Black Smoothie

After a long day at the office, I decided that I wanted some food bliss. I was craving a smoothie, especially something cold so I took the liberty of heading to my kitchen to make one of the most amazing smoothies I have ever consumed, the black smoothie. You are probably wondering "what on earth is a black smoothie?" as it is quite a rarity in the world of healthy drinks. A black smoothie is basically a mixture of only few fruits and ingredients, with the main ingredient being activated charcoal. 

So, I basically added fresh golden pineapple to my Cuisinart blender followed by golden mango and peaches. Then, I added some activated charcoal followed by some sea buckthorn berries, organic sugar cane juice, Vita Coco coconut water and some ice. 

This smoothie totally exceeds in my expectations, as it is extremely delicious. It is also modestly filling and gives me a much needed boost. The black smoothie is truly one I think I will make more often. 

Activated charcoal is not absorbed by the body, so it basically traps and eliminates all toxins in your body. This powerful antioxidant basically grabs the bad molecules in our bodies, traps them and eliminates them. 

Incredible right? 

Activated charcoal is extremely beneficial to health, as the benefits are endless. It is great for those of you with stomach and gut issues, including those of you with digestive and gas issues. It is amazing for those of you who suffer from kidney issues including those of you who suffer from kidney stones. It lowers cholesterol levels and is great if you have high cholesterol. It helps with those of you who suffer from potent and strong body odor. Another great use is insomnia, as this powerful holy grail can help you get more sleep at night. It helps those of you who suffer from any skin issues such as acne, eczema and psoriasis. And it also helps to whiten your teeth. 

Some people actually consume activated charcoal if they intend to get drunk, as most believe this cult-classic staple is great for hangover prevention. Personally, I've never tried this as I don't drink often. And as you may or may not already be aware, it is used in hospitals for people who have overdosed on drugs and/or poisons, as it works to attack and eliminate them in the body. Additionally, activated charcoal helps work as a natural water filter and works to remove fluoride and various forms of bacteria. 

Although I am not vegan (at least at the moment, I currently identify as vegetarian) I have been eating vegan for about three days and this smoothie is a great addition to virtually any vegan and/or raw vegan diet. It is also great for fruitarians also. 

Mango Spring Smoothie

I just got home from a long day and the first thing I started craving was a delicious mango. As the national fruit of India, mangoes are quite possibly one of the most cultivated fruits in the world today. I love them in an array of dishes, especially sweet, savory and fruitful dishes. 

Today, I wanted to make a simple smoothie with just mango, ice and Vita Coco coconut water, which is what I did. I didn't add any sugar to this nor any other ingredient. I added these ingredients to my Cuisinart blender. 

Mangoes are very nutritional. Often dubbed the "King of all fruits" in India, this cult-classic staple is one of the healthiest foods can ever put in your mouth. 

Why?

Mangoes contain a natural form of "zeaxanthin" which is a powerful antioxidant which corrects, protects and prepares your eyes from harmful UVA/UVB rays. It also works to protect your eyes from various environmental stressors and DNA damage. And because of their vitamin A amount, mangoes are great for overall eye health.

This powerful fruit is infused with a lot of Vitamin K which is extremely vital in bone health. Low Vitamin K intake is associated with poor circulation, blood clots (including disorders such as Anemia) and stress fractures. Lack of Vitamin K is associated with poor bone mass and strength. To prevent these problematic issues, mangoes are one thing you should eat everyday.

Collagen is extremely vital. Vitamin C essentially helps in assisting collagen to build itself in the body. Excluding the 16 types of collagen, the most popular and important are type I, II and III; with I and III being important for the hair, skin and nails. Eating mangoes can help aid in hair health, skin health and nail health. 

Amazing right?

Additionally, eating a mango also helps with heart disease, in both prevention and restoration. It also helps with those of you who suffer from type 2 diabetes. And it helps with boosting immunity. By consuming this fruit, you can also boost your mental health and well being, as it helps with eliminating depression. Eating mangoes also helps with those of you with digestive issues. 

I am going to drink my smoothie now. Have a wonderful evening.

Buffalo Style Macaroni Cheese

Some people seem to think that when you are a vegetarian, you have very few options to choose from. This, of course, is false. As a vegetarian, I can tell that you have many options to choose from. Some of which, I have shared on this blog.

Today, I found myself wanting macaroni and cheese; however, I had a craving for bleu cheese and hot sauce also. Don't ask me why, I just wanted those two together. 

