tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64439765274400042682024-03-12T19:00:22.330-07:00Feeding the Prince ♕The journey of raising a child to love vegetables, fruits, legumes and whole-grains.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863668822090476400noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6443976527440004268.post-82639021463145176922012-10-24T17:50:00.000-07:002012-10-29T15:02:58.916-07:00Sweet Potato Peanut CurryI was almost off of our sweet potato kick, until I smelled the most amazing sweet potato dish earlier. Today I had the pleasure of attending the public announcement of the <a href="http://www.capitalareafoodbank.org/2012/10/healthy-food-initiative-is-formally-announced/" target="_blank">Healthy Food Initiative</a> at the Capital Area Food Bank. As a part of a cooking demonstration to highlight quick, healthy and inexpensive dishes chef Kate Sherwood prepared this amazing dish that unfortunately had chicken. But it smelled so good that I had to run home and adapt it to make it mine.<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Ingredients</u><br />
1 Sweet Potato<br />
1 Onion<br />
3/4c unsalted peanut butter<br />
1 tbsp curry powder<br />
1 tsp chili powder<br />
1 can of no salt diced tomatoes<br />
1c red lentils<br />
1c green beans (I used frozen)<br />
water (as needed)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fX84IcpvRnk/UIiKF9HfuCI/AAAAAAAAHsI/9vYxQO2VDXE/s1600/Photo+Oct+24%252C+6+42+59+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fX84IcpvRnk/UIiKF9HfuCI/AAAAAAAAHsI/9vYxQO2VDXE/s640/Photo+Oct+24%252C+6+42+59+PM.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Browned onions</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jCrU7_yEjCc/UIiKKWJNAQI/AAAAAAAAHsY/amMmr-hKPmw/s1600/Photo+Oct+24,+6+55+27+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jCrU7_yEjCc/UIiKKWJNAQI/AAAAAAAAHsY/amMmr-hKPmw/s640/Photo+Oct+24,+6+55+27+PM.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sauteed onions, peanut butter and spices.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IpgOTuJyew4/UIiKO6DEj1I/AAAAAAAAHso/ojJiduMaUIk/s1600/Photo+Oct+24,+7+08+31+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IpgOTuJyew4/UIiKO6DEj1I/AAAAAAAAHso/ojJiduMaUIk/s640/Photo+Oct+24,+7+08+31+PM.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simmering with tomatoes, sweet potatoes and lentils.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ArTnaRQL1iE/UIiKQ1Y_PeI/AAAAAAAAHsw/mc-r26OD7g8/s1600/Photo+Oct+24,+8+21+18+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ArTnaRQL1iE/UIiKQ1Y_PeI/AAAAAAAAHsw/mc-r26OD7g8/s640/Photo+Oct+24,+8+21+18+PM.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v88QK1tH9oU/UIiLxxFxgLI/AAAAAAAAHtI/Yyf4BupWL8c/s1600/Photo+Oct+24,+8+21+56+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v88QK1tH9oU/UIiLxxFxgLI/AAAAAAAAHtI/Yyf4BupWL8c/s640/Photo+Oct+24,+8+21+56+PM.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Brown onions.</li>
<li>Add spices.</li>
<li>Add peanut butter and some water.</li>
<li>Add sweet potatoes, tomatoes and lentils.</li>
<li>Simmer for 15-20 minutes.</li>
<li>Turn off heat and stir in string beans.</li>
<li>Salt to taste.</li>
</ul>
Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863668822090476400noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6443976527440004268.post-79518729541329381142012-10-08T12:45:00.002-07:002012-10-08T13:12:58.749-07:00Taco PizzaI worked my first <a href="http://tinychefs.com/" target="_blank">Tiny Chefs </a>birthday party on Saturday and although it was work I had so much fun! The girls had a great time too and although quite a few claimed that they "hated beans" they devoured all their taco pizzas. The recipe looked so good that as soon as I left I headed for the grocery store to make my own versions of the pizza. Saturday night quick comfort food this recipe is quick, easy and delicious.<br />
<br />
The pizza we made at the party had ground meat on it, so I omitted that and made both vegan and vegetarian pizzas that were pretty well received, as in no leftovers! I will definitely be making this again (maybe this week even).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YCG-8hHrsHI/UHMRH6xFhqI/AAAAAAAAHp4/_fVfDsH_J9Q/s1600/Photo+Oct+06,+6+50+33+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YCG-8hHrsHI/UHMRH6xFhqI/AAAAAAAAHp4/_fVfDsH_J9Q/s640/Photo+Oct+06,+6+50+33+PM.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Refried beans spread on dough.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<u>Ingredients</u><br />
1 can of vegetarian refried beans<br />
1 premixed pizza dough (got ours from Harris Teeter)<br />
Mozzarella Daiya (vegan) or "Mexican" shredded cheese mix<br />
<br />
<i>Optional Toppings</i><br />
Vegan Sour Cream<br />
Salsa<br />
Lettuce<br />
Tomatoes<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HazRfRca5EE/UHMRN1p7BSI/AAAAAAAAHqQ/mhZSbexX75U/s1600/Photo+Oct+06,+6+52+56+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HazRfRca5EE/UHMRN1p7BSI/AAAAAAAAHqQ/mhZSbexX75U/s640/Photo+Oct+06,+6+52+56+PM.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vegan pizza ready to bake.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3CcJoSqbNHI/UHMRTQ6-I4I/AAAAAAAAHqo/-T0nqFxbERI/s1600/Photo+Oct+06%252C+7+40+01+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3CcJoSqbNHI/UHMRTQ6-I4I/AAAAAAAAHqo/-T0nqFxbERI/s640/Photo+Oct+06%252C+7+40+01+PM.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vegetarian pizza done.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cs99u0ynPBs/UHMRX2v2MBI/AAAAAAAAHq4/agcuAMw9uNo/s1600/Photo+Oct+06,+7+40+16+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cs99u0ynPBs/UHMRX2v2MBI/AAAAAAAAHq4/agcuAMw9uNo/s640/Photo+Oct+06,+7+40+16+PM.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vegan pizza done.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<u>Directions</u>:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Roll out pizza dough</li>
<li>Spread refried beans over dough (leaving about 1 in from the edge)</li>
<li>Add Daiya/cheese</li>
<li>Bake for 15-20 minutes or until crust is browned.</li>
<li>Let cool and then add toppings.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_EFb94BgKDI/UHMRdXKEeZI/AAAAAAAAHrQ/FJRPVQdS_to/s1600/Photo+Oct+06,+7+55+37+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_EFb94BgKDI/UHMRdXKEeZI/AAAAAAAAHrQ/FJRPVQdS_to/s640/Photo+Oct+06,+7+55+37+PM.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MJ's slice topped with salsa!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863668822090476400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6443976527440004268.post-10052582256793615322012-10-07T19:37:00.000-07:002012-10-07T19:37:18.111-07:00Sweet Potato BiscuitsI had one large sweet potato left from my last big farmer's market trip and after using half for more overnight oatmeal I had to decide between making sweet potato biscuits or pancakes. Somehow I was just so intrigued with the idea of sweet potato biscuits that I knew I had to look for a recipe. I altered the original recipe slightly and came up with some pretty tasty biscuits that can be paired with sweet or savory, but we ate them by themselves. These were a household favorite and I would definitely double the recipe next time. 12 biscuits wasn't enough!<br />
<br />
Adapted from <a href="http://www.myvegancookbook.com/recipes/recipe.php?id=127" target="_blank">My Vegan Cookbook</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aoHbRePUexE/UHI3YDY_xGI/AAAAAAAAHnA/4VIMGTkLyJE/s1600/Photo+Oct+05%252C+5+33+30+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aoHbRePUexE/UHI3YDY_xGI/AAAAAAAAHnA/4VIMGTkLyJE/s640/Photo+Oct+05%252C+5+33+30+PM.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rolled Out Dough</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u>Ingredients</u> (Makes 12 biscuits)<br />
1/2c baked sweet potato<br />
3/4c almond milk<br />
1 1/4c whole wheat flour<br />
3/4c spelt flour<br />
1 1/2 tsp baking powder<br />
1/2 tsp baking soda<br />
1 tsp apple cider vinegar<br />
1/2 tsp salt<br />
1 tsp sugar<br />
1 tbsp canola oil<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O_YxOMpio5g/UHI3aMR1FcI/AAAAAAAAHnI/GBM7Xc_zzlA/s1600/Photo+Oct+05%252C+5+36+11+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O_YxOMpio5g/UHI3aMR1FcI/AAAAAAAAHnI/GBM7Xc_zzlA/s640/Photo+Oct+05%252C+5+36+11+PM.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our friend helping us cut out the biscuits.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K6lpR2xtg90/UHI3gZavqVI/AAAAAAAAHng/3EO7RV0td-Q/s1600/Photo+Oct+05%252C+5+41+32+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K6lpR2xtg90/UHI3gZavqVI/AAAAAAAAHng/3EO7RV0td-Q/s640/Photo+Oct+05%252C+5+41+32+PM.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One sheet going in to bake.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<u>Directions</u><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Bake sweet potato and mash.</li>
<li>Mix together almond milk and vinegar in a small bowl and let sit to curdle.</li>
<li>Mix together dry ingredients.</li>
<li>Puree/blend sweet potato and almond milk mixture.</li>
<li>Add sweet potato blend to dry ingredients.</li>
<li>Add oil to dough and hands, then kneed.</li>
<li>Spread dough out on floured surface to about 1/2 inch thickness.</li>
<li>Cut dough into circles with a cookie cutter (or a cup like we did)</li>
<li>Bake in oven on 350 for 12-15 minutes or until browned on top.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WblCHoQlWYI/UHI3vid-UuI/AAAAAAAAHoY/G4nga51QnKs/s1600/Photo+Oct+05%252C+6+01+50+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WblCHoQlWYI/UHI3vid-UuI/AAAAAAAAHoY/G4nga51QnKs/s640/Photo+Oct+05%252C+6+01+50+PM.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to Eat!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863668822090476400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6443976527440004268.post-21727082295335803022012-09-29T09:02:00.001-07:002012-09-29T09:02:11.084-07:00Autumn Overnight Sweet Potato OatsYes, another sweet potato recipe! I have been hearing about overnight oats for a while now and I decided to taste it out. I am a convert it was really convenient for on-the-go mornings and delicious too. Even if your love of sweet potatoes doesn't run deep like mine overnight oats is a great meal.<br />
<br />
<u>Recipe:</u><br />
1/2 baked sweet potato<br />
1c oats<br />
1 banana<br />
3/4c almond milk<br />
cinnamon<br />
nutmeg<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mApACujfeZ0/UGZZe72v0MI/AAAAAAAAHlk/mq-M3M5Thlk/s1600/Photo+Sep+27,+6+29+25+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mApACujfeZ0/UGZZe72v0MI/AAAAAAAAHlk/mq-M3M5Thlk/s640/Photo+Sep+27,+6+29+25+PM.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u>Directions</u>:<br />
<ul>
<li>Bake sweet potato</li>
<li>Puree sweet potato and banana</li>
<li>Pour into container.</li>
<li>Add oats, milk and spices.</li>
<li>Refrigerate overnight.</li>
<li>Mix it up, heat up (optional) and serve.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<u>Tips:</u><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Top with nut butter, granola, fresh fruit, etc.</li>
<li>Add yogurt instead of almond milk or in addition to.</li>
<li>Use pumpkin puree or canned pumpkin instead of sweet potato if you are partial to pumpkin.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rCkO9yvgAcU/UGZZgi2QGbI/AAAAAAAAHls/sYZ9cXYMm-w/s1600/Photo+Sep+28,+7+40+57+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rCkO9yvgAcU/UGZZgi2QGbI/AAAAAAAAHls/sYZ9cXYMm-w/s640/Photo+Sep+28,+7+40+57+AM.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
35 seconds in the microwave and breakfast is ready! 1 jar made enough for 3-4 MJ sized bowls or 2-3 grown up bowls.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863668822090476400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6443976527440004268.post-88903002772251786102012-09-23T11:11:00.002-07:002012-09-23T11:11:35.003-07:00Sweet Potato SmoothieHappy Fall! Officially and I am in a whirl of sweet potato obsession. I made sweet potato tahini burgers again yesterday with this huge sweet potato I got from the market. (Sidenote: I went at the end of the market day and the man was literally throwing so much produce at me that he didn't want to have to bring back. Great market tip. I have collards galore, sweet potatoes, zucchini, tomatoes and peppers.) Anyway, I baked an extra sweet potato with the intention of making sweet potato smoothies. I had the idea in my head and saw people making pumpkin pie smoothies. I'm not really a pumpkin pie fan, but sweet potato pie is right up my alley.<br />
<br />
<u>Ingredients:</u><br />
1 1/2c baked sweet potato<br />
1/2c dry oats<br />
1/2 banana<br />
1/2c almond milk<br />
1/4 dates<br />
splash of orange juice<br />
splash of vanilla extract<br />
cinnamon<br />
all spice<br />
nutmeg<br />
4 ice cubes<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e0WVktj8nJU/UF9QXIWEerI/AAAAAAAAHkY/vW4UvDIUzvs/s1600/Photo+Sep+23,+1+53+34+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e0WVktj8nJU/UF9QXIWEerI/AAAAAAAAHkY/vW4UvDIUzvs/s640/Photo+Sep+23,+1+53+34+PM.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<u>Directions</u>:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Blend oats and dates together first.</li>
<li>Add the remaining ingredients until smooth.</li>
<li>Enjoy!</li>
</ul>
Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863668822090476400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6443976527440004268.post-64294367017235132992012-09-20T11:04:00.000-07:002012-09-20T11:08:42.696-07:00Sweet Potato French ToastMy sister was telling me about some fantastic french toast she made using tofu instead of an egg wash. With dinner overdue I decided to use some of the tofu I had stored away and try it out. Unfortunately I had frozen all the tofu! I had already gotten in the mood for breakfast for dinner and with no time to thaw out the tofu I had to get creative. I had one sweet potato that I knew I wanted to use and so I went for it and this recipe was born!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jcgcNbsjvcg/UFtTRhQPanI/AAAAAAAAHi8/ZlML_Z7aNbU/s1600/Photo+Sep+19,+9+27+15+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jcgcNbsjvcg/UFtTRhQPanI/AAAAAAAAHi8/ZlML_Z7aNbU/s640/Photo+Sep+19,+9+27+15+PM.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet Potato Puree Mix</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<u>Ingredients</u> (Makes 6 slices of French Toast)<br />
<i>"Wash"</i><br />
1c vanilla almond milk<br />
1 tbsp milled flaxseed<br />
1/2 c baked sweet potato<br />
1 tbsp orange zest<br />
dash of cinnamon, nutmeg & vanilla extract<br />
<br />
Earth Balance or oil (I found that Earth Balance cooked the bread better)<br />
Stale whole wheat bread (or whatever you have on hand)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pOzyS-w9NV0/UFtTJ6FLxZI/AAAAAAAAHic/fGYFsyxH7Xw/s1600/Photo+Sep+19%252C+9+26+51+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pOzyS-w9NV0/UFtTJ6FLxZI/AAAAAAAAHic/fGYFsyxH7Xw/s640/Photo+Sep+19%252C+9+26+51+PM.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It looks so messy, but oh so delicious!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<u>Directions</u><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Bake sweet potato for 30 min at 350</li>
<li>Combine all ingredients in blender</li>
<li>Pour into a bowl</li>
<li>Dip bread into sweet potato mix</li>
<li>Add Earth's Balance or oil into heating pan.</li>
<li>Cook on both sides until browned.</li>
<li>Serve with whatever toppings you love! (We ate ours both plain & with maple syrup, but fruit would be great too!)</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Be4-e8Er0rA/UFtS_RoLlKI/AAAAAAAAHh0/WtANLvch-iw/s1600/Photo+Sep+19%252C+10+07+59+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Be4-e8Er0rA/UFtS_RoLlKI/AAAAAAAAHh0/WtANLvch-iw/s640/Photo+Sep+19%252C+10+07+59+PM.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First batch got eaten before photos, so this is the second batch.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l0rtDTzaU0A/UFtTDhf1vlI/AAAAAAAAHiE/gjnUhj8_kiE/s1600/Photo+Sep+19%252C+10+23+40+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l0rtDTzaU0A/UFtTDhf1vlI/AAAAAAAAHiE/gjnUhj8_kiE/s640/Photo+Sep+19%252C+10+23+40+PM.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And third batch.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863668822090476400noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6443976527440004268.post-28499337534845914042012-09-11T08:06:00.000-07:002012-09-12T11:45:24.963-07:00Children, Body Politics & Exercise<br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; outline: none 0px;">
Reflecting on some conversations I've read about Michelle Obama criticizing her "Let's Move" campaign as not focusing enough on body acceptance I think that perhaps people are generally overcritical when it comes to children, exercise and weight. While there are campaigns that are <a href="http://strong4life.com/" style="color: #444444; margin-bottom: 0px; outline: none 0px;" target="_blank">intentionally</a> body shaming, “Let’s Move” is not one of them. </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; outline: none 0px;">
There is nothing wrong with promoting exercise to children in a way that is fun and entertaining by infusing Beyonce songs and spotlights on exercise into favorite children’s tv shows. When people talk about the fact that there also needs to be a component of body acceptance, I agree, but I think MOST important is offering exercise as a choice to every able child.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; outline: none 0px;">
As someone who has worked extensively with children and seen the various ways that children are continually shamed and mistreated by parents, students AND teachers I know that the need is real for some sort of comprehensive health programming (but then again when basic needs for education aren’t being met let’s be realistic about the chances of that happening).</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; outline: none 0px;">
Exercise for children is about much more than simply their weights or BMI, it is about promoting a lifestyle which many children do not actively see, it is about engaging them in an activity when many low-income and urban schools have cut all gym programs. Have you ever seen how a child behaves when they have gone through a full day of school without any exercise? I’ll give you a hint: everyone suffers. Exercise is a fundamental part of childhood that is increasingly being replaced with screen time. </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; outline: none 0px;">
Anyone who has started (or maintains) an exercise regimen can attest to the fact that it is more than just about their body. Exercising releases endorphins and regardless of your weight/size can make you feel more positively about yourself. This is especially true of children. Exercising is mental as well as physical. </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: -5px; margin-top: 10px; outline: none 0px;">
I completely understand the fact that people are unhappy with the execution of “Let’s Move,” but there is nothing wrong with the message that exercise is an important life tool that is necessary for children.</div>
Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863668822090476400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6443976527440004268.post-90694075596280268352012-09-07T10:16:00.000-07:002012-09-11T10:11:08.472-07:00Sweet Potato Tahnini BurgersI seriously have been cooking up a storm lately. It might be to keep myself busy (although MJ is pretty good at doing that) or it might be because we have a house guest, which means finally another adult who is a willing taste-tester to my kitchen creativity. I only trust MJ's opinion as far as I can trust a 1 year old (although we usually agree on what recipes have failed and succeeded). Anywhoo, I am cooking at a rate that my fridge is constantly packed with leftovers and I cook more than I can blog about, but this is a recipe we all loved and didn't make it past a day in the fridge. I had sweet potatoes on deck and adapted a great <a href="http://kblog.lunchboxbunch.com/2012/02/easy-sweet-potato-veggie-burgers-with.html" target="_blank">recipe</a>! Now that I think about it as soon as I finish this blog post I am going to run to the kitchen and make some more. Mmm...blogging has me working up an appetite.<br />
<br />
<u>Ingredients:</u><br />
1 large sweet potato<br />
2 cans pinto beans<br />
2 tbsp tahini (can substitute peanut butter)<br />
2 tsp agave<br />
1 tsp lemon pepper<br />
1 tbsp nutritional yeast<br />
dash of cayenne<br />
1/4 cup wheat flour<br />
<br />
panko crumbs (I used almost the whole box, so you need a lot!)<br />
coconut oil<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iyyi2CBGNmM/UD-7UoD7JQI/AAAAAAAAHfU/aLDsefPZGvE/s1600/spb1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iyyi2CBGNmM/UD-7UoD7JQI/AAAAAAAAHfU/aLDsefPZGvE/s640/spb1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little help mashing from our friend Morgan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<u>Directions:</u><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Bake sweet potato on a cookie pan for 35 minutes at 450 or until soft.</li>
<li>Peel & mash in a bowl.</li>
<li>Mash drained beans into sweet potato.</li>
<li>Add seasonings and flour and mash together.</li>
<li>Mixture should be soft, but able to form patties. If necessary add extra flour.</li>
<li>Coat patties in breadcrumbs.</li>
<li>Add oil to the pan and cook patties until browned on both sides.</li>
<li>Let cool.</li>
<li>Then devour.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LuiHSnBwu1c/UD-7V-ieX1I/AAAAAAAAHfk/8T3QHtt98sw/s1600/spb2b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LuiHSnBwu1c/UD-7V-ieX1I/AAAAAAAAHfk/8T3QHtt98sw/s640/spb2b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pan frying (L: done on one side, R: uncooked)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1830enlLIn4/UD-7Wpdv5wI/AAAAAAAAHfs/0LfO9JW9_G8/s1600/spb3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="570" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1830enlLIn4/UD-7Wpdv5wI/AAAAAAAAHfs/0LfO9JW9_G8/s640/spb3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MJ's burger topped with a little mashed avocado</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s4ipUTS3xrI/UD-7XchOEzI/AAAAAAAAHf0/-LzwTac7GrE/s1600/spb4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s4ipUTS3xrI/UD-7XchOEzI/AAAAAAAAHf0/-LzwTac7GrE/s640/spb4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grown-up burger: On a whole wheat sandwich thin with Romaine, sliced Avocado, Honey Dijon & Sriracha.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863668822090476400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6443976527440004268.post-51313615130711833812012-09-06T11:40:00.002-07:002012-09-06T11:40:29.094-07:00Almond Milk & Almond Pulp Crackers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After a semi-intense re-organizing of the cabinets I realized I had a large amount of almonds that I could do something with. I have been curious about making my own nut milk so that seemed like a pretty good project. Although I do not have a Vitamix or one of those high end blenders I figured mine could do an adequate job for a first timer.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<u>Ingredients</u> <i>makes 2 mason jars of almond milk</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1c almonds (soaked overnight)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
3c water</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>optional:</i> spices-cinnamon sticks, cloves, vanilla beans, etc.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mKsRL2mpsQg/UEjpN-I3JII/AAAAAAAAHgg/hhc4yyMwgAk/s1600/photo+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mKsRL2mpsQg/UEjpN-I3JII/AAAAAAAAHgg/hhc4yyMwgAk/s640/photo+(1).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<u>Directions</u><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Soak almonds overnight to soften. Discard soaking water and rinse almonds.</li>
<li>Blend almonds and water for a few minutes or until well blended.</li>
<li>Place filter (I used a coffee filter, but cheesecloth or nut milk bags work better) over container and slowly pour mixture into it.</li>
<li>Strain the milk until only the pulp is left.</li>
<li>Squeeze filter to get all the milk out.</li>
<li>Add optional spices and refrigerate</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lK8AlqZc39Q/UEjpTvMmiVI/AAAAAAAAHgw/iYzRSnlTTc0/s1600/photo+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lK8AlqZc39Q/UEjpTvMmiVI/AAAAAAAAHgw/iYzRSnlTTc0/s640/photo+%25283%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished almond milk with a cinnamon stick.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I absolutely hate to waste anything, but especially food. As soon as I decided to make almond milk I knew I also needed to find a recipe to use up the pulp. One of the most common ideas I saw floating around was almond pulp crackers. Although I don't have a dehydrator I decided to go for it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<u>Ingredients</u> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1c packed almond pulp</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1/2 tsp. sea salt</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 tbsp. oregano</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 tbsp. olive oil</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2 tbsp. ground flaxseed</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Um_7wuQ4yJc/UEjpW6uGYmI/AAAAAAAAHg4/m_TqNwQ9B-Y/s1600/photo+%25284%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Um_7wuQ4yJc/UEjpW6uGYmI/AAAAAAAAHg4/m_TqNwQ9B-Y/s640/photo+%25284%2529.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<u>Directions</u>:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Combine all ingredients</li>
<li>Spread evenly on baking sheet or foil.</li>
<li>Cut into squares</li>
<li>Bake on 150 for 20 hours!</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2KopFl6eKxI/UEjpanBrphI/AAAAAAAAHhA/Whu_4WCQAoY/s1600/photo+%25285%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2KopFl6eKxI/UEjpanBrphI/AAAAAAAAHhA/Whu_4WCQAoY/s640/photo+%25285%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And devour!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863668822090476400noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6443976527440004268.post-81399173134519226152012-08-30T12:00:00.003-07:002012-08-30T12:03:23.958-07:00Raw Lavender & Lemon Cheesecake<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p0ImW4EIZuc/UD-2SJSWVlI/AAAAAAAAHek/Jk4H0Vxd-G0/s1600/cheesecake3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p0ImW4EIZuc/UD-2SJSWVlI/AAAAAAAAHek/Jk4H0Vxd-G0/s640/cheesecake3.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mmmm...so delicious.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I had to start with a picture because from the description I'm sure you are a little taken aback. Don't worry I was too. Raw? Vegan? Cheesecake???? How is this possible. Well it is trust me. And it is amazing!<br />
<br />
While I was with my sister in Portland earlier this summer in line for sorbet at <a href="http://saltandstraw.com/" target="_blank">Salt & Straw</a> I discovered a few things I had never known before:<br />
1) MJ loves lemon basil sorbet (whaaaat?)<br />
2) Lavender is edible.<br />
<br />
I'll
be honest, these two discoveries were made on two different visits.
