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Make it Pink! Make it Blue!

vegan comfort food

Lunch! Sauteed peppers with oil and garlic, “buttered” whole wheat English muffin, walnuts and Candied Veggies.

Today’s candy veggies = broccoli. They were super-delicious!!

vegan comfort food 2

It was a freezing cold day! Did you know the temperature can drop to 3 degrees in Texas? (P.S. See the cute scarf in the photos? It was there in case my lunch got cold. Besides, I needed a stand-in for my usual fake flowers. They’re hibernating for the winter.)

Procrastination tool!!

Some of y’all asked if my blog is changing colors. The answer: I just figured out I can change the background color. Yeah, I’m slow with technology like that. Right now, it’s purple. Would blue be better? I’m having fun with this. Make it pink, make it blue! (Any other Disney Sleeping Beauty fans?)

Published on January 12, 2011

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Chocolate Covered Katie is one of the top 25 food websites in America, and Katie has been 
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ABC's 5 O’Clock News. Her favorite food is chocolate, and she believes in eating dessert every single day.

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119 Comments

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  1. Albizia says

    May I be adopted by you, please? Your meal ideas are always sooo mouthwatering!

    As for the color of the blog… either it doesn’t show up in my browser, or I am a color blind 😀

    Have a great day and don’t worry too much about commenting on other people’s blogs. You have so many followers that you would spend the whole day in front of the monitor, if you had to read all these blogs 😉 .

  2. A Curious Blog Friend says

    Katie, I LOVE your blog. Its one of my top three favorites :).
    But I do have a question, and its not to be mean, I’m just so curious! How do you and other big bloggers like fitnessista, ohsheglows, heathereatsalmondbutter, and carrotsncake get SOOOO many comments when you don’t comment much on other blogs? I mean, I know how some bloggers like Averie can get a lot of comments, because she comments a lot on other blogs.
    But I comment a ton on other blogs (using my blog name, which I’m too embarrassed to leave on this comment) and never get above 40 comments, but you and some of the other big bloggers I’ve mentioned get over 100! Share your secret! 🙂 How do you get to be a big blogger?
    P.S. Keep up the amazing blog!

    • Chocolate-Covered Katie says

      Hey sweet girl!
      I really don’t think I can give you an easy answer :-?. I feel so indebted to the people who take time to comment on my blog every day. They (you) are so kind to think of me, and I really don’t deserve this extraordinary amount of kindness! So I guess my answer is: I don’t know how so many people comment, but I am so grateful that they do! I do think, though, that if you’re just starting out, you NEED to comment a lot on other blogs. Otherwise, people won’t know you exist. After you make some bloggie friends, then you can focus more on good content, and hopefully people will keep coming back. The most important thing is to have fun!!

  3. Ellen @ Cinnamonalicious says

    Oooh YUM lunch looks so good!
    Aww you’re too cute, don’t feel bad about that! You do so well responding to as many comments as you can, nobody expects you to be at your computer 24/7 writing back to people! That’s just craaaazy! 😉
    To me it looks blue?! Anyway looks good! 😀

  4. Rachel says

    the blog colors are purrrdy ;), just like your food presentations!

    those spelt english muffins are so good, i actually made my own whole wheat vegan english muffins from scratch today cause i was running out! i also managed to get dough all over me in the process but eventually i’ll get the jist of it haha. next time i want to try spelt flour

    • Chocolate-Covered Katie says

      I NEED to try making my own English muffins! I have a recipe that I just keep forgetting to try. The Rudi’s ones are a treat that I don’t always allow myself to buy. Even though they’re not that expensive (when you think about the fact that $3 gets you six, whereas one candy bar is $1), I still feel badly when I can’t eat them all before they get stale.

      • Rachel says

        i usually freeze my english muffins! i cant eat them fast enough haha. it’s so easy to make them, i just used a bread recipe, made them into balls sprinkled in some cornmeal, then pressed them down on a skillet and flipped them like pancakes, i also put them in the oven since the insides werent cooked through…i need to practice hah

  5. Jennifer JCD says

    Hehe, i have candied broccoli in my lunch today. Only difference is that we added some hot sauce to give them a bit of a kick. Mmm… your recipes are the best!

    My favourite Disney Princess is definitely Belle. Princess Tiana is probably second, with Cinderella in third. But any princess will do… My husband’s favourite is Snow White. 🙂

  6. Picky Nicky says

    I’ve tried your candied veggies trick and it was awesome! Exactly as delicious and mouthwatering as you described!! As for the background.. I like this colour, I think it’s calming 🙂 🙂

  7. Susan says

    I love all of the changes your blog has been going through – it’s like buying new makeup. Testing out a new “eyeshadow” or something.