Then, it hit me. Why not incorporate those into this American classic dish to make a buffalo style? I basically boiled water, added some salt and pepper before adding the pasta. 

In another pan, I melted American cheese, Cheddar cheese and butter with a hint of cream. Then, I added some crumbled bleu cheese followed by some Frank's RedHot Sauce. I cooked this on medium heat before draining the pasta and adding it to it.

Finally, I plated the dish accordingly. I also added more hot sauce followed by crumbled bleu cheese for good measure. 

This is ultimately amazing. Although I know I won't be able to finish it all, I am pretty certain I will eat most of it. 

Indian Cheese Paratha

Today I decided to make a cheese paratha. Utilizing flour, water, butter, ghee, milk and cheese, I am modestly satisfied with the result. And as flavorful as they are, I added a little garnish to them which consists of homemade pickled onions and sweet dill pickles. I also added two bay leafs for photographic purposes. 

Parathas are commonly made flatbreads in virtually every Indian house. Derived from Sanskrit, this delicious cult-classic staple are quite possibly one of the most popular flatbreads in India next to the famous Chapati (Roti) and Dosa. The first paratha I have ever tried was an "Aloo paratha" which consists of parathas stuffed with potato and spices. 

Tonight I decided to create my own style of paratha using paneer cheese, chhena cheese and buffalo mozzarella cheese. When preparing the dough, I used flour and water. I did not add any butter or ghee. 

I rolled the dough out using a small rolling pin. I added the ingredients in the middle before rolling it back. Then, I covered the entire dough with ghee. I used a lot of butter by placing some on the flat cast iron pan. I cooked both sides generously. I made only a few parathas, as one is quite filling. 

Finally, I placed them onto a plate. Garnished them with ghee and butter before adding the pickled onions and the pickle followed by the bay leafs. 

Needless to say they turned out great. The flavor is wonderful and the texture reminds me of why some of the greatest food on the planet comes from India. 

Starbucks Iced Cinnamon Cloud Macchiato

The new Iced Cinnamon Cloud Macchiato.
Only at Starbucks.
(Photo by Armstrong Studios)

It is official, Starbucks has introduced the new Iced Cinnamon Cloud Macchiato. Inspired by the Spanish Summer classic Leche Merengada, this spectacular Starbucks addition combines the essence of cinnamon and lemon zest for a very acquired yet flavorful, decadent drink.

This new addition to the Starbucks family includes a hallmark of layers. It starts with the whipped cloud cold foam (made with egg white powder) infused with a hint of cinnamon and a touch of lemon syrup and is topped with the internationally known coffee house's espresso. Then, the drink is garnished with caramel drizzle crosshatch and a pinch of cinnamon.

And like the Iced Caramel Cloud Macchiato, this drink is available hot. The drink features an array of alternatives, as you can get this drink with almond milk and coconut milk. If you were to order a venti size of this drink with 2% dairy milk, the drink would be a total of 240 calories with 45 grams being from fat. With 42 grams of carbohydrates alone, this drink features 225 mg of caffeine, 36 grams of sugar and 7 grams of protein.

This drink is also offered in the blonde version, which is a less robust espresso and great for those who are looking for a lighter fare of the classic coffee drink. For more information about the new Iced Cinnamon Cloud Macchiato, simply visit Starbucks today.

Starbucks Iced Caramel Cloud Macchiato

The new Iced Caramel Cloud Macchiato.
Only at Starbucks.
(Photo by Armstrong Studios)

Today, Starbucks introduced the Iced Caramel Cloud Macchiato. This superb Starbucks addition starts with an unique blend of whipped cloud cold foam (made from egg white powder) and vanilla syrup and features the world-renowned coffee house's bold espresso. Then, the new drink is topped caramel drizzle in a decadent crosshatch design.

This drink is also available in hot and offers an array of milk alternatives too. So, you can order this drink with almond milk and coconut milk instead of traditional dairy milk. You will be on cloud 9 if you are a fan of this incredibly delicious Starbucks espresso fusion.

A venti size delivers 240 calories with only 40 grams of fat. This is in a dairy milk drink. With 40 grams of carbohydrates and 34 grams of sugars, this drink possesses 7 grams of protein and 225 mg of caffeine.

This drink is offered in a blonde version, for those of you looking for a lighter espresso drink. From past to present, Starbucks has been serving you only the best since the late 80s. This drink is definitely destined to feed your fix from start until finish. For more information about this new drink, simply visit Starbucks official website today.

