People, Picnics and Pizza

We have a new member joining our email circle, Surya-Patricia Lane Hood in Phoenix, Arizona. Welcome, Surya-Patricia! Now we have two people in Arizona. I don't know which town Susan Patterson is in----are you reading this, Susan? Please let me know where you are----who knows, maybe you are neighbors!

We have another of us on the map by name---Susan Bliss here in Portland. The more names, the friendlier our map gets so please, everyone, let me know if I can add your name. I'll be glad to add a link to your website if you have one as that adds another dimension to knowing each other better. If you don't have a website but want to send a link to something about you that's on the web somewhere---such an article you wrote --- I can do that too. Or you could give me a short phrase that would help us all picture you in your situation---- such as "mother of a teenager" or "gardening enthusiast" or....? This can be fun!

As this goes to press, I have just heard from Justina in Colorado and have added her and husband Glenn to the teardrop for Denver, CO. She writes the "Anna Mules" column for the Vegans Eat What website so I added a link to that after her name. Click on the map, type in "Denver" in the box at the top and see what you get!

I heard from Lara in Ashland this week who sent kind thoughts for all of us around the world:
Hi, Eve, Fun to hear about the new members from all over!! I, too, am thinking about Allison!! " Pondering" is the word! No ideas. This time of the year I do very simple things with what is growing in the garden. Lots of raw stuff and in cooking, it is the zucchini!!! What color shall I have today? Well, there is green, gold, yellow striped and so on. Zucchini pizza is always easy, right? It is too hot in S. OR to do too much cooking. I did have some very good breaded zucchini that was part of a catered lunch at the day-long retreat with Norman Fischer!! By the way, such a great event! It was held at the Jewish Synagogue here and we had people from all of our sanghas in the valley. Quite a crowd.
Maybe I will be in Portland one of these days and try to time it right for your fun event! I have three grandkids living there! Love and happy eating around the world!! Lara

Lara's reference to zucchini pizza reminded me of a pizza I tried recently. When Ellen in Texas was joining us she mentioned a cookbook called "Vegan Express" by Nava Atlas. I'm always up for quick-and-easy recipes so I got it out of the library and found this Very Green Veggies Pesto Pizza. The base is an unusual, oil-free pesto made with spinach, parsley and miso. The pizza was delicious---and it uses zucchinis! Very Green Veggie Pesto Pizza The pesto was so good, I also added it by itself under Condiments: Spinach-Miso Pesto

I also heard from Betsy in California who let us know about a vegan cheese shop there cleverly named Vromage:
http://la.eater.com/archives/2014/08/05/vromage_a_vegan_cheese_shop_head...

Portland people, we have a date for our Summer Potluck and it's a picnic! Inspired by Jana's potluck in the park in the Netherlands, Susan has kindly researched the possibility of a picnic potluck in Washington Park. We plan to gather there on August 25. If you will be in Portland, just contact me or Susan for the details.

Looking forward to it----only one week away!

Happy cooking,
Eve