Textured or texturized vegetable protein (TVP), also known as textured soy protein (TSP), soy meat, or soya meat is a meat analogue or nutritious meat extender made from defatted soy flour, a by-product of extracting soybean oil. It is quick to cook, with a protein content equal to that of the meat it is replacing, and contains no fat. It can be used as a meat substitute. It is extremely cheap and lasts forever. It is super lightweight and takes the flavor of whatever you cook it in. (Taco Bell’s ground beef is actually TVP.)

Steve is hiking the Appalachian Trail after he graduates from GA Tech (B.S. Mathematics) in May. He introduced me to TVP, as he is using it in an innumerable amount of meals that he will have along the trail.

Glass salt and pepper mills with brushed stainless steel tops. Ceramic grinding mechanism in the salt mill and carbon steel in the pepper mill, both are fully adjustable from a coarse to a fine grind. Comes filled with Salt Crystals and Malabar Peppercorns and lifetime guarantees. I searched for the perfect mills. Williams-Sonoma was my first stop, but they were lackluster. I found these at Target for about $15 each.

Owned and operated by the guys at German Town Cafe. Located at the corner of 5th and Main. I had, quite possibly, the best Caesar Salad of my life. Fantastic service. Decadent desserts, including a chocolate mousse cake and a Bailey’s butterscotch cheesecake. Reasonable prices. Review at the Nashville Scene. More info and their menu at Allium Nashville.

The food is fantastic with reasonable prices. The guys that own it, Sean and Tom, are great. Check out their menu and other cool stuff at Nuvo Burrito. Great review at Nashville Restaurants.

An A+R EXCLUSIVE! Call it the 2.0 Notebook. The super-slim, portable charcoal grill that A+R pals made an overnight phenomenon last summer is now available in a stainless steel finish and with a larger cooking surface. Cook, say, six burgers instead of 4. There’s a 250-square-inch cooking surface on a stainless steel grate. Like its black counterpart, this new version is lightweight, weighing in at less than 9 lbs. The cut-out handles make it a cinch to carry, and the stainless steel surface has a waterproof finish. As a cooker or a gift, it’s a hit at any party. $61 at A+R.

The sub-tropical valleys of the Assam region of Northeast India is the inspiration for this exotic and alluring blend of rare white Assam and Indian green tea, punctuated with the taste of ripe, luscious plums and delectable strawberry leaves. Hand-picked rose petals round out the sweet fullness of this bright, delicious cup. Ingredients: Green and white Indian tea, organic strawberry leaf, Bulgarian rose petals, organic Stevia leaf*, natural plum extract (*dietary supplement). Embossed recyclable air tight tin containing 22 sachets of certified 100% fair trade and organic tea. Check out the other fine teas at GypsyTea.com. Got mine for about $7 at Kroger’s.

Made from zirconium carbide, which turns black when fired, black ceramic knives are more resistant to damage from misuse. Packed in a hand crafted bamboo box for easy and safe storage this 8” black on black Ceramic Chef’s Knife is a beautiful addition to any kitchen. This 8” ceramic knife is a pleasure to use for all types of foods and will probably be one of your most used kitchen knives. You can’t tell by this image, but the blade is solid black. $150 at Keramiko’s Kitchen.

With this set, you’re covered! Make cookies featuring popular holiday and theme shapes like sports, flowers, animals and more. Or use the complete alphabet and numeral collections included to create the perfect cookie message. Only $15 from Wilton.com.

Sugar free (Isomalt, Sorbitol, Sucralose/Splenda) with 50 mints in a tin. 33% fewer calories than a normal size Altoids mint! Each mint is about a 1/4-inch square. Usually around $1. I am a peppermint fiend, and these are how I usually get my fix.

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