tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51064279290816728782024-03-13T14:50:23.145-06:00A New Day VeganA collection of thoughts, essays, reviews, recipes and a bit of humor. <br>
Letting my freak flag fly. All vegan, all the time.Chris Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13305035624079723462noreply@blogger.comBlogger72125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106427929081672878.post-65584220159084883252020-01-06T08:34:00.001-06:002020-01-06T08:40:08.154-06:00Ten Don't Miss Flicks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cijs9hhf_EQ/XhNGurHOQ_I/AAAAAAAAK68/Jp70a3lrqxIkp-x3M7ONQtmcSbf-FOBvgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/jeshoots-com-PpYOQgsZDM4-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cijs9hhf_EQ/XhNGurHOQ_I/AAAAAAAAK68/Jp70a3lrqxIkp-x3M7ONQtmcSbf-FOBvgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/jeshoots-com-PpYOQgsZDM4-unsplash.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">There are myriad documentaries available to guide you on your plant-based journey. Some focus on the health benefits, some on animal rights, and others on the effects of animal agriculture on the environment.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Whatever your motive for being plant-based, or vegan, there's a movie for you. So pop some popcorn and take a look at these ten must-see movies focused on the elimination of animal products from your diet, with descriptions from the <a href="https://www.imdb.com/" target="_blank">International Movie Database</a> (IMDB).</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Peaceable Kingdom: The Journey Home (2004)</span></h2>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mYP21K0n0gg/XhM41i5p89I/AAAAAAAAK5s/FCfB3AmOhZcrP9AO-RLa1AYGoumO0ZssgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/peacable%2Bkingdom.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="156" data-original-width="323" height="192" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mYP21K0n0gg/XhM41i5p89I/AAAAAAAAK5s/FCfB3AmOhZcrP9AO-RLa1AYGoumO0ZssgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/peacable%2Bkingdom.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fbfbfb; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.peaceablekingdomfilm.org/" target="_blank">Peaceable Kingdom: The Journey Home</a> explores the powerful struggle of conscience experienced by several people from traditional farming backgrounds who come to question the basic assumptions of their way of life. A riveting story of transformation and healing, the documentary portrays the farmers' sometimes amazing connections with the animals under their care, while also providing insight into the complex web of social, psychological and economic forces that have led to their inner conflict. Interwoven with the farmers' stories is the dramatic animal rescue work of a newly-trained humane police officer whose sense of justice puts her at odds with the law she is charged to uphold. With strikingly honest interviews and rare footage demonstrating the emotional lives and intense family bonds of animals most often viewed as living commodities, this groundbreaking documentary shatters stereotypical notions of farmers, farm life, and perhaps most surprisingly, farm animals themselves.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fbfbfb;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">Forks Over Knives (2011)</span></span></h2>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Acm-maRo6Mo/XhNClDBStTI/AAAAAAAAK6s/7J8JKZX2IVoSeAZNTOJZiaVIxwxWNDnqwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/forks%2Bover%2Bknives.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="224" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Acm-maRo6Mo/XhNClDBStTI/AAAAAAAAK6s/7J8JKZX2IVoSeAZNTOJZiaVIxwxWNDnqwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/forks%2Bover%2Bknives.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.forksoverknives.com/the-film/#gs.qlykmi" style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Forks Over Knives</span></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> examines the profound claim that most, if not all, of the degenerative diseases that afflict us can be controlled, or even reversed, by rejecting our present menu of animal-based and processed foods.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">PlantPure Nation (2015)</span></span></h2>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ysT2hD2hN2o/XhNCXPafJeI/AAAAAAAAK6c/K8GDm68KfrMI1XmN_m1mQcboc077bqrFACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/plantpure%2Bnation.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="224" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ysT2hD2hN2o/XhNCXPafJeI/AAAAAAAAK6c/K8GDm68KfrMI1XmN_m1mQcboc077bqrFACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/plantpure%2Bnation.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.plantpurenation.com/pages/watch-the-film" target="_blank">PlantPure Nation</a> </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">tells the story of three people on a quest to spread the message of one of the most important health breakthroughs of all time. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">Earthlings (2005) *graphic*</span></span></h2>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8oeXSpIGSAA/XhNCSMvAQgI/AAAAAAAAK6Y/LLErHHfo6VImc9NlmvoUAnNgSLwwwBEgwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/earthlings.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="162" data-original-width="311" height="208" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8oeXSpIGSAA/XhNCSMvAQgI/AAAAAAAAK6Y/LLErHHfo6VImc9NlmvoUAnNgSLwwwBEgwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/earthlings.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Using hidden cameras and never-before-seen footage, <a href="https://www.filmsforaction.org/watch/earthlings/" target="_blank">Earthlings</a> chronicles the day-to-day practices of the largest industries in the world, all of which rely entirely on animals for profit.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white;">Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret (2014)</span></span></h2>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l2x0RVWVTn4/XhNCMxyBZVI/AAAAAAAAK6U/fMY8i7AvKlItj_Ugg5C8sOL57JqfgHl-ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/cowspiracy.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l2x0RVWVTn4/XhNCMxyBZVI/AAAAAAAAK6U/fMY8i7AvKlItj_Ugg5C8sOL57JqfgHl-ACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/cowspiracy.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.cowspiracy.com/" target="_blank">Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret</a> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">follows the shocking, yet humorous, journey of an aspiring environmentalist, as he daringly seeks to find the real solution to the most pressing environmental issues and true path to sustainability. Available on Netflix.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">What The Health (2017)</span></span></h2>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uopgfhUgesI/XhNCHu5cuGI/AAAAAAAAK6Q/hWolbM_arioLeAsJO6x3Ed9OPKa-7FQPgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/what%2Bthe%2Bhealth.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="299" height="224" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uopgfhUgesI/XhNCHu5cuGI/AAAAAAAAK6Q/hWolbM_arioLeAsJO6x3Ed9OPKa-7FQPgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/what%2Bthe%2Bhealth.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.whatthehealthfilm.com/" target="_blank">What The Health</a> follows an intrepid filmmaker on a journey of discovery as he uncovers possibly the largest health secret of our time and the collusion between industry, government, pharmaceutical and health organizations keeping this information from us.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3SuATh-mm6M/XhNCBwSGWjI/AAAAAAAAK6I/S8yYwC68huYSRLe8nPj59gUhppOhdp8mQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/game%2Bchangers.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="173" data-original-width="292" height="236" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3SuATh-mm6M/XhNCBwSGWjI/AAAAAAAAK6I/S8yYwC68huYSRLe8nPj59gUhppOhdp8mQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/game%2Bchangers.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://gamechangersmovie.com/" target="_blank">The Game Changers</a> tells the story of a UFC fighter whose world is turned upside down when he discovers an elite group of world-renowned athletes and scientists who prove that everything he had been taught about protein was a lie.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">Dominion (2018)</span></h2>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OUofLwbxBvI/XhNB61pWMDI/AAAAAAAAK6A/RshBM32RYXQz48DlEOwcCJhaiQIpRhcTACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/dominion.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="163" data-original-width="310" height="210" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OUofLwbxBvI/XhNB61pWMDI/AAAAAAAAK6A/RshBM32RYXQz48DlEOwcCJhaiQIpRhcTACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/dominion.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.dominionmovement.com/watch" target="_blank">Dominion</a> uses drones, hidden and handheld cameras to expose the dark underbelly of modern animal agriculture, questioning the morality and validity of humankind's dominion over the animal kingdom.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">Vegan: Everyday Stories (2016)</span></h2>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cni_J476Hy0/XhNBywEO7CI/AAAAAAAAK58/MdVCXpvnxkIwbmO9r0OwcIu6TJp7d8s0gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/vegan%2Beveryday%2Bstories.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="224" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cni_J476Hy0/XhNBywEO7CI/AAAAAAAAK58/MdVCXpvnxkIwbmO9r0OwcIu6TJp7d8s0gCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/vegan%2Beveryday%2Bstories.