Don't judge me! Now both of these discoveries were pretty surprising to
me, but I took the discovery that lavender flavors as well as it smells
to heart. I came home and have been on the hunt for a recipe to use
lavender in that would be nearly as good as the sorbet MJ let me have
half a bite of. Well, not only did I find the perfect recipe on <a href="http://rawfoodlove.blogspot.com/2012/01/lavender-cheesecake-with-lemon-honey.html" target="_blank">Raw Food Love</a>,
but I also think that any vegans missing the creamy, deliciousness of
cheesecake will find that this is a perfect substitute and non-vegans
can indulge too knowing that the delicious fattiness comes from nuts
rather than processed junk. This recipe was a little bit time consuming
(including the wait time), but very simple and well worth the waiting. <br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Ingredients</u><br />
<i>Crust</i><br />
1/2c dates<br />
1 1/2c nuts (I used almonds)<br />
<br />
<i>Filling</i><br />
3c cashwers<br />
3/4c lemon juice<br />
2/3c agave<br />
3/4c melted coconut oil<br />
1 tsp salt<br />
3 tsp dried lavender<br />
1 tsp vanilla extract<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QISlI98yadg/UD-2QcePBJI/AAAAAAAAHeU/bfV7p_FOmoA/s1600/cheesecake1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QISlI98yadg/UD-2QcePBJI/AAAAAAAAHeU/bfV7p_FOmoA/s640/cheesecake1.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The crust</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u>Directions</u><br />
<ul>
<li>First things first, soak both the nuts in water (separately) for as long as you have. My blender is pretty janky so I soaked both the almonds and cashews overnight in the fridge to get them as soft as possible, but 3-4 hours is okay too.</li>
<li>On to the crust! Combine soaked almonds (or your nut of choice) with dates in a food processor until you get a crumbly but sticky mixture. Pat down onto bottom of pan like so (see above, I used tin foil because that's all I had on hand but wax paper would probably be easier) and pop into the freezer while you work on the filling.</li>
<li>For the filling simply combine all the ingredients and stick in blender until it reaches a smooth consistency. Taste it! Mmm delicious right? (It tasted a bit sweeter before I set it though so don't be too concerned if it tastes TOO sweet.) </li>
<li>Pour filling into pan over the crust and freeze or refrigerate until it reaches the desired hardness.</li>
<li>That's it! So simple. So good, so bad, but the good kind of bad!</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ir3yXbG7Te8/UD-2Rczq1WI/AAAAAAAAHec/HE_o35txHWg/s1600/cheesecake2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ir3yXbG7Te8/UD-2Rczq1WI/AAAAAAAAHec/HE_o35txHWg/s640/cheesecake2.jpg" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The filling ready to be frozen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aAwpzyrsbaM/UD-2S9INPCI/AAAAAAAAHes/_06f2NzxSm4/s1600/cheesecake4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aAwpzyrsbaM/UD-2S9INPCI/AAAAAAAAHes/_06f2NzxSm4/s640/cheesecake4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So rich & fulfilling.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863668822090476400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6443976527440004268.post-86659434370742419862012-08-30T11:24:00.001-07:002012-08-30T11:24:28.661-07:00Spicy Chorizo SausagesI have been getting so many great recipes from the book <a href="http://www.theppk.com/books/vegan-brunch/" target="_blank">Vegan Brunch</a> that I may just have to purchase it to add to my small cookbook collection. However, despite the many great recipes this is definitely one of our favorites. I was initially skeptical because my initial forays into "fake meat" making had been disastrous (Tempeh Crabcakes were a huuuuge disappointment and had to be thrown out. This is coming from someone who HATES to throw away food. If I can reuse it or improve it I will do it.) But I am very comfortable with beans and the recipe looked so easy and didn't have any one-time use ingredients so I decided to give it a try. Wow, did it pay off. These were excellent and so versatile. We ate them with brunch AND dinner. As my friend Mike discovered they taste amazing dipped into Sriracha (his condiment of choice). In the interest of full disclosure, I have never had any pork products before I do not know how they compare to "real" Chorizo sausages.<br />
<br />
<u>Ingredients</u><br />
(Makes 4 large sausages)<br />
<br />
1/4 cup cooked pinto beans, rinsed and drained<br />1 cup vegetable broth<br />2 tablespoons soy sauce<br />2 tablespoons tomato paste<br />2 teaspoons lemon zest<br />2 garlic cloves (minced)<br />
1 1/4 cups vital wheat gluten<br />1/4 cup nutritional yeast<br />1 tablespoon smoked paprika<br />1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes<br />1 tablespoon dry rubbed sage (not powdered)<br />1 teaspoon dried oregano<br />1/4 teaspoon cayenn <br />
<ul class="ingredients">
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ufo34tcGb5s/UD-r0lnylwI/AAAAAAAAHdE/4KWCQCvGits/s1600/chorizo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ufo34tcGb5s/UD-r0lnylwI/AAAAAAAAHdE/4KWCQCvGits/s640/chorizo1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting ready to be steamed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FxxHzJcamTI/UD-syxiXtQI/AAAAAAAAHdM/qdUkIrLWeZI/s1600/chorizo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FxxHzJcamTI/UD-syxiXtQI/AAAAAAAAHdM/qdUkIrLWeZI/s640/chorizo2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After steaming</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<u>Directions:</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Combine all ingredients until well mixed</li>
<li>Form into 4 sausages (they don't have to be perfect)</li>
<li>Wrap in foil like a tootsie roll (see photo)</li>
<li>Steam for 40 minutes</li>
<li>Let cool and grill or saute for a little bit before serving</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wxXB_-FwRys/UD-sz45KbgI/AAAAAAAAHdU/tImAy-qOEbY/s1600/chorizo3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wxXB_-FwRys/UD-sz45KbgI/AAAAAAAAHdU/tImAy-qOEbY/s640/chorizo3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sauteed in olive oil</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3tMyYMHb6_A/UD-s0Zb3NjI/AAAAAAAAHdc/vID1haYX8kU/s1600/chorizo4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3tMyYMHb6_A/UD-s0Zb3NjI/AAAAAAAAHdc/vID1haYX8kU/s640/chorizo4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Completed sausage slices</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sqECesV_86E/UD-s1PyVM_I/AAAAAAAAHdk/py0GWYYHlBI/s1600/chorizo5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sqECesV_86E/UD-s1PyVM_I/AAAAAAAAHdk/py0GWYYHlBI/s640/chorizo5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brunch! Paired with Cheesy Grits, Smoky Mushrooms & Caramelized Onions </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UPSvuWvRBRw/UD-s2AzeIBI/AAAAAAAAHds/6d_fIC131EA/s1600/chorizo6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UPSvuWvRBRw/UD-s2AzeIBI/AAAAAAAAHds/6d_fIC131EA/s640/chorizo6.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner! Paired with Sauteed Vegetables, Potatoes and Sriracha to dip.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863668822090476400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6443976527440004268.post-11365722922613849032012-08-13T07:47:00.004-07:002012-08-13T10:10:19.246-07:00Tofu Frittata<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Another tofu creation! I was at the library last week and stumbled upon the cookbook, "<a href="http://www.theppk.com/books/vegan-brunch/" target="_blank">Vegan Brunch</a>" by the woman who co-authored one of my favorite cookbooks <a href="http://www.theppk.com/books/veganomicon-the-ultimate-vegan-cookbook/" target="_blank">Veganomicon</a>. Of course I had to check it out to see what quick, delicious recipes it contained! I have flagged a few, but the first one to catch my eye was the recipe for 'Tofu Frittatas,' because I had all the ingredients already! It was very quick and simple to make and most importantly MJ has been gobbling these up all week. I'd call them a success :)<br />
<br />
<u>Ingredients</u><br />
8 oz pkg tofu (drained & pressed) <br />
1 tbsp nutritional yeast<br />
1/4c vegan mozzarella (I used daiya shreds)<br />
1c spinach<br />
1/2 onion<br />
1 red pepper<br />
2 tbsp rice milk<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WMkanDoL1Wk/UCE78NcmcmI/AAAAAAAAHcQ/T2h2axOKJXk/s1600/photo%282%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WMkanDoL1Wk/UCE78NcmcmI/AAAAAAAAHcQ/T2h2axOKJXk/s640/photo%282%29.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Directions</u>:<br />
<ul><li> Press tofu for 30-60min </li><li>Heat oven to 350 </li><li>Chop spinach, onions and pepper</li><li>Combine all other ingredients in blender or food processor until smooth</li><li>Mix spinach, onions and peppers into the tofu mix</li><li>Scoop into greased mini muffin pans</li><li>Cook for 20-30 minutes (until tops are browned and frittata is firm)</li></ul><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E1BrPGx80HA/UCE7-NiRlNI/AAAAAAAAHcY/L87GnJVbcGU/s1600/photo%283%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E1BrPGx80HA/UCE7-NiRlNI/AAAAAAAAHcY/L87GnJVbcGU/s640/photo%283%29.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863668822090476400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6443976527440004268.post-16193330678466989392012-08-07T08:46:00.001-07:002012-09-11T08:07:06.571-07:00Coconut Tofu with Vegetables and QuinoaI froze so much food before leaving and now I come back to a full freezer! I am literally throwing meals together! Here is one that was a delicious hit (not going to post my miserable fail from yesterday). <br />
<br />
I have 5 frozen containers of tofu in my freezer, after I giving 2 away I'm left to come up with 3 dishes. I'm still a tofu-newbie, but WIC gives us 8 packages a month so I am upping my skills (Yes! WIC gives tofu AND soymilk if you get a Dr's note).<br />
<br />
Anywho, I had defrosted a package of tofu and was pressing it in between my cutting boards with some cans on top. One of those cans happened to be coconut milk...<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hduwq-8neS4/UCE4-dqfxsI/AAAAAAAAHbo/c4RgO_-WfEE/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hduwq-8neS4/UCE4-dqfxsI/AAAAAAAAHbo/c4RgO_-WfEE/s640/photo.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tofu and vegetables simmering in coconut milk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u>Ingredients</u>:<br />
8 oz package of extra-firm tofu<br />
1c canned coconut milk<br />
1 1/2c (+) mixed vegetables<br />
2 tbsp tahini<br />
Olive oil<br />
2 tbsp soy sauce<br />
1c quinoa (pre-cooked)<br />
Dash of chili powder (add more to increase spiciness)<br />
<br />
<u>Directions</u>:<br />
<ul>
<li>Press tofu between paper towels & two plates to get excess water out for 30 minutes.Then cube (lucky me mine came pre-cubed!)</li>
<li>Add tahini & olive oil into skillet (or wok if you've got it like that)</li>
<li>Sauté vegetables 2-4 minutes (or until thawed out if using frozen vegetables).</li>
<li>Add cubed/pressed tofu to pan tossing in oil.</li>
<li>Add coconut milk, soy sauce and chili powder. Simmer for 3-4 minutes.</li>
<li>Using a slotted spoon remove tofu and vegetables.</li>
<li>Stir quinoa into leftover coconut milk and remove from heat.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rvfPij0dmH0/UCE48NAStwI/AAAAAAAAHbg/Wd5tnPWOs04/s1600/photo%281%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="416" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rvfPij0dmH0/UCE48NAStwI/AAAAAAAAHbg/Wd5tnPWOs04/s640/photo%281%29.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to eat.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Tips</b>:<br />
-If you want to cook more quinoa simply increase the amount of coconut milk you add.<br />
