Almost Raw Carrot Orange Cake

Almost Raw Carrot Orange Cake
Vegan; Gluten Free; Oil Free
Makes (2) 4" cakes

I've been going through my juice phase again, and came up with this recipe. Honestly, the pulp was SO pretty, I couldn't share it with the pups (since I turn the pulp into dog treats in the food dehydrator). I call this almost raw since I use vanilla coconut yogurt in the recipe, it adds some sweetness and keeps the cake fluffy and moist.

2 cups carrot/orange pulp (this is the leftovers of {2} oranges and {3} carrots being juiced)
1/2 cup pitted dates
1/2 cup raw walnuts (pecans work well too)
1/3 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
2 Tablespoons of vanilla coconut yogurt (I used the sweetened)
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
pinch of salt
top with fresh blackberries or orange slices


1. Pulse together all ingredients in a food processor until well-blended.

2. Press mixture into 4" spring form pan (I got mine from Amazon). Refrigerate for about 20 minutes to set and top with Raw Cashew Vanilla Frosting just before serving (see blog).

A Salad You Eat With Your Hands

A Salad You Eat With Your Hands
Vegan; Gluten Free; Raw; Serves 4; 10 minutes to make

Alright, maybe it's not exactly a salad in the sense that you're thinking of. Coming home from the farmers market and famished, all I could think of is making some wraps with the beautiful swiss chard leaves that I picked up. Super easy to make (cheating using my food processor to shred and slice) enjoy!

8 leaves swiss chard; steamed to help with the wrapping
2 small carrots or 1 medium carrot
1 large yellow squash
1 sweet red pepper, de-seeded
2 gypsy peppers, de-seeded
garnish with pineapple
serve with dressing of your choice
I added some gluten free edamame pasta noodles

1. (If using) Cook pasta according to directions.

2. (I cheated here) Shred carrots and yellow squash. Use a grater if you don't have a food processor. Slice the peppers.

3. Fill the swiss chard leaves like a taco with pasta, pineapple and veggies. Add the dressing of your choice and wrap.
Enjoy!

Raw Carrot Cake Cupcakes

Raw Carrot Cake Cupcakes
Gluten Free; Vegan; Soy Free; Raw

This is a REALLY great recipe to use the pulp that's leftover from juicing your carrots. This recipe was inspired by a dear friend, I hope you enjoy these super dense little gems!

3 cups shredded carrots
1 cup pitted dates (soaked overnight, save the water)
1 cup raw walnuts
2/3 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/8 tsp. ground cloves
pinch of salt
1/2 cup raisins (optional)


1. Pulse together all ingredients in a food processor until well-blended, adding up to 2 Tbs. of date water.

2. Press mixture into a lined muffin pan. Refrigerate for about 20 minutes to set and top with Raw Cashew Vanilla Frosting just before serving (see blog).

Carrot Apple Juice

Carrot Apple Juice

When I was in the process of moving back to Texas from Colorado Springs, my friend gave me a used Hamilton Beach juicer. I loved the idea of starting to juice, especially moving to a place that is 100+ degrees in the summer. I've recently started to use it and I have a few complaints about the juicer. A small chute and no cup, nothing one can't work around till she can buy the one she wants.... Here a few recipes that I am currently loving!

1 carrot to 1 apple ratio....

1. Place fruit and vegetables in chute and juice. Enjoy!

The pulp can be used in a dehydrator to make into raw crackers, or with this I share with the dogs. This maybe a lot fiber if your dog(s) is/are not used to it, so start off small portions.

Carrot Apple Oatmeal Flax Cookies

Carrot Apple Oatmeal Flax Cookies
Vegan; Makes 1 lb Dog cookies

For those who know me, I can't stand Made In China (See prior postings for reasons). Currently, most big dog food companies (and if you read the label) you'll find the Made In China printed on the package. These are perfect since the carrots can be found at the farmers markets and if the season is right, so can the apples. I use organic, let's face it... Why are you going to feed your family members something that you're not willing to eat yourself.

3 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup quick-cooking rolled oats
2 Tablespoons flax seeds
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 cup water
1/2 cup chopped carrot
1/4 cup finely chopped and cored apple
2 Tablespoons blackstrap molasses
2 Tablespoons canola oil
egg replacer equal to 1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease baking sheets and set aside.

2. In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, flax seeds and cinnamon. In a food processor, combine water, carrot, apple, molasses, oil, egg replacer, and vanilla. Puree until smooth. Add to dry ingredients and mix well.

