Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Warming Potato Chard Soup




















I can live on soup alone when the weather turns to chilly and the leaves are no longer ON the trees. This soup is so warming and healthy that I can literally feel it working wonders as I slurp it down! It has a nice light, clear-ish broth and is full of minimal yet key ingredients: 3 cups of water, pinch of salt, 2 cups of chopped taters, 1/2 cup shelled soybeans (edamame), 3 tablespoons of raw pumpkin seeds or raw papitas (to top the soup), 1 cup of chopped zucchini, 2 cups of slivered green or red chard, 3 tablespoons of whit or yellow miso, 1/2 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, fresh basil and rosemary.
Place water, salt, taters and beans in a pot on high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about ten minutes until taters are tender.
Meanwhile, place the pumpkin seeds or raw papitas in a skillet over medium heat and dry toast for a few minutes until puffed up and browned. Remove from heat and set aside. (A great source of omega-3 fatty acids- just another reason to make a big ol' jack o'lantern and get some seeds!)
When taters are tender, add zucchini and chard and simmer another 5 minutes. Ladle some broth into a small cup and add the miso-combine until smooth. Add that back to the pot of soup along with the basil, rosemary and apple cider vinegar. Add salt to taste and top with seeds once poured into serving bowls. Get ready to feel good......
I also added a dash of nutritional yeast (from health food store) to add more B vitamins.
nutrition breakdown:
basil and rosemary- help calm the mind and improve mental function
miso and taters- help with acid conditions in the body
chard- calcium and magnesium rich
apple cider vinegar- good mood food


Sunday, October 10, 2010

Thai Coconut Soup

This is one of Mike's specialties and is one of the reasons I love Autumn. It's not only "sweata weatha" but "soup weatha"! I think it's different every time he makes it, but always delicious! He uses a box of veggie broth and a couple cans of coconut milk. This simmers with oyster mushrooms, although he used shitake this time. (I suppose you could use your favorite mushroom and get away with it). He adds salt and pepper to taste, jalapeno pepper to taste and adds lime zest. He tops off with green onion and cilantro before serving with some nice artisan bread. The flavors all compliment each other so nicely, it's truly a beautiful, tasty soup!

GREAT ALTERNATIVES!


















My current three favorite alternatives all available at Trader Joe's!

Earth Balance natural buttery spread- tastes great and also works great for baking and cooking.

Tofutti "Cuties" are little perfect portion "icecream" sandwiches. Yummy!

Trader Joe's brand Soy Milk Creamer- perfect for coffee, hot cocoa or chai tea when you want a little creamier consistency than just soy milk but without the dairy! (Be sure to shake well before use as directed on package to avoid settled ingredients pouring out into your yummy drink.) Mike was getting annoyed by this, but once you shake it, the problem is gone!


Thursday, September 30, 2010

Attack of the Killer Tomato



We have been blessed this past summer to be given a constant bounty of tomatoes. Our dear old neighbor would sneak them onto our patio table out back or hand us a full bag as we got out of our cars. She must have a huge secret garden in that yard of hers. Mike's aunt and uncle supplied us with several from their garden one day on a visit. They also gave us a huge portion of their killer gazpacho (see pic) which even though had quite a kick still made our toddler say "mmmmm". We made everything from pizza, to caprese salad (shown in pic) to freshly topped pasta, to vegetarian BLT sandwiches. I also could just settle for fresh sliced tomato with oil, garlic and some salt or a tomato sandwich (one of my mom's faves) on toast with mayo (soy preferred) and salt and pepper. When they're that tasty and fresh they are good right off of the vine! And of course, nothing is finer than a nice glass of red wine to go with a tomato dish. Mike found this bottle (see pic) for me last summer and bought me another this year while on vacation. Life is good!

Think Pink Smoothie























I know, I know, ANOTHER smoothie recipe? But seriously, I can live on these things. And what better way to get a whole bunch of vitamins and nutrients packed into one tasty glass? Soooo..... this one is an "autumn" smoothie. I used a couple of frozen bananas, some plain soy milk, an apple (cored), and a generous handful of frozen cranberries. The color was so pretty and the taste was delicious. We fought over the last few slurps!