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">From YouTube: <span style="color: #0d0d0d; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtklTZLjAf8" target="_blank">Vegan: Everyday Stories</a> is a feature-length documentary that explores the lives of four remarkably different people who share a common thread - they're all vegan. The movie traces the personal journeys of an ultramarathon runner who has overcome addiction to compete in one hundred mile races, a cattle rancher's wife who creates the first cattle ranch turned farmed animal sanctuary in Texas, a food truck owner cooking up knee-buckling plant-based foods, and an 8-year-old girl who convinces her family of six to go vegan.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">Vegucated (2011)</span></h2>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_CA-jXt5tKk/XhNBta0o6hI/AAAAAAAAK54/x54MN3T4RWkSyyiOxTheA0s76NP8JzBnACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/vegucated.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" height="299" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_CA-jXt5tKk/XhNBta0o6hI/AAAAAAAAK54/x54MN3T4RWkSyyiOxTheA0s76NP8JzBnACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/vegucated.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.getvegucated.com/" target="_blank">Vegucated</a> is a guerrilla-style documentary that follows three meat- and cheese-loving New Yorkers who agree to adopt a vegan diet for six weeks and learn what it's all about.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Which of these films have you seen? Are there others that would make your top ten list? Tell me in the comments!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fbfbfb; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>Chris Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13305035624079723462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106427929081672878.post-53037372528479555682020-01-03T09:16:00.000-06:002020-01-03T09:26:54.115-06:00What's For Breakfast?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZVZ4j9pUHdw/Xg9b9HP_D_I/AAAAAAAAK4k/0FZJ860I2ckyHXUyrm8YQH1OV63s-B5jQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/jannis-brandt-8manzosDSGM-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1100" data-original-width="1600" height="275" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZVZ4j9pUHdw/Xg9b9HP_D_I/AAAAAAAAK4k/0FZJ860I2ckyHXUyrm8YQH1OV63s-B5jQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/jannis-brandt-8manzosDSGM-unsplash.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It should be the simplest meal of the day but sometimes it's hard to think of ideas for vegan breakfasts. Taking eggs, bacon, sausage, and many other traditional breakfast items off our plates can force us to think outside the box as we search for healthier, more compassionate alternatives.<br />
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Don't let that discourage you! With a little ingenuity and very little work, we can find new ways to fuel our bodies as we start the day. Here are some ideas to get you started and feel free to chime in with anything else you've discovered!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Chia Seed Pudding</span></h2>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EEHE-FpRImI/XgTWZ21j8iI/AAAAAAAAKzI/vt69stC75sQqLHhHkF6NHPNfVXhfQ0gqACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/brenda-godinez-MsTOg6rhRVk-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EEHE-FpRImI/XgTWZ21j8iI/AAAAAAAAKzI/vt69stC75sQqLHhHkF6NHPNfVXhfQ0gqACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/brenda-godinez-MsTOg6rhRVk-unsplash.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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One-eighth of a cup of chia seeds provides 12% of your calcium for the day, and 4564 mg of Omega-3 fatty acids! That packs a nutritious punch! <a href="http://www.beginwithinnutrition.com/2014/03/27/chia-seed-breakfast-bowl-vegan-gluten-free/" target="_blank">Chia seed pudding</a> can be customized with your choice of fruits, plant-based milks, and sweeteners. Give it a try!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Oatmeal made with rolled oats</span></h2>
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Rolled oats provide more nutrition than quick oats and this is a breakfast that can be dressed up in <a href="https://www.modernhoney.com/the-oatmeal-love-bar/" target="_blank">so many ways</a>. Add a tablespoon of flaxseed for 1597 mg of Omega-3 fatty acids, or some chopped nuts for protein! Toss in some goji berries which are full of <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322693.php" target="_blank">health benefits</a>, or choose your favorite fruit to add texture and sweetness.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Leftover potatoes</span></h2>
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The next time you roast potatoes, make some extra to be reheated for breakfast. Cooking potatoes without oil but with lots of herbs and spices is a healthy, and delicious way to get energy at the beginning of the day. Potatoes have gotten a bad rap mostly because we're accustomed to eating them fried, but my favorite way to eat leftover roasted potatoes for breakfast is to reheat them in the waffle iron for 5-7 minutes. Hold the ketchup if you're watching your sugar intake.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Smoothies</span></h2>
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Smoothies can be made so many ways that the possibilities are practically endless. While many people are fond of juicing, using the whole fruit in a smoothie keeps the fiber intact. My favorite is this <a href="https://kriscarr.com/recipe/energizing-sunflower-seed-cinnamon-maca-smoothie/" target="_blank">Energizing Sunflower Seed, Cinnamon & Maca smoothie </a>from Kris Carr.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Tofu Scramble </span></h2>
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When I moved to Costa Rica I thought I'd have to give up my beloved tofu scramble. Tofu was nowhere to be found! I discovered using silken tofu actually created a better result and am now able to enjoy <a href="https://anewdayvegan.blogspot.com/2019/09/silken-tofu-scramble.html" target="_blank">my favorite breakfast</a> again.<br />
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Avocado Toast</span></h2>
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This is such a simple breakfast that proves a delicious plant-based breakfast doesn't have to be difficult. Find a good whole-wheat bread, toast it and spread avocado on top. You can add all sorts of toppings such as sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, or sea salt to change the flavor profile.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Rice and Beans </span></h2>
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Here in Costa Rica you can find cafes known as <i>sodas</i> on every corner. And, at every <i>soda</i> you will find <i>gallo pinto</i> on the breakfast menu. <i>Gallo pinto</i> translated means spotted rooster but you won't find any poultry in this dish. Rice, beans, onions, garlic, and other spices make this a delicious, protein-packed breakfast. If you're avoiding oil, consider using Jason Wyrick's recipe <a href="https://www.forksoverknives.com/recipes/costa-rican-rice-and-beans-gallo-pinto/#gs.pdv3kk" target="_blank">here</a> on the Forks Over Knives website.</div>
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<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Quiche</span></h2>
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Did you know by using chickpea flour you can replicate the flavor of eggs? These <a href="https://simple-veganista.com/mini-chickpea-flour-frittatas/" target="_blank">Mini Chickpea Flour Frittatas</a> taste great warmed up if you have a busy morning, or are an impressive item to serve for overnight guests. They're gluten-free, too! Add some kala namak (black salt) which adds an egg-y taste and smell.<br />
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<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Leftovers</span></h2>
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Don't be a breakfast purist! What did you have for dinner last night? Reheat and dig in! You just may discover a new breakfast favorite.<br />
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<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Fruit</span></h2>
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And, let's not forget a delicious fruit salad. The best fruit salads are made from organic fruits in season – think regional and seasonal. Full of antioxidants, fiber, and deliciousness!<br />
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What are your favorite vegan breakfasts?! Tell me in the comments.<br />
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Chris Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13305035624079723462noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106427929081672878.post-1713417323867974012019-09-26T07:27:00.001-06:002021-11-08T07:46:40.180-06:00Silken Tofu ScrambleOne of our favorite weekend breakfasts is tofu scramble. Every time I try another version I make changes to my recipe to improve it.<br />
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When we moved to Costa Rica I was disappointed to discover tofu was hard to find. I was accustomed to spending $1.99 for a pound of organic tofu at Wegmans and now the only tofu I could find was silken or canned neither of which was organic. To add insult to injury, the canned version is $5.00 for less than a pound.<br />
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My oldest daughter suggested using silken tofu reminding me that it had a similar texture to scrambled eggs. Silken tofu is typically only used in puddings and pies but I took a chance and substituted the extra-firm cold tofu I usually used with a shelf-stable firm silken tofu. The result was a creamy and delicious tofu scramble.<br />
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When developing this method I used Colleen Patrick-Goudreau's <a href="http://www.oprah.com/food/tofu-scramble_1" target="_blank">recipe</a> as a starting point and added my own modifications to create the perfect tofu scramble. I hope you love it as much as we do.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Silken Tofu Scramble</span></b><br />
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2 Tbs. olive oil<br />