3. In the bowl and using hands, knead until dough holds together. Transfer to a floured surface and using a rolling pin, roll out dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. With a fork poke holes in the dough (this keeps it from becoming a puffy soft cookie and keeps it crunchy). I use cookie cutters (puppy shapes), but you can use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter and cut into bite size squares. Place about 1/2 inch apart on baking sheets.

4. Bake, in batches if necessary, for 20 minutes or until firm. Place cookies on cooling racks and lower the oven temperature to 300 degrees. Bake for 30 minutes more (again, this helps make a crunchy cookie to help prevent tarter build-up). Transfer cookies to a rack and cool completely. Store in a air tight container for up to 30 days. If you live in a humid climate, store in the fridge.

Found and adapted: Better Food for Dogs

Carrot Cake Cupcakes

Carrot Cake Cupcakes
Vegan; Makes 24 cupcakes

Bruce and I went to a potluck last night, and I brought these. Since it was a friends birthday, and I said I'd make the birthday cake. These little gems were such a hit, so I was told I needed to share the recipe. I adapted this recipe in San Antonio from 2 different recipes. Living in Colorado I got 2 dozen vs. the 3 dozen I got in SA. Also, in SA I could use baking powder and baking soda. Here I have to omit the baking powder and use the same amount of baking soda, without adding more.... So, one never knows until you make a mistake through trial and error....

To make the cake:

2 cups plus 2 Tbs. all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground cardamom
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/8 tsp. ground cloves
1/8 tsp. ground allspice
3/4 cup coconut oil, liquidfied
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup sugar
4 oz. carrot baby food (I use carrot, apple and parsnips from a squeeze out tube)
1 Tbs. finely grated fresh ginger
1 tsp. vanilla extract
egg replacer equavilent to 3 eggs
3 cups coarsely grated carrots (can be shredded in food processor), from about 2 carrots
1 20-oz. can crushed pineapple, well drained
1 1/2 cups ground walnuts
1/2 cup raisins

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line muffin pan with cupcake liners. Set aside.

2. To make Carrot Cake: Sift together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, allspice and cardamom. Beat oil, both sugars, baby food, ginger, and vanilla extract until smooth, about 2 minutes. Add egg replacer, beating after. Add flour mixture in two additions. Add carrots, pineapple, raisins and nuts; beat just until blended. Divide batter in cupcake liners and bake 20 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into centers comes out clean. Cool on baking racks and cool completely.

See Recipe in Blog for Frosting and top with toasted coconut or walnuts....

Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie

Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie
Serves 6; Gluten Free; Vegan

To make this tastier, instead of the vegetable broth, use no-chicken bouillon. The first time I made this it had little flavor....

Sweet Potato Topping

1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced (1/4 lb)
1/4 cup non-dairy milk
1 Tbs. earth balance
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg

Filling:

1 1/2 tsp. vegetable oil
1 medium onion, chopped (1 cup)
1 leek, white part thinly sliced (1 cup)
2 turnips,diced (1 cup)
1 carrot, diced (1 cup)
3 sprigs fresh thyme
1 sprig fresh rosemary, chopped (2 tsp.)
1/4 cup white wine or water
1 15-oz. can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
3 Tbs. vegan Parmesan cheese (optional)

1.) To make the Sweet Potato Topping: Bring large pot of water to a boil. Add sweet potato, cover and boil 10 minutes or until tender. Drain, and return to pot. Mash with milk, margarine, cinnamon, and nutmeg; season with salt and pepper, if desired. Set aside.

2.) To make filling: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and leek, and saute 5 to 6 minutes, or until leek is soft. Add turnips, carrots, thyme, and rosemary; cook 2 to 3 minutes more, or until carrots begin to soften.

3.) Add wine, and cook 30 seconds to deglaze the pan. Stir in beans and broth. Cover, and simmer 10 minutes, or until carrots and turnips are soft. Season with salt and pepper if desired.

4.) Remove thyme sprigs from Filling, and discard. Pour Filling into 2-or3-qt. casserole dish. Spread Sweet Potato Topping over Filling. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, if using.

