Staples in my kitchen - Oils
Oil is an essential in any diet. I use olive oil most (extra virgin for low-medium heat cooking), but also:
Sunflower oil, safflower oil, and canola oil are the cheaper than olive oil and can be used at any heat level.
Grapeseed oil and peanut oil for popping corn.
Flax oil. I use to flavor a bake potato or rice (like butter). I sometimes use this as a supplement in smoothies, but I never cook with flax oil.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
"Veganism, vegetarianism--it all sounds so serious. This isn't about '-isms." It's about what you have for dinner. . . having fun and feeling good. I just call it healthy eating."
Robert Siegel, Chef
Staples in My Kitchen - Condiments
Balsamic Vinegar
Hot sauce
Unsweetened organic ketchup
Stone-ground & Dijon mustards
I use these condiments mostly to make salad dressing.
Robert Siegel, Chef
Staples in My Kitchen - Condiments
Balsamic Vinegar
Hot sauce
Unsweetened organic ketchup
Stone-ground & Dijon mustards
I use these condiments mostly to make salad dressing.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Dairy Substitutes, staples in a vegan's kitchen - MILK
Cow's milk as a beverage is mucus-forming; I hadn't noticed this affect until I'd stopped drinking it after becoming vegetarian. There are lots of nutrient-rich milk substitutes that are quite tasteful. You can select from a variety of soy, rice, and coconut milk brands in health stores, or make your own (coconut milk is the easiest to make).
Coconut Milk (makes 1 cup)
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1 cup boiling water
Use a blender or food processor to puree the water. Strain out coconut bits and refrigerate. I don't drink this as a beverage; I use it in smoothies. It can also be used to thicken soup.
Cow's milk as a beverage is mucus-forming; I hadn't noticed this affect until I'd stopped drinking it after becoming vegetarian. There are lots of nutrient-rich milk substitutes that are quite tasteful. You can select from a variety of soy, rice, and coconut milk brands in health stores, or make your own (coconut milk is the easiest to make).
Coconut Milk (makes 1 cup)
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1 cup boiling water
Use a blender or food processor to puree the water. Strain out coconut bits and refrigerate. I don't drink this as a beverage; I use it in smoothies. It can also be used to thicken soup.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Dairy substitutes, staples in a vegan's kitchen - EGGS
I've not experimented with egg substitutes, but here are healthy alternatives, and they're nice to try, especially if you are monitoring your cholesterol.
Flax Egg: 1/2 cup whole fax seeds + 1 cup of water (3 tablespoons = 1 egg). This recipe is not to be eaten on its own; use as a binder in baking. A coffee grinder is excellent for blending.
Egg replacer. Powder egg replacer is best; many health foods stores carry it.
1 1/2 tablespoon powder egg replacer + 2 tablespoons of water = 1 egg.
Other egg substitutes: banana, tofu, and apple sauce; these are great when making desserts.
I've not experimented with egg substitutes, but here are healthy alternatives, and they're nice to try, especially if you are monitoring your cholesterol.
Flax Egg: 1/2 cup whole fax seeds + 1 cup of water (3 tablespoons = 1 egg). This recipe is not to be eaten on its own; use as a binder in baking. A coffee grinder is excellent for blending.
Egg replacer. Powder egg replacer is best; many health foods stores carry it.
1 1/2 tablespoon powder egg replacer + 2 tablespoons of water = 1 egg.
Other egg substitutes: banana, tofu, and apple sauce; these are great when making desserts.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Dairy Substitutes, staples in a vegan's kitchen - CHEESE
There's soy cheese and rice cheese made to mock mozzarella, Parmesan, cheddar, etc.; sadly, I have not yet found a satisfying vegan replacement that works as well as the real thing. These are adequate substitutes and can be purchased at many health food stores.
Phony Parmesan Cheese
Makes 1/2 cup
1/4 cup nutritional yest flakes
1/4 cup sesame seeds, toasted
1/4 tsp salt
Blend (I used a coffee grinder) the ingredients. Store in air-tight container.