Enjoying a veggie burger from Smashburger

Tonight, I decided to get Smashburger for dinner. Located in the heart of Meridian, Idaho on East Louis Drive, I was so hungry after work and took it upon myself to grab a veggie burger and French fries to-go. As the menu here is quite extensive, offering so many great options for both vegetarians and vegans, I inquired about ordering one of their newest and most popular burgers, the Triple Double using their black bean burger patty.

The Triple Double burger and is served on an egg bun with lettuce, tomatoes, onions and pickles. I wanted to substitute the bun for the pretzel bun. Not because I don't like the egg bun (because it is good) but because I've never tried the pretzel bun and it looks better. The burger comes with extra American cheese. I decided to go the extra mile and order extra American cheese and extra cheddar cheese or melted aged cheddar cheese.

So, what did I think? The black bean burger patty was a little soft. As it was extremely flavorful, I felt like it was a little undercooked. The pretzel bun was delicious and really complemented the burger overall. The French fries were just ok for me. They are always good as a side, but I live in Idaho and prefer the thicker, homemade style of fries.

The Smash Sauce is outstanding. It is like a thousand island minus the ketchup. Better yet, if you were to make a thousand island sauce, mustard would be the main ingredient instead of ketchup. I literally would buy this sauce alone if they sold it there. Although the ranch was decent, I didn't find anything extremely special about it.

Overall, dinner was great. I managed to eat everything, as I was extremely hungry. I think the next time I eat Smashburger, I will definitely try something different.

Happy Thanksgiving 2018

Thanksgiving is one of the most underrated holidays of the year. At least, in my opinion. And in case you are unaware, Thanksgiving is a holiday held every fourth Thursday of every November. Originally celebrated by the pilgrims in the early 1620s, this holiday really exudes so much to be grateful for. Since 1789, what started as an idea was denied by Thomas Jefferson to make Thanksgiving an official holiday here in the United States. It wasn't until 1863, then president Abraham Lincoln made the day an official holiday. Thanksgiving was celebrated as the last week of Thursday before president Franklin D. Roosevelt took it upon himself to make it the fourth Thursday of the month.

When I was a little girl, my mother use to make a dinner on Thanksgiving Eve. It would consist of gourmet sandwiches, hors d'eouvres, and pie. The family would reminisce about life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness over hot chocolate and Christmas music. Most of the time, my mom would get very little sleep because she would be in the kitchen by early am cooking the Thanksgiving meal. Every year she made homemade stuffing (some people refer to it as "dressing" and even "breading") which she would make alone and stuff in the turkey. Then, she would make many sides including classic dishes which are a favorite to this day. The evening would end with an endless amount of cookies and pies, which were always apple or pumpkin themed.

My mom has always been a wonderful woman and I always admired the fact she could take a lot on in spite of working a full time job. Especially when it comes to cooking and baking. Perhaps this is where I got it from. She's in her early 60s now and still manages to do great things in which I respect her immensely. And mom, if you are reading this - I love you.

But the question remains: what am I truly thankful for? 

- First and foremost, I am really thankful to have food to eat. When you look at the world fully, rather than one-dimensionally it is crystal clear that most are unfortunate and do not have food to eat, let alone have the privilege of enjoying a big meal like Thanksgiving with family, friends and loved ones. I am grateful to be able to sit and enjoy good food today with good people.

- As a vegetarian of many years, I can admit that I am in good health. Amazing health actually. Aside from suffering from mild depression (which I really believe is only sporadic) I am both disease-free and drug-free. I do no suffer from any health problem at all. As a 38 year old woman, I am thankful to be in amazing health.

- As an Iranian American woman, I have discovered I am very lucky to be able to use my voice. To me, liberty is something to be truly thankful for. When it comes to the voice, I am very thankful to be able to use mine to and for a higher purpose. And I will continue to express my liberties accordingly, as I have that right. I am so thankful for freedom of speech. "Silence is golden, duct tape is silver, but the voice is platinum," - Sarah Afshar

- A lot of people assume you can live without clothing, but to me, I find it virtually impossible. In fact, the vast majority of status quo society would also share the same mindset in terms of clothing. Especially when we live on a planet that suffers from several problematic climate issues which include global warming. Some people can't afford a warm coat to wear during the winter. This is why I am thankful to have clothes to wear.

- I must say that I am very thankful to have a roof over my head. If you can imagine how many people don't have shelter nor even a place to go, if you have a warm place in which you can call "home" to go to everyday, you should be thankful. I know, I am. That goes without saying, if you have food to eat, clothes to wear and a roof over your head, you are still richer than 80% of the world.

