tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27740421128857413012024-03-13T20:14:36.263-07:00Plant HungryShellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12819798747884168196noreply@blogger.comBlogger129125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774042112885741301.post-40559522497517442122016-04-20T10:54:00.001-07:002016-04-20T10:54:58.388-07:00Artisan Bread in Minutes<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE6CjLD_IUtbLmR8B3yPl5iKqNhJD17lsavoU0VVfIHflKRkHQ2vVmuw-8od9PqG5Wf3A_E1Cfh-l0uKNGI1APTzaQvYGRY84-_q2KJgJIkSToz_CKYf-84AWv3Omeecwka-PgBgOpic4/s1600/breadbook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE6CjLD_IUtbLmR8B3yPl5iKqNhJD17lsavoU0VVfIHflKRkHQ2vVmuw-8od9PqG5Wf3A_E1Cfh-l0uKNGI1APTzaQvYGRY84-_q2KJgJIkSToz_CKYf-84AWv3Omeecwka-PgBgOpic4/s400/breadbook.jpg" width="327" /></a>I often post photos to my Facebook page of the bread I make and I often get questions about it so I decided to do a blog post about it so I can make it simple and just link people to it.<br />
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I love fresh bread but I'm a bit impatient and I really hate kneading. I own a bread machine and that's fine but it doesn't really give me the crusty type of bread I most enjoy. I also have to get the water temp just right and that is really annoying. I usually make my husband do it.<br />
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Back in October of 2015, the website Craftsy had a super deal going on.. pay them $10 and you can watch as many of their classes as you want for the month of October. The classes range in price from $15 and up on sale so this was a great deal. I made a huge list of all the classes I wanted to take and most of them were food related. I spent hours every day watching these classes and I learned a lot.. I mean, a lot.<br />
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I've really upped my cooking and baking games and we are enjoying it with fresh salsas, fresh tortillas, fresh bread, stir fry and the list goes on.<br />
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One class I came across and took was <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/class/artisan-bread-in-minutes/4958?_ct=sbqii-sqjuweho-dum&_ctp=3&rceId=1461156213431~jqg5rqhc">Zoe Francois Artisan Bread in Minutes.</a> That sounded like my kind of bread.. no kneading! So, I took her class and loved it, I highly recommend it if you're interested. I found out <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Artisan-Bread-Five-Minutes-Revolutionizes/dp/1250018285?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage">she had a book</a> that covered what was in the class, plus a ton more so I got it. The book is big and beautiful and full of recipes and instruction. It's worth every penny.<br />
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<a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/5-minute-artisan-bread-325571">Here is the basic bread recipe.</a><br />
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Before I take you down this rabbit hole... do you need to buy all of the things I talk about in this blog post? No. Of course not. People have been making bread for centuries so you can do it with flour, water, yeast, salt and an oven.. but these things I mention do make it easier. I'm all for easy. So.. if you can afford to invest it all or some of it, great.. if not.. no biggie. A cookie sheet and some parchment paper is fine too.<br />
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If you can't do the class, get the book.. I'm happy I did the class and bought the book.<br />
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The basic point of this bread is that you mix it up in a bucket, let it rise and then stick it in the fridge for later use. Once it's proofed you have fresh dough available for immediate use. Fresh bread with a couple rises in a couple hours, pizza can be ready to go in half an hour. You can get multiple loaves out of each bucket.<br />
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I mostly make baguettes and pizza with this dough but it does so much more. It's really an all purpose dough and having it pre-made and ready to go is pretty amazing.. it's nice to be able to have fresh bread in a couple hours. You can make cinnamon rolls, boule (larger round loaves), naan, focaccia, rolls, and fancy breads.<br />
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The first thing I'll talk about is ingredients. Normally I'd use whole grains but in this I use simple all-purpose white flour. The book has more recipes if you want to expand into using different flours, including gluten free. I use yeast that I buy in big blocks and store in the freezer. I use kosher salt.<br />
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The next thing.. tools.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Etekcity-Digital-Multifunction-Stainless-Kitchen/dp/B0113UZJE2/ref=sr_1_6?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1461156101&sr=1-6&keywords=food+scale">Kitchen Scale </a><br />
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Zoe recommends weighing the flour for an accurate amount of flour. I've linked to a basic one that I don't own so I can't speak to how good or bad it is. You want one that weighs in grams. Do your research. You should just have a scale if you cook. Seriously.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rubbermaid-Commercial-Products-FG572324CLR-Container/dp/B000638AIK/ref=pd_sim_328_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=31cy6-9Q-CL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=150Z50C3FJXJMDZYD7AQ">Dough Bucket</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rubbermaid-Commercial-Products-FG572500YEL-8-Quart/dp/B00237VXHM/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1461155842&sr=8-6&keywords=dough+bucket">Lid</a><br />
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This is one of those things that makes it easier. You can pour the water in, add in the yeast and whisk to dissolve and then stir in the flour and salt. Then you can do your first rise and your refrigeration all in one container. You just need to make sure you have room in the fridge for it.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Original-Danish-Dough-Whisk-Stainless/dp/B00HQQJ3N6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1461155625&sr=8-1&keywords=dough+whisk">Dough Whisk</a><br />
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You may think a regular spoon will work... it won't.. at least not as easily as this will.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/NerdChef-Steel-Stone-High-Performance-Standard/dp/B00JXVNUHW?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage">Steel Pizza Stone</a><br />
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I've owned the stoneware kind and they always break. It's annoying. This time I decided I'd invest in one that would never break. This thing is heavy. We use it for pizza and baking the boules.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Update-International-WPP-1222-Wooden-Pizza/dp/B0037XIK9A/ref=sr_1_8?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1461156002&sr=1-8&keywords=pizza+peel">Pizza Peel </a><br />
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If you're going to buy a stone, but the peel. This is what you use to put the raw pizza onto the hot stone and to remove the cooked pizza from the hot stone. I linked to an inexpensive one but research this to find one that meets your needs. Use flour or cornmeal to make sure it doesn't stick and will move freely from the peel to the stone.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Metallic-Commercial-Non-Stick-Perforated-Baguette/dp/B003SZBSUK?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage">Baguette Pan </a><br />
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I love baguettes so I invested in this special pan. I use this with parchment paper. I'm sure other brands are available but I will always choose Chicago Metallic over another brand so that is what I linked to. I put this on top of a jelly roll pan and into the oven.<br />
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Water Pan<br />
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Another thing Zoe recommends is using a larger pan underneath the stone or pan that you will toss ice cubes into in order to bake the bread. This helps you get a nice crumb and crust. I use a large lasagna type baking pan. I couldn't even fnd one in order to link it for you. It has to be metal because you will be adding cold ice into a hot pan and glass will break. You also need it deep enough to hold the melted ice. I don't use the water method when I make pizza.<br />
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So.. there ya have it. I know it seems overly involved but it really isn't. I've been making this bread since October and I've even given it as gifts.. it's delicious. I don't think I'll ever make bread any other way now.<br />
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<br />Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12819798747884168196noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774042112885741301.post-14226825644566137642016-02-18T05:39:00.000-08:002016-02-18T05:39:06.424-08:00McDougall Big Cup VS. Maruchan Instant Lunch<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I think all of us have eaten ramen at some point in our lives. Some of us had to eat it because it was cheap and easy to get but I also think some of us just enjoyed it. However, I think most of us have come to terms with the fact that the cheap ones are a sodium nightmare and shouldn't be consumed at all. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">AT ALL.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well, I have good news! There exists a good ramen! It's full of fiber and protein. It has half the sodium of the cheap kind. It has organic noodles and it doesn't have any of the yucky ingredients like MSG. It is also vegan, fat free, oil free, dairy free and cholesterol free!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They also taste good! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The other good news is that <a href="http://www.rightfoods.com/">McDougall's</a> has a variety of flavors and they even have soups that all fit into the healthy slot and come in the single cups. You'll also find gluten free options and oatmeal. I love the Black Bean with Lime soup. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now, I suppose if there is any bad news, it is that they aren't as cheap as the Maruchan cups. I can find them online in 6 packs for around $10 to $12, so they average anywhere from $1.40 to $2 a piece depending on where you get them and what sort of discounts you can get but it's still affordable and your health is worth paying for better ingredients. They can be made with boiling water or in the microwave and are perfect to take to work.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Check out Jet.com, Amazon.com and McDougall's own website, rightfoods.com but also research to find other places. Many local supermarkets will carry them as well in their health sections but you'll pay a closer to retail price. McDougall's has a variety of foods that you might want to check out!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here is a run down of their ingredients and a chart comparing their nutritional details. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJjOnTvA67rUIwgEv1HCXt2yEOZlbQ_uz7CVdhmaPygKP65pUlEtcF93e9TWXvsdPxJuvDciUl3LHLpEft5r5zbmcY1k7jrrwlsZYGp-OWeFqE1u52oSq79J62o94u5IxbwVQUHyQIDT8/s1600/ramenmcd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJjOnTvA67rUIwgEv1HCXt2yEOZlbQ_uz7CVdhmaPygKP65pUlEtcF93e9TWXvsdPxJuvDciUl3LHLpEft5r5zbmcY1k7jrrwlsZYGp-OWeFqE1u52oSq79J62o94u5IxbwVQUHyQIDT8/s1600/ramenmcd.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>McDougall Vegan Chicken Soup with Organic Ramen Noodles Big Cup</b><br /><br />Organic Baked Ramen Noodles (Organic Wheat Flour, Brine, Salt), Yeast Extract, Vegetables* (Carrots, Garlic, Onion, Corn, Spinach), Organic Potato Starch, Organic Cane Sugar, Spices, Lime. *Dried.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirdV-R9NNfNeEX6-peK9vd2unc82x43WK8YacN5PhVz2TJbAcVaow5mFSLPm2Ixx50WF2wB-n8brhM9LxD6Ciz0iaC0n16qaHvRWLfCIEZNbgRfV1W8YloLAY2Sz21Ck0U_5yAnaaw1_w/s1600/ramenmaru.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirdV-R9NNfNeEX6-peK9vd2unc82x43WK8YacN5PhVz2TJbAcVaow5mFSLPm2Ixx50WF2wB-n8brhM9LxD6Ciz0iaC0n16qaHvRWLfCIEZNbgRfV1W8YloLAY2Sz21Ck0U_5yAnaaw1_w/s1600/ramenmaru.jpeg" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Maruchan Instant Lunch, Chicken Flavor </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Enriched Wheat Flour (Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Vegetable Oil (Contains One or More of the Following: Canola, Cottonseed, Palm) Preserved by TBHQ, Dehydrated Vegetables (Carrot, Corn, Green Peas, Onion, Garlic, Celery Stalk), Salt, Powdered Cooked Chicken, Chicken Fat, Monosodium Glutamate, Hydrolyzed Corn, Wheat and Soy Protein, Maltodextrin, Sugar, Dehydrated Soy Sauce (Wheat, Soybeans, Salt), Spices, Yeast Extract, Chicken Broth, Soya Lecithin, Potassium Carbonate, Sodium (Mono, Hexameta, and/or Tripoly) Phosphate, Sodium Carbonate, Turmeric, Silicon Dioxide (Anticaking Agent), Disodium Inosinate, Disodium Guanylate, Lactose.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>How do they compare?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Instant Lunch cups are listed as one serving while the McDougall's Big Cups are listed as two so I posted the McDougall's as one serving and adjusted the numbers so it's a fair comparison. Let's be honest.. we're gonna eat the whole cup. Keep in mind, your total sodium intake for the day should be kept under 2,300 mg. </span><br />
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<table id="" summary="">
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<th> </th>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> McDougall</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Maruchan</span></div>
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</thead>
<tbody>
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<th id="RowHdr2"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Serving size</span></div>
</th>
<td headers="ColHdr2 RowHdr2"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 50 gr</span></td>
<td headers="ColHdr3 RowHdr2"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 64 gr</span></td>
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<th id="RowHdr3"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Calories</span></div>
</th>
<td headers="ColHdr2 RowHdr3"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 180</span></td>
<td headers="ColHdr3 RowHdr3"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 290</span></td>
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<th id="RowHdr4"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sodium</span></div>
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<td headers="ColHdr2 RowHdr4"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 580 mg</span></td>
<td headers="ColHdr3 RowHdr4"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 1,190 mg</span></td>
</tr>
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<th id="RowHdr5"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Protein</span></div>
</th>
<td headers="ColHdr2 RowHdr5"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 8 g</span></td>
<td headers="ColHdr3 RowHdr5"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 7 gr</span></td>
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<th id="RowHdr6"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fat</span></div>
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<td headers="ColHdr2 RowHdr6"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 1 gr</span></td>
<td headers="ColHdr3 RowHdr6"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 12 gr</span></td>
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<th id="RowHdr7"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Saturated Fat</span></div>
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<td headers="ColHdr2 RowHdr7"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 0 gr</span></td>
<td headers="ColHdr3 RowHdr7"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 6 gr</span></td>
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<th id="RowHdr8"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fiber</span></div>
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<td headers="ColHdr2 RowHdr8"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 4 gr</span></td>
<td headers="ColHdr3 RowHdr8"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 2 gr</span></td>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Organic Ramen?</span></div>
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<td headers="ColHdr2 RowHdr9"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Yes</span></td>
<td headers="ColHdr3 RowHdr9"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> No</span></td>
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<th id="RowHdr10"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Vegan?</span></div>
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<td headers="ColHdr2 RowHdr10"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Yes</span></td>
<td headers="ColHdr3 RowHdr10"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> No</span></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
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Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12819798747884168196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774042112885741301.post-54542860740187453772015-11-04T05:40:00.001-08:002015-11-04T05:40:51.221-08:00Shelly's Coconut Shake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgow0ANWmJs2Fb9XH_7zX2U_63KUVs-2eyQF2yZV9KJ_VIK8SqKrHp3012FqrxgZ8wCaprAzTL4c4u85aw8Fmbj25OwBLDtPAy7S-L_7BMQ6tfvOAeix0CsnVtOeZpUzQf8rticQde8LVU/s1600/coconut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgow0ANWmJs2Fb9XH_7zX2U_63KUVs-2eyQF2yZV9KJ_VIK8SqKrHp3012FqrxgZ8wCaprAzTL4c4u85aw8Fmbj25OwBLDtPAy7S-L_7BMQ6tfvOAeix0CsnVtOeZpUzQf8rticQde8LVU/s1600/coconut.jpg" /></a></div>
<i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Feel free to share but please link back to this blog. </span></i><br />
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This morning when I was deciding what type of smoothie to make for myself, I saw that I had some coconut milk leftover in the fridge so I figured I needed to use that up and I had a great idea .....<br />
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Back before my plant eating days, I used to love to get a coconut shake at a local chain place called Beef a Roo. They are known for their large menu of shake flavors and I really wanted to try and replicate that thick, rich, creamy, nothing but coconut flavor in a healthy, vegan way.<br />
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I think I did it!<br />
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There is a little bit of plan ahead prep here - coconut milk ice cubes! These will change your smoothie life! Last week, I made some peanut sauce and had half a can of leftover coconut milk that I didn't want to waste so I poured it into ice cube trays and froze them to add to smoothies. Don't use regular ice in this. It will water it down. Make the effort to make the coconut milk ice cubes.. they will be delicious in any smoothie you make!<br />
