VeganMoFo Day 30: Would You Like Rice or Waffles with That?

Today's MoFo Prompt: "Fusion Challenge!"

A couple of years ago, Mr VE&T was sound asleep... dreaming about Chinese food. In his dream, he was in a Chinese restaurant and the waiter was taking his order. As is often true in a waking state, Dreamland Mr VE&T was ordering Kung Pao Chickn. But, then, out of nowhere, the waiter asked him "Would you like that with rice or waffles?" And then - before he could even answer (tragically) - he woke up.

He told many people about this dream, because he was quite delighted with the premise.

So, naturally, when MoFo suggested a day of Fusion Cuisine, it was time to prove that Dreams DO Come True.

Kung Pao Tofu on a Waffle 

I made a batch of Kung Pao Tofu from 30 Minute Vegan: Taste of the East. It was good, but not quite excellent, so I also checked Bryanna Clark Grogan's "Authentic Chinese Cuisine" for its Kung Pao recipe, and got a few extra seasoning tips that really enhanced the dish. For the waffles, I turned to our most beloved family-favorite waffle recipe: the Raised Waffles from Vegan Brunch by Isa Chandra Moskowitz. These waffles are made with yeast, so they require a little time for rising, but they are SO GOOD and most deffers worth the extra time required.

So, waffle batter prepared, Kung Pao tofu in its final moments of sizzling... it was time to bring Mr. VE&T's dream to fruition. We each had two waffles, with a giant scoop of Kung Pao Tofu on top. We sat down and regarded our creation... and took a bite... Huzzah!! Guess what? It was really good! Like, for realz. Mr. VE&T noticed that it actually tasted a lot like fried egg rolls. Somehow the slight sweetness and the crispy texture of the waffles, combined with the pungent flavors of the tofu were quite harmonious together, and very akin to biting into a crisp eggroll filled with savory veggies. I have to say, this was so fun and tasty that I would actually do it again. How's that for a crazy hit inspired by the dream world?

dreaming up a plan for Dog #3

Speaking of the dreamworld... did you know that our decision to get a 3rd dog was inspired by a dream I had? We had Stevie and Dottie then, but it turned out that Stevie didn't actually like Dottie very much (she still doesn't), and it also turned out that Dottie really wanted a pal. So she was always harassing Stevie, and that just wasn't working out. It was sort of a bummer. Then, one night I had a dream where we had a third little dog and everyone was so happy and playing together. I couldn't stop thinking about it after I woke up!

Making big decisions based on dreams is not my usual modus operandi, but in this case I'm sure glad I followed my dreamy insight - or we never would have found sweet little Mr. Snoopy!! (It totally worked out with Snoopy. He and Dottie love to play and clean each other's ears, and Stevie loves to leave them both the hell alone. Everyone is happier now. Including us!)

The moral of the story: in the case of Kung Pao Tofu on Waffles, and in the question of whether to get a 3rd dog, I definitely endorse following your dream advice.

Congratulations to my fellow VeganMoFo'ers around the world, across the blogosphere, and on Instagram ~ We made it! I made lots of new friends, found a lot of new blogs to add to my blog roll (yay!), and still have many MoFo posts to go back to. If you had any favorite blogs or blog posts or even any favorite blog posts of your own that you were the most pleased with, please let me know! Now I will have more time for reading and commenting!

Also, I really want to thank those of you who read my blog posts, whether you left comments or not. I really enjoy writing my blog and drawing my doodles... but MoFo is a big effort, and it's much more rewarding and encouraging knowing that there are kind people out there taking in my efforts.

I'm actually off in NYC on vacation right now, but I have a series of Product Reviews posts coming your way soon... I promise not to drop off into a post-MoFo silence! 

Happy End of MoFo2015 to all!