1 medium onion, diced<br />
3 scallions, chopped<br />
1 tsp. minced garlic<br />
10 mushrooms (any kind), sliced<br />
1 (12 oz.) box of firm silken tofu, drained<br />
5 stalks of swiss chard, or any other tender leafy green veg, chopped<br />
1/2 tsp. turmeric<br />
1 tsp. cumin<br />
1/2 tsp. smoked paprika<br />
2 Tbs. nutritional yeast<br />
1/2 cup vegan cheese, any kind<br />
1/4 tsp. salt<br />
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Heat oil in a large frying pan. Add onion and mushrooms and cook until onion is translucent. Add garlic during the last minute of cooking.<br />
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Add swiss chard, turmeric, cumin, smoked paprika, and nutritional yeast and cook until spices are fragrant and chard has thoroughly wilted.<br />
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Crumble drained tofu into the pan and stir to thoroughly combine. Cook for 5-8 minutes until tofu is heated through. Add vegan cheese and stir until melted. Add salt and pepper to taste.<br />
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Makes 4 servings.<br />
<br />Chris Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13305035624079723462noreply@blogger.com0Guanacaste Province, Nuevo Arenal, Costa Rica10.5444566 -84.89466759999999110.5132356 -84.93500809999999 10.5756776 -84.854327099999992tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106427929081672878.post-7173500135340810672019-03-08T09:04:00.000-06:002019-03-08T09:09:59.489-06:00Minestra<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm posting this here as I work through revamping my website. Oh, how I'd love to know even a little bit about building one. Sigh.<br />
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My mother made this all the time when I was growing up and it was one of my favorite meals. In fact, it was the meal I most often requested she make as my birthday dinner. Maybe I was always a vegan at heart.<br />
<span style="color: #212121; letter-spacing: 0.32px;">Over the years, as much as I tried, I couldn’t get the recipe to taste like Mom's. I tried again this week. Nailed it.</span></div>
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<strong style="overflow-wrap: break-word;">Minestra over Fried Polenta</strong></h1>
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3 large potatoes, peeled and diced into large chunks</div>
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2 cans of kidney beans, undrained</div>
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3 bunches of Swiss chard or endive, sliced into short ribbons (stems are okay)</div>
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3 ½ Tbs. olive oil, divided</div>
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1 Tbs. minced garlic</div>
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4 C. vegetable broth</div>
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Cornmeal polenta </div>
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<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Heat 1 Tbs. of olive oil in a large skillet. Fry the potatoes until the outside is slightly crispy but not thoroughly cooked. Set aside in a bowl.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; white-space: pre-wrap;">In the same pan, heat up ½ Tbs. olive oil. Add greens and cook until wilted. In the last minute of cooking add minced garlic and stir to combine.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cook polenta according to instructions (I used 1 ½ cups of polenta). After polenta is cooked, press onto a floured surface into a 9x9” square. Polenta should be approximately 1” thick</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sprinkle more flour on top of polenta and cut into 9 squares.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Heat 1 Tbs. olive oil in a non-stick skillet. Fry polenta slices for 3 minutes on each side and move to paper towel to drain. You may need to add more oil to the pan as it gets absorbed by the polenta.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Heat vegetable broth to boiling in a large pot and add potatoes. Cook for 5 minutes then add beans with their liquid, and greens and garlic mixture. Cook for an additional 5 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Add salt and/or garlic powder to taste.</span></li>
<li>Serve beans and greens over fried polenta.</li>
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Chris Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13305035624079723462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106427929081672878.post-44175070631592667612014-11-28T09:48:00.000-06:002014-11-28T09:48:18.907-06:00Guest Blogger Cookbook Review Coming Up!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LtDqo3uF6Wc/VHiXUX6j3TI/AAAAAAAABis/NNsxMOUy468/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LtDqo3uF6Wc/VHiXUX6j3TI/AAAAAAAABis/NNsxMOUy468/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" height="320" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was sent a review copy of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Best-Green-Smoothies-Planet-Nutritious-ebook/dp/B00NP8MN0Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1417188520&sr=8-1&keywords=the+best+green+smoothies+on+the+planet">The Best Green Smoothies on the Planet</a> by Tracy Russell. This book will be available on December 16, 2014 and it's full of fun recipes to amp up your nutrition in a healthy, delicious and vegan way.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I got the cookbook, I considered trying the recipes by myself but then remembered Miss M., my 14 year old daughter loves smoothies and will be able to give me a unique insight into which ones may be favorites of other kids like her. Mothers everywhere are looking for ways to get more greens into their kids' diets.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For instance, last week I made <a href="http://veganmos.com/pina-colada-smoothie/">this delicious Pina Colada smoothie</a> from one of my favorite websites. We both loved it! Two days later I got a text from her asking me to have one waiting for her for when she gets off the bus. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You want a cup of spinach waiting <br />for you when you get home?<br />Sure thing!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, for the next couple of weeks, we will be testing smoothie recipes and at the end of it Miss M. will be A New Day Vegan's guest blogger giving a review of the recipes she's tried. All this comes during the time that I'm eagerly anticipating the delivery of my new (refurbished) Vitamix. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Universe works in wonderful ways!</span>Chris Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13305035624079723462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106427929081672878.post-87630853757838392032014-11-24T09:08:00.000-06:002014-11-24T09:08:50.093-06:00Business Spotlight - Water Street Brewing Company<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">First, an explanation: There are no vegan or vegetarian restaurants within a 60 mile radius of our home so when I do a local Business Spotlight I choose places that are kind, welcoming and accommodating to vegans. With that said, let's go on to today's Business Spotlight!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have been coming to this locally owned brewpub since before I was vegan. As a vegetarian, I was thrilled to find many options to choose from and the beers they make are fantastic! They have a type of counter service where you place your order at the bar and a server brings it to you at a table. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The bar stretches across good part of the restaurant with about a dozen tables scattered around the front of the room. The shiny beer tanks, where the magic happens, sit across from the bar. The ambiance is cozy, casual and welcoming. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There's plenty of space here for a large group. Their </span><a href="http://www.waterstreetbrewingco.com/" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">website</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> mentions just one of the reasons it's one of my favorite places.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b><span class="title_strong" style="background-color: #fffcf1; color: #2e2e2e; line-height: 16px;">"We invite you to experience our space, our beer, our people. </span><span style="background-color: #fffcf1; color: #3b3b3b; line-height: 16px;">Oh, and no TVs."</span></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No TVs! Yes!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My most recent visit was with Dr. D. on a cold and rainy Saturday in November. As soon as we walked in </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">we were warmly greeted by Dan who was working behind the bar. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>"How are you?"</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>"Cold," I grumbled.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>"Then you need to try our scotch ale! That'll warm you up!</i>"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I asked for a sample and he was right! It was a delicious ale called Bonnie Knees. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The blackboard on the wall details not only the beers that are currently available but the International Bitterness Units (IBU) and Alcohol By Volume (ABV) numbers so you know what to expect. Their beer selection changes with what the brewer decides to concoct and flights of beer are available to allow you to try many at once. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I'm an IPA girl so I opted for a pint of their current IPA on tap called Head First and Dr. D. ordered their Hefeweizen. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A selection of wines is also available if beer isn't your thing and they haven't forgotten our four-legged buddies either! You can buy Barley Bites (not vegan) </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">made from brewing grain </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">by the bag .</span></div>
