tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53964584641765943102024-03-05T17:02:38.169-08:00The Seattle Chickpea One vegan's experience with health, happiness, and delicious foodAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051656756136889879noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5396458464176594310.post-26199093433056633712013-09-30T11:51:00.000-07:002013-09-30T11:51:05.670-07:00Veganism, Bringing Joy to my DietWell, it's the last day of <a href="http://www.veganmofo.com/" target="_blank">VeganMofo</a> and this will be my 20th post. Yay! I did it! I must say this was a lot more work that I had expected it to be, but I really did enjoy being part of such a wonderful event and feel very accomplished in my work.<br />
<br />
For my final post I thought I would talk about the amazing impact veganism has had on my life. Veganism has positively impacted essentially all parts of my life, but to wrap up the Vegan Month of Food, I thought I would specifically discuss how being vegan has impacted my diet and food.<br />
<br />
As you may or may not know, I have multiple food allergies and intolerances which remained undiscovered for many many years and culminated in months of me being too sick to function, about which I go into detail in <a href="http://theseattlechickpea.blogspot.com/p/hello.html" target="_blank">the "My Story" series</a>.<br />
<br />
Once I finally discovered what was making me sick, most notably my allergy to corn, I began the long process of recovery. While I was relieved to know what had been making me feel so terrible, this process was one that sucked a large amount of my time and energy and completely changed the day to day of my life. Whereas before I enjoyed eating and thought about food when I was hungry, now I needed to carefully inspect each product I purchased, quiz waiters and waitresses about dishes at restaurants, and bring my own food to gatherings with friends.<br />
<br />
On top of this, while my health was certainly improving, it took a long time to reach a point of "health." The first fall and winter after discovering my allergies I was sick almost every week. I got the cold that was going around, then I felt I had a terrible sinus infection, then as soon as I recovered from that I would catch the newest cold or cough that all my classmates had, and would again be in urgent care with what I thought <i>must</i> be a sinus infection, being told it was not.<br />
<br />
Additionally, I was still learning what exactly it meant to have a corn allergy. If you've looked at my <a href="http://theseattlechickpea.blogspot.com/p/tester-page.html" target="_blank">Corn Allergy Resource</a> page or looked at a list of ingredients that may contain corn, you likely know what I'm talking about. I didn't always know that dextrose, or glucose, or vegetable starch, meant there was corn in the product I was buying and I certainly didn't think to check the cough medicine, pain pills, or toothpaste I was using for these ingredients. All of this meant I continued to have reactions to corn, and while I was much less sick than I had been previously, when you are frequently confined to bed with a migraine, sinus headache, or cold, it's hard to think of yourself as healthy.<br />
<br />
As I continued to treat my allergies and heal from the assault my body had been under for potentially my entire life, I began to have a negative view of food. There was so much I couldn't eat and such risk whenever I tried a new product, all encouraging me to stick with what I knew I could eat (or at least thought I could, as a lot of these foods turned out to actually contribute to my corn allergy). If I remember correctly some of my core staples included potato chips with salsa, ground turkey with mustard, goat cheese and rice crackers, chocolate, and lots and lots of coffee.<br />
<br />
Fast forwarding a few months, I began to be more comfortable making food at home and found some blogs with recipes I could easily make (like <a href="http://ohsheglows.com/" target="_blank">Oh She Glows</a>), I was more confident telling waiters and waitresses what I needed while dining out, and I was eating at least a slightly larger variety of foods. However, while I celebrated the little victories, such as finding a new product I could eat, food did not excite me or bring me joy. Instead I looked at it as a burden, something I always had to worry about and be afraid of, something that made me a troublesome and unwelcome dinner guest.<br />
<br />
Fortunately all this changed when I went vegan. No longer was I saddened by my food. Instead I looked at it as a health promoting benefit to my life. No longer was I afraid to cook new recipes and try new things. Instead I was thrilled when I made a new recipe that I truly enjoyed. No longer did I rely on processed food. Instead I turned my gaze to whole plant foods, the ones with no complicated ingredient list, or any ingredient list at all. Once I could make a dish and not have to worry if that tomato or mushroom or pepper was full of secret corn ingredients, I could finally experience food to it's full potential, as a promoter of health and source of joy.<br />
<br />
And since I originally started eating a vegan diet for health reasons, once I was aware and passionate about the ethical reasons to eat an animal free diet and actually "became vegan," my relationship with food only continued to improve. In additional to all the health and taste benefits I was experiencing with my new diet, now my food also had a more important purpose. No matter how terrible a failed experiment was, or bland a dish was at a restaurant, or how few types of hummus I could buy at the store, I knew that my food choices had a positive impact on the world. Now, not only did my food promote my own health instead of tear it down, but my food choices were working to promote a healthier environment and didn't cause harm to animals.<br />
<br />
Now, while I still have to inspect ingredient lists, harass waiters, plan ahead when traveling, and bring my own food to gatherings, food brings me joy. My food and diet have a positive impact and a bigger purpose. They no longer weigh me down or hold me back but instead support me and provide meaning in my life. Ultimately, veganism has helped transform my diet from a source of stress to a cause for celebration, a celebration I have every time I take a bite.<br />
<br />
There are many other ways that veganism has positively impacted my life, which I will share more of in the future, but that's it for <a href="http://www.veganmofo.com/" target="_blank">VeganMofo</a>! I really have enjoyed this experience both in terms of what it has pushed me to do and in terms of the amazing things I have seen from other bloggers.<br />
<br />
For example, if you need another reason to love JL Fields (check out my <a href="http://theseattlechickpea.blogspot.com/2013/09/my-favorite-blogs-part-three-jl-goes.html" target="_blank">shout out to her from yesterday</a>) watch this <a href="http://youtu.be/Gw4R1IBsHIs" target="_blank">awesome video</a> she did for today! It was the perfect thing to wake up to this morning!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Gw4R1IBsHIs?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Happy Monday everyone, I'll be back soon!</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051656756136889879noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5396458464176594310.post-52632005880722123012013-09-29T01:26:00.000-07:002013-09-29T01:26:00.646-07:00My Favorite Blogs Part Three: JL Goes VeganAs <a href="http://www.veganmofo.com/" target="_blank">VeganMofo</a> comes to a close I wanted to fit in another shout out to one of my favorite blogs!<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">(Once again please note all the photos I share here originally came from JL's blogs and were </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">not</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> taken by me. You can right click each image to find its source)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<h4>
<a href="http://jlgoesvegan.com/" target="_blank">JL Goes Vegan</a></h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
JL is awesome, just awesome! I've mentioned her before when I reviewed <a href="http://theseattlechickpea.blogspot.com/2013/09/a-review-vegan-for-her.html" target="_blank">Vegan for Her</a> but before I read and loved that book, I was already following JL online.<br />
<br />
I love JL's story and perspective. She went vegan post-forty and brings a really interesting and unique voice to the blogging world. She is also a really inspiring example of how to take your talents and skills and use them to help change the world for animals. Reading about her work has helped me consider how to use my own skills and career plans to do the same!<br />
<br />
In terms of food, JL writes simple, practical, and delicious recipes! After browsing more of her recipes, I know I need to make some of them this fall. For example...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://jlgoesvegan.com/recipes-3-2/?recipe_id=6024554" target="_blank">Cashew Cream Tofu</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.recipage.com/images/user37/1337083687/recipe_image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://www.recipage.com/images/user37/1337083687/recipe_image.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://jlgoesvegan.com/recipes-3-2/?recipe_id=6021956" target="_blank">Hurry-up Red Lentil Soup</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.recipage.com/images/user37/1333991027/recipe_image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://www.recipage.com/images/user37/1333991027/recipe_image.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://jlgoesvegan.com/recipes-3-2/?recipe_id=6039779" target="_blank">Stovetop Soy Curl and Sweet Potato Alfredo Casserole</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.recipage.com/images/user37/1357743863/recipe_image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="http://www.recipage.com/images/user37/1357743863/recipe_image.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://jlgoesvegan.com/recipes-3-2/?recipe_id=6000768" target="_blank">Very Veggie Split-Pea Soup</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.recipage.com/images/user37/1302721868/recipe_image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://www.recipage.com/images/user37/1302721868/recipe_image.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://jlgoesvegan.com/recipes-3-2/?recipe_id=6030954" target="_blank">Coconut-Ginger Infused Black Bean Brownies</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.recipage.com/images/user37/1345392503/recipe_image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://www.recipage.com/images/user37/1345392503/recipe_image.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Mmmmmm, yummy yummy! I have a lot of recipes to make! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
JL has also been video blogging for VeganMofo and her videos have been a treat to watch! Some of my favorites are JL's <a href="http://jlgoesvegan.com/tofu-scramble-vegan-mofo-2013-5/" target="_blank">Tofu Scrabble</a> video, <a href="http://jlgoesvegan.com/vegan-breakfast-ideas-vegan-mofo-2013-7/" target="_blank">Vegan Breakfast Ideas</a> video, and <a href="http://jlgoesvegan.com/vegan-dinner-guest-vegan-mofo-2013-13/" target="_blank">Be a Joyful Vegan Dinner Guest</a> video.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And as if I didn't already have a ton of reasons to love JL's blog, she also has many insightful, and truly helpful posts not necessarily directly related to food. For example, her post on having an <a href="http://jlgoesvegan.com/i-have-an-omnivore-husband/" target="_blank">omnivore husband</a> and her post about <a href="http://jlgoesvegan.com/it-is-better-to-travel-well-than-to-arrive-revisiting-vegan-perfection/" target="_blank">vegan perfectionism</a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Finally, JL runs <a href="http://stopchasingskinny.com/" target="_blank">Stop Chasing Skinny</a>, a blog to help readers "find happiness beyond the scale." I very much support the aim of this blog and have found personal support in the stories and news shared there. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://stopchasingskinny.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/SCS-and-Be-Happy-4001-e1369233647455.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://stopchasingskinny.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/SCS-and-Be-Happy-4001-e1369233647455.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Well there you have it, a brief run down of another blog (and blogger) I love!</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051656756136889879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5396458464176594310.post-13785555303252774742013-09-25T18:49:00.000-07:002013-09-26T16:53:28.235-07:00What I ate Wednesday #3Well it's another Wednesday, which means you get to see what I ate!<br />
<br />
Once again I am sharing what I ate yesterday. I hope you enjoy!<br />
<br />
Following my pattern for the last few weeks, for breakfast I downed a giant smoothie.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0_eiTSLr-7Kpkw-epP3hhPA8NzYAA8hMiTTCNSU48f9Cw10Wn5U_npLVEYH_kzzEQcK-WaT5ALWUugTP1QLosuAshBFZKDBDDW_BqrUGnD_KLqhyzHokYLAAAvMGkkwbZt5aB8Z3T7w/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0_eiTSLr-7Kpkw-epP3hhPA8NzYAA8hMiTTCNSU48f9Cw10Wn5U_npLVEYH_kzzEQcK-WaT5ALWUugTP1QLosuAshBFZKDBDDW_BqrUGnD_KLqhyzHokYLAAAvMGkkwbZt5aB8Z3T7w/s320/001.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I made a <a href="http://theseattlechickpea.blogspot.com/2013/09/green-tea-banana-free-smoothie.html" target="_blank">green tea mango smoothie</a> but this time I threw in a few handfuls of spinach! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP5-OgYFYvkNQZApxPxofqjdrN-ExKz6PZPLWZEIbJSmr8IZb95nxH1QdJMTgIHX0T2Qf1dIQ9sCMKhkjXsfhTUBYOQ1ldk5le0P1eODEDVeRNZ_BcbRNElko59chEuKgeLnt1ytCd3w/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP5-OgYFYvkNQZApxPxofqjdrN-ExKz6PZPLWZEIbJSmr8IZb95nxH1QdJMTgIHX0T2Qf1dIQ9sCMKhkjXsfhTUBYOQ1ldk5le0P1eODEDVeRNZ_BcbRNElko59chEuKgeLnt1ytCd3w/s320/002.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Mmm, good old veggies in the morning! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Before lunch I enjoyed some Teeccino in my new travel mug!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr4FLT9UtQ7-VrjELQsZSphBwqHYS5myuk5a3FcrDLZQu226l3U4opWaeRDhyphenhyphenBhEul6N1L17P2fG6vm6L-tqdxtQAZaoVuS1WXwdwgejQVf-mj-Cy0nO7-pjNL-nKQmPjqLcvO-6gPeQ/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr4FLT9UtQ7-VrjELQsZSphBwqHYS5myuk5a3FcrDLZQu226l3U4opWaeRDhyphenhyphenBhEul6N1L17P2fG6vm6L-tqdxtQAZaoVuS1WXwdwgejQVf-mj-Cy0nO7-pjNL-nKQmPjqLcvO-6gPeQ/s320/003.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My new <a href="http://www.dutchbros.com/" target="_blank">Dutch Brothers</a> travel mug is decorated with an "I <3 tea" sticker that I got this weekend at <a href="http://remedyteas.com/" target="_blank">Remedy Teas</a> which I visited for the first time with some friends! It was pretty great and they have 150 different teas there! I will definitely be going back for more. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For lunch I made some <a href="http://theseattlechickpea.blogspot.com/2013/09/my-favorite-cooked-veggie-roasted.html" target="_blank">roasted cauliflower</a> which I enjoyed with tahini sauce along with some pasta in mushroom marinara with nutritional yeast and kalamata olives. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1MJFoSoDGjl-27xif9q6mj5W4JOtK8lwnaCtDggrUQh6smeTkSDiZyaGuorD3t5zj1Jajn3118MF8sQ7n74-6gcMg_uCw7ecUqVq19MkIs-Gnpz1bRae6ojZ_hDSYPGLGl_KBYo5R8A/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1MJFoSoDGjl-27xif9q6mj5W4JOtK8lwnaCtDggrUQh6smeTkSDiZyaGuorD3t5zj1Jajn3118MF8sQ7n74-6gcMg_uCw7ecUqVq19MkIs-Gnpz1bRae6ojZ_hDSYPGLGl_KBYo5R8A/s320/007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj-IrMwoxDKCwZuY5GD8oU2YhqM8hlW5Qct_PVfb1FDnHOi3IbxlRw8b37qrruT8AIumlAczg749YxFvHFsXByNtpOrz5i_pvbmDOpUWJAfX4RsfvfeKHN94dyvRiLB-VAxhTyXuVnkw/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj-IrMwoxDKCwZuY5GD8oU2YhqM8hlW5Qct_PVfb1FDnHOi3IbxlRw8b37qrruT8AIumlAczg749YxFvHFsXByNtpOrz5i_pvbmDOpUWJAfX4RsfvfeKHN94dyvRiLB-VAxhTyXuVnkw/s320/008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Just like last week I also enjoyed some kombucha, this time having the superberry flavor of <a href="http://www.brewdrkombucha.com/" target="_blank">Brew Dr. Kombucha</a>! I promise I don't have kombucha <i>all</i> the time, something about Tuesdays I guess!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYLgjGgW7w9hHmQpybwRDFE_UMgS28xWZIIuTyMuE4mlYlK_qfRXRlxiLuwJ65qMOgwZSOI58avp2RL0rhtHAWaC_hoVjZPnxwQJDruPhJvk-yBt_MVBwNLwnYRwxnDkcpleTpNHGsGw/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYLgjGgW7w9hHmQpybwRDFE_UMgS28xWZIIuTyMuE4mlYlK_qfRXRlxiLuwJ65qMOgwZSOI58avp2RL0rhtHAWaC_hoVjZPnxwQJDruPhJvk-yBt_MVBwNLwnYRwxnDkcpleTpNHGsGw/s320/009.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And finally, for dinner I made the huge quinoa tabbouleh salad from the Forks Over Knives Cookbook which I also brought for lunch today, the first day of classes!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-28wpA2VpdmFJJ_hcD9pdg7uDJXXVyarNqlZDiYW_FvowfdhiAZtHy7_fzEZHo-O3QzxMkCMD7wbECrmLAmBJe3Qxc6s5ohAq6EWc-NUt-2M9803DrDDnbEa0QpXD1kH5yhfyS8T4cw/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-28wpA2VpdmFJJ_hcD9pdg7uDJXXVyarNqlZDiYW_FvowfdhiAZtHy7_fzEZHo-O3QzxMkCMD7wbECrmLAmBJe3Qxc6s5ohAq6EWc-NUt-2M9803DrDDnbEa0QpXD1kH5yhfyS8T4cw/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For dinner I enjoyed this salad in the form of lettuce wraps and I added some tahini, my current obsession, for good measure. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmu2o7KcYsDhsyTtCv0sARWhR_NGuHb2j5bonIVF8thgsRGYFI1AuHnEaZilLLNBO3e5srZDCdHwZpAMDUNg-lXJ9V7PvLg6AvugXZ1yTX_ynHST0pqiIL3g3I6MCA4Xr_Lu9z255njA/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmu2o7KcYsDhsyTtCv0sARWhR_NGuHb2j5bonIVF8thgsRGYFI1AuHnEaZilLLNBO3e5srZDCdHwZpAMDUNg-lXJ9V7PvLg6AvugXZ1yTX_ynHST0pqiIL3g3I6MCA4Xr_Lu9z255njA/s320/003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Well there you have it! Another day's worth of food! I also had many cups of tea, which are not pictured, but you can bet I was drinking some all day! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Happy Wednesday and start of fall! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051656756136889879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5396458464176594310.post-52320914163160274842013-09-24T17:29:00.000-07:002013-09-24T17:29:58.810-07:00My Favorite Cooked Veggie: Roasted CauliflowerI love raw veggies, but I also love having cooked veggies and my favorite is this roasted cauliflower. It's easy to make and super delicious!<br />
