Simple Lemon Garlic Green Beans with Crispy Onions

 Appetizer, Articles and Reading, Dairy Free, Egg Free, Gluten Free, Lighter Fare, Low Cal, Native Sun Recipe, Quick and Easy, Side Dish, Six Ingredients or Less, Soy Free, Tips, Vegan, Vegetarian  No Responses »
Nov 282012
 

Ready to get a little crazy?

How about THIS instead of your same old green bean casserole?

Fresh green beans, Meyer lemon from the tree out front, a hint of aromatic garlic and some crispy onions – what is not to love?

According to one of my favorite websites, World’s Healthiest Foods, green beans are full of carotenoids – just like carrots and tomatoes! They are high in vitamins C, K and A and even have some of those B Vitamins that many of us just don’t get enough of in our diets.

Green beans are also the perfect diet food – high in fiber and low in calories.  I confess that I wasn’t too excited about green beans -  I had gotten bored.  I needed a new and fresh way to prepare them, so I broke out one of my favorite cooking tools, the Flavor Bible.  It is a must have for every cook that wants to create their own recipes.  For each ingredient, the book offers what flavors pair best and there was quite a list for green beans.

The Flavor Bible

I have a feeling that if you are bored with the same old casserole, with this recipe you will fall in love with green beans all over again!

Green Beans

Simple Lemon Garlic Green Beans with Crispy Onions

Serves 2
Vegan, Gluten Free
Printable Recipe

Ingredients

10 oz fresh green beans
1 tsp coconut oil
1/8 tsp coarse sea salt
1 clove garlic, minced finely
2 tsp fresh lemon juice
2 Tbsp crispy onions, (Loebs)

Directions

1. Heat 1 tsp coconut oil in large skillet; add green beans and salt; cook about 1 minute; reduce heat to medium low, add 1 Tbsp water and garlic; cover and cook 5 minutes.  Uncover, stir; cook an additional 5 minutes; add fresh lemon; spoon onto plate and top with crispy onions.

Nutrition Facts
2 Servings
Amount Per Serving 

Calories 90.5
Total Fat 4.2 g
Saturated Fat 2.7 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1 g
Monounsaturated Fat 0.1 g
Cholesterol 0.0 mg
Sodium 116.3 mg
Potassium 313.2 mg
Total Carbohydrate 13.0 g
Dietary Fiber 4.8 g
Sugars 0.3 g
Protein 2.7 g 

Vitamin A 18.7 %
Vitamin B-12 0.0 %
Vitamin B-6 6.4 %
Vitamin C 47.8 %
Vitamin D 0.0 %
Vitamin E 2.9 %
Calcium 5.5 %
Copper 5.2 %
Folate 13.3 %
Iron 8.3 %
Magnesium 9.0 %
Manganese 16.3 %
Niacin 5.4 %
Pantothenic Acid 1.5 %
Phosphorus 5.6 %
Riboflavin 8.8 %
Selenium 1.5 %
Thiamin 8.3 %
Zinc 2.4 % 

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Coconut Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie – Vegan and No Baking!

 Dairy Free, Dessert, Egg Free, Gluten Free, High Protein, Native Sun Recipe, Quick and Easy, Soy Free, Vegan, Vegetarian  5 Responses »
Nov 122012
 

Last Thanksgiving was my first plant based Thanksgiving experience.  Before the holiday I was a bit nervous.  No turkey? At Thanksgiving?  That can’t possible.

But then I made this walnut loaf with all those comforting poultry seasonings.  And you know what?  I liked it even better.  It was moist, flavorful, made great left-overs, was delicious in sandwiches and it was much less expensive than turkey.  Even some of my non-vegan family members tasted it and loved it!

Walnut Loaf

Since I got that big change out of the way last year and it was a stunning success, this year I decided to tackle the pumpkin pie.  I see many recipes with eggs and sweetened condensed milk.  Not only did I want this to be even tastier than the standard pie but much easier and I do believe I accomplished that.

I’m a big fan of texture.  I confess, that is the one thing about pumpkin pie that, for some reason, I miss.  Something else I love? Coconut!

I figured why not marry coconut and pumpkin pie and get the best of both worlds?

Those of you that love that smooth texture – don’t worry!  Simply leave the shredded coconut out of the mix and put a bit more on top.

