25 Days of Blogging- Day 22: Oh Bring Me Some Figgey Pudding!!

Hi Friends!!

I have another recipe for you today, and guess what?  It holds a special place in my heart as well!  Bet you couldn't have guessed that...!

Depending on how long you have been reading this blog, you may or may not know that I have a love for history (Medieval/Rennaisance/18th/19th century eras to be exact).  I love these eras so much, I hope to one day make vegan recipe books for each!

Speaking of, I have already begun this journey!  I actually wrote and published a medieval cookbook called, Medieval Feats and Marvelous Treats.  The recipe I am about to share with you is found in this book alongside a short story about a young girl's adventured with her brother.  There are many authentic medieval recipes, each with their own story that I wrote myself.

I am very proud of this book, although I am sure I will do things differently for my next book.

What kind of vegan recipe book would you like to see?

25 Days of Bloggging- Day 13: Omisoka

Hi friends!

Today's festival is a very important holiday in Japan because it marks the end of an old year and the eve of the new. 

At 11pm on this evening, family and friends gather to have a bowl of toshikoshi-soba (年越しそば) or toshikoshi-udon (年越しうどん).  This tradition relates to the association in which long noodles representing a crossing over from one year to the next. 

Before we get on to the recipe, I just want to let you all know that tomorrow is the last festival post as I am having a hard time finding more.  If you know of a winter holiday/festival that I have not yet covered, please leave a comment below and I will be sure to include it in the 25 Days of Blogging series!!

Now, onto the recipe!:

Ingredients:
Noodle soup
1.5l dashi stock (the base used for miso soup- can contain fish, so although not traditional, you can substitute vegetable stock)
200ml soy sauce
100ml mirin
1tbsp sugar
300ml tsuyu (optional)

Noodles
200g soba buckwheat noodles
100g spring onions
20g tempura flakes

Recipe and Picture Link

Directions:

1. In a large pan, make your dashi stock. Next, add the mirin and simmer gently for a few minutes. Now add the sugar and let it dissolve before adding the soy sauce. This makes the soup for your soba noodles.
2. In separate pan bring 1l of water to the boil. Add the soba, stir them slightly to make sure they’re all spread out around the pot. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for around 8 minutes. Cooking times may vary depending on your noodles, so check the instructions on the packet.
   
3. Drain the noodles and rinse them in cold water, gently rubbing the noodles to remove any excess starch on the surface. Next, thinly slice the spring onions and any other garnishes.
4. Gently re-heat the stock and pour into bowls, then add the noodles and garnish with your spring onions and tempura flakes.

25 Days of Blogging- Day 10: Boxing Day

Hi Friends!

I am getting used to this daily blogging thing!  I hope you are all enjoying reading it as much as I am researching and writing it!!  Please leave a comment for me, letting me know your favorite post thus far.  I really love getting comments...they make my whole day!!

Now, on to today's festival:  Boxing Day!  This celebration traditionally follows the day after Christmas (so December 26th on the Gregorian calendar), when servants and tradesmen would receive gifts known, as a Christmas box, from their employers.

This tradition began as early as the Middle Ages and is still a custom in some countries including Canada, Australia, England, and Ireland.

I could not find many recipes for this holiday, as it revolves around giving a gift.  So here's my gift to you:   

 5 people who subscribe to either this blog or my main website will receive a signed copy of my book, Medieval Feats and Marvelous Treats!!

25 Days of Blogging- Day 6: St. Lucia Day

Hi Friends!

Today's festival is a Swedish tradition celebrated on December 13th.  St. Lucia's Day comes from stories told by the Monks who first brought Christianity to Sweden.  More of the traditions of this holiday come from the story, rather than food (but there is a good recipe I'll share with you!)

The story goes like this:
Lucia was a young Christian girl who was martyred in 304 AD.  She would secretly bring food to persecuted Christians in Rome.  In order to keep her hands free to carry things, she would wear candles on her head.
In today's world, Lucia is celebrated by a girl wearing a white dress with a red sash around her waist and a crown of candles on her head.  The crown is made of lingonberry branches to symbolize new life in winter.

