tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73356305285002431392024-03-04T23:44:37.894-08:00Vegan AwesomeVe.gan_Awe.some [vee-gan_ah-sum]- adjective
1. To be a vegan and to also be awesome
2. To exude awesomeness in a vegan sort of way
3. To show others how awesome vegans can be through the art of being awesomeBrandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16820646338799580069noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7335630528500243139.post-34256018948743458772010-07-22T17:03:00.000-07:002010-07-22T17:09:21.612-07:00Hot Summertime = Cool Raw Soups<div><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" ><span class="ecx615050915-22072010">The <a href="http://www.vitamix.com/index.asp">Vita-Mix</a> has opened up a whole new world of simplicity and ease. We finally invested in one and couldn't be happier with what we've got in return: a powerful blender that we use to make an assortment of awesomeness every day.<br /><br /></span></span></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" ><span class="ecx615050915-22072010"></span></span> </div> <div><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" ><span class="ecx615050915-22072010">One thing we've been making a lot of, during these drenchingly hot summer days, is raw soup. Cool, fresh, and light, these soups really hit the spot and cool the brow. I usually serve them alongside the ubiquitious kale salad. It makes for a filling, interesting, and light dinner. It's also hella nutritious.<br /><br /></span></span></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" ><span class="ecx615050915-22072010"></span></span> </div> <div><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" ><span class="ecx615050915-22072010">Last night, we made <a href="http://kristensraw.blogspot.com/2007/09/kristen-suzannes-harvest-soup.html">Kristin Suzanne's Harvest Soup</a>, served with a side of kale salad.</span></span></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilw3IcEVxiMHXhvzAkrlaL_bUmPNkqO2UBAgfuM_0c_-X8Ch3ic0jRE6PU1V3SLxvVb5DvlWLhqjUHeie-CZSnf1uUYJfrOhHIrGZi40zfDlnkJV0g7Ybsybu7RWpr67XVXc7y0zdVYR4E/s1600/Kale+and+soup.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilw3IcEVxiMHXhvzAkrlaL_bUmPNkqO2UBAgfuM_0c_-X8Ch3ic0jRE6PU1V3SLxvVb5DvlWLhqjUHeie-CZSnf1uUYJfrOhHIrGZi40zfDlnkJV0g7Ybsybu7RWpr67XVXc7y0zdVYR4E/s400/Kale+and+soup.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496886249862853138" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYYVF55lPvoe1mau19P85biU7ywgByxZRj6uT11JMe-f-w24AnEtY3Cjwquo3BDwC41kk3z9CSuI9bjVs-dAGLKDI8DBOrM2uJtXxyjNqPqhmEmGl7Rtn1kwYQQsZl8kaelucsEruSUlut/s1600/Kale.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYYVF55lPvoe1mau19P85biU7ywgByxZRj6uT11JMe-f-w24AnEtY3Cjwquo3BDwC41kk3z9CSuI9bjVs-dAGLKDI8DBOrM2uJtXxyjNqPqhmEmGl7Rtn1kwYQQsZl8kaelucsEruSUlut/s400/Kale.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496886233848934322" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" ><span class="ecx615050915-22072010">It was lovely. The soup was flavorful and filling. We topped it with some chopped tomato and the other half of our avocado. It has definitely earned a spot in our raw soup rotation now.<br /><br /></span></span></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" ><span class="ecx615050915-22072010"></span></span> </div> <div><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" ><span class="ecx615050915-22072010">I highly suggest making some raw soup, even if you don't have the fantastic Vita-Mix. There are plenty of blender friendly recipes out there to experiment with.<br /><br /></span></span></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" ><span class="ecx615050915-22072010"></span></span> </div> <div><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" ><span class="ecx615050915-22072010">I wanted to leave you with a few articles that I've found interesting this week:<br /><br /></span></span></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" ><span class="ecx615050915-22072010"></span></span> </div> <div><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" ><span class="ecx615050915-22072010">"The Yoga Mogul" <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/25/magazine/25Yoga-t.html?_r=1&hp" target="_blank">http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/25/magazine/25Yoga-t.html?_r=1&hp</a><br /><br /></span></span></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" ><span class="ecx615050915-22072010">"Well, Is it Organic or Not? <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/15/fashion/15skin.html?_r=2&ref=health" target="_blank">http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/15/fashion/15skin.html?_r=2&ref=health</a><br /><br /></span></span></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" ><span class="ecx615050915-22072010">"Eating Synthetic Animals" <a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/food/archive/2010/06/eating-synthetic-animals/58930/" target="_blank">http://www.theatlantic.com/food/archive/2010/06/eating-synthetic-animals/58930/</a></span></span></div> <div> </div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16945948976883745242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7335630528500243139.post-89725126800042627262010-07-20T18:07:00.000-07:002010-07-20T18:15:33.598-07:00"It's a Personal Choice" - Rethinking an Old Standby<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x306/playboys_charm/947748950745.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x306/playboys_charm/947748950745.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I admit it. In conversations about my veganism, I sometimes take the easy road - the simpler explanation, the easier-to-swallow discussion, the quick dismissal of the conversation when it reaches a level of discomfort.<br /> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style="">In a conversation with someone about my veganism, I’ve been known to say something very peaceful and non-confrontational, along the lines of “It’s really a personal choice. I don’t care what other people do.” Usually, this puts me in a safe place where I don’t appear to be pushy and the other person can walk away without thinking too much about what I’ve said.<br /></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style="">It’s a crutch I fall back on all the time, because I’m a non-confrontational person. I don’t really like having an argument or discussion about animal rights all the time, so I cop out sometimes. </p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style="">I used to think that there wasn’t anything wrong with this statement. And maybe there isn’t, but for me lately, I’ve been rethinking my position on this common statement of mine.</p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style="">When a person supports factory farms (or small farms), they are making a choice. That much is true. The statement itself is not incorrect. It technically is a choice that people in society make. But when I say “it’s a personal choice,” I give an impression. I’m indicating eating animals is something that can be done casually.<br /></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style="">In reality, the way animals are treated on factory farms is horrific. By saying “it’s a personal choice,” I downgrade what is truly at stake here - the life of living, breathing beings – to a casual choice. I present the body of an animal as something a human can carelessly choose to destroy or not to destroy. It is not a casual thing. It is desperate, painful, and charged with feeling. By reducing it to a simple “choice,” I rob the situation of the truth, while reinforcing the status-quo.</p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style="">By not taking a moment to feel uncomfortable and really talk about what I truly believe, I let a chance slip by where I can really make people rethink their stance.<br /></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style="">I don’t have to be crazy, confrontational, or angry. I could just be up front and honest. Instead of lying and saying, “I don’t care what other people do,” (I do care) I can say simply, “I refuse to support or participate in the suffering and death of animals.” That statement is simple, powerful, and true.<br /><br />As much as I hate someone thinking of me as “that angry vegan,” I think I’d rather speak my truth, be a little uncomfortable, and take a stance for those ever-suffering farm animals.</p>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16945948976883745242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7335630528500243139.post-85113692902307085932010-07-17T06:58:00.000-07:002010-07-17T07:16:43.201-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSnRjpdFOREr726-ZkgznAjnb3z-tW4Yf9S1RBa3j-W0LIuLkJwTWOJP_U5K2YWUVwlbdYkW7KuemKTEgqjH53tsHcGmBzGMxeVdhIIPtOb1WUGtIO29joGlVH2zFNcufhrYF2FpEgWrjy/s1600/yoga-class.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 296px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSnRjpdFOREr726-ZkgznAjnb3z-tW4Yf9S1RBa3j-W0LIuLkJwTWOJP_U5K2YWUVwlbdYkW7KuemKTEgqjH53tsHcGmBzGMxeVdhIIPtOb1WUGtIO29joGlVH2zFNcufhrYF2FpEgWrjy/s400/yoga-class.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494878064611813346" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" ><span class="ecx580225014-01072010">Last month, I did 108 <a href="http://www.yogajournal.com/livemag/lmcontent/6">Sun Salutations</a> As (and <a href="http://www.yogajournal.com/livemag/lmcontent/7">Sun Salutation Bs</a>) in about an hour and a half. If you know what a Sun Salutation is, you may have gasped a little. If you don't know what that is, look at the videos I linked to first and then come back to this post.<br /><br /></span></span></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" ><span class="ecx580225014-01072010"></span></span> </div> <div><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" ><span class="ecx580225014-01072010">Okay, so that is a pretty intense workout, right? I thought my arms would be completely useless after my 50th <a href="http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/469">Chaturanga</a>. And they were. I was modifying my S</span></span><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" ><span class="ecx580225014-01072010">un Salutations by plopping onto the ground with a sweaty grunt and doing a half hearted <a href="http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/471">Cobra</a> instead of an <a href="http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/474">Upward Facing Dog</a>. I was prepared to have ridiculously sore arms and shoulders for at least a week.<br /><br /></span></span></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" ><span class="ecx580225014-01072010"></span></span> </div> <div><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" ><span class="ecx580225014-01072010">Surprisingly, my arms were barely sore at all. It was as if I had a moderate weight lifting day at the gym.<br /><br /></span></span></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" ><span class="ecx580225014-01072010"></span></span> </div> <div><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" ><span class="ecx580225014-01072010">The muscle group that was the most sore surprised me: my hamstrings.<br /><br /></span></span></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" ><span class="ecx580225014-01072010"></span></span> </div> <div><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" ><span class="ecx580225014-01072010">I have never had a sore muscle like this in my entire life. Seriously. I grunted in pain every time I sat down or moved a little. Walking up and down stairs was wincingly painful. The thought of stretching my hamstrings in a yoga pose made me want to throw up. My hamstrings were insanely sore for almost a full week and a half.<br /><br /></span></span></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" ><span class="ecx580225014-01072010"></span></span> </div> <div><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" ><span class="ecx580225014-01072010">Several weeks later, I could still feel the soreness, deep in the tissues of my hamstrings. I had a yoga teacher training class while my hamstrings were still sore and while we didn't focus on the hamstrings specifically, it was seriously painful. It was a full weekend of yoga, with lots of stretching. I thought that might be good for my hamstrings. It might give them a bit of a stretch after a full week of avoiding anything that might pull those tortured muscles. Then, later as I fought the urge to throw up in <a href="http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/483">Reclining Hand to Big Toe Pose</a>, I realized I was probably doing more harm than good by stretching them, even gently, even by modifying my usual poses.<br /><br /></span></span></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" ><span class="ecx580225014-01072010"></span></span> </div> <div><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" ><span class="ecx580225014-01072010">Why is it so hard for us to give our bodies the necessary time to heal? The thoughts floating around in my head were silly, if not outright ridiculous. "I'll lose all the work I've put into limbering up my hamstrings!" "Your practice will suffer!" etc, etc. I actually had to argue with my own mind to give my body the rest it needs to repair itself. The hamstrings are notoriously slow to heal. I needed to give my legs at least three weeks ("Three weeks! You'll forget how to do <a href="http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/478">Standing Forward Bend</a>!") and then I need to strengthen them with weightlifting. It'll be a long process, but it was clear my muscles were over stretched and maybe even ripped. I needed to let them heal.<br /><br /></span></span></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" ><span class="ecx580225014-01072010"></span></span> </div> <div><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" ><span class="ecx580225014-01072010">I know a lot of people, besides myself, probably fight with themselves over this same issue. We don't want to take the time to heal ourselves for fear that we'll lose the work that we've put into our chosen activity. Our minds scream that we don't need to take a break, it'll be alright, you're strong. But it's that gut feeling (you know, the throw-up reflex) that lets us know that we must let ourselves heal. We can't continue to grow as a yogi or a runner or a cyclist if we don't let our bodies rest. The poses I'm so worried about losing flexibility in have suffered tremendously because of this injury. I can't get myself in a full Standing Forward Bend if I wanted to. My hamstrings literally won't let me. Even the half Standing Forward Bend has my face scrunched up in pain.