Before we get to the Vegan Chicken Piccata recipe, a little, um, housekeeping because I haven’t written an update post for weeks.
I want to tell you about a really cool website that can help save money on your running shoes. Seriously, we all want to do that, right? It’s called Shoe Kicker and you simply enter your favorite shoe, your gender and shoe size and it will give you the lowest priced options. Seriously, I entered my fave Wave Riders and I found them for about $60 below retail. In seconds. For free! Cool, right?
I have actually had a bit of a challenging week, some of which you know if you follow me on Instagram (<– If not, why not?). Our almost 25 year old air conditioner finally kicked the bucket last weekend (which was fortunately comparatively mild, with lows in the 70s and highs “only” about 105). It took a couple days, but we finally found out we had to replace our outside unit, a not inexpensive purchase. In fact, we are now calling it Paris, because for what it cost we could have enjoyed a lovely trip to one of our favorite cities.
On top of that, I’ve been laid off from work for the summer, which it normal when you work as a personal trainer in the desert (all the people leave when it gets hot). The problem is that my new unemployment claim started up on July 19. I’d taken care of everything ahead of time, but then I didn’t receive a payment for about two weeks. It’s an impossible mission to actually talk to anyone at EDD, but I sent an email, checked on line, and did what I could to figure it out.
I finally found out online that I had a scheduled phone call last Wednesday (and a good thing I checked because I didn’t receive the notice in the mail until Saturday). There appeared to be a question about eligibility having to to with my coaching job (from which I was fired in June if you recall). Anyway, they asked a few questions, I gave them some information, but, and it’s a huge BUT, they take up to 10 days to decide if I’m eligible, then who knows how long to get my past payments to me. Bureaucracy at its finest, but in the meantime I have had no income since my last payment around July 22. Yes, this is a bit stressful.
Finally, and thank goodness we got our A/C fixed, all of California is in the middle of a heat wave this week. In the desert that means highs up above 120, and lows, if you can call them that, of around 95. But it’s a dry heat. Like an oven.
My feet really did get off the ground (a few inches, anyway).
The weather was even worse on Sunday morning. It was 97 degrees at 5:30, fairly dry, but after Alan and I started our run, it just seem to get more humid.
We have managed to find the shadiest routes, and can get about 80% of our run in the shade. The tough part is that the last mile or so is in the sun and it’s killer!
Vegan Chicken Piccata Recipe
One of the nice things about this vegan Chicken Piccata recipe is that you can use a prepared vegan chicken substitute (like Gardein, which I used), or if you prefer, you can use tofu, tempeh, or even seitan. The only difference in the preparation would be to marinate the the tofu, etc. in an easy marinade of vegetable broth, lemon juice, and a little Bragg liquid aminos for about 15 minutes before cooking. I’d also suggest that you steam the tempeh (directions here), which improves the flavor and helps it absorb all the flavors.
- 2 vegan "chicken" breasts, or 2 slices of tempeh, seitan, or pressed tofu*
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter
- 2 tablespoons capers
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
- *If you use tempeh, seitan, or tofu, marinate in ½ cup vegetable broth, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, & 1 teaspoon Braggs Aminos for 15 minutes.
- Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium high heat.
- Brown the "breast"s on both sides. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Add the garlic and the mushrooms. Cook and stir for 1-2 minutes.
- Add the broth, lemon juice, and vegan butter. Stir to mix with the mushrooms and garlic, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer until the sauce has thickened.
- Return the "chicken" to the pan, add the capers and heat for two minutes.
- Sprinkle with parsley and serve.
How’s the weather been in your neck of the woods? How do you stay cool when you exercise in the heat?
My weekly linkups! Please stop by and check out all of the great recipes, workouts, and information that all these awesome bloggers share every week!
Meatless Monday with Tina and Deborah
Meatless Monday with Annmarie
Inspire Me Monday with Janice
Anything Goes with Marilyn
Bonnie, the Pin Junkie
Tip Tuesday with Debbie in Shape
Wild Workout Wednesday with Annmarie, Michelle, Sarah, and Angelena Marie
Wednesday Wisdom with Nanna’s Wisdom
The Blog Booster Party with Kathleen
Friday Fitness with Jill
ooh, that looks yummy! Oh, and AC problems, we’ve been having them too — argh! Had the guy out last week and it wasn’t good news
Why do we always find out that we have A/C problems during the hottest part of the summer?