    I think it would be crazy if you had to comment on everyone’s blog. I don’t even do it, and I’m not nearly as popular as you. It’s too much! I love when I do receive comments from you, but they mean just as much as they would if I received them every day!

    • Chocolate-Covered Katie says

      Oh I’m so bad testing out eyeshadows! I KNOW what colors look good on me, and yet I still always gravitate towards colors I should stay far away from, simply because they’re so pretty! (Either that, or I want to buy all the blue shades, even though I already own almost identical colors.)

  8. Brandie says

    Maybe I’m not as observant as some? LOL, but I hadnt’ noticed it changing colors… and today it’s not purple to me – it’s blue! Ans honestly.. you’ve posted before that you get thousands of hits per day… and hundreds of comments. Unless you’re getting paid to o this and have the ‘free time’ to just sit at the computer, there’s no way you can check all of us out every day.. I know how much time I personally spend on checking out blogs and honestly, sometimes I’ve put off the rest of my life wasting away here HAHahahaha! *sheepish* 🙂 Don’t worry about darlin, you come on sometimes and post your “Thanks Y’all”just like you did today and we know you love us 🙂

  9. Kate (What Kate is Cooking) says

    I love the new color, and I love the title of the post! When my brother was a kid, he was obsessed with Merriweather (the blue fairy) and my mom said he would run around when he was watching Sleeping Beauty yelling ‘Make it pink! Make it blue!’ We still make fun of him for it 🙂

  10. Rach says

    Those are some beautiful peppers!

    No need to apologize for your ‘soggy muffin trick’… that’s how ya like it, so that’s a-okay! 🙂

    I L-O-V-E Belle from Beauty and the Beast… she’s the best! Love her! 🙂

  11. Maryann says

    I can only imagine how tough it would be for you to visit and comment on every commenters blog every day! Don’t worry, i’ll keep coming back for your awesome healthy recipes and food ideas! Have a great day!! 🙂

  12. Jos says

    Not gonna lie, I do envy you A LOT for having that many comments on your blog while I struggle to get my blog out so more people will visit mine..hehe…I know I shouldn’t dwell in comment rut but sometimes it’s just good to read a lot of comments on the post that I wrote…and you’re so sweet to even mention that you try to comment back for the ones who commented on your blog..

    I appreciate you made an effort to comment back on my blog couple days ago 🙂

    I don’t comment often on yours but I do read yours often.

    I like the blueish-purpleish bg color 😀

    *wishful thinking* – hopefully I can be on your blogroll? hehe

  13. Liz says

    A background color doesn’t show up on my computer.. It’s just white. : / But my favorite disney princess is Sleeping Beauty.. or Ariel, We’re both red heads so I feel like I gotta support her…

  14. Disturbed says

    I like your blog layout. You should try out some dark-ish colors. Like reds and deep purples. No clue why, but your personality is bright and cheery so I guess you blog should show that.

  15. Gracie says

    Katie girl!! I just have to say that your blog has become one of my absolute favorites as of late. Your recipes are some of the best I’ve ever seen! And that’s coming from a non-vegan 😉 xoxo

  16. Kim says

    Maybe this computer can’t display your colour changes properly but I’ll be honest I didn’t notice! Sorry:( And I’m not going to answer your question about Disney princesses because I was never into that stuff. Just not a girly girl I guess! My favourite animated Disney movie of all time though has to be Robin Hood.

    What I did want to comment on was the term of endearment you’ve bestowed on your loyal followers. I don’t know why, but being called a “chocolate chipper” gives me a giggle. Probably something like being called a Mouseketeer would have felt back when the Mickey Mouse Club was big:D

  17. Lauren @ WWoB says

    Katie, seriously dont stress about visiting everyones blogs! You have SO many visitors, it would consume your life if you tried to visit every single blog on even a semi-regular basis! Just keep bein’ you 🙂

  18. Christin@purplebirdblog says

    It is definitely hard to comment on everyone’s posts all the time, and I’d imagine with the amount of people who visit your blog every day that it is absolutely impossible!! The couple of times you’ve commented on my blog have made me smile because I cherish your blog so much!! 🙂

  19. Anonymous says

    Even if this blog were green with polka dots, I’d still LOVE it :). Then again, that color scheme might be pretty fun.

