Yeah. I said it.

“I swear, If. One. More. Thing. Happens. THAT DOG IS GOING TO THE POUND!!!!”

And then all Hell broke loose.

Shelbi started crying and blaming the whole fiasco on Soledad, “It’s all her fault. If she’d just act right. SHE RUINS EVERYTHING!!”

Bella started itching uncontrollably, it’s a nervous reaction, AND WAILING. “Mommy, its just not fair. How can you just give him away? We are his family. That isn’t right! You just don’t give a member of your family away!” She’s crying and inconsolable. And this is my kid who doesn’t even like animals.

Soledad REFUSES to take the dog out to go potty for more than 1 minute. “Ummm. . .I don’t think so,” she says. “It’s hot out there. I’m gonna be sweatin’ up a storm.” She turns her nose up like she’s too good for the sun.

And Phoebe, who is the one who started this entire debacle, is sitting on the couch marooned, because she now HATES the dog, that she loved 24 hours ago when Warwick and I agreed to take it home.

“Come play with the puppy Feebs.” I say. “NOOOOO!” She says.
Look at what a nice puppy he is. “NO. Bad Weegee.”

By Weegee, she means this dog. Luigi. As in Mario and Luigi. Which may or may not be his name. We haven’t decided yet.

He is the progeny of my sisters dog. He’s a Malchi. Half Maltese. Half Chihuahua. And all Woo.  Consequently, the newest individual to make me feel bad, sorry, and like a horrible mother.  I shouldn’t have said I’d give him away. I didn’t mean it. It’s that time of the month, and my nerves are bad. I just want everybody to stop crying, and for no more pee to be on my floor.

It was inevitable that this day would come.
And everything in my gut tells me it’s time.

When I first laid my eyes on that pup, I knew he was the one. He is so sweet and good. Eager to please, with white scruffy hair, and black pearl eyes. And he has turned our world upside down.

Oh crap. Literally. I’m whipped.

– – – – – – — – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Been doing a lot of googling lately, on how in the heck to raise a puppy.

So I haven’t had much time for cooking.

I’m quickly realizing, I know nothing about dogs.  How much do you feed it? How do you potty train it? How do you bathe it? Simple questions, yes, but geez even though I’ve had a dog before, its like starting over. I’m all nervous, I just don’t want to mess the poor pup up.

So anyway, I thought I’d post a recipe that is my new favorite fast, easy, nutritious meal. I havent’ timed it but I’m thinking 30 minutes tops. Probably 20.

Which is good, because when there’s a new baby in the house, you need all the extra time you can get.

Quick and Easy Vegan “Cheeseburger” Mac
This recipe can be a GO-TO for you no matter your eating preferences. If you’re Vegan, follow the recipe as is, otherwise feel free to use regular margarine/butter, milk, and ground turkey under the corresponding items.

Ingredients:

12 oz. of Vegetarian “Beef” Crumbles (If you’re not Vegan, and want meat, lean Turkey works well too!)
1 14 oz. can Crushed Tomatoes
1 TB olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 TB Chili Powder
1 cup Soy Milk (can totally use cow milk if you’re not Vegan)
2 TB Vegan Margarine (again use regular if you prefer)

1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
Salt and Pepper, to taste
Grated Cheese (Vegan or Regular)

Directions:

1. Prepare Macaroni according to package directions. Be sure to salt the water.

2. In a large skillet, over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add “Beef” crumbles and onion and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the onion are translucent. Add Chili powder, stir, and then add the crushed tomatoes. Cover and continue to simmer on low while you make the “cheese” sauce.

3. To make the “cheese” sauce, place another pan on low heat. Add margarine and allow to melt. In a separate bowl, add the flour to the cold soy milk and whisk to combine. Slowly pour the milk mixture into the pan with the butter, while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Sprinkle in garlic powder, continue to whisk allowing the sauce to thicken. Remove from heat.

4.Combine macaroni, “cheese sauce” and “beef” tomato mixture. Season with salt and pepper and serve!

Also great warmed in the oven at 350 F for 15-20 minutes, and then sprinkled with Vegan Cheese (or regular cheese 🙂