Oh Paris… that’s funny and so, so sad. Boooo! We don’t even have an A/C in our old house. I was told we wouldn’t need it in San Diego, but here I sit too hot to sleep. Good grief.
I had a friend who lived in Cardiff in a million dollar house (more in this day) overlooking the cliffs. They didn’t have air conditioning either. Because you don’t “need” it in San Diego. Ha!
I laughed so hard you called yours PARIS that I named ours COSTA RICA when we got her the following week.
<3
Ha! Great minds….
So happy you got your air conditioner fixed- that is such a relief in that heat, I bet!
Your recipe looks really yummy- I can’t have soy at all but I’m still drooling over here!
You could try it with seitan. And I’m not sure about the Gardein. Some of it is soy free I think. As is the Beyond Meat brand.
I would have never thought to make a vegan version of chicken piccata- such a great idea and one of my favorites– I love the lemony acid flavor with savory combo. I saw Paris on Instagram and was cracking up- you guys are too funny. I can’t imagine getting through this weeks heat without her, so I’m so glad you got it installed and running. xo
Our timing was really good. Not that 105 is cool, but a lot easier to survive (with only a portable A/C) than 120! Yikes, that’s even a challenge with a brand new one.
That looks really fabulous! I almost couldn’t tell it wasn’t chicken. Thanks for linking up today always great to have you
Thanks Deborah. The picture does look pretty juicy and delicious doesn’t it (if I do say so myself
)?
This looks SO good! What a great idea for a Meatless Monday recipe – i love it!
Thank you. I always that that Meatless Monday should be easy for non-vegetarians to do.
OH NO on the AC & work! I have dealt with EDD so I get that crap – it sucks! So sorry!!!
We have no AC so sleep or just anything in our place has been ridiculous!!! TOO HOT!!!
Glad you got the AC fixed & hoping for good news from EDD.
THX for that shoe sight!!!
Seriously, I’ve been looking twice a day at my EDD card account just in case. And now that I know what the delay is I’m also looking at the EDD online to see if they resolve it. Because waiting for them to mail you is ridiculous.
Sure hope you get your unemployment claim straightened out soon. So stressful and annoying.
I think you DRY heat is much easier to take that HUMID heat like they have in the East. I am somewhat concerned about the Winter forecast this year for a SUPER El Nino as that could mean flooding!
Hope you have a great week… that recipe looks lovely and I am going to try that picata sauce.
Dry heat is definitely easier to stand that humidity (even though I kid about an oven). When I ran last Saturday it really wasn’t too bad because the weather was really dry, even though it was 95. I was in the shade and the sweat actually evaporated. This morning it was 83 degrees with a “feels like” of 99! No way was I even going to try a run.
Sending positive and quick thoughts your way to get through the red tape! Boo for having to get a new AC but at least you’re trying to make light of it with a name like Paris
That chicken looks super tasty, thanks for sharing.
Thanks, I can use all the positive thoughts I can get dealing with unemployment. They are not easy.
aah!! so sorry about the AC And the job payment stuff. Hang in there. This recipe looks AH-mazing though!! I want to lick the screen.
Ha! Thanks! (It tastes better in person though)
Boo to the unemployment runaround. So stressful and I hope it all gets resolved soon. That chicken looks delicious. So does AC. I swear where isn’t it hot right now??
I know, I think it’s hot everywhere this week! Though in one of the many blogs that I read someone said that it was 55 degrees when she started her run last week. So jealous!
My husband went through the unemployment run around the last 2 years when he was laid off in the winter (he works in construction). Even though he did everything right when applying, it still got screwed up. Ugh. For me, it was no fun being the breadwinner. Funny thing, he wanted to get rid of the cleaning lady, to save money. But when I asked him if he was going to clean, since I was still working, well, guess what happened? She still comes every other week…
Lol. Priorities.
Yeah, it sucks not knowing when, or even if, I’ll get my money.
So happy to hear that you were able to have your A/C fixed. Summer is definitely not the time for it to be out of commission!