<br />
<b>Roasted Cauliflower </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Ingredients:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>1 head cauliflower, cut into florets </li>
<li>1/2 yellow or white onion, diced</li>
<li>3-4 cloves of garlic, minced</li>
<li>3 tbsp vinegar (I used red wine)</li>
<li>Salt and pepper, to taste</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Directions</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
1. Cut and prepare all veggies and mince garlic. Mix veggies with vinegar and add salt and pepper to taste. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6dhBznog4neDsXQYnfSPanXMAwMDlMbBToj4IDCBDMbx0lYYwtnReH_R5X7ylgT1n9EP7awLDn2lUOb6qoFPYrEa3ckNit9ItLMmGl9zrYrFr5IlmTpC-BtC6iaDftHvporeKguFP2Q/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6dhBznog4neDsXQYnfSPanXMAwMDlMbBToj4IDCBDMbx0lYYwtnReH_R5X7ylgT1n9EP7awLDn2lUOb6qoFPYrEa3ckNit9ItLMmGl9zrYrFr5IlmTpC-BtC6iaDftHvporeKguFP2Q/s320/004.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
2. Roast in oven at 400 degrees until soft and starts to get crispy about 30-40 minutes. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxUe9JgweE8FBb5ghyg4CjjIEQPZ3iefwjZjDzLLt4neyZvEj9rGxVfyt3ZZpy4TSib6cRKM_J_9w110nLGNirPdayoLLXwGnTzJkbfW8xDYBtNzWw1gEp3yqR9exjkGiLCjLnUZKftA/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxUe9JgweE8FBb5ghyg4CjjIEQPZ3iefwjZjDzLLt4neyZvEj9rGxVfyt3ZZpy4TSib6cRKM_J_9w110nLGNirPdayoLLXwGnTzJkbfW8xDYBtNzWw1gEp3yqR9exjkGiLCjLnUZKftA/s320/005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
3. Serve and enjoy! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My favorite way to enjoy this is with tahini sauce, although it tastes great by itself as well! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLNpABY1zdAyLP7ss2RIQr-DS0vwgkhHKlkxLaTCAiO21MGNwpAC2lzA7oq5RfQKkH_vhyphenhyphenSqe6HGmCWERMdvugYBUH6qDx42Kl8Cfk5LAUSLRmubIhh3qo8HBR-dH7p0W446qHokKBwA/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLNpABY1zdAyLP7ss2RIQr-DS0vwgkhHKlkxLaTCAiO21MGNwpAC2lzA7oq5RfQKkH_vhyphenhyphenSqe6HGmCWERMdvugYBUH6qDx42Kl8Cfk5LAUSLRmubIhh3qo8HBR-dH7p0W446qHokKBwA/s320/007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Happy Tuesday! I hope you eat some great veggies today!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051656756136889879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5396458464176594310.post-78972442840893072372013-09-23T20:16:00.000-07:002013-09-23T20:16:15.543-07:00My Favorite Blogs Part Two: Choosing RawHappy Monday!<br />
<br />
Today I thought I would add another installation to my posts about the blogs that I love! So I'm going to gush about Gena Hamshaw at <a href="http://www.choosingraw.com/" target="_blank">Choosing Raw</a>! So here we go! Favorite blog number two...<br />
<br />
(Once again please note all the photos I share here originally came from Gena's blog and were <i>not</i> taken by me. You can right click each image to find its source)<br />
<h4>
<br /></h4>
<h3>
<a href="http://www.choosingraw.com/" target="_blank">Choosing Raw</a></h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I absolutely adore this blog. Not only does Gena share delicious recipes with stunning photos but she also writes beautifully and posts about more than just food. Here are some of my favorite things from her blog!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.choosingraw.com/recipes/ch-ch-ch-chia/" target="_blank"><b>Chia Pudding</b></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Gena is definitely the one that sparked my love of chia seeds and chia pudding. She has so many amazing recipes using chia seeds, such as: </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.choosingraw.com/matcha-green-tea-chia-pudding/" target="_blank">Matcha Green Tea Chia Pudding</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.choosingraw.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/matcha-chia5-1024x735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="http://www.choosingraw.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/matcha-chia5-1024x735.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.choosingraw.com/very-berry-chia-hemp-pudding/" target="_blank">Very Berry Chia Hemp Pudding</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.choosingraw.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_6634-525x350_thumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://www.choosingraw.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_6634-525x350_thumb.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.choosingraw.com/basic-chia-seed-pudding/" target="_blank">Basic Chia Seed Pudding</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.choosingraw.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/004-500x3752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://www.choosingraw.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/004-500x3752.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><a href="http://www.choosingraw.com/recipes/salads/" target="_blank">Salad Recipes</a></b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Gena also makes <i>amazing </i>salads. Her salads are what inspired me to play with kale and ultimately fall in love with it! Her beautiful salads always look amazing and inspire me to make a more interesting salad for my lunches. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><a href="http://www.choosingraw.com/vegan-mango-lassi-a-creamy-warm-weather-treat/" target="_blank">Mango Lassi</a></b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This drink definitely hits the spot. I have always loved mangoes and likely eat them every day. I also love a good mango lassi but most Indian restaurants don't serve vegan ones. And so I was thrilled to try this vegan version and have been making it often ever since. It is super easy to make and always turns out amazing! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.choosingraw.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/PicMonkey-Collage-5_thumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.choosingraw.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/PicMonkey-Collage-5_thumb.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />There are many many more amazing recipes by Gena which you should definitely peruse through if you are looking for something tasty to eat!<br /><div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Another one of my favorite things about Gena's blog is how she goes into other issues, and doesn't just talk about food. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
She has a great section explaining <a href="http://www.choosingraw.com/the-lifestyle/" target="_blank">veganism and raw foods</a>. Another great section of her blog is the <a href="http://www.choosingraw.com/green-recovery-series/" target="_blank">Green Recovery Series</a>. Gena explains "Green Recovery is my attempt to highlight stories of the many men and women who have moved beyond disordered eating patterns (at least in part) with the help of a plant-based diet." I always find these posts extremely moving and meaningful and love to read them. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Gena also talks about things such as <a href="http://www.choosingraw.com/gmo-labeling-a-foodpolicy-us-sponsored-panel-at-georgetown/" target="_blank">GMO labeling</a>, the <a href="http://www.choosingraw.com/new-inquiries-into-eating-disorders-and-obesity/" target="_blank">links between eating disorders and obesity</a>, and cases of <a href="http://www.choosingraw.com/when-promoting-a-vegan-diet-turns-into-body-shaming-2/" target="_blank">fat shaming</a>, and is on her way to <a href="http://www.choosingraw.com/thats-a-wrap/" target="_blank">becoming a doctor</a>. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
All and all I always find Gena's posts insightful and inspiring and whether they inspire me to make a delicious, healthful meal or to ponder an important issue, they are always amazing to read!</div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
Well there you have it, some of the many reasons why I love Gena's blog <a href="http://www.choosingraw.com/" target="_blank">Choosing Raw</a>!</div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051656756136889879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5396458464176594310.post-10212746571919969802013-09-19T21:51:00.000-07:002013-09-19T21:51:06.383-07:00A Review: Chipotle Sofritas<div dir="ltr">
Yesterday I had the chance to try out <a href="http://www.chipotle.com/en-US/Default.aspx?type=default" target="_blank">Chipotle Mexican Grill's</a> new vegan addition, <a href="http://www.chipotle.com/en-us/html/sofritas.html" target="_blank">Sofritas</a>!! I first heard about this new, tofu based option when it was <a href="http://www.ourhenhouse.org/2013/08/episode-186-the-only-thing-of-importance-when-we-depart-will-be-the-traces-of-love-we-have-left-behind/" target="_blank">reviewed on Our Hen House</a> and I was excited to try it! </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
I first of course had to figure out exactly what it was made of and if it had any corn or gluten ingredients. While the ingredients for this option are not listed on the online menu, when I emailed asking about the ingredients they happily provided them to me. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Sofritas are described as "shredded organic tofu braised with chipotle chilis, roasted poblanos and a blend of aromatic spices" which actually pretty accurately describes the ingredients! </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Here is the ingredient list I was provided:</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">Organic Tofu</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Rice Bran Oil (for frying)</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Sofrito:</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Onions</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Green pepper</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Adobo*</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Tomato paste</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Poblano peppers</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Red wine vinegar</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Water</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Kosher salt</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Minced garlic</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Ground toasted cumin</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Dried oregano</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Roasted Tomatoes</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">* Chipotle’s Adobo contains:</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Black Pepper</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Chipotle Chile (Dry Ground)</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Cumin</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Garlic</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Oregano</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Rice Bran Oil</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Water</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
I tried the new Sofritas as a bowl with brown rice, black beans, fresh tomato salsa, guacamole, and lettuce and I thought it was great! </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwn7wH5KplvgduJ4YiUwHxNwuuBTtOEBTC4J7cgz5qN6NhIf6gFtQxOz_XwvA8v2L7kJs973uTHvnvnv6vXVgIlqXs_OTcD6aqWOq9uAgzMIvx1lsPYG55mXlY3Ktnn5etYJolQlYbMQ/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwn7wH5KplvgduJ4YiUwHxNwuuBTtOEBTC4J7cgz5qN6NhIf6gFtQxOz_XwvA8v2L7kJs973uTHvnvnv6vXVgIlqXs_OTcD6aqWOq9uAgzMIvx1lsPYG55mXlY3Ktnn5etYJolQlYbMQ/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
The Sofritas were relatively spicy so I was glad to have the guacamole to balance it out. It had a texture really reminiscent of a few soy chorizo crumbles I have had before, so very similar to ground beef or turkey (except totally animal free!).</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
I was also extremely happy that I did not have any adverse reactions after my meal, meaning all the ingredient lists I had been provided with were most likely accurate and certainly corn-free! So, not only did I have an easy and delicious meal but it was one free of allergic reactions. Sounds like a win to me!</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
I'm really happy to know there's a quick and tasty meal that I can enjoy at a really common restaurant chain, I'm sure I'll be eating more burrito bowls with Sofritas in the future!</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Currently I think Sofritas are only available at West Coast Chipotle locations, however they will hopefully be everywhere soon! </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Have you tried the new Sofritas yet? If so what did you think?<br />
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051656756136889879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5396458464176594310.post-50465171159609744742013-09-17T21:27:00.003-07:002013-09-18T13:11:00.002-07:00What I ate Wednesday #2Hello! I am back again with another <a href="http://www.peasandcrayons.com/p/what-i-ate-wednesday.html" target="_blank">What I ate Wednesday</a> post, the first of which I published <a href="http://theseattlechickpea.blogspot.com/2013/09/a-glimpse-at-my-food.html" target="_blank">last Wednesday</a>!<br />
<br />
Today, I'm sharing with you what I ate yesterday, I hope you enjoy!<br />
<br />
After getting up I wasn't feeling the need for a full breakfast right away so I instead enjoyed an apple and a cup of decaf green tea.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvfWLqmKiD1CkV-M1YcRjnqlIRqs8y2SdtVXM4sD63kWpsREQkDLPbT6qLyisOIWFghGCdK5NnswWPA02WnGq2icgbpWM9dWk-7K16RDO5audlbFx-Qt37MKHERT3MYBbkbIfo0TFqew/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvfWLqmKiD1CkV-M1YcRjnqlIRqs8y2SdtVXM4sD63kWpsREQkDLPbT6qLyisOIWFghGCdK5NnswWPA02WnGq2icgbpWM9dWk-7K16RDO5audlbFx-Qt37MKHERT3MYBbkbIfo0TFqew/s320/003.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzeS3u4U56CxFsERhf0XdJL6dGfApbnZlZL-qDMSbaMN9YsvwaEcSZVkgkxjfyMS5uIodx3QnpfhMhkmx4j5AoU2xKVL4ySD5LvSVy08XcnQ3GGDE0rLhA59WR0H4SkYlyVKdmuZsulQ/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzeS3u4U56CxFsERhf0XdJL6dGfApbnZlZL-qDMSbaMN9YsvwaEcSZVkgkxjfyMS5uIodx3QnpfhMhkmx4j5AoU2xKVL4ySD5LvSVy08XcnQ3GGDE0rLhA59WR0H4SkYlyVKdmuZsulQ/s320/001.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I later used some more of this green tea in my breakfast to make a green tea mango berry smoothie!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUUyd06kTm_gB1WgA65LZ5LSIVzqZ5RDz_RTbtNf95vXHcJZPXGh6ub1b73qKwWFKRPkwIMApIJ5uC6QgUjiXnFWXEiFrcDCVU5hXE_GxEm3dYaGyYpVEc2E9uet2n59nABiTgwNcGkw/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUUyd06kTm_gB1WgA65LZ5LSIVzqZ5RDz_RTbtNf95vXHcJZPXGh6ub1b73qKwWFKRPkwIMApIJ5uC6QgUjiXnFWXEiFrcDCVU5hXE_GxEm3dYaGyYpVEc2E9uet2n59nABiTgwNcGkw/s320/005.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK0-uYZeazJsW2J-kSL4ncG0bbV4epxAY8lWIUNsEzxvjx2BglJ3QRJqOvY6H1XK-eJdcDSMml-gXiOjlR4m8NtqrPpq_G65LRujZgAYSGzwspgVXoEXQnW8IdBl1v4847YzQRE01s9w/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK0-uYZeazJsW2J-kSL4ncG0bbV4epxAY8lWIUNsEzxvjx2BglJ3QRJqOvY6H1XK-eJdcDSMml-gXiOjlR4m8NtqrPpq_G65LRujZgAYSGzwspgVXoEXQnW8IdBl1v4847YzQRE01s9w/s200/009.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguksuDzFCF2hTanfKXigHLqw5zEGtjA_spmHdm_rbVuQP_9PcI2oZl_CvDts62Kla4dqSfCvdmdzeQv5BLvBXbXKWglLDb-K3w1aW1EIut3HLLneknoaAEzOV-206033m5Y01akQcEBA/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguksuDzFCF2hTanfKXigHLqw5zEGtjA_spmHdm_rbVuQP_9PcI2oZl_CvDts62Kla4dqSfCvdmdzeQv5BLvBXbXKWglLDb-K3w1aW1EIut3HLLneknoaAEzOV-206033m5Y01akQcEBA/s200/010.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