A popular dish eaten are Lussekatts, which are St. Lucia's Day buns flavored with saffron and dotted with raisins and to be eaten at breakfast.

Recipe and Picture Link

This recipe is from Sweden, so the measurements are by weight and not in volume measurements...

Ingredients:

• 150g dairy free butter
• 500ml dairy free milk
• 50g dry yeast
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cup sugar
• 1g saffron powder
• 1.3L plain flour
• raisins or sultanas

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 250C/ 480 degrees F
2. Melt the butter and add the milk to it. Heat until warm with the saffron (37C / 98F)
3. Dissolve the yeast with the milk/butter liquid in a big bowl. Add salt, sugar and around 2/3 of the plain flour.
4. Work the dough until shiny and add more of the flour as needed; saving 1-2dl (½-3/4cup) for the rolling of the dough later on. 
5. Sprinkle with flour and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Leave to rise in room temperature with out a drag until the dough has doubled in size. (approx. 45-60min)
6. Once your dough has risen, put it on a floured work bench and cut into 30-40 pieces.
7. Roll each piece into a sausage shape as thick as a finger and shape into the classic lussekatt-shape. (or shape of your choice, but remember that size will effect how long it has to be baked.)
8. Place evenly on oven trays with baking paper and leave to rise until they almost double in size.
9. Brush with dairy free milk and gently push a raisin/sultana in each swirl on the buns.
10. Bake each tray in the middle of the pre-heated oven for 8-10 minutes. Until just golden.
11. Enjoy your Swedish Saffron Buns.

I hope you enjoy and don't forget to check out The Vegan Swedes, where I found this recipe!!

25 Days of Blogging- Day 5: Fiesta of Our Lady Guadalupe

Hi friends!

Today's festival is a Mexican-Catholic holiday beginning the week before December 12th.  Celebrations go all the way to the eve of December 12th, when the height of the celebration happens.  On this day, conchero dancers gather in the atrium of the church Basilica of Ville Madero.  Here, there is dancing, music, and singing to honor the Señora de Guadalupe.

 One of the many traditional recipes enjoyed on this day (December 12th) is Sopa de Espinaca (Spinach Soup).  This traditional soup has an additional special ingredient...macaroni noodles!


Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb spinach
• 1/4 lb elbow macaroni
• 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
• 1.2 onion, minced
• 1/2 can tomato paste
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Boil the spinach and macaroni separately, then rinse and drain. 
2. Brown the onions in oil, then add the tomato sauce.  Stir and let simmer for 2 minutes, then add the broth.  
3. Bring the mixture to a boil and add the macaroni.
4. Add spinach and simmer 5 minutes.  
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve!

25 Days of Blogging- Day 4: 3. Eid-al-Adha

Hi Friends!

Today's festival is from Islam and is called Eid-al-Adha, also known as the Sacrifice Feast.  It is a 4 day festival honoring the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son for God.  Those who can, donate an entire halal animal to neighbors or those less fortunate.  The sacrificed animal is known as Udiyyah and has to meet a certain set of rules to be considered Halal.

 

Since the majority of the recipes for this festival include meat, I have decided not to post a recipe.  In holding the highest respect for cultures and customs, I do not feel comfortable posting an animal-based recipe on this blog.

If you would like to learn more about this festival, click here.

Most Comforting Cuppa!

Hi friends!!

Just a quick post today.  Since I posted on Monday, my week has been a bit thrown off (which is why I am posting this one later than usual).  Either way, I am coming to you with a yummy recipe!!

Besides pumpkin, chai is another popular flavor blend this time of year.  More than likely, it is because the spices used in chai are very warm and comforting.  With it's blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, and more, it is the perfect spice blend to add a bit of comfort to any recipe!