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<b><u>Shelly's Coconut Shake</u></b><br />
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6 oz cocont milk (the canned kind, shake it before opening)<br />
2 oz almond milk (I used unsweetened vanilla)<br />
1 frozen banana<br />
2 coconut milk ice cubes<br />
1 tbsp maple syrup<br />
dash sea salt<br />
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Combine in a blender until smooth. This should be thick like an ice cream shake.<br />
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Notes:<br />
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Add in some vanilla protein powder for a boost.<br />
Add in cacao to get a chocolate coconut shake.<br />
Add in some pineapple for a Pina Colada shake.<br />
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<b><u><br /></u></b>Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12819798747884168196noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774042112885741301.post-90623938192495915872015-07-08T07:56:00.000-07:002015-07-28T08:04:27.288-07:00Original Recipe - Chili Cheese Corn Chips<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWz4hy2Ssq6ZpEocnNC5VKOVhZn3sxWtCNt180cU27jzdFSVu2IudhFOqqSco-zTAi01MmhLihPL5YX6OKfWOBGUq-rCnA6UNev6ODzCP2kjGJIlmui-Xa82Xa2LDpRPgEjYXLiU-TE2o/s1600/DSC00225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWz4hy2Ssq6ZpEocnNC5VKOVhZn3sxWtCNt180cU27jzdFSVu2IudhFOqqSco-zTAi01MmhLihPL5YX6OKfWOBGUq-rCnA6UNev6ODzCP2kjGJIlmui-Xa82Xa2LDpRPgEjYXLiU-TE2o/s320/DSC00225.JPG" width="320" /></a>Feel free to share this recipe. I just ask that you link back to this blog, please.<br />
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I love Fritos!Jjust three ingredients - corn, oil and salt.<br />
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I used to really like the Chili Cheese flavor but going vegan ended that love affair.... altho, to be honest, the chemical crap in those also just turned me off once I started to pay attention to and care about what was in the foods I was eating.<br />
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Just look at this ingredient list... MSG! Sugar? Multiple dairy sources? Gross.<br />
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<ul class="ingredientUL-1" style="background-color: white; border: 1px solid rgb(208, 208, 224); color: #202020; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li class="last" style="border: none; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; overflow: auto; padding: 5px 8px 5px 15px; vertical-align: baseline;">Whole Corn, Corn Oil, Chili Cheese, Seasoning (Salt, Whey, Spices [Including Chili Pepper], Cheddar Cheese [Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt, Enzymes], Whey Protein Concentrate, Wheat Flour, Tomato Powder, Monosodium Glutamate, Onion Powder, Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Romano Cheese [Part-Skim Cow's Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt, Enzymes], Dextrose, Sugar, Natural Flavor, Butter [Cream, Salt], Sodium Caseinate, Buttermilk, Citric Acid, Garlic Powder, Extractives of Annatto, Caramel Color, Disodium Inosinate, Disodium Guanylate, and Lactic Acid).</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2gLp2-NQxtONHr2I9ocM_XZ0mugLZsVRe2tZIcSiJi3A8XSlrc9pa162oN-KvmLmvu9XLo93Z-C-AEoFD0wWK4EQ_6W6I07HEJDiuDXL7dJL8slrtdSbjjLxjNUxRdYF_73hwK8EMc3c/s1600/howaboutno.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2gLp2-NQxtONHr2I9ocM_XZ0mugLZsVRe2tZIcSiJi3A8XSlrc9pa162oN-KvmLmvu9XLo93Z-C-AEoFD0wWK4EQ_6W6I07HEJDiuDXL7dJL8slrtdSbjjLxjNUxRdYF_73hwK8EMc3c/s320/howaboutno.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Note: this recipe calls for citric acid. You can find it in the canning section of the grocery store. It's an excellent ingredient to have in your kitchen. It gives food a tang like lemon juice does but in a powdered form. I use it quite often. I'm sure these will taste just fine without the citric acid but it does give it that little bit of oomph.<br />
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If you noticed, there is tomato powder in the original, and even tho I have that in my kitchen, almost no one else will and it isn't always easy to get your hands on that so I decided to make it without the tomato powder to keep it simple. I don't think my version is missing anything without it.<br />
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One thing I'd suggest is to make a few spice packets since you'll have everything out anyway... why not make a few baggies of the spice mix and then you just have to dump and shake next time! Plus, you'll be making these a lot.. I promise you.<br />
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<b><u>Chili Cheese Corn Chips</u></b><br />
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1 10 oz bag of plain Fritos or similar type corn chip (not the tortilla kind)<br />
2 tsp chili powder<br />
2 tsp cumin<br />
2 tsp onion powder<br />
2 tsp garlic powder<br />
2 tsp nutritional yeast<br />
1 tsp salt (you may want less here depending on how salty the chips are, start with 1/2 tsp and go from there)<br />
1/8 tsp citric acid.<br />
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Place all the spices into a small bowl and mix well. Dump the bag of corn chips into a gallon sized baggie and add the spice mixture. Toss the chips with the spices until coated. (don't add any oil, the oil on the chips is enough) Make sure you remove the air in the baggie for storage or they will go stale.. if they even last that long.<br />
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<br />Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12819798747884168196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774042112885741301.post-80459038766954658652015-05-04T09:42:00.000-07:002015-05-04T09:42:38.178-07:00Original Recipe - Adobo Vinaigrette<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrOwC3-jwcip1ukNIoVGqxtZPlBmwJQuAZY8rdJ0Sb8ZJekZ_1sAabdUYoiezx5yLYQjW38t-kiaU6Sgq9P-yJlYTWYeORLasCXoPLrWKJrHPwWJ15-bhQmlw4syndvdGUY5zd7EDFBgU/s1600/DSC04050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrOwC3-jwcip1ukNIoVGqxtZPlBmwJQuAZY8rdJ0Sb8ZJekZ_1sAabdUYoiezx5yLYQjW38t-kiaU6Sgq9P-yJlYTWYeORLasCXoPLrWKJrHPwWJ15-bhQmlw4syndvdGUY5zd7EDFBgU/s320/DSC04050.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love eating at Chipotle and I've heard tale of how great their honey vinaigrette is but I've never tried it because I consider honey to be a cruel product so I don't eat it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I searched the web for clone recipes and they all had so much sweetener and so much oil that I just decided to create my own. This still has quite a bit of oil but less than the recipes I found.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This recipe makes about 10 tablespoons and each tablespoon is about 105 calories. Yes, kinda shocking but it's really good and if you toss it with your greens, you can probably use less. At least it isn't full of weird fillers!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You'll need to grab a can of the chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for this. You'll find them in the aisle with the Mexican food products.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I used Suzanne's Just Like Honey as my honey alternative. It's a blend of brown rice syrup, maple syrup and agave nectar. You can sub any of those instead. Start with the 1 tablespoon and if you'd like it sweeter, you add more but it will affect the calorie count on the dressing if you do.</span><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Adobo Vinaigrette </span></u></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I blended this in my mini food processor/chopper type appliance. You can also use a Magic Bullet. I blended everything except the oil first and then added the oil in.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 cup vegetable oil (not olive)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/4 cup red wine vinegar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 chipotle in adobo pepper (I used a medium sized one)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 clove garlic</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 tbsp honey alternative</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 tsp dried oregano</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 tsp black pepper</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 tsp salt</span><br />
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<br />Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12819798747884168196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774042112885741301.post-43874381754664858622015-02-18T15:00:00.001-08:002015-04-06T02:52:28.390-07:00Miyoko's Kitchen Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjBghrrnO89R0mZ_Xl0pc7KWYes4ZsfVu4OF9-Mz3fvtLY_xyiE9vjFtS8M6G00_wGxo4ZPon6RV43mMT-J5f4CulUX5UVL5D4xw9BnICtzUT5uv4j7kPfoQ7j0oXbYh7riva7CNsn-UM/s1600/miyoko3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjBghrrnO89R0mZ_Xl0pc7KWYes4ZsfVu4OF9-Mz3fvtLY_xyiE9vjFtS8M6G00_wGxo4ZPon6RV43mMT-J5f4CulUX5UVL5D4xw9BnICtzUT5uv4j7kPfoQ7j0oXbYh7riva7CNsn-UM/s1600/miyoko3.jpg" height="160" width="320" /></a></div>
I used to be a very big cheese lover/eater before I went vegan. I don't really <i>miss</i> cow cheese but I miss the richness that cheese can add to a dish. I've certainly found vegan ways to make my favorite cheesy dishes from mac & cheese to nachos to au gratin potatoes and I'm perfectly happy with those.<br />
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If I had to admit I missed anything about cow cheese, it might be the whole cheese and crackers thing. I used to love a good cheese curd or a smooth and rich spread over a Triscuit. I even enjoyed a stick of string cheese now and then.<br />
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I've made delicious cashew cheese spread here at home that has made me exceptionally happy and I even bought <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Artisan-Vegan-Cheese-Miyoko-Schinner/dp/1570672830/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1424279461&sr=8-1&keywords=miyoko%27s">Miyoko's Artisan Vegan Cheese</a> cookbook, but I have to admit... I don't have the patience to do it. It takes planning and aging and that weird rejuvelac stuff. I don't have the desire or motivation to make rejuvelac so that is why I haven't tried making the cheeses.<br />
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I had first heard about Miyoko's plans to bring her cashew based 'cultured nut product' to retail a good year ago thru <a href="http://shop.miyokoskitchen.com/">Miyoko's Kitchen</a>. She isn't allowed to call it cheese in California but I'm going to call it cheese in this blog post because that is what it is to me.<br />
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I watched as she set up her manufacturing facility and warehouse, watched her tease the packaging and names for the products and I even watched her roll it out.. from debuting at various food conventions and even to her actual online sales launch. I sat and watched as bloggers were given freebies for review and I waited to see what everyone thought of it. I started hearing the rumblings from people that had been able to try it and I searched out actual blogger reviews.<br />
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From the moment it became available online I longed for it but the shipping costs were holding me back out of principal. I hate paying for shipping. The 2 day Fed Ex shipping runs from $9 to $30 depending on where you live and how many boxes you buy. I am, of couse, in the zone as far away as possible from California. I knew that the odds of this product every making it to stores in my midwest area, were slim to none. I might eventually see it come to Whole Foods but that is still a one hour drive (each way) away from me and you can't guarantee the product will be there when you decide to go.<br />
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However ... one day, Miyoko sent out an email with a code for $10 off and that is what finally spurred me on to place an order. (she's also done free shipping so watch out for those deals!)<br />
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I was able to justify paying $5 shipping vs $15 for the 4 pack I had chosen. We'd have to pay the gas prices to drive an hour and back if Whole Foods ever did get it around here so it seemed like it made sense to just order it.<br />
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When I placed my first order, Miyoko's Kitchen had packages of 3 or more of the cheeses pre-packed but now they have a mix & match procedure so you can try the flavors you want to rather than buy in a pre-packed grouping.<br />
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Right now, you can order a minimum of 3 boxes to a maximum of 10 boxes in an order. If they'd open it up to be as many boxes as you wanted, it might help those of us in Zone 3 because then we can order in bulk and share the shipping costs. We can do 10 boxes for ourselves but I often split the order with a friend. The cheese does freeze well according to the website but we don't keep it around along enough to do that!<br />
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Overall .. these are amazing. There is no one that would ever know these were made from cashews. If I didn't have the package in front of me and I knew for a fact it was vegan. I'd think someone was flat out lying to me. It's THAT good. There is no weird texture or aftertaste. These are so good that I won't even cook with them.. I want to eat them in their full, straight on glory .. simply on a cracker.<br />
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When I first saw the size of these, I was a little disappointed thinking they wouldn't last long but I was completely wrong... one wheel lasts a decent amount of time. I've been having cheese and crackers just about every day. I slice off about a half ounce wedge of three flavors at a time as a snack with Triscuits and it takes awhile to work thru a wheel and that is with my husband enjoying some a few times a week as well.<br />
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I've been able to try almost all of the flavors available right now so here are my opinions:<br />
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<b>Double Creams Selections</b>- These are a thick, rich cream cheese that you'd use on a bagel or a cracker. It's perfectly smooth and thick and amazing. They melt in your mouth.<br />
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Garlic Herb - This is probably my fave of the double creams. I love them all but if you forced me to choose one, I'd choose this. It has a nice balance of garlic and herbs. it's exactly like a fancy cream cheese. I like mine on Triscuits. I did try it on a bagel but I feel like you need to use too much in that capacity and it's too good for a bagel. The husband liked this one a lot. It was limited edition.<br />
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Sun Dried Tomato Garlic - this has a lovely tomato-y vibe to it.. almost like a pizza cream cheese.<br />
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Chive - this is a nice classic cream cheese flavor. Perfect.<br />
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<b>French Style Winter Truffle</b> - This one was a bit weird for me. I love truffle flavor but I didn't get that from this. It's a soft cheese with minced mushrooms. This didn't work for me on a cracker. I just didn't like the texture. The flavor was nice but it was not a cheese I'd use for crackers so I had to find a new use for it. I used half a wheel to make a delicious cheesy alfredo type sauce to use over linguine. I melted it with some soy milk and it was delicious and very fancy. I wouldn't buy this again simply because for me, it makes a pricey mac & cheese.<br />
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<b>Spring Thyme</b> - This was a special limited edition flavor that is similar to the Provence one. It has dried thyme on it. It's a very hard cheese so I wasn't a huge fan since I prefer to spread it on crackers. It has a stronger flavor.<br />
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<b>High Sierra Rustic Alpine </b>- this is a mild, creamy cheese. A little drier than the double cream type but very spreadable. I like this one but I tell people it's the least exciting of the flavors. It's delicious but doesn't have a flavor that I can really put a lot of adjectives to. I'd buy it again tho.<br />
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<b>Mt. Vesuvius Black Ash</b> - This is one that I was both hesitant to try and intrigued to try. It seemed really weird to me but also like it could be incredible so I figured I needed to at least try it and hope one of us liked it enough to make sure it didn't go to waste! It is coated with black vegetable ash. I don't know what that means but I hoped it wasn't going to taste like an ashtray... that was the thought my brain had as I was wrapping my thoughts around trying it. Well, it's delicious... the ash gives it a tangy sort of bite. I really liked it and I've re-ordered it.<br />
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<b>Aged English Sharp Farmhouse</b> - This is the only one I wouldn't eat again. It's too sharp for me. It reminds me of the sharpness of blue cheese and I don't like that. The Farmhouse cheeses are drier so it isn't as spreadable unless you let it sit a bit to warm up.<br />
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<b>Aged English Smoked Farmhouse</b> - This is probably my favorite. It's the driest of the cheeses. It isn't super smooth. It flakes but you can still use it on a cracker. Sometimes it's creamier than other times. Sometimes it just takes a little extra strength to work on a cracker. It does grate but it's soft so it doesn't come out like parmesan but I've successfully grated it onto chili. It has a delightful smoky edge to it.. melts in your mouth like the rest tho. My husband likes this one too.<br />
