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Exploring urban U.S. cities: Baltimore

green goddess — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 13:03:55 +0000

You don’t need to go far from your home to have adventures of many kinds. Most communities have a food scene, an art scene and an outdoors scene, no matter how small. The quaint little shops in downtown squares are inviting to the eyes, as the rolling hills and mountains or grassy flatlands entice the need for exploration.

However, urban cities are an adventure all their own. Each one has booming scenes but offers a few unique aspects that makes them all their own.

Just south of the Mason-Dixon Line, Baltimore is a treasured beauty along the Chesapeake Bay. Though not Washington, D.C. or the capital of Maryland, Annapolis, in and around Baltimore is rich with history, a mecca for art and education and a wide taste for different food.

History

Maryland was a Confederate state during the Civil War. With Gettysburg not too far away and with the large ports in its city, Baltimore was on stage during a fierce battle for slavery and human rights. The Baltimore Riot of 1861 is considered the first bloodshed of the Civil War, when a mob of secessionists and Southern sympathizers attacked the train cars and blocked the route for soldiers trying to reach the Capitol.

But Civil War wasn’t the only thing that made Baltimore famous in history. The country’s national anthem, the Star-Spangled Banner, was composed there by Francis Scott Key in 1814. There are a few museums in Baltimore regarding its history, such as the Flag House and Star-Spangled Banner Museum and the Civil War museum.

And don’t forget sports! Make sure to visit Camden Yards, the home of the Baltimore Orioles, and the Babe Ruth Museum.

Art and Education

The art and education scene is big in Baltimore, with the Baltimore Museum of Art on center stage. an internationally renowned collection of 19th-century, modern, and contemporary art — a collection of more than 90,000 pieces. It has the largest collection of Henri Matisse, with other world-renown artists on display: Picasso, Cézanne, Manet, Degas, Gauguin, van Gogh, and Renoir.

But this museum isn’t the only art in the city, with the Walters Art Museum and many shops showcasing the talents of many.

Adjacent to the Baltimore Museum of Art is one of the campuses of John Hopkins University, a pioneer in the concept of the modern research university and ranked among the world’s top such universities throughout its history. With it’s sprawling campus and gorgeous buildings, it’s hard not to get sucked back into the college mindset while walking along the area.

But Hopkins isn’t the only university in town: Baltimore offers Loyola, University of Maryland Baltimore, University of Baltimore, and Maryland Institute College of Art, just to scratch the surface of this collegetown.

Food

This bayside city isn’t just famous for fresh seafood and crabs, but offers a variety of ethnic foods, almost anything you can think of. Why else would there be so many online resources for the foodie in all of us, such as BaltimoreEats.com, a VegBaltimore site and even food tours for the Charm City.

But it’s OK that all you want is crabs: It’s a must in this city.

For more

Baltimore has so much to offer. Visit the city’s website to explore the Charm City on your own.

Deciphering food label logos

green goddess — Sun, 30 May 2010 16:34:15 +0000

You see them on every box of food you pick up, especially if your diet and lifestyle requires it.

Labels — we are bombarded by them every day. But what do they really mean? You may not even know some of these labels that help us make more conscientious choices with food practices:

Certified Vegan: Backed by the nonprofit Vegan Action, this logo, a circle with a letter V in a heart, asserts that the product neither contains nor uses any animal ingredients or byproducts in its manufacture, and contains no ingredients that have been tested on animals. It also is used to label clothes and cosmetics. The nonprofit relies on written statements from companies but it also can require lab tests and will contact suppliers and manufactures with questions.

Fair Trade Certified: Expressed as a dual-colored person holding two bowls with a world image behind all in a rectangle box, this icon guarantees that the growers received a fair and about-market price. Fair Trade standards also push for sustainable farming and forbid child labor and the use of harmful pesticides. It is commonly associated with coffee, tea and cocoa. TransFair USA, which is a member of Fairtrade Labeling Organizations International, certifies and audits all companies under this logo in the United States and its suppliers.