- Life is one thing I am grateful and thankful for. I know this is probably a banal response to the question "What are your thankful for?" however, if you really look at this question, it is only natural to be thankful for life. Right? I am very blessed to live today to write this blog post. There are many who are no longer with us, as there are many who have died young. RIP Morgan. RIP Angela. I am so thankful to be waking up today.

- And with life comes love. I am thankful to have met Sumit. To have found love in my life. Not only is he the love of my life, but he has changed my life for the better. I feel like life, my life has more meaning because of him and with him in my life, I am more motivated and driven than ever. Sumit has changed my perception about quite a few things in which I am both genuinely and wholeheartedly grateful. And Sumit, if you are reading this - I love you.

- When it comes to working, a lot of people are unable to find employment. I am very lucky to have a job. A job that I enjoy. Academic credentials and a strong work ethic can only go so far in this life, as even a Harvard grad may be unable to find employment in this age. I am thankful to have a job.



 Other things that I am thankful for:

- Family and Friends (and people who matter)
- Pets (all animals to be honest, as I love them all)
- The Sun, the Moon and the Stars
- Sleep (and my bed, of course)
- Time
- Steamy Showers (baths too)
- Success and Achievement (and those who encourage it daily)
- Music Music Music
- Electricity
- Safety and Security
- Money in the Bank
- Weekends (Friday nights included)
- Hinduism (as of 2018, I am both Christian and Hindu) 
- Breathing fresh air
- Drinking clean water
- Learning
- Class and Elegance
- Honesty and Respect (the truth will always outweigh a lie and you will get respect if you always tell the truth)
- Vegetarianism
- Plants
- Fresh Fruit
- Bees
- Sunshine, Sunrises and Sunsets
- Rain
- Mountains and Trees
- Oceans, Lakes and Rivers
- The Environment
- Laughter
- Inspiration (because we could use more of it daily)
- The smell of Cardamom
- Gourmet Cheese
- Bandage Dresses
- Mobile Phones
- Anything Beauty (Makeup, Skincare, Hair, etc.)
- The World Wide Web (or an internet connection)
- Independence
- Joy and Happiness (it's all around us)
- Modern Medicine
- Peace of Mind
- Entrepreneurs, Inventors and Visionaries
- Dreams and Imagination
- Writers and Content Producers (and those of you who read us)
- Opinions (because we all have one)
- Memories (and those memory-breeding experiences which create them)
- Vita Coco Coconut Water
- Grocery Stores
- Online Shopping
- The Holidays
- Home Cooked Meals
- Masala Chai Tea (preferably with vanilla almond milk)
- Good News
- Donald Trump as president of the United States
- Anyone who is reading this blog post. Yes - you. Thank you.

On the 22nd of November, I can sit and remember this day forever. As I sip on my moscato writing this blog post, I am can admit that I am so thankful for happiness and very happy today. From my home, to your home - Happy Thanksgiving!

Vegetarian Indian Style Butter Chicken

Recently, I have discovered so many things about the Indian culture. As rich as it is, it is also exotic and filled with an array of uniqueness that goes beyond what I can put into words. At least today. One of the things that I love about India is the food. And because the population is so large, their cuisine varies upon region. Utilizing agriculture and farming, most dishes are plant-based and/or vegetarian with the exception of a few. India offers quite a few staples, with one of them being butter chicken.

I decided to create a plant-based, vegetarian rendition of this classic dish. Originating from New Delhi, this North Indian classic uses dahi, garam masala, ginger, garlic, cardamom, fenugreek, cinnamon, black salt, and black pepper. To give it more of a vibrant flavor, you can add some lemon juice to it. To thicken the sauce, you can also add some butter or even some curd. I decided to add all of the above. As it took a little bit of time, everything was executed very well. I added a lot of butter to this dish, as I didn't have any ghee at my disposal.

When originally creating this dish, I was thinking of using another plant-based alternative from Gardein, but instead went with the Gardein Chick'n Strips. I decided to cook the sauce in a regular standard pan before adding the Chick'n Strips. This chicken is not only soy-free, it is dairy-free and certified kosher. I decided to cook the entire dish on low-to-medium heat as the plant-based chicken alternative was completely thawed out in the refrigerator.

Before plating, I made sure that the chicken had a good texture. When I originally added this to the pan with the sauce, it was soft with a modestly slimy texture. It is crucial that it is firm when it is cooked. After stirring multiple times to check, I knew that my cooking was done for the evening.