<br /><br /></span></span></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" ><span class="ecx580225014-01072010"></span></span> </div> <div><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" ><span class="ecx580225014-01072010">It's time to let myself heal and ignore the voice in my head that wants me to bend a little deeper. My hamstrings will thank me.</span></span></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16945948976883745242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7335630528500243139.post-56600171208534836052010-07-13T18:17:00.000-07:002010-07-13T18:25:57.112-07:00Heaven = Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJzXpLLCikm1fx91MS3URgTBb2KbbleavzjYpW9IzctMRv6qIZsLftdbb4yMXLh6t9ttEgOGZu7VHwbC_-yIgjWVH9kv2b1FBoapPE3hhiAUkdyxsSEEU1mJtH4fu9ZAwxSdb9BOyL-TfC/s1600/Cupcakes+3.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJzXpLLCikm1fx91MS3URgTBb2KbbleavzjYpW9IzctMRv6qIZsLftdbb4yMXLh6t9ttEgOGZu7VHwbC_-yIgjWVH9kv2b1FBoapPE3hhiAUkdyxsSEEU1mJtH4fu9ZAwxSdb9BOyL-TfC/s400/Cupcakes+3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493566030794389458" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;color:#800080;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;color:#000000;">When I watched <a href="http://www.chefchloe.com/">Chef Chloe</a> sweep the Cupcake Wars episode she competed on, I knew I had to make one of her cupcakes. Luckily, she generously <a href="http://chefchloeblog.weebly.com/1/post/2010/06/first-vegan-to-win-on-the-food-network.html">posted up the recipe</a> for her winning cupcakes. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have been able to try what ended up being the best cupcakes (vegan or otherwise) I have had to date.<br /></span></span> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;color:#800080;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;color:#000000;">She has two of her other winning cupcake recipes up and around the Internets – <a href="http://www.vegnews.com/web/articles/page.do?pageId=2260&catId=11">Chocolate Orange</a> and <a href="http://chefchloeblog.weebly.com/1/post/2010/06/new-winning-recipe-raspberry-tiramisu-cupcakes.html">Raspberry Tiramisu</a>. These look a smidgen more difficult than the Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes. </span></span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;color:#800080;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;color:#000000;">I decided to do the easiest one first and if it was good, then I’d try the rest. I tend to trust only a few vegan bakers, namely <a href="http://www.theppk.com/">Isa Chandra Moskowitz</a>, and if it’s not her recipe, I look at it with suspicion.<br /><br />After baking these delicious pretties, Chloe makes my short list of vegan bakers I trust. I’m definitely making the rest of her cupcakes!</span></span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;color:#800080;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;color:#000000;"> </span></span></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU8YqdzW0a5E7xRFRBRQtS3oy2gTEMk-atDUDhQxAzYxsCv2TAeUrP5WDntvfTC82ZajBK30fiuUxupBUF71x4mOgCrnh7h-44PLrPYfDUhUMxkaVrdHkmFFqT1eqYJx_lfC8GkMKzsEhe/s1600/Cupcakes+1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU8YqdzW0a5E7xRFRBRQtS3oy2gTEMk-atDUDhQxAzYxsCv2TAeUrP5WDntvfTC82ZajBK30fiuUxupBUF71x4mOgCrnh7h-44PLrPYfDUhUMxkaVrdHkmFFqT1eqYJx_lfC8GkMKzsEhe/s400/Cupcakes+1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493565556468127666" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;color:#800080;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;color:#000000;">I made the frosting with coconut oil, which was a first for me. It turned out well, with a sweet, slightly coconut taste. I had to omit the espresso, because I couldn’t find it and I wasn’t in the mood to go on a search. I don’t believe I missed it at all.</span></span> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;color:#800080;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;color:#000000;"> </span></span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;color:#800080;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;color:#000000;">The only word of warning I’d like to give about these cupcakes is that the strawberry slices tend to get watery after they sit around for a day or two, causing the frosting to melt and the cupcake to get a little soggy. I’d either leave the strawberry off until serving time or eat them all in one sitting.</span></span></p>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16945948976883745242noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7335630528500243139.post-38140328832930335592010-07-11T07:33:00.000-07:002010-07-11T07:58:15.722-07:00Vegan Junk Food: Tofurky Pizza Review<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDi2-v3tR-YR8ItmvYAenyg6vIuldPQV7HVUMm3z_Mp-HpvpZfzpd-DDopSs_0sS0B_T5vvQBZjJKX_jzi_D7RChkmxZW4qYcpBn_dW9UMmcdF_yxCcYT86nwAEQh2XubXpryda7zlCfeF/s1600/P7050062.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDi2-v3tR-YR8ItmvYAenyg6vIuldPQV7HVUMm3z_Mp-HpvpZfzpd-DDopSs_0sS0B_T5vvQBZjJKX_jzi_D7RChkmxZW4qYcpBn_dW9UMmcdF_yxCcYT86nwAEQh2XubXpryda7zlCfeF/s400/P7050062.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492657094085818610" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;color:#800080;"><p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;color:#000000;">It’s official.</span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;color:#000000;">The crappy frozen pizza you loved to scarf down as a child is now vegan… and awesome.</span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;color:#000000;"><a href="http://www.tofurky.com/tofurkyproducts/pizza.html">Tofurky</a> has recently released a frozen, thin crust pizza with its faux meat and <a href="http://www.daiyafoods.com/">Daiya cheese</a>. Yes, you heard that correctly – Daiya cheese.</span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;color:#000000;">The Husband and I tried two different kinds: Pepperoni and the Italian Sausage with Fire-roasted Veggies. We didn't try the last variation, Cheese Pizza.<br /></span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;color:#000000;">On both pizzas the crust is very thin and crispy, so it yields to the strong flavors of the Tofurky “meats” and the Daiya cheese. </span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;color:#000000;">The Roasted Vegetable and Sausage Pizza had a respectable amount of thinly chopped veggies (mostly peppers), which held their own in the flavor department. The sausage was crumbled in small pieces and had a wonderful flavor. I’m not normally a fan of Tofurky sausages. (I don’t think they taste the best. I’m a Field Roast fan.) Yet, somehow, they really worked in combination with the other flavors present. The Daiya cheese was the perfect backdrop to the rest of the pizza. It tasted just like it should – perfectly cheesy. </span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;color:#000000;">The Pepperoni Pizza tasted like… pepperoni pizza. It was pretty amazing actually. It tasted like what you remember frozen pepperoni pizza tasting like. The Daiya and the pepperoni worked together fantastically in this pizza.</span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;color:#000000;">Overall, I’d say Tofurky’s new pizzas fill a much needed gap in the vegan junk food department. The Husband always says that, for whatever reason, he misses junky, frozen pizza most of all from his pre-vegan days. I suspect many others feel the same. I wasn’t ever a huge fan of frozen pizza, but I am a huge fan of Tofurky’s new pizzas. They are a perfect, light easy dinner alongside a crispy salad.<br /></span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;color:#000000;">These aren’t in many stores yet. We found them at our favorite health food store in Maryland when we were up there visiting for the 4rth of July. We put them in a container with ice for the road trip home. If you don’t see them in your local health food freezer, make sure to put in a request for them to carry the new Tofurky Pizzas.</span></p></span>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16945948976883745242noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7335630528500243139.post-59080924534536662262010-07-08T18:22:00.000-07:002010-07-08T18:27:23.119-07:00Exercise Makes You Smarter<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy8jCYTSvqebc5rs0Gr1z_9HPbDrDDyHbEnvKJGWwIc8Zt-AraUUHPKmsP5Bk-M8A-SFWMIJIMiz2E0fJGmmqnO11Ak9-eguArZ6AJutcL2orCzmZNRCJD-Vqofehb9Zvn76zZAZT4hplt/s1600/neuron.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy8jCYTSvqebc5rs0Gr1z_9HPbDrDDyHbEnvKJGWwIc8Zt-AraUUHPKmsP5Bk-M8A-SFWMIJIMiz2E0fJGmmqnO11Ak9-eguArZ6AJutcL2orCzmZNRCJD-Vqofehb9Zvn76zZAZT4hplt/s400/neuron.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491711548815760626" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;color:#800080;"><span class="ecx882061013-07072010">Yesterday, the <a href="http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/07/07/your-brain-on-exercise/?ref=health">NY Times Well Blog</a> cites a study showing that exercise increases the production of neurons in our brains, thus improving thinking. Apparently, our brains have bone-morphogenetic proteins (BMP) that control, or often destroy, the growth of new brain cells. Exercise increases the amount of a brain protein, awesomely called Noggin, that cuts BMP production by up to 50%. Thus, allowing the growth of more brain cells. The article points out that there is some questions still remaining about how too much Noggin or too much BMP might cause some craziness in the brain, but it seems like exercise won't create an overabundance of Noggin, even if you run for hours.<br /><br /></span></span> <div><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;color:#800080;"><span class="ecx882061013-07072010"></span></span> </div> <div><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;color:#800080;"><span class="ecx882061013-07072010">I think this is fascinating stuff. It seems to me that our bodies are genetically equipped to reward us for movement. I mean, think about it. Our ancestors had to move around all the time just to survive. It makes sense that our brains are wired to reward us for all that exertion by making us smarter.<br /><br />I'm definitely not a scientist, but it makes me wonder if our brains adapted to all the movement we had to do, creating more brain cells, making us smarter and helping us survive and procreate.<br /><br /></span></span></div> <div><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;color:#800080;"><span class="ecx882061013-07072010"></span></span> </div> <div><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;color:#800080;"><span class="ecx882061013-07072010">If nothing else, this news really reinforces a commitment to working out. That can be a new mantra as you sweat away on a run or on your bike: Create more Noggin!</span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;color:#800080;"><span class="ecx882061013-07072010"></span></span></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16945948976883745242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7335630528500243139.post-85320489233706407342010-07-06T18:24:00.000-07:002010-07-06T18:32:44.318-07:00Patience is a Garden<div><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;color:#800080;"><span class="ecx580225014-01072010">I know it's been a ridiculously long time since I last posted. I tend to get the blogging blues. I run out of things to say or I get discouraged at the concept of all my words and pictures languishing unread and unappreciated. Thus, the long time between posts. I come back determined to write regularly about the things that are important to me - veganism, food, yoga, and health. So, hopefully, I can keep it up for real this time.<br /><br /></span></span></div> <div> </div> <div><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;color:#800080;"><span class="ecx580225014-01072010">Like my gently sprouting resolve to write more on this blog, The Husband and I have planted a new garden.<br /><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL0YgTrS-rlIlmFvCS8yy4jCFScUqO_b-jVEM-8bvQWXvi1q3CLOZhwRSkJ2uDYJ4rQrBRShqHk5GCIq8qXAr4jC9xV8m15Tl4GF9Zuyx_dqo0NYCLfqmz0VDKbGhs7fGDvfv4boKwwjld/s1600/P6060015.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL0YgTrS-rlIlmFvCS8yy4jCFScUqO_b-jVEM-8bvQWXvi1q3CLOZhwRSkJ2uDYJ4rQrBRShqHk5GCIq8qXAr4jC9xV8m15Tl4GF9Zuyx_dqo0NYCLfqmz0VDKbGhs7fGDvfv4boKwwjld/s400/P6060015.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490969772895175730" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:78%;">This is when we first planted the garden. We were so proud!<br /><br /></span></span></div><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;color:#800080;"><span class="ecx580225014-01072010">Our backyard was completely and sadly unkempt when we first moved in, so we decided to fix it up and grow some food. This summer is our test garden. We didn't plant a lot, being totally gardening newbies. We slaved away in the ridiculous NC humidity to clean out the backyard and force it into some semblance of order. We bought organic soil (yay for Whole Foods and their $3.99 soil) and organic veggies (once again, thanks to Whole Foods), then planted them with lots of tredipation and hope. We planted:<br /><br /></span></span></div> <div><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;color:#800080;"><span class="ecx580225014-01072010"></span></span> </div> <div><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;color:#800080;"><span class="ecx580225014-01072010">- two cucumber plants</span></span></div> <div><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;color:#800080;"><span class="ecx580225014-01072010">- three tomato plants (heirloom varieties)</span></span></div> <div><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;color:#800080;"><span class="ecx580225014-01072010">- purple jalapanos</span></span></div> <div><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;color:#800080;"><span class="ecx580225014-01072010">- yellow bell peppers<br /><br /></span></span></div> <div><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;color:#800080;"><span class="ecx580225014-01072010"></span></span> </div> <div><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;color:#800080;"><span class="ecx580225014-01072010">So far, we have yet to kill any of them. Although it is still early. Our purple jalapanos plant has actually produced. The pepper is adorable and looks like an itty-bitty eggplant.