Coconut Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie

  The unexpected texture and sweetness of the coconut and the hint of peanut along with the classic pumpkin pie spice flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice are a delightful surprise. 

I also left the cashews a bit coarser for even more texture and they also add lots of protein!

Vegan Coconut Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie

 With some simple, 100% real maple syrup on top – this dessert is over-the-top delicious. 

Coconut Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie

Coconut Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie

Serves 10
Vegan, (Gluten Free Option)
Printable Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup raw cashews
1 15oz can pumpkin puree (Farmers Market brand)
1/2 cup shredded coconut
3/4 cup brown sugar (Woodstock Farms)
1/4 cup coconut peanut butter spread, or smooth peanut butter, (Earth Balance)
2 Tbsp potato starch, or corn starch, (Bob’s Red Mill)
1 Tbsp pumpkin pie spice (Frontier)
1 tsp salt
1 pre-made graham cracker pie crust (Arrowhead mills) 

(For Gluten free use Wholly Wholesome Gluten Free Pie Crust)

Optional: Maple Syrup to serve

Directions

1. Soak cashews in water for 3 hours.  Drain and place into high speed blender or food processor; add pumpkin puree through salt.  Blend until desired consistency is reached.

2. Spoon into pie crust; let set in refrigerator for 1 hour to firm. Top with some additional coconut for garnish and pour a bit of maple syrup over top, if desired.

Nutrition Facts
10 Servings
Amount Per Serving 

Calories 455.8
Total Fat 24.5 g
Saturated Fat 5.8 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.3 g
Monounsaturated Fat 4.0 g
Cholesterol 0.0 mg
Sodium 623.8 mg
Potassium 106.5 mg
Total Carbohydrate 48.9 g
Dietary Fiber 7.8 g
Sugars 26.1 g
Protein 14.0 g

Vitamin A 243.5 %
Vitamin B-12 0.1 %
Vitamin B-6 2.1 %
Vitamin C 2.0 %
Vitamin D 0.0 %
Vitamin E 7.5 %
Calcium 4.2 %
Copper 3.5 %
Folate 2.6 %
Iron 8.7 %
Magnesium 4.6 %
Manganese 17.0 %
Niacin 6.6 %
Pantothenic Acid 1.0 %
Phosphorus 4.2 %
Riboflavin 2.7 %
Selenium 3.0 %
Thiamin 1.9 %
Zinc 2.1 % 

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Crisp Fruited Salad with Maple-Yogurt Dressing

 Dairy Free, Dressing, Egg Free, Gluten Free, Quick and Easy, Salad, Soy Free, Vegan, Vegetarian  1 Response »
Oct 182012
 

Pear Apple Salad

You don’t eat meat or dairy?  What DO you eat? 

Even though it has now been about a year, I am still asked this question regularly. Folks still think that when animal food are cut out, that there is nothing to eat or whatever is left is cardboard!

Does this salad look like cardboard?  Heck no!

Pear Apple Salad

  This salad features crunchy apples, sweet pears, toasted sunflower seeds and a dressing that is out of this world – creamy, sweet and salty.

This dressing would also be great on a sort of ambrosia salad – it is VERY versatile and super easy to throw together!

Pear Apple Salad

Crisp Fruited Salad with Maple-Yogurt Dressing

Serves 4
Vegan, Gluten Free
Printable Recipes
**Items on sale at Native Sun Natural Foods Market Oct 7 through Nov 6, 2012

Ingredients

4 cups chopped romaine
2 fresh Bartlett pears, cored and chopped**
2 apples, cored and chopped**
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1/2 cup roasted sunflower seeds
1 cup vanilla soy yogurt
2 Tbsp maple syrup (Tree of life)**
1/4 tsp coarse ground sea salt

Directions

1. Place 1 cup chopped romaine on each plate; add 1/4 of the pears and 1/4 of the apples to each.  Top with 1 Tbsp each shredded coconut and sunflower seeds.