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

girl scout badges

So I think this deserves a post! I found my old brownies/girl scout sash and this was one of the badges! Old school! I think I had to make something following a recipe to earn this badge! Hope it was vegetarian- I can't remember, it was a very long time ago. I like how the badge depicts fruit! I remember getting so excited when I earned a badge! I especially loved earning the "art" badge when I was about 8 years old! This got me thinking that we should all continue to receive these little embroidered cuties throughout life as tiny reminders and rewards! Just think of us walking around in our sashes with more contemporary badges such as "ran a marathon", "was nice to a stranger", "let someone yield in during traffic jam". Or how about "told my kids, husband or dog I love them", "sent a real handwritten letter to a friend" or "tried something new today"! Oh the possibilities are endless! Who's in? I think I'm going to sew this to my bag tonight!
Or maybe I'll just wear my sash! Ha!

Friday, July 16, 2010

It's Juicin' Time!























What a combination! Spinach, cucumber, apple, orange and strawberry all thrown into my juicer...SWEET!
Felix and I donned our "green" mustaches for a photo op! I love that he loved this juice! No more worrying that he doesn't get enough nutrients- I'm just gonna juice it!

Spa Breakfast

I feel like I'm at a spa when I eat this delicious breakfast! It's so simple- yogurt (dairy or SOY), and your favorite seasonal fruits. I used blueberries, strawberries and bananas. Always go for a variety of colors in your fruit! This looks rather patriotic doesn't it?

Watermelon Facial Toner

Isn't this so pretty? It's a great refreshing facial toner for summer months! I mixed equal parts watermelon juice, witch hazel and water together in a bottle. I keep in the fridge and dab on with a cotton ball when I'm feeling a bit oily. It keeps for about a week and a half. To obtain the watermelon juice you could use a juicer but an easier way is to use a melon baller to "dig" out your watermelon chunks for eating and eventually there will be plenty of juice left in the bottom of your halved melon. Stay cool!

Chocolate Smurf Smoothie

This one was sooo good! I used frozen bananas, blueberries and chocolate soy milk and blended it all together! Share YOUR smoothie concoction with me here in the comment section, I'd love to try it!

Monday, June 21, 2010

Summer Solstice Salad

My Mom actually came up with this one and she's not a vegetarian but does appreciate a nice tasty summer salad!
Basically we used fresh spinach as our greens, added fresh cut strawberries, whole blueberries and mandarin oranges. We then topped with soy strips and a poppyseed dressing.
Yum yum, yummy in my tummy. On 90 degree days I certainly do not want to put the oven on. Coming up with a variety of salads is the way to go! More to come...

Monday, June 14, 2010

Holy Guacamole!



We can't seem to get enough of this stuff in our house! Mash a couple of ripe (not over ripe) avocado together in a bowl with a little olive oil, salt and pepper and the juice of a fresh lime. Using a fork to mash works best. I prefer a more "chunky" guacamole where as my hubby prefers a "smoother" mash. I won this time! Served with our favorite tortilla chips- we like the blue corn. I ate mine with some yummy Goya mango juice. Devoured within minutes! If you cut into an over ripe or browning avocado see my post archives for a very moisturizing facial mask.

Thursday, June 3, 2010

You Say Tomato...



the couch tomato cafe


This place rocks for take out and offers a health-conscious and VEGETARIAN FRIENDLY menu! YAY! We started with a hummus platter for a light appetizer served with raw veggies and warmed pita triangles. This hummus is good.....smooth with just the right amount of garlic. Raw cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots and green peppers made just the right combo! I also ordered the "Where's Waldorf?" salad which included fresh apple slices, gorgonzola, candies pecans and raisins with poppy seed dressing. Mike ordered "The Grapevine" salad with arugula, red-skinned grapes, croutons, red onions, shredded mozzarella and balsamic. Both came with a fresh whole wheat roll that actually had fresh rosemary on it! Check them out! They are right off Main Street in Manayunk on Rector Street and they deliver!

