Happy Hemp History Week!

As a modern-day hippie, I’d like to wish everyone a Happy Hemp History Week. The first thing people think of when they hear the word “hemp”, is the recreational drug marijuana. Whole Foods is debunking this popular misunderstanding, and summarizing some of the other benefits of this earthy plant.  For more information, check out Hemp History Week’s official website.  Educate yourself and support the growth of hemp in the United States!  There is no reason why we need to have hemp imported from other countries because we are fully capable of growing it in the U.S..

Garlic: Uses Beyond Vampire Repellent

Garlic is good.  It’s tasty.  It’s healthy (more on that below).  It makes your breath stink.

I took a cooking class 2 years ago hosted by The Cancer Project, which is a nonprofit organization that promotes cancer prevention and survival through a better understanding of cancer causes, particularly the link between nutrition and cancer.  In the class, the instructor introduced students to vegan cooking techniques and focused on nutrition and its link to disease. *

Finding A Healthy Balance – Guest Post

This is a guest post written by Kathryn Henry, Seattle-area mom to two young children, and a writer for TeachStreet.  TeachStreet is a website that provides online and local classes, including cooking classes.

On November 29, 2010, something monumental happened:  my husband had his last bite of meat.

Now you don’t know my husband, but trust me when I tell you, he loves meat in any way, shape, or form. Oops, allow me to rephrase that:  He loved meat; past tense.

The Multicultural Vegan

Sorry I haven’t posted in a while!  In addition to having had a few personal things happening in my life, I’ve wanted to write an article rather than a recipe, and that seems to take a little more time and effort.  I’ve wanted to compose an article like this for a while because the topic is frequently on my mind.

One thing I’ve learned since going vegan over two years ago is to appreciate other cultures.  It’s now become somewhat of an obsession of mine, and it all starts with the food.  I’m constantly finding new and interesting foods from different countries, even here in Cleveland, Ohio.  For example, I recently discovered a little Nigerian restaurant with wonderful West African food.  I would have not discovered this place if I were simply eating at Applebee’s or Olive Garden!

Spiced Coconut Pancakes

Breakfast food is always a win, right?  I originally saw this pancake recipe re-posted by keepitskinny, and I had to try it.  Apparently this recipe has been around the blogs though, because I found the source from Bon Appétit magazine, by Mark Bittman, who is NOT a vegan!  I always love when non-veg chefs create veg recipes because I know they took the extra time to step outside the box to make something delicious without relying on the “ordinary” ingredients.

Polenta with Kale and Black Beans

I’ve had a round of polenta in the fridge for the longest time, and I wanted to make something other than Polenta Lasagna (not yet posted) with it.  I’m a real fan for lasagna, but I was looking to do something a little different… and of course still extra tasty.   I also had some kale that was looking pretty sad and wilted.  I normally throw it in my smoothies, but I was in a creative mood.

Announcing my February Health Month goals!

If you’ve ever wanted to make changes in your life and haven’t been able to stay motivated, you should check out HealthMonth.com.  Create an account, pick some healthy measurable goals that you want to achieve, then play the game.  Of course winning requires you to meet some of your goals.

I’m Posting every week in 2011! (starting now)

I’ve decided I want to blog more. Rather than just thinking about doing it, I’m starting right now.  I will be posting on this blog at least once week for all of 2011.

Easy “Feel Better” Soup

So, life happened.  I got married, and did you really think that I was even concerned about taking 5 minutes out of the reception to take pictures of the veg meals?  Yeah, right, I completely forgot.  I’m sure if you’ve been married, you understand!

This week I had the flu.  I’m currently unemployed, so I’m pretty much on my own during the day.  The hubby works all day, and although he is a wonderful husband and would probably do it if I asked him to, it’s not fair for me to ask him to make me a meal when he gets home while I’ve been lounging around in my PJs all day.  I wasn’t feeling well, but when I started to have an appetite I decided to make some of my “feel better” soup.  It’s obviously not chicken soup, but more of a vegetable and noodle concoction.  ”Feel Better” soup seems to be the most appropriate name, since it’s warm, has good stuff in it, is comfy, and no matter how you feel it just seems to make you feel better.

So busy!!!

I just wanted to write to you to say that I haven’t forgotten about this blog!  I’ve been sooo busy getting everything situated for my wedding in TWO WEEKS!  I can’t believe it’s this close already.  I really haven’t been doing much in the kitchen, but I do want to dedicate a post to healthy but fast snacks and meals, and then another one to review my vegan wedding meal.