American Humane Certified: This label, administered by the American Humane Association, ensures that the producers allow farm animals to freely engage in normal behaviors, such as wing stretching for laying hens, and employs only trained handlers to tend to them. It is pictured as a sun coming up over a side of a barn, which is in a circle, with another jagged circle surrounding with the label’s name. It also indicates that these animals weren’t raised in cages. To get this label, independent auditors conduct inspections before issuing a certificate, and after that, the farm must undergo annual audits to prove its continuous adherence to the standards.

Food Alliance Certified: The nonprofit Food Alliance — which looked like two circles, one smaller with a farm scene inside a black circle with the labels words — certifies food producers for a variety of sustainable practices, including safe and fair working conditions, reduced pesticide use, water and energy conservation, and wildlife-habitat protection. Rejection of the use of hormones and antibiotics also is on its list. Certified members are required to set improvement goals and show yearly progress. Additionally, farmers cannot grow genetically modified crops. Food Alliance employs a third-party inspection agency to regularly audit its participating members.

Rainforest Alliance Certified: This label from a nonprofit, Rainforest Alliance, guarantees socially and environmentally responsible management and is all about sustainable agriculture. It is pictured as a black frog inside a circle, which is inside another jagged black circle with the wording surrounding it. More than 31,000 farms in 22 countries comply, and the alliance holds its members accountable for decent wages, soil and water conservation, and the use of pesticides as a last option. The alliance relies on the Sustainable Agriculture Network as well as independent agencies to evaluate and award certification.

Dolphin Safe: Manufactures under this label are regulated by the National Marine Fisheries Service under the Dolphin Protection Consumer Information Act. The manufacturers cannot label tuna “dolphin safe” if fisherman deliberately or accidentally encircle or kill dolphins with nets. The Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission performs onboard inspections of fishing practices within the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, the primary region where dolphins and tuna swim together. In 2000, the U.S. government designed its own dolphin-safe logo — which is a circle containing a dolphin with a water image and the “U.S. Department of Commerce” words — and encourages, but does not require, companies to adopt it.

Beat the winter blues: Cheap and eco ways to warm up

green goddess — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:07:41 +0000

February has become a brutal month for winter weather across the States, and I bet it is the same in other countries.

With the winter weather comes cozy indoors, but with limited income and high heat costs, cozy no longer means the same in 2010. There are many eco-conscious people out there, too, who are aware of the mainstream heating agents, aka fossil fuels, and their reported harmful effects. (If not, visit here.)

So, what is a person to do when they are not only shivering outdoors, but indoors as well? Or they turn their heat off or very low down just to save a couple of bucks?

Here are some ways you can try to beat the winter chill AND the heating highrise:

Get a large blanket that will insulate your body. I am not talking about a cotton comforter, even though they work well. During the winter months, you need more than that comforter. Look for down-alternative blankets (because who wants to be sleeping with goose feathers floating out and sticking to your clothes?) If you have allergies, down isn’t your best bet, but what about those thick blankets you see under tents along the highway that feature lovely pictures of bears and eagles? I know, they look ugly, but I have one a friend got for me, and though it doesn’t match my decor, it keeps me so warm on winter nights that I don’t need my heat on to sleep without freezing to death!
Wear fleecy clothing and sweats. Don’t becaught wearing your coat, scarf, winter hatand gloves in your house. Just buy some fleecy pajama pants (it’s OK that they have reindeer on them) and a fleece top to go with your outfit. Wear a cotton tank top under the shirt to make sure there is a bit of air circulation so sweating can be minimal.
Drink hot tea or coffee, or maybe some soup. Drinking or eating something hot will warm you on the inside out, and in combination with the blankets and warming clothing, it will keep you toasty for awhile. Just don’t overdo it with the caffeine, or you will be running to the bathroom frequently and uncovering your little warming hut.
If you have an electric blanket, use it. This method will eat up some of your utilities, but it’s a good bet if you simply can’t warm up or if your shut your heat off. More recent models have a timer, where it automatically shuts off when it’s been on too long, saving your electricity usage and preventing any fires from occurring.
Cuddle with a person! Even if you are freezing, you are actually giving off a lot of heat. Men generally give off a lot more heat than women, though they may be cold like us women. But no matter the gender, just sitting under a blanket close to someone will help your body heat up. If you are single or your significant other lives farther away, invite over a close friend, and sit close and tucked in your blanket. (I am only suggesting platonic actions.) If this fails you, cuddle with a furry friend! They might not sit as still, but you can try, because as mammals they also give off heat. They might be happy you are keeping them warmer, too.