5.) Place casserole dish on baking pan. Bake for 30 minutes, or until filling bubbles and cheese is melted. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

6.) Frozen Cooking Instructions: Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Cover casserole, and place on baking sheet. Bake 60 to 75 minutes, or until filling bubbles and top is golden. Remove foil during last 10 minutes of baking. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Per 1 cup serving: 129 cal.; 4 grams prot.; 3 grams total fat (1 gram sat. fat); 20 grams carbs.; 1 mg chol.; 176 mg sod.; 5 grams fiber; 5 grams sugar
Vegetarian Times: January 2010

Brown Rice, Vegetable & Herb Gratin

Brown Rice, Vegetable & Herb Gratin
Serves 4; Vegan; 1 hour

What is great about this recipe, is that you can use whatever veggies you have on hand. I used mushrooms and yellow squash for carrots and baby corn cobs.

1/3 cup brown rice (I used 2/3 cups)
2 tablespoons earth balance
1 red onion, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, crushed
1 carrot, chopped into matchsticks
1 zucchini, sliced
2 3/4 oz. baby corn cobs, halved lengthwise
2 tablespoons sunflower seeds
3 tablespoons chopped mixed herbs (I used mint, basil, parsley and oregano)
1 cup grated Daiya mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons whole-wheat bread crumbs
salt and pepper to taste

1. Cook the rice in a saucepan of boiling water for 20 minutes. (It took mine about 35 minutes. Besides the baking, this is the longest part of the recipe.)

2. Lightly grease a 3 3/4 cup ovenproof dish. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

3. Heat the butter in a skillet. Add the onion and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes, or until softened.

4. Add the garlic, carrot, zucchini, and corn cobs and cook for a further 5 minutes, stirring constantly.

5. Mix the rice with the sunflower seeds and mixed herbs and stir into the pan.

6. Stir in half of the mozzarella cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Spoon the mixture into the greased dish and top with the bread crumbs and remaining cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese begins to turn golden. Serve at once.
Variation: Use an alternative rice, such as basmati, and flavor the dish with curry spices, if desired.

Found and adapted from: What's Cooking Vegetarian by Jenny Stacey

Spring Rooted Vegetable Bake

Spring Rooted Vegetable Bake
Vegan; 15-20 min prep. time; 1 hour bake time
Serves 6-8

In my quest to invoke the flavors of spring, I found the perfect recipe the other day. I used small, farmers market fresh veggies, so please modify and enjoy to suite your taste! Serve with some crusty bread and on a bead of arugula. P. S.-This is perfect for Easter! Happy Easter and Earth Day Everyone.....

4 beets, diced (tear the beet tops to add-about 4)
2 turnips, diced
5-6 carrots, chopped
2 sweet potatoes, diced
6-8 red potatoes, diced
1 15-oz. can black beans (rinsed or you can make your own)
1/3 cup white wine (I used Bonterra-Chardonnay)
1 Tbs. thyme
1 Tbs. fresh mint leaves torn
2 pinches of rosemary (I did large pinches since I like rosemary)
vegetable broth drizzled over the vegetables (I think 1/3 cup)
extra virgin olive oil (enough to coat the bottom of the dish)

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Coat a 9x13-3quart casserole dish with olive oil.

2. Place all of the diced/chopped vegetables in the dish and pour in the wine, mint, rosemary, thyme and beet tops and stir together until coated with the olive oil. (Add more if needed.) Drizzle with the vegetable broth and stir again.

3. Bake for 45 minutes to and hour; the veggies should be tender to a fork pierce. (The time will vary depending on how large or small you dice the veggies.) Allow to cool, but serve warm.

Maple-Glazed Tofu on Pumpkin Seed Couscous

Maple-Glazed Tofu on Pumpkin Seed Couscous
Serves 6; Vegan

Sorry to be SO late on this, but we're just beginning to get settled from the drive. I'm not sure how this is going to taste, since I don't have anything in the kitchen yet. So, hopefully, this comes out yummy.... If not, one out of the many is not bad! ~_^

Maple-Glazed Tofu
2 10-oz. pkgs. extra-firm tofu
2 tsp. cracked black pepper
2 tsp. dried thyme
1 tsp. salt
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup maple syrup

Pumpkin Seed Couscous
2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
2 medium carrots, chopped (1 cup)
1 cup frozen edamame, thawed
2 tsp. olive oil
1 tsp. salt
1 1/2 cups whole-wheat couscous
1/2 cup toasted unsalted pumpkin seeds


To make Maple-Glazed Tofu:

1. Place tofu between two plates and set heavy pot on top. Drain 10 minutes, and pat dry. Cut tofu into 3/8-inch-thick slices. Combine pepper, thyme, and salt in small bowl. Coat tofu slices with pepper mixture, and set aside.