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<br />Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12819798747884168196noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774042112885741301.post-85993212686957436482015-01-06T07:42:00.000-08:002015-01-06T07:42:40.840-08:00Original Recipe - Perfect Hummus with Variations.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Feel free to share this recipe but please link back to this blog.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ah, hummus.... it seems lots of people love it. Commercial hummus is ok.. it does it's job but homemade is always better and so much more affordable.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm a bit of an odd one when it comes to hummus. I'll buy it with good intentions of using it and I usually end up tossing it out. I don't know why. It's great as a wrap spread or with veggies, pita wedges or crackers and it's the best snack - - - low fat, lots of protein and fiber and it's something you can dig into without guilt. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We have a local Mediterranean restaurant that makes the best hummus... I can eat an entire plate of it by myself but if I bring leftovers home, I don't eat it... I don't know why. I really don't. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anyway ... I learned from Ellen Degeneres's chef, Roberto Martin, that adding water was the key to perfect hummus and he's right! He has a great cookbook called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Vegan-Cooking-Carnivores-Recipes-Tasty/dp/1609412427/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1420556951&sr=8-1&keywords=vegan+for+carnivore">Vegan Cooking for Carnivores</a> and while his recipe was fine... I needed to make my own with more seasonings and flavor. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I wanted to replicate the one made by our local place. Roberto doesn't use tahini and I don't either .. it's high in fat and I'm not a big fan of the flavor and why add oil and fat if it tastes great without it? Turns out, my local place doesn't use Tahini either .... they use toasted sesame oil! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You'll need a food processor for this. Side note about the plum vinegar ... that is a staple in my kitchen and I like it for the tang it gives the hummus but you can skip it if you don't want to buy it or can't find it. I'm not sure I'd sub anything else tho. </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Shelly's Perfect Hummus (base version)</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(1) 15 oz can chickpeas (garbanzos), drained and rinsed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/4 to 1/2 c water</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 Tbsp lemon juice</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 tsp toasted sesame oil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/4 to 1/2 tsp salt (to taste)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 tsp plum vinegar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/4 tsp onion powder</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/8 tsp cumin</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/8 tsp smoked paprika</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">dash pepper</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Put everything into your food processor and blend for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and whipped. Start with the 1/4 water and add more util you get it the thickness/thiness you'd prefer. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now, if you want some variety..... punch of the flavor and add in other goodies!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Garlic Hummus (shown) .... just add a spoonful of minced garlic on top and stir in! Adding in roasted garlic is really good too!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Basil Hummus ... toss in some fresh basil leaves.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Roasted Red Pepper Hummus .. you can top the basic hummus with minced pepper or toss it in to blend it up. I like to buy the roasted peppers in the jar and use those.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sun Dried Tomato Hummus ... toss in some pre-soaked tomatoes. Choose the oil free ones if you can.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Olive Tapenade Hummus ... top with a spoon full of jarred or homemade tapenade.. or just use minced black and green olives.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Chipotle Hummus ... add in one chipotle in adobo and blend it in.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You can also thin it with water and use it as a salad dressing.</span><br />
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Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12819798747884168196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774042112885741301.post-29568550589491710252014-07-12T05:38:00.000-07:002014-07-12T05:38:25.079-07:00Annoying Plant Based Myths Debunked<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj_dlPe2rkOzAQNHhu3djnh-IT4Hut-41NFyqy5WoHE_LT_zY8hi0zSypAPSytvoqWvBJcjeKb_iruzbtHbXTirF0-yb8w3df4YeIBM4ckAHvIy8axukceSCP6e0x5TTkFQgD4aaKMfJw/s1600/screambaby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj_dlPe2rkOzAQNHhu3djnh-IT4Hut-41NFyqy5WoHE_LT_zY8hi0zSypAPSytvoqWvBJcjeKb_iruzbtHbXTirF0-yb8w3df4YeIBM4ckAHvIy8axukceSCP6e0x5TTkFQgD4aaKMfJw/s1600/screambaby.jpg" height="160" width="320" /></a>I get annoyed easily. Just ask my friends. I'm often ranting on Facebook about 100 different things.<br />
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One area that really gets me fired up are the endless and idiotic myths surrounding plant based eating.<br />
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I'm sure you've heard the basic ones about getting enough protein or B12 or how milk is good for bones. I hear other, less common ones that drive me crazy so I'm going to debunk them right here, right now.<br />
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<b>"Eating a plant based diet is expensive"</b><br />
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Complete and utter bullshit. Any diet can be expensive if you want it to be. If you choose to buy 100% organic or lots of prepared and processed convenience food then you can easily inflate your grocery bill but the truth is this - whole plant based foods are the least expensive foods int he entire store. Potatoes, rice, beans, lentils, fruits, and veggies are all very affordable and downright cheap.<br />
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How do you keep the budget in check? <br />
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* Only buy organics when necessary. There are about a <a href="http://www.organic.org/articles/showarticle/article-214">dozen fruits/veggies</a> that you should buy organic but if you feel you can't afford it then don't worry about it. Eating a non-organic veggie is better than not eating a veggie at all! I won't pay $7 for a bag of apples. I just won't.<br />
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* Shop online. Hitting the internet is a great way to save money. I buy a vast majority of my products online thru websites like <a href="http://www.amazon.com/">Amazon</a>, <a href="http://goo.gl/aKXfYI">VitaCost</a>, <a href="http://www.iherb.com/?rcode=AWE648">iHerb</a>, <a href="http://www.anuts.com/">Anuts</a> and <a href="http://www.bulkfoods.com/">Bulk Foods</a> I can buy my raw cashews and nutritional yeast at a fraction of the cost I'd pay locally. I can get my protein powder, cacao and maca half the price online. Many of these places even have free shipping when you reach a certain dollar amount. I subscribe to Amazon Prime so all of my orders are shipped free with 2 day shipping!<br />
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* Buy in bulk. Buying in bulk online or locally can save you money! Some grocery stores have bulk items like nuts, beans and grains. Check into your local warehouse store. I like to buy some of my produce at our local warehouse store because I can get large quantities at a lower price. I also buy some of my spices at the warehouse store. They also have great things like nut butters, coconut oil, nut and dried fruit.<br />
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* Shop around. Check out the various stores in your area. I go to various stores each month. We have a produce store, a regular grocery where I can find things like the plant based meats and mayo, Aldi is a great store for basics like pasta and beans and the warehouse store.<br />
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* Recognize that some items are specialty items. Yes, some ingredients can be pricey but you aren't buying them every week. Some ingredients you need to replace every few months so the cost per use is affordable. You might get sticker shock at the beginning of your plant based transition because you want to buy several of these items at the same time. Buying online can help with that. Search out the best prices.<br />
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* Don't rely on convenience foods. Yes it's handy to have a box of veggie burgers or Gardein Beefless Tips in the freezer but don't eat those things more than once or twice a week. the only exception to that is the Field Roast brand or any other brands that are isolated soy free... those can be eaten more often.<br />
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* Learn to cook. Don't whine, just do it. Taking control of the food that goes into your body is empowering. Making your own veggie burgers, your own soup, your own salad dressing .. it means controlling the ingredients and that is 100% win. It doesn't take much to set aside a couple hours to make some food that you can throw in the freezer or fridge. Seriously.<br />
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<b>"Desserts without eggs, butter and milk are gross!"</b><br />
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Complete and utter bullshit. I hear this from people that have never even tried a plant based dessert or those that have tried one and it wasn't good so they think all plant based desserts are bad. Look, there are bad plant based recipes just like there are bad non-plant based recipes. just because you'd have one bad cupcake doesn't mean that all cupcakes are bad. In fact, I think plant based desserts are far superior to those containing eggs, cow butter and cow milk. Why? You've taken out some of the guilt factor. Plant based desserts have no cholesterol. That right there is a win! yes, you can have plant based desserts that are junky .. ones that contain lots of sugar and fat but you can also have plant based desserts that contain a nice dose of protein like a tofu based french silk pie or bean based brownies! Don't wrinkle your nose up .. both are delicious and you'd never know the tofu or beans were in there!<br />
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How do you find success with plant based desserts?<br />
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* Don't reinvent the wheel. If you take your beloved great grandmothers recipe for her famous cake and try to veganize it, you'll probably be disappointed in the outcome. Instead, search online for a recipe that is similar. There hasn't been one thing that I haven't been able to find a recipe for since I went plant based 11 years ago. Look for well-known bloggers, cookbook writers and chefs. They've done the work for you! Just like with non-plant based recipes, you might need to try a few to find a recipe that works to your tastes. My husband's favorite cake is a spice cake with a cream cheese frosting. I found a very simple cake recipe online and he says it's the best spice cake he's ever had. I found a frosting recipe that is very cream cheese like in flavor without even using vegan cream cheese! The tangy flavor is created using spices.<br />
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* Stop the comparisons and be fair. You have to evaluate every recipe individually. You can't compare desserts to one another when they are all different. It's like if you walked into a bakery and got a vanilla cupcake and a chocolate one and you decided you liked the chocolate one better.. that doesn't mean the vanilla one isn't good. It's personal taste. You might love the chocolate one and someone else might think it was dry. Don't base your entire opinion on just your opinion. I've made desserts before that I thought were kinda dry or kinda whatever else and I've had five other people tell me they were fantastic and ask for the recipe.<br />
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* Don't be an ingredient snob. You may see ingredients in plant based desserts that you've never seen used in non-plant based desserts. You may see applesauce, flax 'eggs', egg replacer powder, beans, and tofu. Don't be obnoxious and turn your nose up just because it's different. I'm not saying you have to love the outcome but be willing to at least TRY those recipes.<br />
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<b>"I can't give up pizza, nachos and mac & cheese!"</b><br />
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You don't have to. I eat those things on a very regular basis. When I think about what I've 'given up' by going plant based, I think about the animal fat that is no longer running through my veins, that I am free of animal hormones and free from worrying about animal diseases that come from eating flesh. I think about no longer consuming hen periods and the pus filled secretions of cows. That's pretty gross. I gladly gave that up.<br />
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Let me tell you - I was a HUGE cheese lover. I loved cheese. Loved it. Now? I don't miss it at all.<br />
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While there are many plant based cheese brands available, I actually prefer my pizza without any at all. I order mine with extra sauce, mushrooms and black olives and then I sprinkle on my own homemade cashew cheese. It's incredibly satisfying and not heavy like a pizza with cow cheese always was. I enjoy loaded nachos made with plant based taco meat or even shredded Beyond Meat chick'n strips, homemade cheese sauce, guacamole, salsa, tomatoes, onions, black olives, beans and whatever else! I also have a few delicious mac & cheese recipes I make. Some are made with a cashew sauce, some with a sauce made with broth and nutritional yeast that gets thick and bubbly! I can also make chickpea enchiladas, burritos, lasagna made with a cashew cheese filling, black bean burgers, tempeh bacon ... there is nothing I can't create using plant based foods and the high point is that they are healthy!!<br />
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<b>"I couldn't live with cutting out whole food groups" </b><br />
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OK, flesh is NOT a food group. The USDA lists 5 food groups - protein, fruits, vegetables, grains and 'dairy', which translates to calcium rich foods and the only reason dairy is still listed is because the industry has such a strong foothold with the government that you'll never see them dump cow dairy from their recommendations. Never.<br />
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ALL food except oil and sugar has protein in it. It's nutritionally impossible to not get the protein you need as long as you are consuming enough calories each day.<br />
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The government even lists non-animal based foods under it's protein heading - nuts, seeds, beans, legumes, tofu, tempeh, TVP and plant based convenience foods. Calcium is found in fortified drinks like juices and plant based milks, foods such as beans, dark greens, tofu, nuts, seeds, grains and fortified foods like oatmeal. Eating cow dairy for calcium is a ridiculous choice seeing as how evidence shows that animal protein actually leeches the calcium out of your bones and makes them more susceptible to breakage. Caffeine, cigarettes, salt, soda and alcohol ALL cause calcium loss and causes problems with absorption.<br />
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<b>"A plant based diet is extreme and restrictive"</b><br />
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Complete and utter bullshit. I'm not sure why choosing to eat the dead flesh from an animal or the secretions of other species, the eggs of various creatures. the bodies of sea creatures hauled up from the depths became the norm on this planet. It's mind boggling that I'm the weird one because I eat plants.<br />
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Let me say that again ....... I eat plants.<br />
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My plant based diet is far from extreme. You eat lots of plant based foods whether you realize it or not. Baked potatoes, spaghetti marinara, french fries, sorbet, nut butters and jams, pastas and more.<br />
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The amazing thing is that plant based foods contain no cholesterol. Did you know the body makes it's own cholesterol? Surely, you understand that when you eat chunks of a cow, you are consuming his or her cholesterol. Pretty gross. I mean, if you aren't already grossed out that you're noshing on flesh, muscle, veins, tendons, blood, the secretions of other species and what is essentially a hen period (eggs).. maybe consuming the cholesterol of someone else doesn't bother you. I call eating flesh extreme and primitive.<br />
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My plant based diet is far from restrictive. I don't live my life saying 'I can't have that' .. I can have anything I want but I make the right choices instead. I try not to eat junky processed food and I do not eat anything that came from an animal. I eat pretty much everything else. If I asked you to make a list of the things you ate on a regular basis, I think you'd find that YOUR diet is rather restrictive. Most flesh eaters have a rotating menu of about 15 things. You tend to eat the same flesh over and over. You tend to make the same side dishes over and over. You tend to make the same desserts over and over. Flesh eaters close themselves off from the wonders of the plant based world. Have you even tried half of the fruits, veggies and grains available in the store? I'm guessing not.<br />
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Let me tell you .... there is nothing I can't do with plants. I can make ANYTHING. There hasn't been one thing that I've not been able to make in the 11 years I've been eating a plant based diet. From omelets to ice cream, cheesecake to nachos, cakes to cookies, french toast to burgers, cheese to chik'n nuggets!<br />
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<b>"If you were trapped on a deserted island, would you eat the wild animals there?"</b><br />
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OK, so this is one of the dumbest questions plant eaters are subjected to. I guess the question is 'if you had to consume animal products to survive, would you?' If I'm on an island that is supporting wildlife then there is food available. <i>What do you think they are eating? </i>I'd follow them and find their food source and we would share. I'm going to turn this question around to the meat eaters... if you lived in a place where food choices were abundant, would you chose to kill an animal for no reason?<br />
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If you had to consume plant foods to survive, would you? The difference between your scenario and mine is that yours would never happen to me. I'm never, ever going to be trapped on an island. However, mine is happening right this second. Every single day, you choose food that comes from murder, torture, rape, abuse and neglect. Ask yourself WHY.<br />
<br />Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12819798747884168196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774042112885741301.post-64269115401916984502014-04-08T06:18:00.003-07:002014-04-08T06:18:57.354-07:00Original Recipe: Thai Mango Smoothie<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJEkfe9l_kZ82FTSgi4081_eRZ2jHg8SXLutBpfgbfs6qlmQI1qhNnRvdkPQKM93LAYk1jlFdid3XmwnXtyCUok6U9l4UEIrTW8x62ixyPQp3kAEykMF80vcgF5p6trW0JDu4F8CFup_o/s1600/DSC00463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJEkfe9l_kZ82FTSgi4081_eRZ2jHg8SXLutBpfgbfs6qlmQI1qhNnRvdkPQKM93LAYk1jlFdid3XmwnXtyCUok6U9l4UEIrTW8x62ixyPQp3kAEykMF80vcgF5p6trW0JDu4F8CFup_o/s1600/DSC00463.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a>I often end up with fruit that is too ripe to eat on it's own but not too far gone that I need to toss it so into a smoothie it goes!<br />
