreaciate it,reach me t0(http://www.holymetalrob.com/)

IMAGE - IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE - 1986

THIS DEMO CONTAIN(4-TRACKS)
1-HE'S THE ONE
2-I STAND ALONE
3-LOST
4-ENDLESS LOVE
CREDIT:
Billy Kirkland-Lead vocals and Drums
Jeff Bright-Lead Guitars And Vocals
Kevin Valliquette.Bass
IMAGE - HEADS OF TAILS-1989
















THIS DEMO CONTAIN(6-TRACKS)
1-IN TIME OF NEED
2-YOU'VE GOT THE CHOICE
3-NOW AND FOREVER
4-APRIL'S GRAVE
5-ON THE WAY TO THE TOP
6-KICKING BACK
CREDIT:
Billy Kirkland - Lead Vocals and Drums
Steve Kenney - Vocals and Bass
Darron Jeans - Lead Guitars and Acoustics
Mike Burton - Lead Vocals and Keyboards.
These guys had another Demo titled "In The Middle of No Where" this is the their 2nd Demo and it was not as good as the first one with Kevin V. on the vocals! The Song "April's Grave" is a semi ballad is the highlight here. These guys were a very good Glam Metal band from the late 80's from OKC!Like I have said before Great band. Their First Demo was titled "In the Middle of Nowhere". It had four very good Glam Metal Songs along the line of Cinderella or Stryper. the Songs are : He's The One, I Stood Alone, Lost, and Endless Love. The band also featured different members than those who played on 2nd Demo "Heads or Tails". On "Heads or Tails" only Billy Kirkland was an original band member. On the first Demo, the Guitar Player was Jeff Bright and the Vocals were done by Kevin Valliquette.(http://www.holymetalrob.com/)

COLOR BLIND - PAIN,PREJUDICE,STUPIDITY,AND PRIDE-198

THIS DEMO CONTAIN(9-TRACKS)
1-PAIN,PREJUDICE,STUPIDITY,AND PRIDE
2-I VE BEEN IN LOVE
3-UNDER MY SKIN
4-JUNK FOOD
5-LITTLE MICHAEL
6-NOT THIS MAN
7-HOW LONG
8-HOME
9-I SEE
CREDIT:
Dimitri Craven- Lead Vocals and Bass
Dan Behringer - Electric and Accoustic Guitars
Duane McDonald - KeyboardEric Chavez - Drums and Percussion.
IF You have it would you please reach me To(http://www.holymetalrob.com/)

FOUR LIVING CREATURES - DREAMS,DAUGHTERS AND SONS-1994

THIS DEMO CONTAIN(12-TRACKS)
1-LOVE LIKE A CIRCLE
2-STOP SMILE
3-WHAT IS A PICTURE
4-UNDER THE RAINCLOUD
5-DOWN THE STAIRS
6-EX POST FACTO
7-REVOLVE AROUND
8-PARABLE
9-WEDDING WHIM
10-GRANDFATHER
11-THE RED EARTH
12-?????(Sorry I Can not Read the tiny Print)
CREDIT:
Joseph Albanese-Vocals, guitars
JeremiRodgers-Bass guitar
Toby Tate-Drums
Matt Dentino-Additiona guitars and vocals on Down thr Stairs, guitars on Wedding Whim and The Red Earth
I Would Like to thank to the Guy That Has Coperated with this sharing,God Bless you broth I'Am Really Enjoy this Amazing Alternative Band,it's not bad at all,anyway Do Not Forget to Cross Christianrockzone it's Our Christianrock radiostaion that we are working Hard to emprove to be the best in all,so everything that are here will be including on our broadcast radio so here is the link(http://www.holymetalrob.com/)

STEVE SMITH & BORN AGAIN - THE MIND IS A BATTLEFIELD-1988

THIS DEMO CONTAIN(8-TRACKS)
1-THE MAND IS A BATTLEFIELD
2-HOLY LORD
3-HAND OF THE LORD
4-MESSIAH
5-STARTING OVER
6-I STAND
7-I CAN'T HELP IT
8-REAP THE FIELDS
CREDIT:
Steve & Debbie Smith, Patty Baker-Vocals
Gary Brewster-Drums
Wyman Harrell-Guitars
Gray Jason-Guitars
Rodney Waters-Bass
I Want this Demo if you have it would you please reach me to(http://www.holymetalrob.com/)