Comforting Chai Tea:  Serves 1-2

• 2 tsp (or 2 bags) plain black tea
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 cup water
• 1-2 T sugar or maple syrup
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 tsp whole cloves
• 1 pod star anise
• ½ tsp cardamom
• In a medium sized pot, pour in the milk and water.  Heat on medium and add the sugar.  Mix until dissolved.
• Once the sugar is dissolved, add the spices and bring the whole mixture to a simmer.
• When you can see tiny bubbles around the edge of the pot, turn off the heat and add in the tea.
• Let the tea steep for 3-4 minutes.  Then, strain out the tea and spices and enjoy!!
• Note: If you do not have all of these spices and do not feel like investing in them, feel free to just use cinnamon and cloves, or use pumpkin pie spice!  The more variety of spices you have, the better the result.
• Second note: You can use this same spice blend in baked goods too! Simply drop all the spices in a spice grinder or mortar and pestle and grind until powdery. Then, add 1-2 teaspoons of the mixture to your next batch of muffins, pancakes, or really anything you'd like!!

What is your favorite flavor during the holidays?! Let me know in the comments below!

Murderer Mystery Party Recap

Hi friends!

If you follow me in Instagram, you may know that Andrew and I hosted a Harry Potter themed murder mystery dinner party this past weekend!

We rented a historic farmhouse from the 1830's and everyone came in character!  Not everyone is pictured here, but starting from the top right, we have Mad Eye Moody, Bellatrix Lestrange (Me), Narcissa Malfoy, Draco Malfoy, Ginny Weasley (Kristin), Tonks, and Hermione Granger!

So, besides sharing a whole lot of fun pictures, I am going to let you in on a little secret...How I planned this whole event!  (Hint:  it was quite extensive, much like a small wedding, but you definitely don't have to go as big as I did, but you can definitely do more if you are so inclined as well!!)

Step 1:  Choose your theme and create characters.  I did a Harry Potter themed party, so if you would like to see my characters and their background story, email me and I can send it your way.

Step 2:  Figure out how in depth you want to go with decorations.  Do you want to go all out?  Or would you rather keep it simple?  Once you decide, gather your ideas and get creative!

Step 3: Create your invites.  Depending on your personal style/preference, this may be the most complicated part; well at least it was for me.  I wanted the card to read as though Bellatrix herself were writing the invitation, so I had to get into character in order to do so.  Then, I created the card using Lucidpress on Google.  On the invite, I included the following:

• Itinerary and address for the evening
• A picture and description of the character assigned
• A themed dish to bring
• A few paragraphs for the invite in which I explained the rules and expectations of the evening

Bellatrix and Luna Lovegood

Bellatrix and Mrs. Weasley

Now, you don’t have to go quite as in-depth as I did, but you definitely want to give your guests an idea of what they are getting themselves into.  I also gave them plenty of time so they can get or make a costume and/or change character if for some reason they did not like the character chosen for them.  Lucky for me, everyone was happy with their character.  Although, some didn’t want to dress up.  In this situation, I simply said that they had to have a costume, but it did not have to be elaborate.  For example, someone portraying a witch could wear a black t-shirt, yoga pants, and a witch hat headband.  Simple, inexpensive, and most people have something they can throw together easily.

Step 4: Party like you're at Hogwarts!!

High Protein Vegan Salad

Hi friends!

Whether you know it or not, I am not one to count calories or protein needs.  From my studies in nutrition, and several other resources like here, here, and here, protein is a macro-nutrient that is found everywhere and we don't seem to need as much as we think.

Nevertheless, as a vegan, I get asked the most infamous question more often than I'd like; "You don't eat meat?! Well then where do you get your protein?!"

That is why I am writing this post...The average adult human body needs only .8-1 gram of protein per KILOGRAM of body weight...that's kg not pound...which comes out to roughly 50-70 grams per day for the average healthy adult.
     Disclaimer:  Certain life stages or diseases do need more or less protein, but I am just speaking for      the general population here.  I am also not prescribing how much one should consume, just stating      the facts.

Now, to put that into perspective, here's a little chart for you: (The information below was found at the USDA's nutrient database and the)

Food	Grams Protein per 100g of Food
Bacon bits, meatless	32
Bacon	12.5
Black beans	8
Ground beef, 70/30	24
Broccoli, raw	3
Buckwheat	13
Collard greens, raw	3
Yellow Corn	9.4
Edamame	11

Just think about how much broccoli or black beans you would get for 100g, and how little beef or other meat!!!

