Celebrations: When our friends and family invited us to dinner, the host and I worked it out so that "All's well." I either brought a dish to share that I could eat or s/he explored the vegan recipe choices and came up with delights. I am so grateful for such understanding. Going to someone's home will never be free of planning but not planning is how I got into an unhealthy lifestyle.
"Traveling" has always seemed tricky when I think about preparing for a journey. The reality has been exciting. Calls to restaurants help prepare the staff and chefs for my alternative food plan. I also carry a card to give the wait staff which has everything spelled out especially No Oil in the Cooking Process. What comes to the table is varied but the only disappointment is the food is bland. My emergency kit to the rescue. I carry small plastic spice and herb bags and sometime sauces and hummus to slip out and kick up the fare.
"Nostalgia" is a bit harder to write about because for the first time in my Vegan adventure, I thought of what I did not eat. Mainly, the list was about "sweets" but special dishes associated with Christmas surfaced. Denying the feelings only made them stronger and my resolve wobbly. In the end it did not have as much to do with food as it did with missing family. The second tactic was stepping up my physical activity which gave me more energy instead of depleting it. Happy trails took my thoughts to gratitude.
The "weather" here in Southern Oregon turns from cold to frosty and sometimes foggy days and freezing nights in December and January. I do look forward to the spring as each day gets longer and each day is experienced. The seasonal, local, fresh food in winter is minimal relative to the spring and summer. I have explored more grains and seasonings as well as lots of soups and stews.
The great ending is I made it through it and am better for it. Nobody said it was going to be easy.... But it is getting a lot easier. Best to all...
Let's get to some recipes........ From Plant Powered Kitchen and Straight Up Food
Zucchini Bread
http://www.straightupfood.com/blog/2013/01/07/zucchini-bread/#.UPtqjbmMMFw.email
http://plantpoweredkitchen.com/recipe-page/?recipe_id=6025837
Low-Fat Apple Swirl Loaf by Plant-Powered Kitchen
The smell (and taste!) of the cinnamon/apple mixture in this quick bread is divine. Made with whole-grain flours, this is a healthy, low-fat, and delicious snack.
http://plantpoweredkitchen.com/recipe-page/?recipe_id=6025875
Chickpea Ratatouille by Plant-Powered Kitchen
This recipe is one of my favorites from Vive le Vegan! (outside of desserts, of course)! It’s much like a ratatouille, but using chickpeas instead of the traditional eggplant and zucchini, and an original spice combination. The result is a dish with a complexity of flavors and the bonus of minimal preparation!
http://plantpoweredkitchen.com/recipe-page/?recipe_id=6038092
Fragrant Kidney Bean Lentil Dal by Plant-Powered Kitchen
This dish is a dal of sorts, and is especially fragrant and flavorful, rich with spices, and yet not spicy in a hot sense. I enjoy how this dish is not hot-spicy, however, you can always add a few splashes of hot sauce if you like.
No comments:
Post a Comment