CRIMSON DIVE CD - CRIMSON DIVE CD-1991

THIS DEMO CONTAIN(4-TRACKS)
1-WHY
2-PEOPLE
3-IN YOUR HANDS
4-DOESN'T MATTER
IF You Have it Then Reach me to(http://www.holymetalrob.com/)

TRIAL BY FIRE - TRIAL BY FIRE -1991 DEMO

THIS DEMO CONTAIN(9-TRACKS)
1-EXODUS
2-HELL IS REAL
3-THE QUIET ONES
4-SANDCASTLE
5-THE TIDE
6-TELL ME
7-STRIVE AFTER WIND
8-ETERNITY
9-WHEN YOU SPEAK TO ME
IF You Want This Demo And if You Have Any oF My ONES Then Reach Me to(http://www.holymetalrob.com/)

CRYSTAL MESSIAH - SWORD OF FIRE-1990

THIS DEMO CONTAIN(7-TRACKS)
1-SWORD OF FIRE
2-IT'S TOO LATE
3-LIVING IN THE CITY
4-TEAR IT UP
5-UNTIL I MET U
6-ROCK DOWN
7-SIDE 2 IS LISTED AS("Just A Bunch of Messing Around And Band Stuff")
CREDIT:
Bobbie Jean-Vocals & Guitar
A J Wasmer-Guitar
Julie Graybill-Bass
Chris Moore-Drum
Chris Moore-Drum
If You Have it then You Can Reach me to(http://www.holymetalrob.com/)

Happy New Year

We've gone through a number of New Year's "traditions" over our years of living in the Midwest. There were several party years, until one year, the day before the party, the hosts announced they were breaking up, and the party was canceled. That was the year I convinced my friend Susan (also an attendee of the former "party") that we should all go to a New Year's Eve contra dance. That started a new tradition of dancing the night away — four hours of high octane dancing followed by a midnight dessert potluck. We did this for more years than I can remember, and it was great fun. Then, with my parents getting older and living in a condo in Florida, we started spending the holidays with them. New Year's Eve consisted of an early dinner at a Chinese restaurant, and that was pretty much it. After my mother died, we continued spending the holidays in Florida with my father, and later, my father and Rose. The restaurant would occasionally change, but not the scenario. The evening was mostly quiet and early, except that there was usually an "incident" involved. My father was not a patient man, and the incident may have been precipitated by something as seemingly insignificant as having to wait too long at the restaurant, or having the menu options changed from the last year, but it always created a bit of discomfort. My brother and sister-in-law, who live in Florida, sometimes joined us, but occasionally the "incidents" would become too much for them, and they would skip a year or two, much to my dismay.

One "incident" I particularly remember was the year I broke off the key in the lock to my father's front door. We had just gotten home, and it was cold, dark and later than usual (for us) and we had no choice but to go back to Rose's condo to get a phone book and seek out an emergency locksmith. (My father needed all sorts of medications that were inside his condo, and there was no way he would have waited until morning.) After several failed attempts, I finally reached an unlucky locksmith with a cell phone. He was obviously at a New Year's party with his wife, and I could hear celebration (and her distress at his leaving) in the background. He was a good 45 minutes away, and when he finally arrived, he could only do a temporary fix on the lock, which would have to be replaced the next day. Whew. I won't go into any more details but it was quite a night.

Last year was the first New Year's without my father, and my two brothers and I spent our time in Florida emptying the condo. I honestly don't even remember where I was on New Year's Eve. It seems erased from my memory. This year we will spend a quiet evening at home. We went to a "night before New Year's Eve" contra dance last night with Susan and her new fiancé, and had so much fun my husband and I decided we should start dancing again. But today I'm feeling quiet and a bit nostalgic.

I hope all of you have a happy and healthy New Year. I look forward to reading your wonderful blogs in 2009.