Monday, May 31, 2010

New Growth

After being gone for a week I noticed today that my bean plants have sprung bean pods! How exciting and wonderful and amazing! The hot sun along with sprinkling of showers made the right combination to grow these little lovely babies! They are so new, soft and translucent. I am eager for them to grow and eventually end up being food for my family. Honestly, I don't know yet what kind of beans they will yield. My friend gave me two opened packets of beans from her late husband's garden last year- one white bean and the other red. I am hoping for plenty of both, I am hoping for a bountiful crop in my modest city garden pots. I think of the passing of my friend's husband and the birth of these little sprouts. I am seeing the start of living food, of sustenance, of life. These tiny pods are so small and frail yet so strong to grow and stretch towards the sun. Why doesn't everyone want to mix the soil in their hands, place the tiny seeds, cover and water and wait for the arrival of a treasure?

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Pasta Night!























Who says pasta night has to be boring? I know, I know....easy way out! But pasta can be good and fun and vegetarian! Don't get me wrong- when I first became veg many years ago all I ate was angel hair pasta and red sauce and bread. That only lasted so long when I not only packed on some pounds but got bored. It was then that I bought some cookbooks and started introducing myself to the art of vegetarian cooking!
But last night we opted for some good ol' pasta.....penne with crushed tomato sauce (with basil and garlic) , a nice multigrain baguette, a shredded red leaf lettuce salad with fresh tomato and parm and of course a bottle of vino! Cheers!

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Chop, chop, chop

The best tool for chopping veggies, fresh herbs, etc. is a chopping tool like this. (Or a sharp knife) My parents brought this back for us from their Alaska trip. It comes in handy and chops effortlessly and safely. Just be sure not to drop it! My sister dropped hers while using and nearly chopped off a toe! You essentially just "rock" the blade back and forth to chop without having to put your fingers too close to the blade. Chop on....

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Pizza Night!

A new twist on pizza night! Homemade arugula and onion pizza. We used a pre-made whole wheat dough from Trader Joes, topped with pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese (soy preferred) and chopped onion. When it was done baking we topped with baby arugula. Tasty! We served with a side salad as well just to get extra greens!

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Why More Veggies?

"Why are you vegetarian?" I get that question every once in awhile. I like to take a passive approach in my explanation as opposed to my husband. He once blurted out at a wedding reception dinner table that "meat is murder" as the other guests at the table began to eat their tender loin or chicken . I slowly shrunk down in my seat. Well, someone DID ask him the question. I never replied with "Why do you eat meat?". I assume it's just another choice that someone has made just like me. After all, it is OUR choice.
For me it happened my last semester in college when my roommate and I were innocently watching a program on HBO. Little did I know that it would change my life forever along with my eating choices. It was called "To Love or Kill: Man Versus Animals". (I have recently learned that HBO claims the documentary does not exist due to corporate flack.) INTERESTING! Well, there are plenty of other films that will give you insight to just how horrible factory farming, fur trade, etc. are. Basically ignorance IS bliss! Well, something in my heart changed the day I saw that film. It showed an interesting perspective on the subject: first, just how well some
animals are treated and then just how horribly horrific many are treated. It shows the pet industry with plush doggie daycares, cancer treatment centers for pets, Buddhist monks sweeping the steps all day as to not step on an insect and the sacred cows of India in the Hindu tradition. On the flip side, it takes you to the downed cow at a factory farm, the chicken getting it's beak cut clear off while alive and a cat being skinned alive for its fur in scalding water- that's the one that got me. A cat being skinned alive. I still remember its eyes. It is an image I wish I could erase. Who could do that to a living being? Who? At that moment it was like a massive rush came over me seeing ALL living, breathing beings as one. Capable of suffering and pain. Doesn't EVERY being have a right NOT to suffer? Don't we have the responsibility to make the RIGHT CHOICES? That is all we can do- make the right choices.
My platform here is to really try and take a positive approach. If everyone just started small, exploring more vegetarian options each week, shopped locally and supported their local farmers it could begin to make a difference. Boycott the fast food joints- I promise nothing about them is good for you or you family and it might only taste good because most likely it has been injected with flavoring. Take a stand, challenge factory farming and mystery foods. Think about the future environment and health issues. It is all linked together. Most of all, be happy! Be positive! Have fun with fresh foods, enjoy their tastes and all they have to offer.
Why vegetarian? Why not?
Thanks for taking the time to listen.....

