Fall is in the Air

I haven't posted anything in awhile, mainly due to my work schedule, which has included some travel. I have also been absent due to experimenting with many new recipes. One that was a big success was Meatless Loaf with Vegan Mushroom Gravy. Even our picky 4 year old loved it, which is saying something! It was delicious, and hearty, which I love as the weather starts changing and getting cooler. I have been inspired by the garden, the weather, and the fact that my husband has a sudden interest in eating more vegan. His birthday was last weekend, and I think that might be the driving force here. In any case, he likes how he feels when he eats this way, and it inspires me to look for new and creative dishes.

For most of August and September, I was desperate to find ways to use all of the okra I grew, so I was really on the lookout for okra recipes. One that we enjoyed was a vegan gumbo. You can find the recipe here: http://holycowvegan.net/2014/01/fat-free-vegan-gumbo.html.

I also recently purchased a Cuisinart 14 Cup Food Processor (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000645TW/ref=cm_sw_r_fa_asp_d11xJ.C42S1PH?fb_ref=Default). Let me just say, yes, one can love an appliance! My daughter got me a tofu press for my birthday (9/4)  and that has been a lot of fun. It is true that when it comes to tofu, the tofu press makes ALL the difference. I have been completely enamored by tofu, once again, as my little vegan boy, who is super picky, likes various tofu dishes. Which makes me extremely happy as organic tofu has a lot of protein.

Cool new tofu press doing it's thang!

It's getting serious!

The rest of the weeks menu includes quinoa pasta with vegan creamy red pepper sauce with fresh basil, vegan, gluten free lasagna (made with thinly sliced zucchini!), and soup (of course!).

Other news- I have decided to do the full marathon here in Dallas in December! I have done half marathons, but never a full. I am pretty excited, but also nervous. I am doing my long runs early on Saturday mornings. So far, the farthest I have run is 13.5 miles. Next Saturday will change all of that, though, and mark my longest run yet- at 16 miles. Nutrition is more important now than ever! I will keep you posted...

Bon Appetit!

Vegan Gumbo in the process. It was delicious!

Chickpea Tacos

This week, on Taco Tuesday, I  made "chickpea taco meat" for my tacos. This stuff is great! It is super easy, inexpensive, quick, healthy, and delicious. It really doesn't get much better than that! I was inspired by Amy, or Amy's New Nostalgia, and then made some changes. Here is a link to her original recipe, which is worth checking out: http://www.amynewnostalgia.com/garbanzo-bean-taco-meat/ I really link this recipe, as I am usually making two types of tacos, one vegan and one not, this one doesn't add much work, but is super good.

Here is my version:

Ingredients:

1. 15 oz can garbanzo beans, drained & rinsed
2. 1 tbsp soy sauce
3. 2 tsp lemon or lime juice
4. 2-3 tbsp of taco seasoning (I use this one: http://bethshappyjoyfulfoodfulblog.blogspot.com/2015/08/homemade-taco-seasoning.html
5. 1/3 cup water
6. 1/4 cup salsa

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400.  Toss soy sauce, lemon/lime juice, and seasonings.  Add beans and toss until coated.  Place on a tray.  Bake 25 minutes until crunchy.
2. Put beans, water, and salsa in high powered blender, and blend to the consistency of taco meat
3. Assemble tacos with your favorite garnishments and enjoy!

Weekly Food Plan 8/29-9/5/2015

Well, I apologize that I didn't make it here last week. I spent most of the week in West Texas, where my son is for college, and also I go for work. The territory encompasses the entire West Texas region, as well as New Mexico, so I am supposed to be there monthly, which is nice because I can see my son. However, I hadn't been since last Spring, because of babysitting issues, so as you imagine, this was a busy week. But, it was GREAT hanging out with my son. Since I was last there, he has acquired, in addition to his dog Joey, two cats- Vinny and Alley. He has also moved into an apartment that he is not sharing with roommates. It was fun helping him fix it up and playing with the pets, who he treats as his children. That kid is going to make a wonderful father someday.

In addition to all that, we were busy getting my littlest son ready for school, which starts Monday. I also had an article to write for an industry publication (yes, they actually trust me to do this, haha!), and a webinar to host (again- that trust thing!). When it rains it pours! So, I am back to my planning and preparing this week, although admittedly, it may be a "get through it" week on the cooking front. I am going to try out three new recipes: Black Bean Enchiladas, found here: http://www.thegardengrazer.com/2012/03/black-bean-spinach-enchiladas.html, Tofu Popcorn Chicken, found here: http://thevedge.org/2013/02/tofu-popcorn-chickn-vegan-gluten-free/, and Hearty Vegetarian Bolognese, found here: http://www.cearaskitchen.com/hearty-vegetarian-bolognese-vegan-gluten-free/.