<br />
-I cook the quinoa and tofu/vegetables separately because I've found that they keep longer that way and I can always use the quinoa in another dish.<br />
<br />
-When reheating I added a little leftover coconut milk and reheated it in the skillet rather than microwaving. <br />
<br />Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863668822090476400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6443976527440004268.post-26074424461872045252012-08-02T14:17:00.001-07:002012-08-02T14:17:16.205-07:00Avocado VinaigretteI fell in love with a restaurant called the Laughing Planet while in Portland. While they aren't a vegan restaurant i believe every meal can be made vegetarian or vegan. Anyway they are awesome! I recreated this salad I got there myself and attempted an avocado vinaigrette to pair with it. I loved the way it turned out so I used it for a spread on MJ's bread or mixed with vegetables.<br />
<br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
2 ripe avocados <br />
1/3c white rice vinegar<br />
1/2c olive oil<br />
1 juice from a lime<br />
5-10 sprigs of cilantro (chopped)<br />
Salt & Pepper<br />
<br />
Directions:<br />
Combine all ingredients (except S&P) in food processor or blender until smooth. Add salt & pepper to taste.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-W8_1xsts-yw/UBiyPPRVScI/AAAAAAAAHZ4/IdovF_AT7TE/s640/blogger-image-167492131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-W8_1xsts-yw/UBiyPPRVScI/AAAAAAAAHZ4/IdovF_AT7TE/s640/blogger-image-167492131.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So green and delicious!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I used this on salads for myself, but spread it on bread for MJ or as mixed with some vegetables.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863668822090476400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6443976527440004268.post-75776546751205420372012-07-30T13:30:00.003-07:002012-07-30T17:47:45.285-07:00Banana Bread SmoothieSorry for the long absence! We've been on the road so much this summer it has been hard to cook like I do at home. This has been difficult, but has helped me to share some of the quick on-the-go recipes MJ & I have come to love. Here is a protein packed smoothie that has helped keep us cool & full on these sweltering afternoons or starts us off with a power packed breakfast.<br />
<br />
3/4-1c unsweetened almond milk (more for a thinner consistency, less for thicker)<br />
4 pitted dates<br />
1 1/2 c ice<br />
2 bananas<br />
sprinkle of cinnamon & nutmeg<br />
<br />
Makes 2 servings <br />
<br />
Blend everything together & that's it. Freezes well & tastes great.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1p06dv8BPRk/UBbu3AuozuI/AAAAAAAAHZI/3BINrmHV4aM/s1600/photo%282%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1p06dv8BPRk/UBbu3AuozuI/AAAAAAAAHZI/3BINrmHV4aM/s640/photo%282%29.JPG" width="596" /></a></div><br />
Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863668822090476400noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6443976527440004268.post-90060334570746465922012-06-11T22:19:00.003-07:002012-06-12T07:18:57.820-07:00Carrot Juice Waffles, West African Jollof Rice & Mini Broccoli Quiches<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Breakfast: Carrot Juice Waffles</b><br />
adapted from <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LGX-ae7EQBI/SjrlTDhH9pI/AAAAAAAAJHQ/WonOveajiM0/s400/SerenaWilliamsWimbledonJogging.jpg" target="_blank">Fork & Beans </a><b><br /></b><br />
(Recipe makes 4 waffles in waffle maker)<br />
<br />
1c carrot juice (store bought works, but not as good)<br />
1c carrot pulp (or grated carrots if you don't have a juicer)<br />
1c rice milk<br />
1/4 c coconut oil<br />
1 1/4 c Bob's pancake mix<br />
1 1/4 c white rice flour<br />
1/2 tbsp nutmeg<br />
1/2 tbsp cinnamon<br />
<br />
I made these almost a month ago & never blogged about it, but I remade them because we loved the recipe so much. They also make a great snack & I froze a couple too :) These sugar free waffles are naturally sweet & even got MJ's omnivore cousin's seal of approval [without ANY syrup!] MJ's been sick the past week or so and this was such a low-key easy food for him to feed himself at his own pace.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Combine wet ingredients [juice, pulp, oil, milk]</li>
<li>Pour flours & spices on top and fold [do not mix] the flour into the carrot mix</li>
<li>Mixture should be smooth & stores nicely for later usage.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wte59txCFEg/T9bFIjun67I/AAAAAAAAHSE/eox7Giw_H3A/s1600/Photo+Jun+07,+12+54+19+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wte59txCFEg/T9bFIjun67I/AAAAAAAAHSE/eox7Giw_H3A/s640/Photo+Jun+07,+12+54+19+PM.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Batter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4WE9SRd2YFI/T9bFJqtazbI/AAAAAAAAHSM/O9UXUOmVpLk/s1600/Photo+Jun+08,+8+26+21+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4WE9SRd2YFI/T9bFJqtazbI/AAAAAAAAHSM/O9UXUOmVpLk/s640/Photo+Jun+08,+8+26+21+AM.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Myi9-DwmUcs/T9bFKWPCf3I/AAAAAAAAHSU/Wt6x8RrH0wM/s1600/Photo+Jun+08,+8+26+28+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Myi9-DwmUcs/T9bFKWPCf3I/AAAAAAAAHSU/Wt6x8RrH0wM/s640/Photo+Jun+08,+8+26+28+AM.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With a delicious natural orange color!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Lunch: West African Jollof Rice</b><br />
<br />
1 can diced tomatoes <br />
1 can tomato paste<br />
2 cans kidney beans<br />
2-4 c vegetable broth<br />
1/2 green pepper<br />
1 c frozen peas<br />
1/2 onion<br />
1 c brown rice <br />
2 cloves minced garlic<br />
1/4 inch peeled & grated ginger<br />
1/4 tsp white pepper<br />
1/2 tsp cinnamon<br />
1/2 tsp chili powder<br />
1 tsp thyme<br />
pinch of crushed red pepper <br />
pinch of salt<br />
olive oil <br />
<br />
It feels like 10 different people were talking about Jollof rice last week & you know what? I had never even heard of it! So, I decided to try my hand at a vegan version. Not sure if it is true to the taste of traditional West African Jollof Rice since I've never had it, but I did like the combination of cinnamon & ginger in the mix. MJ was a little iffy about it, some days he devoured it and some days he refused to even take a bite. Not sure if that has to do with him being sick or not generally liking the meal. Anyway, I invite any of my West African friends (or Jollof Rice connoisseurs) to come try my rice and see if it is anyway authentic to true West African Jollof Rice :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Saute onions & herbs in olive oil until onions are soft.</li>
<li>Add chopped green peppers & diced tomatoes cook for 2-3 minutes</li>
<li>Stir in rice, tomato paste and vegetable broth and bring to a boil</li>
<li>Simmer for 45 minutes or until rice is fully cooked (adding vegetable broth as needed to keep rice from sticking 1c at a time)</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YzhVAWWUfxM/T9bFMi4nDUI/AAAAAAAAHSk/SL0Kaf4cipA/s1600/Photo+Jun+08,+10+59+01+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YzhVAWWUfxM/T9bFMi4nDUI/AAAAAAAAHSk/SL0Kaf4cipA/s640/Photo+Jun+08,+10+59+01+AM.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<b>Dinner: Mini Broccoli Quiches </b><br />
(makes 24 mini muffin quiches)<br />
<b> </b>adapted from <a href="http://www.includingcake.com/2012/05/mini-picnic-quiche.html" target="_blank">Including Cake </a><b><br /></b><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
½ tsp garlic powder<br />
½ cup chickpea flour (make your own by sticking dry chickpeas into the food processor)<br />
1 tbs potato starch</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
3 tsp nutritional yeast </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
1 tsp mustard<br />
pinch paprika</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Large pinch baking powder<br />
1 tbs olive oil</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
1 cup water</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
1 grated head of broccoli florets </div>
<b> </b> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I'm going to have to add this to my regular recipe list. Easily takes less than 10 minutes to make this recipe and they were delicious. I actually didn't completely follow the recipe correctly and combined my vegetables in, aesthetically they probably aren't as nice, but the taste was still awesome. I listed the recipe as I made it, but included the original suggestions as well.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Combine all ingredients (mixture will be thin) </li>
<li>Dish into mini cupcake tin</li>
<li>Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees</li>
<li>For a more quiche-like appearance combine ingredients (minus
vegetables), spoon into mini muffin pans filling halfway, THEN add
vegetables on top. This gives more of a crust look.</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nyG_nzDsZlk/T9bFO85lnWI/AAAAAAAAHS8/0yhTAXXXLYk/s1600/Photo+Jun+10,+8+34+48+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nyG_nzDsZlk/T9bFO85lnWI/AAAAAAAAHS8/0yhTAXXXLYk/s640/Photo+Jun+10,+8+34+48+PM.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the mini muffin pan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ng1VSdjmfD4/T9bFPzuenKI/AAAAAAAAHTE/dA1fUmJvzXA/s1600/Photo+Jun+10,+9+28+31+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ng1VSdjmfD4/T9bFPzuenKI/AAAAAAAAHTE/dA1fUmJvzXA/s640/Photo+Jun+10,+9+28+31+PM.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delicious cheesy broccoli bites</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cvv5c-poUhE/T9bFSFw-AJI/AAAAAAAAHTc/csT-Y8-a4vg/s1600/Photo+Jun+10,+9+28+55+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cvv5c-poUhE/T9bFSFw-AJI/AAAAAAAAHTc/csT-Y8-a4vg/s640/Photo+Jun+10,+9+28+55+PM.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yum!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863668822090476400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6443976527440004268.post-49791427565766121752012-05-29T18:45:00.000-07:002012-05-29T20:32:08.127-07:00Strawberry Puree Pancakes, Curried Zucchini & Carrots with Ancient Grains Mix, Mango BBQ Beans<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<b><u>Breakfast</u>: Strawberry Puree Pancakes</b><br />
(recipe makes six 3" pancakes)<b> </b><br />
<br />
1 c strawberries <br />
1/2 tbsp of ground flaxseed + 1 1/2 tbsp water<br />
1/4 c rice milk<br />
1/2 tbsp coconut oil<br />
1 1/2 c <a href="http://www.bobsredmill.com/gf_pancake-mix.html" target="_blank">Bob's GF pancake mix</a><br />
<br />
Strawberry season!!! Sweet, sweet strawberry season!!!!! I need to find a
way that we can go strawberry picking--not sure a 1 year old is capable
to pick fruit nicely, but I think it'd be a fun weekend activity
anyway. Perhaps next week--the farmer's market strawberries will do for
this week :) I was inspired to make a pancake combination of my own
after making carrot-juice waffles a few weeks ago (I didn't post about
it yet, I will do a post later this week though because they were
amazing and I'm planning on making some in bulk to freeze.) I didn't
want to juice the strawberries though, but I thought adding a puree to
pancakes would work really well---and it did! These need NO sugar they
are sweet and delicious, but still light and fluffy. This is a
gluten-free recipe, but I'm sure replacing the GF pancake mix with a wheat
flour mix (packaged or homemade) would be just as tasty. <br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Combine ground flaxseed and water, stir and let sit </li>
<li>Puree strawberries </li>
<li>Combine pureed strawberries, flaxseed mix, rice milk and coconut oil</li>
<li>Stir in pancake mix adding more if necessary to get the batter to the right consistency.</li>
<li>Spoon onto heated, oiled skillet (or griddle if you are so lucky) flip once to brown both sides</li>
