Split Peas 2 Ways

I know. I’ve been neglecting the blog. But it’s been a lot of the same ‘ol in our kitchen lately. The best I could come up with for this post is two disparate but delicious uses for the venerable split pea (both of which we’ve posted about in the past). The first thing that comes to mind when you think split peas is soup right? Last week I made a monster pot of split pea soup. We ate a bunch and froze some for later. I should write down the recipe too because it came out great. It was a fairly standard split pea soup but I added a package of Fakin’ Bacon and also a little barley to give it some extra oompf.
We also had an Ethiopian meal again recently. A co-worker is moving and she gave me a barely used package of teff flour that she didn’t want to pack. And the only thing I know how to do with teff is make injera. And in this case, three Ethiopian stews to accompany it. The injera and split pea alecha recipes were from Vegan Lunch Box, the collards were mostly following this recipe, and I sort of winged it on a spicy red lentil and tofu stew but it came out good.

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Beach, Salad and Bread Pudding YAY!

I don’t wish to gloat but it has been a glorious day here on the Costa Blanca – the whiff of Spring is most certainly in the air and I feel my nerves a-twitching to do some much needed Spring cleaning and airing out of nooks and crannies.
But rather than do that, I went for a walk along the beach instead.

HURRAH!

Sea and fresh air always gives me an appetite and I enjoyed a delicious dinner of Tuna Friendly Tuna, Baby Leaf Salad, Avocado and Cauliflower Salad.
It was gorgeous and I could eat it all over again. Everything except the Chickpeas in the Tuna Friendly Tuna was raw too!

Yummah!

But onto the Bread Pudding recipe ‘cos I know I promised you all and I’ve been keeping you waiting long enough.
This is a childhood favourite of mine and the fact it uses up old Bread just appeals to my thrifty nature even more than the fact it’s delicious – well maybe not more but it’s pretty darn close!
My mum always made Bread Pudding by using Tea and though I’ve not tried this recipe with Fruit or Herb Teas – I’m sure keen on doing some experimenting with them ‘cos I reckon that would be a winner too.

Bread Pudding
makes 8 slices

Ingredients
8 slices stale white Bread (crusts or a mix of half and half)
1 1/2 cups (300ml) of cold English Tea
Handful crushed Almonds
12 Dried Prunes, roughly chopped
12 Dried Apricots, roughly chopped
80 grams/half a cup Sultanas
1/2 teaspoon Mixed Spice
1 Tablespoon Maple Syrup
60ml/1 third of a cup Soya Milk

Method
Tear the Bread up into chunks and place in a big bowl. Pour over the cold Tea and stir round. Leave for an hour stirring every so often to make sure all the Bread soaks up the Tea. Beat out any lumps.
Add the Almonds and Fruit and give a good stir.
Add the Mixed Spice, stir.
Add the Maple Syrup and Milk and give everything a really good stir.
Grease a 7 by 10 inch pan with Marg and spoon the mixture in, making sure to even it out with the back of the spoon.
Bake in a pre-heated oven at 200 degrees for and hour and a half.
Keep an eye on it and if the top goes really brown then cover with aluminium foil for the remaining baking time.
Use a spatula to loosen the edges when it comes out of the oven but leave it to cool before removing from the pan.
Sprinkle with white Sugar and cut into 8 equal slices.

Nom Nom Nom

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High-Fructose Corn Syrup Can Contain Mercury

A brand new study by the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy discovered that almost half of the samples of commercial high-fructose corn syrup they examined contained mercury, that is extremely toxic. They also examined 55 main brand-name processed meals and drinks exactly where high-fructose corn syrup is the very first or second primary ingredient, and discovered that about 1 third contained mercury.

Most meals targeted at kids include high-fructose corn syrup, that is monstrously unhealthy even without having the poisonous metallic liquid.

This news does not alter my prior ongoing guidance, that is to study the labels and in no way, actually consume meals or drink drinks that include high-fructose corn syrup.

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Omega-6 Fatty Acids Good For You? Of Course They Are!

