Juicer!

Sorry I know I have been MIA for the past while but the holidays...well you all know. Anyways not much has been happening. I got some kick ass appliences for christmas or with christmas money including a bad ass steamer, a food processor (I have never had one before! I hand chopped and minced everything!) and a new blender/ smoothie maker!

My baby Alyssa bought a juicer so tonight we made juice!


Mango/Strawberry/Kiwi Juice with Agave syrup
2 mangos ripe
2 kiwi ripe
2 handfuls of ripe strawberries
Agave syrup to taste

Stick all but the agave Syrup into the juicer. Stir and than add agave to taste if the fruits weren't about to turn.

Other than that we have been mucking around sun harvest having tons of fun! Have a happy new year and remember this Buddist quote to get you into the New year:

"To be idle is a short road to death and to be diligent is a way of life; foolish people are idle, wise people are diligent."

Snack time!

Snacks are unhealthy for most people. Potato chips, cheetos and the like. Snack time for me though really gives me a pick me up. So here are some my favorates that I thought that I would share with you.

Hummus is a great and filling snack. Especially with some whole grain pita that you can pick up at any Arabian market. I would get the hummus from there too. Sprinkle some Lemon seasoning on it with olive oil.

I love any kind of fresh fruit. Strawberries, mardrin oranges, raspberries and mango...everything. I reduce a little Balsamic vingear with agave syrup and lime juice than pour it over them. One of my fav seasonal ones through is pomagrant straight out of its shell. Theres alot of it and its sweet and tart at the same time. Its better than a whole bag of M&M's!


I also LOVE seeds and mixed nuts, most of all pumpkin and squash seeds. These little guys are great! Nuts are great too if you get them straight out of their shell and they are packed with protien and iron which will get you going about your day longer and stronger than a candy bar.

Wasbi peas also have a great spice to them. They satisfy even the most picky of snackers. I always have a handfull of them tucked away in my bag.

If you are really on the go and need something fast and portable, or if you forget something and walk into a super market looking for something to grab really quick, most places have Luna Bars (Copyright). They come in a bunch of flavors including chocolate peanut butter and S'more (Among others).

All of these should get rid of snack cravings and satisfy you a ton more! If you have any other suggestions let me know!

Eat the Rainbow!

One of the first things that I learned as a veg was to "Eat the Rainbow". Eating a huge varitey of colours will give you an endless buffet of amazing eating options. And surprise! All of them are good for you! So dont limit yourself and dont be afraid. All of them are good for you and they taste good.



One of my favorates that I never really ate before are radishs. I use them in just about everything now. Food, drinks (Daikon and carrot tea is amazing). Again dont be afraid to experiment. These foods are cheap and you can get them in a split second. Also something is always in season so check what grows and what growns in your area. If you go to a farmers market like myself you can eat the berries and what not right out of the bag. Its great.

Health Plus (s): (There are so many in this that I cant even write them all down.)

Red:
Red produce like tomatoes, watermelon, berries, guava, peppers and radishes contain nutrients like lycopene, anthocyanins, ellagic acid and bioflavonoids including quercetin, and hesperidin.

Orange/yellow:
Beta carotene colors things like sweet potatoes, mangos, pumpkins, carrots, squash and apricots. Other oranges and yellows like citrus, peaches and pineapple contain vitamin C flavanoids.

Green:
Everybody knows greens are good for you. Cruciferous ones especially like broccoli, brussel sprouts, bok choy, cauliflower and cabbage provide glucosinolates, isothiocyanates and indole-3 carbinol (noted for its ability to inhibit cancer growth). Other greens like spinach, collards, kale and broccoli contain carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin. These greens are also loaded with vitamins, minerals and fiber.

Blue/purple (and a little bit of red):
These guys have been hogging all the attention due to their nutritional value. Produce like pomegranates, blueberries and grapes (red wine) are known for their high levels of antioxidants. These colors contains anthocyanins, lutein, zeaxanthin, resveratrol, vitamin C, flavonoids, ellagic acid and quercetin.