<li>Top with fresh strawberries (maple syrup, coconut whipped cream, etc.)</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sG4iJTRmrMQ/T8VnmeeiXYI/AAAAAAAAHK4/WXvSEJZ15go/s1600/Photo+May+29,+10+16+42+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sG4iJTRmrMQ/T8VnmeeiXYI/AAAAAAAAHK4/WXvSEJZ15go/s640/Photo+May+29,+10+16+42+AM.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Batter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1eYKzzqphSg/T8VpiSY8hiI/AAAAAAAAHMI/QU7I7DkPhZ0/s1600/Strawberry+Puree+Pancake+Cooking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="384" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1eYKzzqphSg/T8VpiSY8hiI/AAAAAAAAHMI/QU7I7DkPhZ0/s640/Strawberry+Puree+Pancake+Cooking.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cooking in my new/old cast iron skillet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C2HH8mNbnbc/T8Vnn3P9cuI/AAAAAAAAHLA/XrNSHYCLYXU/s1600/Photo+May+29,+10+25+36+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C2HH8mNbnbc/T8Vnn3P9cuI/AAAAAAAAHLA/XrNSHYCLYXU/s640/Photo+May+29,+10+25+36+AM.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They aren't quite so pink once cooked, but still sweet and strawberry flavored!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<b><u>Lunch</u>: Curried Zucchini & Carrots with Ancient Grains Mix</b><br />
<br />
5 zucchini<br />
2 carrots<br />
olive oil<br />
1 tbsp curry powder<br />
1/2 tbsp curry paste<br />
2 c dry <a href="http://www.earthlychoice.com/heritage.html" target="_blank">ancient grains mix</a> [red and gold quinoa, amaranth, brown rice, and wild rice]<br />
<br />
I saw an ancient grains mix at Harris Teeter probably over a month ago and I picked it up thinking it'd be a super nutritious grain mix to incorporate into MJ's diet. Somehow I just never using it. Well after being gone for a week and quickly exhausted by the DC heat I thought this was the week to pair it up to the curried vegetables. It was a pretty good mix, but I think that it'd probably be a better investment to make your own mix. I had intended on mixing the zucchini & carrots with a nut-free Spinach Pesto <a href="http://filmgurl.wordpress.com/2011/11/17/recipe-nut-free-vegan-spinach-pesto/" target="_blank">recipe</a> I found, but I completely forgot and added curry to the veggies while they cooked.<br />
<br />
Sidenote: I made the pesto anyway and it was AMAZING! Seriously---I think I like it better than "classic" pesto. I have been adding it to sandwiches like a mad man. (Sorry MJ!)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jBPjCDa7Z-I/T8WTVu_Ww6I/AAAAAAAAHMU/w8oFXkdvd_4/s1600/Nut-Free+Spinach+Pesto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jBPjCDa7Z-I/T8WTVu_Ww6I/AAAAAAAAHMU/w8oFXkdvd_4/s640/Nut-Free+Spinach+Pesto.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Chop't salad "<a href="http://www.choptsalad.com/#seasonals" target="_blank">The Melrose</a>" (minus feta) has made 5 sandwiches. On a whole wheat sandwich thin with pesto!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Bring ancient grains mix and water to a boil and let simmer for 45 minutes </li>
<li>Peel and chop zucchini and carrots</li>
<li>Steam carrots for 3-4 minutes</li>
<li>Toss steamed carrots and zucchini with olive oil and put in skillet on low and add curry powder</li>
<li>Cook for 2-3 minutes</li>
<li>When ancient grains mix is soft or water has evaporated add curry paste.</li>
<li>Combine vegetables and grains.</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2e-tvc4Vx8Y/T8Q8FHz5awI/AAAAAAAAHIs/Bm39ASUPcqg/s1600/Photo+May+28,+2+40+41+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2e-tvc4Vx8Y/T8Q8FHz5awI/AAAAAAAAHIs/Bm39ASUPcqg/s640/Photo+May+28,+2+40+41+PM.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cooked & curried vegetables</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AyjOJE8I9E4/T8VnuZLAIFI/AAAAAAAAHLo/aw1nZ8iA_ps/s1600/Photo+May+29%252C+12+36+58+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AyjOJE8I9E4/T8VnuZLAIFI/AAAAAAAAHLo/aw1nZ8iA_ps/s640/Photo+May+29%252C+12+36+58+PM.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<u><b>Dinner:</b></u><b> Mango BBQ Beans</b><br />
<br />
olive oil <br />
1 onion<br />
4 garlic cloves (minced)<br />
1 mango (about a cup) <br />
1- 16 oz can of tomato sauce<br />
1/2 c vegetable broth<br />
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (less if you can't handle the heat!)<br />
2-16 oz cans of kidney beans (drained and rinsed)<br />
1 tsp liquid smoke<br />
salt and pepper to taste<br />
<br />
Whoa! MJ & I both love spicy food and this was a perfect one to fit
the bill. I would definitely consider this one of my (can't speak for
him) favorite dishes I have cooked for him. It has a sweet & spicy
mix that is dead on perfect. I know, mangoes sound weird with beans
right? But somehow they work really well flavor-wise and texturally. If
possible I recommend everyone run out and make this recipe. It is so
good I'm not sure if I can keep myself for devouring it all (definitely
will have to remake this and double the recipe.) I got this recipe from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Appetite-Reduction-Filling-Low-Fat-Recipes/dp/1600940498/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1338340860&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Appetite for Reduction</a>, a truly great vegan cookbook by one of the author's of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Veganomicon-The-Ultimate-Vegan-Cookbook/dp/156924264X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1338340961&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Veganomicon</a> (which is also a cookbook I have recommended to a lot of people and cooked from before on this blog.) Seriously can't recommend either book enough! <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Chop onions, mango and mince garlic </li>
<li>Preheat pot with a little olive oil, add garlic and onions and saute until translucent.</li>
<li>Add kidney beans, tomato sauce, mango, veg. broth and red pepper flakes</li>
<li>Bring to a boil, lower heat and simmer for 45 minutes partially covered with room for steam to escape stirring frequently</li>
<li>Turn heat off. Sauce should have thickened and mangoes should be cooked down.</li>
<li>Add liquid smoke and let beans sit for 5 minutes (honestly it tasted great even before adding liquid smoke, so if you don't have it don't fret- it won't kill the dish BUT it does add a nice BBQ flavor which was perfect for this Memorial Day weekend. I think this is definitely a dish you could bring to a cookout and no one would know/care that it was vegan).</li>
<li>Salt & pepper to taste </li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KOS-dIC9WEw/T8Q8LFfgxPI/AAAAAAAAHJc/qQbubOgBOQQ/s1600/Photo+May+28,+7+44+19+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KOS-dIC9WEw/T8Q8LFfgxPI/AAAAAAAAHJc/qQbubOgBOQQ/s640/Photo+May+28,+7+44+19+PM.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MJ's dinner, paired with some rice milk to cool down his mouth</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863668822090476400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6443976527440004268.post-6559461289041435132012-05-27T16:17:00.002-07:002012-05-27T16:22:19.262-07:00Cooking for Mimi & PoppiMJ and I spent the last week visiting my parents and I cooked for all of them. Here are a couple of the dishes I made.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><u>Spaghetti Squash & Spinach with Garlic Roasted Hummus</u></b></span><br />
<br />
<i>Spaghetti Squash & Spinach</i><br />
<br />
1 spaghetti squash<br />
16 oz spinach<br />
olive oil<br />
1/2 c water<br />
salt<br />
pepper <br />
<ul>
<li>Cut the spaghetti squash in half and roast in 1/2 c water at 400 for 35-40 minutes or until the inside of the squash is soft.</li>
<li>Allow squash to cool & remove innards with a fork to get long spaghetti strands</li>
<li>Combine spaghetti squash with olive oil, salt and pepper and lightly saute for 2-3 minutes</li>
<li>Add rinsed, chopped spinach and saute for 2-3 more minutes</li>
<li>Serve!</li>
</ul>
<br />
<i>Garlic Roasted Hummus</i><br />
<br />
2 cans of chickpeas<br />
1/2 c tahini<br />
salt<br />
pepper<br />
1 whole garlic<br />
olive oil<br />
1 lemon<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Rinse chickpeas and cook in water for 20 minutes or until soft but not mushy.</li>
<li>Roast 1 garlic in olive oil (Cut tip of garlic off, drizzle olive oil over garlic including the tips, cover with foil and roast for 25-30 minutes on 350 or until soft.)</li>
<li>Let chickpeas cool. </li>
<li>Combine all ingredients in small batches in food processor, add water if mixture is too thick.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Rle5bWFcOE/T8Km6fGhngI/AAAAAAAAG4c/UHjuGpTgV6A/s1600/Photo+May+23,+7+25+56+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Rle5bWFcOE/T8Km6fGhngI/AAAAAAAAG4c/UHjuGpTgV6A/s640/Photo+May+23,+7+25+56+PM.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mom's plate served with some naan.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--tlIZT6VMR8/T8Km7Ti5E3I/AAAAAAAAG4k/LL53m87qgFg/s1600/Photo+May+23,+7+30+40+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--tlIZT6VMR8/T8Km7Ti5E3I/AAAAAAAAG4k/LL53m87qgFg/s640/Photo+May+23,+7+30+40+PM.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MJ's plate</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The next day we had leftover makings of hummus & I added an avocado for</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Garlic Roasted Avocado Spinach</i>. Whoa! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pWEjreXcAf4/T8KsMesOCwI/AAAAAAAAG5I/m1PmwcAWVo8/s1600/Photo+May+24,+8+25+24+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pWEjreXcAf4/T8KsMesOCwI/AAAAAAAAG5I/m1PmwcAWVo8/s640/Photo+May+24,+8+25+24+PM.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M0gmcpcXjgg/T8KsROyzOkI/AAAAAAAAG5w/xo8PIgpXrMw/s1600/Photo+May+24,+8+59+23+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M0gmcpcXjgg/T8KsROyzOkI/AAAAAAAAG5w/xo8PIgpXrMw/s640/Photo+May+24,+8+59+23+PM.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Added steamed spinach & brown rice for MJ's lunch.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Kw2IgAl0bw/T8KsR3jTDyI/AAAAAAAAG54/OLZ2eHOxOQI/s1600/Photo+May+24,+9+02+52+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Kw2IgAl0bw/T8KsR3jTDyI/AAAAAAAAG54/OLZ2eHOxOQI/s640/Photo+May+24,+9+02+52+PM.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Melted some Mozzarella Daiya on Whole Wheat sandwich thins w/ raw Spinach and Avocado Hummus for my dad.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863668822090476400noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6443976527440004268.post-41457465567138914942012-05-18T13:54:00.002-07:002012-05-18T13:54:34.298-07:007 Tips for Shopping on a BudgetOne of the things I have seen most in the various forums I frequent about food, access, healthy eating, etc. is people wondering how to eat healthily on a budget. That is my primary interest when food shopping. I do consider health and nutrition to be of utmost importance, but I have a budget that I simply cannot afford to go over. Next time I go shopping I plan to document and list how I shop for a family of 3: 2 vegans & 1 flexitarian. But, until then I will give you some of the tips that makes healthy, non-stressful, inexpensive shopping trips happen for me.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Meal Planning</b>: #1 most important tip. It literally makes all the difference. When I first graduated college and started doing my own shopping I was constantly running back to the grocery store for last minute things that I hadn't anticipated because I didn't know what I would be cooking when I went grocery shopping. It isn't necessary to have every meal, snack, etc. planned out, but have a general idea of at least 2-3 meals you want to make per week. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>Go-to Meals</b>: Whatever it is you do whether work, school or full time parenting there are nights when you just don't want to cook. These are the nights that people either eat out (if they have the money) or go for the quick, easy processed foods. Well, go ahead and make this a tradition of the past. Even on nights like these it is simple to throw something together & still eat well (and cheap). Whole grain/bean combo provide a hearty, delicious and nutritious meal. Add some vegetables (fresh or frozen) and you have a complete meal that can be changed up in a number of ways to add variety. </li>