As I plated the food, I decided to garnish it with some homemade curd I made. I was very happy with the way it turned out. I am looking forward to making this again, only trying another vegetarian and/or vegan, plant-based chicken alternative. If you are a vegetarian looking to enjoy one of the greatest dishes from Bharat, this is it. From my home to your home, Namaste.

Carl's Jr. Froot Loop Mini Donuts

When I heard about the new Froot Loop Mini Donuts at Carl's Jr. I just knew I had to try them. As a reinvented spin on the popular cult-classic cereal, I was modestly intrigued from the buzz these little donuts generated on social media. 

Today, while out and about I decided to go to Carl's Jr. to get them. Although the Carl's Jr. here in Meridian doesn't have a veggie burger or any good vegetarian alternative other than sides, I was eager to taste test these donuts to see if they are were as good as what others said. 

So, what did I really think? Of course you are wondering what I thought of these little donuts. In spite of being a little overpriced (almost $3) for only five small donuts, the flavor is amazing. These taste just like the cereal. Surprisingly the yellow and green donuts are my favorite; however, they all taste so similar you really wouldn't spot the difference unless you were purposely trying to look for it. 

As a vegetarian, it is very tough to eat at Carl's Jr. as most fast food joints do not offer a veggie burger, but I am hoping this will change in the near future. These donuts are fantastic and worth the splurge. 

First Dinner of October 2018

If you are a regular reader of my blog, you will know that I am always innovative in the kitchen and if you know me already, you know how much I love to cook. Tonight is no exception. As today is the first day of October, I decided to treat myself to a classic yet amplified version of the classic veggie burger utilizing organic baby arugula, red onion, and homemade thousand island dressing (which consists of buttermilk, a little bit of mayonnaise and some ketchup) on a homemade sweet pineapple roll which I toasted using only butter.

The veggie burgers were beer battered with butter before I placed them on the other side of the bun, which was also toasted. I wanted something a little extra to this vegetarian comfort food so I took the liberties of adding some classic veggie bacon which was also beer battered in butter.

Amazing right?

And that is not all. To cheese it up, I used mozzarella and butter in a hot pan followed by a teaspoon of cream to melt the cheese down before drenching both the bacon and burger in it (the cheese that is). I added some of the cheese to the bottom bun for good measure and to make it that much more appealing. Who doesn't love cheese?

I didn't add anything else to the veggie burgers, but did enjoy them with Perrier mineral water. This is 100% vegetarian. You could create a vegan version of this using plant-based cheese and sauces instead of dairy.

Rest in Peace Anthony Bourdain

Anthony Bourdain was one of the few people I enjoyed watching on reality television. And to be honest, I am not a fan of reality television much unless I find the show to have a a somewhat educational angle. Something like Bering Sea Gold on the Discovery Channel or Forged in Fire on the History Channel, etc. Bourdain's shows were more than shows, but endless journeys and escapades that allowed you to experience food from around the world, right from your TV.

 

When he visited Iran, I was stunned (and If you haven’t watched that episode, you need to - Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown Iran episode 6). He said the nicest things about Iranian people and had a lot to offer when visiting there. I've watched his other shows also and they were quite interesting.

 

But the real question is - why did Anthony Bourdain take his own life? What was he escaping from? At 61 years of age, what made him want to hang himself? Bourdain is also proof that mental illness does not discriminate and no matter how happy you assume a person is, the pain is always often hidden. It is very unfortunate he passed away and hearing the news has left the world sad.

 

Rest In Peace, Anthony Bourdain.

Thank you so much Farshid

Thank you so much, Farshid. I am honored to call you family. You are an amazing soul to think of me when you went to Turkey this. My wonderful uncle Farshid took a trip to Turkey to visit family, friends and his beautiful girlfriend. 

He bought some great gifts for me which consists of Koska Pasha Turkish Delight and Kurukahveci Nuri Toplar Coffee. Farshid knows how much I love and appreciate Turkish food, especially the sweet stuff. I really love Turkish Delight and Turkish coffee is fantastic, especially the amazing Kurukahveci Nuri Toplar Coffee. 

Farshid is a world traveler and has probably been everywhere in the world. Currently, he resides in Calabasas (California) with my great aunt. Mamnoon baraaye hedyeh. با تشکر از شما برای هدایای ترکیه. Türk hediyeler için teşekkür ederim. Mersi.

Thank you so much Farshid joon for the great gifts.

Starbucks Share Event

As some of you may or may not know, Starbucks is currently having a share event. This share event is allowing you to buy one drink and get a second one free. The event starts tomorrow (Thursday, November 9, 2017) and ends Monday, November 13, 2017. 

