I have accepted Seitan as my personal saviour.

I've been thoroughly enjoying some online reading of late: Hezbollah Tofu and Vegan Appetite have offered up some great culinary challenges. While my food styling and photography are not up to par, turns out I can cook with seitan! Who knew? After going to three different stores this morning (thanks for nothing, Phoenix), I finally found packaged seitan at Whole Foods (but of course) and began to whip up some Civet de Seitan by Vegan Appetite.

Below is my marinating baggie full of leeks, onion, garlic, red wine and carrots. Looked nasty but I trusted in seitan. My little blue dishes contain flour, grated dark chocolate and the bouquet-garni.

I especially enjoyed the chocolate prep. It's true, this meal does cure pms.

My civet turned out amazing with a side of frites. It wasn't as shiny nor as happy looking as Vegan Appetite's version and my plating skills leave something to be desired but I have hope. Or maybe it's Obama....anyhoo.

Damn, this was yummy.