Early Summer Potluck Glory

You might already know that I teach yoga. But, twice a week, I get to go to class with my teacher and be a student. Long live Tuesdays and Fridays! 

My teacher is so wonderful and I am deeply grateful for him. He has truly changed my life. Another thing that's changed my life is meeting so many dear friends in his classes. Over the years, we've all watched each other grow and evolve, face challenges and triumphs, and it makes for a pretty sweet connection.

hungry yoginis!

So recently, I had a few yoga pals over for an early summer potluck and it was just great. Totally delicious food, and a chance to share interesting and fun conversations with my buddies (beyond the 5 minutes before and after class!). No one else who came is a vegan, but everyone brought vegan food to share, without me ever even saying anything. I was so touched!

Crystal and Ivo brought this amazing trio of dishes: Herbed Polenta Wedges, sauteed mushrooms, and a super-flavor-blast tomato sauce that Crystal had canned last summer. I don't eat polenta often, but this was so crazy delicious that I might just start making it more often. There was just the right amount of flavor from the seasoning in it, and it went great with the 'shrooms and tomato sauce. 

Jane and JP brought a Farro Salad with fava beans, sugar snap peas, and homemade pesto. Great combo of fresh green flavors and earthy substance. Plus - a little snap and a little chew! It was as good as it looks.

Maia brought a ginormous bowl of ginormous White Beans and Greens. Those beans were FIVE STAR. They were huge and cooked so nicely and full of flavor and this was - again - a great combo of fresh and substantive. I really love this kind of eating. It feels healthy and nourishing, but not heavy at all.

As for me, I made a gigantic double batch of my new salad crush: the Nicoise Salad (recipe from Appetite for Reduction). I love this salad so damned much, it's just crazy. I am IN LOVE. And, I wasn't the only one! You might not be able to tell here, but this was a massive quantity of salad, and there wasn't too much left over. (just enough to send some home with Maia, and for me to have it for lunch the next day - perfect!)

Here's my plate full of green glorious goodness!

Lastly, but not leastly, I made a Cherry-Apricot Crisp (recipe from Local Flavors). It was good, good, good. I served it up with some Vanilla Soy Ice Cream from Trader Joe's. It was summery, and vibrant, and full of fruity flavor explosions. 

Potlucks are really great for get-togethers like this. I love how everyone ends up eating fun dishes they haven't had before. I love how no one works too hard and no one ends up overwhelmed and exhausted... Most of all, I love having time to connect and eat together with my special friends!