</ul>
<i>Examples:</i><br />
*Black beans, brown rice, broccoli (About $3/meal using canned beans<i> </i>& frozen broccoli, even cheaper if you make dried beans in advance and store them in the freezer)<br />
*Peas, carrots & coconut rice (About $2/meal using frozen peas & carrots and canned coconut milk)<br />
* Chickpeas, quinoa & pepper salad (About $3/meal using fresh peppers and canned chickpeas)<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Sale papers:</b> Even if you don't get the newspaper you can easily find out about sales at (major) grocery stores by looking up their circulars online. While couponing doesn't work for me because most of the coupons aren't for food I eat it works for a lot of other people. What does work for me is knowing whether foods that I eat frequently are on sale. Last week at the Safeway brown rice was for sale buy one get one free for $2. The three of us go through brown rice like water so it was an investment for me to spend $10 and get 10 bags of rice, knowing that it would save me money in the long run. If I had a car I would probably comparison shop more, but seeing as my time to go shopping is pretty limited and I am on foot w/ MJ I have to determine which grocery store has better deals on a week to week basis. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>Farmer's Markets: </b>Yay farmer's markets. One of my favorite shopping excursions and perhaps the easiest to budget. For my DC crowd I know there are <a href="http://www.freshfarmmarket.org/" target="_blank">markets</a> open throughout the city that accept EBT and I believe that all if not most accept the Farmer's Market WIC vouchers, but double check the website linked above for the market most convenient to you. I know that <a href="http://www.ayamarkets.org/" target="_blank">Aya Community Markets</a> and <a href="http://www.thearcdc.org/events/ward-8-farmers-market" target="_blank">Ward 8 Farmer's Market </a>will double your vouchers & EBT purchases up to $20! The best/most economical way I've found to use the farmer's market is to go once a month to get fresh produce & freeze whatever I don't intend to use immediately. This helps guide what I cook and helps extend the life of produce.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li> <b>Bulk cooking:</b> This is definitely not for everyone, but I think it makes life easier and I am not particularly picky. As I have documented before on this blog I cook for my son once a week, but I often also cook for myself the same way. I might throw in a rice & bean bowl to mix it up, but some weeks I do eat the same thing throughout the week. Foods that are particularly good for bulk cooking are soups, stews and chilis (more for the winter months, but hey I could eat my sister's black bean chili any month.) In addition to bulk cooking meals, I also bulk cook dry beans. Canned beans are inexpensive enough, but dry beans are even more inexpensive AND come without the preservatives and risk of BPA from cans (I use both). The downside of dry beans is they take a long time to cook and aren't really a "throw together" meal, BUT if you make a pot of beans of your preference (my go to beans are black beans) and freeze baggies or containers in serving size portions you have the convenience of canned beans and the freshness of dry beans.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>Staple items:</b> In my household there is always a short period of time between our bi-weekly shopping trips where we would be out of the food we really liked and only have foods that we normally would pair with something else: (e.g. brown rice and no beans). This would be the time where we'd do our quick shopping trips to "just pick up a few things" and would end up spending $20 or $30 out of our budget when we have a full shopping trip to make a few days later. To avoid this period of time or to still have good, healthy meals when we get low on groceries we always try to keep some staple items in our pantry & freezer that we always can use. These are different for every household, but they are foods that you can turn to and are relatively inexpensive.</li>
</ul>
<i>Some of our staple foods: </i>vegetable broth, frozen fruit, frozen mixed vegetables, canned beans, olive oil, pasta, rice. [If any of these items are on sale I always make sure to get extra.]<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li> <b>Tracking spending:</b> I'm sure that when people see me in the grocery store I look crazy- I have my cell phone in one hand calculating my expenses, grocery list in the other while trying to keep MJ amused. The easiest way to break your budget is to not stick to it (duh), but seriously I always go into the grocery store with a number in mind and very rarely do I ever go over it. As I shop I total up the costs (rounding up always) and put back items accordingly. By rounding up (anything with any change gets rounded up to the next whole dollar) I always have money leftover for a treat or two at the end of the shopping trip.</li>
</ul>
I hope these tips are as helpful and snow that it is entirely possible (with planning, research & follow-through) to eat well while on a tight budget. Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863668822090476400noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6443976527440004268.post-34299665304298396022012-05-09T11:57:00.000-07:002012-05-10T19:28:07.437-07:00Weekly Cooking<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><u>Breakfast</u></span></i>: Vanilla Quinoa Oat Mini Muffin Tops </div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
I never thought I'd be letting MJ eat ice cream for breakfast, but <a href="http://hobbyandmore.blogspot.com/2012/05/almond-milk-ice-creams-review-giveaway.html" target="_blank">these</a> just looked so tempting and nutritious that with a few modifications I had to make them! After officially weaning MJ all his nutrients are coming from his meals. So it is even more important to make sure that all his nutritional needs are met. This recipe contains the super grain quinoa, which is a complete protein, as well as oats another powerful grain. </div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: left;">
<b>Ingredients:</b> (yields 24 mini muffin tops)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
1/2 cup melted So Delicious Coconut Vanilla Ice Cream</div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
1/2 cup cooked Quinoa </div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
2 tbsp virgin coconut oil </div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
1 3/4 cup ground Oats</div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
1 tsp baking powder</div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
pinch of salt</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lF9JpM9BCuo/T6k-35HBz6I/AAAAAAAAGWw/0xlVD61bW_A/s1600/Quinoa+Cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="403" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lF9JpM9BCuo/T6k-35HBz6I/AAAAAAAAGWw/0xlVD61bW_A/s640/Quinoa+Cookies.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Cook quinoa and let cool </li>
<li>Melt ice cream and combine with melted coconut oil</li>
<li>Add ice cream+oil to quinoa</li>
<li>Mix ground oats, baking powder and salt & add to wet ingredients</li>
<li>Mixture should be a thick muffin mix consistency, but not stiff. Add more oats or melted ice cream to get desired consistency.</li>
<li>I originally scooped spoonfuls onto a cookie tray, but they didn't look right so I baked the second batch on the reverse side of my mini muffin tray.</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ruAHLUfW52M/T6q8xAQcvoI/AAAAAAAAGYY/x1cfTIoCMXk/s1600/Photo+May+07,+11+30+34+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ruAHLUfW52M/T6q8xAQcvoI/AAAAAAAAGYY/x1cfTIoCMXk/s640/Photo+May+07,+11+30+34+AM.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First batch didn't look smooth enough, but still tasted delicious.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<u><i>Lunch</i></u>: No-rice Risotto with Rainbow Chard<br />
<br />
I saw the most beautiful rainbow chard at the market. I just had to buy it. The colors were just so vibrant and enticing. Chard is also a Vitamin K & A <a href="http://whfoods.org/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=16" target="_blank">powerhouse</a> I wasn't sure what I was going to make, but I knew I needed the protein from beans. I paid for my first app last week, the <a href="http://www.greenkitchenstories.com/no-rice-risotto/" target="_blank">Green Kitchen </a>app and it paid off with a delicious No-rice Risotto recipe that only needed a few modifications. The recipe originally called for mascarpone cheese and I couldn't find any soy-free cream cheese, so I used coconut milk, which of course altered the original intended taste.<br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients:</b> (Makes 3-4 adult servings)<br />
<br />
2 cups of rainbow chard (stems & leaves separated)<br />
7 cups cooked white beans (I used Northern beans)<br />
1 red onion<br />
2 garlic cloves<br />
1 lemon; juice & zest<br />
olive oil<br />
2c vegetable broth<br />
1 tbsp potato starch<br />
4 tbsp coconut milk <br />
sprinkle of salt <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IqSlLbYNYYw/T6k-2R_WXtI/AAAAAAAAGWo/nh3WcBqcHL0/s1600/NoRiceRisotto1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="497" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IqSlLbYNYYw/T6k-2R_WXtI/AAAAAAAAGWo/nh3WcBqcHL0/s640/NoRiceRisotto1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Cook beans (I used dried beans so I soaked them overnight and simmered them in veg. broth for an hour), but drained, rinsed and cooked canned beans are fine too.</li>
<li>Chop garlic, chard stems and onions very finely and saute in olive oil </li>
<li>Add veg. broth & chard and cook well.</li>
<li>Add beans & potato starch and simmer while stirring frequently.</li>
<li>Cook until veg. broth dissolves.</li>
<li>Add lemon juice, thyme & a sprinkle of salt</li>
<li>Add lemon zest before serving</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZZndS6LA1Fo/T6k-0xwa9pI/AAAAAAAAGWg/CAV3b_Iq_S0/s1600/NoRiceRisotto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="449" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZZndS6LA1Fo/T6k-0xwa9pI/AAAAAAAAGWg/CAV3b_Iq_S0/s640/NoRiceRisotto.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<u><i>Dinner</i></u>: Cheesy Spinach-Avocado Pasta <br />
<br />
I had some washed, chopped spinach that I had stored in the freezer a few weeks ago so I decided to use it for this extremely simple recipe. There are definitely a lot of ways you could play with this recipe. I added some nutritional yeast to give it a "cheesy" taste, I think it could also go great with some soy cream cheese, but the avocado really gives it such a creamy texture and delicious base.<br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
<br />
1 1/2 avocados<br />
4 c frozen spinach<br />
2 1/2 tbsp olive oil<br />
1 tbsp nutritional yeast <br />
2 garlic cloves<br />
lemon juice from 1/2 a lemon<br />
sprinkle of salt<br />
sprinkle of pepper<br />
Pasta (Brown Rice Pasta to make it gluten-free)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a93d0kAy1hs/T6q7OWGUQVI/AAAAAAAAGYQ/TKBq0O7250M/s1600/AvocadoSpinachPesto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="520" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a93d0kAy1hs/T6q7OWGUQVI/AAAAAAAAGYQ/TKBq0O7250M/s640/AvocadoSpinachPesto.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Puree frozen spinach and avocado along with lemon juice</li>
