It's PHILLY TIME!

Ever have those days where you just want to come home from work, plop your ass on the couch, and eat something that will put you into an inevitable, yet glorious, food coma?

That's how I felt last night. I will spare you the details, but I was tired, cranky and just plain yearning for some comfort food and snuggles.

This meal was quick, easy and definitely did the trick. 

(At least as far as the need for comfort food goes. Eddie covered the snuggles.)

Philly CheeseFake Sammich, mashed potatoes and gravy, and a classic "salad bar" salad.

So, this probably looks like I put a lot of work into it, but I really didn't.

(Hint: I used instant potatoes and a couple of Bocas from the freezer. Having leftover sliced veggies from the Father's Day Barbecue really sped things up, too).

Here's a loose recipe, if you choose to follow:

Saute some chopped onions and garlic in a little olive oil 'til they are soft.
Add chopped mushrooms and chopped, thawed, Bocas (I used two patties. It served two and had leftovers. Use your best judgment on amounts. It's a Philly Sammich, not rocket science.)
Add a few table spoons of Bragg's Liquid Aminos (or soy sauce/Tamari- whichever you prefer).

Let cook for a few, meanwhile, boil 2 cups water in a pan, add a broth of sorts (veggie bouillon, broth concentrate, pre-made broth - whatevs) season with more Bragg's and some herbs and spices.
I used black pepper, sage and mixed "Herbs De Provence"' (I don't know what the hell that means, but it's a good mix of marjoram, oregano and something else, I think, and it makes a 'mazing gravy flavor).

Add a little bit of that broth to the Philly fixens, then cover and let simmer for a few. Then add some frozen peppers and let it cook till you just can't wait any longer and you want to get your ass on the couch and eat.
Use whatever kind of cheese you like. I slathered two sides of a toasted sesame bun with vegan cream cheese, and it tasted bombdigs.

MEANWHILE, while Philly simmers:

Boil some more water for the instant taters, and then remove from heat and add some instant potato flakes. Stir until it's thick. Add some butter and milk (I use Smart Balance and Almond Milk), stir, and cover 'til your ready to eat.

The gravy is also super easy to make.
I've used this recipe for Thanksgiving a few times, and it always wins over the hearts of all the meat-eaters who prefer mine over the Turkey drippings (can I just say 'ew' to that phrase?) variety.

Heat up a little more oil, throw in some more chopped onions/garlic (If you want. You don't have to). Cook through, then add a table spoon or so of flour. Whisk it up into a roux (clumps of flour) then slowly add the rest of that broth you made earlier to the pot while whisking. It will thicken up.
Too thick? Add more liquid. Not thick enough? Add more thickener (flour.)
Season to taste with Bragg's, salt, pepper, Herbs De Province. WHATEVER you want that will make you some good gravy.

GOOD GRAVAY!

Then grab your fat girl life alert and get your ass on the couch.

(I also recommend saving the dishes for after dessert, but that's totally up to you.)