White:
White might seem like a strange inclusion, but some white produce is super healthy, especially for your immune system and to help lower cholesterol. Things like garlic, onions and leeks (think inside the leeks) contain allicin.

Tofu, Seitian and other meat replacements

For most new veg or vegans tofu can become a staple very very quickly along with other meat replacment products. While they are healthier than animal products they still hold allot more protein then a person typically needs and can have side effects that are the same as the meat that you once gave up. (boldness, fatigue and depression)

Unfortunately it is a very common American idea that if something is good for you, allot of it is even better. This is not true.

Instead of soy milk try rice, or almond milk instead. These aren't just hippy store foods. They sell them in your local supermarket in typically in the cereal isle. They even have Chocolate almond milk that ROCKS!

Tofu or soy based products aren't the only way to make a meal. Try using organic non processed foods like fruits, veggies and high fiber, nutrient rich whole grains like quinoa, barely, oats, brown rice and bulgur.

Chickpea Curry

Ingrediants:

1 can of canned chickpeas or 1/2 a cup dried (Made to instructions)
1 can of Patak's Original Taste of India Cooking sauce (I like Jalfrezi Curry)
Brown rice

First thing that you want to do is cook your chickpea's. There are plenty of places on line to find out how to cook dried. If using canned (I dont because of the preservitives) cook to instructions.

Have rice cooked before you start the curry. Steamed brown rice is the best for you and I like the texture of it with the chickpeas.

In a meduim high heat pan, pour the cooking sure making sure that it doesn't burn. Stire in the chick peas and cook until hot.

Searve over the rice with a side of whole wheat pita.

Health points:
Chickpeas: http://www.everynutrient.com/healthbenefitsofchickpeas.html
Brown Rice: http://hubpages.com/hub/Health_Benefits_of_Brown_Rice

Grilled Almond Butter and Jam

I love PBNJ so this is a welcome change from the run of the mill one. Almond butter is full of protein and typically has less salt than Peanut butter so try to use that instead of peanut butter. However, you only need a little so try not to use more than 8 oz a week.

Ingredients:
Alomd/ peanut butter
Jam (As natrual as you can and with not artifical flavors.)
Vegan margrin (earth balance is good and you can find it at most major grocery stores)

Use almond butter instead of peanut butter and whatever kind of natrual non sweatened jam you want. Using Vegan Margin (I like earth balance) butter the sides of the two peiced of bread. Add almond butter or peanut butter, than the jam and grill the sandwitch as you would a grilled cheese, until the sides are a nice crisp golden brown!

A Note on Salt

Alot of people have been saying to avoid salt these days. However sodium is an important part of your diet. Its vital for systems like digestion, muscle function and muscle contraction including that of your heart. It is however a natural part of all food matter and we only need a tiny bit in our food. Good quality sea salt is the best sorce of this (sodium chloride). Because it is a crystal it needs to be dissolved so best put it into your food while cooking and not at the dinner table.

To much can result in water retention, bone loss and high blood pressure. Processed ionized salt as been stripped of its balancing minerals... so theres a no go right there.

Alot of sodium can be found in miso, soy sauce or shoyu.

Black Bean and cajan tofu tacos

Cajan tofu black bean tacos:

Sp these are made with just about the same things but instead of making meat I took tofu and squared it into half an inch cubes. Preheat the oven and 400 degrees. Than take cajan seasoning and roll them in it as much as you want. taking a non stick tray put the tofu on and back for about 20-30 minutes.

Than you can set it out and add whatever you want! I use black beans, alvacado, salsa and onion!

Health points:
Tofu: It will give the non-meat eater a plentiful supply of calcium ( which is derived from the calcium sulphate), as well as phosphorous and iron. Tofu is, therefore, an excellent substitute for meat in many vegetarian recipes.