<li>When it reaches a creamy consistency heat in saucepan & add olive oil, garlic & nutritional yeast (sidenote: this could also probably be a really good raw dip if you didn't cook it)</li>
<li>Spice accordingly</li>
<li>Add to pasta tossed in olive oil</li>
<li>Sprinkle with nutritional yeast and serve</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BgTGOoibGZY/T6q7Mxs_eGI/AAAAAAAAGYI/ZrO5gQmqE0A/s1600/AvocadoSpinachPasta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BgTGOoibGZY/T6q7Mxs_eGI/AAAAAAAAGYI/ZrO5gQmqE0A/s640/AvocadoSpinachPasta.jpg" width="520" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simple & Delicious</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863668822090476400noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6443976527440004268.post-78290298907077497102012-05-02T15:18:00.003-07:002012-05-02T15:34:49.327-07:00Health in the Black Community Free WriteSo, this is kinda a free write I’ve been thinking on and hopefully I
could get some feedback to help me shape what I hope will be a
longer piece on the food/nutrition crisis in Black America.<br />
<br />
*Hopping on
to the soapbox for a moment* <clears throat> <br />
<br />
It is quite clear there is a health epidemic going on in America. The
epidemic has to do with food and nutrition, but some of the symptoms
are obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and heart
disease. As a Black person I have more family members suffering from one
or more of these symptoms than fingers to count on. I know this is true
for many Black people and many Black families. Is it acceptable for us
to let our family members suffer and be put on high regiments of
medicine without addressing the root cause? Do we continue to let our
cycle of poor nutrition impact our children?<br />
<br />
Who am I to judge, but then again who am I not to? I was too aware of
these illnesses that “ran in my family” and had at the age of 18
proclaimed proudly, “everyone else has diabetes I guess I probably will
too.” I continued to devour foods with names I couldn’t pronounce,
having no real consistency to what foods I chose and how I prepared my
foods. To be honest if you asked anyone I went to school with a favorite
food of mine most likely they’d name a candy. Of course I knew I wasn’t
making healthy choices, but the true impact didn’t really hit me.<br />
<div class="TITLE">
</div>
<br />
For most people, especially younger people, nutrition is typically
paired with weight and physical appearance. If you look good on the
outside and you are not viewed as overweight most people never question
your dietary choices. How many times have you heard people snicker at
overweight people at the McDonalds when a thin person at McDonalds is
clearly making similar unwise nutritional decisions. This was true of
me. I never really thought much about my own nutrition until I had my
son and was having trouble getting rid of those post-baby lbs. My body
was definitely not bouncing back like all the women that are plastered
on magazine covers touting 40 lbs. of baby weight lost in 6 weeks (damn
them and their personal trainers)! For me this signified a need for a
dietary change and the more I did research and changed my diet the more I
was able to see that I too was suffering from this nutritional epidemic
that challenges the Black community.<br />
<br />
To be fair, this is an American epidemic, but as a Black woman and
mother I am most concerned about the impact on Black America. We have
been behind the times in many lifestyle changes because of the desire
not to be perceived as “uppity” or “acting white.” So be it. I’ll be the
uppity Black woman living healthy and happy into old age. I can’t fully
express my nutritional views in one post and I definitely won’t try to,
but Black people, my people if we can take it one step at a time—give
up processed foods. Yes, they are cheaper, but they are cheaper for a
reason—-they are barely food. Good food costs more, yes, but it is worth
it. I am not saying you need to break the bank and buy 100% organic
everything, but look at what foods you buy and think about them
critically.<br />
<br />
We are one of the few races that regardless of class will drop $300
or more on a hairstyle. And please believe that Black women and men both
will spend good money (even money they don’t have) to make sure they
are wearing the newest Jordans, designer clothes, expensive acrylic
nails, etc. If you can afford to maintain your outer appearance then you
can afford to maintain you, your children and your family’s inner
“appearance” because that is in fact what truly will make the
difference.<br />
<br />
*Whoo*Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863668822090476400noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6443976527440004268.post-81714766294588273702012-04-30T21:09:00.003-07:002012-05-01T10:09:57.752-07:00Weekly Meal Planning<i>Breakfast</i>: Plum-Pear Applesauce<br />
<br />
<br />
6 apples<br />
2 pears<br />
2 plums<br />
1 c water<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I had an abundance of leftover fruit from MJ's
birthday party and I decided to make an applesauce type breakfast. I've
seen similar recipes that include sugar, but it really isn't necessary
and in fact may be overkill. Paired with oatmeal it is a sweet and
hearty breakfast.<br />
<br />
The most difficult part about applesauce for me is the peeling & coring. If MJ had some teeth I'd leave the peels on for the nutritious value their skin contains. Put in pot with water and simmer for 20-30 minutes until soft. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PvVYzCuhyYc/T59PT5LpuFI/AAAAAAAAGKo/QePuyn-vkIw/s1600/Photo+Apr+30%252C+4+09+54+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PvVYzCuhyYc/T59PT5LpuFI/AAAAAAAAGKo/QePuyn-vkIw/s400/Photo+Apr+30%252C+4+09+54+PM.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simmering Fruit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Mash to an appropriate consistency or put in food processor for a less chunky texture.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wZbMOqIZDeQ/T6AWp7U7IdI/AAAAAAAAGMs/d3DrpM78A8E/s1600/Photo+May+01,+12+59+00+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wZbMOqIZDeQ/T6AWp7U7IdI/AAAAAAAAGMs/d3DrpM78A8E/s320/Photo+May+01,+12+59+00+PM.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Served on top of oatmeal.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<i>Lunch:</i> Green Pigeon Peas & Coconut Brown Rice<br />
<br />
2 cans of Green Pigeon Peas<br />
16 oz Brown Rice<br />
3 Garlic Cloves<br />
2 tbsp Coconut Oil<br />
1 1/2 c Water<br />
2 Spring Vidalia Onions<br />
1 tsp thyme<br />
1 tsp grated fresh ginger<br />
sprinkle of sea salt <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FnHuDEoYmlo/T59PIpBaP7I/AAAAAAAAGJw/cR4sRJXgZS8/s1600/Photo+Apr+30%252C+3+00+02+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FnHuDEoYmlo/T59PIpBaP7I/AAAAAAAAGJw/cR4sRJXgZS8/s400/Photo+Apr+30%252C+3+00+02+PM.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saute onions, garlic and rice in coconut oil</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-orJrB_CdKwc/T59PMSuc7xI/AAAAAAAAGKA/uSpawxPGN4w/s1600/Photo+Apr+30%252C+3+19+08+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-orJrB_CdKwc/T59PMSuc7xI/AAAAAAAAGKA/uSpawxPGN4w/s400/Photo+Apr+30%252C+3+19+08+PM.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add spices, coconut milk, water & pigeon peas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zJi0hgjaKTQ/T59PQtXo82I/AAAAAAAAGKY/45ZA4poMTxU/s1600/Photo+Apr+30%252C+3+41+39+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zJi0hgjaKTQ/T59PQtXo82I/AAAAAAAAGKY/45ZA4poMTxU/s400/Photo+Apr+30%252C+3+41+39+PM.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simmer for 45 minutes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iwH9hp19u3A/T59PVmNr1hI/AAAAAAAAGK4/9QY9kNBriis/s1600/Photo+Apr+30%252C+4+18+28+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iwH9hp19u3A/T59PVmNr1hI/AAAAAAAAGK4/9QY9kNBriis/s400/Photo+Apr+30%252C+4+18+28+PM.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to dig in!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<i>Dinner: </i>Vegan Mac & Cheese w/ Spinach<br />
<br />
<a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2009/05/10/healthy-comfort-food-vegan-mac-and-cheese/" target="_blank">Adapted</a><br />
<br />
<b>Sauce </b><i><br /></i><br />
1/2 c nutritional yeast<br />
1/2 c mozzarella Daiya<br />
3 tbsp potato starch<br />
sprinkle of sea salt<br />
1/2 tsp paprika<br />
1/2 tsp curry<br />
1 c rice milk<br />
1 1/4 c water<br />
1 tbsp olive oil<br />
<br />
8 oz spinach<br />
16 oz pkg brown rice pasta<br />
<br />
I originally made this on Saturday night for myself and followed the original recipe I adapted MJ's recipe for. It was pretty good, but the flavor of the nutritional yeast was a bit too strong for me. MJ and I both love Daiya so I figured I could combine the two and still have a nice cheesy taste. I think that the Daiya would work better with a baked macaroni and I will probably try this recipe again with those adjustments made.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PLfanSK6L6w/T59PFm3Z98I/AAAAAAAAGJU/bNXv0k0ENJw/s1600/Photo+Apr+28%252C+8+41+20+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PLfanSK6L6w/T59PFm3Z98I/AAAAAAAAGJU/bNXv0k0ENJw/s400/Photo+Apr+28%252C+8+41+20+PM.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saturday's Mac & Cheese</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I gave MJ some and I think it might have been too starchy on it's own so I added some spinach as well and to give him a green veggie for the week.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KQCwvf5JwuY/T59PCRo7jqI/AAAAAAAAGJA/hM6hntMbziU/s1600/Photo+Apr+28%252C+7+59+38+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KQCwvf5JwuY/T59PCRo7jqI/AAAAAAAAGJA/hM6hntMbziU/s400/Photo+Apr+28%252C+7+59+38+PM.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Combine all ingredients for sauce, blend and then simmer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul>
<li>The sauce will thicken up as you cook it, don't be worried if it looks thin initially.</li>
<li>Be sure to blend sauce ingredients in blender, food processor or using an immersion blender or ingredients will separate while cooking. </li>
<li>I suggest starting with a smaller amount of nutritional yeast and adding more as it cooks and you taste to get a happy medium.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1vf1oR_tDII/T59PX-Wg3oI/AAAAAAAAGLI/ImufEI-GEhI/s1600/Photo+Apr+30%252C+7+48+07+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1vf1oR_tDII/T59PX-Wg3oI/AAAAAAAAGLI/ImufEI-GEhI/s400/Photo+Apr+30%252C+7+48+07+PM.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add cooked noodles and steamed chopped spinach </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dOLQMceBNu0/T59V5vv1HXI/AAAAAAAAGL4/zxZ4ayFi9RI/s1600/mac&cheese.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="340" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dOLQMceBNu0/T59V5vv1HXI/AAAAAAAAGL4/zxZ4ayFi9RI/s400/mac&cheese.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheesy & Nutritious</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<u>Nutrition Facts</u>:<br />
<approx. nutritional intake per day> <br />
<span style="background-color: #f1c232;">Calcium: 501 mg/400 mg</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f1c232;">Vit. D: 100 iu/200 iu</span><br />
Zinc: 3.8 mg/2 mg<br />
B12: 0.7 mcg/0.4 mcg<br />
<span style="background-color: #f1c232;">Iron: 7 mg/7 mg</span><br />
Protein: 30 g/11 g<br />
<span style="background-color: #f1c232;">Omega 3+6: 5 g/5 g</span><br />
<br />