As you can see, animal flesh is a very dense source of protein (and saturated fat and cholesterol) and 3 ounce portions are the recommendation.  Yes, you read that right...3 ounces...that's about the size of a standard deck of cards or the palm of your hand.  From my experience, most Americans consume 3-4 times that at each meal!

Wouldn't you rather get to fill your plate/bowl to the rim with plants?!  Well, I certainly would.

Now for the good stuff, and probably what you came here for in the first place:

High Protein Vegan Salad:
You will need:

• 2 cups of cooked beans (if you are using canned, be sure to rinse)
• 1 small zucchini, diced 
• 1 green onion, chopped
• 1 carrot, shredded and roughly shopped
• 1 roma tomato, diced
• 1 garlic clove (optional)
• 1/2 of a fresh jalapeno (optional)
• herbs and spices to taste

Simply mix all the ingredients in a bowl and serve over a bed of fresh greens (spring mix and kale are my favorites).

Nutrition Facts:
You can enjoy this entire recipe with no guilt!  Check it out, the whole recipe is 520 calories, 34 g protein, 31 g fiber (that's the recommended day's worth), and only 3 g fat!!

High Protein Vegan Salad

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 full recipe (620g)

Amount Per Serving		% Daily Value*
Calories	517	26%
Total Fat	2g	4%
Saturated Fat	0g	2%
Trans Fat
Cholesterol		0%
Sodium	65mg	3%
Total Carbohydrate	95g	32%
Dietary Fiber	30g	122%
Sugars	9g
Protein	34g	68%

Vitamin A	251%	•	Vitamin C	82%
Calcium	16%	•	Iron	64%

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

Full Info at cronometer.com

Let me know how it goes if you try this recipe!

My top 4 Fourth of July Healthy Eating tips!

Hi friends!  As I mentioned yesterday, I am here today to share with you some tips on making this Independence Day one that your body and mind will thank you for!

Celebrations are about having fun and sharing good times and traditions with friends and family.  It is important to enjoy your favorite foods, but do so in a mindful manner.  Here's a few suggestions on my favorite recipe swaps.  I bring these foods to all family gatherings and most of the time, no one knows they are even vegan!

Note:  I am not trying to push a plant-based diet on anyone, these just so happen to be to my liking (vegan), but also offer some great health benefits.  Most plant-based foods are high in fiber, low in fat, and loaded with vitamins and minerals; which are good for keeping your heart healthy, stable blood sugar, healthy cholesterol levels, and so much more.

My top 4 swaps:

1. BBQ- instead of the high fat, high sugar BBQ most of us know, you can get a similar taste and effect by swapping the meat for tofu, jackfruit, or even stewed carrots!  I know it sounds weird, but check out this recipe by the Minimalist Baker!!  Sounds and looks so good!!!
1. As a bonus, she even makes her own slaw which is another common high fat/sodium/sugar food if not prepared in a mindful way.
2. Potato Salad-  This one is tricky because potatoes are super healthy!!  But add in the mayonnaise and salt, and you've got an artery-clogging mess.  Might taste good, but your body will not be thanking you.  Instead of weighing down this dish with mayo, use mashed avocados or pureed young coconut meat to keep that same creamy taste and texture but with added health benefits.
3. Ice Cream- For the same reasons as above, ice cream is very high in fat and added sugar.  If you do want a cold, creamy treat without the heft, try a fruit sorbet, or make your own fruit pops with fresh fruit, a little water or juice, and blend it with avocado or coconut for an extra creamy treat!  (Let me know in the comments if you'd want some of these recipes!) 
4. Corn on the cob- Once again, corn is a very healthy food!!  When buying corn, look for organic or Non-GMO, and get to know your local farmers!  Corn is a hot topic these days and from my point of view, its better to lean towards the "natural" growing methods than the more modern versions.  Be mindful with this food as well, though, because adding loads of butter and salt opposes all the wonderful benefits corn has to offer your body.  Once again, rubbing avocado on the corn and sprinkling with unsalted chili powder is one of my faves!!

Alright, well that's all I have for you for today!  Remember to check out yesterday's post and leave a comment letting me know what you think my new name should be!

Much love and happy eating!