For lunch I had a large salad with a spicy mustard dressing along with a <a href="http://theseattlechickpea.blogspot.com/2013/09/cheezy-twice-baked-potato.html?showComment=1379476084058#c2638997624666597314" target="_blank">Cheezy Twice Baked Potato</a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtOuQJXmwNTIbUSsD2IOjZP5rCjY7JAkIe4bQw2a0QpCfPWgfLBCEr39srSy6GEjbsAR7hKQ_D2Td_OckJztCKABEUPBogCmzDgel3oftx_P7lw5TQ6TnjztCByNayZgViYXhBzHlWvA/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtOuQJXmwNTIbUSsD2IOjZP5rCjY7JAkIe4bQw2a0QpCfPWgfLBCEr39srSy6GEjbsAR7hKQ_D2Td_OckJztCKABEUPBogCmzDgel3oftx_P7lw5TQ6TnjztCByNayZgViYXhBzHlWvA/s320/012.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yummy yummy!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Later in the afternoon I enjoyed a snack of <a href="http://www.beanfieldssnacks.com/" target="_blank">Beanfields</a> sea salt chips and WayFare's <a href="http://www.wayfarefoods.com/we-cant-say-its-cheese/" target="_blank">Hickory Cheddar Spread,</a> my favorite vegan snack food!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdOL18oFJmTICEdC5lINueHRm16BZgQ6_Q-Wx3F3Ip-2kZsXs_IbrjrpaTJvJXE_8MgDcrCWOcOrr_5eYEzuwXl8TIF7vax3WJLNmJk23IMLfV9aR_a9705dgNFl0RRkjIIkGLsiN5Cw/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdOL18oFJmTICEdC5lINueHRm16BZgQ6_Q-Wx3F3Ip-2kZsXs_IbrjrpaTJvJXE_8MgDcrCWOcOrr_5eYEzuwXl8TIF7vax3WJLNmJk23IMLfV9aR_a9705dgNFl0RRkjIIkGLsiN5Cw/s320/014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQFvdzOaU1T7WU9uueFx9-ThbOkoTxGaonBaE_b8juD68G0fKoPEYjUg1veuQlcSuaYmqL_rbLwO4NzhuxN6x1TfO9Zuh5127eKA61xbH-Z0RwDe_lJmwgHveNcX5mfFCowArndb_NHg/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQFvdzOaU1T7WU9uueFx9-ThbOkoTxGaonBaE_b8juD68G0fKoPEYjUg1veuQlcSuaYmqL_rbLwO4NzhuxN6x1TfO9Zuh5127eKA61xbH-Z0RwDe_lJmwgHveNcX5mfFCowArndb_NHg/s320/015.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I also had some delicious kombucha. I tried the cranberry flavor, a new one to me, and really enjoyed it!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For dinner I was feeling like doing some more snacking and more chips and cheddar spread sounded like the perfect thing! I forgot to snap a picture (although you already have a visual from above) but did get some of the roasted cauliflower I enjoyed afterwards! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1xuVO9icW_jQ294H_UGd5MjggwJEihdPU3Hi4gkF-FaTxBRL9KArILYHEdJ8G8A2oLQrsiIf1qVJ9Kmz1_yF5rR0CtqZjt-qu6od2xfoxqYmGKqti1TVdF3DgMva9sSHP5F6ZhPWMfw/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1xuVO9icW_jQ294H_UGd5MjggwJEihdPU3Hi4gkF-FaTxBRL9KArILYHEdJ8G8A2oLQrsiIf1qVJ9Kmz1_yF5rR0CtqZjt-qu6od2xfoxqYmGKqti1TVdF3DgMva9sSHP5F6ZhPWMfw/s320/016.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdQO9K461Bt77fcrPX4bQnDerPDQSAekovkOyZsrgXA-hxTMJbXP9XhemL9np6NXWgAk16Rt6fzxl3IL3xYK1GCP1LD6skXDk8zm-Y_OPDyNKuzFgd19Fv0bjvTCXE_fDcO3ry43mUnw/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdQO9K461Bt77fcrPX4bQnDerPDQSAekovkOyZsrgXA-hxTMJbXP9XhemL9np6NXWgAk16Rt6fzxl3IL3xYK1GCP1LD6skXDk8zm-Y_OPDyNKuzFgd19Fv0bjvTCXE_fDcO3ry43mUnw/s320/017.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I enjoyed my cauliflower with some tahini sauce, one of my new favorite veggie dishes! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Throughout the day I also enjoyed many cups of tea, my go to beverage when I'm wanting something a bit more interesting than water!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Well there you have it, my day's worth of food! I hope you all eat some tasty meals this Wednesday!</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051656756136889879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5396458464176594310.post-49550397438363063052013-09-17T15:42:00.000-07:002013-09-17T15:42:18.339-07:00Cheezy Twice Baked PotatoThe first night of my trip, my roommates' mom made me a <i>delicious</i> twice baked potato which inspired me to take my own crack at it!<br />
<br />
Here's my version of a twice baked potato, cheezy style!<br />
<br />
<b>Cheezy Twice Baked Potato</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Ingredients:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Russet potato</li>
<li>1/4 cup non-dairy milk (I used soy)</li>
<li>1/4-1/2 cup chopped yellow/white onion</li>
<li>2 TBSP nutritional yeast</li>
<li>salt and pepper to taste</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Directions: </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
1. Bake potato until fork tender. (I usually bake mine in the microwave by poking fork holes and heating for 8-10 minutes)</div>
<div>
2. Cut baked potato in half and scoop out insides into a bowl, making sure to save the skins in their original shape. </div>
<div>
3. Mix potato insides with non-dairy milk, onion, and nutritional yeast, adding salt and pepper until you get your desired taste. (You definitely want to add the salt and pepper, I'm sure other seasonings would be great too)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFBF2TIFHfaQDbCe0lT6zrnhYw08pdCMqyrG1WCKKJxKbV42CzmR1_AQW6et2cZ7hJ2yZUjnKFw0iV226Ua0Vxdac-u9lnPK8j_4iQmh0LNCXFOnO6AU-8PL7Jmwtvj46lQhQxdBV19A/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFBF2TIFHfaQDbCe0lT6zrnhYw08pdCMqyrG1WCKKJxKbV42CzmR1_AQW6et2cZ7hJ2yZUjnKFw0iV226Ua0Vxdac-u9lnPK8j_4iQmh0LNCXFOnO6AU-8PL7Jmwtvj46lQhQxdBV19A/s320/007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
4. Bake in oven at 400 degrees until nice and hot, about 10-15 minutes. (I baked mine wrapped in tin foil)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC2-N9etQ_IlE7v4MHrskpCkzQPJ5fmy_jMK0wKzb0jUDKSsBPYJ0-iw3-mGgi98QzThttNGsGOh8fTuOXlcSza-b2kAcZ82CLQjFAVBYkDxM3iA8NgT2c_sIjNkrCjeUrb6cHGIsc5w/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC2-N9etQ_IlE7v4MHrskpCkzQPJ5fmy_jMK0wKzb0jUDKSsBPYJ0-iw3-mGgi98QzThttNGsGOh8fTuOXlcSza-b2kAcZ82CLQjFAVBYkDxM3iA8NgT2c_sIjNkrCjeUrb6cHGIsc5w/s320/008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
5. Enjoy!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbc9esaaHHH9reAmRpH-aq_Dcpm9yaaB9wltIFhEETRetmZO7BpbYcncWs5ArkKjYNCF82GNF94IAAgVlqky5qCceHwlKv_3r3W9sn8OflPP3nbnAuOMobd_F5DbWehY-R-y-8YSdLWQ/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbc9esaaHHH9reAmRpH-aq_Dcpm9yaaB9wltIFhEETRetmZO7BpbYcncWs5ArkKjYNCF82GNF94IAAgVlqky5qCceHwlKv_3r3W9sn8OflPP3nbnAuOMobd_F5DbWehY-R-y-8YSdLWQ/s320/010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Yummy yummy! I can already tell I'll be making this a lot in the coming months! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Happy Tuesday!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051656756136889879noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5396458464176594310.post-32881212077048750572013-09-16T12:00:00.000-07:002013-09-16T12:00:23.186-07:00Monday Love List Number Thirteen! Happy Monday all!<br />
<br />
I thought I would get back to an old tradition and write a <a href="http://theseattlechickpea.blogspot.com/2013/08/monday-love-list-number-eleven.html" target="_blank">Monday love list</a>!<br />
<br />
There's a lot to love out in the vegan blogosphere, all the <a href="http://www.veganmofo.com/" target="_blank">Vegan Mofo</a>-ing is producing some great stuff!<br />
<br />
<b>1. Raw, Vegan Blackberry Cheesecake Bars by Gena at <a href="http://www.choosingraw.com/" target="_blank">Choosing Raw</a></b><br />
<br />
YUM! Just the name of these makes it clear that these will be <i>delicious!! </i>You can find the recipe, and a ton of mouthwatering pictures <a href="http://www.choosingraw.com/raw-vegan-blackberry-cheesecake-bars/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<b>2. Thought provoking articles</b><br />
<br />
Gena also posted a really great article yesterday titled "<a href="http://www.choosingraw.com/new-inquiries-into-eating-disorders-and-obesity/" target="_blank">New Inquiries Into Eating Disorders and Obesity</a>" which I found to be not only excellently written but also really interesting.<br />
<br />
Having studied both eating disorders and issues of overweight and obesity in various classes I was aware of issues with prevention programs for one potentially having negative impacts on those susceptible to the other, but most of what I have read has been largely based on theories and speculation, so it was really interesting to learn about the study Gena references which looks specifically at the concurrence between eating disorders and overweight/obesity.<br />
<br />
I also really enjoyed Gena's take on it and as always, Gena speaks beautifully. I would highly recommend giving it a read!<br />
<br />
<b>3. A new breakfast to make!</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Just this morning I checked out Angela's newest recipe over at <a href="http://ohsheglows.com/" target="_blank">Oh She Glows</a> for a <a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2013/09/15/jumbo-chickpea-pancake-a-high-protein-filling-vegan-breakfast-or-lunch/" target="_blank">Jumbo Chickpea Pancake</a>. I love chickpeas and chickpea flour and plus the ingredients are super simple and it looks easy to make! I will definitely be making this soon!<br />
<br />
<b>4. Time for some R&R </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
For most of this week my roommate and I are hanging out at her family's beach condo just off the beach at Seaside, OR and it has been amazing so far. I love having the time to just relax and do whatever I feel like. It is also just the perfect vacation to take with school looming in the very near future.<br />
<br />
<b>5. A trip to Herbivore (finally)</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
When my parents and I were stopping in Portland, OR on the last leg of our road trip last month we stopped at the <a href="http://vegnews.com/articles/page.do?pageId=246&catId=1" target="_blank">Vegan Mini-mall</a> with the intention of going to <a href="http://www.herbivoreclothing.com/" target="_blank">Herbivore Clothing Co</a>. Unfortunately they had closed early as Labor Day was the following day and we did not get to go! We did have a great time stopping in <a href="http://www.foodfightgrocery.com/" target="_blank">Food Fight</a> and <a href="http://sweetpeabaking.com/" target="_blank">Sweetpea Baking Co</a> but I was left longing to get a look at some vegan clothing!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjapep8Sqs0pZBpDpfzR_3-Sn88p2wtf6jukwJl1kx6rcbmfj6hP0M6xH_W-MsmziLxIHQNHSXz17-qjraOAO0R2rETCaUNamN7txQy5HesuKBGaPff7rdT2CgLkmAUSFPqMos0nBPOBg/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjapep8Sqs0pZBpDpfzR_3-Sn88p2wtf6jukwJl1kx6rcbmfj6hP0M6xH_W-MsmziLxIHQNHSXz17-qjraOAO0R2rETCaUNamN7txQy5HesuKBGaPff7rdT2CgLkmAUSFPqMos0nBPOBg/s320/006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Thankfully, this need has now been met as on the way out to the beach yesterday we got to stop in! I got my hands on a "<a href="http://www.herbivoreclothing.com/compassion-is-invincible-unisex-black-v-neck/" target="_blank">Compassion is Invincible</a>" t-shirt as well as an "<a href="http://www.herbivoreclothing.com/products/Only-Kale-Can-Save-Us-Now-Tote-Bag.html" target="_blank">Only kale can save us now</a>" tote bag with some pins and stickers thrown in for good measure! I could have bought a lot more, but I guess that's what the online store will be for in the future!<br />
<br />
<b>6. A new web series </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
On <a href="http://www.ourhenhouse.org/2013/09/episode-192-if-i-look-at-the-mass-i-will-never-act-if-i-look-at-the-one-i-will/" target="_blank">this week's episode of <span id="goog_687639892"></span>Our Hen House</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_687639893"></span></a>, Mariann reviews the new Weather Channel web series <a href="http://www.weather.com/weather-films/shows/brink/index.html" target="_blank">Brink</a> in which short videos (about 4-5 minutes) highlight different animals that are on the brink of extinction and efforts to help prevent this.<br />
<br />
I watched the first one, on jaguars, last night and really enjoyed it. I was really surprised at how much they could fit into such a short video, but I found it really informative and easy to digest.<br />
<br />
<b>7. Getting to say goodbye to a vegetarian restaurant</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
In my parent's neighborhood the vegetarian restaurant, <a href="http://www.carmelita.net/" target="_blank">Carmelita</a>, which has been there for over 17 years will be closing at the end of the month. I was lucky enough to visit there one last time with my parents this past week and had a wonderful meal.<br />
<br />
While they do serve dairy and eggs here, many items are already vegan or have a vegan option and they also have a large selection of gluten-free meals to choose from, leaving me with many options to choose from! Here's what I went with this time around:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1gwaTn7dQmVfejMrmkO8jeijrkhVkNxvAGCpQ_-cgYs8DnTdaFwQMaIXKODwKtPIg8S5QXEoxOLCLw4ansZeFnvmc_bDlxWqgx1fFFl0FHU2R5AODnkYscpRHqM-uYTMG0C9mUWPqbQ/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1gwaTn7dQmVfejMrmkO8jeijrkhVkNxvAGCpQ_-cgYs8DnTdaFwQMaIXKODwKtPIg8S5QXEoxOLCLw4ansZeFnvmc_bDlxWqgx1fFFl0FHU2R5AODnkYscpRHqM-uYTMG0C9mUWPqbQ/s320/003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
A Hermiston Watermelon Salad with radish, baby arugula, pistachios, balsamic reduction, and a lime-ginger vinaigrette. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEierl2-acEQ-5jGg51PIJ4p6CKspngS8oWya3j246jzL0Xfz5e_hUyb8gjW9b5nqoBnsSEWFh1VfORhIaGEWLkoM-AG0hNm2HUVQcEbnTRGSbfS27W_umc9YWVFFihQMhweBv6ydmuUSA/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEierl2-acEQ-5jGg51PIJ4p6CKspngS8oWya3j246jzL0Xfz5e_hUyb8gjW9b5nqoBnsSEWFh1VfORhIaGEWLkoM-AG0hNm2HUVQcEbnTRGSbfS27W_umc9YWVFFihQMhweBv6ydmuUSA/s320/006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
For my main dish I had a delicious Summer Vegetable Terrine made with marinated eggplant, summer squash, heirloom tomatoes, squash pitsou, hazelnut agodulce, and greens. It was amazing!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5C8Hb8LTfgNVFzZXlxk4zB3eSIWUsqf6NetEGXlqGUU-fAowT8izSCkPGfXkAuPeOexgNaFSVqPyebX7EEL2AKZsWUide2Vv6PhEJwHmh2g6iKWqr-BgexvbOah1Y2yTkZTo3_nY-2A/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5C8Hb8LTfgNVFzZXlxk4zB3eSIWUsqf6NetEGXlqGUU-fAowT8izSCkPGfXkAuPeOexgNaFSVqPyebX7EEL2AKZsWUide2Vv6PhEJwHmh2g6iKWqr-BgexvbOah1Y2yTkZTo3_nY-2A/s320/014.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goodbye Camelita!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Well with that I hope everyone had a great weekend and has a lot of fun things planned for the upcoming week!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051656756136889879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5396458464176594310.post-3945378070905964812013-09-13T16:03:00.000-07:002013-09-13T16:03:09.875-07:00It's International Chocolate Day! Apparently today is International Chocolate Day! I learned about this this morning when I checked out <a href="http://www.care2.com/causes/18-delicious-vegan-chocolates-and-one-thats-awful.html?page=1" target="_blank">this post</a> about vegan chocolates and I thought this would be a perfect time to share some of my favorite chocolate!<br />
<h4>
<br /></h4>
<h4>
Theo Chocolate Bars</h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I love Theo chocolate, and what makes it even better is that it's made in Seattle! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8oW03ZIRflH81O4PUefHW9cw40h9E_gsuXXeqXvbY6acVwQNCP4gTqnLHwQ5i65n5US3h94CngQiGBuIXKOUgcsqMjAvdesgV_lwJ92Ad5zAvXd0UPE4TYr8O2-Dd_aG0fjgF8x2BpA/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8oW03ZIRflH81O4PUefHW9cw40h9E_gsuXXeqXvbY6acVwQNCP4gTqnLHwQ5i65n5US3h94CngQiGBuIXKOUgcsqMjAvdesgV_lwJ92Ad5zAvXd0UPE4TYr8O2-Dd_aG0fjgF8x2BpA/s320/016.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My favorite bars are the Salted Almond bar and the Cherry Almond bar. Both of these bars are certainly dark chocolate and have a nice, bitter chocolate after-taste. Sometimes this after-taste is a bit much for me but it is certainly high quality chocolate! These bars are also not overly sweet, which is always something I am sensitive too. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I especially love these two flavors. The salt in the Salted Almond is not too strong and balances out the chocolate nicely. Alternatively the cherries in the Cherry Almond bar add a really nice chewy texture to the bar. I also find that with the added flavors the bitter after-taste is much reduced. Another thing that's nice about these bars is that they stick around for a long time since I can have a small piece and feel satisfied.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've also toured the Theo factory here in Seattle and so knowing exactly how my bars are made is another plus!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrbZolzmGK8-5RKMQbRsl6QbXp8izUkbONm8Lt3dQCCJzr5jBfgf-aUvpbBXdNM83q-Iv5yTrNTUULOMLOueycplYkQPAMio-9T7ILRvxGuskwDiq3jYGtrYYg6aPTHnqoiX1aeEwQMg/s1600/Theo+and+Pride+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrbZolzmGK8-5RKMQbRsl6QbXp8izUkbONm8Lt3dQCCJzr5jBfgf-aUvpbBXdNM83q-Iv5yTrNTUULOMLOueycplYkQPAMio-9T7ILRvxGuskwDiq3jYGtrYYg6aPTHnqoiX1aeEwQMg/s320/Theo+and+Pride+004.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A chocolate sculpture in the Theo factory</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>
