response to reader's comment

I received a comment the other day from Mali, and when I began writing back to her in the comments section, I realized I had written a novel.  Therefore, I am posting my response here. Mali had some good questions that I think many people have, so I will first share her comment:

Mali:

I just saw your vegan blog today from a facebook link.... and I'm curious. Our family follows a lot of Michal Pollan's "food rules". We buy all of our meat, eggs, and dairy from local sustainable sources, or raise our own. (We have 15 hens, and are getting 2-3 cows this spring) We grow, pick, and can about 75-80% of all the vegetables we eat. Our dog doesn't even eat kibble! I guess I see us as having similar views on animals and food, but going about it in a different way. What do you see is the ideological difference?
I also try my best to stay away from chemical laden foods. Which I guess is what I'm most curious about. As omnivores our bodies have innate needs for certain vitamins, minerals, etc. that come most easily from animal products. How do you fill your nutritional needs (and wants) with out the use of "faux" foods? I've never really done much label reading of vegan foods, but I would think taking, for example, butter...a product which is mostly dairy, and taking all the natural dairy out would leave you with mostly synthetic substances.
I hope I'm not sounding critical... because I think vegans are awesome!! I wish I could get my family to swing at least a little that way!! I just really love food, and I love to learn new things about it. It is also really nice to know someone else who really thinks about where their food comes from, and what the repercussions of their choices are. I hate talking to people about raising our own animals and hearing, "Oh I could never kill an animal, " or, "that's gross!" While they choke down a cheeseburger. :) Anyway... You're the only vegan I know, and I've always been very curious about it so I thought I'd chat you up a bit!

My response:

Mali - you don't sound critical at all, and I'm glad you asked! A great resource for scientific facts (with years of research to back it) is Alicia Silverstone's book: The Kind Diet, which I can't praise enough. She's a fountain of knowledge. As for my personal reasons, I'm kind of a health nut and don't prioritize exercising, so since I have a desk job, I knew I needed to do something to stay fit now that my metabolism has gone down down down. I suffered from too-often stomach issues when I ate dairy or meat, and I lacked the discipline to make healthy choices when I was starving at lunchtime. I also had really annoying adult acne that I was OVER, so I looked for solutions. I am an all natural person, I don't take meds, have never loved soda, and have never really enjoyed super-processed food. When I first read the first few pages of Alicia's book, I was hooked! I had been a pescetarian {vegetarian, still ate seafood} for about a year and a half before I decided to try vegan, and the positive results were instantaneous. It's crazy, really. I don't have acne anymore, and I have TOO MUCH energy. I've slimmed down significantly {= more shopping...yay!} and I just feel amazing. Again, I don't exercise other than taking my dogs for walks + housework, so I slimmed down and flushed all my body's toxins just by eating natural plant-based foods. I've found {most} vegan products to be even more delicious than the non-vegan, i.e. Earth Balance vegan butter--outstanding, and made with soy and sugar beets. I don't eat synthetic foods, just natural. I love animals, and I'm anti-cruelty, but my reasons are more health-conscious. The hormones and high-toxin levels in animals that max right before they are slaughtered are present in the food that is produced, which then get absorbed in the human body. That's really gross to think about. Other than the cholesterol factor, I am not opposed to eating farm fresh eggs on occasion, if I know the source, like my boss whose dad has free-range chickens that have a better life than he does! :) If you incorporate non-animal products in your family's foods, they a) won't know the difference, and b) will love it. I'd start with swapping out your butter w/ Earth Balance, then work your way up to Daiya cheeses. They'll know the difference in the taste of the cheese, but it tastes really yummy, I promise. It tastes a million times better than any fat-free cheese you've ever tried for sure. That's awesome you grow your own veggies! We do too. Well, Gabe does, since I have a black thumb, but I cook/can what he grows! ;) If the veggies come from your garden, I'd recommend not washing them, and just eating them with a little soil remaining, so you get the vitamin B12 our bodies need. Strict vegans need to take a supplement for this, as it's only found in animal parts and soil.

Oh, and I LOVE food too! I love it more than anything. I don't eat food that doesn't taste good--ever! Period.

---

I hope that helped, and everyone, please feel free to respond!  I may not have all the answers, but I am learning too, so I can surely get them.  Thank you!

new fave drink + a major compliment!