To make Pumpkin Seed Couscous:

2. Bring broth, carrots, edamame, olive oil, and salt to a boil in covered saucepan. Remove from heat, stir in couscous and cover. Let steam 5 minutes, then fluff with fork.

3. Meanwhile, heat oil and maple syrup in large skillet over medium-high heat until bubbling. Place tofu in pan, and cook 3 minutes. Turn, and cook 3 minutes more, spooning thickening sauce over tofu.

4. To serve: Stir pumpkin seeds into couscous. Spoon onto plates, and top with Maple-Glazed Tofu.

Per SERVING: Calories: 577, Protein: 26g, Total fat: 26g, Saturated fat: 3g, Carbs: 71g, Cholesterol: mg, Sodium: 444mg, Fiber: 10g, Sugars: 27g

Found: Adapted from Vegetarian Times

Black Bean Burgers

Black Bean Burgers
Makes 6-8 patties

1 15-ounce can black beans (or 1 1/2 cups if cooking from scratch), rinsed and drained
1/2 cup quick-cooking rolled oats (not instant)
1/2 cup whole-wheat bread crumbs
4 tablespoons finely chopped onions
4 tablespoons finely chopped carrots
4 tablespoons finely chopped mushrooms
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons nutritional yeast
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon liquid smoke
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
salt, to taste
black pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Mash beans with fork or potato masher, leaving some texture. Add all remaining ingredients and mix with your hands. It will be very thick. Form into 6 to 8 patties.

2. Lightly spray a frying pan with nonstick spray or wipe lightly with oil. On medium high-heat, brown patties on both sides.

Nutrition Information | Per serving (1 patty)

calories: 186; fat: 1.4 g; saturated fat: 0.2 g; calories from fat: 6.1%; cholesterol: 0 mg; protein: 10.3 g; carbohydrates: 34.3 g; sugar: 1.6 g; fiber: 11.7 g; sodium: 288 mg; calcium: 87 mg; iron: 3.3 mg; vitamin C: 2 mg; beta-carotene: 428 mcg; vitamin E: 0.1 mg

Found: Food for Life instructor Delisa Renideo of www.yestolife.info.

Apple-Almond Quinoa

Apple-Almond Quinoa

Since apples are in abundance during the fall season, why not take advantage of this versatile fruit?

Ingredients:

1 cup quinoa
1 3/4 cup water
2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 medium onion, chopped
1/2 cup carrots, peeled and shredded
1 Granny Smith apple or apple of choice, unpeeled and cubed
1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
4 tablespoons sliced almonds, lightly toasted
1 teaspoon palm sugar or your favorite sweetener
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Dash of pepper

Directions:

1. Rinse quinoa well and add to pot along with water. Heat to boiling and reduce to a very low simmer. Cook until liquid evaporates, about 15 to 20 minutes. Don’t stir while cooking.

2. Sauté onions and carrots in pan with olive oil on medium heat, stirring occasionally. After about 5 minutes, add apples and more oil if needed. Cook until tender. Stir in cinnamon, almonds and palm sugar.

3. Mix quinoa with apple mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serves 4 to 6. Cooking time 30 minutes.


Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving

Mixed Vegetable Masala

Mixed Vegetable Masala
Serves 4; Vegan; Gluten Free
Prep. Time 15 minutes; Cook Time 40 minutes

This Indian-style stew gets spicier as it sits, so if you prefer milder flavors, serve it immediately.

This will help keep you warm on a cold day (plus can help boost your immune system with the benefit of cayenne).

1 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
2 cloves of garlic, peeled
1 15-oz. can diced tomatoes
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
2 Tbs. canola or vegetable oil
1 medium onion, chopped (1 cup)
1 small yellow bell pepper, diced (1 cup)
2 medium boiling potatoes, peeled and cubed (1 cup)
2 medium carrots, sliced (1 cup)
1 1/2 tsp. garam masala
1/2 tsp. chili powder
2 cups cauliflower florets (3/4 lb.)
1/2 cup light coconut milk

1.) Pulse ginger and garlic in food processor until finely chopped. Add tomatoes with juice and cayenne pepper, and pulse until combined. Set aside.

2.) Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper, and saute for about 10 minutes or until softened. Stir in potatoes, carrots, garam masala, and chili powder. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3.) Add cauliflower, tomato mixture and 1/2 cup water. Simmer for 20 minutes. Remove from heat, and stir in coconut milk. Season with pepper.