2. Mix yogurt, maple syrup and salt in a small bowl.  Top each salad with  2 Tbsp dressing.

Nutrition Facts
4 Servings
Amount Per Serving 

Calories 339.0
Total Fat 18.3 g
Saturated Fat 8.9 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.4 g
Monounsaturated Fat 1.6 g
Cholesterol 0.0 mg
Sodium 157.9 mg
Potassium 466.7 mg
Total Carbohydrate 42.3 g
Dietary Fiber 8.7 g
Sugars 18.7 g
Protein 6.7 g

Vitamin A 30.0 %
Vitamin B-6 9.7 %
Vitamin C 32.5 %
Vitamin E 43.8 %
Calcium 15.0 %
Copper 21.1 %
Folate 30.1 %
Iron 11.0 %
Magnesium 8.1 %
Manganese 55.0 %
Niacin 7.6 %
Pantothenic Acid 13.1 %
Phosphorus 22.2 %
Riboflavin 7.7 %
Selenium 19.6 %
Thiamin 6.4 %
Zinc 10.0 %

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Confetti Breakfast Quinoa with Coconut Peanut Butter and Honey

 Breakfast, Dairy Free, Egg Free, Gluten Free, Native Sun Recipe, Quick and Easy, Vegetarian  2 Responses »
Aug 302012
 
Quinoa, (pronounced “KEEN-wah”) is quite the impostor.  It looks and acts like a grain but it is actually a tiny little seed – and is therefore an awesome source of protein.
 
Sneaky.
 
Confetti Breakfast Quinoa with Coconut Peanut Butter and Honey


For vegetarians and meat eaters alike, quinoa makes a great alternative to rice, oatmeal or any grain and is super quick cooking; rice will typically take 45 to 50 minutes, but the mighty quinoa only cooks for fifteen minutes and rests for five.

Most people think of it as a savory food, but I’m here to tell you that it’s perfect for breakfast!  Try it with some natural peanut butter or this Earth Balance Coconut Peanut Butter Spread – filling and satisfying for breakfast and the flavor of coconut and peanut butter together is unexpectedly delectable.


Confetti Breakfast Quinoa with Coconut Peanut Butter and Honey

Confetti Breakfast Quinoa with Coconut Peanut Butter and Honey

Serves 4
Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Printable Recipe

 Ingredients

½ cup rice milk
¾ cup water
1 cup dry mixed color quinoa (I used red and white)
1 Tbsp honey
1 tsp cinnamon
1/3 tsp sea salt
4 Tbsp Earth Balance Coconut and Peanut Spread

Directions

1. Bring rice milk and water to a boil over medium high heat; add quinoa, salt, honey and cinnamon; stir, cover, reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes. Remove from heat, let sit 5 minutes.

2. Divide quinoa over four bowls; add 1 Tbsp coconut peanut butter to each serving.

Nutrition Facts
4 Servings
Amount Per Serving

Calories 299.5
Total Fat 11.6 g
Saturated Fat 2.5 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.0 g
Monounsaturated Fat 3.5 g
Cholesterol 0.0 mg
Sodium 132.8 mg
Potassium 90.6 mg
Total Carbohydrate 42.4 g
Dietary Fiber 4.3 g
Sugars 8.3 g
Protein 9.2 g

Vitamin A 0.0 %
Vitamin B-12 0.0 %
Vitamin B-6 0.2 %
Vitamin C 0.3 %
Vitamin D 0.0 %
Vitamin E 0.5 %
Calcium 1.0 %
Copper 0.2 %
Folate 0.1 %
Iron 23.7 %
Magnesium 0.1 %
Manganese 5.0 %
Niacin 0.1 %
Pantothenic Acid 0.0 %
Phosphorus 39.2 %
Riboflavin 85.2 %
Selenium 0.1 %
Thiamin 0.0 %
Zinc 0.2 %

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Breakfast Oatmeal Cupcakes

 Breakfast, Dairy Free, Dessert, Egg Free, Gluten Free, Kid Friendly, Soy Free, Vegan, Vegetarian  No Responses »
Apr 072012
 
Oatmeal for breakfast is one of my favorite things – but sometimes plain old oats can be a bit boring.  To make it more exciting I turned it into a cupcake with Justin’s Chocolate Almond Butter “frosting”. 
If you have kids, this is a fun way to get them to eat their oatmeal! 
For people with various nut allergies, simply sub any other nut or seed butter.  I use sunflower seed butter for my daughter.
Here is what they look like naked.  More like a muffin.
 Add a little simple peanut butter.
 Mmm gooey right out of the oven.
Add a little fun to your life!
Breakfast Oatmeal Cupcakes
Serves 15
Vegan, Gluten Free, Dairy Free