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Black Bean Cakes with Mango and Avocado Salsa




















I have been craving these since last summer! It's a great warm weather dish with the mango and all. I used one can of black beans but should have used two. One can only yielded five cakes and we wanted more! I also
sliced the tip of my thumb open on the jagged lid of the can after cutting it open! Ouch! I think I needed stitches, oh well. Be careful! Anyway, I rinsed and drained the beans after keeping myself from fainting and applying a couple of band aids. I then coursely mashed the beans with a big fork until they started to stick together. I added chopped onion, cilantro, a teaspoon of cumin, a little soy milk and salt and pepper. I formed them into balls then into half inch patties and covered with breadcrumbs.
For the salsa I cut up avocado, onion, more cilantro and mango. (Actually, Mike cut up the mango because I was being a big baby at this point because my finger hurt and I couldn't hold the knife and cut the mango) Thanks Mike! Some lemon juice was added as well. I cooked the cakes in a frying pan with some olive oil until browned on both sides. For a final touch chopped cilantro was sprinkled over top of the cakes and salsa! They were well worth getting my finger sliced! Yes, they're THAT good!

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Scrumptious Tofu Scramble


















This is a great breakfast dish but we had it for dinner! (My husband calls that "Brinner") I used one block of firm tofu, squeezed of excess water and patted dry. I heated olive oil in my pan and sauteed chopped onion and grated carrot with turmeric (a beautiful yellow spice) and salt and pepper. After the veggies softened just a bit, I crumbled the tofu in my hands right over the pan and mixed until all ingredients were blended. I added chopped parsley right before I removed from pan and into serving bowls. I decided to add veggie sausage pieces right into the scramble which I had heated up in a separate pan. (I used a frozen variety like Morning Star Brand) We served with slices of crusty artisan bread. Yum.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Open Faced Avocado and White Bean Spread Sandwich

















Ingredients:

Artisan Loaf of Bread
Avocado
Sprouts
White Beans (we used canned)
Olive Oil
Onion
Salt and Pepper

I was going to make it-but then I got busy so my husband Michael did all the work! Just mash the beans and olive oil with a fork in a bowl. Smear the bean spread onto a sliced piece of bread. Add sprouts, onion, avocado slices and salt and pepper. Easy and delicious! I wanted to take photos of us eating it because it was really quite messy! You'll need a fork for this one because it kind of falls all over the place. We joked about how it would be awful food for a first date or for a dinner party since it was getting all over our faces and mouths and sprouts between our teeth! But darn it's tasty! We didn't care because we've been together so long that we're beyond impressing each other! (Except of course when we're making a fabulous new recipe in the kitchen!)

Friday, April 23, 2010

Quinoa and Black Bean Quesadillas






















Quinoa, pronounced "keen-wa" is a grain that really packs the protein and it's so tasty! These untraditional
quesadillas are delicious! I put down a wheat tortilla in a hot skillet and added cooked quinoa, heated black beans (from a can) and grated pepper jack cheese as shown in the picture. I then added another tortilla on top,
flipped once to brown both sides and to allow the cheese to melt just slightly. Cut into quarters with a pizza cutter and serve with either salsa, soy sour cream or guacamole!


The "Elvis" Smoothie (Peanut Butter and Banana)


So "The King" liked his fried peanut butter and banana sandwiches... I prefer them not fried on nice soft wheat bread OR....as a smoothie! I used a couple of frozen bananas, some soy milk, ice and a generous spoonful of creamy natural peanut butter. My one year old approved as seen wearing a smoothie mustache....
What can I say, "I'm All Shook Up!"