<br /><br /></span></span></div> <div><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;color:#800080;"><span class="ecx580225014-01072010"></span></span> </div> <div><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;color:#800080;"><span class="ecx580225014-01072010">One of the cucumber plants has grown and flowered, while the other one seems to be stunted. It hasn't really grown, but it hasn't yet died. So, hope lives on that it is just a runt.<br /><br /></span></span></div> <div><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;color:#800080;"><span class="ecx580225014-01072010"></span></span> </div> <div><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;color:#800080;"><span class="ecx580225014-01072010">The tomato plants are getting huge, but haven't yet flowered or produced. We finally got some of those little cages that keep the tomato plants from falling over. Now we just need them to get big enough to fall over...<br /><br /></span></span></div> <div><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;color:#800080;"><span class="ecx580225014-01072010"></span></span> </div> <div><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;color:#800080;"><span class="ecx580225014-01072010">The bell pepper hasn't grown much either, nor has it produced or flowered.<br /><br /></span></span></div> <div><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;color:#800080;"><span class="ecx580225014-01072010"></span></span> </div> <div><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;color:#800080;"><span class="ecx580225014-01072010">I'm so interested in the garden and check on it all the time, like by watching it closely I might catch a flower blooming or a tomato ripening. You know a watched pot never boils, so I guess a watched garden never grows! Send me patience! :)<br /></span></span></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16945948976883745242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7335630528500243139.post-22200365206734963912010-03-13T06:14:00.000-08:002010-03-13T06:21:25.968-08:00Feminism and Veganism<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF7umZq9279CYqXEo7QXHDIAjkmmAllRCt19fgd0XH2_rUwNsvZFOmYwlHD6CTVctJANeY6FKV1xmyQdTJDetHaungd0Yn90fHHNb4O1vYKhLncLnr_fKeqUR7hvoxpuU4h63YLvv_5dO1/s1600-h/DSCN0575.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF7umZq9279CYqXEo7QXHDIAjkmmAllRCt19fgd0XH2_rUwNsvZFOmYwlHD6CTVctJANeY6FKV1xmyQdTJDetHaungd0Yn90fHHNb4O1vYKhLncLnr_fKeqUR7hvoxpuU4h63YLvv_5dO1/s400/DSCN0575.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448121989696914034" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Happy cows at <a href="http://www.animalsanctuary.org/">Poplar Spring Farm Sanctuary</a>, living out their lives for themselves.</span></span><br /> </div><p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#800080;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;color:#000000;">These are two –isms that I’m not afraid to label myself with.<br /><br />I was deeply inspired by this <a href="http://www.choosingraw.com/until-we-are-all-free-international-womens-day/">blog post by Voracious Vegan writer Tasha</a> on the <a href="http://www.choosingraw.com/">Choosing Raw website</a>. In fact, at work, before I could stop myself, I began to cry a little when she said, “As a woman and a feminist, I demand the right to protect my body from reproductive exploitation, and I want the same for all the females on earth, no matter what the species.” This really speaks to my heart as a human and as a female. </span></span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#800080;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;color:#000000;">I remember watching a documentary showing a momma cow being separated from her child. The momma was struggling to escape the grasp of the cow hand in a herculean effort to reach her child. The calf was screaming and trying to reach its mother. Of course, since they were in a factory farm, they ended up being separated in the most rough, cruelly inhumane way possible. </span></span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#800080;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;color:#000000;">The insanity is that these things happen every day, every minute. The sheer amount of pain and grief that goes into a single glass of milk is so mind-boggling that it defies description. A female cow is forcibly impregnated, then her children are separated from her practically at birth, and, if male, are sent to be raised as veal, or, if female, are raised to endure the same perpetual grief as her mother.<br /><br />How is it possible that in this day and age people simply accept that things like this happen? So that they can have an endless waterfall of milk? Insanity! Of course, the exploitation of female (and male!) animals does not begin and end at milk production, but for some reason the production of this particular food stuff speaks to me as a woman and I find it a fitting example the correlation between feminism and veganism.<br /></span></span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#800080;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;color:#000000;"><a href="http://www.choosingraw.com/until-we-are-all-free-international-womens-day/">Tasha</a> describes my beliefs much more eloquently than I can. I encourage you to read her post and think about the connections between veganism and feminism. Her words thoroughly describe the powerful correlations between women’s struggle and the struggle that our farm animals face everyday. She talks about it with such passion and clarity that her words will speak to your very soul.<br /></span></span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#800080;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;color:#000000;">It is things like this that reinforce my choices. I’m grateful for the reminder, even if it brings me to tears at work. However, it also makes me want to run outside and yell the truth out to everyone, grabbing people by the shoulders and yelling at them to see the truth. Yet, at the same time, it also makes me want to give up, curl up in a ball, and cry, cry, cry. If you, like me, can’t bring yourself to the intense, in-your-face-activism of many vegan organizations, but you want to do something for the plight of these animals; please read my <a href="http://beveganawesome.blogspot.com/2009_02_01_archive.html">post here on being an example of vegan awesomeness</a>. It’s not as action oriented as many approaches, but it is a different take on the usual kinds of activism and I feel like it can be very successful in its own way, especially when it is consciously directed.</span></span></p>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16945948976883745242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7335630528500243139.post-31040387863264478552010-03-01T15:37:00.000-08:002010-03-01T15:47:44.485-08:00An Ode to Winter SquashRich in Vitamins A (well over 100% of your daily intake) and Vitamins C, as well as anti-cancer fighting phyto-nutrients, winter squash (like butternut and acorn) are delicious and exceptionally <a href="http://www.peertrainer.com/DFcaloriecounterB.aspx?id=2856">healthy</a>. Take advantage of the overabundance of these wonderful root vegetables during this never-ending winter and let those nutrients nourish your body while tempting your palate.<br /><br />If you haven’t already purchased <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Vegan-Soul-Kitchen-Creative-African-American/dp/0738212288">Bryant Terry’s Vegan Soul Food Kitchen</a>, then you absolutely must buy it. It is full of painstakingly detailed recipes that are clearly made with skill and a love of southern food.<br /><br />For example, his Butternut Squash and Bartlett Pear Soup is simple to make, drop dead gorgeous, and astoundingly delicious.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQfhGknkcacSr1DCSbqTYApgPGbrXbNjGxSq9ci-Pd6iJa0fesh1VuMfcgwU-UdUWR7aElqq1VCSXC8QO5g-F3V3qnZoidvITe5bnrw0OgZ1NGxSYFjUf__vJqkC1whZTubupGK7GELYxx/s1600-h/P2160016.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQfhGknkcacSr1DCSbqTYApgPGbrXbNjGxSq9ci-Pd6iJa0fesh1VuMfcgwU-UdUWR7aElqq1VCSXC8QO5g-F3V3qnZoidvITe5bnrw0OgZ1NGxSYFjUf__vJqkC1whZTubupGK7GELYxx/s400/P2160016.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443814445626612018" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Bryant Terry’s Butternut Squash and Bartlett Pear Soup</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I copied it here for ease, but you can also find it at the Vegetarian Times recipe database <a href="http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/11134?section=">here</a>.</span><br /><br />3 Tbs. olive oil<br />2 medium leeks, white and tender green parts finely chopped (3 cups)<br />1 small butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces (2 lb.)<br />3 Bartlett pears, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch pieces (11/2 lb.)<br />5 cups low-sodium vegetable broth<br />1 14-oz. can light coconut milk<br />1 tsp. chopped fresh thyme<br />Pumpkin seeds for garnish, optional<br /><br />Heat oil in saucepan over medium-low heat. Add leeks, and cook 10 minutes, or until soft, stirring often.<br /><br />Add squash and pears, and sauté 5 minutes. Stir in vegetable broth, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, and add salt, if desired. Simmer 20 minutes, or until squash is fork-tender.<br /><br />Remove from heat, and stir in coconut milk. Purée soup in batches in blender or food processor, or use immersion blender in saucepan; blend until smooth. Return soup to saucepan, and stir in thyme. Reheat over medium-low heat 2 to 3 minutes, or until warmed through. Season with salt and white pepper, if desired. Serve garnished with pumpkin seeds, if using.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4uMgwe_ZvoFgzbMDECd_Eq2yWM9_Qvz_LFDewSeCNmyDNp_RBYGPKqmS0BzWguDXOnEmYrrIZ63Bynegs-XMK6shj4jQxtejChOpJoz22lJO-V-99SCN1pmnKrzIHpGi9yqu2O5nyry5S/s1600-h/P2190018.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4uMgwe_ZvoFgzbMDECd_Eq2yWM9_Qvz_LFDewSeCNmyDNp_RBYGPKqmS0BzWguDXOnEmYrrIZ63Bynegs-XMK6shj4jQxtejChOpJoz22lJO-V-99SCN1pmnKrzIHpGi9yqu2O5nyry5S/s400/P2190018.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443814456215784594" border="0" /></a>If you’re looking for an even simpler way to enjoy a winter squash, simply have it as a side dish for dinner. Try this quick and easy recipe and you’ll be full Vitamins A and C before you know it.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 0, 51);">Maple Glazed Acorn Squash Halves</span><br /><br />1 acorn squash, cut in half with seeds scooped out<br />1 tsp – 1 T maple syrup<br /><br />Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Coat the acorn squash (the inside, not the outside) with maple syrup and bake for 45 minutes or until the squash can be pierced with a fork.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);">Maple Cinnamon Quinoa Stuffed Squash Halves</span><br /><br />If you are feeling decadent, then you can stuff the acorn squash with quinoa for a level-7 vegan dish!<br /><br />1 Cup of Quinoa<br />2 Cups water<br />½ - 1 tsp cinnamon (or more if you want it!)<br />1 Tb maple sryup<br /><br />Additional add-ins – raisins or cranberries, sliced almonds or chopped pecans<br /><br />Follow the directions above for Maple Glazed Acorn Squash Halves. Once the acorn squash is in the oven, bring the water to a boil. Add the quinoa. Let it simmer for 15 -20 minutes until the water is completely absorbed. Add the maple syrup and cinnamon – and any additional add-ins you’d like in your stuffing. When the squash is almost done (8-10 minutes or so), pull it out of the oven and add the stuffing. Bake until squash is completely finished.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">A Restaurant Review – <a href="http://www.butternutsquashrestaurant.com/"><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">Butternut Squash</span></a></span><a href="http://www.butternutsquashrestaurant.com/"> </a><br /><br />Lastly, in the theme of squash, I’d like to do a quick restaurant review. In Chapel Hill, NC there is an adorable vegetarian restaurant tucked away near the UNC campus. Its name is… wait for it… Butternut Squash. We were excited to try it out, but had been warned that many of its food items were bland. We decided to give it a go anyway and, I’m glad we did, because we were pleasantly surprised by the food.<br /><br />We started off with the Tempeh Hot Wings with an avocado sauce. These were deliciously spicy, thick chunks of tempeh. We truly enjoyed them. Then Brandon ordered the Indian curry dish. Piled high with thickly sliced veggies and covered in a delicately spiced tomato curry, it was delicious. I had the house salad without feta, which had pan seared butternut squash, sweet potatoes, and pears. It was good, but not big. I wouldn’t recommend it for a dinner. Along with a soup or a few bites of your husband’s dish, it will fill you up though. All in all, I give Butternut Squash a big thumbs up! It was simple, delicate flavors, but it definitely wasn’t bland.<br /><br />I'm sorry there were no pictures. I'm terrible at remembering to take pictures in restaurants!<br /><br />I hope you enjoyed all the squash talk this week and I hope you find yourself enjoying one and reaping all the lung healthy benefits of Vitamin A and beta-carotene.Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16945948976883745242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7335630528500243139.post-80979239687517928662010-02-20T07:17:00.000-08:002010-02-20T07:28:06.835-08:00Sandwiches in Simplicity<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd73awJDPDes1Cmm9J4s_a0osMyLTn3x9x9z70GzOSW4J3It9mKlcdN9zo8cMb_fjsd0xP18HojWAAHS1DhXbTQ7_v4irKnDiNxu-zZuAQkz655SaRs9HzMov5KzCYVr621tZhkodR2-I3/s1600-h/P2150011.