Ingredients


Dry
1 cup AP gluten free flour, I used Bob’s Red Mill
2 cups gluten free rolled oats, I used Bobs Red Mill
1/2 c shredded unsweet coconut
1/4 tsp salt
1 Tbsp cinnamon


Wet
1/2 cup oil
1/2 cup agave, maple syrup (or honey for non vegan)
1/4 apple juice (to sub for extra oil!)
1 tsp vanilla
1 flax egg** (or 1 egg for non vegan)


Optional Mix-ins (change em up how you like!)
1/2 cup raisins
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
3 Tbsp Mila seeds (or chia)
3 Tbsp ground flax


Frosting
15 Tbsp nut or seed butter of choice


**To make a flax egg, mix 1 tbsp ground flax seed with 3 Tbsp water and refrigerate until gooey.


Directions


1. Preheat oven to 350F.  Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl; add we ingredients and mix until combined. Stir in mix-ins.  Spoon into 15 muffin cups.  Bake for 30 minutes or until top is browned.


2. Top with 1 Tbsp preferred nut or seed butter.

Nutrition Facts
15 Servings
Amount Per Serving (without nut butter)


Calories 249.8
Total Fat 13.1 g
Saturated Fat 2.9 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.3 g
Monounsaturated Fat 6.0 g
Cholesterol 0.0 mg
Sodium 41.2 mg
Potassium 90.1 mg
Total Carbohydrate 32.2 g
Dietary Fiber 5.0 g
Sugars 14.2 g
Protein 4.0 g
Vitamin A 0.0 %
Vitamin B-12 0.0 %
Vitamin B-6 1.8 %
Vitamin C 0.7 %
Vitamin D 0.0 %
Vitamin E 9.9 %
Calcium 2.1 %
Copper 3.1 %
Folate 1.4 %
Iron 7.9 %
Magnesium 1.3 %
Manganese 7.7 %
Niacin 1.2 %
Pantothenic Acid 1.7 %
Phosphorus 3.1 %
Riboflavin 1.4 %
Selenium 2.6 %
Thiamin 3.4 %
Zinc 1.1 %

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Indian Spiced Beet and Carrot “Fries”

 Dairy Free, Egg Free, Gluten Free, Low Cal, Side Dish, Soy Free, Vegan, Vegetarian  No Responses »
Jan 162012
 
There is something about the Indian spice blend, garam masala that is so warm and inviting.  Cloves, nutmeg, star anise and cumin are a few of the sweet aromatics that make up this medley. 
When I thought of what I wanted to do with the golden beets I got from my farm, roasting came to mind.  Pairing the earthy sweetness of the beets with garam masala sounded like a match made in heaven.
These make a perfect side dish for some curried tofu or any simple protein of choice.  I chose to top the fries with some fresh cilantro as a compliment to the spicy sweetness but it can be left off if you prefer.
Keep an eye on them towards the last twenty minutes as they may cook faster, depending on how thinly the beets are sliced.
Indian Spiced Beet and Carrot “Fries”
Serves 4 to 6
Vegan, Gluten Free, Dairy Free

Ingredients

2 large golden beets, peeled and sliced into a fry shape
1 cup carrots, sliced into a similar shape
1 tsp garam masala (Indian spice blend)**
1 1/2 Tbsp melted coconut oil
1/4 tsp salt
1 Tbsp agave (or honey for non-vegan option)
Pinch of Cayenne pepper
Fresh cilantro to garnish, optional

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400F.

2. Mix garam masala, coconut oil, salt, honey and cayenne.  Pour over sliced beets and carrots.  Bake 60 minutes; stirring every 20 minutes.  Top with chopped fresh cilantro if desired.