I love Starbucks, so I will definitely be participating in this event. If you want to receive your share event alert, simply tweet Starbucks on Twitter @Starbucks with the hashtag #ShareEvent to receive your alert. 

I'm thinking a Venti sized Cinnamon Dolce Frappe sounds great with almond milk, a blonde espresso shot and lots of whipped cream. What do you think? 

NAKED Green Machine Juice

I have to be honest, I love healthy juices; however, I am not one to really enjoy the pre-made, store bought kind as they tend to be extremely overpriced for what you get and taste just "ok". And most of the time, you never know what is exactly in them. Recently, I discovered how much I love and appreciate the NAKED Green Machine juice. The juice combines 2 apples (with an additional 3/4 of an apple), 1/3 of a mango, 1/12 of a pineapple, a half of a banana, and 1/3 of a kiwi fruit. This is just one serving. In addition to these fruits, the juice is boosted with spirulina (1,335 mg), alfalfa (409) mg, broccoli (102 mg), spinach (102 mg), barley grass (76 mg), wheatgrass (76 mg), kale (51 mg), garlic (51 mg), ginger (51 mg) and parsley (51 mg).

 

Not only does it taste amazing, but it is filled with so many incredible nutrients. The taste is sweet, but not sickening sweet where you can barely stand it. You can barely taste the savory notes from the nutrients, but you can tell they exist. With 63 grams of carbohydrates in just one serving, this juice 270 calories. It is high in vitamin B12 and vitamin C. And it contains 4 grams of protein per serving.

It is free of genetically modified organisms (or GMOs) and contains no added preservatives or fillers, which is quite impressive to find. I want to also note, I am so happy a lot of these companies are not modifying ingredients anymore. I understand they are trying to increase shelf life, but this will not increase human life and/or expectancy.

 

On a practical note, I enjoy this juice because it gives me great energy and on serving is great for breakfast, for lunch and for dinner and those special moments in between those meals. If you are looking to incorporate a great, healthy juice into your diet, I highly recommend this one. For more information visit NAKED Juice today.

National Root Beer Float Day 2016

 

Root Beer Float courtesy of the Homestead Café.

 

Happy National Root Beer Float Day!



The Jackfruit Company

The Jackfruit Company's BBQ Jackfruit in a simple
sandwich I created using vegan bread, avocado,
romaine lettuce and vegenaise.

Although I have been a vegan for a little over a month and love it, I am "silent" on the issue, as I may make a few suggestions to my family and friends sporadically, I will never push my views let alone how I choose to eat, on them. Will I continue eating vegan? I am seriously considering it. Before eating vegan, I was a vegetarian for over 10 years. This excludes the vegetarian binges I would have in my early teens into my early 20's.

 

Recently, when shopping at Whole Foods, I discovered an amazing vegan addition on the shelf, The Jackfruit Company BBQ Jackfruit. It comes pre-packaged and prepared, so all you have to do is break the seal and you are good to go. When reading the ingredients in the store, I was modestly impressed with the idea that this mock meat alternative was, in fact, made of jackfruit.

 

As you may or may not be aware, jackfruit is quite healthy and filled with an array of vitamins such as B1, B6, and C. It is also quite high in potassium and in magnesium. The seeds themselves are very rich in protein.

 

This incredible BBQ Jackfruit tomato-based blend consists of both sweet and savory with a hint of tangy spice and smoky mesquite. Made with young jackfruit, this amazing mock meat alternative includes: tomato paste, light brown sugar, vinegar, sunflower oil, onion, garlic, salt, natural flavor, red chili powder, ground black pepper, and ground white pepper.

 

Would I recommend this amazing mock meat alternative? Absolutely. Would I ever eat it again? Absolutely.

 

The Jackfruit Company offers four unique flavors. These flavors include: BBQ, Tex-Mex, Teriyaki and Curry. For more information, visit the official website today.

Earth Day: How a vegan diet can help save the planet

Vegan food haul from Whole Foods.

A vegan is someone who does not consume any animal products let alone any bi-products. A vegan does not eat meat or fish, as a vegan does not consume dairy, eggs and honey. Instead, a vegan consumes only plant-based foods. Although this eating lifestyle has proved to be effective in terms of improving one's health, there is scientific evidence that eating vegan can also help save our planet.
 