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I had a big bowl of Thai mango that needed to be eaten so I created this. It made enough for two but I managed to sip on it for an hour or so and drank it all myself. <br />
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<b>Shelly's Thai Mango Smoothie</b><br />
<i>2 servings</i><br />
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300 grams of fresh Thai mango<br />
1 1/2 cups almond milk (I used unsweetened plain)<br />
1/2 cup citrus or tropical juice (I used mango-tangerine)<br />
1 tbsp lemon juice<br />
4 ice cubes<br />
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Blend everything well and drink!Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12819798747884168196noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774042112885741301.post-15508998704529008272014-02-28T06:57:00.000-08:002014-02-28T06:57:55.327-08:00Original Recipe - 'Chick'n' Taco Seasoning Mix<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQKXk4McZcDE_e6FcFM_lcSegHQDd4XkEOxNXrtJGfXicYcFGF-7DHOWTX2rjvVp7Tk_cLIUAIDa8agP2m213yAVh1O8hSU8H9ULsnTNrtPMgkp2KXJa6ciAnVOXqs7chgYqVrGoLbGY0/s1600/DSC03214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQKXk4McZcDE_e6FcFM_lcSegHQDd4XkEOxNXrtJGfXicYcFGF-7DHOWTX2rjvVp7Tk_cLIUAIDa8agP2m213yAVh1O8hSU8H9ULsnTNrtPMgkp2KXJa6ciAnVOXqs7chgYqVrGoLbGY0/s1600/DSC03214.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a>This seasoning is a clone recipe from a well-known spice house. You can use this with Soy Curls, chickpeas or to season any commercially available chick'n strip type product for tacos, like Beyond Meat or Gardein.<br />
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The original calls for jalapeno powder. If I don't have it in my kitchen, it isn't something that is going to be used often so I left it out. Most of the ingredients will be in a normal kitchen except maybe the Ancho powder. You can sub in whatever chili type powder you have if necessary.<br />
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<b><u>Shelly's Chick'n Taco Seasoning Mix</u></b><br />
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1 Tbsp Mexican oregano<br />
1 1/4 tsp Spanish paprika<br />
1 1/4 tsp salt<br />
1 tsp cumin<br />
3/4 tsp onion powder<br />
3/4 tsp garlic powder<br />
1/4 tsp cilantro<br />
1/4 tsp ancho chile powder (add an additional 1/8 tsp if you like it spicier)<br />
1/8 tsp black pepper<br />
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Blend together with a whisk.<br />
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I prefer not to add a bunch of oil to my food so I'd just cook or warm up whatever 'chick'n' I was using, sprinkle the seasoning over it and add in some water and cook it until it's coated and done. Not rocket science. I'd even add a squirt of lime juice if I was feelin' it.<br />
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The original recipe give these directions for the equivalent of one pound of chicken. If you're using pre-cooked items then you'll need to adjust the initial chicken cooking time.<br />
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In a large pan over medium heat, heat 2 tbsp of corn oil and cook chicken for 7 minutes , Stir in 1 tbsp lime juice and 2 tbsp of the seasoning mix. Cook 2 minutes. Add 1/2 cup water, reduce heat and simmer until done.<br />
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<br />Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12819798747884168196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774042112885741301.post-44273152416482239612014-02-07T07:18:00.003-08:002014-02-07T07:18:49.899-08:00Original Recipe: Garlic Alfredo Mac & Cheese<div class="tr_bq">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ptfe5JEJxM80cshtvbBt3lfrtnS2dyNvTZmmPkvyLAD0wADT1CSKIPq6UIbZkwqoRmsoRBGPo5JMdqRTTKa6JeNdOWNGNq3ZFMniM1TV4MwgPa3fwTSdBBcbSHPZcQq-lctr9Iob41o/s1600/DSC03059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ptfe5JEJxM80cshtvbBt3lfrtnS2dyNvTZmmPkvyLAD0wADT1CSKIPq6UIbZkwqoRmsoRBGPo5JMdqRTTKa6JeNdOWNGNq3ZFMniM1TV4MwgPa3fwTSdBBcbSHPZcQq-lctr9Iob41o/s1600/DSC03059.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Feel free to share.. just link back to this blog. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I came across a recipe for a creamy garlic pasta. It wasn't plant based so it had yucky ingredients like chicken stock, heavy cream and lots of Parmesan. No thanks!</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, I got to work and modified it to create a deliciously mild, rich and creamy mac & cheese that will be especially perfect for the newly plant based! I think kids would like this too so if you try it on them, let me know.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Please make an effort to find the <a href="http://pasta-products-creamette.newworldpasta.com/Ready-Cut-Spaghetti-ZX00151000000201CT00ZX15">Ready Cut Spaghetti</a>. Creamette makes it and it's very close to the traditional mac & cheese noodles from Kraft.<br /> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><u>Shelly's Garlic Alfredo Mac & Cheese</u></b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This makes one large serving or 2 smaller side servings.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 tbsp earth balance</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 tsp minced garlic</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1.5 cups veg broth <span style="font-size: x-small;">(I used water with 1 tsp of no chicken bouillon)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4 oz Ready Cut Spaghetti</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/4 c. cashew cream (recipe follows)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 tbsp nutritional yeast</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Make the cashew cream and set it aside.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you don't have a Vitamix or Blendtec blender, you will need to soak 1/2 cup cashews in water overnight. (or at least 4 hours) Drain and rinse and then proceed.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Take 1/2 cup raw cashews and 3/4 cup water and blend in blender until perfectly smooth. If you rub it between your fingers, it shouldn't be grainy. This could take a few minutes with a good blender, longer with a less powerful one. You will have left over cashew cream as you will use about 1/4 cup of it. You can save it for a few days to keep making this or check out the Isa Does It cookbook.. she uses cashew cream in many of her recipes so you can use leftovers there.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In a medium saucepan, heat the Earth Balance until melted. Add the garlic and cook for one minute. Stir in the broth and bring to a boil. When the broth is boiling, add in the ready cut spaghetti and boil until it's cooked al dente, about 6 minutes. The broth should cook down a little and start to thicken.<br /> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lower the heat and DO NOT DRAIN the noodles/sauce. Add in 1/4 cup cashew cream and the nutritional yeast. Heat over low heat while stirring until the sauce thickens up and is absorbed by the noodles. If you'd like it saucier, add more cashew cream. Add salt and pepper to taste. (use white pepper to avoid the black specs if that matters to you)</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></blockquote>
<br />Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12819798747884168196noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774042112885741301.post-28930274023917641012013-11-09T15:59:00.000-08:002013-11-09T15:59:04.302-08:00Original Recipe: Lick The Spoon Golden Gravy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht8hoKpOV1hFLy8jVsCI62YgXyQIFqnSowY-UfkT_TWzWvPeBMrVYsnjANacvkHcToHGLlDJrUnt0YfnpwM6aRwZ3tj6dpkxTyHaCAf8jQKi-7H91r4vfzUevyl0G0a45DLsU18nwX904/s1600/DSC02274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht8hoKpOV1hFLy8jVsCI62YgXyQIFqnSowY-UfkT_TWzWvPeBMrVYsnjANacvkHcToHGLlDJrUnt0YfnpwM6aRwZ3tj6dpkxTyHaCAf8jQKi-7H91r4vfzUevyl0G0a45DLsU18nwX904/s320/DSC02274.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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So, mashed potatoes and gravy.. <div>
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is there anything more amazing and perfect? </div>
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No, no there isn't.</div>
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I apologize for the photo .. the time change makes it much darker at dinner time now and my indoor pics aren't that great .. however this gravy is great!</div>
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This is so good that I licked the spoon. Seriously.</div>
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This is a golden gravy you can use with any sort of chik'n type meal. </div>
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Think Tofurky roast or on mashed potatoes. </div>
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I'd really like for you to get your hands on 'Gravy Master' as it really makes it good. I also use the Better Than Bouillon No Chicken flavor in this and Rapunzel vegetable bouillon. </div>
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<b>Lick The Spoon Golden Gravy</b></div>
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2 Tbsp Earth Balance</div>
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2 Tbsp flour</div>
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8 oz vegetable broth</div>
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1 tbsp nutritional yeast</div>
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1 tsp No Chicken bouillon paste</div>
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1/2 tsp Gravy Master</div>
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1/2 tsp bouillon powder (or more of the No Chicken)</div>
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1/2 tsp poultry seasoning</div>
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salt to taste (at the end)</div>
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First.. make a roux! Melt the Earth Balance in a medium sized sauce pan and add the flour. Using a whisk, cook over medium heat it until it is smooth and slightly thickened and browns a little. While whisking, slowly add the vegetable broth and incorporate it into the roux until smooth and thickened. Add the rest of the ingredients, making sure to whisk after each addition to keep it smooth. Once everything is in there, taste it and add salt to your liking.</div>
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Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12819798747884168196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774042112885741301.post-45506941248120432962013-10-25T07:57:00.001-07:002013-10-25T07:57:44.200-07:00Recipe - Cheesy Garlic Quick Sticks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhffkxH9GB6wK1bjczzWkg4Y_5C9qaPHpnBVAT41IBtSgj27BvG2ngqwvoHUKCJzFMgREQz8zqcyEufEoUZJTcjBqQqcHzJ4dVDb5pLN1y2eeCC3X6FuLfyqKJvfdAMS_E5U0nKbel9GBI/s1600/DSC02099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhffkxH9GB6wK1bjczzWkg4Y_5C9qaPHpnBVAT41IBtSgj27BvG2ngqwvoHUKCJzFMgREQz8zqcyEufEoUZJTcjBqQqcHzJ4dVDb5pLN1y2eeCC3X6FuLfyqKJvfdAMS_E5U0nKbel9GBI/s400/DSC02099.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love garlic bread... all buttery and garlic-y and cheesy! Crusty on the outside and tender on the inside? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yes, please! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here is a quick way to make garlic sticks for one or two or a whole group! Be aware of the salt content in the spices you use here otherwise things can get too salty! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhITn3c3ipyBjywRqbXiddhFj4jxGIL-IzLK7JNHyR2vQaQyyDhiIg2-iLcUE2mVwaFnoBy7pLdFyEQ4pFbzVmwgAEnGqQrO66saeR1K_i79XO2XASr3y9dAWo5O0mXwT3ZYWaTHxr2Yvs/s1600/DSC02101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline !important; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhITn3c3ipyBjywRqbXiddhFj4jxGIL-IzLK7JNHyR2vQaQyyDhiIg2-iLcUE2mVwaFnoBy7pLdFyEQ4pFbzVmwgAEnGqQrO66saeR1K_i79XO2XASr3y9dAWo5O0mXwT3ZYWaTHxr2Yvs/s400/DSC02101.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You can make these as an appetizer or with pasta, soup or a side salad. Figure a half roll (4 sticks) for each person. I like using ciabatta bread for </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">this </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">because it's chewy and tender </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">but </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">feel free to use any bread you like. </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Shelly's Cheesy Garlic Quick Sticks</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ciabatta rolls </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Earth Balance </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nutritional yeast</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Garlic seasoning</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Olive oil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dipping seasonings of your choice</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Slice each ciabbata roll in half horizontally and spread each half with softened Earth Balance.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sprinkle with nutritional yeast and garlic seasoning</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(I used Weber brand Roasted Garlic & Herb)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Slice each half into 4 'sticks'.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Place them on a small baking sheet and broil until they are crispy and done to your liking.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Arrange on a plate and serve with a small dish with olive oil topped with your choice of seasonings. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(I used Trader Joe's South African Smoke Seasoning here). You may want to try flavored olive oils too! </span><br />
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<br />Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12819798747884168196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774042112885741301.post-91853543338051605722013-09-30T08:26:00.002-07:002013-09-30T08:26:56.861-07:00Original Recipe - Onion Chip Dip<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBq2FAnM7KTMrKeWd8xBEqDQfsjxAGlBsGh6t80QjEfA_yKn3HceyRpek1PeU9Duq9p722ZnIgnnWPhWPDf5193w2GEry9UFWEYc-n2H8QIRwNNofILT1_BWtZJ19CI9MiBSjQewGSA64/s1600/DSC01914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBq2FAnM7KTMrKeWd8xBEqDQfsjxAGlBsGh6t80QjEfA_yKn3HceyRpek1PeU9Duq9p722ZnIgnnWPhWPDf5193w2GEry9UFWEYc-n2H8QIRwNNofILT1_BWtZJ19CI9MiBSjQewGSA64/s320/DSC01914.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I used to love eating wavy potato chips and onion dip! </span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You could buy it already made or buy some sour cream and add an envelope of Lipton Onion Soup Mix and make it that way. </span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well, guess what? Dairy sour cream is bad, bad, bad and that soup mix is nothing but gross chemicals. including MSG.. no thanks! </span><div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Onion Chip Dip</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 cup diced onion (I recommend a sweet onion)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 tbsp olive oil</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 cup silken tofu</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 cup Vegenaise (or other vegan mayo)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 tsp nutritional yeast</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3/4 tsp garlic granules</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 tsp onion granules/powder</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 tsp No Beef bouillon</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/4 tsp salt</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">pinch citric acid (or a little lemon juice you want it a little tangy)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Saute the onions in the olive oil over a low to medium heat. You want them lightly carmelized, mostly brown, not burnt. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Place the rest of the ingredients into a food processor along with half the onions* and puree until smooth. Fold in the other half of the onions and chill for an hour. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* if you want a completely smooth dip, add all the onions at once to the food processor.</span></div>