  20. Stefanie says

    I like the color you have. Although, I would like to see how it would like in purple but the blue is just fine. That is some cold weather in Texas. Stay warm and have a great day. 😉

  21. Erin says

    Katie, I love your blog so much! Also, it is so sweet of you to worry about others’ feelings like you do :). I don’t know how you’d be expected to keep up. I don’t comment on ANY other blogs except this one, and I read very few, and even that takes up some time. Live your life and know that we all appreciate your kindness so much.
    -Erin

  22. Blog is the New Black says

    YOu are so sweet. I agree, it’s HARD to comment on every blog. I try to comment as much as I can because I love getting comments myself, no matter what they say… but it’s ok lovey!

  23. Kianni says

    Well, here’s how I always saw Sleeping Beauty when I was a kid- at the end when she’s dancing with the Prince and the Fairies are changing her dresses color, I always got mad when the book closed on them and her dress turns pink at the last moment XD. I was always like “NO!!! BLUE!!!” Lol. Still kinda am, I want to go back and edit the movie so it’s blue at the end, hehe ^.^””

  24. radioactivegan says

    Sleeping Beauty is my FAVORITE disney movie. Maleficent? Best villain ever.

    And on a sadder note, I read today that 49 of the 50 states currently are hosting snow — Hawaii included! The lone hold out? Florida.

  25. abby says

    aww aww katie you are the sweetest! i don’t have a blog, but i’m glad you do so i can be your bloggie friend. you are such a bright spot in the world!

  26. jen @ taste lfe says

    Katie, you’re so sweet to even attempt to visit everyone’s blogs! That’s a tough task, and I appreciate that you even mention it on the bloggie.

    I love the purple!

  27. Emma (Sweet Tooth Runner) says

    Aww Katie you are such a lovely person! You always make me smile with you concienciousness! Of course you can’t comment on 112 blogs every day, and I don’t think anyone expects you to! 🙂

    I like it purple! And Jasmine from Aladdin all the way! 😀

    P.S. I made your gingerbread butter. Beyond words!!

  28. Melissa says

    Big Sleeping Beauty fan here. Totally watched it multiple times in the 80s and got the digitally remastered one a few years ago. And I was pissed. One of the fairies was remastered into a different color! My cousin Rachel and I griped about it for hours.
    Oh well….lol

  29. Shannon says

    Snow White is my absolute favorite Disney princess. I think I dressed up as her four Halloween’s in a row.

    Oh, and your Chocolate Chip Dip looks delicious in the previous post. I’m seriously going to have to attempt to make that for my next special occasion. That and strawberries would be amazing.

  30. Amber Shea @Almost Vegan says

    I too suffer sometimes from not-always-able-to-comment-back guilt, so I hear ya. But yay for a blogroll! 🙂

  31. Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga) says

    Love the color changes…and I thought I was onto something the other day when I noticed that…thanks for confirming my vision isn’t going bad and that you really are tweaking things up 🙂

    Your post about comments and not being able to return the favor and getting confused on which blogs you’ve been to and who you’ve missed…I love your honest approach, Katie. No one can visit 112 blogs back. And you are just putting it out there that you can’t do this…no one could!

    And I always try to visit the blogs of those who comment on my blog but I know I don’t get to everyone and I also have a day job, a family, and want to get away from my computer…no one can do it all…we all just try our best. Thanks for keeping it real in today’s post 🙂

  32. bitt says

    I have the same color background on my new-ish blog, Bitt of Paw.

    I understand about not being able to comment on all blogs. I feel the same way. I only comment if compelled to. I can be overwhelming!

  33. Claire says

    You have no idea how much I love your blog, you’re one of the nicest, kindest bloggers out there! The purple looks brilliant, maybe try a few other colours to get a comparison but it’s a close match to the purple in your header so it looks professional yet fun.

  34. Allison @ Happy Tales says

    What a neat post! I’m glad you are so dedicated to your CCK fans. We sure do <3 you! BTW, your bog is blue right now, and I really like it! It's funny that you talk about this, because I JUST discovered how to change the color of mine last night (nooot even kidding!). I think mine is currently blue right now, too. Sadly, I am blocked from my own blog (I'm at work, but at least I have access to yours! haha) so I cant go look to double check.

    Anywho, my blog is a brand new bebe, so I doubt you've been over there. If you ever get a free moment, head on over and take a look! I have some really cute pictures of my new puppy up there, Happy!

  35. melissa @ the delicate place says

    don’t worry about the comments! we all have life’s and for many of us blogging is not our full time job! i am a huge fan of any blog that is easy to navigate. i’m a minimalist so anything on clean, white backgrounds i usually dig!