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd73awJDPDes1Cmm9J4s_a0osMyLTn3x9x9z70GzOSW4J3It9mKlcdN9zo8cMb_fjsd0xP18HojWAAHS1DhXbTQ7_v4irKnDiNxu-zZuAQkz655SaRs9HzMov5KzCYVr621tZhkodR2-I3/s400/P2150011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440345953881975346" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Veggie Hummus sandwich pictured here with the best hummus ever (a local brand) and a delicious Earth Fare vegan cookie</span><br /> </div><p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >A good sandwich can heavenly. The disparate flavors and textures unite together to create a unique flavor experience. There is something simple, satisfying, and down-right magical about a well-made sandwich. It never fails to be an exciting meal for me; maybe because I don’t have it that often.<br /><br />My favorite sandwiches have grown even simpler since I’ve gone vegan. The ingredients have dropped to a few fresh, healthy items that work together to create a delicious mix of flavors and textures. Many people like a complicated sandwich, piled high with faux meats and condiments. Now, there is nothing wrong with that, but I prefer a more uncomplicated sandwich.<br /></span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >Here are three of my favorite sandwich combinations. Be warned, they are basically the same sandwich with slight alterations. The good thing is, if you are a piler-on of condiments and faux meats, my sandwiches might just be a good starter for you. If you, like me, like an unassuming sandwich - light on the belly and full of flavor - then these babies are for you.<br /></span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><b style=""><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">Adapted “Vegan Powerhouse”</span></span></span></b><br /><br /><i style=""><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">In Columbia, MD, there is this <a href="http://www.davidsnaturalmarket.com/common/news/store_news.asp?task=store_news&SID_store_news=49&storeID=CF1D83C59A914DEEB1F49F78C9BE5747&RedirShopperID=">adorable café inside David’s Natural Market</a>. Their Vegan Powerhouse sandwich is my absolute favorite. I can’t seem to match the exact awesomeness of this sandwich, but I try. I don’t make it a lot because I don’t buy faux cheese a lot, but sometimes I get that craving and I gotta have it!</span></span></span></i></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >2 slices of sprouted grain bread (or whatever bread you love)</span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >1 slice of vegan cheese</span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >Vegan mayo to taste</span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >Tomato</span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >Alfalfa sprouts, lots of it (this is the best part of the sandwich)</span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >Lettuce</span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >Italian seasoning to taste (optional)</span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" > </span></p> <br /><p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><b style=""><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">Avocado Alfalfa Sandwich</span></span></span></b><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" > </span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><i style=""><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">Starting to see a pattern? Do I have an alfalfa sprout obsession or what?</span></span></span></i><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" > </span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >2 slices of sprouted grain bread (or whatever bread you love)</span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >½ an avocado, sliced</span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >Vegan mayo to taste</span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >Tomato</span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >Alfalfa sprouts, lots of it (this is the best part of the sandwich)</span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >Lettuce</span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" > </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Rdborc5wYMRJuHRUkEAthRfB5q2EfEsIfbHdmLry278QifLyq7gIte8vkTjCnIBFQ0eTprC9RjatJtQpbYzHQ6mZS8xLHUfZtuvnYVLuln0duhcLt6RvzHaWbwg_vmFVMBExqaJGkw-p/s1600-h/P2150007.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Rdborc5wYMRJuHRUkEAthRfB5q2EfEsIfbHdmLry278QifLyq7gIte8vkTjCnIBFQ0eTprC9RjatJtQpbYzHQ6mZS8xLHUfZtuvnYVLuln0duhcLt6RvzHaWbwg_vmFVMBExqaJGkw-p/s400/P2150007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440345948754422722" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><b style=""><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size:100%;">Hummus Veggie Sandwich<span class="ecx116265216-16022010"> (pictured above)</span> or Hummus Avocado Sandwich</span></span></span></b></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i style="">I make this sandwich two different ways. Sometimes, I make it simply a hummus sandwich, but sometimes, I add an avocado<span class="ecx116265216-16022010">. Yum!</span></i></span></span></span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i style=""> </i></span></span>2 slices of sprouted grain bread (or whatever bread you love)</span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >Hummus</span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >½ an avocado, sliced (if you’re going for it)</span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >Tomato</span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >Alfalfa sprouts, lots of it (this is the best part of the sandwich)</span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >Lettuce</span></p>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16945948976883745242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7335630528500243139.post-80600416210492103582010-02-07T18:08:00.001-08:002010-02-07T18:15:14.652-08:00A Hot Cup of Chai<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglD6hEcTOJ5wBG2o94RQVn-x0h7juiVBvjpZoIYFWA8DXIr4U4vdkmqlu6gMs-UZVNhhhV9OvKzV9OcDOkIShwZjRhpGfI4OoZ80I8GA6WWpsuSSIkaQ9OjXjDxguS0Q3L7psSNrexRivk/s1600-h/P2070005.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglD6hEcTOJ5wBG2o94RQVn-x0h7juiVBvjpZoIYFWA8DXIr4U4vdkmqlu6gMs-UZVNhhhV9OvKzV9OcDOkIShwZjRhpGfI4OoZ80I8GA6WWpsuSSIkaQ9OjXjDxguS0Q3L7psSNrexRivk/s400/P2070005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435689153453770802" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">A single curl of steam curls up off of a cup of chai tea. You breathe in the spices and the warmth, hugging it close to your chest, and then you take that first sip… ahhh.<br /><br /></span><br />I love having a cup of tea. It gives me a reminder to take a few minutes to stop and breathe. Enjoying that simple moment in time reminds me to pay attention to the small things in life and not get caught up in my day-to-day worries.<br /><br />In particular, a great cup of chai tea can truly make your entire body, mind, and soul relax. Those of you who have experienced it know what I mean. Once you begin drinking chai – assuming you like the mixture of its intense spices – then you are hooked. Just a whiff of those spices mingling together can get your attention from across a room.<br /><br />Everyone has his or her favorite chai tea, and I want to share my three favorites with you.<br /><br />1. <a href="http://www.chakra4herbs.com/Chocomaya-Chai-p/bt-chocomayachai.htm">Chocomaya Chai Tea from Chakra 4 Tea</a> (pictured above)<br /><br />This stuff is insanely delicious. It is chocolately and deeply spicy, with a kick from chipotle pepper. The mix of chocolate, chai, and chipotle will knock your socks off. If you don’t live in Pheonix, AZ where this fantastic restaurant and store is, then you can order the tea off of their website, linked above. It’s pricey at $3.50 an ounce, but it is definitely worth it for an occasional treat.<br /><br />2. <a href="http://shopstashtea.com/030650.html">Stash Double Spice Chai</a><br /><br />Talk about spicy! The moment this tea hits the hot water, you’ll have people coming in droves wondering what that delicious smell is. This is the kind of tea you want to sink into. Going for only $5.45 (30 tea bags) on their website, this is a cheap indulgence. You can also find it at almost any grocery store or health food store.<br /><br />3. <a href="http://www.allannbroscoffee.com/Details.cfm?ProdID=60&category=6">Indian Chai from Allann Brother’s</a><br /><br />For those of you who like milder spices, this tea is the best! It’s a loose leaf chai that smells sweetly of spices without burning your nostrils. Allann Brother’s is a fantastic coffee company out of Oregon.<br /><br />I hope I inspired you to make a big cup of chai and relax!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16945948976883745242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7335630528500243139.post-61021991880141716472010-01-30T08:17:00.000-08:002010-01-30T08:32:54.586-08:00Smoothie Mania!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqXJOTAbz-3mHj4B1_FUFlrvusRfCsc_uf8LKNXRrxwil4xIqqmJCLRRwttz7RTNjVX9tgTXTIpQ6S_55x3wTiao1P86aluCGVPkenwu7jDgH6Z04J96On7orM6Y6QdybKhfhqCZ3RhEYc/s1600-h/P1090001.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqXJOTAbz-3mHj4B1_FUFlrvusRfCsc_uf8LKNXRrxwil4xIqqmJCLRRwttz7RTNjVX9tgTXTIpQ6S_55x3wTiao1P86aluCGVPkenwu7jDgH6Z04J96On7orM6Y6QdybKhfhqCZ3RhEYc/s400/P1090001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432568342259349474" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >I am addicted to smoothies. </span></span> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >There, I admitted it.<br /><br />I have one every morning. Usually, it’s a green smoothie – not really sweet, but bursting with greens and fruit. It is delicious, and it gives me a wonderful boost of energy for the day.<br /></span></span></p><p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >One morning, a few weeks ago, it was bitterly cold outside. We had left the heat on low the previous night, so I had been freezing all night long. I felt frozen from the inside out. I looked at my husband, who was preparing cold, cold veggies and fruit for the smoothie and I shook my head. I couldn’t even entertain the thought of putting that cold stuff in my cold belly.</span></span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;" ><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style=""> </span>“Not today. I’m having oatmeal.”</span></span></span></span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;" ><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style=""> </span>He looked at me, knowingly. “Are you sure? I think you might regret it.”</span></span></span></span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >I was absolutely certain though. I made my oatmeal mix and headed off to work, braving the cold in anticipation of warming my insides all the way through with hot, cinnamon and walnut oats<span class="ecx867420021-22012010"> once I got to work</span>. The oatmeal was good. It was even pretty good, but it was no smoothie. I missed my burst of energy. I missed the knowledge that I had ingested loads of nutrients before 9:00 a.m. I had a smoothie as soon as I got home, and it was as if all the cells in my body let out a sigh of relief. From then on, I decided that I would meet the winter coldness with a smoothie in hand.<br /><br />The moral of the story is: drink smoothies! They are an awesome way to get more greens and fruit into your diet. The energy and nutrition are contagious! If the beginning of your day is so healthy, it’s hard not to follow it with more healthy choices.<br /><br />I want to share our basic smoothie recipe as well as a couple special ones for you to try and enjoy. Just blend all the ingredients together in a blender. We have a crappy, old blender that serves us well. If you use kale and you have a cheap blender, you might have to blend a little longer to <span class="ecx867420021-22012010">smooth </span>up the <span class="ecx867420021-22012010">tough kale leaves</span>. These recipes will serve two hungry people, or four not so hungry people. I suggest doubling the recipes if you are trying to feed more than two or halving it if only feeding one.<br /></span></span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Refreshing Cucumber and Berry</span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);"></span></span></span><span style="font-style: italic;">This is the usual formula for our breakfast smoothie. Sometimes we replace the fruit with an avocado, add some celery, and have a full on veggie smoothie, but only occasionally.</span><br /></span></span></p><p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >2 bananas</span></span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >1 Cucumber, peeled<br /></span></span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >¾ Cup to 1 Cup frozen fruit (we are on a blueberry kick right now, but I any berry would be good)</span></span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >Huge handful of spinach, kale, or romaine</span></span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >1 to 1 ½ Cups Water</span></span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >2 heaping Tbs of Hemp protein powder, optional</span></span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >1-2 heaping Tbs of milled flax seed, optional</span></span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >Sweetener to taste (stevia, agave nectar, dates, etc), optional</span></span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >Handful of ice if needed</span></span></p><p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span></span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" > </span></span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Almond Butter, Apple, and Banana Smoothie</span> (Pictured at the beginning of the post)<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">We had this one for a weekend breakfast one morning and it was a thick, decadent treat.</span></span></span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >3-4 bananas, depending on size</span></span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >2 medium apples (sweet ones, not Granny Smith or the more sour apples, unless that’s your thing and then go ahead!)