The anti-inflammatory foods craze has recently given Omega-6 Fatty Acids, which you’ll find in vegetables, nuts and seeds, a bad name. Now the American Heart Association is stepping forward to put such junk science to rest.

According to an article in today’s Washington Post, “the debate arose because arachidonic acid, a component of omega-6 fatty acids, is a building block for some inflammation-related molecules, and there have been fears that it might increase the risk of heart disease.” But according to William S. Harris, director of the Metabolism and Nutrition Research Center of the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine:

“That reflects a rather naive understanding of the biochemistry. Omega-6 fatty acids give rise to both pro-inflammatory compounds and anti-inflammatory compounds. To say that they are bad because they produce pro-inflammatory compounds ignores the fact that they give rise to anti-inflammatory compounds as well.”

Are Omega-6 Fatty Acids good for you? Of course they are!

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Dust Off the Shelf – Uncheese, Kitch, & Maximus

I mentioned a few posts back that I have been struggling somewhat to find cooking inspiration. Reviewing many of my recent posts, it may appear to my readers that all I eat are cupcakes and treats! While I do tend to indulge in something sweet once a day, the bulk of my daily food intake is actually quite healthy. All I had to do to find a little inspiration (in addition to your suggestions… thanks!), was dust off my cookbook shelf and rediscover all the recipes I already have at my fingertips! So, I’m going to be doing a series of “Dusting Off the Shelf” where every few weeks I’ll make a recipe from 3-4 predetermined cookbooks, with particular attention being given to those I use less or that have been a new addition to my ever-growing and hopefully now less dusty shelf.

First up: The Ultimate Uncheese Cookbook, Skinny Bitch in the Kitch, and Gastronomus Maximus.
The Ultimate Uncheese Cookbook is one of those books on my shelf that I have yet to make a single thing from.. embarassing I know! I chose to try the Broccoli and Rice Casserole since it’s a dish that I recall fondly from my childhood. This version was super simple to prepare and required minimal ingredients. If you are a fan of noochy rice, this one is for you.
I was one of the lucky recipients of Amey’s holiday zine, full of wonderful recipes and adorable drawings. This recipe for Quinoa with Brussel Sprouts and Tempeh is originally from Fresh Food Fast. I used a mixture of red and regular quinoa to add some color to this healthful dish. (and shhhh… I also made a cookie recipe she put in the zine as well
The arrival of my Skinny Bitch Total Body Workout video reminded me to revisit Skinny Bitch in the Kitch. I am a big fan of their “Down Home Cookin” section (e.g. the meatloaf), so I took a chance on the Sloppy Joe recipe. My mom calls these “yummies” but I always called them “yuckies”. Maybe I just needed to try the vegan version, because now I agree with my mom. Oh, and I made my own buns using Vegan Dad’s recipe…. not sure if I have the patience to wait 5 hours for buns ever again, but they sure were good.
To accompany the Sloppy Joes, I also made potato salad, yet another Southern dish that I’ve been avoiding all of my life. And once again proving that vegan versions are far superior… I couldn’t get enough of this stuff. The veganaise, the sweet pickle relish, the dill, mmm mmm! Bring on summer picnicing season (not so far off here in Houston) because I’m ready with my potluck dish to share!
And even though it wasn’t included in last week’s assigned cookbooks, here’s a bonus dessert from My Sweet Vegan, the triple threat chocolate cheesecake. It pleased a table full of omnivores with it’s rich, chocolatey, creamy layers.

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Tofu Breast

The recipe for this can be found here with video instructions too!!
I served mine with some new spring Potatoes (YUM) and a Salad of Rocket, baby Leaf Spinnach, Beetroot Leaves and Tomatoes all smothered in a dressing of Grapeseed Oil, Mustard, Red Wine Vinegar and Maple Syrup. YUM YUM YUM!