  36. Miho says

    I don’t comment often on your blog, but I do read it! It’s really cool how you come up with all these recipes!
    Hmm…fave disney princess…Jasmine and Ariel! 😀 Fairy Tale much?
    I like the blue color for the background! Very calming 🙂
    Is it possible for me to be on your blogroll?

  37. Erika @ Health and Happiness in LA says

    I love Sleeping Beauty. But my favorite Disney Princess was Jasmine, followed by Pocahontas. Wait, no, Ariel. And I love Belle. OK, I’m apparently just obsessed with Disney princesses and I went through a phase with each one. Ariel has cool bangs and a great voice but Jasmine is so pretty and Pocahontas has awesome friends like Grandmother Willow. And Belle gets to hang out with the Beast, and he was sexy.

    I don’t think you’ve ever visited my blog, but I’d love it if you would stop by sometime. =)

  38. Rachel (tea and chocolate) says

    I can’t imagine you’d have enough time to comment on everyone’s blog! No worries– we all will keeping loving you and your blog. 🙂

    I was crazy about Disney princesses when I was little. I had the clothes, the dolls, the movies, random little toys…My favorite was probably Bell, though I Iiked Sleeping Beauty too.

  39. Jessica @ Racing to Thirty says

    I must be further south in Texas than you – only got down to 29 this morning here, but it still feels FREEEZING cold – I want the 60-70 winter weather back NOW!

    I think it’s awesome that you spend any time commenting on other people’s blogs – clearly you don’t need to do it to get the traffic you do, but everyone loves comments, and it’s so sweet that you appreciate your “fans” 🙂 I like to read a ton of blogs, but don’t have time to comment on every post I read each day – you should not feel guilty at all!

  40. Katelyn @ Chef Katelyn says

    Girl, do NOT feel bad about such things! You are a beautiful and amazing blogger, and sometimes it is just too hectic to fit the bill of a “perfect” blogger. Keep doin’ your thang and eating your veggies! Ahhh those look so yummy! 🙂

  41. Lindsey says

    I finally made your Single Lady Cupcake! 🙂 It was so great! I’m definitely going to make it again soon…possibly with a little almond butter…or better yet…chocolate almond butter!

  42. Danielle Discovers says

    Hi Katie! I’m new[er] to your blog and couldn’t be happier about it 🙂 I’ve really enjoyed all of your recent recipes and cannot wait to try a few. My father lives in Houston part-time and i’ve seen some pretty grueling summers there but never heard of it getting down to 3 degrees!! That’s nuts.

    By the way, lovin’ the blue 😉

    • Chocolate-Covered Katie says

      Hi Danielle!!!
      *Waves lke crazy*
      I’m so glad you found me. And yeah lol Texas weather is weird. It’s supposed to be in the 60s again next week. But apparently it snowed in Hawaii this year, so I guess weather’s weird everywhere!

  43. Gill (snaxandthecity) says

    what a lovely post – you shouldn’t feel guilty for not going to every blog – you need a life too!

    in other news, i LOVE the idea of candied veggies (how did i miss that the first time round!?)

  44. Melomeals: Vegan for $3.33 a Day says

    Wow.. it’s colder in TX than NH and we are in the middle of a blizzard.

    Those orange peppers look so yummy.

  45. Ashley@Quasichick says

    I like the blue, but am partial to purple!! Katie you are one of the only bloggers who has commented or replied to me so don’t be so hard on yourself. I think your genuine, loving attitude comes out in your posts and comments 🙂

  46. Rachael says

    Thanks for the nostalgic moment – one of my favorite childhood movies/scenes is now running through my head!
    And, I love that you eat with chopsticks! Been meaning to say that for awhile, but it’s a cute quirk!

  47. Jess@atasteofconfidence says

    I like the different colors, keeps it interesting!
    Glad to hear about your dedication to all your readers:)

  48. Alex@Spoonful of Sugar Free says

    Katie, there is no possible way that you could read and write a comment for every single person who writes a comment on your blog! Even though you are Super Woman 😉 Your the best, girl!

    I am a total disney princess fan!! OMG! My first 6 yrs of life were spent with me wearing a princess costume and tiara. I sang the songs all the time. Rented all the movies. Made my little sister be the prince (hey, I didn’t have a brother yet!). I can’t choose a favorite, but I loved Sleeping Beauty and Jasmine from Aladdin.

    • Alex@Spoonful of Sugar Free says

      Oh, and I was going to say it was freezing in Florida here, too, but then I saw that it was 3* were you are…wow….50* is nothing…..but it was windy!