<br /></h4>
<h4>
Endangered Species Chocolate</h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I love this chocolate! Not only do I love that this company donates 10% of their net profits to support species conservation, habitat preservation, and humanitarian efforts but it just tastes great! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMp3Z3b8aw7D17sSfEDU6ZRh55CruE6gApn58EEyef_cZBQPUnt5VsfhJHtr28k0PpTHpieuFWRBSPLaYC2Bz-UXoN6qjFfuUYUXysfIXwXQmFo97K7R1X5vCmKfoXB-skreSHySXbIg/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMp3Z3b8aw7D17sSfEDU6ZRh55CruE6gApn58EEyef_cZBQPUnt5VsfhJHtr28k0PpTHpieuFWRBSPLaYC2Bz-UXoN6qjFfuUYUXysfIXwXQmFo97K7R1X5vCmKfoXB-skreSHySXbIg/s320/019.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
With a 72% cocoa content this is a great, basic chocolate that always satisfies me. Once again, like Theo chocolate, it isn't too sweet and leaves me with a nice after-taste. Forest Mint is my favorite flavor, and I love getting it in squares, a perfect serving size with much less temptation to eat the entire bar!</div>
<h4>
<br /></h4>
<h4>
Sjaak's Chocolate</h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
To me, this is the most decadent of the chocolates that I eat in any sort of regularity. I love that Sjaak's makes a variety of vegan milk chocolates, and I also love all their little "bites" and "hearts."</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_VVmsB-Mucm_AHHDdbfAUehVlAHcgbq9OnBFdJ5Gr-ajyyucOaEYkUJZvashZ0XCTpx3fpyzC31mxPy1sJo6lVY_L1TmpnEUcHvLukQ_0q-LdGPNEUlL0Ye7xv3j4064wJ_a6BfyPLw/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_VVmsB-Mucm_AHHDdbfAUehVlAHcgbq9OnBFdJ5Gr-ajyyucOaEYkUJZvashZ0XCTpx3fpyzC31mxPy1sJo6lVY_L1TmpnEUcHvLukQ_0q-LdGPNEUlL0Ye7xv3j4064wJ_a6BfyPLw/s320/022.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Today I got the Mint Mill and Lavender Heart, both of which I love. The Mint Mill has a tasty soft center and makes a great dessert! I also love the Lavender Heart and I don't find the lavender too overpowering, a problem I often have with lavender products. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I also love their bars, especially their Dark Chocolate with Creamy Caramel bar. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk_bgok44dBsPaIfLLtULF31qJmPImbk3HEq7z_iJ6Omg-oFaNfP3tRohOgmlGrHKf98G4LiMdFkpz6eiM6QYmGtqNxtH2YTbDrrTjJJc2bN0LM4O9C6w8gC74En2U3LnyGxkwVgXMUw/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk_bgok44dBsPaIfLLtULF31qJmPImbk3HEq7z_iJ6Omg-oFaNfP3tRohOgmlGrHKf98G4LiMdFkpz6eiM6QYmGtqNxtH2YTbDrrTjJJc2bN0LM4O9C6w8gC74En2U3LnyGxkwVgXMUw/s320/021.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div>
Having a corn allergy, caramel I can eat is hard for me to find, so when I first saw this bar, I was ecstatic! This bar is <i>very</i> rich and creamy and quite sweet. Thus, Sjaak's is a brand I only have on special occasions, when I'm really wanting a sweet treat. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Well, there you have it, my favorite chocolates! Chocolate is definitely my dessert vice so I try not to keep too much of it around the apartment. However when a special occasion like International Chocolate Day comes around, who can resist?! Now I just need to find someone to share all of this chocolate with! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051656756136889879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5396458464176594310.post-55988351546032282782013-09-12T18:06:00.000-07:002013-09-13T09:48:36.140-07:00A Review: Vegan for HerToday I thought I would write another review, this time for the book <a href="http://veganforher.com/" target="_blank"><i>Vegan for Her</i></a> by Virginia (Ginny) Messina, MPH, RD with JL Fields. Ginny can be found online at <a href="http://www.theveganrd.com/" target="_blank">the Vegan RD</a> and JL can be found both at <a href="http://jlgoesvegan.com/" target="_blank">JL Goes Vegan</a> and <a href="http://stopchasingskinny.com/" target="_blank">Stop Chasing Skinny</a>.<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEits2M_I5aKtS9MNls_i6lA-Yokp-9Z6eGcv6FQV1dlwPsE-sl7ABHbDhDh4yDhWtL_s_FbJIZjGUjjinTRDcvkUzQ4wa5fxJQYWNHQNkMRhUeod3tFjiCceyFR5Vc6qqjiiuRHbOIYOw/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEits2M_I5aKtS9MNls_i6lA-Yokp-9Z6eGcv6FQV1dlwPsE-sl7ABHbDhDh4yDhWtL_s_FbJIZjGUjjinTRDcvkUzQ4wa5fxJQYWNHQNkMRhUeod3tFjiCceyFR5Vc6qqjiiuRHbOIYOw/s320/008.JPG" width="240"></a></div>
<br>
When I first heard that <i>Vegan for Her</i> was coming out I was instantly excited. I am always doing more research about veganism (in terms of heath, the animals, and the environment) but I normally do so through internet resources or through books I check out from the library. This allows me to only add the best books and the ones that speak to me the most to my personal collection. However, with this book I knew I wanted to own it right away! Having followed both Ginny and JL online for quite some time, I knew I appreciated and valued their perspective and expertise, so I knew it would be a hit!<br>
<br>
My instincts did not lead me wrong and I really loved reading <i>Vegan for Her </i>and have been referencing it since. One thing I really appreciate about this book is Ginny's focus on high quality scientific research. Ginny even goes into detail about the studies she views as quality research and therefore focuses on in the book. She says "In this book, I've tried to emphasize findings from the most robust and scientifically credible studies and to build recommendations around evidence that has the most solid support" (pg. 51). This means that most of the information used by Ginny comes from intervention, or clinical, studies and prospective observational studies. This is something the Psychology major in me very much appreciates. I have been told so many times throughout my undergraduate education (and rightfully so) "correlation does not equal causation" and so the research Ginny uses is just my type of research!<br>
<br>
I also really liked the layout of this book. Part one talks about "Going Vegan" and covered the basics of a balanced vegan diet. Next, part two talks about "Healthy Eating for all the Times of a Woman's Life" in which specific topics, such as diet and hormones, fertility, and athleticism are discussed. "Lifelong Health for Vegan Women" is the topic of part three which includes topics such as preventing breast cancer, eating for strong bones, and fighting pain. The layout of this book makes it easy to find research and recommendations about a specific topic you are interested in or concerned about. Conversely, it allows you to skip the topics that may not be as much of a concern for you. This layout has also been very helpful after reading through the whole book because if I want to go back and re-read a certain section, say on diet and hormones, I know exactly where to go.<br>
<br>
Some of my favorite chapters in <i>Vegan for Her</i> were "Health and Happiness Beyond the Scale," "Feeling Good: Managing Stress and Depression," and "Veganism Beyond the Plate" which was written by JL.<br>
<br>
In "Health and Happiness Beyond the Scale" Ginny talks about maintaining and obtaining a healthy weight and tools for healthy weight loss when necessary but also discusses the issues with repeated failed attempts of losing weight and how it can be more healthful to maintain a slightly higher weight than may be ideal while eating a healthy diet. She also discusses the idea that being vegan automatically means you will lose weight and be thin and how in actuality, this is not necessarily the case. I very much enjoyed this section, as I have found this to be a common idea perpetuated online about the vegan diet. My favorite part of this chapter reads:<br>
<br>
"Many, many women struggle with their weight. A vegan diet may help some women lose weight, but it's not a foolproof weight control program. However, without a doubt, eating more plant foods can improve your health at any weight. And, a vegan diet always delivers on its most important promises. It is <i>guaranteed</i> to make your diet more respectful and compassionate. Whether or not you can be thin, you can always choose to make the way you eat matter to yourself, to animals, and to the world" (pg. 132).<br>
<br>
In "Feeling Good: Managing Stress and Depression" Ginny talks about things like potential supplements to help mood, tips for coping with stress, anxiety, and depression, how to keep your diet from causing undo stress, and my favorite section about when being vegan can cause stress. I found this last section extremely helpful and it is one I am sure I will turn back to in the future.<br>
<br>
In JL's chapter, "Veganism Beyond the Plate" she talks about taking your veganism farther than your diet. I especially found her section on vegan clothing and cosmetics helpful and loved all her ideas about how to volunteer to make more of a difference for animals.<br>
<br>
The last section of this book, part four, contains recipes crafted by JL and while I must admit I have yet to take a crack at any, I certainly need to! The many recipes that JL has crafted look simple and practical and having seen the food she shares on her blog I'm sure everything is delicious!<br>
<br>
One additional benefit connected to this book are the forums <a href="http://veganforher.com/forums/" target="_blank">available online</a>. I have also personally used these and have been helped tremendously. If you have any questions or want to connect to other vegans, you should definitely check it out!<br>
<br>
So there you have it! I'm sure you can tell I loved <i>Vegan for Her</i>! I would highly recommend it to any female vegans who have specific concerns or would just like more general information! I also found that this book provided me with a lot of new information, even though I have done a lot of prior research on the topic, and I am glad to have such a well written and informative resource to turn to!<br>
<br>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051656756136889879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5396458464176594310.post-70360861935711681162013-09-11T20:43:00.001-07:002013-09-11T20:44:49.345-07:00A Glimpse at My Food!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Today I thought I would participate in "<a href="http://www.peasandcrayons.com/p/what-i-ate-wednesday.html" target="_blank">What I ate Wednesday</a>" where bloggers post what they ate throughout the day (or the preceding day). I got this idea when I read a <a href="http://www.carrieonvegan.com/2013/09/11/healthy-vegan-food-diary-homemade-chocolate-mint-tea/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+CarrieOnVegan+%28Carrie+On+Vegan%29" target="_blank">post this morning</a> by <a href="http://www.carrieonvegan.com/" target="_blank">Carrie at Carrie on Vegan</a>. So here we go!<br />
<br />
This morning I started out with some Teeccino and a mango berry smoothie!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir81BQ1jaRTKIbS4X0a803Y9g8wpPAbdm7Wx6bMPsQhfyjUFyyA3EEmpM14wSEC2w8R78Mi5tEfH8o133RDES9G0l7C9jiMF42AOF1bfRXKMOQQenRLrcyxJn4MmEXtD_-v5UHpSZkVA/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir81BQ1jaRTKIbS4X0a803Y9g8wpPAbdm7Wx6bMPsQhfyjUFyyA3EEmpM14wSEC2w8R78Mi5tEfH8o133RDES9G0l7C9jiMF42AOF1bfRXKMOQQenRLrcyxJn4MmEXtD_-v5UHpSZkVA/s320/013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
This is the Mocha variety, apparently when you brew the regular, barley containing variety of Teeccino, it is actually gluten-free. Awesome!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJM8kEnb7HW8TOjexlNHdryreXarircQ31v0IBZQeDtN3oQJTbDdJ_diQN9GADbb3pEhiYrf7khzVQf-pi0dPnV9W1Nf690DVH5qUnHeqPYveT58Jmsk8UmoZWyka2dlnSY69RVVYosg/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJM8kEnb7HW8TOjexlNHdryreXarircQ31v0IBZQeDtN3oQJTbDdJ_diQN9GADbb3pEhiYrf7khzVQf-pi0dPnV9W1Nf690DVH5qUnHeqPYveT58Jmsk8UmoZWyka2dlnSY69RVVYosg/s320/015.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Here in Seattle, our Septembers are normally when we have the hottest weather and this September is no exception! Today temperatures reached over 90 degrees (I believe 93) and so when the heat drove me out of my third floor apartment, I enjoyed lunch outside! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnajZv7O9bJeSdXH79jrcEqBQok-HLbyaVRY5e78vqZTd3rlmX149nWyjljpkLrRxHEgMdYAZmNTGUjKlx6Lf8NX0TzzysBHdufRuqbEmU35vam2zVbzGCXFfzqRD_R3f7xyheuPtSXw/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnajZv7O9bJeSdXH79jrcEqBQok-HLbyaVRY5e78vqZTd3rlmX149nWyjljpkLrRxHEgMdYAZmNTGUjKlx6Lf8NX0TzzysBHdufRuqbEmU35vam2zVbzGCXFfzqRD_R3f7xyheuPtSXw/s320/016.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For my impromptu picnic today I enjoyed a baked potato and a nice salad! Delicious!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHT9-u1OomCavLiOEVW3AjqIwtMmmYVMo5nwjGA8agnexLumED2kZZEJWH3FITqmWueQT6czX25Rid8Hmg0E_DutiivJgwd3a84d31c3zo5xI6vuNpAGTRxU3Qe7VJadFdBJ4Q5lTskA/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHT9-u1OomCavLiOEVW3AjqIwtMmmYVMo5nwjGA8agnexLumED2kZZEJWH3FITqmWueQT6czX25Rid8Hmg0E_DutiivJgwd3a84d31c3zo5xI6vuNpAGTRxU3Qe7VJadFdBJ4Q5lTskA/s320/017.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
A baked potato with organic ketchup, Dijon mustard, green onions, and Himalayan pink salt.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOILlTpWSx-T3QZoB6ukxzAtMO7Jd_pSKMhQpKlt6jumlvWyRcV9Xtd1NLDDgHrZP-NvIKnLNxOFoY4FaVZmpGZ7TSx9-gfS0d5SaZ2fszVKq8GXnsfF8rG7AlIrEJCQtawd2-6MIrRw/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOILlTpWSx-T3QZoB6ukxzAtMO7Jd_pSKMhQpKlt6jumlvWyRcV9Xtd1NLDDgHrZP-NvIKnLNxOFoY4FaVZmpGZ7TSx9-gfS0d5SaZ2fszVKq8GXnsfF8rG7AlIrEJCQtawd2-6MIrRw/s320/018.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Today my salad featured romaine, spinach, green cabbage, broccoli slaw, cucumber slices, and white beans topped with flax oil and a tahini-nutritional yeast dressing. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Before having lunch I also visited my University's bookstore and lo and behold found that they carry bags and wallets by <a href="http://www.bigbuddha.com/" target="_blank">Big Buddha</a>! Earlier this week I just got my first Big Buddha bag and so I thought I would get a wallet to match! I'm just so pleased!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGGkQykCGiwoWngL8iyb0Ek-GuexVe9QfJ85igjc_8r1nDnDKu7YQRrIwPR9F_1gbCCZM4bOVboWkV3fsxJAiFTdNLYYtPk5Bp2RUie5KwC89zDEAzxjDXrElnAb2YvlYIQCm-M95eDQ/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGGkQykCGiwoWngL8iyb0Ek-GuexVe9QfJ85igjc_8r1nDnDKu7YQRrIwPR9F_1gbCCZM4bOVboWkV3fsxJAiFTdNLYYtPk5Bp2RUie5KwC89zDEAzxjDXrElnAb2YvlYIQCm-M95eDQ/s320/021.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adorable!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div>
I had a great afternoon hanging out outside with my picnic and new Big Budda bag and wallet and also had a chance to debut my new <a href="http://www.ourhenhouse.org/" target="_blank">Our Hen House</a> tote bag!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPRNBGalnO51ABV2PP0Z9HpB2_FVb2oJYfGqWeZyLvHBt9j8ckZw2ZMnMpQkAVjdjBrzOi6_q57c9k984skCYMKVzJ8v2XYOpOjiqyfXUqDg5G7RnQ8kA7t6uRsZtmcziCqgXypVxDaQ/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPRNBGalnO51ABV2PP0Z9HpB2_FVb2oJYfGqWeZyLvHBt9j8ckZw2ZMnMpQkAVjdjBrzOi6_q57c9k984skCYMKVzJ8v2XYOpOjiqyfXUqDg5G7RnQ8kA7t6uRsZtmcziCqgXypVxDaQ/s320/023.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Onto dinner! I currently have the Forks Over Knives Cookbook out from the library so today I tried the recipe for Penne with Tomato "Alfredo" Sauce and it was pretty good! I added some kale for a little leafy green kick and had a great dinner! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhczWfZi_rA9fxTUS-u_3yf1qJEnUsOgcK32nrydxxmlDUmsPjemE7g2JtROJzwODklrE7nTG_hFfW7JBpFVYozoDmDLuSkB9zrEGubDsdexgR0FVbZKGS9FS6NT5o0nBeVR3_VahDL9w/s1600/025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhczWfZi_rA9fxTUS-u_3yf1qJEnUsOgcK32nrydxxmlDUmsPjemE7g2JtROJzwODklrE7nTG_hFfW7JBpFVYozoDmDLuSkB9zrEGubDsdexgR0FVbZKGS9FS6NT5o0nBeVR3_VahDL9w/s320/025.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love me some pasta!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I may also enjoy some form of dessert later this evening, perhaps some tea and fruit, but I wanted to get this published before it got way too late!<br />