Did you know that the production of meat is the leading cause of climate change? According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, this fact was shared in the Livestock Long Shadow. Animal agriculture is the number one source of carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and methane. These greenhouse gasses are responsible for over 50% of climate change according to World Watch. And according to PETA, if every American alone would skip one carnivore meal and ate plant-based food instead, it would be like taking half a million cars off the road. Factory farming causes more pollution than every single plane, ship, train and automobile in the world today. So, what does this do? It poisons our planet. The UN suggests eating a vegan diet will ultimately destroy the effects of climate change.

The production of meat is the #1 cause of water waste. Did you know that? Now, this is water that could be used to save the planet, as it has been scientifically proven that 70% of the earth's fresh water is used for agriculture of both plants and animals. Did you know that it takes over 2,000 gallons (2,400 gallons to be exact) to produce just one pound of meat? It only takes 25 gallons of water to produce a pound of wheat. According to PETA you would save more water by not eating a pound of meat than you would by not showering for six months. The facts are real. By going vegan you will simply conserve water.

Water pollution is simply contamination of our water. Everything from harsh chemicals to bacterial pathogens to even physical changes can cause pollution to our oceans, our lakes, our rivers, our streams and our aquifers. This form of pollution can also affect our groundwater producing toxins that spread. And according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), animal agriculture is the number one cause of water pollution. More so than raw sewage, trash, ammonia, phosphates and even heavy metals from motor vehicles. The ultimate cesspool of desolation and 400 dead zones alone have already been identified. You may ask, how so? It's simple, the feces from animals are flowing into the water and as a result, contaminating it and poisoning it. Water pollution also causes species endangerment and has caused birth defects in fish and other sentient beings who live under the sea. And according to the Raleigh News & Observer, in 1995 millions of gallons of waste from pigs killed 10 million fish alone in a single spill. As a result, almost 400,000 acres of land was forced to close.

Animal agriculture also depends on the rain forest and because of this, they must use over 50 square feet (55 square feet to be exact) for every single meal. As a result, this causes deforestation. Keep in mind, this is just for cattle to graze. Millions upon millions of trees have been destroyed to feed these responsive and innocent beings. According to PETA, the rain forest is entered every six seconds only to be cut down for factory farming. So, if you do the math that is over 14,000 of acres a day to create room for farmed animals. That is nearly 80% of the land deforested to feed innocent animals who will only die for your food source. For all of the food you feed to these animals, you could feed to your loved ones and even starving children around the world.

The beefless tips.
An amazing meat alternative by
Gardein.

If you have clothes to wear, a roof over your head and food to eat, you are still richer than over 70% of the planet. Choosing a vegan eating lifestyle would help destroy the concept of world hunger. Over 70% of grains grown is fed to animals only for those animals to be used as food source later. If you think about what an animal consumes and how they are treated, those who consume them later are very prone to what they have had to endure, including disease. Any pathogens including fecal coliform and other disease transfers to human beings. You can still obtain sufficient micro and macro nutrients from eating a plant-based diet. In fact, they would just increase. Consuming meat can cause an array of problematic health issues. If you think about it, animals are innocent beings and should never have to suffer for food, as humans should not want to ever put them into their mouth. Some of you may ask about where vegans get sources of B-12. We get our B-12 from fortified foods such as mock meats, non-dairy milk and cereal as well as nutritional yeasts. According to National Center of Biotechnology Information, the B-12 present in meat comes from waste, bacteria and feces. 

Instead, you can enjoy your favorite carnivore classics as plant-based mock meat choices which are healthier and taste amazing. According to Yves Potvin, the CEO and founder of Gardein,"eating meatless, even just one day a week, is the simplest way to improve your overall health. Gardein has less fat than traditional proteins and no cholesterol, which can reduce the risk of obesity, cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Gardein provides a good source of protein and fiber." With that said, you can find my list of vegan and vegetarian alternatives here.

Eating a vegan diet will not only improve and help your health, it will do much more including protecting and saving our planet. If you don't believe me, you can consider the research I have shared with you. Veganism has a plethora of benefits and is a step further in evolution. Although I am a vegetarian, I have been a vegan for a month now and I enjoy it. Do your part this Earth Day and enjoy the benefits of being healthy and happy by eating plant-based foods. Happy Earth Day!

Cheesy Vegan Penne Pasta

Cheesy Vegan Penne Pasta

As a lacto-ovo vegetarian, I am discovering a lot of creative new ways to cook some of those timeless dishes without the carnivore classic in them. Kind of like the bun without the hot dog, only with a veggie dog in between the bun. As there are so many alternatives to meat (which you can find here) there are alternatives to those dishes that possess them too. And although I am a vegetarian, where I enjoy dairy, eggs and honey, I find myself really intrigued by vegan eating. In fact, there are times where I will go on what I refer to as 'vegan binges' and I will eat vegan for months. Is it hard to be a vegan? Absolutely not. It is just a matter of not worrying about what you eat, but only finding good food to enjoy that is not only meat-free, but free of dairy, eggs and honey.