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<img alt="Water Street Brewing" src="http://www.waterstreetbrewingco.com/img/food/pretzels.png" /></div>
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<span style="color: #2e2e2e; font-family: 'Interstate Light', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">HOMEMADE PRETZELS</span></div>
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<i><b style="font-size: 13px;">(Sunday only)</b><span style="background-color: #fef7dd; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span style="color: #2e2e2e; font-size: 13px;">Two handmade pretzels with a side of spicy mustard for dipping.</span><span style="color: #2e2e2e; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></i></h3>
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<i>Fresh, warm and delicious. Want vegan? Just ask.</i><br />(ed. note: they used the V word!)</h3>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After our beers arrived, Dan came to take our lunch order. I had stashed a new jar of Just Mayo in my purse and asked if the cook could use it on my lunch. Dan checked with the kitchen and was told they weren't able to allow it in the kitchen but I was welcome to use it on my food at our table. That was fine with me although I'd really love more restaurants to carry this delicious plant-based mayo for their vegan customers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I ordered my favorite meal, Tempeh Spiedies which are served in a wrap. For those of you who aren't familiar with </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spiedie" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">spiedies</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">, they're a local favorite here in the Greater Binghamton area and are usually made with meat which has been marinated and cooked on a grill on a skewer. The <a href="http://www.tempeh.info/">tempeh</a> spiedies at Water Street Brewing taste incredibly similar to chicken spiedies and are delicious!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">They are usually served with barbecue sauce, tomato, onion and lettuce but I asked them to hold the sauce so I could put my Just Mayo on it. Dr. D. ordered a black bean burger which we confirmed was indeed, vegan. Many veggie burgers in restaurants contain eggs and/or cheese making them suitable for vegetarians but not vegans. Dan even went the extra mile and asked if we'd prefer the vegan chickpea salad instead of the usual coleslaw as a side.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">Our lunch was delicious and the fries were just right! Fries are a rare treat for me lately so when I splurge it had better be good. These did not disappoint! Dan chatted with us after our meal telling us he was a member of </span><a href="http://triplecitiesrunnersclub.org/" style="line-height: 16px;">Triple Cities Runners Club</a><span style="line-height: 16px;"> and had many vegetarian friends. It was so nice to have a server who was sensitive and agreeable to our requests. Water Street Brewing offers many other vegan and vegetarian options as well such as hummus, salads and soups. They're able to accommodate those on a gluten-free diet too.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">I highly recommend Water Street Brewing Company for vegans as well as vegetarians and omnivores. There's something to please everyone here!</span></div>
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Chris Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13305035624079723462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106427929081672878.post-48155819363935800912014-11-10T09:45:00.000-06:002014-11-10T09:52:46.317-06:00Business Spotlight - Baked! By Camille<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anyone who knows Camille Ciotoli knows she's been the premier baker in the Greater Binghamton area for years. What you may not know is that she does fantastic vegan and gluten free cakes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We had a small luncheon after our wedding on June 27th and had Baked! By Camille do a vegan cake for us. It was simple, just white cake with white frosting. Our guests are still talking about how wonderful it was.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our pretty little cake for The Best Day Ever in June.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My brother and his wife are <b>vegan and gluten free</b> so when we celebrated their marriage two years ago, we called on Camille to make the dessert. Again, she came through with a delicious cake all of us could enjoy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When Dr. D. and I got married in June, we didn't have a traditional reception so we decided to have a party later with all our friends and family. It was important to us that we have a traditional wedding cake for our party.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I sat down with Camille in September to discuss making this cake for our post-wedding party. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No matter what curve I threw at her</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">, she said it was possible. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Purple accents on the cake? No problem. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Part chocolate, part white? No problem. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When you're vegan, you expect to encounter problems when asking for special orders but Camille felt perfectly capable of providing us with exactly what we wanted. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We had our party on November 1st (World Vegan Day) and once again, she came through! We had almost 100 people there and went home with only couple of slices left over (which <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Willow-the-Wonder-Dog/112447822164756">Willow the Wonder Dog</a> found and consumed). Everyone raved about it! It really was fabulous!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our vegan wedding cake!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I highly recommend Baked! By Camille and will continue to call on her whenever we need a special dessert. Check out her new place at 1405 Watson Blvd. in Endwell and tell her I sent you!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Chris Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13305035624079723462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106427929081672878.post-42114661531900248592014-11-10T09:18:00.002-06:002014-11-10T09:18:31.968-06:00Mirthful Monday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Chris Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13305035624079723462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106427929081672878.post-64339398073739206122014-09-08T17:40:00.000-06:002014-09-08T17:40:25.159-06:00Three-Bean Salad<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is my all-time favorite recipe for three-bean salad! My sister Joann gave me the recipe years ago and I've made it for many potlucks over the years. It's a great way to use up the abundant green bean harvest this time of year!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u>Three-Bean Salad</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 can garbanzos, drained and rinsed</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 small red onion, finely sliced</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 tsp. minced garlic or to taste</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 Tbs. balsamic vinegar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 tsp salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 tsp pepper</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Steam the green beans for 5 minutes and combine with beans.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Combine the garlic, vinegar, salt, pepper and olive oil and pour over beans. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />Serve chilled.</span>Chris Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13305035624079723462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106427929081672878.post-70592527496659816952014-08-27T14:22:00.001-06:002014-08-27T14:22:12.009-06:00Restaurant Review - Strong Hearts Cafe, Syracuse, NY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Although I live only an hour away from Syracuse, I just finally got up to <a href="http://www.strongheartscafe.com/">Strong Hearts Cafe</a>. Situated on a one-way street in the heart of Syracuse, the cafe is easily found and has ample parking.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The cafe is not only 100% vegan but also environmentally conscious and community focused. They use local produce and compost all their food waste as well as their compostable food packaging. Best of all, the food is delicious!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I treated myself to a vegan reuben and was not disappointed. It was grilled to perfection and topped generously with sauerkraut and Russian dressing. I was given a choice of potato chips or greens on the side (I chose chips because I'm not that righteous).</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I couldn't wait to take the picture before<br />biting into this scrumptious sandwich!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you're a fan of milkshakes, Strong Hearts can deliver! I counted 44 different kinds of shakes on their menu all named after famous movers and<i> <b>shakers</b></i>. Try the Medgar Evers shake made with peanut butter and strawberries or the Farm Sanctuary shake made with caramel cookie dough. <i>All vegan!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The soups and muffins served change daily and they're even open for breakfast! Check them out and let me know what you think! I know I'll be back for more!</span><br />