Today I stumbled upon an article about secret fast-food menu items that I find interesting {and partly disturbing}, and decided to share it with you. 

The reporter only shares a handful of the following six big-name food stops' secret offerings:

• In-N-Out Burger
• McDonald's
• Taco Bell
• Jamba Juice
• Dairy Queen
• Starbucks

I'll warn you now that if you are reading my blog, I am assuming you are a healthy eater and possibly even vegan, you will not be excited to learn many of these secret menu items.  I am also assuming you will, like me, find McDonald's Land, Sea, and Air Burger completely revolting.  It's called that because, you guessed it, it contains three kinds of animals--one beef patty, one McChicken patty, and one Filet-O-Fish--all sandwiched between a single bun.  :::All together now::: gross!

And if we weren't already inundated with options at the Starbucks counter, the reporter shares twelve secret drinks, one less healthy than the next.  I'm the chick who simply orders a regular drip coffee, which I can order and receive in the time it takes the person next to me in line to finish spouting off their order.  Venti 190° extra shot double pump sweetened...blah blah blah ?! 

However, I recently overheard a customer order an Earl Grey latte, which is not on the menu, and I was intrigued.  So, the next time I found myself in a Starbucks {not that often believe it or not} I ordered an Earl Grey latte with soymilk, unsweetened.  Lemme tell ya, it was so yummy!  The barista told me to next time try the same drink, but with vanilla rooibos tea rather than Earl Grey.  I did, and I loved it even more. 

I recommend trying the vanilla rooibos tea latte with soymilk the next time you are at Starbucks, then tell me what you think.  It might be my new favorite 'anytime' drink!  I love that rooibos is caffeine-free, and according to wikipedia, full of other healthful properties like antioxidants and allergy- and even acne-fighters...

...Which brings me to the major compliment I received!  Last weekend at a friend's annual holiday party, a girl I went to high school with and whom I don't see but maybe twice a year, told me my skin looked exceptionally great!  She surveyed my face somewhat closely and complimented on its clarity.  That made my millennium, you don't even know.  You see, before adopting a vegan diet, my skin decided to be that of my fifteen-year-old-self, and we all know how unattractive adult acne is.  The problem wasn't with my beauty regime, but rather with my diet.  I know this because, after about three months of eating vegan, my skin really is clear, tight, glowing, and well, beautiful!  I was told that my skin would improve after a while, but seeing is believing.  I'm a believer. 

I'm also proud to report that I have never, not once in my twenty-six years, tried a McDonald's Big Mac.  This is a fact that I can confidently proclaim and take to the grave. 

Happy hump day, friends!  Go get yourselves a tea latte w/ soymilk.  ;)

not so pretty, but delicious

Last night after taking a yoga class I happened upon by chance, I came home and made Alicia's Scrambled Tofu.  Yum.  I adapted her recipe in TKD, using the veggies I had on hand, which sadly were only peas and carrots.  I didn't snap any photos, partly because it was after 10 p.m. and I was half asleep, and partly because the dish isn't all that pretty.

Before I left for the gym, I had prepared the tofu so that it would be drained and ready for 'scrambling.'  I remember enjoying a tofu scramble at a nearby restaurant, Cafe Bernardo, for breakfast one morning, and it reminded me of an egg skillet scramble with all the veggies and different textures and flavors.  It was so good, and Alicia's recipe did not disappoint.  She notes that adding the umeboshi vinegar is optional, but I love it so much, it was mandatory in my case.  Seriously, I am addicted to that bright iridescent pink tasty goodness.  I may start needing to buy it in bulk.

Her recipe is easily adaptable to whatever goods you have in your fridge and pantry.  I finished my dish with some fresh scallions and toasted sesame seeds.  This dish would be great any time of day, and make an especially tasty breakfast meal if you are or were once a major scrambled egg lover.  It is also part of her superhero recipes, so you can feel extra good about eating a giant bowl of it.  I know I do.

temporary loss of focus

I just finished watching Julie & Julia, one of my favorite movies, for the hundredth time and am having difficulty remembering why I am now a vegan.  All of the food, the fish, the brie, the butter, looks so incredibly delicious!
It wold be cruel I think to post pictures of said food on here, so I shall refrain. 