Recent studies have also shown that Soya beans and products derived from them may play a role in preventing various types of cancer, particularly breast cancer. It has also been seen to have preventative capacity with regard to osteoporosis and symptoms related to menopause. An additional benefit of tofu is that it is extremely easy to digest. This is because the soya bean’s fiber is removed during the manufacturing process. Be careful though. Tofu should NOT replace meat in your diet as it is processed.

Left over rice porriage

okay not to toot my own horn but this is one of those spur of the moment things that makes me wonder why I didn't go to culinary school. This is a breakfest rice porriage.

1 cup left over brown rice
1 1/2 cups of water
Dried friut diced
parsley
maple syrup
nuts

This on if kinda hard to write down cause its really a whatever you feel like food. Take the rice, water and dried fruit and place in a pot. Bring to a boil, than reduce and let simmer until water is absorbed. place in a bowl and add your toppings. I prefer putting more of the fruit (dried apricotes for me) cinommon, maple syrup, parsley and walnutes on top.

The drink next to it is a refreshing way to start your day too. Its just pure fruit necter (NOT from concentrate) mixed with sparkling mineral water!

Health points:
Brown rive: http://hubpages.com/hub/Health_Benefits_of_Brown_Rice
Maple syrup: http://www.puremapleproducts.com/health_benefits_maple_syrup.html

Again this has a serving of fruit in it to kickstart your day!

Braised Diakon in Mirin and Shoyu

Okay this one is not mine but its soooooo good I have to share it. It comes from "The Kind diet"

1 large daikon
2 tablespoons of soy sauce or more if you like. I like more.
1/4 cup of Mirin
2-3 inch strip of nori (seaweed)

slice up daikon into 3/4 inch rounds and put them in a pan in a single layer. Add water to almost cover up the daikon. Add soy sauce, Mirin and Nori. Bring the liquid to a boil over high heat than reduce heat to low and cover the pan, simmering Daikon until all of the liquid is absorded.

This is great for the winter and almost has the same texture as pan seared sea scallops. Its amazing!

Heath Points:
Diakon sometimes scares people and they dont want to cook it but its amazing! researchers have discovered that daikon juice actually inhibits the formation of dangerous chemicals in the body. Nitrosamines, a type of carcinogen, can form in the stomach from chemicals present in both natural and processed foods. Daikon juice contains substances identified as "phenolic compounds" that can block this potentially dangerous reaction. Thus, a diet including raw daikon may reduce the risk of cancer. Laboratory analysis has shown that the juice of raw daikon is abundant in digestive enzymes similar to those found in the human digestive tract. These enzymes - diastase, amylase, and esterase - help transform complex carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into their readily assimilable components. Traditional Japanese restaurants serve grated daikon (daikon oroshi) in tempura dip to help digest oils, or shredded daikon with raw fish to help digest the protein. Grated daikon is a wonderful aid to people with a weak digestive system. It is important, however, to use grated daikon immediately. In just thirty minutes nearly 50 percent of its enzymes are lost

Daikon has also been shown to be effective as a diuretic and decongestant. As a diuretic, raw daikon promotes the discharge of excess water by the kidneys. The result is increased urination and gradual reduction of the swelling condition known as edema. As a decongestant, the enzymes in daikon juice seem to help dissolve mucus and phlegm in the respiratory system and facilitate their discharge from the body.
It also has a great deal of vitmamine C and folacin, which is cancer protecting.

A few drops of soy sauce and a tablespoon of grated daikon is a macrobiotic treatment for helping the body discharge old animal protein and fats

Carbo Chip (Chocolate) Covered Strawberries & Apricote Coins

Okay! These are carbo chip (Vegan chocolate...it just has no dairy in it at all)
This is really easy, really romantic and really tasty! I know these dont look awesome but cut me some slack. It is the first time I did this and I didn't have any parchment paper!

