My Dream Veggie Steamer

I had gone through many trials and error with trying to make my rice come out just right, when finally I gave up and made a plan to buy a rice cooker. Luckily, we were shooting a film at the time which required a rice maker, so the timing worked out perfectly. I went on Amazon and looked around until I found the perfect rice making machine. The one I bought is fantastic because not only does it cook rice but it also steams vegetables. So, you can make your rice and veggie goodies at the same time or separately if you prefer.

Some broccoli I steamed up the other night. 

Chicken-less Chicken Panini

Mmm...I love paninis. Yesterday, after hours of being in the hot blazing sun, I was completely famished and so I decided to throw together a sandwich...but not just any sandwich...a very creamy, crispy, deliciously flavorful panini. I've had a George Forman grill for a few years now and regretfully I have to admit that I haven't used it yet to make a panini. Don't ask why because I just don't have an answer for you. But, now I have finally put my panini grilling machine to use. 

The right one looks a little bruised lol but it was very yummy.

I sauteed this vegan chicken breast in the pan for a few minutes and added in the tomato basil sauce that came with it. I probably should have chopped it up before adding it to the sandwich to make it easier to munch on but, you live and you learn.

I saw this quick mayo recipe while watching Giada on the Food Network. I used vegenaise, fresh basil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and some pepper. I wasn't sure if using mayo on a hot sandwich would work but it tasted pretty good. 

Now, I love me some daiya cheese but the shredded factor doesn't really go well when applying to a toasted sandwich, so I went with these single slices instead. They melted quite nicely. 

Some sun dried tomatoes.

Yummity yum yum! I can't wait to dabble more in the panini world and munch on some sandwich goodness. Don't be like me and wait too long to use your Forman grill for paninis. Try it at least once and I'm sure you'll be whipping up new sandwiches every week. 

Smoothie Smoothie Smoothie!

I've been so busy with work lately and sometimes I find it hard to squeeze in a good breakfast. But, I have found that smoothies can be a perfect way to get in your nutrients without having to sacrifice too much of your time. Since I've been on this smoothie kick recently I decided to whip up another yummy one for my morning meal.

Raw Cacao Smoothie

-About 2 cups of non-dairy milk
-1 tablespoon of raw cacao powder
-1 cup of blueberries
-1 tablespoon of agave
-1 tablespoon of flax seed
-1 tablespoon of chia seed

Add all the ingredients together in a blendtec or blender, mix, and pour!

This was the first time I tried raw cacao powder in my smoothie and it turned out to be quite delicious. What's your favorite smoothie to make or buy?

Help support this teacher make a difference!

Hey guys,

Yesterday, I found an interesting story on the kind life website. It's about a Memphis teacher name Adam Guerrero who planted a beautiful vegetable garden in his front yard to help teach students about gardening and healthy eating. This sounds great, right??? Unfortunately, there is this local judge, who is trying to get the garden removed because he believes it to be a "nuisance." Adam will be battling this issue in court and needs as much support as possible.



Here is how you can help:

1. Write to Judge Larry Potter at larry.potter@shelbycountytn.gov in support of Adam Guerrero's garden. Please be respectful. You are an ambassador for the kitchen garden cause.
2. Join the Facebook page called "Save Adam Guerrero's Garden," where you can show your support and receive updates about his case.
3. Show your outrage on Twitter using the #WarOnGardens hashtag.
4. Sign an online petition at change.org in support of the garden, which will be sent to the judge hearing Guerrero's case.
5. Watch and share the video on YouTube and embedded above.

Please help support Adam! I just get so frustrated with judges and other public officials that continue to fight people like Adam and Jamie Oliver, who go out of their way to help kids live a longer healthier life. How can officials continue to complain about the obesity crisis that children are facing and then turn around and oppose any kind of change that would help these kids survive? We have to make them listen and see that we're tired of them taking no responsibility for what's going on in the schools and the fast food industry...and we most definitely have to support people who are willing to step up and make a change. 

Bob's Red Mill Possibly Funding Animal Testing

   Throughout this week I kept reading about Bob's Red Mill donating to Oregon Health and Science University, which is known for animal testing. Of course, as a vegan I am shocked and appalled by this news, especially since I buy their products. Bob's Red Mill Natural Foods is known for their whole grain products (they carry gluten free as well). I bought some of their products online and Costco even started carrying some items in bulk.

   Now, they never claim to be a vegan company but they do claim to be compassionate and understanding to their vegan and gluten free customers and make every effort to insure that they serve the best natural product. So, I'm having  a hard time understanding why they would pick a facility that goes out of its way to torture animals with its testing.

   Please check out The Informed Vegan's website for more information. People have been posting like crazy on facebook and twitter. I checked out Bob's Red Mill's twitter page and they said the best way to voice your concerns is to send an email to: customerservice@bobsredmill.com.

Smoothie Time!

There's nothing better than having a refreshing smoothie after a workout. I did some yoga today and afterwards I made a protein smoothie with hemp protein, kale, strawberries, cherries, flax seed, chia seeds, and orange juice. I love making smoothies at home because you can add or take out whatever ingredients you want and it's so much cheaper than buying one at a smoothie shop. I always use my blendtec blender, push the smoothie button and let it do its magic, but you don't need a high powered blender. You can use any blender to make your delicious smoothies. So, please experiment and have fun with making some smoothie goodness!

Vegan shrimp and brussels sprouts for dinner!

Made some dinner last night and it was yummy.

I baked some vegan breaded shrimp from Sophie's Kitchen, cooked some brown rice, and brussels sprouts. Now I know that not too many people like brussels sprouts but I love them. My mom used to make me eat them when I was little and at first I wasn't into the sprouts but she sprinkled some black pepper and some vinegar on them and I was hooked. Brussels sprouts have fiber, protein, and vitamin C. They also contain sulforaphane, a chemical believed to have potent anticancer properties. So, please check them out and season them however you like...just make sure you don't give up on them! :-)