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Moisturizing Avocado Mask

Never waste an over ripe avocado again! Either make guacamole, a smoothie or this refreshing and very moisturizing face mask. Just mash a very ripe avocado until very creamy and apply generously to your face and neck. Leave on for 15 minutes then rinse. Or if it's before bedtime just tissue off the excess avocado and go to sleep. The vitamins and oils will go to work while you sleep and you will wake up feeling at least 5 years younger!

Baked Tofu

Easy AND tasty!
I used extra firm tofu, squeezed out excess water and cut into half inch slices. I coated the bottom of a glass baking dish with soy sauce, water, chopped shallots and minced garlic. I then arranged the tofu slices in the dish and added juice from a lemon right on top along with salt and fresh ground pepper. I let marinate for a couple of hours since I had the time before cooking. You could probably get away with marinating for less time. I flipped the tofu once while marinating. I then baked for 50 minutes at 375 degrees and served hot right out of the oven with fresh sauteed spinach
and whole wheat couscous. Yum yum.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Nori Rolls (Vegetarian Sushi)



















These are just delightful and easy! I was the prep chef and simply
chopped all of my raw ingredients into small long slices. I used
carrots, green onion, avocado, cucumbers and ginger. You could also use radishes and cabbage.
Mike then meticulously rolled the ingredients with the nori sheets.
(Dried seaweed) You can find it at most health food and specialty stores. Once rolled, he cut them into 1 inch pieces and served with
ginger, wasabi and soy sauce. He also garnished with green onion. We went all out and ate with chopsticks!

Monday, April 12, 2010

Chocolate, Strawberry, Banana Smoothie

It's like a healthy banana split! Yum!
I blended chocolate soymilk, a banana, some strawberries and ice.
Stay tuned for yet another smoothie posting soon!

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Is this bad for the dishwasher?

Sometimes it is the only way I get any cooking or food prep done!
Actually he only did it a couple of times and I thought it was cute and he is "helping" to "load" the dishwasher.

Our bean stalk!

This is our bean plant! We were inspired by a story on Sesame Street the other day to plant some beans and watch them sprout! So here it is- our beanstalk! I am transferring it outdoors this weekend! It is always amazing to watch a plant grow from seed. This also makes me want to to sprout some beans for salads!

Apple, Banana and Strawberry Smoothie

Okay, this may be redundant but this was also good and had a very different flavor than just the strawberry and banana one. I just used a red apple, a banana and some strawberries with ice and soy milk. It was very "cooling"- a little birdy told me so!

Quick Tofu Salad

Use whatever greens you have in the fridge. I used fresh spinach and mixed greens. Add some pieces of baked tofu (I used Trader Joe's Baked Tofu-Savory). Grate carrots over top, drizzle with olive oil and fresh squeezed lemon. Add salt and pepper to taste. The taste of the oil, lemon, salt and pepper for dressing is so delicious and low in calories unlike many store bought dressings. It's very "summery". Yum.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Strawberry Banana Smoothie


The second in my "smoothie series": This one is good! My one year old loved it! It's rather sweet and creamy.

Blend a couple of frozen bananas (freeze them in one inch pieces-it's easier on your blender) with some strawberries, soy milk and a couple of ice cubes. Add a big red strawberry on the rim of glass for garnish! Voila!
The great thing about smoothies is that you can just add things as you go! If it's too thick add some more liquid, if it's too thin add more fruit, etc, etc. Make it just how you prefer! Experiment!

Today was in the 90's so it was perfect smoothie weather!

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Quick "No Fuss" Veggie Wrap


This is such a quick and healthy meal! You can pretty much just chop up anything you have in the fridge and wrap it up! I made mine with cold left over soy chicken strips, raw spinach, spring mix, chopped scallion, grated carrots, some lemon juice and salt and pepper. I wrapped in a multigrain wrap, served with some fresh fruit and a whole scallion. Fresh herbs such as cilantro, basil or chives would be great to use on a wrap like this!
Happy wrapping!