<br />Chris Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13305035624079723462noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106427929081672878.post-59347299094074676132014-08-21T17:39:00.000-06:002014-08-21T17:39:31.193-06:00Avgolemono Soup from Vegan Mos<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There's not much to say in this blog post except, "Yum!". The star of tonight's dinner was Avgolemono Soup from </span><a href="http://www.veganmos.com/" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Vegan Mos</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. Avgolemono may be a mouthful to say but I guarantee this vegan version of a Greek egg-lemon soup will be a delicious mouthful!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was super easy to make too! I made it using staples I always have on hand. While you're checking out the <a href="http://veganmos.com/vegan-avgolemono-soup/">recipe</a>, check out the rest of the Vegan Mos blog. You'll be glad you did!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Chris Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13305035624079723462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106427929081672878.post-88740221537559842202014-08-20T05:52:00.002-06:002014-08-20T05:54:43.117-06:00A New Name - A New Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After almost a year of being known as The Born Again Vegan blog, I have changed the name. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Welcome to A New Day Vegan! Sure, it's a corny play on words with my new last name but it's also a sign of more good things to come. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Stay tuned!</span>Chris Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13305035624079723462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106427929081672878.post-11821230927554421682014-08-15T11:45:00.000-06:002014-08-15T11:48:23.317-06:00Vegan Bargains<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I will often get asked if it's expensive to become vegan. Well, usually the "question" is posed more like this:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>"But vegan food is so expensive!"</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Not true. Let me show you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><u>Shopping</u></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you restrict all your shopping to a specialty health food store you most certainly will spend more. However, on a couple of recent shopping trips, I found bargains galore on some of the more common items that should be staples in every vegan kitchen. I did the work, now you get to benefit from my research in frugality.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My youngest, Miss M. and I ventured into a traditional Asian market last week and I was thrilled to find shelf-stable tofu for only $1.49! I love this kind of tofu as we can store it in the pantry and it doesn't take up space in our tiny fridge. This usually sells for $1.99-$2.25 in most stores.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Check out the bulk foods section of your grocery store or food co-op. Often, you can find items such as nutritional yeast or chia seeds much cheaper than if they were pre-packaged.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We have an Aldi's about a mile from our home but I usually only shop there when I need canned goods. If you've never shopped at Aldi's, you're in for a treat. You deposit a quarter in the cart which is refunded to you when the cart is returned. Bring your own bag or you'll end up paying for one and watch the cashier line carefully to see what the protocol is for paying for your items.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If I haven't scared you off and you decide to make the trip into this unusual store, you will find many bargain items for the taking. Dried beans of any type imaginable, organic bananas for 59 cents a pound, avocados for 89 cents each and my most recent discovery, organic agave nectar for only $2.49! For those of you not familiar with agave nectar, it's frequently used as a vegan alternative to honey. At Wegmans, this sells for $4.99. You don't have to be a math genius to figure out that's <i>half </i>the cost! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Right next door to our Aldi's is a store called Big Lots. Big Lots is always a fun place to shop because the inventory changes so you never know what you'll find. On this trip I was happy to find the biggest selection of <a href="http://www.bobsredmill.com/">Bob's Red Mill</a> products I'd ever seen! Of course, it may not be there the next time I go.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I picked up some pearl couscous at a great price as well as this for only $2.00:</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wegmans price: $3.49</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For those of you blessed with a Trader Joe's nearby, you will find many items for your vegan pantry at a much lower price than most grocery stores. I have yet to find raw cashews (a must if making "cheese" sauces) that cost less than at Trader Joe's. As with any kind of shopping, however it pays to know the average cost of your staples.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><u>Cooking</u></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One trap a lot of new vegans fall into (myself included) is trying to find substitutes for the food they're used to. For instance, processed meat substitutes like veggie burgers, soy bacon or sausages and vegan cheeses can be pricey. I've learned to only treat myself to those every now and then and to focus more on whole foods that are much more beneficial to your health as well as your wallet.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lentils are a great source of protein and fiber and average around $1.39 a pound! That's a whole lot of nutrition for pennies! In <a href="http://thebornagainveganblog.blogspot.com/2014/07/the-days-and-cpg-masoor-dal-red-lentils.html">my blog post</a> from July 12th, you'll find a favorite recipe for Masoor Dal where approximately 75 cents worth of lentils will give you four meals.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One of my favorite "fast food" meals is greens and beans. You can use swiss chard, endive, escarole or any of the other kinds of greens you find in your produce section. Saute them in some olive oil and minced garlic and add a can of black-eyed peas (79 cents) at the end. This will make two servings of a filling and nutritious meal.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We use a lot of vegetable broth and usually buy it at the store but making your own vegetable broth is super easy! Save your vegetable scraps and throw them in the freezer. When you have enough for stock, cook them in salted and/or seasoned water and voila! Instant vegetable stock for next to nothing. This </span><a href="http://ohmyveggies.com/how-to-make-vegetable-broth-with-kitchen-scraps/" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">website</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> is great for more detailed instructions.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you're looking for inexpensive vegan cookbooks to get your creative juices flowing, check out <a href="https://www.bookbub.com/">BookBub</a>. The offers are only for a limited time but I found the following titles for <i>FREE</i>:</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Easy-Vegan-Cooker-Recipes-Women-ebook/dp/B00KHZK1SY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1407775086&sr=8-2&keywords=slow+cooker+vegan+recipes+for+busy+women">On Amazon</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fqUqdZty650/U-jvnjYTctI/AAAAAAAABWM/wWcmOA5e7Eg/s1600/vegan+sandwiches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fqUqdZty650/U-jvnjYTctI/AAAAAAAABWM/wWcmOA5e7Eg/s1600/vegan+sandwiches.jpg" height="320" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vegan Sandwiches by Ruby Cooper</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kqqfXNZeEj4/U-jwVz8FpEI/AAAAAAAABWU/v4J8HvCypWg/s1600/vegan+gluten+free.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kqqfXNZeEj4/U-jwVz8FpEI/AAAAAAAABWU/v4J8HvCypWg/s1600/vegan+gluten+free.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Vegan-Gluten-free-Family-Cookbook-Delicious-ebook/dp/B00HXVRQZQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1407774700&sr=8-1&keywords=vegan+gluten+free+family+cookbook">Now $3.99</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These were all free when I got them but are now $1.99-$3.99 so sign up for BookBub emails so you don't miss the next round of free vegan cookbooks!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'd love to hear about your experience finding great prices on vegan eats. Shoot me a message in the comments section!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Chris Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13305035624079723462noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106427929081672878.post-82745680241618484922014-08-11T06:20:00.000-06:002014-08-11T06:20:28.426-06:00The Days & CPG - Falafel Burgers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love falafels! They're one of the few things I can eat at various summer festivals but I always have to tell them to hold the tzatziki sauce since it's made with yogurt.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The <a href="http://www.veganurbanite.com/2012/05/01/chickpea-burger-patty-with-tahini-sauce/">Falafel Burgers</a> in Colleen Patrick-Goudreau's The Vegan Table came together easily and I liked that the burgers were baked instead of fried. We ate them without the bun and with this amazing <a href="http://veganmos.com/vegan-tzatziki/">tzatziki sauce</a> from Vegan Mos (I love those guys!) instead of the sauce in Colleen's recipe. I added some fresh dill since we have an overabundance of it from our CSA box and that really added to the deliciousness of it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Psst...I'll let you in on a little secret. Dr. D. doesn't like falafels so I told him they were chickpea burgers. He enjoyed them but said they were a little dry while piling on more of that yummy sauce. I thought they were very good but agreed that they were a bit on the dry side. We'll definitely make them again though!</span><br />
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<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ease of preparation - A </span></li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Availability of ingredients - A </span></li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Taste - B (due to the dryness)</span></li>
