Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Tempeh


Tempeh is fermented soy and is much healthier than tofu, as well as a great alternative for meat. Check out the following link for more information on tempeh: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2008/03/27/why-this-type-of-soy-is-better.aspx

Westsoy Tempeh Five Grain is my favorite and can be purchased at most natural food stores.

*Tempeh Quesadillas*

1 8oz. package of Westsoy Tempeh
1 cup homemade salsa of your choice
Avocado slices
Fresh chopped cilantro
Tillamook white peppercorn cheese
Sour cream (see previous recipe)
Whole wheat tortillas (see previous recipe)


Steam tempeh for 5 minutes. Crumble tempeh into small pieces and marinade in salsa overnight. The next day let mixture sit out a few hours before meal time so it's room temperature. On a cast iron skillet place tortilla flat, sprinkle small handful of cheese onto tortilla, once cheese starts to melt place tempeh mixture on 1/2 of tortilla with avocado slices and cilantro. Fold tortilla in half and add a dollop of sour cream and enjoy!

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

*Sour Cream*

1 Cup cashew pieces
Juice of 1 lemon
Pinch of sea salt
1/4 Cup filtered water
1 Tablespoon fresh herbs (chives, basil, cilantro, etc)

Blend all ingredients in Vita Mix or high speed blender until smooth and refrigerate.

*Try on quesadillas, breakfast burritos, vegetable dip, smear on an english muffin - yum!

Thursday, March 11, 2010

*Whole Wheat Tortillas*

4 Cups whole wheat flour
1 Teaspoon baking powder
1/2 Teaspoons sea salt
4 Tablespoons organic all vegetable shortening
1 1/4 Cups filtered lukewarm water

*Optional 1 Tbs molasses (for softer tortilla with a touch of sweetness)

Combine dry ingredients, mix thoroughly. Add shortening and molasses, mix. While mixer is on slowly add water. Should form a ball, don't over mix. Form a ball and cover with plastic wrap for 30 minutes. Pinch dough into golf ball sizes and roll out (a $20 tortilla press is worth the money). Cook on low heat in a cast iron skillet, once bubbles start to form flip and cook the other side. Store in refrigerator.

*You can add lime, garlic, jalapenos, cilantro, etc to the dough for a variety of tastes.

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Food, Inc.


I watched the documentary Food, Inc. last night and I have to say I am outraged and pissed off at the government, corporate America and well myself. I watched Fast Food Nation some time ago but honestly I closed my eyes when the animal segments were on. This time I forced myself to watch Food Inc. in its entirety (altough Jason said it was not nearly as revolting as Fast Food Nation). I am angry at myself for supporting animal cruelty, the degradation of our true American Farmer's, immigration, and buying into conventional American foods. You need to watch the movie to really understand what I am talking about, if you don't watch Fast Food Nation or Food, Inc. please know this:

Purchasing meat that is mass produced not only is unhealthy, but you, yes you are supporting animal cruelty that is LEGAL! Why is it legal because the government and large corporations have pushed technology, production, more, bigger, better, faster, cheaper before our eyes. We don't ask questions, we buy into branding that is drilled into our heads over and over ("Save Money, Live Better" - whatever), fault lies with us just as much as the government and corporate America.

I really thought I was in the know about organic vs. conventional but there is work to be done on my part, I read labels but I never paid attention to what really is in season, where did my meat come from, how far does my produce travel to reach my gorcery store, and yes the soybean is it good for you or not? In my opinion soybeans are being pushed for those that have denounced corn (guilty) and its biproducts, read my previous long winded February post about soybeans.

I pledge to purchase only meats that are farm raised in a cruelty free and organic environment.

I pledge to continue improving my grocery shopping to eliminate purchases that involve science, factories, large corporations, and ingredients I can't pronounce (most boxed and pre-packaged foods).

I pledge to teach my children (and whomever else wants to listen) that food, our bodies, animals, and our planet should be treated with respect.

*I am happy to loan out my copy for anyone that is interested (tax, interest and shipping apply J/K).

To purchase go to: http://www.amazon.com/Food-Inc-Eric-Schlosser/dp/B0027BOL4G