Later in the week, we are going to visit my husband's family in Arkansas, so I won't be cooking next weekend:)

Food Plan

Sunday: Souper Sunday: Yep, you guessed it. My favorite- Vegan Cream of Potato, Cauliflower, Kale Soup (I had withdrawals last week).

Monday: Black Bean and Spinach Enchiladas

Tuesday: Taco Tuesday- meat for my husband and chickpea for me. I will post recipe Tuesday or Wednesday. They are simple and delicious.

Wednesday: Leftovers

Thursday: Hearty Vegetarian Bolognese

Friday: Leftovers

Chef Pig always knows what's for dinner!

Shopping List

Fruits and Veggies

1. Cauliflower
2. Red Potatoes
3. Kale
4. Baby Spinach
5. Green Onions
6. Red Onions
7. Cilantro
8. Eggplant
9. Tomatoes
10. Jalapeños
11. Avocados
12. Apples
13. Bananas
14. Grapes
15. Mangos

Meat

1. Ground Beef

Dairy

1. Extra Firm Tofu
2. Eggs
3. Vegan Monterrey Jack Cheese
4. Yogurt

Frozen

1. Corn

Bread

1. Sandwich Bread
2. Tortillas

Packaged/Canned/Etc.

1. Spaghetti
2. Garbanzo/Fava Flour
3. Coconut Milk
4. Black Beans (canned)
5. Taco Shells
6. Tomato Paste
7. Tomato Sauce

Weekly Food Plan 8/16-8/22

This week we, like so many others, are getting ready for school to start. We are in the somewhat unique situation of having a college senior entering her last semester of college, and a 4 year old entering Pre-Kindergarten. This year will mark an ending of sorts- my daughter will graduate from college, and my baby will finish his preschool years.

I am feeling bittersweet about summer ending. The week after this, the week of the 23rd, I have to resume travelling with my job. I will have a whirlwind of travel activity through October, travelling to San Diego, Seattle, San Francisco, Houston, Lubbock, New Mexico, and Austin. This type of travel makes it very challenging to maintain the type of diet and lifestyle that I have, so I am torn between excitement (because I love my job) and dread (because what in the world will I eat? When will I work out? Oh my!). I guess I will be living on salad! Again. Yes, I go through this every year, if you couldn't tell!

Here is this weeks food plan. On Tuesday, we will be having chimichangas in lieu of tacos. I switch it up now and then, as chimichangas are "taco-y" in my opinion. I will post the recipe later this week. They are delicious! I will be trying two new  recipes this week. One will be okra marsala, as my garden is producing quite a bit of okra these days. The other, black  bean patties, I will be trying on Saturday, since I am on a quest to find the perfect veggie patty. See below for links to the recipes.

Weekly Food Plan

Sunday- Vegan Potato, Cauliflower, Kale Soup. Recipe here: http://bethshappyjoyfulfoodfulblog.blogspot.com/2015/07/my-favorite-soup-vegan-cream-of-potato.html
Monday: Vegan Spinach, Sundried Tomato, Olive Penne Pasta
Tuesday: Taco Tuesday- Veg. Chimichangas (with chicken added to some for my husband), Vegan Queso, Guacamole. Recipe here: http://bethshappyjoyfulfoodfulblog.blogspot.com/2015/08/tex-mex-month-homemade-guacamole.html
Wednesday: Leftovers
Thursday: Italian Lemon Herbed Chicken, Okra Marsala Recipe Here: http://blog.fatfreevegan.com/2013/07/roasted-okra-masala.html, Roasted Herbed Potatoes
Friday: Leftovers
Saturday: Smoky Black Bean Patties with Pineapple, Avocado Salsa and Spicy Chipotle Sauce. Recipe here: http://www.miratelinc.com/blog/meatless-monday-with-vegan-smoky-black-bean-patties-with-pineapple-avocado-salsa/

Shopping List:

Veggies/Fruits:

1. Apples
2. Bananas
3. Oranges
4. Mangoes
5. Grapes
6. Peaches
7. Tomatoes
8. Avocados
9. Cauliflower
10. Kale
11. Spinach
12. Broccoli
13. Red Peppers
14. Jalepenos (check garden first)
15. Ginger Root
16. Garlic
17. Cilantro
18. Pineapple Chunks
19. Limes
20. Romaine Lettuce
21. Potatoes

Spices:

1. Cumin Seeds
2. Garam Marsala
3. Asadetida

Meat:

1. Chicken Tenders for Fajita Chicken

Canned/Bulk/Processed:

1. 2 Cans of Diced Tomatoes
2. 1 Can Black Beans
3. Coconut Milk
4. 1 Can Chipotle in Adobo Sauce
5. Dried Black Eyed Peas
6. Millet
7. Cornmeal
8. Chickpea/Fava Flour
9. Cashews
10. Almonds
11. Salsa

Frozen:

1. Corn

Bread:

1. Gluten Free Hamburger Buns
2. Gluten Free Tortillas
3. Whole Grain Sandwich Bread

Dairy:

1. Almond Milk
2. Juices

A Wonderful Little Article On Traits of a Good Diet

I just finished reading this from mindbodygreen, and I loved it so much that I wanted to share it here. My daughter, who is as passionate about health, diet, and wellness as I (so much so that she is a yoga teacher, in her last semester of a nutrition degree at University of Texas, and is seriously looking at medical school) discuss this all the time- that there is actually MORE we all agree on. That despite the ongoing divide and debate between the vegan/vegetarian folks and the paleo camp, there is much common ground. Healthy, unprocessed, whole foods, no sugar, limited or no dairy, and mostly plant foods. No junk. We also all agree that in addition to diet, lifestyle is also very important. Getting adequate sleep, exercise, handling stress, and supplement where necessary- especially with Vitamin D.

 

Fresh, homegrown veggie goodness!

As Michael Pollen famously wrote, in his wonderful book, Food Rules: An Eater's Manual, "Eat food, not too much, mostly plants."

Here is the link. I hope that you will enjoy this little bit of wisdom as much as I did.

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-13075/6-signs-of-a-good-diet.html

Recipe Review- Chicken Lazone (because I can't leave well enough alone...)

As I have mentioned, we are a mixed household. Me and my 4 year old son are vegans. My husband and grown daughter eat a whole food, unprocessed, plant based diet 90% of the time, with some clean, ethically raised animal protein occasionally. My daughter is also 100% gluten free. My older sons eat a clean, minimally processed omnivore diet. All this being said, most of the meals I cook are vegan. But, once, sometimes twice a week, I make something "meaty" for my husband, and other kids that eat meat, if they are home. This recipe review details one of those meals.

Tonight I made the Chicken Lazone, that I mentioned in my most recent weekly food plan, for my husband.

I can't give you a good review on the original recipe, because I changed it a smudge...okay, more than a smudge. Because, yeah, I just can't leave anything alone, try as I might. But, I can tell you that my husband absolutely loved the finished result. Here is the recipe's original version:

http://www.plainchicken.com/2013/05/chicken-lazone.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+blogspot/wJJTP+(Plain+Chicken


Here is what I did:

•1/2 tsp Himalayan sea salt
•1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
•1 1/2 tsp chili powder
•1 1/2 tsp onion powder
•2 tsp garlic powder
•1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
•2 lb chicken tenders
•2 TBSP olive oil, divided
•1 16 ounce can of organic coconut milk
• 1/2 cup garbanzo/fava flour
• 1 cup fresh, organic spinach
• 1/2 cup fresh, organic, shaved parmesan cheese
• 1/2 package of quinoa spaghetti

Combine salt, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.

Sprinkle over both sides of chicken tenders.

In large saute pan, heat half of the olive oil over medium-high heat.

Cook the chicken tenders until done, about 8 minutes.

Pour the cream and remaining olive oil into the skillet.

Add flour. Stir, lower heat and simmer until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

Add spinach and cooked pasta, stir.

Transfer to a 9 by 11 casserole dish. Top with parmesan.

Cook at 350 for 20 minutes.

By making these changes, not only was it delicious, but much, much healthier. And since I want my husband to be with me for many more years to come, it is totally worth the time and effort! So, based on his reaction, I'd say it's a keeper!

Homemade Taco Seasoning

I usually make this in "bulk", meaning that I multiply the recipe by 5 or 6 times. It is easy to make, stores well in a jar in the pantry, is free of preservatives, and tastes better than anything you can buy at the store.

Taco Seasoning

Ingredients:

1. 1 TBSP Chili Powder
2. 1/4 tsp. Garlic Powder
3. 1/4 tsp. Onion Powder
4. 1/4 tsp. Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
5. 1 tsp. Oregano
6. 1/2 tsp. Paprika
7. 1 1/2 tsp. Cumin
8. 1 tsp. Himalayan Sea Salt
9. 1 tsp. Freshly Ground Black Pepper

Directions:

1. Put all ingredients in a jar and mix.