Then, I remembered how good my body looks, how clear skin skin is, and how much energy I have since turning vegan, and I was again reminded why I chose this path. 

Besides, Earth Balance butter is even more delicious than dairy butter, and I don't feel bad at all when I spread a huge lump on my toast.  And, the part in the movie when Julie has to steam the live lobsters in a pot to make Lobster Thermador made me feel grateful that I no longer eat cute creatures.

I'm off to make yet another pot of echinacea tea {being sick is awful!} and some overly-buttered toast.
Good night.

holiday weekend: giving thanks

I'm thankful for family living in another state, providing a warm and inviting home for us when we visit.

Dad + sister, here we come!  ...all four of us.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone out there celebrating the holiday!  I'll 'see' you next week. :)

{photo source: walking around where the sidewalk begins}

vegan nail polish remover

I've read good things about Peacekeeper vegan nail polish remover, so now I just need to track some down at a local drugstore. 

All varieties that our local Nugget Market carries contain gelatin and other unkind ingredients, so I am hoping I have better luck at Whole Foods or Rite Aid.  Has anyone tried this?  If so, what do you think?

My nails currently look seriously jacked, and even if that's the cool new thing, I would rather they be well manicured.  Plus, I am looking forward to testing some vegan polishes next...  And recommendations?

Have a fabulous weekend, friends! 

wool: TKL response

For years I have been bummed about being allergic to wool. 

Today, I am happy to report that I am no longer bummed, nor will I ever be bummed again.

Yes, every coat at J.Crew is a work of freakin' art, and 95% of these coats are made with wool, but I can pass.

Alicia Silverstone recently shared on The Kind Life {TKL} the scoop on wool in the clothing industry--a close look that I was robbed of when earning my degree in Apparel Marketing and Design many moons ago.  While I cannot bring myself to watch the video {I'm sheltered}, I did read her post on the issue, and I am now grateful that I am allergic to the stuff!

Besides, there are plenty of vegan works of freakin' art available.  Enter: this beauty.

Tulle All Business Black Vegan Leather Jacket

While shopping on Lulus just now, my search for 'vegan' produced 371 results.  Impressive.  I'm also digging this:

Tulle Butterscotch Candy Vegan Leather Skirt

I've been looking for a mini for an upcoming holiday party, and this would look pretty damn adorable with some masculine pairings like those oxfords.  Okay, I'm off to cyber-shop.

day-before prep + a taste test: soup

So, tomorrow my friend Abby is coming over for dinner, wine, and stories, and since I have planned a three course meal {four, with dessert}, I decided to make the first course, minestrone soup, tonight.  Plus, soup always tastes better the next day, like pasta and popcorn.  I love stale popcorn--I get it from my mom. 

I got the delicious minestrone recipe from VeganYumYum, the site I am currently stalking for recipes and inspiration, and I have to say it is equally sweet and savory, and seriously flavorful.  I used fire-roasted tomatoes and half veg broth/half water, which added a ton of flavor.

The little ladleful in my teacup is vivid with iridescent red broth, bright green peas, and fresh lemon zest.  As I am typing this, I am gobbling it down and just went back for seconds.  The base has thickened a bit which means by tomorrow night the soup will be a hearty consistency--perfect for this cold weather.  And anything I get to put kale in makes me a happy camper.

Also on the menu for tomorrow night's dinner:  asparagus and white bean pesto tart, also from VeganYumYum {I told you, stalker}, and chickpea picatta over mashed potatoes, which I found over at the Post Punk Kitchen.  For dessert, I am making banana 'ice cream,' which is literally just frozen banana, blended in a food processor.  Really, just banana.  I swear the consistency is exactly like ice cream and is really yummy.  Have you had this?  I found it a long time ago on the kitchn.  The first time I made it, which was that very day it was posted, it came out creamy and delicious, but was quite messy, which I guess is half the fun.  I made a lot, so I stored the leftovers in the freezer and it kept a few days.  Nice.

I scored a bottle of Burgans Albarino on clearance at Cost Plus last night while shopping with friend Vicki, for only $7.88!  It's normally like fifteen bucks at Nugget Market, and since one of the recipes calls for white wine, I figure I'll use it and serve the rest at dinner.  Abby said she found Cakebread Chardonnay on sale at Nugget, so we'll definitely be covered in the vino department.