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<br />Chris Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13305035624079723462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106427929081672878.post-35165296126834181772014-08-05T07:49:00.000-06:002014-08-05T07:52:03.736-06:00The Days & CPG - Basil Pesto<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As many people do at this time of the year, we have a bumper crop of basil in The New Day Garden. I took my shears to it yesterday and gave it a good trimming and in return it gave us a meal! Sitting on our sunny deck pulling leaves off of fragrant stalks of homegrown basil is my favorite way of "making dinner". </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Most pestos use some sort of cheese usually Romano or Parmesan so it's difficult to enjoy this dish in a restaurant. CPG's recipe in The Vegan Table uses four simple ingredients: olive oil, garlic, pine nuts and lots and lots of basil! I've found pine nuts to be ridiculously expensive so was thrilled to find a great big bag at Sam's Club this weekend for a decent price.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For dinner, I prepared this mung bean fettuccine. This was perfect for a couple of reasons, 1) it's not a starchy pasta and 2) the noodles are wide enough to be the perfect vehicle for getting that delicious pesto into your face! Dr. D. found it at <a href="http://www.downtoearthwholefoods.com/">Down to Earth</a> but I'm sure your own health food store or Wegmans will carry it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And here it is! Basil Pesto from The Vegan Table!</span></div>
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<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ease of preparation - A (what could be easier than putting four ingredients in a food processor and pressing Start!)</span></li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Availability of ingredients - A </span></li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Taste - A</span></li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Appearance - A</span></li>
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Chris Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13305035624079723462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106427929081672878.post-39336464242907977992014-08-05T07:14:00.000-06:002014-08-05T07:14:47.450-06:00The Days & CPG - "Honey" Mustard Salad Dressing<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I know, I know. Salad dressing...no big deal. However, I never make my own and usually resort to olive oil and vinegar poured on top of my salads. It can get old after a while.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />While perusing The Vegan Table for this project, I came across this recipe for "Honey" Mustard Salad Dressing and thought I'd give it a try. We loved it! Agave nectar takes the place of the honey to make it vegan and the rest of the ingredients are those found in most cupboards or fridges. By the way, if you need any Dijon mustard, I have three jars.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here it is!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Honey" Mustard Salad Dressing</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*Wheat-free, soy-free</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Makes: 5 (2-tbsp per) servings</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ingredients:</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3 to 5 tbsp agave nectar (I used 5 but you could definitely get away with 3 or 4)</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3 tbsp Dijon mustard</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 tbsp rice wine vinegar (I wasn't sure what the difference was between rice vinegar and rice wine vinegar so I used the one I had (rice vinegar) and it came out great)</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 tbsp olive oil (optional) (I used the full tablespoon)</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Directions: Blend/whisk until smooth and enjoy with salad mixings of your choice!</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We had it over Boston curly lettuce and I added sliced almonds and dried cranberries.</span></span></div>
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<ul style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.399999618530273px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ease of preparation - A</span></li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Availability of ingredients - A </span></li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Taste - A</span></li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Appearance - A</span></li>
</ul>
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Chris Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13305035624079723462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106427929081672878.post-8722566017651029212014-07-28T17:32:00.001-06:002014-07-28T17:35:26.229-06:00The Days & CPG - Garlic Glazed Green Beans<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Another recipe from The Vegan Table but this one is one that will appeal to vegans as well as omnivores.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We had this delicious dish as a side for barbecued tofu and rice. The glaze on the beans made a nice topping for the rice as well and both Dr. D. and I really enjoyed it.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_SIHvBFNjd8/U9ba6zd2vhI/AAAAAAAABT0/DjKEBL7Guf8/s1600/asset.JPG%253Fid%253DE721C0F0-A2AE-4896-8C9C-85B3CE043E24%2526ext%253DJPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_SIHvBFNjd8/U9ba6zd2vhI/AAAAAAAABT0/DjKEBL7Guf8/s1600/asset.JPG%253Fid%253DE721C0F0-A2AE-4896-8C9C-85B3CE043E24%2526ext%253DJPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My tips for this recipe are to use only 1 Tablespoon of olive oil and to make sure you use a full pound of green beans. We ended up with a lot of leftover oily glaze.</span><br />
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<ul style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ease of preparation - A</span></li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Availability of ingredients - A (I actually had marjoram leaves in my cupboard! I'll bet you have them too!)</span></li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Taste - A</span></li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Appearance - C (not a pretty presentation)</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">Find the recipe <a href="http://purplesandgreensorganics.weebly.com/recipes/garlic-glazed-green-beans">here.</a></span></span></div>
Chris Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13305035624079723462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106427929081672878.post-32894887465825678412014-07-24T06:26:00.000-06:002014-07-24T06:44:38.439-06:00The Days & CPG - Creamy Macaroni and Cashew Cheese<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hm4FsOvvbxI/U82JzYBU-eI/AAAAAAAABTI/qTP0fcQB4BQ/s1600/cashew+mac+and+cheese+ingredients.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hm4FsOvvbxI/U82JzYBU-eI/AAAAAAAABTI/qTP0fcQB4BQ/s1600/cashew+mac+and+cheese+ingredients.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When Dr. D. is in the kitchen, we eat healthy, whole foods mainly from recipes in The China Study Cookbook. It's a great cookbook and the food is always delicious but sometimes you just want old fashioned comfort food! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Enter Creamy Macaroni and Cashew Cheese from The Vegan Table. Creamy, decadent and delicious! If you really want to splurge, crumble potato chips on top before you put it in the oven. I tried to compensate for that sin by adding 16 ounces of steamed broccoli to the mixture.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HcfpBJe-qVo/U9D6t2eCsiI/AAAAAAAABTc/0gb2QUFoObI/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HcfpBJe-qVo/U9D6t2eCsiI/AAAAAAAABTc/0gb2QUFoObI/s1600/image.jpeg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Some things to know; 1) I baked mine with good results but I'm sure it would be just as delicious using the stove-top method, 2) this will fill up a large food processor so be prepared, and 3) I gave this an A for availability of ingredients but it doesn't mean you'll have everything on hand. We always have nutritional yeast, miso paste and raw cashews in our kitchen but understand that many non-vegans may not. A trip to your local Wegmans or health food store is all that's needed to stock your kitchen. If you're blessed with a Trader Joe's in your area, the cost for raw cashews there is unbeatable. We stock up whenever we make our pilgrimage to TJ's.</span><br />
