Hello my lovelies! I am blogging while laying on the couch in utter exhaustion after getting home from the Natural Food Products Expo West. Don’t even doubt that walking around all day carry bags of samples isn’t a workout, I definitely broke a sweat (or two today). I plan on doing a FULL recap highlighting all the excitement that took place this weekend but until then I have some discoveries on the food front to share!
Wine Infused Whipped Cream
Yes it exists! This was gifted to a friend of mine for her big 2-1! I’ve seen wine ice cream on pinterest (swoon) but never in stores. So if you are wondering, the slums of California, also known as the lovely city I inhibit called Isla Vista carries this wonderful product.
Chocolate Cake with Nutella Buttercream
Yes, this happened for my friends said 21st birthday. And she took a shot of cake vodka before eating this. What a champ.
Homemade Vanilla Extract
I’m in the process of making my own vanilla extract! I followed Jessica’s DIY tutorial and in about 7 more weeks I should have my very own vanilla extract.
Artisana Blue Algae Nut Butter
I know, I know. WHAT is this stuff?!?!? I spotted it at my local food co-op and HAD to grab a packet. It’s really just cashew butter with algae. Weird? Maybe a little. It definitely has an interesting taste and I couldn’t quite out my finger on what EXACTLY I tasted in there. But nevertheless, I was intrigued and want to try it again.
Homemade Log Seitan
I followed Elise’s recipe during my marathon food prep. The results? WIN. I do love tofu and tempeh but don’t want to rely too heavily on soy products while I’m on my Lenten meat-free kick. So seitan has been the perfect alternative. I love the chewiness of this stuff and how you can easily slice it to make a quick sammie to-go. Also, this stuff is killer on a fresh piece on homemade bread with avocado, a dippy egg, and ketchup.
YOLK PORN. That’s whats up.
Roommates who bring home 5 lbs of Mexican food from LA
Shout-out to my gurrrl KShort. There is truly nothing like eating legitimate mexican straight from some hole-in-the-wall place in LA. I dominated the rice + beans mixed them some tofu taco meat then put it on top of kale, peppers, and avocado. Lots of salsa too.
Still making my own iced tea and loving it
This is the way to go.
Lululunches
I missed WIAW this week but my lululunches are still going strong. However, I am sad to report they aren’t nearly as fun when the weather is dreary 
But I got fancy with my mustard skills and packed a salad of spinach, sweet potatoes, BBQ tofu, roasted broccoli, red onions, avocado, and apple cider vinegar.
Geez, I’m jealous of your foodie-ness! I can’t say that the algae butter looks good, but the wine whipped cream makes up for it.
oh my that whipped cream had my mind wanting it. so cool! and homemade vanilla extract, how bomb!
was the Whipsy good??
I honestly didn’t try it, but just thought the idea was cool!
I keep reading about people going to the Natural Food Products Expo and Im JEALOUS. I would give anything to be able to go to that. Also loving the whipsy, and your homemade iced teas
I want all of this!!!! Ahh so jealous of your foodie-mess
don’t worry about the lulu lunches- I’m making up for it for you!
Homemade seitan? So impressive! We always get Mexican food when we’re there:)
Oh my goodness…I was SO close to going to Expo West today. I actually was supposed to work one of the booths as a spokesperson but couldn’t get my shift covered at my other job. ): Wah! I could have actually met you in person! I’m so bummed that I missed it.
It sounds like you had an amazing time though- of course! I can’t wait to hear more about it!
AWW bummer, but I’m sure we will find another foodie event to meet up! What booth were you supposed to be working at?
well dang, good thing I’m currently eating or I’d most likely be in a food coma just by the looks of your photos. and probably running to raid my cupboards for something to eat.
Seriously, wine ice cream? I’m not a big fan of wine so maybe this is why this sounds sooo wrong to me. The seitan sounds interesting – I’ve never heard of it before but it looks good. At first I thought it was some kind of bread but I’m guesisng it’s like a meat-replacement…
Yes exactly! Seitan is a meat replacement but it has more a chewy consistency that tofu or tempeh. Its made out of vital wheat gluten instead of soy
I’m still flabbergasted by the whine whip cream. All your food looks really good. I’m somewhat jealous (as I always am) of all your eats!
That cake looks AMAZING! Now I feel like eating chocolate cake and nutella
Oh and lululunches are the way to go!
Wow that cream sounds interesting! Looking forward to your blog of the food expo!
Haha is it weird that from the title, I actually thought this entry was going to be about foodie discoveries *in* IV? I know what kinda food there is in IV, so the fact that you actually shared wine whipped cream, cake, and the always delicious looking lululunches was a welcome relief
BAHAHA if only there were foodie discoveries in IV (beside Whipsy of course)!