General Update

September 17, 2007 in general

I realize things have been quiet around The Whole Wheat. Not for lack of cooking or desire to post, I assure you! I’ve been queuing up some great recipes though, so stay tuned for some fun cooking adventures.

I also thought I should update on Plant Month now that it is mid-September. For those unfamiliar, I decided to try being vegan (i.e. eating no products that came from an animal including butter, cheese, honey, etc.) for one month. I had several friends participate as well. And I think that is key – having friends in the same eating boat you are definitely makes it easier in social situations – and staying motivated! I really enjoyed this experience and how it helped me to approach fruits, veggies, grains, & especially beans in a fresh light.

I would estimate I still eat approximately 50% vegan, about 25% vegetarian (bits of cheese or butter, etc), and the remaining time an omnivore diet. This allows me flexibility to eat socially with no problems or making anyone feel uncomfortable. It also allows me to avoid the vegan problem of not consuming any B-12 – since I would prefer to eat a diet that gives me all my physical nutrient requirements. And the primary benefit – is it keeps my husband happier since he doesn’t feel that I am depriving him of every food he enjoys. And that helps keep a happy home. 8-)

Recipes will be coming soon – stay tuned!

Recipe: Spicy Green Beans

September 6, 2007 in recipe, vegetable

Green beans are incredible any time. But fresh and seasonal the way they are right now – divine! This recipe is extremely simple and a slight adaption of one sent in my weekly CSA box. Great as a side dish or tossed in a salad – enjoy!

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb. green beans
  • 2 T. soy sauce
  • 1 T. rice vinegar
  • 2 t. sugar
  • 1/4 – 1/2 t. red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 t. ground pepper
  • 1 T. vegetable oil
  • 2 T. minced garlic
  • 2 T. minced ginger
  1. Rinse and drain green beans. Trim off stem ends then cut into 2 to 3-inch pieces.
  2. In a small bowl mix soy, vinegar, sugar, chili flakes, and pepper.
  3. In a 10 to 12-inch pan over high heat, add beans and 1/4 c. water.  Cover and cook until beans are bright green and crunchy, 3-4 minutes.  Uncover and cook until water evaporates.
  4. Add oil, ginger, and garlic to pan.  Stir until beans and garlic are lightly browned, 1-2 minutes.
  5. Stir the soy mixture into the pan and bring to a boil.  Stir until most of the liquid has evaporated and the sauce thickens to coat the beans, 2-3 minutes.
  6. Serve hot or cool! :)

Recipe: Mocha Chip Muffins

September 4, 2007 in breakfast, recipe, vegan

Ahh muffins – what could be nicer on a weekend morning? These muffins come together so nicely and bake in only 20 minutes or so. Enjoy!!

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 c. sugar
  • 1/4 c. cocoa powder
  • 2 1/2 t. baking powder
  • 1/2 t. salt
  • 2 t. instant espresso powder
  • 1 1/4 c. almond milk (or rice, soy, etc.)
  • 1/2 c. canola oil
  • 1 t. vanilla extract
  • 1/2 c. chopped chocolate (or chocolate chips)
  1. Preheat oven to 375.
  2. Sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt into a large bowl. Add the espresso powder.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, oil and vanilla.
  4. Pour wet ingredients into the dry and mix until dry ingredients are moistened. Fold in chocolate pieces.
  5. Either line a muffin tin with paper cups, or lightly oil them. Fill each muffin cup about 3/4 full. Bake 18-25 minutes until the center comes out clean when tested with a toothpick.

Note: original recipe from Vegan with a Vengeance – great book!

Recipe: Honeydew Cocktail

September 1, 2007 in drink, fruit, recipe

I currently have a surplus of honeydew melons in the fridge – 3 to be exact.  Considering these could be the first honeydews I have ever purchased – this is quite a lot of melon to have at one time.  Ahh CSA boxes. ;)   Regardless, today it was a wonderfully sunny day in San Francisco, and time to have some honeydew.  And what better way to celebrate the long weekend than with a lovely fruit cocktail.  These could easily be made with vodka or rum, but we had gin.  Mint, orange, possibly even pepper could be fantastic additions.  These are easy and tasty – enjoy!

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 honeydew melon, seeded, peeled, and cubed
  • 1/2 c. gin (or vodka, or rum…)
  • juice of 2 limes
  1. Place all ingredients in a blender.  Blend until smooth.  Serve over ice. :)