P.S. Don't forget to eat black eyed peas for good luck in the new year! Here's an easy and delicious recipe for Texas Caviar, or Black Eyed Pea Salsa.

Spinach and mushroom enchiladas with tomatillo sauce

I've only been to Mexico once, and it wasn't what I'd consider a "real" travel experience. I went to a conference in Cancun with my husband. He was a keynote speaker and the conference organizers had offered to bring the spouses of the main speakers to the conference all-expenses paid. At first I declined the invitation, not being a fan of large resorts in artificial settings, but then I had a last minute change of heart, and decided it would be more weird to not go than to go. After all, it was January and cold here, and January and warm there.

The resort was pretty much what I expected, but I did my best to be friendly and join the other spouses each day for beach going, shopping and relaxing. I took the bus to the tourist malls and bargained for jewelry (a bracelet that I still wear every day), and soaked up the rays and breezes on the beach. I do love to walk for a couple of hours on a beautiful beach, but the previously storm-battered and sadly eroded beach was not what I had envisioned. It was very narrow and filled with cabanas, and the sand at the water's edge, where I like to walk, slanted at about a 45˚ angle and was mushy instead of firm. After a short stroll, one leg hitting the sand at a much higher point than the other, my hip began to ache, and instead of enjoying the sight of miles of ocean lapping at sand, I envisioned a chiropractic adjustment table in a sterile room, and knew it was time to return to my cabana.

The resort was unwilling or unable to make vegan food accommodations beyond plain pasta with no sauce, so we opted to bus into town for our meals. We found a small chain of natural foods restaurants that served amazing local foods. The meals were so delicious that we tried repeatedly to lure other conference attendees to come with us, but they were all frightened of the word "natural" and chose to eat at the hotel instead. Interestingly, a large number of the group started disappearing. We later found out they had succumbed to dysentery and were recovering in their rooms. Although we ate enthusiastically, neither one of us ever had any problems. I just wish I had taken notes and photos so I could remember and recreate the wonderful traditional Mexican food we ate.

And this brings me to Rick Bayless. At first glance, Mr. Bayless seems to cook only animal-based Mexican dishes—with lots of chorizo and lard. Not exactly vegan food for thought. But, if you look beyond that first impression, you can find lots of inspiration for amazing meals. He was recently in Madison for a fund-raising event at which I was supposed to help, and I was really excited to meet him and watch him cook in person. At the last minute, I was unable to attend. I was very disappointed, but had a post-event opportunity to purchase one of his (signed) cookbooks for half-price. There were two choices, and I poured over each one, trying to determine which I was more likely to use. I chose "Mexican Everyday" instead of "Authentic Mexican 20th Anniversary Edition," because it contained meals you could make in 30 minutes. But the latter contained a treasure trove of information and would be a wonderful reference book. He provides so much insight into the flavors, ingredients and techniques involved in authentic Mexican cuisine, it's relatively easy to adapt the dishes into vegan versions without losing the fabulous taste. Plus, for many of the dishes in the book I selected, he offers vegetarian alternatives. And the side dishes and vegetables sound amazing. For example, you can skip the pork but make the Smoky Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Guajillo Salsa. I'm looking forward to substituting tofu, tempeh, seitan, beans, avocados and eggplant or other veggies for the animals, and using the preparation methods and sauces from the book, to create exciting flavors.



Our first try was Tomatillo-sauced enchiladas with spinach and mushrooms. We had only a few tomatillos in the house so we supplemented them (as per Rick's suggestion) with bottled tomatillo salsa. For the spinach we used a 12-ounce bag of chopped frozen spinach. We used eight ounces of white mushrooms, and we substituted vegetable stock for chicken stock and left out the shredded chicken (which is listed as optional in the recipe). We have lots of frozen jalapeños and other hot peppers from our garden, and we used those instead of fresh. This dish was easy to make and so delicious I had to force myself to stop eating. And following Mr. Bayless' easy method for softening corn tortillas, the tortillas were so much better than any we had prepared before. If you would like the revised recipe, e-mail me.