**If you don’t have Garam Masala on hand, curry powder will work just as well.

Nutrition Facts

4 Servings
Amount Per Serving


Calories 131.8
Total Fat 5.4 g
Saturated Fat 4.5 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.2 g
Monounsaturated Fat 0.3 g
Cholesterol 0.0 mg
Sodium 273.7 mg
Potassium 548.7 mg
Total Carbohydrate 20.4 g
Dietary Fiber 4.7 g
Sugars 15.0 g
Protein 2.5 g


Vitamin A 78.5 %
Vitamin B-12 0.0 %
Vitamin B-6 6.9 %
Vitamin C 14.4 %
Vitamin D 0.0 %
Vitamin E 2.9 %
Calcium 3.3 %
Copper 5.9 %
Folate 38.6 %
Iron 6.8 %
Magnesium 8.8 %
Manganese 25.0 %
Niacin 3.9 %
Pantothenic Acid 3.0 %
Phosphorus 6.6 %
Riboflavin 4.4 %
Selenium 1.5 %
Thiamin 4.2 %
Zinc 3.8 %


*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Florida Coconut Thai Fish Packets

 Dairy Free, Egg Free, Gluten Free, High Protein  No Responses »
Dec 222011
 
I will admit there are days I look in my fridge and no inspiration comes.
Ha who are we kidding, that’s almost every day.
But yesterday, inspiration struck in the form of parchment paper packets.  I found the basic recipe in Clean Eating, but chose to use my dad’s fresh caught fish and the seasonal veggies I got from my CSA.  It was so easy that I’ll be doing a lot more packets going forward-even veggie only ones. 
Mind you, they weren’t pretty-between the over stuffing of fresh veggies, the light coconut oil separating/not coming out smooth and then leaking out the sides, and finally, the ends….at the last minute I asked myself what the heck I was going to secure the ends with. I could have used toothpicks possibly, and I couldn’t find paperclips, so I went with safety pins. Very resourceful, I felt.
Even with a few mishaps, the result was completely mouth watering.
The steam from the packets produced tender veggies and flavorful fish without lots of fat and calories.  So grab yourself some parchment paper and get cookin!
Florida Coconut Curry Thai Fish Packets
Inspired by Clean Eating, Jan/Feb issue, Amy’s Thai Style Coconut Curry Hailbut Packets
Serves 4

Ingredients

4 40z fillets of white fish of choice (I used fresh caught flounder my dad caught.)
Sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
1 14oz can light coconut milk
½ red onion, thinly sliced
Handful yum yum peppers, sliced (or 1 bell pepper, any color, seeded and chopped)
1 large head broccoli, crown chopped and stem sliced
2 cups snow peas
1 bunch green onions, chopped (extra reserved for garnish)
½ cup basil, torn
½ cup chopped fresh culantro or cilantro
1 lime, sliced
1 tsp curry powder
red pepper flakes, to taste
Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 400F.  Cut four 15 inch squares of parchment paper.
  2. Lay each fillet on a piece of parchment paper and season with salt and pepper. Pour half the coconut milk over fillets, divided evenly.
  3. Layer red onion through red pepper flakes.  Pour remainder of coconut milk over top, dividing evenly over fillets.
  4. Fold top and secure ends. (All I had was a few safety pins.)
  5. Cook 15 to 17 minutes until the fish is opaque.
  6. Open packets and slide onto plate.
Nutrition Facts
4 Servings
Amount Per Serving


Calories 242.1
Total Fat 5.1 g
Saturated Fat 1.3 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.4 g
Monounsaturated Fat 1.2 g
Cholesterol 46.5 mg
Sodium 160.8 mg
Potassium 1,346.3 mg
Total Carbohydrate 14.9 g
Dietary Fiber 6.9 g
Sugars 3.0 g
Protein 36.5 g

Vitamin A 86.2 %
Vitamin B-12 25.9 %
Vitamin B-6 42.3 %
Vitamin C 332.9 %
Vitamin D 0.0 %
Vitamin E 22.2 %
Calcium 29.4 %
Copper 7.7 %
Folate 34.5 %
Iron 18.5 %
Magnesium 43.0 %
Manganese 27.2 %
Niacin 47.8 %
Pantothenic Acid 14.8 %
Phosphorus 44.8 %
Riboflavin 19.5 %
Selenium 82.6 %
Thiamin 14.0 %
Zinc 9.6 %


*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Coconut-Banana Ice Cake with Chocolate Pecan Crust

 Dairy Free, Dessert, Egg Free, Gluten Free, Soy Free, Vegan, Vegetarian  2 Responses »
Aug 312011
 
Did I mention that I made my own birthday cake for my birthday last weekend?
I figured eh…why not?  I wanted to try out a new recipe and I could make exactly what I was craving.
Coconut, banana and chocolate.