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Try Walking in My Vegan Shoes

Confession: I used to be a shopaholic when it came to shoes. I loved them all… rugged hiking boots, dainty ballet flats, trusty running shoes, funky wedges, and even those killer spiky heels. After going vegan I realized that most of the shoes in my growing collection were born of cruelty so I slowly began to purge my closet and took them to Goodwill. I kept a few pairs that I really loved, figuring it seemed logical to wear them out before getting rid of them. But I found myself not wanting to put those on either, and they eventually got the boot. So you can only imagine my excitement when a representative from Gaiam contacted me asking if I would like to review a pair of their vegan shoes! Let’s take a walk in my new J41 Yoga Slide shoes (which are on sale right now!) and I’ll let you know what I think…

These slip on shoes are constructed with a cute and colorful corduroy upper and recycled rubber soles . The treads are tough enough to take you on a short rocky hiking trail but still comfy enough for walking to your neighborhood coffee shop. I have an older style of this shoe (which I still love), and I’m happy to report that they have added more cushioning to the insole, allowing for endless hours of roaming through the city in search of vegan treats. The handy velcro closures allows a snug fit for both narrow and wider feet, but you still have the luxury of being able to slip these shoes on and go!

I have worn my J41s both with and without socks (got a tiny blister the first time I wore no socks, but after that no problem), with jeans and with skirts, to the grocery store and to work and all without missing a step. Speaking of missing steps, if you are a bit of a clutz (like me), the super reinforced rubber will keep your toes safe from whatever you smash them into. Plus, it’s super cool that they have the word “vegan” written on the inside.. just in case your friends have any doubt.

Overall I would rate these shoes as excellent and they are key player in my line up of everyday shoes. My only suggestion is they should add more color combinations so I can get another pair!

In a world that is full of yucky leather shoes, it’s nice to know that our options are growing everyday with stylish, eco-conscious, well-built vegan shoes that with every step we take, we are making the world a more compassionate place. Thanks Gaiam for the shoes… I love them!

** My only compensation for this review was a free pair of shoes. Sweet!
** In other shoe-related news in my life… I bought John a pair of his first vegan work shoes for Christmas this year and he loves them!! He says they are not only more comfortable than his other work shoes, but they also make his feet sweat less. Bonus!

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Vegetables…They’re Not Just for Dinner Anymore

They’re for dessert too!

I made up VCTOTW Cookies n’ Cream Cupcakes, but used this recipe instead. Nothing against the original recipe or anything, but I loved how these turned out when I made them before. Something about the avocado in them that just did something wonderful to the texture. And I had tried freezing them before, with great results. It’s my new thing to do – bake up cupcakes a week in advance, make the icing the day before, and ice them the day of the big event. Easy.

For our mom’s b-day, I made Boston Cream Cake again. The secret veggie ingredient in this one? Potato! It makes the layer cake so fluffy. Who knew?

Kyle has requested a twist on the BC cake for his upcoming b-day. Same cake, same filling, but with a maple-y glaze similar to a Canadian Maple donut from Tim Horton’s. He’s also requesting this pie too. I have no idea why I need to make two things, but whatever…can’t argue with the birthday boy!

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Surviving the Salad Bar

I do not know about you but I am much less than thrilled when somebody suggests heading to some restaurant having a “huge salad clubhouse.” The cause is not which i do not care for salad, in truth I adore salad. It is that a meat eater’s concept of the excellent salad clubhouse and my perfect salad clubhouse differ significantly. And if we are heading to some steak home having a salad clubhouse, just guess who designed and filled the salad clubhouse. That is correct, the individual whose concept of the total menu is 6 various kinds of grilled cow flesh.

Oh vegans, I understand you really feel my discomfort on this 1.

When I have eaten out with co-workers (not really a vegan or vegetarian amongst them) they frequently insist on the steak home with the “beautiful salad clubhouse.” In truth they get annoyed and believe I am becoming hard if I stage out which i do not adore that salad clubhouse. From their viewpoint a salad clubhouse ought to become vegan heaven.

Let me describe this scene of horror for you personally.

Very first there are two kinds of lettuce. There is really a large bowl of iceberg lettuce and then another bowl with romaine. The romaine is pre-dressed in César dressing and grated cheese. There are endless bowls of numerous pre-made salads, Jell-O and fruit salad, pasta salad, potato salad, Cole slaw, most of these have mayo in them, and some have bacon in them. Then there are about 6 various kinds of cheeses. Also present are bowls of various meats you are able to best your salad with: bacon obviously, ham, chicken strips, and some thing that appears like bologna. Then there are cheese covered croutons. Lastly there are some plain veggies: cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and, if I am lucky, some shredded carrots. Not really a chick pea, sunflower seed, green pepper, sunchoke, or stalk of arugula in sight.