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Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12819798747884168196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774042112885741301.post-3529233819184090052013-09-29T09:34:00.000-07:002013-09-29T09:34:16.824-07:00A Trip to Aldi<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeAlVjR2QD-U77EMcuLkx91E8tXB9vTpUF0Yi8x2FngP06aEp7zev0JP_4GLthekoMl5Lq5YpUkCbYlrIbvS9kzh5nh3p13eSMKA4IV5MTE01lY8U54qZ3nhAs-68dL1yKnS2pqRnusTE/s1600/aldifront.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeAlVjR2QD-U77EMcuLkx91E8tXB9vTpUF0Yi8x2FngP06aEp7zev0JP_4GLthekoMl5Lq5YpUkCbYlrIbvS9kzh5nh3p13eSMKA4IV5MTE01lY8U54qZ3nhAs-68dL1yKnS2pqRnusTE/s400/aldifront.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've been shopping at Aldi for over 20 years. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I don't go as often as I should. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There seems to be a weird stigma about shopping at Aldi and </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">it's unfortunate because they have great stuff!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A few things you should know before venturing into Aldi:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVO12oEUQTdFUs-7xHXHaoclGa1v8mwwDKsw7rDRu12-TjJVvst5NiML7qbShjfjebwlxAE1Yaou6_x8Zqcs-260h8T0CSQuEfsszXaHAXYuhtJ5txo47cUUnHCXOsJKxiMPYaSS1CQxc/s1600/aldistore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVO12oEUQTdFUs-7xHXHaoclGa1v8mwwDKsw7rDRu12-TjJVvst5NiML7qbShjfjebwlxAE1Yaou6_x8Zqcs-260h8T0CSQuEfsszXaHAXYuhtJ5txo47cUUnHCXOsJKxiMPYaSS1CQxc/s400/aldistore.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVO12oEUQTdFUs-7xHXHaoclGa1v8mwwDKsw7rDRu12-TjJVvst5NiML7qbShjfjebwlxAE1Yaou6_x8Zqcs-260h8T0CSQuEfsszXaHAXYuhtJ5txo47cUUnHCXOsJKxiMPYaSS1CQxc/s1600/aldistore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></a><div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. Be Prepared. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Aldi doesn't look like a traditional grocery store. They stack the boxes, do very little 'merchandising' and it's all bare bones... it's more like a warehouse store.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMxsxvu48UJwTYYYuyDliOaN7DZtbB6A-QfbyIZVAKI48nVtCCASivornHo87wPp9WlUhK2deOBk9NLtc8E41Bri71DoWuO0gWVH3Kqkjxjr5yqFDpjF4WXzfBKrgkSKjh2UBtGqQrs2w/s1600/aldicart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMxsxvu48UJwTYYYuyDliOaN7DZtbB6A-QfbyIZVAKI48nVtCCASivornHo87wPp9WlUhK2deOBk9NLtc8E41Bri71DoWuO0gWVH3Kqkjxjr5yqFDpjF4WXzfBKrgkSKjh2UBtGqQrs2w/s320/aldicart.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMxsxvu48UJwTYYYuyDliOaN7DZtbB6A-QfbyIZVAKI48nVtCCASivornHo87wPp9WlUhK2deOBk9NLtc8E41Bri71DoWuO0gWVH3Kqkjxjr5yqFDpjF4WXzfBKrgkSKjh2UBtGqQrs2w/s1600/aldicart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. Take a Quarter</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you need a cart, you will need to place a quarter deposit in your cart. This is so people don't leave the carts standing in the parking lot and their employees won't need to go and gather those carts. You may think a quarter is no big deal but I've never seen a rogue cart in the parking lot so it works.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRGZdlKfai0ZK1T0YRJHEguVpLaRCwhNEzse3UhpAQr357uph7qcAaYLT58kcArE05T67JXLBXRyWhCZDfowVATv_04XtkjG9BsYyk4kRTFeGAp4St2PfjyVOpFUuSEEb1u9lpLmIC6ic/s1600/cashdebit.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRGZdlKfai0ZK1T0YRJHEguVpLaRCwhNEzse3UhpAQr357uph7qcAaYLT58kcArE05T67JXLBXRyWhCZDfowVATv_04XtkjG9BsYyk4kRTFeGAp4St2PfjyVOpFUuSEEb1u9lpLmIC6ic/s320/cashdebit.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. Take cash, a debit card or EBT card. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Aldi doesn't take checks or credit cards.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs-bkGQkIswCKmzkah2nqQy5DvWLNmZj0k-3GxIetl6-RPV_3-ZGn5pHrQk_DI1rqEYgwFQ4b7SJn3TzRgjFwaxoYRds9A_4TmG5sCcqMLIlBciS973W2TacCfeDJ7vFbFVSif0vkIXXQ/s1600/aldistore2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs-bkGQkIswCKmzkah2nqQy5DvWLNmZj0k-3GxIetl6-RPV_3-ZGn5pHrQk_DI1rqEYgwFQ4b7SJn3TzRgjFwaxoYRds9A_4TmG5sCcqMLIlBciS973W2TacCfeDJ7vFbFVSif0vkIXXQ/s400/aldistore2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4. Be Flexible.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Understand that Aldi has the basics and some odd 'limited time only' things so you won't find everything you're looking for there and you may not find something you got there the next time you go. I still need to go to my large grocery store for the specialty items I buy, but they have most everything I want for a basic gathering of items. They mostly have their brand of products which are name brands with a private label. They also have brand name items that change each week. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The have a decent variety of chips, candy, crackers, cookies, spices, condiments, cereals, baking items, dairy and meat products, household items, diapers, paper and plastic goods, frozen convenience foods, veggies, fruits, pet food, breads, snacks, boxed goods, pasta, jarred and canned goods. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9SLlk7QFJIqQetxwuiEXdaaQuuACEgTE9Esla1bKqr8UBiaILt0BU45JsU0OwE-jvW_SLV-RCsKPlDM0aoRfjgoWFEB7gRPzZZK2wV1aQLw2eEI83PYFb1h9rS3hUN5A33g3FjyyukSM/s1600/bags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9SLlk7QFJIqQetxwuiEXdaaQuuACEgTE9Esla1bKqr8UBiaILt0BU45JsU0OwE-jvW_SLV-RCsKPlDM0aoRfjgoWFEB7gRPzZZK2wV1aQLw2eEI83PYFb1h9rS3hUN5A33g3FjyyukSM/s320/bags.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5. Bring Your Own Bags... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">... or you have to buy them there. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You will be bagging your own groceries.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2plxKmLrWDDsei2UP30MsFTnmhSOQJ3S4ri8Fe5ILv3M7Y5zAMEeteuiEXnxod3g6Qq_N6tWsvaeH1lx9wcEajLVZ1Hrwn0S94VGz088r-HC_3LiAh8EWuCyfvpKuGyZuD1QtThyphenhyphenr9cc/s1600/aldi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2plxKmLrWDDsei2UP30MsFTnmhSOQJ3S4ri8Fe5ILv3M7Y5zAMEeteuiEXnxod3g6Qq_N6tWsvaeH1lx9wcEajLVZ1Hrwn0S94VGz088r-HC_3LiAh8EWuCyfvpKuGyZuD1QtThyphenhyphenr9cc/s1600/aldi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2plxKmLrWDDsei2UP30MsFTnmhSOQJ3S4ri8Fe5ILv3M7Y5zAMEeteuiEXnxod3g6Qq_N6tWsvaeH1lx9wcEajLVZ1Hrwn0S94VGz088r-HC_3LiAh8EWuCyfvpKuGyZuD1QtThyphenhyphenr9cc/s400/aldi.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The haul shown in the photo was about $68 plus an additional $15 I spent for the cat scratching post.. I also bought some items not pictured but I subtracted those out. They have very odd things each week at Aldi. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You just never know what you'll find! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(3) bags of spring mix at $1.99 each</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(2) cucumbers at 39 cents each</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(2) pineapples at $1.29 ea</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(1) corn tortillas at 99 cents</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(1) carton almond milk at $2.49</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(1) bag of crinkle cut fries at $1.89</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(1) bunch bananas at $1.03</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(1) pkg green grapes at $2.99</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(1) 4 lb bag of sugar at $1.89</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(1) bottle of extra virgin olive oil at $2.99</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(1) sandwich cream cookies, double stuff at $1.49</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(1) fresh squeezed orange juice (not concentrate) at $2.49</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(2) pkgs of zucchini (came out to be 5 total) for $1.39 each pkg)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(1) 10 lb of russet potatoes at $1.99</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(1) kumato tomato sleeve at $1.29</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(1) bag wavy potato chips at $1.49</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(1) 3 lb bag of gala apples at $1.99</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(1) pkg mushrooms at $1.49</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(1) carafe of lemonade at $1.69</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(1) huge loaf of pane italian bread at $3.79</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(1) bag of green onions at 99 cents</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(1) pkg brussels sprouts at $2.39</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(1) bag of waffle fries at $1.79</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(1) 40 oz jar peanut butter (for my dogs!) at $3.99</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(1) steak sauce at 99 cents</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(1) large can pinto beans at $1.19</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(1) bag of red onions (4 in the bag) at $1.99</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(1) can olive oil spray at $1.69</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(2) cans of whole kernel corn at 48 cents each</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(1) can diced green chiles at 69 cents</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(2) cans black beans at 59 cents each</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(2) cans tomato paste at 39 cents each</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(1) bottle of lemon juice at $1.89</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Aldi has some great prices and you can get a lot of food for the money here. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They also have a double guarantee on their Aldi brand products... if you aren't satisfied, they will replace the item <i>AND</i> refund your money! So.. give them a try!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You can check out their weekly specials on <a href="http://www.aldi.com/">their website</a> and find the closest location to you. They are all over the world!</span></div>
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Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12819798747884168196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774042112885741301.post-73694500007647853272013-09-22T08:59:00.000-07:002013-10-05T06:39:07.441-07:00Original Recipe - Fire Roasted Tomato Marinara with Whole Clove Roasted Garlic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtaHR9OSZ9sW23uRLQZXFVtL7m3Ryuz55y1C-42cFvsiEycas1-SlA7h1QBb0KEsP7F-LUaUVwDGHQFEDRLRTMeMiDwQL-J7QNWLyle3JIwz9kJMEIgo2pSaK6h9BeEg-Xae_6LPYseLY/s1600/DSC01666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtaHR9OSZ9sW23uRLQZXFVtL7m3Ryuz55y1C-42cFvsiEycas1-SlA7h1QBb0KEsP7F-LUaUVwDGHQFEDRLRTMeMiDwQL-J7QNWLyle3JIwz9kJMEIgo2pSaK6h9BeEg-Xae_6LPYseLY/s320/DSC01666.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Super simple and super delicious marinara that only uses a few ingredients! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Plus, it has so much garlic that you will be safe from vampires. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Please don't skip the tomato paste and no beef bouillon.. it gives the sauce it's depth. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">First, you need to get some garlic roasting. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You can do it the 'hard' way, not really <i>hard</i> but more involved.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Click <a href="http://planthungry.blogspot.com/2012/05/original-recipe-shellys-roasted-garlic.html">HERE</a> to do it with whole heads of garlic or you can make it the easy way and use the prepped garlic cloves you can find in most supermarkets.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhptSWmoxz-oiSbdIuUPwQHrzxXsFitjjQt0QokwpizbKvBBLdzgtjj4wt-Kc1-XHnucn9jBBHnGmZ4yQ9KMhMany7vBfpochoAUUdLU_nNcs57mtcQRViejcxPX2WrNQTyPVibASakNTE/s1600/DSC01663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhptSWmoxz-oiSbdIuUPwQHrzxXsFitjjQt0QokwpizbKvBBLdzgtjj4wt-Kc1-XHnucn9jBBHnGmZ4yQ9KMhMany7vBfpochoAUUdLU_nNcs57mtcQRViejcxPX2WrNQTyPVibASakNTE/s200/DSC01663.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Easy Roasted Garlic</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">one container of large pre-peeled garlic cloves</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">olive oil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">mixed italian herbs, dry</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Place the cloves in a small oven safe dish and use enough olive oil to coat the cloves lightly. Sprinkle with salt and Italian herbs. Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cloves need to soften and lightly brown. It's done when you can smash the clove and spread it like warm butter.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fire Roasted Tomato Marinara</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(2) 15 oz cans fire roasted diced tomatoes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 tbsp olive oil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3 Tbsp tomato paste</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 tsp salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 tsp No Beef bouillon dissolved in 1/4 cup warm water (or 1/4 cup veggie broth)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Directions:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. Place the tomatoes in the food processor and 'pulse' just enough to break apart the chunks but not make it too thin or pureed. You want thick and smooth vs chunky. I pulsed 20 times.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. Place the tomatoes in a dutch oven with the olive oil and add the remaining ingredients. Let simmer for 30 minutes so it reduces some. If you want to, you can toss the roasted garlic into the sauce and let it cook with it or just toss a few cloves on top when you plate it up. The roasted garlic can also be smashed up and used on bread. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Serve over well drained fettuccine or linguine. Seriously... otherwise it's all watery and sad. </span><br />
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Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12819798747884168196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774042112885741301.post-54839888617923819892013-09-09T08:51:00.000-07:002013-09-09T08:51:30.357-07:00Tips For Going Plant Based - Embrace Internet Ordering<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM_Omm5msyRcRUBmfynp-RVVBRRvtP3vHS9OKAmsFDns4Ccmwjrnq688nc7fZzHwtQV_OHLLPvGXUf7dTNidiYb9QxX-hOKaYznfAh-fqz3CG9uiX-dLSdTQx9qBfTYG17OqTuMS-Wabo/s1600/internet+shopping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM_Omm5msyRcRUBmfynp-RVVBRRvtP3vHS9OKAmsFDns4Ccmwjrnq688nc7fZzHwtQV_OHLLPvGXUf7dTNidiYb9QxX-hOKaYznfAh-fqz3CG9uiX-dLSdTQx9qBfTYG17OqTuMS-Wabo/s320/internet+shopping.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Ah, the internet.<br />
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How did we ever live without you?<br />
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Internet shopping for someone like me is from the heavens. I don't drive, I'm an introvert, I don't live on a coast where the good stuff is and I love to save money. I'm all about free or discount. I'm really good at finding a way to get it for less!<br />
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I often hear people complain about not being able to afford to eat in a healthy way or not being able to afford the extras in a plant based lifestyle. It's easy to be plant based on a budget if you eat beans, rice and veggies but if you want to include the fun stuff like raw nuts to make cheese, nutritional yeast, protein powders, supplements and specialty ingredients that cost more than the average 'shit' ingredients we can all get at our local supermarket, then you need to get creative.<br />
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If you live in a place where it's an hour drive (if you're lucky) to find specialty stores that carry these products then you need to find your inner Sherlock and take to the web!<br />
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Luckily the internet is a wondrous place where you can find pretty much anything you want and if you dig a little, you can usually find some great bargains. I've saved a ton of cash on things like beauty products, pet meds, clothes, shoes, beads and jewelry supplies, electronics, appliances, you name it.<br />
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Some people protest and say 'well, if you have to pay shipping then it isn't a deal'.<br />
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It depends.<br />
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Think about what an item costs locally, add in sales tax, your time and the gas to go and get it, the energy to get it home. Even if you have to pay a little shipping, (and many places have free shipping on minimum orders) you might not pay any sales tax, you might not have to pay for the gas to go and get it (for example, my nearest Whole Foods is an hour way so if my only choice is to drive an hour or order it online... ordering online makes sense), you won't have to haul it home (I got my Treadmill online!) and where else can you shop in your PJ's at midnight? (ok, Wal-Mart but you have to get up and actually go there)<br />
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Now, that said... I do try and shop locally if I can and if it works with my budget but I will not compromise my beliefs to save a buck... I won't set foot in a Wal-Mart and I wouldn't even if they were giving away 50 lb bags of nutritional yeast. I love nutritional yeast so you need to understand my convictions about Wal-Mart. I despise that place.<br />
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Anywho ... I've found some great places and great tricks to get what I want and save money. By saving money on certain things, I have more money to spend on fresh produce, convenience foods like Tofurky or Field Roast and eating out a few times a month. It's only as hard as you make it and if you want to find a way to get what you want, you will. Trust me.<br />
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<b>Get another e-mail address</b><br />
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Shopping online will bring you email. You'll get order confirmations, order shipping info, newsletters and offers from the companies you buy from. I recommend setting up a side e-mail thru G-mail or thru your current service provider if you have slots available to do so. Use that e-mail account when you shop online.<br />
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If you do that, you aren't clogging up your personal email. I also recommend signing up for newsletters from any company you might want offers from. Companies send out special offers like free shipping codes, coupons for their brick and mortar stores, percent off deals, deluxe freebies and more. Some companies also do special birthday discounts or gifts. Some stores send you welcome offers that can be used on your first order. I've gotten $10 off, 20% off, free bread sticks with a pizza order, free shipping. It's worth it to see if a site has a 'first order' discount before ordering. I've even had websites give me a pop up with a discount if I tried to leave without placing an order!<br />
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Brick and mortar stores sometimes send catalogs via snail mail with coupons too!<br />
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<b>Find a Friend</b><br />
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You may know a local friend or family member that would like to combine orders with you so ask around. You can combine orders to split shipping (if it's charged) or get free shipping. You can buy in bulk and split the items (like nuts or case lots of products) or help someone out that doesn't have the internet (like my Grams!) and can't order online.<br />
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<b>Internet Payment Options</b><br />
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<i>Credit Cards</i> - obviously, using credit cards is usually the preferred payment for most people. I recommend having at least one card for emergencies and for things like renting a car or securing a hotel room. I have no idea what happens with those things if you don't have a credit card. One thing you should never use online is a debit card. If your card number is stolen, they are getting your real, actual cash and it could take time to get it back. Some businesses will 'capture' funds on your card to guarantee payment and that means it can put a hold on your cash for a few days. Also, sometimes glitches happen and your transaction could get interrupted or you could accidentally get charged twice. You do not want that happening with your cash!<br />
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You could even get a credit card just for online purchases. They are damn handy. Plus, if you choose one with reward points or cash back, you can get more freebies!<br />