</span></span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >2 Tbs almond butter (or peanut butter, if that is what you have handy)</span></span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >1 Tbs milled flax seed, optional</span></span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >Sweetner to taste, (stevia, agave nectar, dates, etc.), optional</span></span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >Cinnamon, to taste, optional</span></span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >1 to 1 ½ Cups Water</span></span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >Handful of ice, if needed</span></span></p><p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><br /></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >Banana Cherry Peach Smoothie</span></span></p><p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-style: italic;">This fantastic smoothie was discovered while we were in Arizona earlier this month. The sweetness of the peaches and the sharpness of the cherries makes a delicious treat.</span><br /></span></span></p><p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >2 Bananas</span></span></p><p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >1/2 Cup frozen sweet cherries</span></span></p><p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >1/2 Cup frozen peaches</span></span></p><p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >Huge handful of spinach, kale, or romaine</span></span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >1 to 1 ½ Cups Water</span></span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >2 heaping Tbs of Hemp protein powder, optional</span></span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >1-2 heaping Tbs of milled flax seed, optional</span></span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >Sweetener to taste (stevia, agave nectar, dates, etc), optional</span></span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >Handful of ice if needed</span></span></p><p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span></span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;" >Also, the beauty of smoothies is that you have so much control. There are no rules, so you can alter these basic recipes to fit your likes and dislikes. If you don’t like bananas, replace it with cucumbers or a fruit that you do like. If you don’t like spinach, use romaine. Experiment and don’t be afraid!</span></span></p>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16945948976883745242noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7335630528500243139.post-10079523741514536882010-01-23T07:49:00.000-08:002010-01-23T08:07:22.455-08:00Arizona - Sunshine, Palm Trees, and Vegan Food<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJp637nUvPhU9KV-qB2g-JsliNKbEURGabLypsoTtGD-gVqMMJ8Io6M1RHRbhuhTiDlH3bJ9mzVF2O3ehiTWz3Wn54-cVwwEDa4LwkvG8qporAEFgsPZVjlWuBEwnHgjDS988ahneq96W5/s1600-h/P1150011.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJp637nUvPhU9KV-qB2g-JsliNKbEURGabLypsoTtGD-gVqMMJ8Io6M1RHRbhuhTiDlH3bJ9mzVF2O3ehiTWz3Wn54-cVwwEDa4LwkvG8qporAEFgsPZVjlWuBEwnHgjDS988ahneq96W5/s400/P1150011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429963387236530658" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#800080;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;color:#000000;">Imagine… palm trees swaying under bright blue skies, lemon tress fragrant and dripping with fruit, 70 degree weather, and delicious vegan food every where you turn.</span></span> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#800080;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;color:#000000;">Sounds wonderful, doesn’t it?</span></span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#800080;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;color:#000000;">I spent four lovely days enjoying these things in Pheonix, Arizona, while we visited Brandon’s aunt and uncle. It was a welcome break from the winter weather here in North Carolina. We relaxed, had great conversation, and ate <span class="ecx867420021-22012010">delicious </span>food.</span></span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#800080;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;color:#000000;">If you ever find yourself in Pheonix, I have three restaurants you absolutely have to try. I’m only sorry that I didn’t take any pictures of the food we ate<span class="ecx867420021-22012010">. W</span>e wolfed it down too quickly!<span style=""></span></span></span></p><p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#800080;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;color:#000000;"><span style=""><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><a href="http://www.chakra4herbs.com/articles.asp?id=160"><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204); font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;color:#000000;" >Chakras 4 Herb and Tea Shop</span></a><br /><br />This place is absolutely awesome. It’s tiny, but it has a nice, colorful ambiance. It’s an all vegetarian restaurant which caters to those who are vegan and who eat raw. The food is pricey, but the portions are big and the food is deliciously spicy. They have unbelievable desserts. All of us, including Brandon’s omnivorious aunt and uncle were blown away by the raw vegan cheesecake (at $9 it better be good!). I suggest you grab a steeply priced pot of their Chocomaya Chai tea with almond milk and agave (it will serve 4 people with seconds)<span class="ecx867420021-22012010">. I</span>t is wonderfully fragrant, spicy, and chocolately. Everything we tried on the menu was delicious, but if you are a greens lover like me, grab the Rawvacodo kale wrap (although it can also be a sandwich or a regular wrap if you please), and the half-size will serve you well. Any bigger and you will be totally gorged and won’t be able to get those delicious desserts. Just be prepared to spend a pretty penny here. You’ll leave with empty pockets, but a happy belly. The store itself has a ridiculous array of spices and jarred treasures for purchase, from the tea on their menu (really expensive at $3.50 an ounce!) to chia seeds and cacao nibs to grapefruit peel and basil.<span style=""></span></span></span></p><p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#800080;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;color:#000000;"><span style=""><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204); font-weight: bold;" href="http://lovinghut.us/phoenix/"><span style="font-size:100%;">Loving Hut</span></a><br /></span></span></p><p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#800080;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;color:#000000;">You’ve <span class="ecx867420021-22012010">most likely </span>seen the Supreme Master tv website popping up on random veg websites<span class="ecx867420021-22012010">; if not, check it out <a href="http://suprememastertv.com/">here</a></span>. Not only do they do global, web-based, veg-friendly television, but they also have some pretty darn good restaurants. This all vegan, asian-inspired restaurant was a big hit with everyone. We even ate there twice! The staff is friendly, the prices are reasonable, and the food is just good. Be forewarned though, that there is a lot of mock meats and soy-based items on the menu. If you don’t eat soy or you don’t like mock meats, you might not want to eat here because that makes up the majority of the menu.<a href="http://www.zpizza.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 204);"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"></span></span></a></span></span></p><p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#800080;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;color:#000000;"><a href="http://www.zpizza.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 204);"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 204);font-size:100%;color:#000000;" >Z Pizza</span></a><br /></span></span></p><p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#800080;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;color:#000000;">Don’t let the unassuming outside and Subway-esque inside fool you, this regular-looking pizza joint offers Daiya cheese! Not only that, but many of their menu items are healthy (organic, fresh, whole-wheat, etc.). They know what vegan means and they aren’t afraid to whip up a sweet, vegan pizza for you. We had a nice, casual lunch there and enjoyed every moment and every bite. I had the lovely California Salad and a California Pizza with Daiya Cheese. It<span class="ecx867420021-22012010">'</span>s affordable and filling, plus everyone – omnivore, herbivore, or carnivore – will be happy.</span></span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#800080;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;color:#000000;">With the great company and good food, I really enjoyed my sun-filled stay in Arizona. How can you not be happy in a place that has avocadoes 3 for $1? I hope that my mini-food guide will help you find some good eats when/if you visit the area.</span></span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#800080;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;color:#000000;">Also, Happy National Yoga Day! Look <a href="http://www.yogadayusa.org/">here</a> to find a studio near you who will be offering free classes. <a href="http://www.yogatoday.com">YogaToday</a> is offering a second free weekly class today, if there isn't a studio near you or you just can't seem to get out today. I wanted to go to a studio today, but staying up late last night made it pretty difficult. We'll see if I make it out or if I just do my yoga at home. Namaste!</span></span></p><p class="ecxMsoNormal" style="">Lastly, don't forget to sign up for the <a href="http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2010/01/16/vitameata-vita-mix-giveaway/">Vita-mix giveaway</a> on Chocolate-Covered Katie's blog. If you don't know what a Vita-mix is, go <a href="http://vitamix.com/">here</a> for all the details. Suffice to say, you want one - so sign up!<br /></p><p class="ecxMsoNormal" style=""><br /></p>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16945948976883745242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7335630528500243139.post-50762544029329807792010-01-09T18:17:00.000-08:002010-01-09T18:33:10.528-08:00Soup Versus SaladIcy cold temperatures across the nation are keeping us all in doors huddled over our stoves, making soup and tea in a desperate attempt to warm up. This frigid winter is a reminder to us all how the food we crave reflects the season. In the winter, you want hearty, warm, spicy foods that warm you from the inside out. In the summer, you want light, crisp, cool foods to cool you off.<br /><br />Now, I love the taste of salad and I often want salad for dinner. Tonight as I stood in my kitchen, shivering, I debated whether to have the salad I wanted or heat up the leftover soup in my fridge.<br /><br />The soup won, even though I wanted the taste of the salad. It was definitely the right choice. My whole body curled around the soup and I enjoyed every warm, nourishing bite. It's amazing just how much the temperature outside reflects the choices we make regarding food.<br /><br />I don't have a picture of my soup, but I do have a couple of pictures of food I've been eating lately. One of our absolute favorite dishes of all time is Veganomicon's Smokey Grilled Tempeh. It is absolute heaven with a sweet potato and buttery brussel sprouts on the side.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif7yPgWRSg9ugUw8h-mBmdabxS2cKpmqMj2fonsh1WLC8KTbP-yi-VtRYB-y9VzObKCp4suBA5FLvC6cdVxsWgAGqw95ESlqL4LADBlGVaSChtDZ7MKW8MhntKqrpX0Lg5BI1_AOry4Dm7/s1600-h/PC280012.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif7yPgWRSg9ugUw8h-mBmdabxS2cKpmqMj2fonsh1WLC8KTbP-yi-VtRYB-y9VzObKCp4suBA5FLvC6cdVxsWgAGqw95ESlqL4LADBlGVaSChtDZ7MKW8MhntKqrpX0Lg5BI1_AOry4Dm7/s400/PC280012.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424930135277597538" border="0" /></a><br />I know I just talked about how salad lost in tonight's battle for dinner, but I want to remind myself (and you!) just how delicious and beautiful a salad can be. This lovely massaged kale salad was inspired from <a href="http://www.choosingraw.com/my-idea-of-comfort-food/">Choosing Raw's</a> lovely dish:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0cSDx2NUDrlE_9FoPHRFnIUlFf_Ic_z6xYmDhMYwFbAPLrPY76hjeRHs6wGJ17WTxi5wF_cEEcmMsiGSw4OJdMgzTNwiD8X5C7HXBA5Gh9bFiYTM540nAuVEb-v_7iK1QkgS8NgAlgoaP/s1600-h/PC190001.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0cSDx2NUDrlE_9FoPHRFnIUlFf_Ic_z6xYmDhMYwFbAPLrPY76hjeRHs6wGJ17WTxi5wF_cEEcmMsiGSw4OJdMgzTNwiD8X5C7HXBA5Gh9bFiYTM540nAuVEb-v_7iK1QkgS8NgAlgoaP/s400/PC190001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424930126128766242" border="0" /></a>I hope everyone is cuddled over their own bowl of soup tonight, or if they are brave enough, crunching on a cold salad.Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16945948976883745242noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7335630528500243139.post-74422950078230682952010-01-01T09:20:00.000-08:002010-01-01T09:43:44.383-08:00A New Year<div style="text-align: center;"><span style=";font-size:100%;" lang="EN" ><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> Happy New Year!</span></span></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><span style=";font-size:100%;" lang="EN" ><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><br /> I'm not huge on resolutions, but I am huge on reflection and goal setting. I think making a simple goal or two for the year is a great way to get things accomplished and take stock of your life. For me, food is a huge aspect of my daily life, so I like to reflect back on the choices I've made this year. I personally think it's important for all of us to constantly check ourselves when it comes to food; to reiterate to yourself why you've chosen this path.<br /><br /> For most health conscious people, especially those of us that are veg, the path we choose is fraught with sudden realizations, obstacles, and emotions. Choosing this way of eating is ultimately questioning our entire society’s way of living and consuming. It is not easy, and no two people have the same experience; therefore, it’s often a lonely path to take.