      And I love the colors! Colors makes everything better!

  49. Mary @ Bites and Bliss says

    *Ahem* Miss Katie Darling. But being the needy person I am, I’m asking- (no, demanding!) you to visit my blog more than once and a while. Seriously, this jazz ain’t cuttin it.

    You know I’m kidding! 🙂 I can only imagine how long it’d take to visit all of your followers all the time. Geez, you’re amazing for what you do already! And it’s so sweet of you to want to make sure to stop by everyones at least once. 🙂 You deserve a million hugs..or cookies. Or both!

  50. Namaste Gurl says

    Awwwh, your post brightened my day, Katie– as always 🙂 Your much too sweet girly!
    I just made candied roasted root veggies last night, and they were INCREDIBLE, as always 🙂 Ever tried sprinkling maple at the end of cooking? IT gives the best taste to the caramelized and candied veggies!

    Have a good rest of the day!

  51. yummmmmmm says

    I made a huge pile of “candied” broccoli today- it is one of the most incredible foods there are! I drizzled olive oil on before baking and skipped the coconut oil (don’t have any ATM). And I put a good amount of freshly-ground sea salt on it, and roasted til many parts were brown and crispy. It’s amazing how many natual sugars come out!

    But braising butternut squash has got to be my all time favorite “candied” veggie- here is a quick healthy vegan recipe if you’re interested! *adapted from “how to cook everything vegetarian”

    ingredientss:
    1 T olive oil
    1 T chopped garlic
    1/2 a big buuternut squash (or about a pound)
    1/4 cup veggie broth

    heat olive oil over medium heat. add garlic. when it starts to color, toss in the squash and veggie broth. bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. cook for 15 minutes or until squash is softened. remove cover, turn heat up to medium high, and cook til liquid is evaporated. then cook as long as you want as it starts to brown and get crispy and AMAZINGGGG. It’s SO good- the most candy-like non-sugar-added veggie dish I’ve ever had.

  52. BroccoliHut says

    Just so you know, I don’t comment on your blog with the expectation that you’ll respond–I just like letting you know how much I enjoy your posts:)
    LOVE the Sleeping Beauty reference:)

  53. Alyssa says

    I cant see the color change! 🙁 Best disney princess goes to Little Mermaid! I think the all time princess is Cinderella but Ariel is my favorite… I enjoy reading your blog everyday even if you don’t have time to look at mine it’s no biggie! I read yours for the recipes and stories you tell 🙂

  54. Ally (oatsandspice) says

    Katie, your from Texas? I am moving to Houston in June to work for a major oil company! I am a little nervous though because I do not know a lot about the Houston area since I am from Michigan….

    Have you ever been to Houston?

    • Chocolate-Covered Katie says

      I *think* my mom drove through it once, with my sister and me in the car, as we were on our way to Galveston (I think?). LOL it was so long ago! But I remember seeing a statue of Sam Houston and thinking the area was really pretty! I have a lot of friends who’ve lived there and LOVED it :).

    • Gaby says

      Hi! I live in Houston! I know I don’t write very often but I have written a little about Houston. I actually really love it here. Let me know when you move or if you come visit before and I’ll show you around!

      And Katie, you’re too sweet, as always! I don’t expect responses of course because I’d have to write frequently for that, haha, but I admire how frequently you’re able to post AND keep up with so many bloggers with everything else you do. You stay so busy and are so awesome at everything you do! Keep it up!
      I’m partial to this whimsical blue but either color is good. As long as the yummy looking veggies are there it’s all good. English muffins are also one of my favorite things in the world!

      • Ally (oatsandspice) says

        Gaby, I am SO glad you saw my post! I am really excited to move to Houston in June! I think I am going to come down in early March to look for apartments (I will be working right downtown so I am hoping to find an apartment in the inner loop). Do you have any recommendations of areas to live? I heard the Upper Kirby Area is fun for people my age… Let me know what you think!

  55. J3nn (Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) says

    OMG, before reading this post the title reminded me exactly of what it led up to: Sleeping Beauty!!!! That’s my all time favorite Disney movie. <3 I have to watch it now. 😀

    It's hard to keep up with every comment and every blog, but everyone understands, so don't worry your pretty little head! hehe

  56. Ashley@Quasichick says

    I love your tips for chasing away the blues. I also love that chocolate pie you posted 🙂 I agree with the point about it not being okay for humans to be sad. We were given emotions for a reason and I think when our body is feeling a certain way it is because it needs to.

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