I love vegan food.  Love it.  Abby's vegetarian, so I won't need to defend any part of the meal.  Easy. 

What are your plans for Friday night?  Fancy food?  Friends?  Vino?  I sure hope so, because the holidays are in full swing, and everyone should be in a festive mood.  :)

Have a festive weekend!

{photo source: 1}

just discovered: wonderful resource for raising veg kids!

Click. Read. Share!

I found the Boston Vegetarian Society page by way of VeganYumYum's blog post about the society's annual food festival, which I just missed, sadly.  I would have flown cross-country to hit up those festivities in a heartbeat!

I'm a sucker for a well-organized melting pot of resourceful info when I am learning about a new field of interest, and this site does not disappoint.  There are book rec's categorized by age-appropriateness, and several helpful vegetarian and vegan site links.  I'm interested in checking out The Teen's Vegetarian Cookbook for my teenage vegetarian sister {Christmas is rapidly approaching!}, and the vegan pregnancy books and sites recommended on the society's page.  My sister is the only vegetarian in her house, and her mom doesn't cook much {she's my half-sister for those of you with the confused Cocker Spaniel head tilt}, so I think this book would be great for her.

vegan burgers for lunch

Another book that looks promising in the Vegan Lunch Box, with over a hundred ideas for animal-free lunches.  This book keeps both adults and kids in mind, and their photography is adorable.     

The society's website is bursting with information, not just on raising veg kiddies.  I just found my new cyberobsession for the week...

Let me know what you think of the site, and what you learned.  I am sure this is not the last time I am going to refer to this site.

yummy brands, comfort food

Yesterday, a stormy day in the capital city, called for grilled cheese sandwiches and hot tomato soup in front of a roaring fire. 
Gabe ran {well, drove rather, since it was raining} down the street to the store and stocked up on soup.  He picked up a few cartons of Imagine tomato soup, which turned out to be the yummiest {and vegan!} tomato soup we have ever eaten.  He added his usual dashes of Tabasco and chopped fresh green onions to the soup, and for the sandwiches used earth balance butter on the whole wheat bread slices and daiya cheddar style cheese, which melted beautifully on the cast iron skillet.  Like so many other vegans, I am now singing the praises of daiya cheese!  I'm not kidding when I say this 'cheese' truly tastes like real sharp cheddar cheese.  And, you should trust my palette, because it is very discerning. 

This is one of our favorite cold weather meals, and luckily all these yummy brands can be found at our local markets.  Sorry Tillamook, but you've got some competition.  And Campbell's, you don't stand a chance.

We look forward to grilling some daiya-wiches for our friends and family this season...and seeing if they can taste the difference.

What is your favorite cold weather vegan meal?

{photo sources: 1, 2, 3, 4}

recipe: mmm...Brussels sprouts...

Last week I promised I would share with you the veg treats I made for our annual Halloween party.  Since I just spent the last couple hours putting together a full-on-party-post on my other blog, I am just going to link it for you to check out in your spare time.  Here.

I will however share with you a quick veg recipe I whipped up today for lunch.  Oh man.  So yummy.  Let's call it Lemony Brussely Brussels Sprouts.

Lemony Brussely Brussels Sprouts
serves 2

1 pound Brussels sprouts
1 lemon, zested and juiced
2T safflower oil
1/4 yellow onion, thinly sliced
few splashes of sparkling water
few dashes of Lawry's garlic salt {the only kind we buy}
freshly ground black peppercorns
splash balsamic vinegar

1.  Heat safflower oil in skillet over medium heat and add onions.
2.  While onions are sauteing, slice the sprouts in half, discarding the base and any non-pretty outer leaves.
3.  Stir the onions.  You want them to caramelize.
4.  Add the sprouts to the pan of caramelizing onions and add the lemon zest and juice, and the Lawry's and pepper.  Stir and flip.
5.  Turn up the heat and leave the sprouts alone for a minute, allowing them to brown.
6.  Add a splash of sparkling water {or tap water; I just happened to be drinking a sparkling water while I was cooking} and scrape the bottom of the skillet, releasing the brown bits.
7.  Add a little more water and cover the skillet with a lid, allowing the sprouts to steam so they cook all the way through.
8.  Oh my gosh, they are so cute!  These adorable tiny baby cabbages...
9.  Stir some more and stab one of the bigger sprout halves with a fork to see if they are ready.  They shouldn't be too hard to stab, but they shouldn't be mushy either.
10.  Spoon into individual bowls and drizzle with a little balsamic vinegar.  Serve warm.
11.  Indulge.