And of course, summer is always the time that they break. Probably because that’s when they’re getting used, but still!
Sounds like you’ve had a bit of a rough week! Though I am glad you got your air conditioner. 100 degrees without it would be ROUGH.
This recipe looks delicious! I wish I could have some vegan protein alternatives but my wheat and soy allergies make it nearly impossible. I might make it with regular chicken, though!
I was going to suggest that to someone a few comments above who had soy allergies but I felt like an animal rights traitor :-).
That recipe looks awesome. I am not vegan, but I am sure I can make a version of it with real chicken. Yum! Weather has been heating up here in the midwest too… but not in the hundreds.
It’s probably more humid where you are though. It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity
100 degrees. I remember that weather all too well. I would kiss the AC too.
Yes, we love our expensive air conditioner. Especially this week.
This looks delicious! Plus, I went and entered the giveaway. Glad everything worked out and your got your air conditioner fixed.
Thank you! Yes, the A/C is a lifesaver.
Wow, I’m sorry you have been dealing with all of that around the same time! Just dealing with fixing an A/C unit in the summer would be enough to drive me crazy, let alone job loss and dealing with unemployment! Anyway, I hope you get some time to relax and rest a little bit in this period of transition… thanks for sharing the shoe website! That would have come in handy for me a few weeks ago when I was looking for my favorite shoe. Have you ever used ebates? You can get cash back on your purchase as well.
I have heard of ebates (lol..the autocorrect on my iPad changed that to Beatles), but have never tried it. I’ll have to check it out.
I love this recipe Debbie! I love the combination of the garlic, mushrooms, capers and parsley all together. It’s breakfast here in Scotland and my mouth is already salivating over the prospect of this for dinner!
Just been reading through your blog there. You’ve been through some pretty challenging things what with loosing your 13 year job, and the air conditioner!
Air conditioning is not something we need in Scotland. 24 hour heating more like!!
Thanks Neil, I hope you get a chance to try it. Right now 24 hour heating sounds pretty good but I’d probably change my mind after a few days
I have to admit that does look delicious and I’ve never heard of Gardein but am intrigued. I guess I can look around my local Whole Foods for it. I wonder if my family would eat it. I was gonna ask how it taste but I figure it taste “just like chicken eh”?
Lol, yes it does taste like chicken, but I’m afraid it may be like how non-alcoholic beer tastes like beer to a non-drinker. It does taste good though and your family would probably like it. Just don’t tell them it’s fake
I have never eaten picata, but it seems like a yummy dish.
It is! Especially if you like lemon and capers.
omg 120 degrees?? I Thought it being 95 here was hot. I can’t imagine running in that.
The recipe looks delicious! I have yet to try any sort of fake meat…idk kinda weirds me out! But this does look really good. I think the main thing that creeps me out is tofu lol
Lol, it really tastes good, I promise :-). Even tofu is good because it absorbs the flavors it’s seasoned with. It just needs to be prepared properly.
Hi Debbie! I found your site from a few blog link ups (Confessions of a Mother Runner and Fit Foodie Mama) and love it! It’s fun finding other vegan sites. I enjoy running too… though I’m no where near as fast as you.
Your piccata looks great! I haven’t had one in a while so I’ll have to try this recipe soon.
Thanks for stopping by! I love finding other vegan runners. Going to go check out those chocolate bars now
The dish looks really good and protein rich. I’m glad you shared the discount shoe site as I will check them out… As for the unemployment stuff, stay patient and open to the good.. It will all work out.
We are going into Spring and then Summer which is quite hot in Brisbane, Australia. I hear you in trying to find a running track with shade. Thanks Deb for sharing this and the delicious recipe with us at #WednesdaysWisdom
Looks yummy. I will have to try this! My whole family is vegetarian so I am always looking for more ideas.
I’m not sure why our A/C decides to die in the summer, but we’ve been there as well. And I was in Palm Desert last year and those temperatures. Let’s just say I won’t be living out there. Thanks for sharing at the #AnythingGoes Link Party.
Hey, Debbie.
I am going to make the vegan chicken picata this eve., but the directions call to add broth, yet it is not listed in ingredients. Can you please tell me how much I’m supposed to add?
Thx!
Christine