Per serving: 200 cal.; 4 grams prot.; 10 grams total fat (2 grams sat.); 26 grams carbs.; 0 mg. chol.; 465 mg. sod.; 6 grams fiber; 10 grams sugar

Vegetarian Times: November/December 2008

Chickpea Salad Romaine Wraps

Chickpea Salad Romaine Wraps
Makes 4 servings; Vegan

1 1/2 cups cooked or canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup finely chopped or grated carrot
1/2 cup finely chopped celery
3 green onions, chopped
2 to 3 tablespoons fat-free or low-fat vegan mayonnaise
1 tablespoon stone-ground mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
4 large romaine lettuce leaves
1 medium tomato, sliced, or 6 to 8 cherry tomatoes, cut in half

1. Coarsely mash the beans with a fork or potato masher, leaving some chunks. Add the carrot, celery, green onions, vegan mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

2. Place about one-quarter of the mixture on each lettuce leaf. Add one-quarter of the tomato, roll the lettuce around the filling, and serve.

NOTE: Stored in a covered container in the refrigerator, leftover Chickpea Salad Romaine Wrap filling (without the lettuce and tomato) will keep for up to 3 days.
Variations:

Chickpea Salad Sandwich: Spread one-third of the chickpea mixture on whole-grain bread. Top with the tomato slices, lettuce leaves, and another slice of bread. Makes 3 sandwiches.

Chickpea Salad Pockets: Stuff one-quarter of the chickpea mixture into a pita pocket. Add chopped cucumber, tomato slices, and shredded lettuce. Makes 4 pockets.

Nutrition Information
Per serving (1/4 recipe): 163 calories; 4 g fat; 0.5 g sat. fat; 22% calories from fat; 0 mg cholesterol; 25.6 g carbohydrate; 6.5 g fiber; 3.5 g sugar; 8 g protein; 15.2 mg vitamin C
2555 mcg beta-carotene; 1.2 mg vitamin E; 72 mg calcium; 2.9 mg iron; 525 mg sodium

Recipe from The Cancer Survivor's Guide

Stuffed Shells with Lentil Ragout and Spinach

Stuffed Shells with Lentil Ragout and Spinach
Vegan

When my sister tried this recipe she really liked it. She omitted the lentils (which takes the place of ground beef), since she couldn't talk her mom (my step-mom) into trying the recipe with them. Just like my mom, sometimes you pick you battles. When you have a picky eater (myself included) you modify recipes to fit your tastes.... Happy eating everyone!

1 small cinnamon stick
1/4 medium-size onion, peeled but left intact, plus 1/2 onion minced
1/2 cup dried brown or green lentils
3 1/2 tsp salt
1/2 package jumbo pasta shells (about 20 pieces)
3 tbsp olive oil
1 medium-size carrot, peeled and diced
1 celery stalk, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup red wine
1 sprig fresh thyme or 1/2 tsp dried
2 1/2 cups tomato puree
1/4 tsp cayenne
Ground black pepper
4 cups spinach, washed thoroughly, stems removed and finely chopped
Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)

1. Bring 1 cup water to a boil with cinnamon stick and the intact 1/4 onion in a small saucepan. Add the lentils, cover and lower the heat to low. Cook for 25 minutes. Discard the cinnamon and onion. Add 1/2 tsp of the salt and stir.

2. In a large saucepan, bring 3 quarts of water to a boil. Add the shells and 2 teaspoons of the salt and cook for 12 minutes; the shells will still be a little tacky. Drain and transfer to a baking sheet to cool. Untangle the shells to prevent sticking.

3. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat and add the carrot, celery, the minced 1/2 onion, and garlic. Stir and cook until softened, about 8 minutes. Add the wine and thyme, allowing the wine to reduce for about 2 minutes. Add the tomato puree and cayenne, stir to combine, and cook over low heat for 10 to 15 minutes. Add the lentils and cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. Add the reamining 1 teaspoon of salt and the black pepper, and taste, adding more as you see fit. Discard the thyme sprig, if using fresh. Stir in the spinach, turn off the heat, and cover.

4. Heat the oven to 350F. Ladle a small amount of ragout into a square or rectangular baking dish. Line up the shells in dish, then with a small spoon, fill each shell with the ragout. Top off the shells with a ladleful of ragout, followed by cheese, if using. Bake for 30 minutes.