I snapped a quick photo before Gabe + I polished off our bowls.

Have a fab weekend!

makeup links

I have been MIA from Blogland as of late, planning and prepping for our annual Halloween party, which is this Friday. I've got some vegan treats on the menu that I promise to share afterward.  In the meantime, I wanted to share some fun links I've come across in the past week or so. 

Cassi shares her story...no, I'm not writing in the third person

Gas is not only a natural part of life, it is definitely part of a plant-based diet...all those beans...one natural cure: peppermint tea

Find other vegans in your area...become friends...swap ideas + stories...meetup! I did.

Sixteen miles is not too far to drive for an all-vegan-menu...might not make the round-trip during my short lunch hour though

This dude knows his stuff...a really great resource, especially for us beginners

Halloween is by far my favorite time of year.  Gabriel and I go all-out: DIY decorations, costumes, party menu, gifts + favors, etc.  DIY is so much more rewarding any way you look at it.

HaPpY HaLlOwEen, everyone!

Grubbing on some homemade kale chips while assembling the party favors...I promise to explain the TP rolls in the next post.

vegan cheese: a miss.

Yesterday for lunch, I made tomato soup with Tabasco and fresh arugula, and paired it with a grilled 'cheese' sandwich.  The weather called for such a comforting meal, and my hour-long lunch called for a quick and easy prep.  I made a somewhat large pot of tomato soup so that I would have a quick lunch to nuke for a couple of days, but I wasn't terribly hungry so I only made half a sandwich.  I used the super-yummy {I'll get the name for you later} vegan bread, and the not-so-yummy Soy~Sation mozzarella.

I sliced a few thin strips off of the block and arranged them on the bread, then placed the open faced sandwich in the hot skillet.  After a few minutes, even with a lid on the skillet, I noticed the 'cheese' had not even begun to melt, but the bread was browning.  I folded the sandwich in half and turned down the heat a bit.  When the bread was bordering burnt, I decided to remove the sandwich from the skillet. 

I sat at the table with my large mug of hot tomato soup and my grilled half sandwich and dug in.  The soup instantly warmed me.  I had to give myself kudos for adding the arugula for its peppery spice and greenery.  It was delicious.

Next, I bit into my sandwich.
 
I'll admit I was naive to think it would actually taste like real cheese.  With all of our technology, is that too much to ask?? It looked like cheese.  It sliced like cheese.  It even felt like cheese.  But the similarities end there.  It tasted gross, to put it bluntly. 

When I began this post, I searched the manufacturer's website simply for an image to use as a visual.  What I found in addition to said image was off-putting.  Reading the ingredients list {something I usually always do before I purchase an item}, I noticed it contained casein, a milk protein.  According to wikipedia:

Casein is not coagulated by heat. 

It is precipitated by acids and by rennet enzymes, 

a proteolytic enzyme typically 

obtained from the stomachs of calves.

Not only does this explain why the 'cheese' didn't melt when I grilled the sandwich, but it also means this product is not vegan. 

Gabriel found it in the designated vegan corner of the refrigerated section at Whole Foods, so I am guessing he didn't think to read the back label.  The thought had not occurred to me either.  I believe I was discovering the presence of eggs in a package of soy sausages, incorrectly labeled vegan, at the same time he was grabbing the mozzarella off the shelf.

Live and learn {then read the label!} is the lesson I take away from this experience.  I read a recommendation on another 'cheese' from a vegan blogger yesterday, who claims it tastes and melts like real cheese, so I am excited to try it.  

Has anyone else tried this cheese?  Your thoughts?

currently my favorite breakfast

Let me begin by saying I have never been a breakfast person.  For many years I have been just fine with a few cups of coffee first thing in the a.m. to hold me over until lunchtime.  I know, that is really bad for you.

Luckily, since I began this new advegture {trust me I've got a hundred more}, I wake up thinking about food and actually look forward to eating breakfast.  I don't even have my coffee until I get to the office, and even then I haven't been drinking more than one cup.  Odd. 

