Switzerland 2008: Day 1 - Bern and Murten

Our 8-9 day trip to Switzerland (May 2008) took us to quite a few places around the country. We will share our photos by day so here is a sample from day 1 of our trip. The entire set of day 1 photos can be found on Flickr:
Nikon shots - http://www.flickr.com/gp/51685057@N00/2P7rKD
Leica shots - http://www.flickr.com/gp/51685057@N00/St9BF2


The Aare River in Bern


A trail along the Aare River, Bern


Large scale chess pieces, Bern


Murten, a medieval town southwest of Bern


Interesting trees at Murten

Vegan Zucchini Banana Bread

Here's a new post after more than a week. I've decided to experiment with vegan baking this time. I started with a regular banana bread recipe and adjusted the ingredients until I got this. I must admit that it turned out a little dense in consistency so I think this recipe still needs a little tweaking:

Vegan Zucchini Banana Bread

1/2 cup canola oil
1/2 cane sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1-1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp sea salt
1 Tbsp corn starch
4 very ripe bananas (or 1-3/4 cups)
1-1/2 cups shredded zucchini
2 Tbsp sesame seeds

Shred zucchini and mash the ripe bananas.


Mix together canola oil, sugar, whole wheat flour, baking soda, corn starch, and sea salt.


Add the mashed bananas...


...and the shredded zucchini.


Mix thoroughly.


Transfer batter into a a baking pan and top with sesame seeds.


Bake for about 60 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean after insertion.


Allow to cool and slice.


Enjoy plain or serve with apple sauce:)

Vegetable Flat Bread Pizza

Here is something quick and easy if you have some pasta or pizza sauce in your pantry. In my case, I used homemade left over pasta sauce. The toppings can be improvised, but below are what I used. Served with a salad, this pizza is the perfect size for 2 people. As for the crust, lavash makes is great if you like a pizza that is thin and crispy along the edges...and not much bread.

Let us get started:

Vegetable Flat Bread Pizza

• Lavash (about 12"x16" bought from Trader Joe's)
  
• Pizza sauce (left over creamy pasta sauce)
  
• Sun dried tomato
• Fresh basil
• Yellow squash
  
• Fresh garlic
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
  

First, gather all your ingredients. Wash and slice your vegetables.





Soak the sun dried tomatoes for about 25 minutes in warm water before julienning and cut fresh garlic into slivers. Spread pizza sauce onto lavash...



...and sprinkle on sun dried tomatoes and garlic.



Add fresh basil...



...as well as small slices/shreds of Parmesan and Mozzarella.



Finally, place slices of yellow squash on top of everything. I like to place a vegetable on the very top to prevent the cheese from burning.



Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 8-10 minutes. Slice and devour:-D