</span></span></span></span><span style=";font-size:100%;" lang="EN" ><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><br /><br />For these reasons, I think it’s very important to constantly check in on yourself to see why you are choosing to eat the way you do at this stage in your life. For example, I’ve been eating progressively simpler and unprocessed foods. I’ve began to shed the faux meats and cheeses, eating them only rarely. I’ve added a lot more green smoothies and salads to my diet. I also know that I’ve struggled in the past with calorie obsession, so I have to guard against that in my current diet. I need to constantly check in and make sure that I’m not succumbing to the worry that I’m eating too many calories. Thankfully, I haven’t stressed over calorie content in a long, long time.</span></span></span></span><span style=";font-size:100%;" lang="EN" ><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><br /><br />Ultimately, you have to answer the question for yourself. No one can do it for you. So, why do you eat the way you eat? It’s good to check in with yourself and see why you are eating the way you are, being honest with yourself about your worries and concerns. Do you worry about weight? Does that affect your choices? If so, does it affect them in a negative way? Are any of your worries unfounded? Do you eat mindfully? Do you eat the way you do in order to reduce animal suffering, is it for your own health, or both or neither? It might even behoove you to have a buddy, who you feel comfortable with, to help you answer these questions honestly.</span></span></span></span><span style="" lang="EN"><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);font-family:Verdana;" ><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><br /><br />For me, my reason for eating the way I do is to maintain and grow my level of health and happiness, as well as to reduce the suffering of sentient beings and the planet. I want to love what I eat and feel good eating it. I think I'm definitely on that path. (Re)Discovering your reasons for your choice can sometimes help to keep you motivated and give you clarity. I know it does for me!</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">If you are looking to make some positive changes in your lifestyle, then I fully suggest checking out the following two challenges:</span></span><p class="ecxMsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size:100%;">- <a href="http://30dayyogachallenge.com/">http://30dayyogachallenge.com/</a> - a daily email with short yoga videos.<br /></span></p><p class="ecxMsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size:100%;">- <a href="http://www.21daykickstart.org/index.cfm">http://www.21daykickstart.org/index.cfm</a> - PCRM's fantastic 21 day vegan challenge. If you aren't already vegan, then try it out! It's only 21 days! :)</span></p><p class="ecxMsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size:100%;">-<a href="http://www.choosingraw.com/choosing-raw-spark-wellness-january-2010-cleanse-program/">http://www.choosingraw.com/choosing-raw-spark-wellness-january-2010-cleanse-program/</a> Although it costs a little moula, this looks like a great opportunity to really make a major change in your eating habits.</span></p><p class="ecxMsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size:100%;">I hope everyone is having a wonderful New Year!!!</span></p>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16945948976883745242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7335630528500243139.post-4876562047168090132009-12-18T19:42:00.000-08:002009-12-18T19:58:07.236-08:00Snow, Daiya Cheese, and Berries who <3 CoconutIt’s snowing here in NC.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij6PX_-Y7WQ_MqtSWDA5dEI1oGcE4QaHNh1Nc6tpgEe788lAqCuny6PG0sXDqjfp7u6RrAsRdeSSnyfP7fK_xWujAEGT5BWIAgOPkXF-piECUwFBcCmeOMEee79_GXVvaVfo5CwUUjp35S/s1600-h/PC180011.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 297px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij6PX_-Y7WQ_MqtSWDA5dEI1oGcE4QaHNh1Nc6tpgEe788lAqCuny6PG0sXDqjfp7u6RrAsRdeSSnyfP7fK_xWujAEGT5BWIAgOPkXF-piECUwFBcCmeOMEee79_GXVvaVfo5CwUUjp35S/s400/PC180011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416788835239808786" border="0" /></a><br />It’s snowing a lot.<br /><br />Trapped inside with no where to go, Brandon and I decided to treat ourselves to the <a href="http://www.daiyafoods.com/">Daiya</a> cheese that has been hanging out temptingly in our fridge since we went up to Baltimore for Thanksgiving and brought it down with us. If you haven’t had Daiya cheese yet, I suggest you go out, find it, and give it a try. It might be the best vegan cheese so far. It’s hard to find, since it’s only sold to stores and restaurants for now.<br /><br />We were lucky to find it packaged in one of our favorite health food stores in Maryland (<a href="http://www.rootsmkt.com/">Roots</a>) and sold in little plastic containers. Not able to pass up something as awesome as Daiya cheese, we filled up a cooler with ice and took it home with us. We used this great, <a href="http://vegweb.com/index.php?topic=5701.0">quick pizza crust recipe</a>, which we absolutely adore, and piled it high with veggies: spinach, tomatoes, onions, and olives.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSgtWgShyo9vrbS1x0-1MNEKXi0Z3hHuG54j10AakC0cfxXvozCcpfimVds7thzYJzsNTzD8h8V8ErKRRjY8v5rtG21NEk8kchyNC1xhdBFWjnudv6AR4r7f7wXpJIal-gCQM57ILL3eJF/s1600-h/PC180002.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSgtWgShyo9vrbS1x0-1MNEKXi0Z3hHuG54j10AakC0cfxXvozCcpfimVds7thzYJzsNTzD8h8V8ErKRRjY8v5rtG21NEk8kchyNC1xhdBFWjnudv6AR4r7f7wXpJIal-gCQM57ILL3eJF/s400/PC180002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416788839738977634" border="0" /></a><br />For dessert, we made Isa Chandra Moskowitz’s Berry <3 Coconut crisp from Veganomicon. I’ve made this a ridiculous amount of times. It’s quick, easy, and no-fail delicious. Fresh and warm out of the oven, I put a big scoop of Rice Dream Vanilla on it and just savored the awesomeness.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ2BsfaUD0Ncu3EAyRU5h7Zyk8Nj352zh4XhngjqF3alkdjbJxnZv1_WYYVVQT_3Q-hNhHkbXew0fvTm3Z3JXzAhTHiQVHpJq7XzFIx_FOtOasFxymKobMKiZCOtNjAMn-10L0wvdkYiDz/s1600-h/PC180008.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ2BsfaUD0Ncu3EAyRU5h7Zyk8Nj352zh4XhngjqF3alkdjbJxnZv1_WYYVVQT_3Q-hNhHkbXew0fvTm3Z3JXzAhTHiQVHpJq7XzFIx_FOtOasFxymKobMKiZCOtNjAMn-10L0wvdkYiDz/s400/PC180008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416788848701257634" border="0" /></a><br />After a day full of fresh veggies – green smoothie for breakfast, a big salad for lunch, and fruit all day – I was ready to indulge my bad side with this wonderful dinner. It was a great night – curled up watching the second season of Allie McBeal and frolicking in the snow with our pup. I hope that everyone is also enjoying their snowy night as much as we are!<br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16945948976883745242noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7335630528500243139.post-2605604421311902762009-12-12T05:56:00.000-08:002009-12-12T06:18:35.464-08:00Holiday Stress, Pumpkin Cookies, and Raw Apple PieAll the holiday fervor has been keeping me busy. We went up to Baltimore to visit friends and family for Thanksgiving and my sister is coming down to visit us this weekend. Then there is all the shopping and tree-putting-uping... whoo. Plus, it's been a bit of a shock to my system to get out in the real world and go shopping. I haven't been a very good consumer this year, and I had forgotten just how crazy and stressful it is out there. I went out after work one day to do a little X-mas shopping... by the time I got home, I was a stressed, crazy mess. Was it always that way or has it gotten worse?<br /><br />One good thing about the holidays though is all the baking... (or un-baking): the cinnamon, the nutmeg, the pumpkin... I made these wonderful <a href="http://www.theppk.com/recipes/dbrecipes/recipe.php?RecipeID=187">Oatmeal Pumpkin Cookies</a> from the Post Punk Kitchen website for our local vegan meetup. They were a hit! This recipe makes a ton of cookies, so be prepared to gorge yourself or to bring them into work to share.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJi9cFQpc0gHPQmS-GYhXpap8R8x2d8Mth2qrRv9IDVAiWwh8FC7v6zaGscELmrozGez3KwSkmdnajgBwxdykLiab_CnpWXMBnRUxnA7r5jYAPiuFcinUCqe_pdIhETgJB1xIAUUNBWYG/s1600-h/PB220015.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJi9cFQpc0gHPQmS-GYhXpap8R8x2d8Mth2qrRv9IDVAiWwh8FC7v6zaGscELmrozGez3KwSkmdnajgBwxdykLiab_CnpWXMBnRUxnA7r5jYAPiuFcinUCqe_pdIhETgJB1xIAUUNBWYG/s400/PB220015.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414349282858721570" border="0" /></a><br />In our little southern city, we also have a thriving raw vegan meetup. For that meetup, I made the All American Apple Pie from Ani Phyo's uncookbook. Wow! It has the most minimal of ingredients and took me 10 minutes to throw together. Not only that, but it tasted fantastic. Raw vegan desserts are dangerous!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfeSPQZK29n3UNdshc5dc5ZmL_xSwJ8EfgVBfeUEJSLHkNIYL2Xdg5UUK6B247S9egDIuDRG85y5m_1soWR43vrnNeCn8EQahO6gKaSaDCN-fJD8Yn3iyHqbmuymcWsH5cZOthb7B-52ae/s1600-h/PB210012.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfeSPQZK29n3UNdshc5dc5ZmL_xSwJ8EfgVBfeUEJSLHkNIYL2Xdg5UUK6B247S9egDIuDRG85y5m_1soWR43vrnNeCn8EQahO6gKaSaDCN-fJD8Yn3iyHqbmuymcWsH5cZOthb7B-52ae/s400/PB210012.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414349274464620898" border="0" /></a><br />Also, there is a droolworthy giveaway on the adorable blog of a local NC vegan bakery in Carbarro area. The giveaway is <a href="http://www.pure2raw.com/2009/12/holiday-giveaway-hormones-candida-diet/">here</a>. Good luck!<br /><br />I hope your holidays are filled with stressless online shopping and tons of cinnamon, nutmeg, pumpkin baked (or unbaked) goods!!!!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16945948976883745242noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7335630528500243139.post-41612967930304908932009-11-08T12:19:00.000-08:002009-11-08T12:31:38.603-08:00Raw FoodsI love raw vegan food blogs.<br /><br />I’m not raw, but for some reason I love to read them.<br /><br />Maybe it’s because the writers feel so passionately about the food they make. Maybe it’s because the food is bright and vibrant.<br /><br />I’m not sure.<br /><br />I love them though, and my favorites list is full of them. I follow many of them on a regular basis. It is a guilty pleasure in a lot of ways, because I don’t follow a raw foods diet.<br /><br />I’ve explored it in the past. If you are a vegan and you spend a lot of time online, it’s hard to miss the raw vegan scene. The claims are big. If you go raw, you feel better, you look better, you can cure illness, etc. It’s hard to ignore. I’m a researcher at heart and, although I have an open mind, the cynic in me requires any big change to begin with intense research. I went through a researching bout with raw foods several months ago and remained unconvinced of many of the arguments. I totally saw the value of it, and believed in the healthy aspects of incorporating raw veggies, but I had a hard time believing all the claims. So, I just let it go and moved on with my vegan diet.<br /><br />Well… except for the raw vegan blogs that I love so much.<br /><br />Fast forward a few months, and I finally read The Thrive Diet, which had been sitting on my shelf forever. Brendan Brazier makes a lot of raw food claims, but he uses different wording. It all made sense to me, but I wanted more proof. More evidence. I began researching raw food-ism again using the terms and concepts written about in the Thrive Diet. Low and behold, there was the proof I had missed in the previous research. I won’t get into all the research stuff, because each person will resonate with different things, and it’s up to each of us to do our own research concerning food. So, if you are interested, start researching. We all have to find our own answer when it comes to what we eat!<br /><br />This doesn’t go to say that I whole-heartedly believe all the claims, but I do believe that raw foods does have a lot of benefits. A lot more benefits than I originally gave it credit for. Thus, Brandon and I have been giving raw foods a bigger role in our daily lives to see if it works for us. We are trying to be “raw before dinner.” No rules or anything though. If we want a cooked lunch or breakfast, then we have it. I don’t believe well-chosen vegan cooked food is bad for you in any way.<br /><br />For breakfast lately, we’ve been having smoothies: lovely green smoothies, packed full of energy. You can practically feel the energy vibrating through your veins. Our greenest smoothie to date, pictured below, had cucumber, avocado, kale, and an apple (with some coconut sprinkled on top). Whoo! Talk about a rush… and yummy too.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS-ZSDA5G2oBGFCE5gqfVoz3K3ro3U1YkbjyugQcnjeQFwzeenERsvA33NKL9uY1JChpEH9WB-UUOAHpNGzdd_GflNIT_rxLltts4Ai-HTG2JchJs3on2FlZ8qMVinpjgyIYHAISXvN8i-/s1600-h/PB060012.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS-ZSDA5G2oBGFCE5gqfVoz3K3ro3U1YkbjyugQcnjeQFwzeenERsvA33NKL9uY1JChpEH9WB-UUOAHpNGzdd_GflNIT_rxLltts4Ai-HTG2JchJs3on2FlZ8qMVinpjgyIYHAISXvN8i-/s400/PB060012.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401831806442089618" border="0" /></a><br />For lunch, I’ve been having a huge salad with varied toppings (because I get bored so easy). Yum… isn’t that lovely?<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTh5MiLu1Q1SZGZLXpP9NveKz3kbuv1n2-pONTaXmkW-kNpldzu4ez-yxw6I-Xfv7qDRWbPlkkgpaTtw3kFHEY32hqiF8j4c__V5ymG1inI4K4Z_5bVBSg-XduPkJ0KORFzmHJPKWhmTv5/s1600-h/PB080013.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTh5MiLu1Q1SZGZLXpP9NveKz3kbuv1n2-pONTaXmkW-kNpldzu4ez-yxw6I-Xfv7qDRWbPlkkgpaTtw3kFHEY32hqiF8j4c__V5ymG1inI4K4Z_5bVBSg-XduPkJ0KORFzmHJPKWhmTv5/s400/PB080013.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401831816266931762" border="0" /></a><br />For dinner, we just eat our normal cooked vegan food. Pictured below is one of my favorite comfort food: mashed potatoes and corn, smothered with Punk Rock Chickpea Gravy from Vegan with a Vengeance.<br /> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPKKEugv0zc1_MtdZkGZcboGz5ZjqfCoJxwCGTJNA8y5oIQS0K0aWxZNIznGnrttYAUGCdIWY_mBvdCg182GSv71_94ElR1JkBDKSYwgGIsnY_-GQ8aYrMJGZqcoDxhbNODpXlU8snWZhM/s1600-h/PB040011.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPKKEugv0zc1_MtdZkGZcboGz5ZjqfCoJxwCGTJNA8y5oIQS0K0aWxZNIznGnrttYAUGCdIWY_mBvdCg182GSv71_94ElR1JkBDKSYwgGIsnY_-GQ8aYrMJGZqcoDxhbNODpXlU8snWZhM/s400/PB040011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401831807553628770" border="0" /></a><br />To make our new experiment more affordable, we plan on cooking dinners that will last for more than one meal, so we can have it for more than one dinner. All those organic veggies really add up!!!