<br />
<div>
Well, with that I have a pile of dishes to do! I enjoyed documenting my food and think I may continue participating in "What I ate Wednesday!"</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Happy Wednesday!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051656756136889879noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5396458464176594310.post-31565149287212183162013-09-10T17:02:00.000-07:002013-09-10T17:06:18.386-07:00A Restaurant Review: Veggie Grill<div dir="ltr">
Today I thought I would review the restaurant chain <a href="http://www.veggiegrill.com/menu.html">Veggie Grill</a>!</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.veggiegrill.com/images/pix_visit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="109" src="http://www.veggiegrill.com/images/pix_visit.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
When I saw that this restaurant opened up in the <a href="http://www.uvillage.com/">University Village</a>, here in the University District of Seattle, I was a bit skeptical and unsure about giving it a try, however I am glad I did! </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
One thing I really appreciate about Veggie Grill is how accommodating they are to food allergies and sensitivities. They have everything that's gluten-free already marked on the menu and then also list gluten-free, soy-free, seed and nut-free, and even garlic-free items on their website. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Additionally, they have always been very helpful when I ask about a certain menu item. Behind the register they have a binder containing all the ingredient lists for their food, which I have thumbed through on many occasions. I have also never felt I was being a bother when asking for more information on their ingredients. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Finally, everything I've had there has been delicious! My staple is their Gluten-Free Power Plate. I love how their kale is cooked (not too tough but not over-cooked) and the miso dressing on top is great. I also love the portobello mushroom paired with caramelized onions and yummy tempeh. Oh and the chipotle ranch dressing! It's really just amazing!</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
So all and all Veggie Grill is a win for me. It's great to have a good place to eat if I'm out shopping, or a handy place to run out and grab a meal when I'm not up for cooking at home.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
My one qualm with this chain, however, is their total avoidance of the word "vegan." I've heard from others that they have chosen to do this based on marketing studies and with the goal, as far as I have understood, to bring in people who may otherwise be turned off by the word. However, I have also heard of customers being upset to learn, after receiving their meal, that the restaurant does not serve any animal products and I myself was unsure if they were a vegan restaurant when I first saw their menu, misunderstandings that I'm sure would be reduced with the use of "vegan." </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
They do use words like "Chickn'" and "VG-Cheese" and on their website say: "We are proudly committed to serving 100% plant based food. No matter what you enjoy at Veggie Grill, you can be assured that your food has no meat, dairy, eggs, cholesterol, animal fat, or trans fat." However, this did not prevent me from asking my server the first time I came in the restaurant what dishes were vegan, to which I received an answer along the lines of "Everything's vegan, we just don't label it that way." Which left me wondering "Well why not?!"</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
How do you feel about their avoidance of labeling their (vegan) food as vegan? Do you think it helps bring in people who may have otherwise walked on by? Or do you think it may cause confusion and perhaps lead some vegans to miss this new vegan restaurant? How much do you think the labels we use matter when talking about veganism and vegan food? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Happy Tuesday!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051656756136889879noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5396458464176594310.post-24432562591205089492013-09-09T17:51:00.001-07:002013-09-09T17:53:01.024-07:00My Favorite Blogs Part One: Oh She GlowsHappy Monday!<br />
<br />
This may or may not be clear from the recipes I have shared thus far for <a href="http://www.veganmofo.com/" target="_blank">VeganMofo</a>, but I am not a chef or recipe creator. In fact, the recipes I have been sharing this past week I can easily say are the first recipes I have really "created." I certainly cook all the time, and like to create new food concoctions for myself, but as I learned last week, recipe creation is something entirely different!<br />
<br />
Most of my cooking is taken either directly from some of my favorite blogs, or is at least inspired by some of these blogs. As such, I thought one thing I would do this month is share some of these blogs and my favorite things I have made and learned from them!<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://ohsheglows.com/" target="_blank">Oh She Glows</a></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
This was the very first blog that I really started to follow. I found Angela Liddon at <a href="http://ohsheglows.com/" target="_blank">Oh She Glows</a> even before I went vegan and I can honestly say, she is one of the reasons why I was able to go vegan so easily. Even before I cut all animal products out of my diet, I knew that there was amazing, <i>delicious</i>, and easy to make vegan food and that being vegan was in no way about deprivation.<br />
<br />
This is also the blog where I send my non-vegan friends and family if they are interested in making a vegan dish. I can really honestly say that I personally have never made something I haven't liked from her and everything I have made for, or with, non-vegans has been well received!<br />
<br />
Here are just a few of my favorite recipes by her!<br />
<br />
(Please note all of the pictures I share here are from Oh She Glows and are not taken by me. You can right click each image to reach its source)<br />
<br />
<u><a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2013/01/24/my-favourite-homemade-almond-milk-step-by-step-photos/" target="_blank">Homemade Almond Milk</a></u>:<br />
<br />
I very much enjoy store-bought almond milk, but it really just doesn't compare to its homemade counterpart. Unfortunately for me, when I make homemade almond milk it is just so good that I drink it about five times faster than I would normally, and have to make it all the time! Thus, out of practicality, I make this as a treat for myself, and a very good one at that!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ohsheglows.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/homemade-almond-milk-0031_thumb2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ohsheglows.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/homemade-almond-milk-0031_thumb2.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I have also successfully combined Angela's Almond Milk recipe with her <a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2013/01/10/homemade-oat-milk-easy-fast-cheap/" target="_blank">Oat Milk recipe</a> to make a delicious combo.<br />
<br />
<u><a href="http://ohsheglows.com/categories/recipes-2/breakfast/vegan-overnight-oats/" target="_blank">Overnight Oats</a></u>:<br />
<u><br /></u>
This breakfast is amazing. As I mentioned in an earlier post, smoothies used to be my go to breakfast and I loved a smoothie in the morning (and still do) but overnight oats were what got me to switch it up! I love making overnight oats because it takes about 3 minutes once you know what you're doing, you can do it the night before, and when I'm rushing out the door grabbing my jar of oats to eat on the way to class is a life-saver!<br />
<br />
I love <a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2011/04/07/vegan-overnight-oat-parfaits-12-recipes-to-kick-off-the-season/" target="_blank">this post</a> about Angela's overnight oats, basically the possibilities are endless!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ohsheglows.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/IMG_4069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://ohsheglows.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/IMG_4069.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
My staple normally ends up being the basic overnight oats recipe with some blueberries and granola which brings me to...<br />
<br />
<u><a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2011/07/18/lightened-up-summer-granola-2/" target="_blank">Lighten Up Summer Granola</a></u>:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ohsheglows.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_6947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://ohsheglows.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_6947.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This is my favorite granola <i>ever</i>. This granola has effectively ruined all store bought granola for me! Not only it is substantially healthier than almost all store bought granola, it is just so much tastier!<br />
<br />
Overnight oats with blueberries and topped with this granola? Sounds like a good way to start the day to me!<br />
<br />
<u><a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2013/05/22/super-power-chia-bread-gluten-free/" target="_blank">Super Power Chia Bread</a></u>:<br />
<br />
Moving onto lunch, I also love this bread. Needing to eat both gluten-free and corn-free provides me with limited (and often expensive) bread options and so when I can make something at home, I'm all for it!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ohsheglows.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/glutenfreeveganbread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ohsheglows.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/glutenfreeveganbread.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
I also love chia seeds, so having them in bread is another win for me!<br />
<br />
<u><a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2011/05/27/cilantro-lime-chickpea-salad-sweat-wicking-workout-wear/" target="_blank">Cilantro Lime Chickpea Salad</a></u>:<br />
<br />
Another lunch favorite of mine, the Cilantro Lime Chickpea Salad! I love chickpeas, <i>love </i>them! I also love this salad! The onions and lime (as well as all the spices) give it a great bite and I also like how easy it is to make a big of a batch of this (just double or triple the recipe) and how well it keeps in the fridge. It's a great recipe for me to make over the weekend and then eat for lunch throughout the week.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ohsheglows.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/IMG_6377.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ohsheglows.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/IMG_6377.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<u><br /></u>
<u>Quinoa Salads</u>:<br />
<br />
I have made a lot of quinoa salad recipes by Angela, but my favorite and most frequently made is probably her <a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2011/01/21/red-quinoa-and-black-bean-vegetable-salad/" target="_blank">Red Quinoa and Black Bean Vegetable Salad</a>, which I make without the corn kernels.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ohsheglows.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/IMG_9501_thumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://ohsheglows.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/IMG_9501_thumb.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Quinoa salads are another go to for lunches for me since they are easy to make and keep really well throughout the week.<br />
<br />
<u><a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2013/06/05/thai-inspired-hydrating-cucumber-salad-with-roasted-spiced-chickpeas/" target="_blank">Thai Cucumber Salad</a></u>:<br />
<br />
This was one of my staples this summer. I love the crunchy-ness of the cooked chickpeas and the tartness of the dressing, and just all of it! Delicious!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ohsheglows.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Thaicucumbersaladwithroastedchickpeas-5047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ohsheglows.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Thaicucumbersaladwithroastedchickpeas-5047.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<u><a href="http://ohsheglows.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Thaicucumbersaladwithroastedchickpeas-5047.jpg" target="_blank">Veggie Summer Rolls</a></u>:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ohsheglows.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_2555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ohsheglows.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_2555.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
I love Thai food and I love summer rolls. So this recipe is a perfect match!<br />
<br />
<u><a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2013/07/01/rad-rainbow-raw-pad-thai/" target="_blank">Rad Rainbow Pad Thai</a></u>:<br />
<br />
Another Thai inspired recipe, this was another salad I was constantly making this summer.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ohsheglows.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/rawpadthai-6782.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ohsheglows.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/rawpadthai-6782.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
I also made this with my family and they enjoyed it as well!<br />
<br />
<u><a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2011/01/31/15-minute-creamy-avocado-pasta/" target="_blank">Creamy Avocado Pasta</a></u>:<br />
<br />
Pasta is such a college staple and so whenever I find a way to make it a bit more interesting, I'm all for it! I am also a little obsessed with avocado, so it all sounds good to me!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ohsheglows.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/IMG_0200-3_thumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="http://ohsheglows.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/IMG_0200-3_thumb.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<u><a href="http://ohsheglows.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/IMG_0200-3_thumb.jpg" target="_blank">Grilled Tofu with Pineapple Salsa and Coconut Rice</a></u>:<br />
<br />
This was another recipe I made with my non-vegan family and they totally loved it! Before making it I had never grilled tofu before and I was somewhat skeptical, but it turned out great!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ohsheglows.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_2129-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://ohsheglows.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_2129-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<u><a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2012/08/06/oil-free-chocolate-zucchini-walnut-muffins/" target="_blank">Oil-free Chocolate Zucchini Walnut Muffins</a></u>:<br />
<br />
Let's finish off with some desserts! Although I suppose you could enjoy these for breakfast, when I've made these tasty muffins I treated them more like a dessert. I've always loved carrot cakes and zucchini breads and so I also discovered through this recipe that I love zucchini muffins!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ohsheglows.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/oil-free-vegan-choclate-zucchini-muffins-3037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://ohsheglows.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/oil-free-vegan-choclate-zucchini-muffins-3037.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<u><a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2013/08/20/irresistible-chewy-trail-mix-cookies-vegan-gluten-free/" target="_blank">Irresistible Chewy Trail Mix Cookies</a></u>:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ohsheglows.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/vegantrailmixcookies-8631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ohsheglows.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/vegantrailmixcookies-8631.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
I talked about these cookies <a href="http://theseattlechickpea.blogspot.com/2013/09/its-here-its-time-for-veganmofo.html" target="_blank">earlier this month</a> but they're so good that they deserve repeating! These are definitely not something I want to have around all the time, because I know a diet of only these cookies would not be a good one, but if you are looking for a special treat, these would be awesome!<br />
<br />