These are some easy, eco-friendly and cheap ways to keep out the winter blues. Now, go grab the back seasons of your favorite TV show and show the couch some love!

Add plants and filter your air!

green goddess — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 14:33:45 +0000

Watching late-night television, we get sucked in with the infomercials. One in particular tells me about purifying my air and how that would help my health.
I am a sucker for filtered anything. We live in a dirty, dirty world and anything to get me away from that filth will make me happier. But I am not a millionaire, I am surviving on a new-to-the-workforce salary.
Well, NASA has given me an answer — buy plants!
NASA, as part of the NASA Clean Air Study, came out with a list of household plants to buy that not only releases oxygen and absorbed carbon dioxide, but can filter the three of the main airborne toxins we breathe in each day. The study found that the plants can eliminate significant amounts of benzene, formaldehyde and/or trichloroethylene, which was tested in the NASA space stations.
The list includes:

1. English Ivy
2. Spider plant
3. Golden pothos or Devil’s ivy
4. Peace lily
5. Chinese evergreen
6. Bamboo palm or reed palm
7. Snake plant or mother-in-law’s tongue
8. Heartleaf philodendron
9. Selloum philodendron
10. Elephant ear philodendron
11. Red-edged dracaena
12. Cornstalk dracaena
13. Janet Craig dracaena
14. Warneck dracaena
15. Weeping Fig
16. Gerbera Daisy or Barberton daisy
17. Pot Mum or Florist’s Chrysanthemum
18. Rubber Plant

Look at that list!

The pollutants are found in everyday things, such as ink, paint, adhesives, plywood, grocery bags, plastics and pharmaceuticals.

These plants need to undergo photosynthesis for the filtration to work properly, so keep your plant watered (or follow directions that is recommended for the plant) and keep in a well-lit area.

For more information, visit the Wikipedia Web site, or a short summery of NASA’s original report. To download the PDF of the document, visit this site.

Winter prep for the green life

green goddess — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 22:21:29 +0000

Well, winter is already here! For the Northeastern United States, it has been weird to already see snow “early” in winter. Snow blanketed much of the country this past week, and then a swift, freezing cold wind blew past us.

But that only reminds us that we must prepare our houses and daily routines for the cold and wet weather. With some more warmer winter weather, in the 30s and 40s, coming our way, it’s a perfect time to set up the winter routine.

Household prep:

Seal any leaks with insulation, caulking, weather stripping and door snakes. By doing this, you keep warm air in and cold air out. If it is really warm and you have the money, invest in double-pane windows. Otherwise, dust off your darker window treatments so that the heat stays in. Also, putting a layer of plastic can help seal windows for the winter, and there are kits in any store. This is not the green way to go, however, if you bought some last year, simply throwing it out isn’t green either. Use up what you have.
Clean your gutters, because proper cleaning will prevent damage to the house and deterioration. For an even greener way, you can retrofit the gutters to collect rainwater and snowmelt to aid in lawn irrigation.
Insulate your attic so cold doesn’t seep into the house. Also, inspect your roof for any type of leak that would cause major damage during the winter months.
Install ceiling fans and set them clockwise in winter, to help push warmer air down where you can enjoy it.
Set your thermostat to 65 F or lower, and wear layers of warm cotton clothing in dark colors that absorb light and heat.
Consider investing in a programmable thermostat that fulfills heating needs around your schedule. You set it so the heat kicks on for a specified amount of time before you arrive home or before you get up in the mornings.
Check your furnace or heating source to make sure it’s working properly. By doing this, you prevent any mid-winter mishaps and get the maximum benefit all winter long. Also, look into a furnace cover, which will prevent heat from seeping from the tank and also prevent the need for it to continuously heat up.