There's soy cheese and rice cheese made to mock mozzarella, Parmesan, cheddar, etc.; sadly, I have not yet found a satisfying vegan replacement that works as well as the real thing. These are adequate substitutes and can be purchased at many health food stores.
Phony Parmesan Cheese
Makes 1/2 cup
1/4 cup nutritional yest flakes
1/4 cup sesame seeds, toasted
1/4 tsp salt
Blend (I used a coffee grinder) the ingredients. Store in air-tight container.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Day 28 - Can I vegan. . .
Yes, I can.
Dairy Substitutes, staples in a vegan's kitchen - BUTTER
Easy Veggie Butter. This is easy to prepare and is good on toast and English muffins
Makes approx 1 cup
1/4 Cup soft tofu
2 tbsp flax oil or olive oil
a pinch of salt (or to taste)
a pinch of turmeric (for color)
Mix all ingredients together until they are well blended. Store in air-tight container; it will be good for 4-7 days.
Butter substitutes can be purchased in any supermarket (check the ingredients for animal products).
Yes, I can.
Dairy Substitutes, staples in a vegan's kitchen - BUTTER
Easy Veggie Butter. This is easy to prepare and is good on toast and English muffins
Makes approx 1 cup
1/4 Cup soft tofu
2 tbsp flax oil or olive oil
a pinch of salt (or to taste)
a pinch of turmeric (for color)
Mix all ingredients together until they are well blended. Store in air-tight container; it will be good for 4-7 days.
Butter substitutes can be purchased in any supermarket (check the ingredients for animal products).
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Friday, February 6, 2009
26 Days down and 2 to go
Except for the dreaded mayo indicent a couple of days ago, during the past twenty-eight days, I've not consumed any dairy products: no eggs, no milk, no cheese. Even though this transition hasn't been the struggle I'd expected, at times I have had the desire to eat a slice of cheese pizza, or ice cream while watching the Food Network. It's cliche to say, I know, but old habits die hard. It is so important, while undertaking any task, to be present in each moment.
Except for the dreaded mayo indicent a couple of days ago, during the past twenty-eight days, I've not consumed any dairy products: no eggs, no milk, no cheese. Even though this transition hasn't been the struggle I'd expected, at times I have had the desire to eat a slice of cheese pizza, or ice cream while watching the Food Network. It's cliche to say, I know, but old habits die hard. It is so important, while undertaking any task, to be present in each moment.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
"There are no perfect men in this world, only perfect intentions.”
Pen Densham
Week 4 - 24 Days down and 4 to go
Frustration: Today I mistakenly ordered mayo on my veggie sub. I didn't realize it until I took a bite. Did I throw it out? No, I ate it anyway.
I am not excusing myself, but I placed the order out habit. I didn't feel like cooking, so hunger + lazy = setback. I'd be very happy if I didn't make that mistake again. There's been no pain in my shoulder for the past two weeks. Anyway. . .
Myth #3: Vegans have a hard time eating out.
TRUTH: For the most part, I can eat anywhere; all it takes is being proactive. Most restaurants offer vegetarian menus and I am used to asking whether an entree contains meat stock. The pain of it is that you don't pay less for the meal if you ask to have it made without eggs, without cheese, or without meat. (sigh)
Pen Densham
Week 4 - 24 Days down and 4 to go
Frustration: Today I mistakenly ordered mayo on my veggie sub. I didn't realize it until I took a bite. Did I throw it out? No, I ate it anyway.
I am not excusing myself, but I placed the order out habit. I didn't feel like cooking, so hunger + lazy = setback. I'd be very happy if I didn't make that mistake again. There's been no pain in my shoulder for the past two weeks. Anyway. . .
Myth #3: Vegans have a hard time eating out.
TRUTH: For the most part, I can eat anywhere; all it takes is being proactive. Most restaurants offer vegetarian menus and I am used to asking whether an entree contains meat stock. The pain of it is that you don't pay less for the meal if you ask to have it made without eggs, without cheese, or without meat. (sigh)
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)