<u><a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2013/08/06/summer-stone-fruit-crisp/" target="_blank">Summer Stone Fruit Crisp</a></u>:<br />
<br />
Last but not least, I love this delicious fruit crisp! This was another dish I brought to a gathering with non-vegans and it was well received! One thing I really loved about this recipe was that it wasn't overpoweringly sweet. Instead, the fruit spoke for itself and was beautifully complemented by the topping!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ohsheglows.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/stonefruitcrispvegan-8176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://ohsheglows.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/stonefruitcrispvegan-8176.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Well, as I'm sure you can see I love a lot of Angela's recipes! Whenever I'm wanting to make a new recipe <a href="http://ohsheglows.com/" target="_blank">Oh She Glows</a> is the first place I turn to, and I have yet to be disappointed!<br />
<br />
Angela is also coming out with a cookbook next year, which I could not be more thrilled about! Amazing recipes and stunning photography? Tell me where to send my money!<br />
<br />
Have you made any delicious recipes from <a href="http://ohsheglows.com/" target="_blank">Oh She Glows</a>?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051656756136889879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5396458464176594310.post-6997798468684434172013-09-06T12:40:00.002-07:002013-09-06T12:40:32.769-07:00Green Tea Banana-free SmoothieI love that the name of this smoothie rhymes!<br />
<br />
I also just love this smoothie, because well, what's not to love?<br />
<br />
Once again, I have made a banana-free smoothie, as bananas are a fruit that cause me migraines. For more please check out <a href="http://theseattlechickpea.blogspot.com/2013/09/banana-free-breakfast-smoothie-and.html" target="_blank">my first VeganMofo smoothie post</a>!<br />
<br />
<b>Green Tea Banana-free Smoothie</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBdpHlxCfbm2TYMlRmLa9EjQmSfyvAQJfu4SfGn1D6kZoucscQtKkUyPHPMnSBXZK_V6j-qehS_MXks1twcW4LTNdPGbPl1u-yMrx_w03EYOLPhN2HzTAGgDj9_5c_Skztpu_NsTgnpg/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBdpHlxCfbm2TYMlRmLa9EjQmSfyvAQJfu4SfGn1D6kZoucscQtKkUyPHPMnSBXZK_V6j-qehS_MXks1twcW4LTNdPGbPl1u-yMrx_w03EYOLPhN2HzTAGgDj9_5c_Skztpu_NsTgnpg/s320/005.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<i>Makes about 5 cups</i><br />
<b><br /></b>
Ingredients:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>2 cups brewed green tea, chilled slightly</li>
<li>1 cup mango, frozen</li>
<li>1 cup pineapple, frozen</li>
<li>1 cup berries, frozen</li>
<li>1/2 cup blueberries, frozen</li>
<li>1 tbsp flax seeds/flax seed meal</li>
<li>1 tbsp chia seeds</li>
<li>1/2 cup non-dairy milk (I used soy)</li>
</ul>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRWstj86Xzohs3mqPIgPJul15JkNLVvMRDebGczE5XUMyh9_Kc8JXTAMDs8IXtnlSix5G_5rd1VLofx6-sA6DI6L7hYdsat8271FOxWH9dmzUuxkUPfjlAdIPk7vc3tcvvt8sm-Hcl_Q/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRWstj86Xzohs3mqPIgPJul15JkNLVvMRDebGczE5XUMyh9_Kc8JXTAMDs8IXtnlSix5G_5rd1VLofx6-sA6DI6L7hYdsat8271FOxWH9dmzUuxkUPfjlAdIPk7vc3tcvvt8sm-Hcl_Q/s320/002.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All ready to go!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Directions:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
1. Brew green tea, let it chill for a few minutes. (Today I used a mango green tea but when I made this smoothie yesterday I used a basic green tea, both were delicious!) </div>
<div>
2. Place all ingredients in blender. </div>
<div>
3. Blend until smooth and enjoy!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZ8ZLkLhmHaRMJqPpIrXDGi_ohVL2nu18ZBOlvZcSq-64OoBphFy2payxwiPTrnuNKcUps3nQAtNCz9rszyQpfLmswyAGJXv_AkSgADWTE_HPKuMN0e9pReuI9fuJ0w6Rcttsc4es6g/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZ8ZLkLhmHaRMJqPpIrXDGi_ohVL2nu18ZBOlvZcSq-64OoBphFy2payxwiPTrnuNKcUps3nQAtNCz9rszyQpfLmswyAGJXv_AkSgADWTE_HPKuMN0e9pReuI9fuJ0w6Rcttsc4es6g/s320/004.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breakfast is served!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Happy Friday everyone!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051656756136889879noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5396458464176594310.post-69742083642028337542013-09-05T20:16:00.000-07:002013-09-05T20:16:05.654-07:00Time for a Coffee Break!Alright, not really. I don't actually drink coffee. I stopped drinking coffee the same time I went vegan, just over a year ago, ending a very intense and destructive love affair.<br />
<br />
After cutting this beverage out of my life I have discovered that I am actually surprisingly sensitive to caffeine. As of now I can't even have a piece of chocolate too close to bedtime without being up half the night! Over the last school year I even had to cut myself off of black tea because after drinking it every morning at the same time for a couple weeks I began to develop definite withdrawal headaches along with a general feeling of shakiness and heightened anxiety. Thus, caffeine and I are not the best of friends.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.coffee-cereal.com/images/coffee2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.coffee-cereal.com/images/coffee2.jpg" width="251" /></a></div>
<br />
However, part of the reason I became so hooked on coffee was that I loved the taste! I wouldn't only drink it because I needed my pick-me-up (although that certainly was the case) but also because I genuinely enjoyed it. So, when I saw <a href="http://teeccino.com/" target="_blank">Teeccino</a> while visiting <a href="http://www.foodfightgrocery.com/" target="_blank">Food Fight</a> last weekend, I knew I had to try it!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhekcx1V0RelSpdIw3IOVMV1tPWBVGunIAVVenzYgCnWuRLNvQgI-D1XCUnguOx6WLSK0T9VMITKix0yxiYnRqSf9za6Pm0Gd1ZHntYHQONaAIQzui8d2_nuoscaFU0YasJkqcYf6kVCg/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhekcx1V0RelSpdIw3IOVMV1tPWBVGunIAVVenzYgCnWuRLNvQgI-D1XCUnguOx6WLSK0T9VMITKix0yxiYnRqSf9za6Pm0Gd1ZHntYHQONaAIQzui8d2_nuoscaFU0YasJkqcYf6kVCg/s320/004.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://teeccino.com/" target="_blank">Teeccino</a> is an herbal coffee that is naturally caffeine free as well as non-acidic. I had heard of this product mentioned favorably by other bloggers but had yet to try it myself and let me say, I have been missing out!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigDrldJt-pk7geFaNh5iMnijPusehDubw8Qq45SgDjVWVUhsqdM9XHuW3m9MAyH5VZAPOmVZmBrCjRj60RQ4aVpYlF-3MF_gC25kVMk_aCI5dezVLzgDY8lVhiltCtcyj0ces3BEq8_Q/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigDrldJt-pk7geFaNh5iMnijPusehDubw8Qq45SgDjVWVUhsqdM9XHuW3m9MAyH5VZAPOmVZmBrCjRj60RQ4aVpYlF-3MF_gC25kVMk_aCI5dezVLzgDY8lVhiltCtcyj0ces3BEq8_Q/s320/012.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre soy-milk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I tried the <a href="http://teeccino.com/product/1019/Dandelion-Caramel-Nut-Herbal-Coffee-Tee-Bags.html" target="_blank">Dandelion Caramel Nut</a> flavor, one of the two gluten-free varieties available at <a href="http://www.foodfightgrocery.com/" target="_blank">Food Fight</a>, and it was delicious! I could taste both the caramel and the nut (almond) and really enjoyed how reminiscent the drink was of coffee. It also felt a bit decadent due to the flavors and made me feel like I was really treating myself. Now of course I would be lying if I said it tasted exactly like coffee, because it isn't coffee, but that's something I am totally ok with!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM23yrcZMkUnRoooNEWM-JhPWvEnCKEDPCweUtUOVxr4g8_EWACUKCZoMCh9YMmGaPChIBxTdU5Dcx6ZiJURm4aaDE97s_Bc9TcrlHikz0MA_AEU3zx45oRQ6qA2gqZ4Vjskcf2cI_0g/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM23yrcZMkUnRoooNEWM-JhPWvEnCKEDPCweUtUOVxr4g8_EWACUKCZoMCh9YMmGaPChIBxTdU5Dcx6ZiJURm4aaDE97s_Bc9TcrlHikz0MA_AEU3zx45oRQ6qA2gqZ4Vjskcf2cI_0g/s320/014.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post soy-milk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I enjoyed my cup of Teeccino with a splash of soy-milk and a side of Green Tea Mint chocolate by Fearless, also purchased at Food Fight, and with a nectarine. It was a delightful snack!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR5bXQwI6Rnwqr4BU3uG8s4Tt51j_riz96elqGyihBcuzqTKkZ4qkgrhiG0dDY-kfJKeAkejTJa5F0m1EqXSP0Uj_Qb6av41iDRloWLfAZDs2tj7YVFbJnJQWwt93gX2-6Y5H95i2J-Q/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR5bXQwI6Rnwqr4BU3uG8s4Tt51j_riz96elqGyihBcuzqTKkZ4qkgrhiG0dDY-kfJKeAkejTJa5F0m1EqXSP0Uj_Qb6av41iDRloWLfAZDs2tj7YVFbJnJQWwt93gX2-6Y5H95i2J-Q/s320/007.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiH7Hjkc5FQXjaWlgVPTzPKlkUcmtLsyyW76BWUHb4aqCyi7Dih2RF1UWg7wGUk5BkLl2jbyo2HhCq-c4waApkhGNiSC_fzJNxQ5oduhr4nCE3xjdxK1E14ikuIACmnCbrRJwdKEwaTg/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiH7Hjkc5FQXjaWlgVPTzPKlkUcmtLsyyW76BWUHb4aqCyi7Dih2RF1UWg7wGUk5BkLl2jbyo2HhCq-c4waApkhGNiSC_fzJNxQ5oduhr4nCE3xjdxK1E14ikuIACmnCbrRJwdKEwaTg/s320/008.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at how cute the wrapping is!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLTikbfx7BV8FD4kyp6vhMyWLTQz68aNJmyjfj6Odmp6tBG2yFUbePQQjtlFnsdTt7ZW-FkZE9_8rcOqVVMpUnsvsRuVe0rYN0G549LldYhqMhRDCWcz7uaSNmackckkxsGU9fmftUSw/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLTikbfx7BV8FD4kyp6vhMyWLTQz68aNJmyjfj6Odmp6tBG2yFUbePQQjtlFnsdTt7ZW-FkZE9_8rcOqVVMpUnsvsRuVe0rYN0G549LldYhqMhRDCWcz7uaSNmackckkxsGU9fmftUSw/s320/017.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bite out of the chocolate represents how <br />much of the proceeds from the bar are donated!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I would recommend trying either of these products, which both made a great treat. I predict that Teeccino will hit the spot perfectly whenever I find myself longing for coffee! My one qualm with the Teeccino is that one box only comes with 10 bags. Only TEN?! I know I'm going to be needing more soon!<br />
<br />
Have you tried Teeccino, either as an alternative to coffee or just as a delicious drink?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051656756136889879noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5396458464176594310.post-28295577120202517942013-09-04T14:39:00.000-07:002013-09-04T14:42:20.141-07:00Banana-free Breakfast Smoothie (and a Mention on Our Hen House!)I have another vegan basic today, the smoothie!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I love smoothies. Up until six months ago I would have a giant smoothie for breakfast almost every morning, a practice I intend to get back to.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
One limitation I encounter when making smoothies however, is my need to avoid bananas, which are a strong migraine trigger for me. This always seems to complicate my smoothie making as almost every recipe I see online or in a cookbook requires banana. So, I bring you the banana-free breakfast smoothie!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Banana-free Breakfast Smoothie</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaqh8GT3OlYQkIkXCMc2AADcBXsZUacVIwzc-ISqMg9KrbqY-X8TbqHdhX9aglsA_jF7aqlz0H-N1qAdSHZ9OrinnNr1MGR4dWKilieS0HyXflAQeR_leLAlNaGb8xz2LbEqflg5RPFQ/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaqh8GT3OlYQkIkXCMc2AADcBXsZUacVIwzc-ISqMg9KrbqY-X8TbqHdhX9aglsA_jF7aqlz0H-N1qAdSHZ9OrinnNr1MGR4dWKilieS0HyXflAQeR_leLAlNaGb8xz2LbEqflg5RPFQ/s320/003.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>Makes 5-6 cups</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
Ingredients: </div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>1 cup pineapple, frozen</li>
<li>1 apple, diced</li>
<li>1/2 cup mixed berries, frozen</li>
<li>1/2 cup blueberries, frozen</li>
<li>1 cup mango, frozen</li>
<li>1 tbsp flax seed/flax seed meal</li>
<li>2 tbsp chia seeds</li>
<li>2 cups non-dairy milk (I used soy)</li>
<li>water to reach desired consistency </li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Directions: </div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
1. Place all ingredients except water into your blender. </div>
<div>
2. Blend until smooth.* Your smoothie should be thick and creamy. </div>
<div>
3. Add water and blend to reach your desired consistency (i.e do you want to use a spoon or a straw to enjoy your smoothie?). I added 1/2 cup water to get a fluid but still thick smoothie. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
* If you are opposed to little chunks in your smoothies I would advise peeling the apple and perhaps omitting the flax and chia seeds. Alternatively, really blend it for a couple minutes if you want to make sure everything is the same texture. I for one enjoy getting the odd seed or sip of apple pulp, but I know that is not enjoyable for everyone!</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4DJFG3ay-_W9Dkwnmsnsyjzw11_2itzLwJke9OPzWUZ3NQinPRsJrZXCntryInW-mjK1tFzsE4yWveRX9_umiY3FjhERylhZGZiPlo0qPASf6P1HoVvkMEX7FYMXZzw2tHjcwBMmCdw/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4DJFG3ay-_W9Dkwnmsnsyjzw11_2itzLwJke9OPzWUZ3NQinPRsJrZXCntryInW-mjK1tFzsE4yWveRX9_umiY3FjhERylhZGZiPlo0qPASf6P1HoVvkMEX7FYMXZzw2tHjcwBMmCdw/s320/004.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you see the little apple flakes?! Yum yum! ;)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Also, feel free to play around with the fruit involved. Feeling like a bit more mango than berries? Go for it! I love making smoothies based on how I'm feeling in the moment and enjoy seeing what I come up with! I hope to share some more smoothie recipes throughout <a href="http://www.veganmofo.com/" target="_blank">VeganMofo</a>, so stay tuned! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
On a different note, did you see me mentioned on <a href="http://www.ourhenhouse.org/" target="_blank">Our Hen House</a>?! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I just started helping out Our Hen House (OHH) by doing some transcribing work, which Jasmin talked about today on the <a href="http://www.ourhenhouse.org/2013/09/emily-deschanel-and-steve-o-podcast-transcriptions-now-available-and-more-to-come/" target="_blank">OHH blog!</a>! Another volunteer and I have worked on one interview thus far and we will continue to transcribe the interviews from upcoming episodes, as well as potentially some older ones. I am thrilled to be able to help this incredible organization and to be honest I'm still a little star stuck that I've been mentioned on OHH (is that <i>really </i>MY name?!?). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Finally, check out the <a href="http://randomofo.com/" target="_blank">RandomMofo</a> generator! I've already whiled away a good amount of time on this, and I know I will be spending a lot more time here throughout the month! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Happy Wednesday, and do you have any favorite banana-free smoothie recipes? If so I would love to hear about them in the comments! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051656756136889879noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5396458464176594310.post-21715767566049264952013-09-03T18:16:00.000-07:002013-09-03T18:18:24.679-07:00Peach Kale Salad with Cheezy Dijon DressingWhen watching <a href="http://jlgoesvegan.com/international-day-of-kale-vegan-mofo-2013-3/" target="_blank">JL Fields' video for Vegan MoFo</a> today I learned that is the first ever <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/541525545884356/?fref=ts" target="_blank">International Day of Kale</a>! So...happy kale day! I love kale, <i>love it</i>, and so I thought I would honor the day by making a new massaged kale salad! To learn more about massaging kale, check out my first post on this, which you can find <a href="http://theseattlechickpea.blogspot.com/2013/07/massaged-kale-salad.html" target="_blank">here</a>!<br />
<br />
Today, I made a kale salad massaged with a cheezy dijon dressing and topped with peach slices, red onion, and almonds! More below!<br />
<br />
<b>Peach Kale Salad with Cheezy Dijon Dressing</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Zgoi_COyfBy-wFRUII9axwFDpeghYhrciBEHrroMSs-Opl3cVtXAvX-gc69462UpzlHXsmjSihYP9BgvRD7yP1iSRIED-MND6nOMeDQEJuJjH8uWdUVmI6KfedkQnSCtDWWMVMU9Eg/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Zgoi_COyfBy-wFRUII9axwFDpeghYhrciBEHrroMSs-Opl3cVtXAvX-gc69462UpzlHXsmjSihYP9BgvRD7yP1iSRIED-MND6nOMeDQEJuJjH8uWdUVmI6KfedkQnSCtDWWMVMU9Eg/s320/012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>Makes 1 serving</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Ingredients:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>3 cups de-stemmed and washed kale, chopped</li>
<li>1/4 cup red onion, diced</li>
<li>1 peach, thinly sliced</li>
<li>2 tbsp almonds, chopped or slivered</li>
<li>Cheezy Dijon dressing (recipe below)</li>
<li>Salt, to taste</li>
</ul>
<br />
Directions:<br />
<br />
1. Massage kale with dressing.<br />
2. Slice peaches, dice red onions, and prepare almonds. Place on salad.<br />