Garden prep:

Keep a bin close by, and you can fill with dead branches and leaves.

This about next year’s garden plan and evaluate how you can make it more green.
Continue your compost bin. Try a worm bin for the winter, or just keep it close-by your house for easy food disposal.

Transportation prep:

Check your vehicle to make sure the fluid levels are at a good point. If needed, add gasoline anti-freeze to your tank before filling up, so your gas won’t freeze when it is 10 degrees below! (This almost happened to me recently!)
If you are a walking or mass-transportation commuter, gather organic and eco-friendly winter wear. Look for sweaters, scarves, hats, gloves and coats that have been made organically and, better yet, local. Invest in a good pair of boots that will last you past this year.
Biking? It might not be the safest way during winter weather, but there are some maintenance that is needed. Make sure your tires are properly inflated and not worn down; get proper eye gear such as goggles; wear layers and breathable, waterproof coat and clothing; invest in a rear rack or waterproof pannier for your baggage, which will be heavier to cart in the winter weather; get a light for the bike because natural light is scarce; and think about a winter kit, such as a flashlight and a lock de-icer.

Also, don’t forget to stock up on local food essentials to cut down on costs, look up seasonal recipes and cuddle with those you love to keep warm.

Seasons greetings!

Green your Thanksgiving

green goddess — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 05:51:57 +0000

Turkey

Thanksgiving is a time to give, what else, but thanks. It’s in the name. We are thankful for our families, friends, the food on the table, the clothes that we wear and the heat in our homes.

But it also should be a time to thank Mother Earth. She provided all of it, with her wondrous, mysterious ways.

For Thanksgiving, think green, to thank the Earth. But how can you do that? A few ways:

No. 1: Food!
This is the most important section of greening for Thanksgiving. You can do this in a variety of ways, all dependent on the size of your crowd for the day.
* Is it just non-meat eaters? Perfect! That is the best way to go green. Create dishes from the earth, using vegetable proteins to substitute meat. It doesn’t have to be that packaged Tofurky, but that’s a lot better than the real turkey (for greening purposes.) Visit Planet Green’s Web page for cooking ideas.
* You have meat-eaters? Get an organic and local turkey. Many farmer’s markets are selling a lot of meats during this time of year in preparation for winter, and turkeys should be abound. If not, go to your local grocery store and check the meat section. Ask the workers in charge of the meat section. Read every label and look for key words: “organic” and “farm raised,” to name a few.

Cranberries

* What about those sides? It is so easy to get them out of a box, but don’t do that! Go to your farmer’s markets and get all the supplies you need! Don’t be scared of the squash, whole pumpkin, different leafy greens and radishes. These are the real harvest bounty this time of year, so celebrate it!
Three key side dishes you can make-over include: cranberry sauce, green bean casserole and sweet potato souffle. Visit this Web page from Green Planet for recipes.
* Take the 100-mile green challenge from Tree Hugger. Visit their holidays Web site for more details, but it is what it says: Gather all your food within 100 miles of where you reside.
* Serve as much organic and local as possible, even the wine!
* Use scraps for compost!

