Delicious Biscuits and Gravy

Here is one of our promised recipes. This week, Melanie made one of her old favorites, but she did it "Vegan with a Vengeance" style. Isa Chandra Moskowitz has written a fabulous cookbook, and this is one of the recipes. It's been slightly altered to be a little more Weight Watchers friendly. The first step is to make Tempeh Sausage Crumbles. Crumble 8 oz. of Tempeh (Melanie used plain) and cover with water. Heat over medium high heat until most of the water is absorbed. Drain off the rest of the water (takes about 15 minutes+) Then add about 1 tsp of fennel seed, 1 tsp dried basil, 1 tsp of oregano, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, 1/2 tsp dried sage, 2 cloves minced garlic, 2 tbsp low salt soy sauce, 1 tbsp olive oil (Melanie used a bit less) and juice of half a lemon. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. (about 10+ minutes)

Meanwhile, drain and rinse one 15 oz. can of any kind of white bean (Melanie used white navy beans). In a blender, puree beans, 2 tbsp olive oil (Melanie used only 1 tbsp) and 1/4 low sodium vegetable broth. Blend until smooth, and combine with the Tempeh Sausage Crumbles along with salt (if you want-- Melanie didn't) and pepper.

Top this delicious mixture over your favorite baking powder biscuit.

Melanie figures that this makes seven generous servings at 7.5 points each. VERY "pointy" as Melanie would say, but HIGHLY filling. Oh-- and the biscuit is 4 points -- this makes an 11.5 point meal. Ouch, but again-- filling and delicious.



Other then that, we're expecting a tropical heatwave. It's supposed to get to a warm 38 degrees by Monday. It might even rain! Only in Wisconsin can you go from 30 below zero to almost 40 degrees in the same week. Tonight, Lorie and Melanie are stuck in the house. All Friday evening plans have been postponed due to snow. Driving conditions are near impossible this evening. At least we get a little quiet time before we both have to work this weekend.