3. Season with salt as desired and enjoy!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFZxpzIE0T7lgZQ2-oqtyLzF8YWV5HugUcI2FeSpe3FBzNpuwKVaSP4_YBTUyy8ht_U1m06V8OWzb5xu3cIQQ3o7c6XkCs6x4uTM2tnLJScDJmsQpnLpPHdFjKuVM-vGMq2lG9nFSKLw/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFZxpzIE0T7lgZQ2-oqtyLzF8YWV5HugUcI2FeSpe3FBzNpuwKVaSP4_YBTUyy8ht_U1m06V8OWzb5xu3cIQQ3o7c6XkCs6x4uTM2tnLJScDJmsQpnLpPHdFjKuVM-vGMq2lG9nFSKLw/s320/007.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5oIZGqi-Y8mo3dOO505OVPq7VmBJH0jx3AUe3xfsFZI8QR4TAYdmGjDiFRaTNQZqUe-GNsiA_Hmeb6DzuiUxUyGnrjHwlUqbJhznE2mM6gVhPgSGITC96Ckl3SIOs154jQNvOgYvaAg/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5oIZGqi-Y8mo3dOO505OVPq7VmBJH0jx3AUe3xfsFZI8QR4TAYdmGjDiFRaTNQZqUe-GNsiA_Hmeb6DzuiUxUyGnrjHwlUqbJhznE2mM6gVhPgSGITC96Ckl3SIOs154jQNvOgYvaAg/s320/011.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post massage, it's so little!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u><br /></u>
<u>Cheezy Dijon Dressing</u><br />
<br />
<i>Makes 1/4 cup</i><br />
<u><br /></u>
Ingredients:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>1/2 teaspoon dijon mustard</li>
<li>3 tbsp white balsamic vinegar (I'm sure that regular balsamic would work as well)</li>
<li>2 tbsp nutritional yeast</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDKr1k9uG7HBYGCX9Gp4WiA6WmX5j4uOh6U0yBZS3BeJ2KcFNdvt8iP-hXeRTjttWAT5qTxSvoNkF8J1GxakWuKvzLV6nZ84soHl5-bNE8NK0hU6hxOLqfqgHqm47HfOpLesZsVLpjKA/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDKr1k9uG7HBYGCX9Gp4WiA6WmX5j4uOh6U0yBZS3BeJ2KcFNdvt8iP-hXeRTjttWAT5qTxSvoNkF8J1GxakWuKvzLV6nZ84soHl5-bNE8NK0hU6hxOLqfqgHqm47HfOpLesZsVLpjKA/s320/010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Directions:<br />
<br />
1. Mix until smooth, pour over kale and massage!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgErpmWbyguqQ2gLZjDzXJ6i46u9ThKN0t1wRg5hHVfYrKgCHkzHAxbaHhw8Ez7OC1W9tUomsEdkswdc5I-g4_cCNBl09ZMSw1zCkVMb32KcME3_lc1FIfhpafgeBRwuXmS9P0mS1-OHA/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgErpmWbyguqQ2gLZjDzXJ6i46u9ThKN0t1wRg5hHVfYrKgCHkzHAxbaHhw8Ez7OC1W9tUomsEdkswdc5I-g4_cCNBl09ZMSw1zCkVMb32KcME3_lc1FIfhpafgeBRwuXmS9P0mS1-OHA/s320/013.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All mixed up, so good!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051656756136889879noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5396458464176594310.post-69812015665707949632013-09-02T23:58:00.000-07:002013-09-03T11:15:55.428-07:00A Vegan Essential: The BowlSorry this is so late! I had a very busy day full of unpacking and cleaning after getting back from my family vacation and I ended up making dinner much later than I had planned! Without further ado, enjoy!<br />
<br />
Today I wanted to talk about a staple in my diet, "the bowl." Simply put this is an entree where a bunch of ingredients, normally a mixture of vegetables, grains, and legumes, are thrown into a bowl. There are lots of ways to make bowls and I have enjoyed many different types!<br />
<br />
For example, on my recent road trip I enjoyed a delicious bowl at <a href="http://www.savorynyebeach.com/" target="_blank">Savory Cafe and Pizzeria</a> in Newport, OR.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJVi6uaQ1rMZfd-Pa44PL0i9zf9eyPDSvdt3Ja6NGvG8QqN3Ov8aVvG3JUmrANhyphenhyphen20I5ZN2SNG2SpOfVJVUqPtVzzUXM5GXFfbG-uTaMGNrRyi_mpqNSaAsIwqwLNk1XrGyIFuWJK_3A/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJVi6uaQ1rMZfd-Pa44PL0i9zf9eyPDSvdt3Ja6NGvG8QqN3Ov8aVvG3JUmrANhyphenhyphen20I5ZN2SNG2SpOfVJVUqPtVzzUXM5GXFfbG-uTaMGNrRyi_mpqNSaAsIwqwLNk1XrGyIFuWJK_3A/s320/003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This bowl was called the "Savory Bowl" with brown rice, black beans, steamed veggies, cilantro, and a tofu kelp sauce. Yummy!<br />
<br />
Last night in Portland I enjoyed another bowl at the restaurant <a href="http://www.prasadcuisine.com/" target="_blank">Prasad</a> in the Pearl District. I had the "Urban Bowl" made with steamed kale, cabbage, sea vegetables, avocado, carrots, scallions, sesame and hemp seeds. I added some quinoa and had it with their peanut sauce. My Dad also enjoyed a bowl for dinner, the "Chili Bowl." Unfortunately I was distracted by the delicious food in front of me and so I didn't get to snap a photo, it was amazing though!<br />
<br />
One of my most favorite bowls, at <a href="http://chacocanyoncafe.com/index.php?CID=55" target="_blank">Chaco Canyon</a> here in the University District of Seattle, is the hippie bowl, which is one of my staple orders when I visit this cafe, which is often. This bowl is made of quinoa, baked tofu, carrots, sprouts, sesame seeds and a garlic tahini dressing.<br />
<br />
These bowls and other bowls I've had in the past have inspired me to make my own bowls at home! Here's the one I made today!<br />
<br />
<b>Quinoa Veggie Bowl with Tangy Peanut Dressing</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
This bowl is just what it sounds like and is pretty tasty!<br />
<br />
<i>Makes 3-4 servings</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Ingredients:<br />
<ul>
<li>4 cups veggie quinoa (recipe below)</li>
<li>Tangy peanut dressing (recipe below)</li>
<li>1 cup sliced pepper</li>
<li>1 cup cucumber, sliced into half moons</li>
<li>1 1/2 cup zucchini, sliced</li>
<li>1 cup shredded veggies (I used Trader Joe's broccoli slaw)</li>
<li>4 handfuls spinach</li>
</ul>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIBVclntscowIyHva9qpeF4SBVZjO_zvzjVovUeBmaoj9DiBOl-zJJYXR-c_s411BK0PgYkC8qEzWtt9oPLegJ9TrVdvb5_VEkYr3iZIce60qcg7OnmCbAnYWGIx8rvWvY1m9sE-3GMQ/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIBVclntscowIyHva9qpeF4SBVZjO_zvzjVovUeBmaoj9DiBOl-zJJYXR-c_s411BK0PgYkC8qEzWtt9oPLegJ9TrVdvb5_VEkYr3iZIce60qcg7OnmCbAnYWGIx8rvWvY1m9sE-3GMQ/s320/014.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the veggie toppings</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br />
Directions:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
1. Prepare veggie quinoa. While it is cooking, wash and prepare veggies. </div>
<div>
2. Prepare dressing. </div>
<div>
3. Line plate or bowl with a handful of spinach, top with veggie quinoa, veggies and tangy peanut dressing. Mix and enjoy!<br />
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirPuyU6MxtrSW8d1SCYACqqkISzmckjXDC1UzMiNU1mJ7eVMaSicOraGvcpXjGw71oAbo2LMkvtbaf6H2dT477HxMFxiTQvcJnqLCVkKPX2saSY5dX6DQkBtdwEliMRBwB7p3T01NIAg/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirPuyU6MxtrSW8d1SCYACqqkISzmckjXDC1UzMiNU1mJ7eVMaSicOraGvcpXjGw71oAbo2LMkvtbaf6H2dT477HxMFxiTQvcJnqLCVkKPX2saSY5dX6DQkBtdwEliMRBwB7p3T01NIAg/s320/019.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yummy!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<i><br /></i>
<i>Note: This recipe is easily customizable. Use whatever veggies you like and have on hand. I love making this bowl with green onions and avocado as well, which I did not happen to have on hand this time around. </i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<u>Veggie Quinoa</u><br />
<u><br /></u>
Ingredients:<br />
<ul>
<li>1 medium onion, diced</li>
<li>8 oz. mushrooms, diced</li>
<li>1 cup carrot, diced</li>
<li>2 cups dry quinoa</li>
<li>1 sprig rosemary</li>
<li>4 cups water</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIMe5Kr_RsdeBl2kVlypLFwk7SWCWaP9s6RgWn530l3AuSGpgoRXYptw2sKfBJbet94IAeMsTfFPFK9V90FJN4yCcogCjrPWbnSUDiFwVPUZIwuz0etoETvEDS6VKRhTzZuNKrijbKVw/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIMe5Kr_RsdeBl2kVlypLFwk7SWCWaP9s6RgWn530l3AuSGpgoRXYptw2sKfBJbet94IAeMsTfFPFK9V90FJN4yCcogCjrPWbnSUDiFwVPUZIwuz0etoETvEDS6VKRhTzZuNKrijbKVw/s320/009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOV0aUbgAiM67W28iWff5wTASj1S7h7u0-ym8Id36U2PmRnJbA6zy9EF5pvC5eE9FnSdjoCgBfdO439nF5kYvZU9G5PNWMYkNZ4wDV68AOy1JQFf-Ant-DMRZv-UahJ4TP7eCT9sGmOQ/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOV0aUbgAiM67W28iWff5wTASj1S7h7u0-ym8Id36U2PmRnJbA6zy9EF5pvC5eE9FnSdjoCgBfdO439nF5kYvZU9G5PNWMYkNZ4wDV68AOy1JQFf-Ant-DMRZv-UahJ4TP7eCT9sGmOQ/s320/010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
Directions: </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
1. Wash and dice veggies. </div>
<div>
2. Place veggies, quinoa, rosemary, and water into a large pot and prepare as you would normal quinoa.<br />
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Jo863PVociT-t4mt9JB4Jha1I5dc4zamBKcp_v3_qJcHRmzHj2DZ3jGNG4Bmlb-GM-RSK0rnVQZEFiBVD8ZrDa9OEfuUn7Iam-rMehhC1z6qya-XxREMbuLhCqf8psuz9Zpu-7vQbw/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Jo863PVociT-t4mt9JB4Jha1I5dc4zamBKcp_v3_qJcHRmzHj2DZ3jGNG4Bmlb-GM-RSK0rnVQZEFiBVD8ZrDa9OEfuUn7Iam-rMehhC1z6qya-XxREMbuLhCqf8psuz9Zpu-7vQbw/s320/013.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-cooking</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNf5gvvLxQQn5RcVUPHvXXZx6IaIsqWdUrNONlH2usIlcC2xtNiFp5oOMppzzXMEK-fzLqPG4PXKn7j3z1uxLxD35XCWjbQvvR337ehnURbXwFPK30JcHzmG65V1e1rQXQsOYNlLvEQg/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNf5gvvLxQQn5RcVUPHvXXZx6IaIsqWdUrNONlH2usIlcC2xtNiFp5oOMppzzXMEK-fzLqPG4PXKn7j3z1uxLxD35XCWjbQvvR337ehnURbXwFPK30JcHzmG65V1e1rQXQsOYNlLvEQg/s320/018.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All done and delicious! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<u><br /></u>
<u>Tangy Peanut Dressing</u>: </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>Makes about 1 cup</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Ingredients: </div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>1/2 cup peanut butter</li>
<li>1/3 cup vinegar of choice (I used raw apple cider vinegar and white balsamic vinegar)</li>
<li>1 tbsp tamari</li>
<li>2 tbsp non-dairy milk</li>
<li>2 cloves garlic, minced</li>
<li>Maple syrup or other liquid sweeter, to taste (I used about 1/4 tsp)</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br />
Directions: </div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
1. Mix all ingredients except maple syrup together until they form a smooth sauce. </div>
<div>
2. Add maple syrup as desired to reach desired taste.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqdc5ZHjoPtP8oRt23xLfaDu92Q31XXPM22eQDa-TS2N7MlttcxojvCTJtjbg0TLUDD9VOzlJThC9Ywv4OxtKoIusMIlOm7elWpxwfChCFVsmSn2OH0iFNpoRvQKw5eh8hs53Kx-VgUQ/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqdc5ZHjoPtP8oRt23xLfaDu92Q31XXPM22eQDa-TS2N7MlttcxojvCTJtjbg0TLUDD9VOzlJThC9Ywv4OxtKoIusMIlOm7elWpxwfChCFVsmSn2OH0iFNpoRvQKw5eh8hs53Kx-VgUQ/s320/016.JPG" width="174" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>Note: This sauce is definitely tangy, if you are looking for a more mild sauce replace all or some of the vinegar with water or more non-dairy milk to achieve your desired taste. </i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvy4dEXppnXoqXMTvxXogtHT1rpPypc6mkXlQHc9mLwC41u152vUCQ7NR34cbgeSwWbHJpU2RENlEWN_6EfW_DbFnZJ5sokkApeRyShxRk1k1y2MWm7TphT8eEL_ILovJrIxY9rcvehQ/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvy4dEXppnXoqXMTvxXogtHT1rpPypc6mkXlQHc9mLwC41u152vUCQ7NR34cbgeSwWbHJpU2RENlEWN_6EfW_DbFnZJ5sokkApeRyShxRk1k1y2MWm7TphT8eEL_ILovJrIxY9rcvehQ/s320/022.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All mixed up! Delicious! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051656756136889879noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5396458464176594310.post-80246443368095820402013-09-01T07:29:00.001-07:002013-09-01T07:29:45.819-07:00It's Here!! It's time for VeganMofo!In case you haven't heard already, September is the <a href="http://www.veganmofo.com/" target="_blank">vegan month of food</a> (or VeganMofo)!<br />
<br />
What is VeganMofo? Well, it is a bunch of bloggers all blogging about delicious, and of course vegan, food for the month of September! If you want to find out more straight from the source, go <a href="http://www.veganmofo.com/about/" target="_blank">here</a>! You can also follow all of the blogs that are participating on the <a href="http://www.veganmofo.com/rss-2/" target="_blank">VeganMofo website</a> to see more amazing vegan food. Are you excited?! I know I am!<br />
<br />
To start I thought I would showcase some amazing cookies! Who doesn't love cookies?! Especially vegan cookies! These cookies are also gluten-free and can easily be made corn-free. I believe these could also be made soy-free if you bought the right chocolate chips.<br />
<br />
I found the recipe for these cookies <a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2013/08/20/irresistible-chewy-trail-mix-cookies-vegan-gluten-free/" target="_blank">here</a>, at <a href="http://www.ohsheglows.com/" target="_blank">Oh She Glow</a>s, one of my most favorite blogs!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmXO8Tfiub8HO2jsRoeSuKogUy_p5ztFZUmnl2iFXny-odyNXUVKkh3s1eXAFa26YzoxyBNxZTSWuwmLlQY20gC22dsK72UgFXPt8eVK7Vcu9sniVrDjHbyFV5ZwiJYu41ipHZ-FMtEQ/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmXO8Tfiub8HO2jsRoeSuKogUy_p5ztFZUmnl2iFXny-odyNXUVKkh3s1eXAFa26YzoxyBNxZTSWuwmLlQY20gC22dsK72UgFXPt8eVK7Vcu9sniVrDjHbyFV5ZwiJYu41ipHZ-FMtEQ/s320/011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
These cookies are titled "Irresistible Chewy Trail Mix Cookies" which I think it just the perfect name! They include all the things I always love to see in a trail mix and are indeed irresistible! I was thankfully able to share these with my family, otherwise I would have easily made myself sick eating too many!<br />
<br />
I always love to make modifications to recipes and so I of course made one here, namely replacing the sesame seeds with raisins. While this habit of mine has on multiple occasions led me to take my tray of food from the oven straight to the trash or to suffer through a terrible dish, this time it was a simple one and it worked out well, making a delicious cookie!<br />
<br />
To make things simpler I also started out with pre-made almond and oat flour and due to my corn allergy I used a baking powder made with tapioca starch as opposed to corn starch. I found I actually had almost all of these ingredients on hand and only had to pick up a couple things, like coconut and chocolate chips.<br />
<br />
I knew these cookies were good when my non-vegan family kept demanding more! <a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2013/08/20/irresistible-chewy-trail-mix-cookies-vegan-gluten-free/" target="_blank">Check them out</a> for a truly delicious treat!<br />
<br />
Today I am finishing out a family trip by staying in Portland, OR for one night before heading home to Seattle and I have multiple fun things planned, which I hope to share with you next time! Until then, have you seen <a href="http://youtu.be/XrAbmcokH78" target="_blank">this video</a> yet? I think it's so awesome!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/XrAbmcokH78?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
Happy Sunday, I can't wait to see what amazing food other bloggers are sharing over at <a href="http://www.veganmofo.com/" target="_blank">VeganMofo</a>!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051656756136889879noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5396458464176594310.post-57276893618828268472013-08-28T23:00:00.000-07:002013-08-28T23:00:50.934-07:00Are You a Vegan?!If so you should participate in "<a href="http://londonvegansocieties.com/bigvegancount/" target="_blank">The Big Vegan Count</a>!" The London Vegan Society is attempting to figure out how many vegans are in the world, a very useful figure!<br />
<br />
I just did this and it took less than a minute and you don't have to provide any personal information (unless you want to give them your email to receive updates). Let's see how many vegans are out there!<br />
<br />
In other news, my parents and I just got to the eco-vegan resort we are staying at for a few days, <a href="http://www.stanfordinn.com/" target="_blank">the Stanford Inn by the Sea</a>, and so far it has been amazing! Tomorrow I am taking a yoga class, having a private nutrition session with the <a href="http://livingwellmendocino.com/our-services/nutrition-and-weight-loss/" target="_blank">resident nutritionist here</a>, as well as planning on doing some outdoor activities! We already dined at the<a href="http://www.ravensrestaurant.com/" target="_blank"> vegan restaurant</a> which was quite tasty and very accommodating of my allergies. So far so good!<br />
<br />
Finally, has anyone else watched the <a href="http://jlgoesvegan.com/add-grains-to-your-plant-based-diet/" target="_blank">google+ hangout with JL Fields</a> about getting more grains into your diet? I was happy to see the video was available after the hangout as I have recently been paying a little more attention to the amount of grains I consume. When I was tracking my diet for my nutrition class this summer I discovered I only consume 16% of the recommended grains daily! While nutritionally this is not presenting problems for me, I think adding more grains to my everyday diet would be a good way to keep me satisfied for longer periods of time after a meal. JL provided some useful tips and I think I am going to make more of an effort to batch cook my grains!<br />
<br />