I found a vegan yogurt at Whole Foods that is so yummy and wanted to share with you, cuz that's what I do.  The brand is WildWood, and so far I have only had the vanilla {love!} which, sprinkled with ground cinnamon, raisins, and fresh sliced bananas, make up my current favorite breakfast.  You must try.

Gabriel and I have also been experimenting with our oatmeal in the morning, trying to find our fave recipe.  This could take a while. 

All this food talk... I'm off to snack on some banana + pb before lunchtime.  What is your favorite veg breakfast food? 

diy veg broth

So, I keep saying I am going to make my own vegetable broth, but I wasn't absolutely convinced I should until I read this. 

This talented vegan chef shares really helpful advice {along with some icky store-bought-taste-test results} on making your own batch at home.  Although we don't waste vegetables now in our home, as everything goes into the composting pile, making our own broth would be one more use of the veggies before discarding. 

I'm really excited to do this!  I'm even planning on blocking out my Friday night to make a batch. 

That's right, I said Friday night...I'm a homebody. 

Do you have a favorite combo for your homemade veg broth?  Please share!  I'll share my results too after I make it. 

Have a great week!

{image source 1}

vegan. chocolate.

Thank you, Kristina, for introducing me to the Martha Goes Green cookbook. These gals collaborated with friends to independently create and publish this adorable vegetarian cookbook.  Although not all of the recipes are vegan, many ingredients can be substituted.  That's the beauty of it!  Well, that and the fact that we're talking chocolate.  

Is there anything more beautiful than chocolate?

{Men: don't answer that.}

Here's their recipe for a yummy sounding mousse:

{They're in Melbourne, so you'll need to convert the measurements here in the States.}

Chocolate tofu mousse

vegan : gluten free : serves 4

• 200g silken tofu
• 250g vegan chocolate, melted
• 2 tsp pure maple syrup
• 2 tsp peanut butter

to serve:

• grated chocolate  

Blend all ingredients until just smooth, careful not to overmix. Pour into jelly moulds, small dishes or glasses and garnish with grated chocolate.  Refrigerate for a few hours until set. Serve.

 

I plan on making these soon.  Like, next week soon.  I'll report back with results, or if you make them first, please share your results!  :)

i am a crazy list-maker

And yes, I often create a pros + cons list for every significant decision I make.  It works for me.  Especially when I am flooded with ideas on a particular subject matter, I need to get everything down on paper and out of my brain before I suffer an aneurysm.  So, when the idea struck me to adopt Alicia's the kind diet, I grabbed a notepad and began scribbling.  Here's what I filled the page with before returning to the day's duties.

Super-lucky for me, I can cross off that first listed potential roadblock.  Gabe is just as excited as I am to embark on this vegan voyage!  Last night I took him to a local veg restaurant, Andy Nguyen's, and "presented" my plan to him over an incredibly delicious meal.  We swapped ideas, supportive words, and agreed this was not an overnight transformation, all while devouring Andy's Ultimate Buddha Nature and Awakening Mind Chow Fun dishes, sipping two pots of hot tea, then finishing with the Banana Mochi dessert.  Oh yeah. I could eat like this every day.

We discussed the best immediate plan of action for dealing with the foods we currently have in our fridge and pantry.  We knew there was no meat/poultry in our fridge or freezer, so already we were off to a great start.  We do, however, have butter, eggs, milk, half + half, milk chocolate, flour tortillas, honey, white sugar, white pasta, white flour, and a few more things with which we still need to deal.  After dinner, it was too late to do any grocery shopping, so when we got home we surveyed our stock and decided for breakfast we would have oatmeal made with water and seasoned only with cinnamon.  

This morning, he handed me a warm bowl with a mound of steaming oatmeal bronzed by the ground cinnamon, and we dug in.  Hmm. Kinda bland, we thought.  So, Gabe checked our pantry again and found a pouch of dried wild blueberries. They added the perfect natural sweetness and texture the oatmeal had been lacking.  It was now yummy.  We did, admittedly, have half + half in our coffee because, well, we didn't want the rest of the carton to go to waste.  This is going to be a transition that will take patience and flexibility.  

Let the journey begin!