In order to provide the necessary highlighted nutrients throughout the day MJ drinks at least 1 c of rice milk (Calcium, Vit. D), takes a daily Iron drop and has 1 tbsp ground flaxseed added to a meal (Omega 3+6)Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863668822090476400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6443976527440004268.post-21742474261424127662012-04-16T08:03:00.002-07:002012-04-16T16:27:10.336-07:00Quick Sunday CookingThis week will be comprised of me running around like a chicken with my head cut off trying to plan and cook for MJ's 1st birthday party. In a way it is a completely meaningless event that he will never remember, but in another way it is a celebration of "making it" through the first year.<br />
<br />
Whatever. Anyway, I had zero desire to cook today, it was too hot to be in the kitchen and I'll be cooking/prepping for the rest of the week for the party. Today's menu took me less than 45 minutes to complete in the kitchen and all the produce cost me less than $10---fast and inexpensive.<br />
<br />
<u>Breakfast:</u> Broccoli, Peach, Banana Smoothie with Ground Flaxseed<br />
<br />
1 banana<br />
1 c frozen broccoli<br />
1 c frozen peaches<br />
1/2 c rice milk <br />
1 tsp. ground flaxseed<br />
<br />
Although this smoothie mix works perfectly without the flaxseed, when I totaled up MJ's nutritional needs last week one thing that I needed to improve on was his Omega-3 intake. <a href="http://whfoods.org/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=81" target="_blank">Flaxseed</a> is a great source of omega-3 and I didn't have to substantially change my meal planning to add it in.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uKWGiovSwWY/T4wqB95j7nI/AAAAAAAAFYg/T5HxuqgdYoY/s1600/DSCN3163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uKWGiovSwWY/T4wqB95j7nI/AAAAAAAAFYg/T5HxuqgdYoY/s400/DSCN3163.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to be mixed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eBzTrK6_2g0/T4wqDFZ98SI/AAAAAAAAFYo/ZNgNbdo5G1E/s1600/DSCN3166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eBzTrK6_2g0/T4wqDFZ98SI/AAAAAAAAFYo/ZNgNbdo5G1E/s400/DSCN3166.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add in the ground flaxseed and stir.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<u>Lunch:</u> Curried Lentils with Millet<br />
<br />
2 1/2 c lentils (rinsed)<br />
3 c vegetable broth<br />
1/2 red onion (chopped)<br />
<br />
Add all ingredients to the pot & simmer for 35 minutes (or until lentils are soft but not falling apart).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fYLAbrCqXMQ/T4wXcDaHkFI/AAAAAAAAFXw/YQ9gL0_LKF8/s1600/Photo+Apr+15,+4+21+21+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fYLAbrCqXMQ/T4wXcDaHkFI/AAAAAAAAFXw/YQ9gL0_LKF8/s400/Photo+Apr+15,+4+21+21+PM.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lentils & Red Onions simmering in Vegetable Broth</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OnlX_i3EgGs/T4wXTKCvPQI/AAAAAAAAFXo/HA08Aw23PSE/s1600/Photo+Apr+15,+5+49+23+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OnlX_i3EgGs/T4wXTKCvPQI/AAAAAAAAFXo/HA08Aw23PSE/s400/Photo+Apr+15,+5+49+23+PM.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Curried Lentils</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cC6Gww08yDc/T4wWv66Z1ZI/AAAAAAAAFXQ/WuIStREyW7g/s1600/Photo+Apr+15%252C+6+33+22+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cC6Gww08yDc/T4wWv66Z1ZI/AAAAAAAAFXQ/WuIStREyW7g/s400/Photo+Apr+15%252C+6+33+22+PM.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Curried Lentils paired with Millet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<u>Dinner:</u> Lemon Dijon Asparagus, Button Mushrooms & Leek <br />
<br />
First, last week I made a Lemon Homey Dijon Vinaigrette for my salad and it was my first successful attempt at a vinaigrette! Not to toot my own horn, but *toot, toot* it was awesome. When I saw these lovely asparagus at the market I knew I was going to cook them with lemon. Since honey is a <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/infant-botulism/HQ00854" target="_blank">DEFINITE</a> no, no for babies I replaced honey with agave nectar for this recipe, but it really was much better with honey.<br />
<br />
1/8 c freshly squeezed lemon<br />
1/4 c olive oil<br />
1 tbsp dijon mustard<br />
1 tbsp honey (agave nectar)<br />
pinch of salt<br />
pinch of black pepper<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l2cR3671iHs/T4wWyjSGeTI/AAAAAAAAFXg/tbAU2ICOf4g/s1600/Photo+Apr+15%252C+8+28+19+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l2cR3671iHs/T4wWyjSGeTI/AAAAAAAAFXg/tbAU2ICOf4g/s400/Photo+Apr+15%252C+8+28+19+PM.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stored in an old jam jar.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I sauteed the leeks & mushrooms first and then added the asparagus and kept them in until the asparagus was lightly cooked and still crunchy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7jAj3BIFFsQ/T4wp94atakI/AAAAAAAAFYI/r_ijDBBN1sc/s1600/DSCN3155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7jAj3BIFFsQ/T4wp94atakI/AAAAAAAAFYI/r_ijDBBN1sc/s400/DSCN3155.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sauteed vegetables in olive oil</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a0dtFqDSVq0/T4wWoMc1TPI/AAAAAAAAFWg/wnUxKeupmZY/s1600/Photo+Apr+15%252C+10+41+27+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a0dtFqDSVq0/T4wWoMc1TPI/AAAAAAAAFWg/wnUxKeupmZY/s400/Photo+Apr+15%252C+10+41+27+PM.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drizzled with vinaigrette</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863668822090476400noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6443976527440004268.post-39931904723469298602012-04-09T19:54:00.003-07:002012-04-10T05:54:34.289-07:00Monday CookingNew Foods: Beets, Beet Greens, Plantains<br />
<br />
<b>Breakfast</b>: <a href="http://www.yummly.com/recipe/No-Sugar-Apple-Banana-Muffins-Recipezaar" target="_blank">Banana Apple Muffins</a> & Applesauce<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a4HEtkwUIec/T4OaUsuDWkI/AAAAAAAAFCE/EmUpi1nrD4I/s1600/Photo+Apr+09,+3+38+44+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a4HEtkwUIec/T4OaUsuDWkI/AAAAAAAAFCE/EmUpi1nrD4I/s400/Photo+Apr+09,+3+38+44+PM.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mashed bananas, apple sauce, oat flour, flaxseed + water, cinnamon</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gjnbAl85AfE/T4OaV9T-6nI/AAAAAAAAFCM/ix3-WadWO8s/s1600/Photo+Apr+09,+3+38+58+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gjnbAl85AfE/T4OaV9T-6nI/AAAAAAAAFCM/ix3-WadWO8s/s400/Photo+Apr+09,+3+38+58+PM.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baking!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r4xzgDqmaUU/T4OabIUIlkI/AAAAAAAAFCc/ZlUi3K3ELDQ/s1600/Photo+Apr+09,+7+36+28+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r4xzgDqmaUU/T4OabIUIlkI/AAAAAAAAFCc/ZlUi3K3ELDQ/s400/Photo+Apr+09,+7+36+28+PM.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All done.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<b>Lunch: </b><a href="http://www.theppk.com/2012/02/quarter-pounder-beet-burger/" target="_blank">Beet Burgers</a><br />
I'm not a huge fan of beets and I thought that I wouldn't like these...but they are DELICIOUS! Thank goodness I got an extra bunch of beets because I'm going to need to make more. Wow!! I made a few revisions to the original recipe, but it still turned out great (no almond butter & no breadcrumbs).<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kfNQkKcjXbY/T4OcUEQM8_I/AAAAAAAAFCw/Oksuas-3pzY/s1600/Photo+Apr+09,+5+05+03+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kfNQkKcjXbY/T4OcUEQM8_I/AAAAAAAAFCw/Oksuas-3pzY/s400/Photo+Apr+09,+5+05+03+PM.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shredded beets, brown basamati rice, lentils</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--V6x6iHgcB0/T4OcYXKs2ZI/AAAAAAAAFDA/DllaBHsPG3U/s1600/Photo+Apr+09,+5+37+56+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--V6x6iHgcB0/T4OcYXKs2ZI/AAAAAAAAFDA/DllaBHsPG3U/s400/Photo+Apr+09,+5+37+56+PM.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After pulsing in the food processor it totally looks like ground beef!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--r9TR2pyjVU/T4OcbYsMnKI/AAAAAAAAFDI/bNhOsg7rkME/s1600/Photo+Apr+09,+8+20+13+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--r9TR2pyjVU/T4OcbYsMnKI/AAAAAAAAFDI/bNhOsg7rkME/s400/Photo+Apr+09,+8+20+13+PM.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top with an avocado. Yum!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Dinner:</b> Kidney Beans with Collards, Beet Greens, Plantains & Brown Basamati Rice<br />
<br />
I didn't even intend to use beet greens, but I didn't have enough collards so I improvised. They were delicious though and I sprinkled a little lemon pepper on them. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qYhhqI1PY9U/T4Od0P3y1OI/AAAAAAAAFDQ/2Fx3nh-o7iU/s1600/Photo+Apr+09,+7+13+25+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qYhhqI1PY9U/T4Od0P3y1OI/AAAAAAAAFDQ/2Fx3nh-o7iU/s400/Photo+Apr+09,+7+13+25+PM.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sauteed collards & beet greens</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_4HgHgB46jk/T4OeLp-wgJI/AAAAAAAAFDw/cgd0eFTCNIc/s1600/Photo+Apr+09,+8+06+42+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_4HgHgB46jk/T4OeLp-wgJI/AAAAAAAAFDw/cgd0eFTCNIc/s400/Photo+Apr+09,+8+06+42+PM.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plantains sauteed in coconut oil</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-12auGDz3lGk/T4OeMzv81sI/AAAAAAAAFD4/ucLAVw1eVZc/s1600/Photo+Apr+09,+8+06+45+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-12auGDz3lGk/T4OeMzv81sI/AAAAAAAAFD4/ucLAVw1eVZc/s400/Photo+Apr+09,+8+06+45+PM.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2lDszTKEm9M/T4OeRe2cqNI/AAAAAAAAFEI/9H-Oiq5sXSQ/s1600/Photo+Apr+09,+8+12+59+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2lDszTKEm9M/T4OeRe2cqNI/AAAAAAAAFEI/9H-Oiq5sXSQ/s400/Photo+Apr+09,+8+12+59+PM.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mixed together.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0gEt85P74sQ/T4OeyLFZGeI/AAAAAAAAFEQ/PajbMGR36bY/s1600/Photo+Apr+09,+8+21+42+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0gEt85P74sQ/T4OeyLFZGeI/AAAAAAAAFEQ/PajbMGR36bY/s400/Photo+Apr+09,+8+21+42+PM.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner is served.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863668822090476400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6443976527440004268.post-21587632942008234662012-04-08T10:16:00.002-07:002012-04-08T10:23:15.751-07:00Mama's Birthday LunchMJ's Lunch at <a href="http://www.busboysandpoets.com/" target="_blank">Busboys & Poets</a> (The 14th & U location) yesterday.<br />
<br />
Quinoa & Mixed Veggies (which look like zucchini, roasted red peppers, eggplant & green peppers?)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-OjE2hXzCp5I/T4HIfpg9mNI/AAAAAAAAFAI/rpzXsuaHK-Q/s640/blogger-image--1167193291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-OjE2hXzCp5I/T4HIfpg9mNI/AAAAAAAAFAI/rpzXsuaHK-Q/s640/blogger-image--1167193291.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
He also noshed on my sweet potato fries that came with my portobello panini. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1eVdv7F48f8/T4HIfIhFN5I/AAAAAAAAFAA/Bbkyc5OQh6Y/s640/blogger-image-634212281.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1eVdv7F48f8/T4HIfIhFN5I/AAAAAAAAFAA/Bbkyc5OQh6Y/s400/blogger-image-634212281.jpg" width="299" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Great lunch, very MJ friendly and of course a great vegetarian, vegan AND gluten-free selection.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Didn't get a picture before MJ dug in but not pictured was the AMAZING mango sorbet, which he was splitting with an adult friend (and I think he ate almost twice as much as her!)</div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863668822090476400noreply@blogger.com0