Check out the video!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/UGLy2aq-KfA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051656756136889879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5396458464176594310.post-79851887291440150572013-08-26T21:10:00.000-07:002013-08-26T21:10:16.459-07:00Monday Love List Number TwelveOh right! It's Monday!<br />
<br />
It has been a crazy weekend for me and my family in which we moved my younger sister into college! While we had to carry lots of stuff up stairs and went to target way too many times, we got it all done, and I am so happy for my sister.<br />
<br />
So...<br />
<br />
<b>1. College!!! </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
College is so much fun. So much stress, but also so much fun. I really enjoyed exploring another school's campus and community and it added to my excitement about my sister's college experience as well as my own! I can now say I am excited to head back to school in the fall (although I am still looking forward to the time I have off!)<br />
<br />
<b>2. Vegan fast food</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
This food was awesome. In San Diego, where my sister is attending San Diego State University, me and my parents ate at <a href="http://www.evolutionfastfood.com/" target="_blank">Evolution Fast Food</a>, a vegan, organic, mostly raw restaurant and it was <i>awesome</i>. Like seriously, we enjoyed it so much that we went back to try it again!<br />
<br />
The first night we went here I had the raw burger with stuffed veggies and a berry flax smoothie and it was all wonderful. My Dad had essentially the same thing and my Mom tried the mushroom swiss burger. The second time we came here my dad and I had the raw tacos with some more smoothies, my mom tried the south of the border burger and we also had an order of fries. And <i>man</i> those fries were awesome.<br />
<br />
I also really liked having the whole fast food experience, something I don't have often. Every once and a while, that's just what you want!<br />
<br />
This food was so good that me and my parents have still been thinking about it! If you are in the area you should definitely check it out!<br />
<br />
<b>3. Trail-mix cookies</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
For our travels I made a batch of <a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2013/08/20/irresistible-chewy-trail-mix-cookies-vegan-gluten-free/" target="_blank">these</a> cookies and they are amazing. They were great for me since I had almost all of the ingredients in my pantry!<br />
<br />
My family also really enjoyed these cookies and they were gone quickly. I try to avoid making big batches of things if I will be the only one eating them, so this was a great time to try them out. I definitely recommend them!<br />
<br />
Alright, as I am totally exhausted, I think that's it for now. I hope you all had a great weekend and have lots of fun things planned for the upcoming week!<br />
<br />
Happy Monday!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051656756136889879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5396458464176594310.post-57285005627398009072013-08-19T22:14:00.000-07:002013-08-19T22:15:14.896-07:00Monday Love List Number Eleven!I didn't forget!!! It's a little late but HAPPY MONDAY!!!<br />
<br />
I have had a very busy, non-stop Monday and expect the rest of my week to be the same. I am preparing to go on a week+ vacation starting this Thursday involving moving my sister into college, visiting family, and get this, staying at an <a href="http://www.stanfordinn.com/" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">eco vegan resort</a>!!!! It's going to be crazy and awesome all at once!<br />
<br />
But, without further delay, the things I am loving this week!<br />
<br />
<b>1. Summer break!</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Yay! It's finally here! I get over a month off where I get to do things not related to school! Like travel, sleep, read, spend time with family and friends, and well...whatever I want! Hooray!<br />
<br />
<b>2. Seeing old friends</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
My summer break started out with a bang last week with me being able to catch up with some of my oldest friends who were in town! I also get to see more of my oldest friends tomorrow and Wednesday, something I am super pumped about!<br />
<br />
<b>3. New resource pages!</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Almost as soon as my summer break started I had tons of new and exciting ideas for this blog! The first of which I have already put together.<br />
<br />
I thought it would be helpful to include a couple resource pages, <a href="http://theseattlechickpea.blogspot.com/p/resources.html" target="_blank">one on veganism</a>, and <a href="http://theseattlechickpea.blogspot.com/p/tester-page.html" target="_blank">one on handling corn allergies</a>, to hopefully help provide others with information! I am especially happy to have put together my page on corn allergies, since there is such limited information available on this topic.<br />
<br />
<b>4. An excellent film</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Last weekend I went and saw <a href="http://youtu.be/cio8LOCZPzw" target="_blank">The Kings of Summer</a> at the Crest Cinemas for only $3 and it was really good!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://thekingsofsummer2013download.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/kingsofsummerjumpingofftsrposter2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://thekingsofsummer2013download.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/kingsofsummerjumpingofftsrposter2.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>
<br />
Morgan and I decided to go on a whim after only seeing the trailer and we were glad we did! It was a great summer coming of age film with both humor and drama and we are already wanting to see it again! It also included great shots of nature, which I thought were just stunning. If you are looking for a good summer film I would definitely recommend checking this out!<br />
<b><br /></b>
5. <b> A good detective novel...narrated by a dog</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.chetthedog.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/dog-on-it-cover-663x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.chetthedog.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/dog-on-it-cover-663x1024.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>
<br />
I started reading this book a little while ago but have been able to get more into it since I've been out of school. This story follows Bernie and his dog Chet as they run their private investigation business. What makes this story unique is that it is told from the perspective of Chet! This book has been interesting and humorous, and at times a bit dark, and is something I have been greatly enjoying.<br />
<br />
I am also rather picky about fiction, so I am happy to find one that I like! I believe there is a series of these books, so I look forward to reading more!<br />
<br />
Alright, with that I think it's time I spend the rest of my evening reading and get back to the story of Chet and Bernie!<br />
<br />
Happy Monday!<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051656756136889879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5396458464176594310.post-68689577633196559122013-08-16T22:10:00.000-07:002013-08-16T22:11:09.707-07:00New Resource Pages!Hello hello!<br />
<br />
Last night, as I was running on chocolate, very little sleep, and some black tea, I wrote up some resource pages!<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://theseattlechickpea.blogspot.com/p/resources.html" target="_blank">vegan resource page</a> is mostly a list of links that I have found helpful or think would be helpful for new (and seasoned) vegans or those interested in veganism. There is a ton of information out there on veganism and it was quite inspiring to compile this list. It really showed me how much there really is. I of course did not include everything that may be helpful, but many sites lead to other sites which leads to even more information! This is how I've built up the network of blogs I adore. Once you find one you like, it opens doors to similar blogs and before you know it you don't know where to start! (This is my situation currently, I would say a good half of all the email I receive is updates about new posts on blogs I love, not something I have a problem with!).<br />
<br />
Next I wanted to create a <a href="http://theseattlechickpea.blogspot.com/p/tester-page.html" target="_blank">page for managing corn allergies</a>. Unlike veganism, there is a scant amount of easily available or truly helpful information on corn allergies. This page consists of a few links but mostly a compilation of the things I have learned through managing my own allergy that I think will be most helpful to others. A lot of these tips can apply to any allergy, although some are a bit more specific to the challenges faced by the avoidance of corn. While I have learned to deal with my corn allergy much through trial and error, I hope that by providing these suggestions, I can make things a little bit easier for someone else.<br />
<br />
This also got me thinking about my dream career path (something I am still formulating in my head) and about how I want to be able to help people dealing issues like these and provide them with some support so they don't have to do it all alone. While it is each individual person that needs to determine for themselves the food or foods their body cannot, or should not, tolerate, this does not mean that it needs to be a lone battle. If I had access to professionals who could actually help me when I first learned of my allergies, I think I would have come to a healthy and happy place much sooner, and with a lot fewer missteps. So, while the specifics of my ideal future remain fuzzy, it is great to know that this is one service I want to provide!<br />
<br />
I hope that these resource pages will provide some support to those that find them and make their journey a little easier. I would love to hear any more resources or suggestions I have not included in those lists that you think are important and could be helpful! I would also be interested to know how other people suffering with corn allergies have learned to manage them and how their techniques differ from my own.<br />
<br />
Also, <a href="http://ecovegangal.likes.com/the-healthiest-veggies-you-can-eat?pid=118289&utm_source=mylikes&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=ml&utm_term=26695703" target="_blank">veggies anyone</a>?!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://c4.likes-media.com/img/b24de6254acfee837d124805e295e43b.600x" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://c4.likes-media.com/img/b24de6254acfee837d124805e295e43b.600x" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Happy Friday!<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051656756136889879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5396458464176594310.post-43456582476072939362013-08-15T19:25:00.001-07:002013-08-15T19:29:29.013-07:00See What I Mean?! It always seems that as soon as I start to notice something, I start to see it everywhere!<br />
<br />
This has definitely been the case with the rise in corn allergy coverage. As I spoke of in my post this <a href="http://theseattlechickpea.blogspot.com/2013/08/monday-love-list-number-ten.html" target="_blank">Monday</a>, recently I have been seeing an exponential increase in mentions of corn allergies and of products being labeled "corn-free."<br />
<br />
Then, almost as if someone wanted to prove my point, I was at <a href="http://www.pccnaturalmarkets.com/" target="_blank">PCC</a> on Tuesday and what do I see? Veggie patties labeled "Vegan. Gluten-free. Corn-free. Soy-free." Whaaat??? It's like I didn't even have to check the ingredients! I of course did anyway, because well when <i>don't </i>I check the ingredients, and yes indeed no corn, gluten, soy, or animal products! I knew I had to give them a try! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnj_eaDCgPj9EzcXu19E7Fo4Qs10_i0NC2f6LmDhkcB__7TGLIyPQHIrTs3h-SGkB8MxGR93JarLKdaC90fFsT_AcEiO4h_dlIm3G17Qy0gosU8iXdMAbC61wrrd_Z-GvrzHb14rM8jQ/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnj_eaDCgPj9EzcXu19E7Fo4Qs10_i0NC2f6LmDhkcB__7TGLIyPQHIrTs3h-SGkB8MxGR93JarLKdaC90fFsT_AcEiO4h_dlIm3G17Qy0gosU8iXdMAbC61wrrd_Z-GvrzHb14rM8jQ/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The first time I made these patties I pan fried one with some caramelized onions and served it over mac and cheese.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9v3PUyz4xs4oOF0FfHm2P-va1M1URgUCGaLZiV-PGNfLYep35u7a3AE0XbcuryOqU1PzheNaDRbJvZEKGwIEY6HJxYUnG3KllE39RIZqDvGK5wsgzkmQA-4prHvDA0idl8rgHmh7Rfw/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9v3PUyz4xs4oOF0FfHm2P-va1M1URgUCGaLZiV-PGNfLYep35u7a3AE0XbcuryOqU1PzheNaDRbJvZEKGwIEY6HJxYUnG3KllE39RIZqDvGK5wsgzkmQA-4prHvDA0idl8rgHmh7Rfw/s320/007.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Mac & Chreese" by <a href="http://www.edwardandsons.com/reo_info.itml" target="_blank">Road's End Organics</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeW7SOmQROI_hQll6tfia_XpM6lxI30QoRvoAab2Vq-CE6FQBo8kvb9VzWEWqowW7jzGo7xjlufR3bs154UqQSF7420nbQqDJys0uOG0-x2gDZnRcb1UopOFjKIBm0PKV5Ll1qPf-iuw/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeW7SOmQROI_hQll6tfia_XpM6lxI30QoRvoAab2Vq-CE6FQBo8kvb9VzWEWqowW7jzGo7xjlufR3bs154UqQSF7420nbQqDJys0uOG0-x2gDZnRcb1UopOFjKIBm0PKV5Ll1qPf-iuw/s320/006.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yummy yummy! (And yes I did add kale to my pasta)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The second time I made these I baked a patty and served it with cauliflower (which I gobbled up before I could get a picture) and baked yam fries.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfe0OHGwqFvpAQ7grwj5nCqs-SojH_1Rcnh7CGlw88kV4brdHrXapIketyZDkiV8KeHLrqecOeRA4vLz5Hwa64JD3HohN9oQFT2IcR5cTYCeikT0Mc88dotQdkPvHtijI_Jz-SjP-XUQ/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfe0OHGwqFvpAQ7grwj5nCqs-SojH_1Rcnh7CGlw88kV4brdHrXapIketyZDkiV8KeHLrqecOeRA4vLz5Hwa64JD3HohN9oQFT2IcR5cTYCeikT0Mc88dotQdkPvHtijI_Jz-SjP-XUQ/s320/011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I preferred the stove top preparation compared to the oven since it left the patty with a much crunchier and crispy texture, which I thought was pretty fun. However, either way these patties are really quite tasty! It's actually recommended to make these in the toaster, which I did not do since our toaster is full of potentially poisonous ingredients for me, but I would expect that's a really good way to make them.<br />
<br />
Oddly enough I cannot say that I have <i>ever</i> had a veggie burger. This mostly stems from the fact I have not found a bun I can eat to put the patty on, which really prevents any sort of "burger" experience from happening, and up until now I have not found a patty I wanted, or could, try! So, while I do not have much of a reference point I thought these were good!<br />
<br />
I purchased the "Wholesome Harvest" flavor but the other vegan options (two of their flavors are vegetarian) were "Spicy Bean" and "Hearty Hemp Seed" and I would definitely be interested trying these to see how they compare. The type I tried has both sweet potatoes and maple syrup in the ingredients making it more of a sweet patty, perhaps not the most traditional style for veggie burgers (although really what do I know?!). These did have the trouble of falling apart a bit, which based on my understanding is a common problem with veggie patties, but this wasn't an issue for me because of how I was eating them. All and all a tasty addition to my meals and a handy thing to keep in the freezer for those days when I don't have too much time or energy to worry about my meal.<br />
<br />
If you want to check this product out you can find it <a href="http://www.chezmarie.com/" target="_blank">here</a>! I'm so glad to see more products being labeled as corn-free (as well as vegan) and I hope this trend continues to grow!<br />
<br />
Today also marks the start of my summer vacation, which started after my 8:00am chemistry final this morning. While it has not been the most summery of days I have managed to have a great day napping, visiting a coffee shop with a friend, and enjoying some <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0303461/" target="_blank">Firefly</a> with <a href="https://sjaaks.com/product_molds/show/5" target="_blank">chocolate</a> and tea. That all works for me!<br />
<br />
Since I have a break for almost six weeks I hope to be blogging more frequently and look forward to taking on the "Vegan Month of Food" or <a href="http://www.veganmofo.com/" target="_blank">Vegan MoFo</a> challenge in September!<br />
<br />
I'll be back soon, until then, enjoy <a href="http://youtu.be/DiEwJTOderQ" target="_blank">this song</a> that I've been loving lately! Happy Thursday!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051656756136889879noreply@blogger.com0