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<i>Pay Pal</i> - You can tie your Pay Pal account to your bank account and/or your credit card. You could even set up a special bank account just for Pay Pal if you are weirded out by having it attached to your main account. Either way, Pay Pal works as the middle man in a transaction. Pay Pal has your credit card or bank account info but whoever you do business with, doesn't. There are fees involved in using Pay Pal, of course but it's a secure venue. I've used them for years without any issue. You can also get paid thru Pay Pal should anyone owe you money. You can choose to use your Pay Pal 'cash' balance, your bank account or your credit card to pay thru Pay Pal. The majority of websites I come across now take Pay Pal so it's really convenient.<br />
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<i>Bill Me Later -</i> This company is a sort of credit account. If a business takes BML then you can order, bill yourself and pay the bill when it comes. Another great feature is that BML can be tied to your Pay Pal account so if a business takes Pay Pal, you can use BML to pay even if they don't have BML as a payment option at checkout. I've been using BML for years. The interest is high but if you pay it off every month then it's a moot point. This is the best option if you don't have a credit card.<br />
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<b>Cash Back Sites</b><br />
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If you are shopping, why not get some cash back for doing so? It's one small extra step when online shopping and if you can remember to do it, you can get back some significant cash. I don't always remember to use these sites (which makes me mad) but it does pay off to check them whenever you shop to see if they have a cash back offer.<br />
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I have put my referral links here so if you sign up, please consider doing it thru the link so I get the credit. These sites do not cost you money to use them so go sign up! You have nothing to lose!<br />
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<i>Ebates </i>- I've been using <a href="http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=EPp1idLfWEQ%3D">Ebates</a> since 2003 and I've gotten back $400 in cash. I remember about half the time to go thru Ebates so it could have been more. Once you open your account you just need to go thru Ebates.com and search to see if the store you want to buy from is there... if it is, you click thru and Ebates is 'tracking' the purchase and you'll get a percentage back in cash. They range from 1% to 30%. They also have special coupons codes for some stores. If you have $5 or more each quarter, you can have a check sent or a deposit made to your Pay Pal account. Super simple! If you refer people to the site, you ear $10 for each person that signs up and makes a purchase thru your link.<br />
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<i>Mr. Rebates - </i><a href="http://www.mrrebates.com/?refid=120125">Mr Rebates</a> works much like Ebates with percentage back, and coupon codes but it also has a residual payment system as well. You will get a percentage off your own purchase and when friends and family use your link to sign up, you will earn up to 20% of their percentage long term! Pretty cool.<br />
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<b>Googling for Codes</b><br />
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When I shop anywhere, I look for deals and discounts. You can simply Google for specific stores (google the store name and codes) or you can go to dedicated code/coupon sites like <a href="http://www.retailmenot.com/">Retail Me Not</a>. There are hundreds of code sites so I won't link them all here.. just keep trying them until you find one that works. It's really worth the few minutes if you can get free shipping, a percentage off or some other little freebie. You can use codes even if you went thru the cash back links so it's a double discount!<br />
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Now that you have the basics, lets talk shopping! I'll give you my tips and tricks for the major categories when it comes to plant based eating. If you're looking for other items in general like beauty products, pet items and such.. shoot me a message. I'd be happy to help if I can. The basic rule when shopping online is to google whatever you are wanting and you'll eventually find some great prices!<br />
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<b>Books</b><br />
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I am a book whore. I admit it. I have well over 100 books about plant based nutrition and plant based cooking. I want to get them at the best price possible so I almost always buy books online.<br />
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Amazon usually has books for 30% to 45% off the publisher price. They have free shipping on orders of $25 or more and if you pay for their 'Prime' service you can get 2 day delivery on orders. If you have a Kindle you can get e-books. They even offer down loadable Kindle apps for smart phones and your computer so you can read them for free once you buy them in e-book form without having to buy the Kindle device.<br />
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Barnes & Noble also offers books less than the publisher price but they seldom honor those prices at their stores. They offer a members club for $25 a year that gets you store discounts and special shipping deals online. If you sign up for their emails you can also get coupons and discount codes for use in the store and online. They offer the Nook device for e-books. I have a Nook and while I'm fine getting a nutrition book in e-book form, I won't do it with cookbooks. If you are someone that can have your Nook out while you're cooking, more power to you! I'm a messy cook so I don't want my Nook tablet anywhere neat the kitchen!<br />
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Ebay - someone might be selling that slightly used book for cheap!<br />
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The Library - now, you won't own it but using the library to test out cookbooks or if you just want to read that plant based nutrition book and not own it .. it makes sense. Some even have a way to check out e-books from your computer!<br />
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<b>Supplements & Ingredients</b><br />
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Protein powders, vitamins, supplements, Spirulina, nutritional yeast, raw nuts, flax seed, gluten flour, garbanzo bean flour, special pastas, .. the list goes on! There are certain products that are plant based basics and you'll find that you'll want to have them on hand. You might need to do a few searches when you're looking for something and multiple sites may have what you're looking for so you need to compare prices shipping costs, wait times and discounts to determine what your best choice is. You can even combine orders with friends and family to meet free shipping minimums. I even buy products online that I can find locally because I can usually get a better price online.<br />
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Remember to consider bulk buying. It's usually less if you buy more and if it is something that keeps well or you can share, then it makes sense! I buy raw cashews in 5 or 10 pound bags. I store a couple pounds in my pantry and the rest in the freezer. I also buy the broken pieces instead of the whole nut. I can save as much as $3 a pound that way! I'm just going to toss it into my Vitamix anyway so who cares if they are whole or in pieces?<br />
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These are the places I shop at quite a bit:<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/">Amazon</a> - they have everything. They also have a Subscribe & Save program that will save you even more if you commit to auto delivery of certain items. If it's something you are using a lot of, it might be the way to go if the prices fall into line. The program is simple and easy to edit. You can set it to ship every month or as far as every 6 months. You do need to pay attention tho or you could end up with a shipment when you don't need it.<br />
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<a href="https://www.vitacostrewards.com/FdI68Ff">VitaCost</a> - they have supplements, vitamins, food, product for my dogs, beauty products.. tons of things. Free shipping on orders of $49 or more and they ship pretty quickly. They also offer your choice of free samples. They have a Set & Save auto delivery program. They have tons of deals and buy one get one offers every week, discount codes and their prices are almost always the lowest I can find. Use the link <a href="https://www.vitacostrewards.com/FdI68Ff">here</a> and you can get $10 off your first order of $30 or more!<br />
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<a href="http://www.iherb.com/?rcode=AWE648">iHerb</a> - Iherb has some great prices as well and they carry much of the same things as VitaCost does. They offer free 1 to 3 day shipping on orders over $20 and you can choose freebies with your order. <br />
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Use my Rewards Code AWE648 at iHerb.com. You'll get $10 off your first order of $40 or more; or $5 off orders less than $40!<br />
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<a href="http://www.anuts.com/">Anuts</a> - They have nuts, dried fruits and seeds at decent prices. Even when I factored in the shipping cost it was less per pound than locally. They are in Illinois so if you are in the midwest, you'll have your order within a day or two.<br />
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<a href="http://bulkfoods.com/">Bulkfoods.com</a> - They have nuts, dried fruits, psices, candy and more. They had the lowest price of raw cashews and nutritional yeast (5 lb quantities) I have been able to find as of this blog posting. They offer $5 shipping on orders of $75 or more. They are based in Ohio so Midwesterners get quick delivery.<br />
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<a href="http://www.veganessentials.com/">Vegan Essentials</a> - based in Wisconsin, if it's vegan, this company probably has it.. including refrigerated products. They offer shipment with cold packs and since they are so close to me and I can get a delivery pretty much overnight, I have ordered cold items from them but it's your call if you live further away.<br />
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<a href="http://www.fakemeats.com/">Fake Meats</a> - based in Illinois and independently owned, this fun website has all types of fake meats. Not everything is vegan, some are just vegetarian so pay attention! This is where I get my Soy Curls and they also have The Vegg if you've been wanting to try that!<br />
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<a href="http://www.casa.com/">Casa.com </a> - this company is actually Amazon! They have 10 different stores with specific categories. The cool thing is that you can order from all the stores with one cart.. they give free shipping on a low minimum order and it comes in 2 days or less. Each item will tell you when you can expect it! Plus, you can get 20% off on every first order from every store... so, 20% off at Casa, 20% off at Wag, 20% off at Soap ... all ten stores! They have amazing customer service and their prices are pretty good. They also send emails out with codes for 15% off at various times.<br />
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<b>Note about brick & mortar stores and the internet - </b>some stores will price match even if you find the prices online. If you have a store you prefer shopping at but another store has it for less, it won't hurt to ask your preferred store if they can beat the price. It also helps if you'd rather not have an item shipped (like a TV) or need it right away. We've gotten a car stereo from Best Buy at a New Egg.com price. We got our washer and dryer from Sears but they price matched another store and when they found the washer we wanted was out of stock, they upgraded us to a better model for the same price. All they can do it say no.<br />
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<br />Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12819798747884168196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774042112885741301.post-34745415241561219352013-07-23T09:32:00.002-07:002013-07-23T09:53:33.289-07:00How to Drink 80 Ounces of Water Each Day<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjN42jQNiYUPZsmqMzyHbbSHJVmMIQQeO-Fisq4M2Ofh4sp-LeFtFXeeuXO3r3pamyha_LbUwPHOciia0ox-37z4lIIIt2JD8aHaVn_CF8zWNXfCW2EzswWXpGLA4O-KFnrKWXUk0yxhM/s1600/camelbak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjN42jQNiYUPZsmqMzyHbbSHJVmMIQQeO-Fisq4M2Ofh4sp-LeFtFXeeuXO3r3pamyha_LbUwPHOciia0ox-37z4lIIIt2JD8aHaVn_CF8zWNXfCW2EzswWXpGLA4O-KFnrKWXUk0yxhM/s320/camelbak.jpg" width="235" /></a>Water... it's important and yet so many of us barely drink any at all. Water helps keep us hydrated and cool. It helps with digestion and bodily functions. It helps with weight loss and detoxification.<br />
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Most of us should aim to get 80 ounces of plain water a day. Lemon is fine to add in but you cannot count soda, coffee, fruit juice or any other liquid as 'water'. <br />
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Here is my little game to get my water in.<br />
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First, go buy yourself a 32 oz water mug. Any kind will do. It just needs to be 32 oz.. no smaller, no bigger.<br />
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First thing in the morning, fill your mug to the top with ice. That should leave room for about 20 ounces of water.<br />
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Now, you just need to drink 4 of those thru the day!<br />
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Of course, the ice melts and you end up with more water but that isn't gonna hurt you. Just don't refill the water part until you are done with the original mug of water. Otherwise you'll lose count.<br />
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Altho, drinking more isn't a bad thing.<br />
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This is how I do it... I break my day down into 4 blocks of time:<br />
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6 am to 10 am<br />
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10 am to 2 pm<br />
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2 pm to 6 pm<br />
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6 pm to 10 pm<br />
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Then, I make sure I drink one mug full during each 4 hour period... that's 20 ounces in 4 hours.. 5 ounces an hour. That's pretty damn simple, huh? You can adjust it for your own personal schedule. I'm usually up by 5 am and eating breakfast by 5:30 and in bed by 10 pm<br />
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Now, if you drink coffee or soda.. you should make a deal with yourself to get your water in before you have it... be it 5 oz of water and then coffee/soda or a full 20 ounces and then a coffee/soda.<br />
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If you have trouble remembering how many you've had... put four rubber bands around the mug and move them up or down to help you keep track.Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12819798747884168196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774042112885741301.post-34001510276480276912013-07-23T08:21:00.000-07:002013-07-23T08:21:01.924-07:00Original recipe - FMD Chickpea Salad for One<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuFeKoLcsasgEd65RV0mqxmQ-tDfVzumF8n1YJnPZ8v64z06jIcCwWZdVRZC12oX6hafRnqp7YYB7RoUEDDyUv3utXRAFl-m0hy01bRRWjkfuQDp6d8rauN_fCR63yju8_sEr5GnlZgBQ/s1600/DSC01081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuFeKoLcsasgEd65RV0mqxmQ-tDfVzumF8n1YJnPZ8v64z06jIcCwWZdVRZC12oX6hafRnqp7YYB7RoUEDDyUv3utXRAFl-m0hy01bRRWjkfuQDp6d8rauN_fCR63yju8_sEr5GnlZgBQ/s320/DSC01081.JPG" width="320" /></a>I recently decided to do a sort of reboot of my metabolism by following The Fast Metabolism Diet by Haylie Pomroy. I created this recipe that is allowed for Phases 1 and 3 on the program. It's meant for one serving but it could make a couple sandwiches off program. It has a full 1/2 cup of beans and that is one serving.<br />
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When I was first planning out my meals for week one, I thought.. oh, chickpea salad on bread.. super easy, super simple .... then I realized I couldn't use mayo! Uh oh... how do I get it to stick together?<br />
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Well... veggie broth helped. If you want it more spread like.. just process the beans more ,, you can even go for a hummus texture but I like the texture with the flaky beans and veggies mixed in.<br />
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What I did with it was serve part of it on one slice of sprouted grain bread and the rest I used as a dip for carrots and cucumbers within the same meal. You can also put it in a sprouted grain tortilla or use it as a salad topper over mixed greens. You can also just straight up eat it! It's delicious.<br />
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<b>FMD Chickpea Salad for One</b><br />
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1/2 cup chickpeas<br />
1/2 cup baby carrots<br />
2 tbsp chopped onion or green onion<br />
1 tbsp dill relish or chopped dill pickles<br />
1 tbsp nutritional yeast<br />
1 tbsp veggie broth<br />
1 or 2 tsp dijon mustard (do this to taste)<br />
1 tsp vegetable broth powder*<br />
1/2 tsp Bragg's or Tamari<br />
1/4 tsp garlic powder<br />
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In a food processor (or with a potato masher or fork) process the chickpeas until they are broken up and flaky but not pureed. Place them in a bowl. Place the baby carrots in the processor and process until they are diced. Add those to the bowl and mix. Add in the rest of the ingredients and mix well.<br />