Found: Treehugger.com

Himalayan Red Rice Salad with Cranberries

Himalayan Red Rice Salad with Cranberries

To date, this has been viewed 237 times on the San Antonio Sustainable Living Blog! Happy Eating Everyone!

Water or vegetable broth for cooking rice
3 bay leaves
1/2 cup red rice, rinsed and drained
1 teaspoon olive oil
2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
1/2 cup celery, finely diced
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1/2 cup chopped green onion
1/2 cup carrots, finely diced
1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
1/4 cup dried cranberries
2 tablespoons toasted nuts (chopped pine nuts, almonds or walnuts)
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon tamari

Preparation: Follow instructions on red rice package-with addition of the bay leaves. Due to the various types of red rice available, cooking times will vary between 25 and 45 minutes-although any type of red rice is suitable for this recipe.

1. Bring water or broth to a boil, along with bay leaves. Sprinkle in the red rice. Bring to a boil again. Turn down heat and cover pot, simmering without stirring until grains are tender and water is absorbed. Remove bay leaves.

2. To toast nuts, pre-heat oven to 400 degrees F. Spread nuts in a single layer on a baking pan (preferably one with walls). Heat for several minutes or until the nuts start to turn golden. Shake the halfway through toasting.

3. In a saute pan over medium heat, cook the garlic and ginger in oil about 5 minutes, until lightly browned. Combine raw vegetables with rice, toasted nuts, cranberries, vinegar and tamari in a bowl. Mix well. Allow to sit for 15 minutes. Serve.

Found: Friends of Animals-The Best of Vegan Cooking

Creamy Roasted Garlic-Squash Soup

Creamy Roasted Garlic-Squash Soup
Vegan; Serves 10

2 heads garlic
1 tsp. extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup vegan margarine
2 cups diced onions
3/4 cup diced carrots
1/2 cup diced celery
4 lbs. butternut squash, seeded, peeled, and roughly chopped
6 cups vegetable broth
2 Tbsp. freshly chopped sage
1/2 cup plain soy milk (I used Hemp milk)
Sea salt and white pepper, to taste


1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2. Cut the garlic heads in half crosswise. Rub the cut surfaces with the olive oil and put back together. Wrap in foil and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until tender. Remove from the oven and let cool.

3. Meanwhile, melt the margarine in a large pot over medium heat.

4. Sauté the onions, carrots, and celery until the onions are translucent. Add the squash, broth, and sage. Bring to a boil and reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer for 25 minutes, or until the squash is tender.

5. Once the garlic has cooled, remove and mash the cloves. Stir into the soup.

6. Purée the soup in a blender or food processor in batches until smooth. Return to the pot and stir in the soy milk. Season with the salt and pepper.

Found: www.PETA.org

Portuguese Kale Soup

Portuguese Kale Soup
Makes 12 1-cup servings; Vegan

This hearty soup is a delicious way to enjoy calcium-rich kale. This is for a cold, rainy night in San Antonio and for me a cold, snowy night in Colorado Springs... Hope everyone is doing well and I miss all of you!

From my post on the San Antonio Sustainable Living Blog: This has been viewed 171 times to date...

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
4 cups Vegetable Broth
1 large carrot, diced
2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
2 russet potatoes, scrubbed and diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup water
1 15-ounce can cannellini beans, undrained
1/2 pound fresh kale
1 7-ounce package vegetarian breakfast sausage links

Heat oil in a large pot and add onion, carrot, and celery. Cook over high heat, stirring often, until onions are soft, about 5 minutes.

Reduce heat to medium and stir in potatoes, garlic, oregano, basil, black pepper, and salt. Add water, then cover and cook, stirring often, 5 minutes.

Stir in beans and their liquid and broth. Cover and simmer until potatoes are just tender, about 10 minutes.

Remove stems from kale and chop leaves into small pieces. Add to soup.

Cut vegetarian breakfast sausage links into bite-size chunks and add to soup. Cover and simmer until kale is tender, about 5 minutes.


Per 1-cup serving

Calories: 127; Fat: 2.6 g; Saturated Fat: 0.4 g; Calories from Fat: 18.7%; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Protein: 7.5 g; Carbohydrates: 19.6 g; Sugar: 1.8 g; Fiber: 4.1 g; Sodium: 334 mg; Calcium: 69 mg; Iron: 2.6 mg; Vitamin C: 12.2 mg; Beta Carotene: 1813 mcg; Vitamin E: 0.9 mg

Found: www.pcrm.org
Source: Healthy Eating for Life for Women by Kristine Kieswer; recipe by Jennifer Raymond, M.S., R.D.