 

Recently, in the kitchen I decided to create a very creamy yet cheesy vegan penne pasta. Most penne is vegetarian; however, not all of it is vegan. A good vegan penne can be homemade and rustic, as it can be found in a lot of grocery stores. Whole Foods for instance. So, how do you make cheesy vegan penne pasta?

 

First and foremost, you are going to want to add water into your pan followed by your favorite herbs and spices. The secret to any amazing pasta is to season the water in the pan before actually cooking the pasta. Of course adding more herbs and spices is an option later. I have been doing this for years and will continue for the rest of my life.

 

For this particular dish, I favor simplicity. What I added to the water only consists of salt, pepper and oil. That's it. No more, no less. You can add whatever you would like. If you are searching for that epic heat, you can add a little cayenne pepper and jalapeno. If you are looking to transform your cheesy vegan penne into a classic Italian dish, you can add some basil and oregano. You can do a lot, but for this dish I decided to keep it simple.

 

In a separate bowl, you want to create a base. This is where the magic happens. You are going to want to add one cup of unsweetened Silk Coconut Milk followed by two tablespoons of Earth Balance's vegan butter. You are also going to want to add some Sari Foods Nutritional Yeast Flakes followed by a little more salt. In my quest in making an outstanding cheesy vegan penne pasta, I added some vegan protein powder by Purely Inspired. This added a great balance of taste, creating a fusion of flavor. Blend everything together and sit the bowl aside.

 

Keeping an eye on your pasta, continue letting it cook until you have reached your desired texture. If you love your pasta al dente, it is key to test the pasta every few minutes. Once finished, strain the penne and place it directly into a separate bowl. Add the ingredients from the bowl. Mix generously.

Take a plastic or styrofoam plate, add some aluminum foil and place the penne on to it so it. Why? Because doing this will keep it's heat locked into place, so it won't get cold.

 

For more nutrition, you can add more of the nutritional yeast flakes. I will say this, adding more to the dish sort of dries it out, but is great for vegan athletes who are looking for more nutrients in their cheesy hot bite. Although the dish will lose it's creamy texture, the taste will remain the same.

 

Enjoy!

 



October 4, 2015: Dinner

So, I went to Whole Foods in Boise, Idaho earlier this evening and found myself lost in the aisles trying to decide what to buy. I went into the store hungry, which isn't something I recommend unless you want to spend hundreds of dollars. As I love the vegetarian and vegan options here, what I found very intriguing was their incredible selection of cheeses as well as bakery section.

I love cheese and have become sort of a connoisseur over the years. The area of Whole Foods offers the best cheese selection I have discovered for a commercial grocery store. Of course I've been to actual cheese shops which offered thousands of varieties, but if you are looking for a great selection, Whole Foods definitely offers the best I have discovered in any grocery market.

Today, I decided to splurge on the Rogue River Bleu - Special Reserve Cheese. After trying a sample in the store, I just loved the taste of this. It has a very unique, acquired taste which leans towards sweet and savory. The rind itself consists of leaves soaked in brandy. As a creamy, semi-soft bleu cheese, it is a "melt in your mouth" kind of cheese which tastes incredible paired with sweet fruit. I was shocked to find out this cheese comes from Oregon, as this compares to some of the best Parisian bleus I tried in the finest cheese markets.

Another cheese I decided to try was one I have tried many years ago. It is the Fromage de France Brie de Melun. To be honest, I found this brie at an actual cheese shop several years ago when I traveled overseas. It is literally the best brie I have ever had. It has the best flavor I have tried. The rind has a clean taste and is very fresh in comparison to other bries, especially any you would find in the grocery stories here in the United States. I have tried many brie varieties so I am quite selective in my tastes.

In addition to the two cheese I picked up, I decided to buy several flavors of macaroons. The macaroons are good, but not to brag, I think mine are a little better. The flavor is relatively stale, but not as bad as some I have discovered when purchasing them in commercial bakeries or in grocery stores.

Although I bought much more than this, this is what I am enjoying for dinner tonight. I am not drinking wine (although a glass of cold, sparkling moscato sounds like heaven right now) I am enjoying a mineral water compliments of Perrier.