Ken's delectable chili

I remember in years past when everyone was longingly whimpering about wanting a white Christmas. "Oh why can't we have a little snow," they would moan. Not this year. This year the talk is all about canceled plans, anticipated visits that were postponed or not happening, worries about travel. And questions about where to put the snow that continues to fall with abandon. It's beautiful but it's enough. This is our second year of what feels like the Snow Olympics — and I fear we are going to break records again. We've so far had 36 inches in December. Yay for us. We should get a medal or something.

So what's the perfect food for freezing, blustery snow-filled days? Of course the answer is chili. (Or is the answer chocolate? Maybe I'm confused.) Even the sound of the name kind of fits the season. But EVERYONE already has a recipe for the "best chili in the world," don't they? What possible reason could there be for hurling another one into the blogosphere? That's what I thought when my husband made this version. I wasn't even in the mood for chili, and wasn't as excited to try it as he was to serve it. I could see it was especially pretty, with all the vegetable colors, so I took a picture or two, but really didn't expect to post about it—too overdone. But the taste was so exuberant it surprised me. The second time he made it convinced me that it was a worthy addition to the chili repertoire. It has a lot of ingredients but Ken says it's really easy to make.

So where did this terrific chili originate? Well, Ken was at the vet with our dog, Buffy. Buff was in the back having blood drawn, and Ken was in the waiting room — waiting. And waiting. Now, when I'm at the vet, I always pick up the dog magazines, but Ken's not sentimental like that. He doesn't care that Super Speedo Galactic Fido just won his 10th all-champion dog master competition. He found himself attracted to a Rachel Ray cooking magazine instead. There was a recipe for chili in there that inspired him to come home and make his own version of the dish he'd read about. Go Rachel! Maybe I should subscribe. (Just kidding.)



Perfect chili

• two large yellow onions, chopped
• three large cloves garlic, chopped
• two–three celery stalks, chopped
• two medium peeled carrots, julienned
• three large sweet peppers (including red or yellow), chopped
• one jalapeño pepper, chopped (optional)
  
• 1/2 head cauliflower. divided into small florets
• one can (or 1-3/4 cups home-cooked) kidney beans, drained
• one can (or 1-3/4 cups home-cooked) pinto beans, drained
• one can (or 1-3/4 cups home-cooked) garbanzo beans, drained
• one 14.5 ounce can fire roasted diced tomatoes (like Muir Glen)
• one cup frozen corn
• one–two tablespoons good quality chili powder
• one teaspoons dried oregano
• one teaspoon dried basil
• one teaspoon hot sauce
• 1/4 cup red wine (or lemon juice, if you don't use wine)
• about four ounces chorizo-style seitan*
  
• salt to taste
• olive oil for cooking
  

1. In a large, heavy pan or dutch oven, sauté the cauliflower, onions, celery, carrots and peppers in one or two tablespoons of olive oil for a few minutes until the onions are translucent. A minute before the vegetables are done, add the garlic. (You know what I mean. Just don't burn the garlic.)
   
2. Add the kidney beans, pinto beans, garbanzo beans, seitan, tomatoes and wine.
3. Stir in the chili powder, oregano, basil and hot sauce.
4. Add water or vegetable broth as needed for the right consistency. (And so the chili won't burn as it cooks.)
5. Simmer for about one hour or until the cauliflower is soft and the flavors have blended.
6. Stir in the frozen corn and heat until the corn is hot.
7. Adjust seasonings.
   

We serve ours with brown rice or with crusty bread.

notes:
1. *My husband bought Upton's Naturals chorizo-style seitan to use in this recipe.

2. If we don't have leftover home-cooked beans, we use canned beans with no salt added. The cheapest beans we've found are the 365 brand at Whole Foods. The no-salt ones always seem to be hidden on the highest shelf!

3. Salt and spiciness are personal preferences, so add the amount that seems right for your taste. This recipe will be moderately spicy, depending on the heat in your jalapeño and chili powder.

4. I think a few fat leaves of Italian parsley or cilantro would go well with this. It needs a little dark green!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!