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* I like Rapunzel powder - however, it has a little oil in it but I didn't think it was enough to really make this a 'bad' choice. Happy Herbivore has a great recipe for No Chicken Broth in one of her books. You can make that and use that instead. It would be great too. I just forgot I had that and used the Rapunzel.Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12819798747884168196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774042112885741301.post-28788385362006875842013-07-12T06:58:00.000-07:002013-07-12T06:58:04.895-07:00Review - Follow Your Heart Vegan Shreds<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQP0-AI5floV-5tcHN5A48UwgbVMXcjy6i0ATrwo7NgD92T31OPye8N0BlrmmGOW9Q21MHn_lk4JgTxBBCfMAf64qNmHSq2Hmcy96uWC6ZL5FMvJP9hsGe_LtIDFWGlEA5scAuk1CjdUg/s1600/fiesta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQP0-AI5floV-5tcHN5A48UwgbVMXcjy6i0ATrwo7NgD92T31OPye8N0BlrmmGOW9Q21MHn_lk4JgTxBBCfMAf64qNmHSq2Hmcy96uWC6ZL5FMvJP9hsGe_LtIDFWGlEA5scAuk1CjdUg/s320/fiesta.jpg" width="256" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I decided to give these a try .... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The <a href="http://followyourheart.com/products/fiesta-blend-shreds-13/">Follow Your Heart Vegan Gourmet Shreds in the Fiesta Blend</a>. This is a flavor with some spice and heat to it, much like you'd get in a 'taco cheese'. This also comes in mozzarella and cheddar flavors.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, non-gmo, and soy-free.</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here is the <a href="http://followyourheart.com/palmoil/">company statement</a> regarding their source of palm oil.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I should give you a point of reference for this review. I can tell you that if you ask 10 vegans their fave vegan cheese, you'll get ten answers and what one vegan loves, another loathes so you have to take reviews as they are - the opinion of one person.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That said, I will tell you my taste profile when it comes to vegan cheese. I love the Daiya Jalapeno Garlic Havarti wedges but I very much dislike the Daiya shreds. I like the Teese Cheddar Sauce for mac & cheese but the other flavors are just 'meh' to me. I didn't like the FYH blocks of cheese. I thought they lacked flavor. I tried the Trader Joe's Mozzarella shreds and while it was 'ok', I didn't love it but I didn't hate it either. I really do prefer pizza without cheese now so taste testing mozzarella flavors isn't really a fair test with me because I'd just rather have it without it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, trying a Mexican flavor is better because I love Mexican food and while I can certainly live without a cheese in my Mexican food, it very often can punch it up a level.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Vegan cheeses tend to have a powdery flavor. I'm not sure what that ingredient is but they all seem to have it in common. This one does as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My grocery store had it for $5.39 but I had a $2 coupon from Veg News Magazine. The Daiya Wedges I buy are the same price at this store so while it's pricey, I feel like it's reasonable in a certain way since I use small amounts and I can get quite a few servings out of a package. The truth is that it's still an all fat ingredient so it isn't something you should eat large amounts of anyway.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAeeCTt1mfesUco_JLGHve72xfT-ynE3eJ5vHqQuJD3Frty2ZD05kyXK3IoTin7mZqorlj0gOvcIMLuVNLC5P02rXvdnEAx95PnpjLHMyIchS9RTyM_0e83RnjkVuxLS3_Ie0pqY44Ovc/s1600/DSC00980.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAeeCTt1mfesUco_JLGHve72xfT-ynE3eJ5vHqQuJD3Frty2ZD05kyXK3IoTin7mZqorlj0gOvcIMLuVNLC5P02rXvdnEAx95PnpjLHMyIchS9RTyM_0e83RnjkVuxLS3_Ie0pqY44Ovc/s320/DSC00980.JPG" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Out of the bag, it isn't horrible. It's probably the first vegan cheese I've tried that I didn't make a face when I tried it raw. I probably wouldn't toss it raw on a salad tho. It has cheddar orange and cream color shreds but the cream colored ones have maybe a pepper or spice in them that honestly, makes it look like blue cheese/mold so I'd be very aware of that so you don't mistake it for having gone bad. It has a bit of a tanginess to it that I've not really had in vegan cheese before.. a flavor very much expected in a cow cheese so that was interesting.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I decided to try it on nachos. I did some with just the Fiesta blend and some with some leftover enchilada filling of black beans, corn, tofu and black olives.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I put it in my toaster oven and it melted ok. I probably should have let it go longer than I did but I just have no patience. It melted better on the plain chip, of course. It tasted mostly the same melted as it did raw. A little more mellow. Pleasant and with a slight spicy kick so you know it's a 'taco' cheese. Besides the normal powdery flavor, it didn't have any lasting aftertaste that I noticed. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I will be trying this in my enchiladas, quesadillas and burritos for sure. I'm curious to see the meltability in those items. I do think it pairs well with other ingredients rather than on it's own. I don't know that I'd make a grilled cheese out of it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So.. bottom line ..... Would I buy it again? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Possibly, if I felt like I wanted that fiesta type flavor but given a choice, I'd always choose the Daiya Jalapeno Garlic Havarti over this. That can be sliced for use in a grilled cheese or grated. This is a clear second tho. I like knowing I have an alternative to Daiya wedges if I can't find it.</span><br />
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Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12819798747884168196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774042112885741301.post-61033771656461917302013-07-11T08:07:00.002-07:002013-07-11T08:07:48.838-07:00My Favorite Things - Supplement Products<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">People are always asking me what products I use so I thought I'd do a few posts of my recommendations. First up.. supplement type products. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I research everything and I search for the best product I can find that I can afford and has the benefits and requirements I'm looking for. I try to keep it vegan and no artificial sweeteners. I'm not a Stevia fan either so I look to avoid that as well but Stevia is ok if you don't mind it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I recommend researching products for yourself and not just taking my word for it. You may want to talk to your doctor before adding in supplement products to make sure they are ok for you to take. Consider any medications you are taking and your lifestyle. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This isn't every single thing I use.. but these are my faves. I take other things like calcium and a multi vitamin.. but those are pretty boring. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I don't take every supplement every day. Some are daily, some I take when I think I need them, like the B12 and some I take a couple times a week. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are some supplements that I take that are not vegan (they have a gelatin capsule) so I won't mention those here but I do the best I can and I try to find vegan products but sometimes the best product and most affordable product is one that isn't available in a vegan capsule and I just have to deal with it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm linking to the products but it doesn't necessarily mean that link is to the best price.. make sure you check places like VitaCost, iHerb, Amazon, and various online vitamin stores to locate the best deal.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I encourage you to research each ingredient to see why you might consider adding it to your diet. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.vitacost.com/blenderbottle-black-28-oz-3">Blender Bottle</a></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkH2tHsaqLXtOV1FAq76KQuVHPHVSXMtMPfMh5eoCKOHQ-RhS6mHN94IHOTQKIg2BkzRXotc7fWa4NNdSs0yf_FuScTe8tkH1-c0R11_Hp56FXUvjZumFI_SExxscP_1Jtvr8Dg8_0fGc/s1600/blender-bottle.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkH2tHsaqLXtOV1FAq76KQuVHPHVSXMtMPfMh5eoCKOHQ-RhS6mHN94IHOTQKIg2BkzRXotc7fWa4NNdSs0yf_FuScTe8tkH1-c0R11_Hp56FXUvjZumFI_SExxscP_1Jtvr8Dg8_0fGc/s200/blender-bottle.png" width="108" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love these. I have a few and I prefer the 28 oz size. Every morning, my first glass of water for the day is mixed in this bottle with 1 tsp of Spirulina, and 1/2 tsp each of Just Barley and Wheat Grass powder. I have a 32 oz mug that I fill up with ice and then I use 20 oz water in my blender ball and it fills it to the top!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In order to be able to drink this, you need to like the green flavor .. if you don't, then mix the powders into a shake or smoothie instead but I love the fresh, green flavor first thing in the morning! The wheat grass is the strongest of the flavors.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidp0v2vHZMjdKhkM1yskaxOsTPWs3VXjYGFp3m_V6lPZXMtV0Rpne38_qeW_IO4Y7Mvoxn60KV85TrwdIhw5DduJ1GRSS3_qpq1yqfnXHtczRlAjhwC705gsXXSJPUX8rIfrJsm_1y7uo/s1600/spir.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidp0v2vHZMjdKhkM1yskaxOsTPWs3VXjYGFp3m_V6lPZXMtV0Rpne38_qeW_IO4Y7Mvoxn60KV85TrwdIhw5DduJ1GRSS3_qpq1yqfnXHtczRlAjhwC705gsXXSJPUX8rIfrJsm_1y7uo/s200/spir.jpg" width="104" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nutrex-Hawaiian-Spirulina-Pacifica-16-Ounce/dp/B0039ITKR4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1373549858&sr=8-1&keywords=nutrex+spirulina">Nutrex Hawaiian Spirulina</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I researched and researched to find the best spirulina .... here is the info from the brand website:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Hawaiian Spirulina Pacifica® is a unique superior strain of Spirulina with the highest known nutritional content in the world. It’s all natural, 100% vegetarian, Kosher Certified, and Non-GMO. It’s the only Spirulina cultured in a Biosecure Zone free of herbicides and pesticides on the sunny Kona coast of Hawaii. Hawaiian Spirulina Pacifica thrives in ponds fed with 100% fresh potable water from Hawaiian aquifers and pure, deep ocean water drawn from 2000 feet below the surface of the Pacific Ocean. This ultra-pure, deep ocean water enriches Hawaiian Spirulina Pacifica with 94 trace minerals and is a unique natural resource used in our patented Ocean Chill Drying™ technology which ensures maximum nutrient potency."</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Amazon is usually the best price.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.vitacost.com/pure-planet-just-barley-natures-organic-nutrition-support">Pure Planet Just Barley</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzZ5Hs-Z_wV5SMvM2zgVr_saSmuEwHrVE3_W_P89Fu7qKOi0WW_DxnpOtOnVQqJoeMF78dbIooQAMW7j-hkVLOnGZUf-XR4OWwYTh_cLuoxhWhbQViP6hYwEtQJAKFvTR3q6w4boejk7A/s1600/justbarley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzZ5Hs-Z_wV5SMvM2zgVr_saSmuEwHrVE3_W_P89Fu7qKOi0WW_DxnpOtOnVQqJoeMF78dbIooQAMW7j-hkVLOnGZUf-XR4OWwYTh_cLuoxhWhbQViP6hYwEtQJAKFvTR3q6w4boejk7A/s200/justbarley.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I'm searching for a product, I want the least amount of ingredients as possible and when it comes to these types of powders, you really want one that is just the ingredient, no fillers and you want organic.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Read about the benefits of barley grass juice powder at the <a href="http://www.pureplanet.com/productpage.aspx?itemid=626">Just Barley</a> website.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgakWhL2bJY_8cQpDmbBVzT3Jh-Umf4u6YniYZqP_16aGK9647CiQ2CGBKLFkH5EQHyZeC6t7G2ynl0Qq0dZ_JohpvH5CuhkyF8fRqIjwgzvsGZYa4Q0Owxi1KvF3iShLizuxzIA74HcFY/s1600/wheat.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgakWhL2bJY_8cQpDmbBVzT3Jh-Umf4u6YniYZqP_16aGK9647CiQ2CGBKLFkH5EQHyZeC6t7G2ynl0Qq0dZ_JohpvH5CuhkyF8fRqIjwgzvsGZYa4Q0Owxi1KvF3iShLizuxzIA74HcFY/s200/wheat.png" width="110" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Now-Foods-Organic-Powder-4-Ounce/dp/B0014M1WA0">NOW Wheat Grass Powder</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />Organic juice powders, like NOW® Wheat Grass Juice, feature high concentrations of valuable nutrients, including chlorophyll, vitamins, minerals and natural enzymes.</span><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjquRjxA4gmv5kU3kVrXTyp8NeC7Y2M7OO8Rpq2iDeTLqmQ0l2i12_JjL1-QPn7V3lcfnqCBjsWbJc23kfI65wQY1x-imhesQbnRzt-4oSiiIjKiXbDCch9GCI1vkWtPopTXRdrqW9PwbA/s1600/junglejuice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjquRjxA4gmv5kU3kVrXTyp8NeC7Y2M7OO8Rpq2iDeTLqmQ0l2i12_JjL1-QPn7V3lcfnqCBjsWbJc23kfI65wQY1x-imhesQbnRzt-4oSiiIjKiXbDCch9GCI1vkWtPopTXRdrqW9PwbA/s200/junglejuice.jpg" width="121" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<a href="http://www.vitacost.com/natural-factors-100-natural-fruit-chew-c-jungle-juice"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Natural Factors Jungle Juice Vitamin C</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If I can avoid swallowing a pill, I will .... when it comes to vitamins, I'm a kid at heart... give me something I can chew! These are hard wafers even tho they call them 'chews' .. it makes it sound like they are gummies.. they aren't. They have a fruity, tangy, tropical flavor that I really enjoy. Some chewables can have a weird 'medicinal' flavor, these don't. It's sort of like a piece of candy! I just let it dissolve in my mouth. I think they offer other flavors in the Vitamin C and they have other supplements. These are sweetened with natural fruit sugars.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuUodqGGYoEgYGiTbnmoZywbeqRPFpd55Pu4LvZEy2ec9l9YcZk7ta4V2ROR6EfPzXo_GE6paMNFYbCAM1ImEFD68Syq-euU1whzHr4PRItZfW7nEWF61gGyMNu9zv0nL8rCIy3IbZ1X0/s1600/jarrow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuUodqGGYoEgYGiTbnmoZywbeqRPFpd55Pu4LvZEy2ec9l9YcZk7ta4V2ROR6EfPzXo_GE6paMNFYbCAM1ImEFD68Syq-euU1whzHr4PRItZfW7nEWF61gGyMNu9zv0nL8rCIy3IbZ1X0/s200/jarrow.jpg" width="99" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /><a href="http://www.vitacost.com/jarrow-formulas-methyl-b-12-lemon-1000-mcg-100-lozenges">Jarrow Methyl B12 1000</a></span><div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />Methylcobalamin is better absorbed and retained than cyanocobalamin. I take one of these meltable wafers a couple times a week to make sure my B12 levels are maintained. They don't taste great but they aren't horrible.. kind of a lemon flavor.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJxvr2QdHZw22YoAFgA6Q4zLmpJ9TwV7N5vG4D2AWWHx1EOGocP3xfJvBZalB9tQJ3f3HG9at3l123Z1_QgPCcMjHfBDWmgo6ofk4AbDySca2Z9SPRotsXLCvIS2x7-ipui-j8yKOb4GA/s1600/vcaps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJxvr2QdHZw22YoAFgA6Q4zLmpJ9TwV7N5vG4D2AWWHx1EOGocP3xfJvBZalB9tQJ3f3HG9at3l123Z1_QgPCcMjHfBDWmgo6ofk4AbDySca2Z9SPRotsXLCvIS2x7-ipui-j8yKOb4GA/s200/vcaps.jpg" width="103" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/NOW-Foods-Glucosamine-1000-Vcaps/dp/B001H1Q71C/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1373548440&sr=8-5&keywords=now+glucosamine"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">NOW Glucosamine 1000 VCaps</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This glucosamine is made from a plant source and not shellfish. My joints aren't what they used to be and I figure this can't hurt. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Gwh08gVkfwDQEXUyLdEt_DfMSQBz4qp3RKBTvG8_thn8QZP3xYy9OG7CW43YOJVoXnIgo_s9KlB1YN3bRf2-HZ5OQaSPQpDqrrC62K_2DkCgSbzTmlJ5BV0GUFfcxuG7rmKxwLR1cUE/s1600/shake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Gwh08gVkfwDQEXUyLdEt_DfMSQBz4qp3RKBTvG8_thn8QZP3xYy9OG7CW43YOJVoXnIgo_s9KlB1YN3bRf2-HZ5OQaSPQpDqrrC62K_2DkCgSbzTmlJ5BV0GUFfcxuG7rmKxwLR1cUE/s1600/shake.JPG" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://planthungry.blogspot.com/2013/05/original-recipe-peanut-butter-cup.html">My favorite protein shake</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I shared our favorite shake in a previous blog posting. (click the title above) I am now having this almost every morning and I really notice a difference in how I feel. I think it has to do with the Amazing Grass powder as it has probiotics.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm sharing this here because I add supplement powders to it so it kind of falls into this blog. I talk about most of the ingredients in that blog except the Amazing Grass Superfood, which is below. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One thing I like to do is to make up powder packets in small containers so they are ready to go every morning. I just have to grab the almond or soy milk and the powder and then blend that.. and then add a frozen banana. Super fast. It tastes like a thick and yummy milkshake. </span><br />
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<a href="http://amazinggrass.com/product/26/Chocolate-Green-SuperFood-60-servings.html"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Amazing Grass Superfood (chocolate)</span></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-gld96So9Bm83NZi69tQ_R3l7QZrke7XIzt_utN48KA0-n5KIIt-6pV1WXcbF1lL2Hu5uhTlziA2yC8hzeG9JAuHXMDfZjyi9-1cljE1fYl9OEbATyvkqBflaLa634J4gMN2RfutIchk/s1600/amazing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-gld96So9Bm83NZi69tQ_R3l7QZrke7XIzt_utN48KA0-n5KIIt-6pV1WXcbF1lL2Hu5uhTlziA2yC8hzeG9JAuHXMDfZjyi9-1cljE1fYl9OEbATyvkqBflaLa634J4gMN2RfutIchk/s200/amazing.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">** Amazon usually has the best price on this. I can get the 60 serving jar for $25 to $30 .. shop around!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love this because it's probiotics! We all need probiotics.. plus, it has a fabulous grass blend! This comes in a variety of flavors. I also have the Orange Dreamsicle flavor for my husband. It has stevia in it tho so I don't like it. I am very sensitive to that fake sweet flavor. The berry is stevia free .. I want to try that one next! They also have Energy (lemon lime), Pineapple Lemongrass, Original, and a couple other types.</span></div>
Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12819798747884168196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774042112885741301.post-7987968134204189702013-07-11T04:20:00.002-07:002013-07-11T04:20:27.414-07:00Spotlight on Cruelty - Fois Gras<div style="margin-bottom: 0.7em; margin-top: 0.7em; padding: 0px;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj408V0B6EoDEDa9vfVO5-xi4tgOl0xVoxLZ4-C9nX7uTfexGWmJjzXKGCpMEFSreJkumE7hM_4Y7ifhT8_w9EHQfmcJT4fa3Tw6w7gN_oIIzE8TsNBUeMR-rckGtUdGQFtNd2Pa55N1Ts/s1600/foie+gras.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj408V0B6EoDEDa9vfVO5-xi4tgOl0xVoxLZ4-C9nX7uTfexGWmJjzXKGCpMEFSreJkumE7hM_4Y7ifhT8_w9EHQfmcJT4fa3Tw6w7gN_oIIzE8TsNBUeMR-rckGtUdGQFtNd2Pa55N1Ts/s320/foie+gras.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One of the cruelest things you can consume is Fois Gras, or duck liver pate. I am aghast at the ways in which humans have thought of to torture animals for their pleasure. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fois Gras is illegal in many countries and in California - for good reason. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"These intelligent, gentle birds are condemned to spend their lives in small, barren pens, where they are forced to stand 24 hours a day on metal grating as their urine and feces build up underneath. The geese panic and struggle as they are roughly grabbed by the throat and a metal pipe is forced down their throats so that huge amounts of grain (up to 4 pounds!) can be pumped into their stomachs. </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This cruel process happens three to four times a day – every day.</i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> On some farms, a single worker may be expected to force-feed 500 birds three times each day. Because of this rush, animals are often treated roughly and left injured and suffering with injuries to their throats and wings. Many die from their liver rupturing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Their distended and diseased livers swell to 10 times their normal size and press against their lungs, causing them to pant constantly. Some of the birds can no longer stand because their legs can't support the weight of their livers, resulting in possible leg fractures." ~ PETA<br /><br />Look at these photos... humans have actually designed and manufactured specialized equipment to torture these beautiful birds... special cages, special holders, special throat pipes.... I am routinely disgusted to call myself a human.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJQSAgv6J8yXzqwPSLcOBszNxktX5DHPeZWCul5UzhY1q7fJdbh0WSWYADrKu8Sk1t6BReBblqzGTFCe6Lw_PZ8NbxlhbW-IImcfawjK29bJrr2YVf07ktTD4sgBshd2KRaD5J_vtkDPs/s1600/grasduck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJQSAgv6J8yXzqwPSLcOBszNxktX5DHPeZWCul5UzhY1q7fJdbh0WSWYADrKu8Sk1t6BReBblqzGTFCe6Lw_PZ8NbxlhbW-IImcfawjK29bJrr2YVf07ktTD4sgBshd2KRaD5J_vtkDPs/s320/grasduck.jpg" width="224" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Guess what? You can make delicious pate using plant ingredients that are healthy and no one has to die for your pleasure. The really good news is that I rounded up recipes that can please everyone... if you don't like mushrooms, try the one with tempeh. If you can't find tempeh, try the lentil one. If you're allergic to something.. odds are you can find a pate recipe that will work for you .... No excuses!</span></div>
