I fixed it ;)

Pinterest is abuzz with an image of the top 6 nutrients women need- I edited it, to be the Top 6 Cruelty-free Nutrients.....Added some plant-based foods that (GASP) they'd left out, even though, in some case, the plant-based ones actually had higher content of said nutrient *SIGH*

THERE!! Much better :p

I finally started using the dehydrator!!

See, I got a Nesco dehydrator on cheapcheap clearance a couple of years ago, but was too overwhelmed/nervous to use it until recently...I thought I loved and was addicted to Kale Chips before, but the store's OVERPRICED ones have got NOTHING on homemade ones :p

I used this recipe. Beyond tasty!!

So this week I actually used my down time between calls at work to make a meal plan and grocery list...using cookbooks and recipes I printed from the 'Net. I copied/printed 2 such recipes for Eggplant "Bacon" that were similar to each other and kinda melded what sounded good to me into my own recipe.... I actually had to make way more marinade than either recipe called for, so adjusting for more marinade. I'll post the results on a future date.

Eggplant Bacon

1 medium eggplant, sliced thin, lengthwise strips

marinade -

3 Tablespoons smoked paprika

3/8 cup apple cider vinegar (6 Tbs)

3/8 cup sunflower oil (6 Tbs)

2 tsp garlic powder

3/4 tsp salt

3/4 tsp black pepper

3/8 cup Bragg's Aminos

1/4 cup agave

1 tsp Liquid Smoke

1 tsp Browning Liquid

5 Tbs water, to thin it out a little

Make marinade in a rectangular glass dish. Dip slices of eggplant in the marinade, coating both sides evenly. Put in dehydrator at 115 degrees, until crispy. The one recipe I had suggested that 12 hours does the trick.

I apologize for how long it's been, but dh had yet another back surgery and life's been overwhelming, busy, etc. I had a long stretch of depression and no one to lean on, friends were all too busy with their lives. And I went back to work, since dh is on temporary disability. So my time is limited, even now. I feel a little better than I did just a month ago and have been reading books to work on myself and my relationships. I have started cooking and baking more often.

The slant of this blog may change a little....I am trying to eat a low gluten vegan diet....supposedly it's been found helpful for other women who have PCOS. I want to be healthy, inside and out and I am working on it day by day.

Sorry It's Been So Long....

My camera is just about dead and the toddler is going through a phase where she refuses to sleep. I may start posting again....either sans photos or with cellphone pics :)

A recipe, just for looking :)

Yellow Apple Vegan Dump Cake

1 can of apple pie filling
1 box yellow cake mix (Duncan Hines is vegan)
8 Tbsp Earth Balance

In an 8x8 baking dish, dump pie filling and spread evenly. Top with yellow cake mix...cube up the Earth Balance and distribute evenly over cake mix...Bake at 350 for 40 minutes :)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

We had a really rough 2010, so here's hoping 2011 is much, much better!
I will do all in my power to help it along and my first accomplishment towards this goal is making some Hoppin' John on New Years Day... The dish is said to bring abundance and prosperity into the New Year...Now, a ton of Hoppin' John recipes exist out there, but most of them aren't Vegetarian, much less Vegan.

So, here's my kludged-together veganised version for y'all....

Cruelty-Free Hoppin' John

2 cups dried Black-eyed Peas
8-10 cups prepared Vegan "Chicken" type Broth
1 package Lightlife Smart Bacon®
1 large Onion, diced
1 Bell Pepper, diced
1/3-1/2 cup carrots, diced
4-6 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
large handful dried celery leaves & 1 tsp celery seed (or 1/2 cup diced celery)
Salt & Pepper, to taste
2 cups long-grain rice

Wash & sort peas. Fry the Smart Bacon until crisp, using spatula to cut into quarters. Set aside. Add vegetables, peas, broth and spices to pot. Crumble Smart Bacon into pot. Bring covered pot to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 1/2 hours, or until peas are tender. Add rice, cover, and simmer over low for approximately 20 minutes. Remove from heat, allow pot to sit covered for 10 minutes, then fluff with a fork and serve- optional garnishes include hot sauce, chopped scallions, Daiya Chedder-style Vegan Cheese. Serve with collards and cornbread for an awesome meal!!

Hoping the New Year brings all that you need and most of what you want XD