I can’t think of a better mix of flavors. 
It was so good I wrote my cake a little love letter. 
Oh Coconut-Banana Ice Cake with Chocolate Pecan Crust, how do I love the?
Let me count the ways.
1) You are sweet and creamy and luscious.
2) You are so easy to prepare even a 3-year-old can help.
3) You don’t involve any baking and opening of the oven door so you don’t crack (or other cheesecake techniques that always seem to elude me.)
5) Your crust is so nutty and chocolately delicious.
6) You contain no belly busting sugar or animal products but are still so rich and divine.
7) You have 0 grams cholesterol and so many less calories than regular cheesecake but are just as delicious.
8) You have fiber, protein and tons of vitamins and minerals from the healthy and minimally processed ingredients.
Ok, ok so I am not the best at love letters.
Tell me. What is your idea of the perfect birthday cake?  

Coconut-Banana Ice Cake with Chocolate Pecan Crust

Inspiration from Taste Space and My New Roots
Vegan, Gluten Free
Serves 10

Ingredients

Crust
1/2 cup raw pecans, toasted for a few minutes in a skillet over medium heat.
2/3 cup soft Medjool dates, pits removed
1/4 cup cocoa nibs (or dark chocolate chips for non-vegan)
1/4 cup finely shredded coconut, Lets Do Organic
1/4 tsp fine sea salt

Filling
1 ½ cups raw cashews, soaked for at least 5 hours, overnight is best
Juice of 2 lemons
2 tsp alcohol-free vanilla extract, divided
1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
1/3 cup agave (or honey for non-vegans)  
1 cup mashed ripe banana (about 3 super ripe)
1/3 cup shredded coconut, Let’s Do Organic 

Directions:

1. Place pecans, dates, coconut and chips in a food processor with sea salt and pulse to chop until they are just combined and stick together nicely.  Press into a small spring form pan (7 or 8 inch) or anything similar sized that can be frozen, (such as the microwave steamer I found and covered in plastic wrap.)

2. Heat agave or honey and coconut oil in a small saucepan over low heat until coconut oil melts, stirring frequently.  


3. In a Vitamix or food processor mix the soaked cashews, lemon juice, 1 tsp vanilla and melted coconut oil-agave mixture; process on high for several minutes until VERY smooth.


4. Pour about 3/4 of the mixture (does not have to be exact) out onto the crust and spread with a spoon or spatula.  Place into the freezer while you work on the next step.  

5.  Add the bananas, second 1 tsp vanilla and coconut to the remaining 1/4 mixture in the Vitamix or food processor; process or blend again on high until very smooth.  Remove cake from freezer and pour banana layer over the first cashew layer.  Place back into freezer until well frozen. Cover well with plastic wrap until ready to serve to prevent freezer burn.


6. Remove from freezer and place in refrigerator for 1 hour or at room temperature for just over 30 minutes prior to serving.  Cut slices with a knife run under hot water.  Rewrap any leftovers and place back in freezer.  

Estimated Nutrition Facts

10 Servings
Amount Per Serving


Calories 379.8
Total Fat 26.8 g
Saturated Fat 12.6 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3 g
Monounsaturated Fat 2.6 g
Cholesterol 0.0 mg
Sodium 61.9 mg
Potassium 218.7 mg
Total Carbohydrate 34.6 g
Dietary Fiber 5.8 g
Sugars 22.9 g
Protein 4.7 g

Vitamin A 0.6 %
Vitamin B-12 0.0 %
Vitamin B-6 10.4 %
Vitamin C 12.1 %
Vitamin D 0.0 %
Vitamin E 1.7 %
Calcium 1.1 %
Copper 6.1 %
Folate 2.5 %
Iron 2.4 %
Magnesium 5.0 %
Manganese 16.2 %
Niacin 1.8 %
Pantothenic Acid 1.9 %
Phosphorus 2.7 %
Riboflavin 2.9 %
Selenium 1.3 %
Thiamin 3.8 %
Zinc 2.3 %