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<ul style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ease of preparation - A</span></li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Availability of ingredients - A </span></li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Taste - A</span></li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Appearance - A</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">Find the recipe <a href="http://epicureanvegan.com/2010/05/23/creamy-macaroni-and-cashew-cheese/">here.</a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Chris Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13305035624079723462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106427929081672878.post-65621851105339113372014-07-21T08:56:00.001-06:002014-07-21T08:56:47.431-06:00The Days & CPG - Tofu Scramble<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FZR0VBbJHlY/U10yiD2eD4I/AAAAAAAABLU/pi5j6syTz88/s1600/1601511_10201795309936705_1902452793_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FZR0VBbJHlY/U10yiD2eD4I/AAAAAAAABLU/pi5j6syTz88/s1600/1601511_10201795309936705_1902452793_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I didn't cook tofu very often until the past six months or so. It seemed so difficult to handle and I'd had bad tofu before. Not something you want to taste.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I bit the bullet and bought myself a <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ciframe%20style=%22width:120px;height:240px;%22%20marginwidth=%220%22%20marginheight=%220%22%20scrolling=%22no%22%20frameborder=%220%22%20src=%22//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=ss_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=lifatthelak-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B002QO5LY8&asins=B002QO5LY8&linkId=KDVJIUGET36R55F5&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true%22%3E%20%3C/iframe%3E">Tofu XPress</a> and never looked back. The key to good tofu in a recipe is to press most of the moisture out of it. It's easily done <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRNG5YFJDQg">without</a> a fancy schmancy press as well. It's also important to get the right texture by using Extra Firm tofu easily found in your local grocery store.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Colleen Patrick-Goudreau's Tofu Scramble from <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ciframe%20style=%22width:120px;height:240px;%22%20marginwidth=%220%22%20marginheight=%220%22%20scrolling=%22no%22%20frameborder=%220%22%20src=%22//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=ss_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=lifatthelak-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B004PLNSA4&asins=B004PLNSA4&linkId=BAGI2ACABLZHWSWT&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true%22%3E%20%3C/iframe%3E">The Vegan Table</a> is our favorite. It's best when you have all the ingredients (i.e. spinach, mushrooms, etc.) but we've had it without. The variations are endless.</span><br />
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<ul style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ease of preparation - A</span></li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Availability of ingredients - A</span></li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Taste - A</span></li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Appearance - A</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here's the <a href="http://www.oprah.com/food/Tofu-Scramble_1">recipe</a>! Enjoy!</span>Chris Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13305035624079723462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106427929081672878.post-58552327040597272512014-07-13T07:26:00.001-06:002014-07-13T07:26:45.931-06:00The Days & CPG - Basic Tomato Sauce<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bh_KzmC2gZg/U8KI8BajirI/AAAAAAAABS0/qHr6xWxI0X8/s1600/notomato.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bh_KzmC2gZg/U8KI8BajirI/AAAAAAAABS0/qHr6xWxI0X8/s1600/notomato.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I don't usually use a recipe for my spaghetti sauce but when I saw one in <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ciframe%20style=%22width:120px;height:240px;%22%20marginwidth=%220%22%20marginheight=%220%22%20scrolling=%22no%22%20frameborder=%220%22%20src=%22//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=ss_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=lifatthelak-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B004PLNSA4&asins=B004PLNSA4&linkId=YPGJUMFYZFQXR72D&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true%22%3E%20%3C/iframe%3E">The Vegan Table</a> I thought I'd give it a shot. I was disappointed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's very basic and maybe that was the problem; very few spices and nothing to counteract the extreme acidity of the tomatoes. I added baking soda, brown sugar, red wine, more garlic, more garlic and more garlic and it still was only fair. I'm sorry, Colleen but this isn't one I'll be making again.</span><br />
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<ul style="background-color: white; color: #4e2800; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ease of preparation - A</span></li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Availability of ingredients - A</span></li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Taste - D</span></li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Appearance - B</span></li>
</ul>
Chris Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13305035624079723462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106427929081672878.post-66890405051790963062014-07-12T14:06:00.000-06:002014-07-12T14:06:08.307-06:00The Days and CPG - Masoor Dal (Red Lentils)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UboLGK2hNq4/U8GUHqmLuMI/AAAAAAAABSk/LbK_Yt57KFo/s1600/masoor+dal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UboLGK2hNq4/U8GUHqmLuMI/AAAAAAAABSk/LbK_Yt57KFo/s1600/masoor+dal.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'm a freak for lentils. I can't bother with lentil soup but man, give me lentils with caramelized onions or a Tarka Dal at <a href="http://www.moghulfineindian.com/">Moghul Indian Restaurant</a> and I'm one happy chick.</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ciframe%20style=%22width:120px;height:240px;%22%20marginwidth=%220%22%20marginheight=%220%22%20scrolling=%22no%22%20frameborder=%220%22%20src=%22//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=ss_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=lifatthelak-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B004PLNSA4&asins=B004PLNSA4&linkId=GMJYOEWMIMOW6KYW&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true%22%3E%20%3C/iframe%3E">The Vegan Table</a>, Colleen shares her recipe for Masoor Dal (Red Lentils). This is one of the easiest recipes I've made and the results are delicious! I serve it over jasmine rice made in my rice cooker. The lentils start out a coral color but are golden after they're cooked. I like to add an extra clove of garlic to this recipe.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I made this recipe for a board meeting recently and everyone loved it. Give it a try!</span></div>
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<ul style="background-color: white; color: #4e2800; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ease of preparation - A</span></li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Availability of ingredients - A</span></li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Taste - A</span></li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Appearance - A (as pretty as lentils can manage to be)</span></li>
</ul>
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Chris Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13305035624079723462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106427929081672878.post-68788815147420671222014-07-11T13:23:00.001-06:002014-11-28T20:01:30.744-06:00Vegan eating in Punta Gorda, Belize<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We recently spent a week in Punta Gorda, Belize. For two vegans, this meant doing a little research on what our options were for meals and to be prepared to be flexible in this Central American country. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Before leaving, I contacted the owner of the place where we'd be staying. Hickatee Cottages is a remote jungle retreat but the owners, British ex-pats Kate and Ian Morton were very accommodating. Kate asked lots of questions beforehand such as: do you eat honey? do you eat Marmite? (nutritional yeast here in the U.S.) do you like peanut butter? (truly vegan butter substitute in Belize is unheard of) so I knew from the beginning we were in good hands. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Upon our arrival, Kate had prepared chips and salsa along with some champagne and had it waiting in our room. This was a very welcome treat after a long, hot journey. Dinner would be provided every evening except Saturday and Wednesday and rides into town for dinner were arranged on those nights. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since we arrived on Saturday, Ian took us into Punta Gorda (PG to the locals) to Mr. Gomier's restaurant. I had researched this unique eatery prior to arriving and was really excited to finally experience this local eatery. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mr. Gomier is Rastafarian and makes his own tofu. He also offers tofu making classes from his unassuming restaurant on the Caribbean Sea. When we arrived, Ian took us inside and shouted, "Gomier! Are you cooking tonight?" </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The inside of the restaurant</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> looked like a busy Caribbean kitchen, unlike any restaurant we'd ever seen. A round woman in a t-shirt and skirt who acted as both waitress and cook wordlessly led us to the deck where she covered a wooden table with a colorful cloth and took our drink orders. Reggae versions of 80's music played on the sound system. We were the only customers.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You may be cool but you'll never be <br />Belizean Rastafarian tofu-making cool.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We'd already been introduced to Belize's own Belikin beer earlier in the day so we ordered two stouts to go with our barbecued tofu platter. This platter included a large portion of rice and a small tossed salad. It was just as delicious as I'd expected and we enjoyed every bite. We returned to visit Mr. Gomier on Wednesday night as well bringing with us Ray McDonald, the Garifuna drummer we had met at Hickatee earlier that evening. What a pleasure to spent time with Ray and to meet the ultra cool Mr. Gomier himself!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Breakfasts at Hickatee were a tropical paradise of fruits and homemade breads. Dragon fruit, papaya, banana, and the best mango I've ever tasted were offered each morning. We were introduced to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soursop">soursop</a> juice, a local treat we both loved. Kate spoiled us with fantastic vegan chocolate muffins! Peanut butter and jam were always available and we made sandwiches for our lunches. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dinner was a treat! Homemade bread or rolls, delicious soup and a hearty entree awaited us on the nights Kate was in the kitchen. On our last night, we had tofu with cohune cabbage. I enjoy cabbage but it didn't sound like a good combination until it was explained to me that cohune cabbage was otherwise known as hearts of palm. It was fantastic and Kate kindly sent the <a href="http://recipes.wikia.com/wiki/Cohune_Cabbage">recipe</a> after we returned home.