Exploits of a Vegan Wannabe

Now that I am a tomato aficionado I am always on the lookout for interesting varieties. Last week I found some Heirloom Striped Stuffers and flipped. They were ablaze with color and life. They practically leapt off the table into my market bag.  The Stuffers are unique because they are shaped like bell peppers with cavernous insides, ready to be stuffed. The ones I found were the size of a buxom plum.  Once home, I cut off the top like a mini pumpkin and scooped out the scant amount of seeds. I created a chilled filling  with items I had in the pantry. You could use this filling with any tomato (or other stuffable veggie) or use this tomato with any filling you choose.   This is a contemporary twist on a Summer classic.

Striped Stuffers w/ Black Quinoa

By: S. Duquet

Ingredients

4 biggie plum or nectarine sized tomatoes that have been mostly hollowed out for stuffing

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1 Tbsp dried dill ( I bet fresh would be wonderful too)

cracked black pepper to taste

1/2 tsp agave

2 Tbsp red wine vinegar

1/2 C cooked and cooled black quinoa (The black quinoa is from Alter Eco. Use any grain you have and it will be perfect.)

1/4 C sliced green olives

1/4 C  chopped radishes

1/4 C chopped cucumbers

1/4 C chopped yellow pepper

1/4 C raw pine nuts

Make it Happen

~Put all ingredients except the tomatoes into a bowl and mix thoroughly.

~Gently and abundantly fill each tomato with filling.

~Enjoy the resplendent flavor of summer and whole foods.

Local Giveaway

I have the opportunity to give away two tickets for the Dearborn Aimal Shelter’s second annual No Beast Feast.

It is an entirely vegan Fall Harvest festivus to benefit the Dearborn Animal Shelter. Last year we ate (and drank) ourselves silly. This year one of the guest caterers is our favorite Thai chef Genevieve Vang from Bangkok 96 restaurant. Genevieve is creating a signature entree and vegan dessert.  I would love for you to join us. You don’t have to hang with us, but I would love to say hi. Dress is casual and we are going to have a ball.  There will be  prizes, take home recipes and a compassionate feast. If you know someone that would like to join us, send them Exploits way so they can enter.

No Beast Feast will be at: Park Place Caterers

23400 Park Street, Dearborn MI.

When: Friday Sept. 16th 6PM-10PM

How do I win?: Share with me why you would love to join us by

1. Commenting through the blog

2. Email me at sherry@exploitsofaveganwannabe.com

3. On Facebook at Exploits of a Vegan Wannabe

4. Via Twitter

Contest will run from now until Saturday Sept. 10th. I will pool all of your comments, draw randomly and announce the winner on Meatless Monday September 12th. Your tickets will be waiting for you at the door Friday night!

Interested in attending but don’t care about winning?  You may purchase your tickets Here. They are $45 in advance and include all food, beer, wine and vegan awesomeness.

Have a delicious day.

Tags: black quinoa, compassionate eating, dairy free, going veg, heirloom tomatoes, Meatless Monday recipe, No Beast Feast, plant based diet, plant strong, Striped Stuffers, stuffed tomatoes, trying vegan, vegan brunch, vegan challenge, vegan entertaining, vegan experience, vegan giveaway, vegan wannabe, vegetarian brunch, vegetarian entertaining, vegetarian side dish, vegetarian transition