*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Peanutty “Noodle” Salad

 Dairy Free, Egg Free, Lighter Fare, Low Cal, Raw, Vegan, Vegetarian  No Responses »
Jul 112011
 
A few weeks ago I overheard a few fellow yogis talking about The China study: “the most comprehensive study of nutrition ever conducted and the startling implications for diet, weight loss and long-term health” at one of my Tuesday night Power classes.  I had heard of this study but hadn’t gotten it yet, even though I had intended to do so.
Roger, (A very unexpected yogi, due to the fact that he is one of those guys that works for either the PGA or golf channel and just seems to be one of those “guy’s guy”.  But yay for Roger, he is open enough to go to yoga.) was telling our teacher Alyson that he had to stop reading it because it would make you never want to eat meat or dairy again.
Of course, I was intrigued.  What could make me not want to eat meat and dairy?  For some reason hearing that doesn’t scare me. I still feel like I’m lost at sea when it comes to figuring out what style of eating is right for my body.  It’s hard to explain.  I’m not overweight but I have to fight so hard that it makes me think I must not have found the right way yet. 
I went out and bought the book and skimmed the entire thing and now am going back and reading and re-reading each chapter.  It is really fascinating.  The premise is that animal protein, especially casein which is the protein in cow milk, causes cancer, heart disease and obesity.  And that low-protein and low-fat diets consisting of whole, plant-only foods; vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds is the way to go.  The proof is through 40 years of human observation of various populations, animal study and laboratory testing by not only T. Colin Campbell himself but by students and colleagues amassing to what actually equals about 74 years of total research during that time.  The most interesting finding is that in the locations where animal protein is not in the diet these “Western” diseases; cancer, diabetes, etc. are pretty much non-existent.
Maybe I’m brainwashed from Atkins days, but I swear, this was the first time I had heard low protein is the way to go and I was surprised.   I had to go back and look again to make sure I read correctly.  Sure enough, the book states “low protein diet” is the way to go, even with plant protein. On page 101 this is an excerpt from the chapter on Lesson’s from China.
“Consuming diets high in protein and fat transfers calories away from their conversion into body heat to their storage form – as body fat (unless severe calorie restriction is causing weight loss).  In contrast, diets low in protein and fat cause calories to be “lost” as body heat.  In research, we say that storing more calories as fat and losing less as heat means being more efficient.  I bet that you would rather be a little more inefficient and convert it into body heat rather than body fat, right?
Well simply consuming a diet lower in fat and protein can do this. 
This is what our China Study data show. Chinese consume more calories both because they are more physically active and because their consumption of low-fat, low-protein diet shift conversion of these calories away from body fat to body heat.”
So I decided to go back and see when the first Atkins diet book was published.  1972.  Sure enough, just before I was born.  That is really interesting.  Could he have had that much influence on the way our society eats? 
Over all the statistics in this book are really disturbing and hard to ignore. 
Weigh in on this.  Have you read the book?  What do you think about all this? Could we all be eating way to much protein?  I, for one, would be a little relieved to not be so worried that I’m getting enough protein in all the time.  Even during my detox a few months ago I was so worried about getting enough protein in that I wonder if that is what threw me off a bit.
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For this salad, the dressing softens the raw squash ribbons to lend the mouthfeel of a noodle and the sweet raisins and coconut counterbalance the salty tamari.  This was perfect for a light lunch over spinach.

Peanutty “Noodle” Salad
Altered from Better Nutrition Magazine

Vegan, Gluten Free
Serves 6



Ingredients

3 Tbsp natural organic peanut butter
3 Tbsp organic tamari (low-sodium)
3 tsp curry powder
3 medium organic summer squash (I used two yellow and one zucchini)
1/4 cup unsweet shaved coconut
1/3 cup raisins
2 Tbsp raw pepitas
6 cups fresh baby spinach

Directions


1. Mix the peanut butter, tamari and curry in a small bowl and set aside.

2. Using a peeler and working around the outside, peel the squashes into ribbons.  Massage the peanut butter mixture into the ribbons.  Top with coconut, raisins and pepitas and mix well. 