Creamy Root Soup

Creamy Root Soup
Serves 10; Vegan

This soup is made with a variety of root vegetables and supplies an assortment of cancer-fighting antioxidants to help prevent free-radical damage. If you've never tried rutabagas before, you'll come to appreciate the subtle and delicious flavor they add. Pair with some crusty garlic bread to make the perfect "cold" winter meal. I say that since you guys have 75 degrees of winter days.....

Ingredients

3 1/2 to 4 cups water or vegetable broth, divided (1/2 cup, plus 3 cups, plus 1/2 cup)
1 large onion, chopped
1 large baking potato, chopped
2 large carrots, sliced
1 medium rutabaga, peeled and chopped
1 large sweet potato, chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper or cayenne pepper
4 cups washed, fresh spinach, coarsely chopped

Directions

Heat 1/2 cup water or broth in a large pot. Add onion and cook over high heat, stirring often, until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in 3 cups water or broth and remaining ingredients except spinach. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender and the soup is thickened, about 30 minutes.
Stir in spinach and simmer until just tender, about 5 minutes. Add remaining 1/2 cup water or broth, if desired, for a thinner soup.

Nutrition Information | Per serving (1/2 cup):

calories: 70; fat: 0.3 g; saturated fat: 0.1 g; calories from fat: 3.3%; cholesterol: 0 mg; protein: 2 g; carbohydrate: 16 g; sugar: 3.8 g; fiber: 2.9 g; sodium: 386 mg: calcium: 55 mg; iron: 1.5 mg; vitamin C: 16.6 mg; beta-carotene: 3767 mcg; vitamin E: 0.6 mg

Recipe from The Cancer Survivor’s Guide by Neal Barnard, M.D. and Jennifer K. Reilly, R.D.

Lemongrass Curry Broccoli and Tofu

Lemongrass Curry Broccoli and Tofu
Vegan; Serves 6; 30 minutes or fewer

I found this recipe, and decided to modify it a bit. While I was shopping at an Asian Market, I picked up some frozen lemongrass for next to nothing and Jack Fruit. The story of jack fruit is that it has the texture of chicken (shredding and taste) with being a fruit. This is great for those who don't like tofu or have fallen into the processed "fake" meat trap. When picking out jack fruit, make sure it young, frozen or in a can (I got the frozen). The ripe jack fruit that's in a can has a lot syrup and is sweet. Anything with stars next to it is what I added extra to the recipe.

12 oz. firm tofu, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
**4 jack fruit pieces, cubed
**2 large shallots, chopped (1 1/2 cups) {I used less}
1 stalk lemongrass, inner core chopped (1 1/2 Tbs) {I used dried}
**1/2 serrano chile, chopped (I didn't have this on hand, so I used 2 small Thia green chiles)
2 tsp. chopped fresh ginger (I zested mine to release more of the flavor)
2 cloves garlic, peeled
1 Tbs. vegetable oil
2 1/2 tsp. curry powder
1/2 tsp. ground tumeric
**4 small carrots, peeled and sliced diagonally into 1/4 inch slices (I'm not a huge fan of carrots, so I used eggplant instead)
1 13.5 oz can light coconut milk (I use the stuff out of a box vs. the can)
3 cups broccoli florets (Bruce is not a fan of broccoli, so I tossed in shiitake mushrooms)
1 tomato, cut into thin wedges
**1/2 cup of butternut squash, cubed
**1 zucchini, sliced


1. Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add tofu and jack fruit. Cook for 10 minutes or until golden on all sides, it took longer then 10 minutes.

2. Pulse shallots, garlic, lemongrass, chile, and ginger in food processor until a smooth paste forms.

3. Heat oil in pot over medium heat. Add shallot paste, and cook for 5 minutes, or until starting to brown. Stir in curry powder, tumeric, carrots, coconut milk, 1 1/2 cups of water. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 10 minutes. Add broccoli, tomato and tofu; cook 5 minutes, or until broccoli is tender.

Per 1 cup serving: 189 cal.; 8g prot.; 11g total fat (4g sat fat); 16g carb.; 0mg chol.; 43mg sod.; 3g fib.; 4g sugars

Found: Vegetarian Times: March 2012