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<a href="http://nourishmbs.blogspot.com/2011/02/vegan-mushroom-pate.html" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mushroom Pate</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<a href="http://veganonthefence.com/2012/01/06/tempeh-pate/" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tempeh Pate</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://kblog.lunchboxbunch.com/2013/03/herb-crusted-peppercorn-lentil-nut-pate.html">Herb-Crusted Peppercorn Lentil Pate </a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.smokinhotmom.com/2012/10/veggie-pate-gluten-free-dairy-free-vegan/">Veggie Pate</a> (sunflower, potato and quinoa) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh, wait... one last excuse... you don't cook, right? Well.. guess what? You can BUY vegan pate. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So there. Sorry... no good reason to eat tortured duck liver. Ever.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here is just one.. but I know many exist .... so go google! <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQuiGtb-on1USQZf6D4UcVlOvkb9BUdBx0mL-VL0XI7bIXZAPc1hEkOUwCEqoufJExVgoWskZW_aM6Wf3Tus_BDkGytrNGmqV_raAp4A_3Y5h1yIOxdo2xxXnjCeDcHKkCDYgIzsaropg/s1600/faux+gras.jpg"></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQuiGtb-on1USQZf6D4UcVlOvkb9BUdBx0mL-VL0XI7bIXZAPc1hEkOUwCEqoufJExVgoWskZW_aM6Wf3Tus_BDkGytrNGmqV_raAp4A_3Y5h1yIOxdo2xxXnjCeDcHKkCDYgIzsaropg/s1600/faux+gras.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQuiGtb-on1USQZf6D4UcVlOvkb9BUdBx0mL-VL0XI7bIXZAPc1hEkOUwCEqoufJExVgoWskZW_aM6Wf3Tus_BDkGytrNGmqV_raAp4A_3Y5h1yIOxdo2xxXnjCeDcHKkCDYgIzsaropg/s1600/faux+gras.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.regalvegan.com/site/products/faux-gras/">Faux Gras</a></span></div>
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<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><br />Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12819798747884168196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774042112885741301.post-5827948214325265722013-06-18T04:37:00.003-07:002013-06-18T04:45:27.313-07:00What Will You Do Today?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPp8qsOku1p3Msy81n3_SQwI7eSyfQp93vqcx_9CF8A2ocz9fPcdJPFIFJXJbPA8SpdlbDzYrafqDAqcnAhOwQ-g_anitxSOlagxq2CUIvW2G5nzjw4IvclhXbyN7vYTHbZO_fL_SnyIo/s1600/do-something-logo-200.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPp8qsOku1p3Msy81n3_SQwI7eSyfQp93vqcx_9CF8A2ocz9fPcdJPFIFJXJbPA8SpdlbDzYrafqDAqcnAhOwQ-g_anitxSOlagxq2CUIvW2G5nzjw4IvclhXbyN7vYTHbZO_fL_SnyIo/s320/do-something-logo-200.gif" width="320" /></a>Just because you can't do <i>everything</i> doesn't mean you should do <i>nothing</i>.. do <i>something</i>!<br />
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For some people, small changes can lead to big results.<br />
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Every single day you make dozens of choices ... make choices that can impact your health and life positively.<br />
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You can also make choices that impact the lives of animals.<br />
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Make one choice a day that is different.<br />
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Here are a few to get you started ....<br />
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<b>At a restaurant/fast food place:</b><br />
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- order spaghetti with just marinara, no meat or cheese sauce.<br />
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- order your pizza with lots of veggies and no cheese.<br />
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- search for any local vegan restaurants and try it out!<br />
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- choose the eggplant parm instead of the chicken parm<br />
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- choose the fruit & yogurt parfait instead of the egg mcmuffin<br />
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- take the fruit or veggie side option instead of the fries.<br />
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- Get brown rice and black beans at Chipotle. Skip the cheese and sour cream.<br />
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- get the veggie burger<br />
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- order the smallest size they have of everything.<br />
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- order iced tea instead of soda<br />
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- get the baked sweet potato and just put the sugar/cinnamon on it, no butter. You won't miss it, trust me.<br />
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- get the minestrone<br />
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- skip the appetizer and the dessert.<br />
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- sub tofu in for the chicken at the Thai or Chinese place or just ask that the meat be left out.<br />
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- go out for veggie sushi. It's just rice and veggies. Stop being so dramatic. If you hate seaweed, tell them you want 'Soy Wrap' instead.<br />
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- get a waffle or pancakes instead of bacon and eggs.<br />
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- sub beans for the beef at Taco Bell<br />
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- choose sorbet or Italian ice over ice cream, sherbet or yogurt.<br />
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- tell them to leave out the egg in your fried rice.<br />
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<b>At home:</b><br />
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- have one plant based meal a day or one plant based day, once a week.<br />
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- if you can't manage 3.0 mph on the treadmill, walk at 1.0 mph for as long as you can.<br />
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- make a cake without eggs and see how great it is. I can give you a recipe (or 100)<br />
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- keep fruit around. if you aren't hungry enough to eat fruit, you aren't hungry.<br />
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- eat your breakfast or lunch outside.<br />
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- keep a set of hand weights in the living room. use them during the commercials.<br />
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- buy or make some fresh juice and mix in seltzer water. It's like a healthier soda.<br />
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- make <a href="http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2012/09/06/no-flour-black-bean-brownies/">these brownies</a> and use all the chocolate chips, grind the oats into a flour first and don't tell anyone they are made with beans.<br />
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- watch the movie 'Forks Over Knives'. Free on Netflix streaming. Get a free trial.<br />
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- have oatmeal with a tbsp of flax seed, a tbsp of brown sugar and a few chopped walnuts as a meal or snack.<br />
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- make a pot of soup and you'll have a quick meal all week. Try <a href="http://littlehouseofveggies.blogspot.com/2011/03/black-bean-tortilla-soup.html">this one</a>.<br />
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<b>At the grocery store:</b><br />
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- buy a carton of almond milk. It's $2 .. give it a try. Try the chocolate.<br />
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- don't buy soda this week. You can't drink it if you don't buy it.<br />
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- buy a veggie you've always disliked and roast it. (drizzle olive oil over it, salt lightly, bake at 425 degrees for 20 minutes) Almost all veggies are awesome roasted.<br />
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- if you can't resist adding junky food to your cart at the store ... don't go down those aisles! Just don't.<br />
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- don't buy bacon or cheese. Just this one week. You'll live. I promise.<br />
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- buy a box of Post lightly frosted shredded wheat. It has two ingredients. It's good as a snack as well as a traditional cereal.<br />
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- buy a box of Zatarain's Red Beans and Rice. Make it with water and olive oil. Super easy. Super tasty.<br />
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- buy your dogs the peanut butter biscuits instead of the chicken ones.<br />
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- get your kids involved with trying new veggies. Research the veggie, find a recipe to try.<br />
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- buy a loaf of whole wheat bread and tell the household that if they want bread, they'll eat that or nothing.<br />
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- buy Earth Balance sticks or a tub and use that instead of butter/margarine.<br />
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- go down that crazy 'health' aisle and just look around.<br />
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- buy a can of chickpeas. Add them to a salad.<br />
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- buy a package of Field Roast Wild Mushroom Deli slices and/or Frankfurters.<br />
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- buy a fruit or veggie you haven't tried before.<br />
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- choose products that do not contain high fructose corn syrup.<br />
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- buy a package of tempeh and make <a href="http://planthungry.blogspot.com/2012/05/behold-power-of-tempeh.html">tempeh bacon</a>. It runs about $2<br />
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<b>At the mall or out shopping:</b><br />
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- buy 'Everyday Happy Herbivore' cookbook by Lindsay Nixon and then try the recipes. They are simple and use ingredients you probably have already.<br />
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- indulge in one piece of fabulous dark chocolate from a local candy store.<br />
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- buy shoes or a purse that are man made materials instead of leather.<br />
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- find your local oil and vinegar store and go try some samples.<br />
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- check out your local health food store. Just browse. Buy a vegan dark chocolate bar.<br />
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<br />Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12819798747884168196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774042112885741301.post-15363873404174638762013-05-14T08:49:00.002-07:002013-05-14T08:49:33.133-07:00Original Recipe - Roasted Carrots<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_vMFxajERgZok-2WMVBrHE1kld-aTIPQ8Flp346qLtl_n8d9SbrY7gwpKMYoLD2-zwz2hZlNDEFy4SEIXUqK2QXUy61V4Ta3BAWBjZVaUrFkSN-Yli9Kw6QMY-y30ZTDNTvrtLZnww6M/s1600/DSC00479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_vMFxajERgZok-2WMVBrHE1kld-aTIPQ8Flp346qLtl_n8d9SbrY7gwpKMYoLD2-zwz2hZlNDEFy4SEIXUqK2QXUy61V4Ta3BAWBjZVaUrFkSN-Yli9Kw6QMY-y30ZTDNTvrtLZnww6M/s320/DSC00479.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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I love roasted carrots.. they get all sweet and tasty!<br />
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<u><b>Roasted Carrots</b></u><br />
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2 lbs baby carrots (cut them in half if they are big)<br />
2 Tbsp olive oil<br />
1/2 tsp salt<br />
1/2 tsp onion granules<br />
1/2 tsp garlic granules<br />
1/2 tsp dried parsley<br />
1/4 tsp dried dill<br />
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Toss carrots with the oil and set aside.<br />
Mix the remaining ingredients in a small bowl and sprinkle over the carrots, tossing well.<br />
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Bake at 400 degrees on a large baking sheet until they are done to your taste. Make sure you flip them a few times to prevent burning.Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12819798747884168196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2774042112885741301.post-48380188721979132962013-05-13T08:34:00.000-07:002013-05-13T08:36:18.152-07:00Original Recipe - Twice Baked Potatoes<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_1FFHBEwQqZq9mi48KXWlA_byI9ImL5wvDIKbO6ua8Z6gucG1VwzBpXdiU5RKyYF4K5Ogp5Z8tdm0GIvP-RR9Nb6FVegHmF7-wmmgdI7yxohLJ8urGsLpaWxEmYRoFKERdDY79aQHZGs/s1600/DSC00462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_1FFHBEwQqZq9mi48KXWlA_byI9ImL5wvDIKbO6ua8Z6gucG1VwzBpXdiU5RKyYF4K5Ogp5Z8tdm0GIvP-RR9Nb6FVegHmF7-wmmgdI7yxohLJ8urGsLpaWxEmYRoFKERdDY79aQHZGs/s320/DSC00462.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><i>Feel free to share but please link back to this blog. Thank you.</i></span><br />
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Twice baked potatoes! Twice the fun, twice the servings, twice the carb overload!<br />
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um, yea .... well.... anyway.<br />
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Twice baked potatoes are essentially just a mound of loaded mashed potatoes presented in a potato shell.<br />
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It's all about presentation.<br />
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For the shell part, you will want to find the big, jumbo baking potatoes that you'd see in steakhouses. The bigger they are, the more impressive they are to company.... plus, if they are big, they make a perfectly lovely meal on their own!<br />
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If you are serving these to kids, cut them in half or allow time for a serious nap afterwards.<br />
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Just a note... the photo shows an uncooked potato. These were for a friend of mine so she'll be doing the twice baked part on her end when she gets ready to serve them up!<br />
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First off, you'll want to make a batch of my <a href="http://planthungry.blogspot.com/2012/05/behold-power-of-tempeh.html">tempeh bacon</a> because you'll need some of it for this recipe.<br />
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If you'd rather not make it, you can sub in something like Bac-o's but.. I'll be disappointed and the potatoes will be less fabulous. Just sayin'<br />
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Feel free to add other yummy stuff into the potato mixture like chopped green onions, vegan cheese or vegan sour cream. You can also use fresh chives and parsley instead of the dried.<br />
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<u><b>Shelly's Twice Baked Potatoes</b></u><br />
<u><b><br /></b></u>
Makes 6 large potatoes<br />
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3 very large baking potatoes<br />
5 medium russet potatoes<br />
2 tbsp Earth Balance<br />
2 Tbsp nutritional yeast<br />
2 tbsp tomato paste<br />
2 tbsp dried chives<br />
1 tbsp dried parsely<br />
2 tsp salt<br />
1/2 tsp smoked paprika<br />
1/2 tsp onion granules or powder<br />
1/2 tsp garlic granules or powder<br />
1/8 tsp citric acid (you can sub in 1/2 tsp lemon juice)<br />
6 slices <a href="http://planthungry.blogspot.com/2012/05/behold-power-of-tempeh.html">tempeh bacon</a>, cooked crispy and chopped<br />
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1. Place the 3 very large potatoes into a crockpot and bake on high for 2 to 3 hours until fork tender (or bake them however you want)<br />
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2. Peel the 5 potatoes, wash and chop into small pieces and boil until fork tender like you're making mashed potatoes (because you are!) Drain and place in a large bowl.<br />
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3. When the 3 large potatoes are done, slice them in half and let cool until they can be handled.. still warm tho. It's easier to remove the middle if they are warm.<br />
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4. Carefully scoop out the middle of each potato half , leaving a small layer of the potato behind and set aside. Place the scooped out potato middles into the bowl with the boiled potatoes.<br />
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5. Melt the Earth Balance and pour into the potatoes and mash them until smooth.<br />
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6. Add the other ingredients (except the tempeh bacon) into the mashed potatoes and mix well.<br />
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7. Carefully fill in potato shell with the mashed potato mixture, leveling it off and then mound more of the mixture on top, smoothing out the sides. You may not use all of the filling. If not, you have leftover loaded mashed potatoes!<br />
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8. Once you are finished, press the chopped pieces of the temeph bacon into the top.<br />
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9. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 30 minutes until the potato is heated thru and slightly toasted on the top.<br />
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10. I like to serve them with a little pat of earth balance on top.<br />
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<br />Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12819798747884168196noreply@blogger.com1