3. Top 1 cup spinach with about 3/4 cup squash mixture for each of 6 servings.


**Exact serving size will vary with size of squashes

Nutrition Facts
6 Servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 117.4
Total Fat 5.7 g
Saturated Fat 1.7 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.3 g
Monounsaturated Fat 0.2 g
Cholesterol 0.0 mg
Sodium 335.0 mg
Potassium 452.5 mg
Total Carbohydrate 13.3 g
Dietary Fiber 3.0 g
Sugars 6.0 g
Protein 4.4 g
Vitamin A 64.7 %
Vitamin B-12 0.0 %
Vitamin B-6 10.6 %
Vitamin C 27.8 %
Vitamin D 0.0 %
Vitamin E 3.6 %
Calcium 5.1 %
Copper 7.4 %
Folate 19.6 %
Iron 10.1 %
Magnesium 12.3 %
Manganese 27.4 %
Niacin 4.7 %
Pantothenic Acid     1.5 %
Phosphorus     6.6 %
Riboflavin 8.5 %
Selenium 1.5 %
Thiamin 5.0 %
Zinc 3.9 %
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Brazilian Vatapá

 Recipe Review  14 Responses »
May 102011
 
In a recent episode of No Reservations, Anthony Bourdain was thoroughly enjoying Vatapá, a classic Brazilian dish with African origins.  Vatapá is a thick pureed seafood stew with coconut, jalapeño and peanuts and then a few variable ingredients such as breadcrumb or cornmeal, fresh lime, cilantro, tomatoes and ginger. 
How could I not make this?
Little did I know how easy it would be to make.  For Mother’s day I had gotten a Vitamix blender so this would be the perfect recipe to try it out!
I whipped some up and what a treat! Salty briny seafood, hint of sweet coconut and spicy kick from jalapeño was such a welcome break from the norm.  I loved the creamy texture akin to polenta and the big chunks of fish and shrimp.
Originally I was going to simply use the shrimp but my dad had gone fishing and brought home some fabulous white flounder fillets (and a cobia which I am SO excited about. Recipe to follow.)  My husband and I loved the tender fish so much we even went back for seconds.
Next time I will try adding 1 tablespoon of ginger and 1 to 2 cups of chopped tomatoes.  I can’t wait to make it again soon.
Brazilian Vatapá
Gluten, Egg, Dairy, Sugar Free
Makes 7 cups
Ingredients
2 Tbsp coconut oil or EVOO
2 onion, chopped
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined, divided
2 - 3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 jalapeño pepper, chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons of turmeric (for color. Palm oil is traditionally used.)
1/3 cup peanut butter or cashew butter
Zest and juice of 1/2 lime
1 1/2 to 2 cups veggie stock or water
1 cup cornmeal
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 14.5 oz can light coconut milk
1/2 pound white fish fillets such as flounder or cod
A few dashes of hot sauce
Handful fresh cilantro
Directions
1.      Place the onion, 1/2 cup shrimp, garlic, turmeric, jalapeño, nut butter, lime zest, cornmeal and broth in food processor or blender and puree well. 
2.      Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion-shrimp mixture and sauté until cooked through, about 7 to 10 minutes adding more broth as needed.
3.      Pour in coconut milk and simmer for 2 minutes.
4.      Stir in the remaining shrimp, fish and lime juice and simmer another 5-6 minutes, or until seafood is almost cooked through.
5.      Remove from heat, stir in cilantro.

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Nutrition Facts
7 Cups
Amount Per Cup
Calories 291.5
Total Fat 12.2 g
Saturated Fat 5.1 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.0 g
Monounsaturated Fat 0.6 g
Cholesterol 120.5 mg
Sodium 268.1 mg
Potassium 312.9 mg
Total Carbohydrate 18.6 g
Dietary Fiber 2.5 g
Sugars 1.0 g
Protein 25.0 g
Vitamin A 4.1 %
Vitamin B-12 26.1 %
Vitamin B-6 11.6 %
Vitamin C 6.9 %
Vitamin D 24.6 %
Vitamin E 6.6 %
Calcium 5.1 %
Copper 11.5 %
Folate 3.3 %
Iron 14.2 %
Magnesium 16.7 %
Manganese 8.2 %
Niacin 15.3 %
Pantothenic Acid     4.8 %
Phosphorus     27.4 %
Riboflavin 6.0 %
Selenium 66.2 %
Thiamin 8.1 %
Zinc 8.6 %
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
 Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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