1 cup of carbo chips
1/2 cup of soy or rice milk
strawberries
dried apricotes
almond slices (optional)

Have a tray that will fit into your fridge with a lineing of parchment paper. Flatten out you apricotes by rolling them over with a rolling pin or bottle of wine. Dont press too hard cause you dont want to crush them into pulp. Heat up carbo chips and soy milk on medium or low, wisking continuously until its a smooth texture.

When it is smooth drip in your fruit and twirl it so that its coated in the chocolate. Place on parchment tray and if you want sprinkle it with almond slices. Place in the fridge and let cool until hard. Easy!
Add a caption
Okay! These are carbo chip (Vegan chocolate...it just has no dairy in it at all)
This is really easy, really romantic and really tasty! I know these dont look awesome but cut me some slack. It is the first time I did this and I didn't have any parchment paper!

1 cup of carbo chips
1/2 cup of soy or rice milk
strawberries
dried apricotes
almond slices (optional)

Have a tray that will fit into your fridge with a lineing of parchment paper. Flatten out you apricotes by rolling them over with a rolling pin or bottle of wine. Dont press too hard cause you dont want to crush them into pulp. Heat up carbo chips and soy milk on medium or low, wisking continuously until its a smooth texture.

When it is smooth drip in your fruit and twirl it so that its coated in the chocolate. Place on parchment tray and if you want sprinkle it with almond slices. Place in the fridge and let cool until hard. Easy!

Vegan Spicy Lentil Stew/Soup

Ingredients:
• 1 tsp vegetable oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 carrot sliced
• 1 slice celery
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup dry lentils
• ½ a cup of brown rice
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• dash salt
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Franks red hot (optional)

Preparation:

In a large pot, sautee the onions, celery and carrot in the vegetable oil for 3-5 minutes until onions turn clear.

Add the vegetable broth, lentils, rice, pepper, thyme, bay leaves and salt.
Reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook until lentils are soft, about 1-2 hours (rice takes a while). Stir in franks red hot or hot sauce if you want spicy. Remove bay leaves and stir in lemon juice before serving. Makes 4-6 servings of lentil soup.

Of coarse you should add or subtract if you like a certain taste! Best with pita!

Notes:
One thing about making any soup or stew is the temp that your oven gets to. I dont have a gas stove so its harder for mt to get a standard temp. CHECK! If it looks like you are running low on liquid add more veggie stock as you go.

Health Points
- Full serving of veggies in ever cup.
-lentils: http://www.healthrecipes.com/lentils.htm (I cant say it any better than that)

Veggie Girl

In the time that I have eaten a plant based diet I have run into far more obsticals than I thought that I would. People who talked about how others judged them were being overly senstive...because why would anyone give a damn if I ate meat?

But for some I guess it did matter that I ate...alot. I have been told anything from "Do you take iron? Cause you cant get enough iron." to "You're going to die." Stupid myths of course. In a plant based diet you get more than enough iron and you are most certianly not going to die any sooner because you dont clog up your arteries with red meat like the common American. In fact people who are vegitarian and vegan, just by the mere virtue that they pay attention to what they eat, are less likely to die early.

But thats not what I want this blog to be about. I will write about trails and myths of the vegan/ veg way of life, but mostly what I will do is talk about cooking. I have always loved to cook. Perhaps its because of the italian in me or maybe it was the fake that one of my first memories is of hand making pasta dough with my dad. Either way it lead me to an appreshation of food and the finer art of cooking. So when I started the vegiarian life style my first wonder was what I was going to eat.

As I soon found out there was plenty. That is what I am going to share with you. Food that will not only keep you going until the next class or meeting. Food that will norish your body instead of making it harder to keep moving. Food that will taste great and feel great going down. I'm not trying to force anyone into this life. My boyfriend is still a die hard texan hunter. But if you just eat these foods once or twice you'll find that your stomach will thank you.

Plus, as many meat eaters say to me: WOuldn't it be nice to have some varity?