Then there are the dressings. They generally provide a number of, but all include cheese or dairy, there ranch, bleu cheese, thousand island, along with a “zesty Italian” with parmesan. If I request they’ll dig me up a small bottle of vinegar to drizzle more than the best of my iceberg salad.

Although my co-workers dig into large platters of “surf and turf” (otherwise recognized as the eating-one-animal-per-meal-just-ain’t-enough platter) I am miserable with my sad and unsatisfying salad. Obviously everybody else got the salad clubhouse as well, and they’ve heaped their plates with pasta salad and cheese cubes. Then my resentment raises ten-fold every time 1 of my companions nudges me and says “This is the greatest salad clubhouse I have actually observed! Is not it excellent?”

Regrettably via the many years I have discovered which i cannot usually dictate exactly where my function decides to keep lunch meetings. I have needed to arrive up having a function close to rather. Here’s my technique. If I understand forward of time we are likely to the restaurant, I provide together a tiny Tupperware of my personal salad dressing—for me it is Amy’s Goddess. I may also pack a small baggie of chickpeas and pumpkin seeds. What ever you like in your salad but you realize they do not have could be tucked into a purse (or if you are a guy I would recommend an innocent searching gift bag, so the subsequent time somebody provides you a gift in 1, conserve it).

Should you do not know forward of time that you are heading to some location exactly where you will have difficulty consuming, then you should not really feel the least bit ashamed to skip the salad clubhouse and request your waiter if they can make some thing vegan for you personally. Perhaps pasta marinara, keep the cheese, or possibly the dreaded steamed vegetable plate. Also request if they have any fresh fruit in the kitchen—sometimes they, particularly if they possess a breakfast clubhouse in the morning, do however it may not be on the menu. It does not precisely sound perfect, but if you’ve some thing to consume it may cut down on the crankiness. Obviously this really is also 1 of individuals circumstances exactly where that stash of vegan power bars inside your desk drawer at function comes in truly handy as well.

I hope these ideas assist you survive salad bars. I believe the point that bothers me most about this scenario is which i attempt to display individuals how basic, flavorful and inspired vegan foods could be. But to somebody uneducated on veganism my inability to consume at a salad clubhouse can make my diet plan and way of life appear hard, dull, and joyless. If I am capable to sneak my bring-your-own additions onto my plate then I am capable to consume some thing that appears and smells great, and much more importantly some thing satisfying which i appreciate, although close to non-vegans. |

All content copyright Neva Vegan.

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Having a Vegan Planning

Some thing may be nagging at the corner of my thoughts recently, and it’s this: the adjectives we use to describe individuals who do points we do not like. Lately I got into a heated discussion exactly where the words “lazy” and “selfish” had been lobbed at vegans who failed to attain perfection in particular methods. My very first believed was “Whoa, if some vegans are calling other vegans sluggish and selfish, what are they saying about the typical non-vegan out there?” But I do not know the solution to that 1, I had been as well active insisting I’m not truly sluggish and selfish.

Not to rehash all that, rather I wish to speak about the vegans who slip up or the vegetarians who wish to be vegan but cannot appear to create the leap. Is this simply because they’re sluggish and selfish? I do not believe so. I mean, c’mon, I could be quite sluggish and selfish myself, but I maintain a vegan kitchen. The primary way I avoid slip ups is getting a strategy. Yeah, seriously, when the heading will get difficult I do not fall back again on my moral self-righteousness, I do not crack out a dvd of Earthlings, when the heading will get difficult I fall back again on two points, routine and planning.

