Monday, April 16, 2012

Book Review - Eating Animals


When I decided to change up what I ate, giving up meat was the easiest part. Something has always nagged at me about eating it and I am amazed at the number of people I hear say "I don't really eat/like meat that much." It is something I think we need to take note of. Maybe it is because they are health conscious. Maybe it is because they really don't like the taste. Maybe they are like me and it always felt, well, kinda mean. Even sushi, which I devoured on a weekly basis made me feel a little bit sad.

So why do we eat animals? And should we? 

If you are reading this blog, then there is a good chance you don't eat animals. But I still encourage you to read  Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer. I encourage everyone to read it. It might not turn you off meat, but I have very high doubts that it won't change the way you look at it.

This book is not an all out horror fest or a major guilt trip. (Although there were parts where I cried like really really hard - those of you who know me well, know that I also cry really really hard during commercials about Kleenex) It is a well presented case for not eating factory farmed meat.  And then goes on to ask, why meat at all?

If I can digress for just a sec. I recently went to Herbivore Clothing located in Portland. And I bought a couple of these buttons - 

Factory Farms Are Mean and Nasty

After reading Eating Animals I am haven't purchased factory farmed meat or eggs. And there isn't anything in the future that I can predict will make me do it again. Foer takes it one step further though and says - why eat animals at all? Even if it was raised humanely, killed in the least cruel way possible, you are still killing a sentient being to eat it.

Eating Animals has a interesting cast of farmers, activists, and butchers in the book that give you the whole spectrum of opinion through interviews. While Foer's book clearly leans towards vegetarianism, it isn't a "you're an asshole if you eat meat" kind of book. That is why I suggest it to everyone.

Recently "pink slime" and  cruel condition for battery hens are on the news every night and I feel gratitude to the host of books and movies that are coming out about the way animals are treated and the disgusting things that go on at factory farms both animals wise and food wise. I am grateful that people are taking a closer look at what is on their plate. Eating Animals will help everyone investigate a little further. Check it out at your local library, or you can purchase it here.

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Happy Grilled Cheese Day!!



It's National Grilled Cheese Day! Seriously. Google it.

Let me share my favorite grilled cheese recipe and let me just say one thing - "All Hail Daiya!!!"

What you will need -
Earth Balance Butter Spread
Some kind of delicious bread - May I suggest rye -it can be found in vegan varieties and it rocks socks. (focaccia is also frequently vegan an makes an awesome panini style sandwich)
Filling -
Roasted Red Peppers - You can roast your own but I think jarred are just fine
Caramelized onions - Yellow or sweet are best.
Mozzerella Daiya Shreds

Spread the buttery on the bread, put the filling between two slices, and grill it up!!! I like it with a little mustard or horseradish to add some zang!!!  Thank me later by sharing pictures or your creations.


Friday, April 6, 2012

Happy Friday! Bean with 'Bacon' Soup and Stuffed Mushrooms- Oh My!

Happy Friday everyone! I have been meaning to blog all week, but I never seemed to find the time.  I did make some amazingly yummy recipes this week, so I wanted to share a few of them with you.  Let me know what think after you try them.

Bean with 'Bacon' Soup- So delicious and super easy!



You will need:

4 carrots finely diced
6 15 oz cans  Organic Great Northern White Beans ( half drained )- you can use dry beans, soak them etc.
64oz Organic Veggie Broth
8oz Organic Tomato Paste
1 Tbsp Liquid Smoke
Salt
Pepper
Garlic
Herbs Provence
Large Soup Pot


1. Place Carrots and Garlic in pot with a little olive oil.  Saute until slightly softened.

2. Add in the rest of the ingredients. Bring to boil for about 5 minutes, then simmer for at least 30 minutes.

Enjoy!



Vegan Stuffed Baby Portobello Mushroom Caps (Sorry I did not capture a picture to share)

You will Need:

6 Mushroom Caps
1 Zuccini
1 Carrot
1/2 Bell Pepper
1 1/2 cups Cashew Cream
1/4 cups Nutritional Yeast
Garlic
Salt
Pepper
Herbs Provence
Olive oil
Baking Sheet

1. Prep mushrooms- Clean, remove stems, and take a spoon and remove gills. Drizzle tops with Olive Oil, and place top side down on baking sheet

2. Mix remaining ingredients in a bowl. Season to taste

3. Spoon mixture into mushroom caps evenly.

4. Place in a 400 preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes.

Enjoy!