<br /><br />If you are curious about those lovely raw vegan blogs I’m talking about, check out two of my absolute favorites: www.choosingraw.com and kristensraw.blogspot.com. I’m warning you though, it’s addictive!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16945948976883745242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7335630528500243139.post-42605493651377364442009-10-28T19:03:00.001-07:002009-10-28T19:22:59.723-07:00Harvest Dinner<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAMek01oc9rmeeAqfpz9ZzNr49L6niIAs898ji2SgYfGA9ba-JLgQ4OlQlFtAnqmOhqCmwbGJHOFisKlh7I7S-N3K1PByp1DS3ZjtP_dmpydCw6gtGQMXDxkgEp54Jh8aKWqv6YmUt6zOf/s1600-h/Vegan+Mofo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 345px; height: 44px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAMek01oc9rmeeAqfpz9ZzNr49L6niIAs898ji2SgYfGA9ba-JLgQ4OlQlFtAnqmOhqCmwbGJHOFisKlh7I7S-N3K1PByp1DS3ZjtP_dmpydCw6gtGQMXDxkgEp54Jh8aKWqv6YmUt6zOf/s400/Vegan+Mofo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397840461310995218" border="0" /></a>This past Sunday, my local vegan group here in Greensboro hosted a Harvest dinner, where guests paid $10 to enjoy a vegan dinner, created from local farmers. We had the dinner at our host Valerie's gorgeous Blue Moon barn, which is also an art and music studio. Valerie, our group organizer Jen, and I worked hard to create a fantastic dinner for a group of around 20 vegans, vegetarians, and those interested in eating that way.<br /><br />It was a lot of hard work, but at the end of the day, the appreciative smiles and earnest thanks of those we served made it all completely worth it.<br /><br />For the meal we had appetizers from our local and awesome nut cheeze makers, a pumpkin soup served in a pumpkin, and a pear and walnut salad. For dinner we had delicious crowder bean croquettes with mushroom gravy, roasted root veggies, and kale. For dessert we had a to-die-for apple pie and homemade ice cream. Not only that, but we had a vegan candy toss for all the veggie children. Like I said, it was a great success.<br /><br />The pictures here were obviously not taken by me. They are all taken by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faerykisses/">Heather Spealman</a>, our local (vegan) jewelry maker and photographer.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSFCF8co3DM81U61VspfguCswNQiDHwBj_f0hF16pIuMpHpBOSEgmMzmy_3A7Bg1aNofHDM-K2A_KN4WfkQyOJiQZJFooeeJOwuFyojGzDE-NCbmqyDQPQPW0-AH7abUyInEnAz9Z_KXqh/s1600-h/harvest+6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSFCF8co3DM81U61VspfguCswNQiDHwBj_f0hF16pIuMpHpBOSEgmMzmy_3A7Bg1aNofHDM-K2A_KN4WfkQyOJiQZJFooeeJOwuFyojGzDE-NCbmqyDQPQPW0-AH7abUyInEnAz9Z_KXqh/s400/harvest+6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397840451702474226" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQrDvVLXqyaxt2G4zZhb7Adtg5LO0N_dRn3X5mcgyPrtNcVSptCTxGlMKIkogZphyrlXs6eghh0Kz6UWrnNAm-btnJGsH7802O2TLI6gaQdwN86-jHl5qkaU4oOi4M0Iyn1CsYfhf-qae/s1600-h/Harvest+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQrDvVLXqyaxt2G4zZhb7Adtg5LO0N_dRn3X5mcgyPrtNcVSptCTxGlMKIkogZphyrlXs6eghh0Kz6UWrnNAm-btnJGsH7802O2TLI6gaQdwN86-jHl5qkaU4oOi4M0Iyn1CsYfhf-qae/s400/Harvest+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397839355351942178" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwKI7r5Q-eGI3aquq-qcNtpgelbw3X9C9v2THU-0MMcZEUwJwsq_E26nbqzWqdAF5Ip1EUEdPQgq_Wk5jdHnOfQqqr_ITMDVad8bySAf-g7wxIUbTg6zSvaThm-uOG8ltC0V8DDPQNfwOi/s1600-h/harvest+5.jpg"></a><blockquote><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgihJkviOUKYYWYH3Vv2hFrlpNEtcWHLSCxD0HMK9zSOiJ6FErg-l8HfS9p7tW6ZRUFhQsJCEZ19I4ygbl1xpLj89EdDwAuI73x0f2041oG49mhEk-kS3NVxKOicLfFKkHlIW8YPnW0t6Is/s1600-h/harvest+8.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgihJkviOUKYYWYH3Vv2hFrlpNEtcWHLSCxD0HMK9zSOiJ6FErg-l8HfS9p7tW6ZRUFhQsJCEZ19I4ygbl1xpLj89EdDwAuI73x0f2041oG49mhEk-kS3NVxKOicLfFKkHlIW8YPnW0t6Is/s400/harvest+8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397840455371189666" border="0" /></a><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwKI7r5Q-eGI3aquq-qcNtpgelbw3X9C9v2THU-0MMcZEUwJwsq_E26nbqzWqdAF5Ip1EUEdPQgq_Wk5jdHnOfQqqr_ITMDVad8bySAf-g7wxIUbTg6zSvaThm-uOG8ltC0V8DDPQNfwOi/s400/harvest+5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397839372429859010" border="0" /></blockquote><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ-l0VFadpjzlJgUniF9a9DnvBJszUbC0QGmIa_R5LHtx3Fnc2m7sRIODO27NQovmw8vLARKlY4n-OTjSEqxXkG6ukUv8gRDrfcRoLPOOs2LwTLaNqWuXrd7A5oZsdkkCADQ8i8NzJu89j/s1600-h/Harvest+3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ-l0VFadpjzlJgUniF9a9DnvBJszUbC0QGmIa_R5LHtx3Fnc2m7sRIODO27NQovmw8vLARKlY4n-OTjSEqxXkG6ukUv8gRDrfcRoLPOOs2LwTLaNqWuXrd7A5oZsdkkCADQ8i8NzJu89j/s400/Harvest+3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397839366024983298" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKVEeuXtoq08KoD6zd1m6r4Rid_o_jyc3UakYXCQJGzJzdOnzgDMem1xBGvR4SqBAar1essha15aqucbpuEjNR5MXYlRd7Y9oWuXVQl8CFeABE7B9NtD3LpKAZHEE8gBPEDoZKwVwQwJ3s/s1600-h/Harvest1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKVEeuXtoq08KoD6zd1m6r4Rid_o_jyc3UakYXCQJGzJzdOnzgDMem1xBGvR4SqBAar1essha15aqucbpuEjNR5MXYlRd7Y9oWuXVQl8CFeABE7B9NtD3LpKAZHEE8gBPEDoZKwVwQwJ3s/s400/Harvest1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397839359181534834" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwFq1TmsglcExLHBmQuqXrYIikMfbcygB-OWdWsZpvtzh88UEDoHpxMst9gRS26iumeSXjBxYB2KgmBOvC4QJbliehDS8U3uuQ6BgaGJEGRpycUIP_kVvccA7DMfsnO7R3ierIWyxZzBAo/s1600-h/harvest+4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwFq1TmsglcExLHBmQuqXrYIikMfbcygB-OWdWsZpvtzh88UEDoHpxMst9gRS26iumeSXjBxYB2KgmBOvC4QJbliehDS8U3uuQ6BgaGJEGRpycUIP_kVvccA7DMfsnO7R3ierIWyxZzBAo/s400/harvest+4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397839364466419250" border="0" /></a>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16945948976883745242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7335630528500243139.post-31319827664816754432009-10-26T18:01:00.001-07:002009-10-26T18:26:02.891-07:00Brandon's Coconut Curry<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK9cLinzWHQxwI91-iNK8waJ0x_O7e4qnDM-bEAgFyMG50pH4too0zV7EV9iI8fjPHMSWUyRAvP80aWHBMrvhL2cVITLPtcgj4ll0gfnxeHQ5bfZss0eK_oHw7QfvXqI7Kc2AhUiIFC3sb/s1600-h/Vegan+Mofo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 75px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK9cLinzWHQxwI91-iNK8waJ0x_O7e4qnDM-bEAgFyMG50pH4too0zV7EV9iI8fjPHMSWUyRAvP80aWHBMrvhL2cVITLPtcgj4ll0gfnxeHQ5bfZss0eK_oHw7QfvXqI7Kc2AhUiIFC3sb/s320/Vegan+Mofo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397084047103894674" border="0" /></a>Heather and I had a wonderful honeymoon in Grenada at a place called <a href="http://www.thelodgegrenada.com/">The Lodge</a>. The place was fantastic and we highly recommend it. Because the hosts at The Lodge are such wonderful cooks who come up with very creative and unbelievably delicious meals each day, Heather and I came home wanting to create our own delicious meals. While many of the meals we created were not successful and no one will confuse me with a gourmet chef, one meal turned out very well. It's mother-in-law approved and I decided to share it tonight. It's probably way over-spiced (novice that I am) and I'm sure people will undoubtedly have their own renditions for it, but I found this dish to be delicious and perfect just the way it was. So without further ado, here's is Brandon's own Coconut Curry recipe:<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiINgE1XOgEu8mWS8TAyhyGHZRynxsYrDUpriutU_WAhCjZKiM1oMwFVjDyd5k8VLPpZfTU-D0dd7IkIn7rnP_RvfxcGF3y2le2megdERTw4J801t0jeIci12AF7g3p2QHAAtvE4Di-zUgd/s1600-h/Coconut+Curry.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 399px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiINgE1XOgEu8mWS8TAyhyGHZRynxsYrDUpriutU_WAhCjZKiM1oMwFVjDyd5k8VLPpZfTU-D0dd7IkIn7rnP_RvfxcGF3y2le2megdERTw4J801t0jeIci12AF7g3p2QHAAtvE4Di-zUgd/s320/Coconut+Curry.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397083163160802338" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />Veggies:</span><br />1 small head of cabbage<br />1 Onion, sliced<br />4 Cloves of Garlic, minced<br />4 Carrots, peeled and julienne cut<br />1 Large Zucchini, sliced in rounds<br />1 Large Yellow Squash, sliced in rounds<br />1 Red Bell Pepper, Sliced<br />Scallions, chopped, for garnish<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sauce:</span><br />1 Can of Coconut Milk<br />1/2 Package of Silken Tofu<br />1/2 Tbsp Thyme<br />1 Tbsp Cumin<br />1 Tbsp Curry<br />1/2 tsp Turmeric <br />1 1/2 Tbsp Sugar<br />1 Tbsp Agave<br />1/2 Tbsp Dried Basil <br />1 tsp Red Curry Paste<br />1 Tbsp Ginger<br />Salt and Pepper to taste<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Other:<br /></span>Jasmine Rice<br />3 Bay Leaves<br /><br />Saute onions, cabbage, and garlic in a little bit of water (or a little olive oil if you prefer) until soft, but not brown. Set aside and keep warm.<br /><br />Prepare rice according to directions.<br /><br />Steam zucchini, squash, bell pepper, and carrots until soft (but not too soft).<br /><br />Blend all sauce ingredients together in blender until smooth. Heat in a small saucepan with the bay leaves over medium low heat until heated through, stirring occasionally.<br /><br />When serving, put a bed of the cabbage, onion, and garlic mixture on your plate. Put a scoop of rice on top of the cabbage mixture in the middle of the plate. Surround the scoop of rice with the steamed veggies. Drizzle the sauce over the top of the rice and veggies. Top with scallions. Enjoy!<br /><br />This is a great dish that Heather and I truly love. Adjust the spices to your taste and I'd be lying if I said I hadn't tried blending a green chile in there or adding more curry. If any of you try this by the way, please share, as I'd love to hear what other people think of my creation.Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16820646338799580069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7335630528500243139.post-71113950056415941872009-10-23T19:27:00.000-07:002009-10-23T20:10:26.828-07:00Top 5 Dinner Fails<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhndoMrVRZvJfH_mQGDNi8r1QKjdIobacgvVIGGYcU_JEgvboRjeH_4PDP3z8GRnBWNLfSvRtaaFJl7A-wCEZf5g5-B5KlmBFZsn-fh8PJs8wHvXiqJgCltYuPlacVdTIyjn6tTGsiMUHjk/s1600-h/Vegan+Mofo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 246px; height: 47px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhndoMrVRZvJfH_mQGDNi8r1QKjdIobacgvVIGGYcU_JEgvboRjeH_4PDP3z8GRnBWNLfSvRtaaFJl7A-wCEZf5g5-B5KlmBFZsn-fh8PJs8wHvXiqJgCltYuPlacVdTIyjn6tTGsiMUHjk/s200/Vegan+Mofo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395998547190848258" border="0" /></a><br />Don't you hate it when you have a fantastic idea for dinner and it turns out to be a bust?<br />You find a recipe you are excited about. You buy all the ingredients, usually expensive ones. You slave diligently over the stove, excited to share your delicious meal with your loved ones.<br /><br />Then there is that moment...<br /><br />You know the moment I'm talking about.<br /><br />We all know that sinking feeling that occurs when you suddenly realize that your delicious meal is not delicious. It can happen when you taste the recipe to see if you have the right amount of spices. It can happen when you get a whiff of something that doesn't smell quite right. It can happen as you see the look on the face of your dinner partner as they try it.<br /><br />FAIL.<br /><br />All cooks, veterans and beginners, have those moments. So tonight I wanted to share with you our 5 top Dinner Disasters:<br /><br />1. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Korma Catastrophe</span><br /><br />Our favorite Indian restaurant in Maryland has a delicious korma dish that Brandon loves. He wants nothing more than to replicate it at home. He had already tried making two or three mediocre replicas when, at an Indian market, we found a korma mix packet that was vegan! He was so excited to get home and try it. We bought a bunch of fresh veggies and rice and we were ready to go. The packet said to only put half of the powder in if we wanted the dish to be mild. That was the plan. Brandon forgot and the whole packet went in. When they say that Indian hot is way hotter than American hot, they weren't kidding. That was the spiciest meal we had ever eaten. We tried all the tricks - putting a potato in the sauce to soak up the spices, using more rice than veggies, drinking soy milk on the side. Nothing worked. It was inedible.<br /><br />2. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Seitan Cordon Blues<br /><br /></span>Brandon wanted to replicate his chicken cordon bleu recipe, but in a more compassionate manner. So, he tried a boiled 'chicken' seitan recipe, with faux ham, and 'cheese,' baked it in the oven. He served it to me and my Mom. It was a bit dry, a lot chewy, and a bit tasteless. We haven't tried it again, but one day I think he'll get it!<br /><br />3. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Crunchy, Basil-y Lasagna<br /><br /></span>Back before I was vegan or even vegetarian, I had a vegetarian friend. I liked vegetarian food and cooked it at home often, so I thought I'd make her a dinner one night. I had made this delicious lasagna with basil and cheese for Brandon and we had loved it. So, I decided to make that dish for her. I was still new to cooking and when I couldn't find real basil, my innocent, new-to-cooking plan was to use dried basil instead. Now I am horrified at the thought of using dried basil in the same amount as the recipe originally requested of fresh basil... If that wasn't bad enough, I didn't get the right kind of pasta. My friend was a trooper though. She crunched through the uncooked lasagna, the cup of dried basil, and drippy (ew!) cheese with a smile. Poor thing!<br /><br />4. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Blueberry Parfait Horror<br /><br /></span>Last Fourth of July, my Mom and I made these delicious looking berry parfaits from My Sweet Vegan. It had complicated ingredients, like agar, but we were excited about making them. For whatever reason, whether we cooked the agar wrong or bought a bad batch or the arrowroot was bad, the parfaits turned out chalky and horrible with bits of congealed agar floating around with the blueberries.<br /><br />5. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Curried Pumpkin Black Bean Soup<br /><br /></span>Sounds good doesn't it? I should have known that the recipe wasn't a good one when the recipe said to garnish with sour cream and eat with tortillas. I didn't listen to my instinct though, and made this terrible, watery soup that didn't have much of a taste at all. Luckily, we were able to make it edible with a lot more spices, some peas, and hot sauce.Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16945948976883745242noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7335630528500243139.post-19899041602290075412009-10-21T17:50:00.000-07:002009-10-21T18:09:09.319-07:00Vegan Suggestions<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAVmY5UcH_yXYkyeGqXz6CQSfs9JVXwiYi13H-CtFYjmdDnV3PxjoBy3aZMw4u8y_V1FkhguTILlo2Z1_ZzK-E3PXgKOMfLnAf1vxmhikrhwJ1gBxTG5jLK-r0-PlUR7uhSNsq4bBo5bU8/s1600-h/Vegan+Mofo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 75px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAVmY5UcH_yXYkyeGqXz6CQSfs9JVXwiYi13H-CtFYjmdDnV3PxjoBy3aZMw4u8y_V1FkhguTILlo2Z1_ZzK-E3PXgKOMfLnAf1vxmhikrhwJ1gBxTG5jLK-r0-PlUR7uhSNsq4bBo5bU8/s320/Vegan+Mofo.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395223443365443106" /></a><div style="text-align: left;">I'm extremely excited! While I eagerly awaited my trip to Portland, OR (or Vegan Meca as I sometimes refer to it) last August, I dreamt of <a href="http://www.gomaxgofoods.com/index.htm">Go Max Go</a> vegan candy bars. I waited and waited and then finally the day arrived, we took our trip, and we found ourselves purchasing these delectable treats from Food Fight Grocery in Portland. These candy bars were everything I wanted them to be and Heather and I looked at each other with sad eyes as we left Portland to return to the east coast, both of us pawing at the windows as we salivated over candy bars that we knew we'd never see again... or at least not until we returned to Oregon again next year (I did grow up there after all).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>A couple of weeks went by and Heather and I continued to long for the chocolatey goodness that we'd experienced in Oregon. We looked and looked for these bars all over Greensboro and Winston-Salem and I even searched for them during a business trip to D.C. (where I lived for several years). Alas, I searched without success.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Q50_KvSMb-JLFneAO5-1RcjuB1h5uCB7ui1wBmz2-bAB2G7HfWfbUNp9tKsx108RWMYqsmZiIniKHcq4azoitJKsICFN6OTUZyoDLNI0xcuJom2Est4NLQmshHVm8XLHDxHZP5Tz-ngi/s320/CandyBars_Packaged.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395223211522988386" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Then one day, we were at Earth Fare when we happened to notice as we were leaving, a suggestion box. Heather and I figured it couldn't hurt, so we filled out a request </div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPQyhMPVyswB-8ami03OfcuqBciSAeVX4CB1PblvQDOSylIhPhTAS9u1FIpkPevBZ7yxYJ9tkg6JYDmK9B15N5m27SOzOoHDKGdjVfp70D4DUaK2lUzOQej32kRJTjBK2hLlyiGfQLSX9S/s200/Paw+and+a+Fist.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395223857906949074" /><div>for Go Max Go candy bars. Well, recently Heather and I perused the candy section of Earth Fare and to our excitement, we found that they now carry them!!!!! I've never actually made a suggestion to a store before, so I was so happy that they'd listened to our request! Now we have to control our urges to indulge in these delicious things 24-7 instead of dreaming about them (okay, maybe I still dream about them a little). Heather and I have been so happy to have them available to us. We give them a paw and a fist up.</div><div><br /></div>Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16820646338799580069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7335630528500243139.post-18041131346961268102009-10-20T15:33:00.000-07:002009-10-20T16:04:11.528-07:00Yoga and Quinoa Sweet Potato SaladI absolutely adore yoga. It calms me down when I'm stressed. It helps me stay focused and centered. Not only that, but it tones my body and makes me feel strong. I've been doing yoga for roughly six years now. Strangely enough, I was introduced to yoga in the military when our Physical Training Instructors brought it into the mix. I've always been flexible, so I thought I'd be good at it and excitedly signed up for the first class. Deep down, I think I wanted to show off. One hour later, I was surprised by my lack of flexibility. I was sore in muscles I didn't know I had, but I was extremely relaxed.<br /><br />I was also hooked.<br /><br />Six years later, with intermittent regularity, I've been practicing. I take classes when I can, but mostly I practice at home on my own, or I use the fantastic website, <a href="http://www.yogatoday.com/">Yoga Today</a>. I wish I could afford to take classes in a studio, but it's just too darn expensive. If you haven't tried yoga, I highly suggest you give it a whirl, even if you don't fancy yourself flexible. It's definitely not about being flexible. It's about something entirely different and if you go, you'll find out what that is.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRmMna-pVprtI4qQbI1N9A_RgoNWY_4QpfOLkFmDViyTdyT7IjEKvHjaA7lAnoY6myHj52DWLxs4LrGXxWjnr7xlEQHpN0fNrhFbrjxPeDn_2hjgPinVy4IisrNP6-eDTjWgkSk-t7rd1V/s1600-h/Quinoa+Yoga.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 271px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRmMna-pVprtI4qQbI1N9A_RgoNWY_4QpfOLkFmDViyTdyT7IjEKvHjaA7lAnoY6myHj52DWLxs4LrGXxWjnr7xlEQHpN0fNrhFbrjxPeDn_2hjgPinVy4IisrNP6-eDTjWgkSk-t7rd1V/s400/Quinoa+Yoga.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394820794355218914" border="0" /></a><br />Anyway, I told you all of that so I could introduce a delicious salad Brandon and I enjoyed last night. I bought the most recent <a href="http://www.yogajournal.com/">Yoga J</a><a href="http://www.yogajournal.com/">ournal</a> (November 2009). In it are a couple of recipes for warm winter salads. I almost flipped by, since salads are one of those things that don't really spark my interest, but one of the recipes contained the three magic words that always catch my eye: quinoa, sweet potatoes, and kale. Those are my three favorite ingredients! I decided to try it out... and let me tell you, even my seriously skeptical husband was impressed. Now run out, buy or borrow the November Yoga Journal, flip to page 38 and make this salad. Replace the honey with agave nectar and you are golden... and maybe, just maybe, you'll read the rest of the magazine and be inspired to start your own yoga practice.<br /><br />Enjoy and Namaste!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16945948976883745242noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7335630528500243139.post-33060358985387739382009-10-19T17:43:00.000-07:002009-10-19T18:13:05.627-07:00Monday Night Vegan Football<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYP5QialAgKA1PNnnPyu2eIRuBGGZcn3YAF9lvKJDrMP_dpmyAby2zWs0KoAFR_4jzAIGGhetVheB50sfFZJ6xD7frHKuZpiKcNb4ZovzvT8saU_LgavtqahkStGE9ThgXCCqEgGLwvOcJ/s1600-h/Vegan+Mofo.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 75px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYP5QialAgKA1PNnnPyu2eIRuBGGZcn3YAF9lvKJDrMP_dpmyAby2zWs0KoAFR_4jzAIGGhetVheB50sfFZJ6xD7frHKuZpiKcNb4ZovzvT8saU_LgavtqahkStGE9ThgXCCqEgGLwvOcJ/s320/Vegan+Mofo.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394482304844907602" /></a><div><div style="text-align: left;">Are you ready for some football? Chances are, there are not an abundance of football fans reading this blog, so "no" would likely be the common answer. However, this won't stop me from blogging about it anyway. This week, I get to watch the Denver Broncos play against the San Diego Chargers. Because of this, I've made my football snacks match the times that I've</div><div style="text-align: left;"> spent in both Denver and San Diego.</div><div>A long time ago, in a West Coast far, far away, I was a surfer. And yes, as a surfer, my travels often led me to strange lands like San Diego, which according to Ron Burgundy means "a whale's vagina." In San Diego, citrus fruits and avocados reign supreme which is lucky for me, because there are few things that I love as much as a good avocado. </div><div>With that in mind, I've made guacamole, with a citrus twist.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Brandon's Easy-and-Obvious Guac</b></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>2 Avocados, ripe and ready</div><div>1/4-1/2 cup of your favorite salsa (I dig Newman's Own Chunky Garlic)</div><div>1/4 fresh cilantro (way chopped up)</div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 127px; height: 102px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnKTekqtIOKY9Hhgz2msqDLRrKeqzEn6m8ytVorHeMIp_PKEVS0rynfpBmbg4CWbPdpB_AK3BThvuvMJrt4xaJQU1alcrbFHz5L8IIfnVe-TWLz9mAR9Xl1j2vKiU-iIfR1QopgimIDeI2/s320/avocado.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394482452472467026" /><div>Juice of half a Navel Orange</div><div>Juice of half a small Lemon</div><div>Juice of half a Tangerine</div><div>A few chopped up Scallions</div><div>1/4 cup Diced Onion</div><div>Dash to Dashes of Paprika, Salt, Pepper, and Chili Powder</div><div>A little hot sauce if you like, I'm all about Cholula</div><div><br /></div><div>Mash it all up in a bowl and serve immediately. This goes great with chips or anything else you'd like to dip with and it's an excellent way to bring a little San Diego into your home.</div><div><br /></div><div>The pictures of the guac were even worse then usual this time, so I decided to just put up a nice picture of an avocado. And now I'm hungry.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 170px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLoMR7xOQ9qzky1m_3rauAxST2VYsRMjm2FaDVdIPQepDpKILXJfOhpUKcu35N5YlkNKsEn_HjtO60Jy9yKYvs4cqOP3DlgBRB0XwFVzdXpBjn8mrFrOPQyMNS2x_eWo7vJrw5n5TfuHF7/s320/Blue-Moon-Beer-780348.bmp" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394482980627870114" /></div><div>From Denver, we have mostly meat-based dishes, especially Rainbow Trout and Steak. However, Coors beer is known to "tap the Rockies" arguably making it the most recognizable edible item that stems from Denver. I hate Coors beer. However, did you know that <a href="http://www.barnivore.com/beer/Coors">Coors is vegan?</a> And do you know what other beer Coors makes? Blue Moon. Yes, Blue Moon. Blue Moon is a very good beer and is very much worth trying out. Because it's brewed by Molson, just like Coors, Blue Moon is also vegan and is an excellent complement to my guac and chips (for the record, I'm digging Kettle Chips: Krinkle Cut... and </div><div>they're absolutely fantastic!)</div><div><br /></div><div>So sit back tonight, watch the game, and enjoy some vegan guac, chips, and and ice cold beer. I can't think of anything better for Monday Night Football. Can you?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16820646338799580069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7335630528500243139.post-83483560763487410802009-10-17T19:06:00.000-07:002009-10-17T19:38:10.090-07:00Vegan Night Out - Boba House and Downtown<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvHm-XLKtxkWSghvshSgJ6K9CU40g8ZEKUqu5KvOXBB_hc53nBezIfY-a_qaSkVKKD8cro-MwPZc8qMPka0S2WrXzDKWtqKylCGwbFuVqXcncFRE1aHBLXy3gmF2cwbloCvuyps3sGxDoE/s1600-h/Vegan+Mofo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 55px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvHm-XLKtxkWSghvshSgJ6K9CU40g8ZEKUqu5KvOXBB_hc53nBezIfY-a_qaSkVKKD8cro-MwPZc8qMPka0S2WrXzDKWtqKylCGwbFuVqXcncFRE1aHBLXy3gmF2cwbloCvuyps3sGxDoE/s200/Vegan+Mofo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393762919568659138" border="0" /></a><br />Once upon a time, in a tiny little city called Greensboro, two vegans went out to dinner at the only vegetarian restaurant in town...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.bobahouse.com/">Boba House</a><br /><br />Brandon and I are deeply grateful for the existence of Boba House. Without it, we would be relegated to having date night at restaurants with only one or two sketchy vegan options. At Boba, we have many choices, plus the food is really good and the atmosphere is truly unique. Plus they have vegan desserts!<br /><br />Since the University of North Carolina, Greensboro (UNCG) is located here, there are a lot of college kids downtown. Thank goodness for them! Without them, we wouldn't have the adorable artsy, downtown area that we have. And we definitely wouldn't have Boba House.<br /><br />If you are looking for a great night out in Greensboro, start with Boba. I suggest starting with the Crispy Spring Rolls, then ordering the Eternal Bliss with "chicken" or "shrimp." Interesting side note: Boba makes all their own faux meats, so you are really getting something original and different. Finally, make sure you order the Kahlua Cake for dessert. You won't be disappointed.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9jZbk0-7B478zcWavyBuerlD34Wt-28SqQWfbHRm65ip0Dm-yLQ8BtmltcNGd7vi1DaXVGyMCKp4Dd0SRwlzXd7cI6zB67T4vKV8uWabdHc6BQd2MOuJg3E-i0SQdN7xMQA8R-00MOQKJ/s1600-h/P6143501.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 286px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9jZbk0-7B478zcWavyBuerlD34Wt-28SqQWfbHRm65ip0Dm-yLQ8BtmltcNGd7vi1DaXVGyMCKp4Dd0SRwlzXd7cI6zB67T4vKV8uWabdHc6BQd2MOuJg3E-i0SQdN7xMQA8R-00MOQKJ/s400/P6143501.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393760953813909106" border="0" /></a><br />Afterwards, see a movie at the historic <a href="http://www.carolinatheatre.com/History.html">Carolina</a><a href="http://www.carolinatheatre.com/History.html"> </a><a href="http://www.carolinatheatre.com/History.html">Theater</a> or catch a live play at the <a href="http://www.triadstage.org/">Triad Stage</a>. Or you could just walk around downtown, check out all the lovely <a href="http://www.downtowngreensboro.org/citylight/shopping">stores</a> and numerous <a href="http://www.downtowngreensboro.org/citylight/arts/studio-and-art-galleries">art galleries</a>. There are antique stores, cute little shops, and places to grab a beer. You'll find plenty to keep you occupied downtown.<br /><br />Greensboro is a small city, but it is a unique one and it has a lot to offer to the visiting vegan. If you find yourself in the area any time soon, make sure you stop at Boba House and enjoy all the city has to offer.<br /><br />Until next time!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16945948976883745242noreply@blogger.com0