The best tofu cream cheese

We were supposed to go to a solstice party tonight and my husband made a big pot of chili to take along, but the weather is so nasty and we've turned into such wimps, that we've decided to stay home and watch a movie instead. I'm really disappointed about this but the thought of driving on slippery, snowy roads just doesn't appeal. By early yesterday morning we had nearly a foot of snow and stayed home from work as the schools were all closed the roads were pretty bad. I wasn't feeling that great so the day at home was welcome, but it's snowing again and we're supposed to get four to five more inches tonight. We are on track to break last year's snow record of 101 inches. In fact, we're way ahead. At least we've got that pot of chili on the stove.

We've been going to quite a few parties lately where we had to bring a dish along. It started me thinking about the good old tofu cream cheese that I used to tote to every event. I haven't made it in years, but I dug up the recipe since it's party season, and this was a dish that everyone, vegans and omnivores, all seemed to like. It never failed that at least one person (usually more) at every event would ask who made it and request the salty-tangy recipe. There were times when I was hesitant to say the word "tofu," if you know what I mean. And the ingredients are not the most common, everyday sort.

I learned to make it during the years when we were macrobiotic, and I really don't know where the recipe came from. Maybe I got it at a cooking class or lecture. I've looked for similar recipes on the Internet but haven't seen anything quite like this one.

There is one part in the recipe where you are supposed to press the tofu for 30 minutes. At first I used to do this in my pickle press, but when pinched for time I used extra firm tofu and skipped it. I think the texture is slightly better when the tofu is pressed but it's not that big a difference. Today the tofu I used seemed more watery than usual so I squeezed it between the layers of a thick waffle-weave kitchen towel. If you want to press it you can wrap it between layers of paper-or non-linty cotton towels, place it on a plate, and put something heavy on top.

The most important thing is to buy extra-firm water-packed tofu. It just doesn't work to use the pasteurized tofu in the box. (like Mori-nu) My favorite is Whitewave organic vacuum packed extra-firm tofu.



Tofu Cream cheese

• one pound extra-firm water-packed or vacuum-packed tofu (NOT Mori-nu)
• 1-1/2 level tablespoons umeboshi paste
• three tablespoons tahini (three VERY LEVEL tablespoons. Don't be generous.)
• three or four green onions, white and green parts

1. Place the tofu in a pot and cover with water. Bring the water to a boil and simmer the tofu for two or three minutes.
2. Drain then press the tofu for 30 minutes. Or just drain it. (see story above)
3. Place the tofu, umeboshi and tahini in a food processor and process until creamy and smooth, scraping the sides of the bowl as necessary.
4. Finely slice the green onions and add to the processor. Pulse a few times to distribute them evenly but don't purée the onions.
5. Place in a bowl and sprinkle with paprika or a garnish of your choice.
6. Chill in refrigerator for at least one hour.
7. Serve as a spread for crackers or bagels or stuff into celery or cherry tomatoes.

This is a spread and is quite stiff. It has a consistency similar to cream cheese, but can be thinned to use as a dip.

Tempeh with mustard sauce,bok choy,mushrooms

On a recent post I made a dijon mustard sauce from Simply Ming, and used it to make a chickpea salad. I saved the leftover sauce to use in a tempeh dish and here it is. I don't have an actual recipe, just a photo illustrated description of what turned out to be a wonderful dish.

First I cut the tempeh in half widthwise and then split each piece to make four thin tempeh cutlets. I coated them with sauce and marinated them in a glass dish for about 10 minutes while I sliced mushrooms and cleaned bok choy. Olive oil was added to a heated wok and the tempeh and mushrooms were placed in the wok.



The mushrooms got stir fried and the tempeh was left to cook until it looked like this on both sides and was removed to a plate with the mushrooms.



Meanwhile, the bok choy was separated into stems and leaves. The stems were sliced into diagonal pieces and cooked in the wok until they started to taste good. The shredded leaves were added, cooked briefly until almost done, and then the tempeh and mushrooms were laid on top. A lid was applied and the food was allowed to steam for a few minutes until the veggies were finished and the tempeh hot.



The remains of the sauce was drizzled over the top and the tempeh, bok choy and mushrooms were transferred to plates with a side of perfectly steamed brown basmati rice.



It tasted great!