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As I mentioned above, Kate cooks every night but Saturday and Wednesday so we were prepared to have dinner at Hickatee on Thursday night until Ian arrived at our cottage with the news that he'd be taking us into town for dinner that night.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>"The <a href="http://noramariem.wordpress.com/tag/flood-flies/">flood flies</a> have hatched. Kate can't cook."</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Flood flies are winged termites and they make a grand entrance for about four hours and then disappear. They swarm and head for the nearest light source before losing their wings and dying. A sad short life. We turned out the lights in our cottage and piled into Ian's truck to go to Asha's Culture Kitchen in Punta Gorda.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Unassuming is an understatement for this eatery on the Caribbean Sea. A big blackboard displays the menu and we easily found something vegan for dinner; curry veg with coconut rice on the side. A refreshing glass of watermelon juice tasted amazing in the Belizean heat. The meal was delicious but I was feeling under the weather and didn't eat very much. Asha generously offered to give us free dessert but we politely declined as everything contained animal products.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On our second to last day in Belize, we headed to <a href="http://www.belcampobz.com/">Belcampo Lodge</a> for lunch and massages. A beautiful resort, they pride themselves on being a farm to table restaurant. Unfortunately, we got a glimpse of the unsuspecting farm animals soon to be taking that trip to the table.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We were there for the organic produce and promise of great food. We explained to our waiter that we're vegan and he was very helpful in guiding us through the ordering process. We decided on tortilla chips as an appetizer which came with a dip on the side. When we asked what it was, we were told it was hummus.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It didn't look like any hummus we'd had before but we tried it and I immediately tasted something non-vegan.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Is there mayo in the hummus?" I asked.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"No, no mayo. Yogurt." Immediately, we witnessed the poor waiter's light bulb moment when he realized he had just given two vegans a dairy product. He apologized profusely and whisked the plate away to replace the "hummus" with salsa. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our meal at Belcampo was less than memorable; two vegetable wraps that didn't impress either of us. But the view was stellar and watching the hummingbirds flutter around our table while we ate made it all worthwhile.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We both feel so fortunate to have been given the opportunity to visit this wonderful country with its beautiful, gracious people and delicious food. As always when traveling, it's challenging to adhere to a vegan diet but we never went hungry and so many were eager to accommodate us. I told Kate before we left that she may have a new niche market for vegans with her phenomenal cooking skills. I'm not sure if she's happy about that or not.</span><br />
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Chris Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13305035624079723462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106427929081672878.post-42376390542567017632014-07-11T05:38:00.001-06:002014-07-13T07:27:28.536-06:00The Days & CPG - Beet Bundt Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bS0dGUDsaF4/U7_LhRItYWI/AAAAAAAABQE/UoyschhXqF0/s1600/beet+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bS0dGUDsaF4/U7_LhRItYWI/AAAAAAAABQE/UoyschhXqF0/s1600/beet+cake.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dr. D. loves beets. I hate them. I know how good they are for you nutritionally, I just can't get past the fact that they taste like dirt. When I saw Colleen Patrick-Goudreau's book <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ciframe%20style=%22width:120px;height:240px;%22%20marginwidth=%220%22%20marginheight=%220%22%20scrolling=%22no%22%20frameborder=%220%22%20src=%22//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=ss_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=lifatthelak-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B004PLNSA4&asins=B004PLNSA4&linkId=TWTICRCK7MLSDMCX&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true%22%3E%20%3C/iframe%3E">The Vegan Table</a> had a recipe for Beet Bundt Cake, I knew I'd have to make it for my husband. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was delicious! I served it plain but it would be wonderful with a glaze or berries as shown in the picture. Next time I may get a little crazy and throw some chocolate chips in the batter!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This cake received six thumbs up from the contractors working on our gazebo! Beefcakes love beet cake!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rating:</span><br />
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<ul style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ease of preparation - B (beets are messy!)</span></li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Availability of ingredients - A</span></li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Taste - A</span></li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0.25em 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Appearance - A</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Epicurious featured the recipe <a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Beet-Bundt-Cake-354070">here</a>. Enjoy!</span><br />
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<br />Chris Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13305035624079723462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106427929081672878.post-62673690130934377882014-07-08T07:55:00.000-06:002014-07-08T07:55:55.140-06:00The Days & CPG<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the spirit of the movie <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ciframe%20style=%22width:120px;height:240px;%22%20marginwidth=%220%22%20marginheight=%220%22%20scrolling=%22no%22%20frameborder=%220%22%20src=%22//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=ss_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=lifatthelak-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B002RSDW80&asins=B002RSDW80&linkId=KID7UDBR5HUY6JQF&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true%22%3E%20%3C/iframe%3E">Julie & Julia</a>, Dr. D. and I have decided to cook our way through one of Colleen Patrick-Goudreau's cookbooks. For those of you not familiar with the movie, the story is about a woman named Julie, played by Amy Adams who spends a year cooking her way through 524 of Julia Childs' (played by Meryl Streep) recipes. It's one of my favorite movies and Dr. D. and I decided to put a vegan spin on it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Colleen Patrick-Goudreau has influenced both of us immensely not only by her great recipes but by her compassionate approach to spreading the word about veganism. Our favorite cookbook by CPG is <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ciframe%20style=%22width:120px;height:240px;%22%20marginwidth=%220%22%20marginheight=%220%22%20scrolling=%22no%22%20frameborder=%220%22%20src=%22//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=ss_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=lifatthelak-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B004PLNSA4&asins=B004PLNSA4&linkId=TFHY4E3JE2TB6NME&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true%22%3E%20%3C/iframe%3E">The Vegan Table</a> so that's the one we chose.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The recipes will not be shared here but reviews and pictures will be. We will grade each one based on several factors:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ease of preparation</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Availability of ingredients</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I hope you enjoy this adventure through The Vegan Table. Please feel free to post comments!</span>Chris Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13305035624079723462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5106427929081672878.post-48699686120522763132014-05-16T04:45:00.001-06:002014-05-16T04:45:28.847-06:00Foodie Friday! Broccoli Alfredo Lasagna!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This recipe for Broccoli Alfredo Lasagna was created by my own brother, The </span><a href="http://meatyveganblog.wordpress.com/about/" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Meaty Vegan</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. Eric has a doubly challenging task in that he, his wife and their toddler son are not only vegan but gluten-free as well. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dr. D. and I had this a couple of weekends ago and it was very good! There are a couple of things I feel I need to point out. You will need nine (9!) cloves of garlic for this recipe; five for the filling and four for the Alfredo sauce. Do not skimp! All that garlic makes this dish taste amazing! Also, the recipe calls for two boxes of lasagna noodles but I found one to be sufficient. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Eric created this recipe for a contest for Follow Your Heart vegan cheese but you can substitute any kind of vegan cheese you prefer (I love <a href="http://us.daiyafoods.com/">Daiya</a>!).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This will be a dish you make for company and bring to potlucks to prove how fantastic vegan food is! Check out the recipe on the Meaty Vegan blog <a href="http://meatyveganblog.wordpress.com/about/">here</a>. Tell my brother I sent you.</span>Chris Dayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13305035624079723462noreply@blogger.com0