When my fellow vegans confide to me that they ate some thing non-vegan it generally falls into 3 groups. The very first is accident: “The waiter told me that the soup was vegan, but this point floating in it appears to become bacon.” The 2nd category is hormonal cravings, and this really is mainly ladies but occasionally even occurs to males, but usually it is: “I had terrible PMS and all I could believe about was chocolate but I had been trapped at the workplace and the only chocolate in the vending machine was a Milky Way Bar.” The third kind is stress/depression/tragedy consuming which goes like this: “I was completely vegan for months but then my grandmother died and I went to the funeral and afterwards they had been serving all the meals she utilized to create and I ate them all.” These confessions are generally accompanied by lots of self-recrimination as well as hand-wringing. The vegans right here frequently ask themselves why they cannot be much more ideal, why they maintain messing up when others do not.

So the very first element of this really is habit—when points are not stressful and overwhelming, get into the routine of consuming vegan meals. This ought to assist cut down on the cravings for non-vegan meals, as well as assist you discover exactly where you are able to discover vegan meals inside a pinch. Sorry, it does not usually completely get rid of cravings, however it definitely assists.

Routine assists with the accidental non-vegan meals as well, simply because we discover which dining places serve meals we are able to consume and maintain heading to individuals locations. We may also just create a routine of asking the waiter particular issues rather than “is this vegan?” Occasionally individuals do not know precisely what vegan indicates so asking “is the broth a meat broth?” may provide a much more precise solution.

Functioning on forming new habits is particularly useful for recovering junk food junkies. If your taste buds are accustomed to white flour, tons of sugar, along with a greasy slab of fried animal flesh, individuals are the points you are heading to achieve for when your mind is on auto-pilot. Nevertheless, should you go via the occasionally painful procedure of realigning your taste buds to crisp juicy apples, entire grain crackers, veggie sandwiches, and carrot sticks there’s a great opportunity you will ultimately start to just instantly achieve for individuals meals rather. But just like understanding piano, understanding wholesome vegan consuming requires practice. And it is not usually enjoyable when your mind is screaming “ice cream” to bite into an apple rather. It could be difficult operate, but ultimately it does turn out to be 2nd nature.

The 2nd element is planning. For me this indicates attempting to maintain a couple of vegan power bars (yes, with chocolate in them) in my desk drawer at operate so if I’m trapped functioning late or have an intense craving I’ve some thing on hand. This really is also great from a nutritional standpoint as well, simply because although power bars are not ideal they need to beat what ever junky stuff I could discover in vending machines.

This type of planning particularly comes in handy when you are heading via a truly difficult time, like the funeral of the loved 1, as well as pleased tension like traveling to and participating inside your sister’s wedding. Throughout individuals stressful times we often skip foods, so the hunger mixed with tension, mixed with an urge for “comfort foods” indicates we’ll be particularly tempted by the non-vegan meals we as soon as loved. Nevertheless if we go into it understanding that we are able to strategy. We are able to tuck a box of vegan “shells and chreese” into our luggage for any late night indulgence, we are able to verify listings of vegan and vegetarian dining places on the internet, too as normal dining places with vegan choices prior to we travel to an unfamiliar area. We are able to stash a couple of of individuals power bars in our coat pockets just in situation.

We also need to remind ourselves why this really is essential. It is not simply because we are selfish, stupid, or sluggish that we neglect, it is simply because like everybody else we are active, pulled in nine or ten various directions, stressed, tired, and so on. It is difficult to maintain in thoughts each and every single day time the points that following all are so very carefully hidden from us. Some individuals even put on some thing to remind themselves about the pets when they’re least most likely to believe of them, like functioning late and starving, or at a party. Other individuals will periodically view a video or go to a sanctuary to maintain the connection fresh in their minds. There’s no incorrect way, so lengthy since it functions for you personally. The trick would be to discover a method to keep in mind that the tasty-looking slice of cheesecake also meant suffering to the cows (for the milk and cheese) and to the chickens (for the eggs).<br> 1 buddy of mine keeps the photographs of sanctuary pets she is sponsoring in her wallet. This can maintain her factors for becoming vegan close at hand as well as provides her a pick-me-up over a rough day time. Just searching at individuals rescued pets, understanding they are secure and fed and cared for can go a lengthy way.

All content copyright Neva Vegan.

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