No. 2: Your Home
* Don’t use those paper plates, no matter how bad you want to! Stop buying those disposable items and bring out the beautiful china! That is what it’s for, when you first bought it. Scared to let the little kiddies use it? Then, take out your everyday china for them, as to not have your set ruined by one smashed plate.
* Break out the good linens, including napkins! For this one and the one above, it’s clear that the reason we use disposable is to throw away the mess. However, doing so throws away millions of the Earth’s resources. A simple spin in the washer, the dishwasher or cleaning by hand never hurt anyone. And I bet that gorgeous tablecloth you bought on sale a few years ago, but “never got around to using” will be perfect.
* Clean house. Use non-toxic cleaning agents, either bought or made by yourself (second one preferred.) Make sure when you are

Squash

cleaning (and cooking), to stuff the appliances so you are getting the maximum benefit, and saving energy and time by needing another load to run.
Then, decorate! Buy organic, local flowers and use the decorations you already have instead of buying new ones. As far as candles, get non-toxic soy. And if you are dying for a set of orange lights, look for LED so you can save energy.
* Need sheets and towels for guests? But organic! Get quality, earth-friendly products for them to use, including the soap on the bathroom sink!

No. 3: Your car
* Not hosting? Well, carpool to the relatives! We wouldn’t want you Skyping on this holiday just to save gas, but pile everyone in and take one vehicle.
* Invite neighbors and friends, so they aren’t alone on the holidays. If someone isn’t traveling, for a variety of reasons, invite them over to enjoy the bounty.

One final fun activity:
* Adopt a turkey! Many people do this for the holiday, which preserves one turkey from being killed. It’s a wonderful idea. Read this Planet Green article on how to, and read how to celebrate the turkey, not eat it, here. (Did you know that turkeys are older than us, and can run faster than us?)

There are many sites about how to green your Thanksgiving, two with extensive resources are Planet Green and TreeHugger (scroll to the bottom.)

The dinner table

Have a happy Thanksgiving, and remember to not eat too much tofu!

Going veg? Get these items!

green goddess — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:15:24 +0000

Eating leafy greens, and fruits, are necessary.

Trying a vegetarian or vegan diet is difficult! I would know: I’m on day 150 (or there about.) I am learning the hard way that there are essential ingredients you always need in your kitchen.

As the weeks seem to go by slow and fast at the same time, and responsibilities pile up, you need items to go to in order to make breakfast, lunch and dinner! I don’t work a 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. job, so cooking dinner is quite difficult. You may have kids, a husband or wife (or significant other), animals to take for walks … the list goes on!

I find myself scrambling to the grocery store in my hour dinner break, and usually only boiling noodles, throwing on some nutritional yeast and vegan cheese, and calling that supper! Recently, I learned that carbs alone won’t get me far for long, and I began to crash. I need veggies, I NEED new types of protein. I need minerals and vitamins.

Whereas my diet is funky (I have irritable bowel syndrome), some things you may be able to eat as I am not (or experience the wrath of my intestines.)

Here is my list of necessary items you must have in your kitchen at all times. (This is not in order of importance.) Now, go out and stock up!

1. Extra virgin olive oil

2. Apple cider vinegar

3. Vegan protein (tempeh/tofu/seitan) Buy boxed, refrigerated tofu (in the pasta aisle in the specialty section) and stock up on refridgerated and frozen pre-made “meats” for last-minute meals

4. Whole wheat bread or other, unique breads Try them in your bakery area (as them the ingredients if not listed) or in the frozen specialty section.

5. Black pepper

6. A vegan sweetener (Maple or Agave Syrup, beet sugar)

7. Soy, hemp, nut or rice milk Again, try the non-refrigerated so you aren’t running to the store constantly, and try all

The guy really loves the alternative to animal milk, and it's better for you!

types.

8. An array of spices, especially your favorite. This may take some time to accumulate; try to buy small containers for ones you don’t use often, and larger if you use often like garlic, cinnamon, etc.

9. Vegenaise spread

10. Sweet potatoes & other baking potato

11. Frozen green pods (shelled edamame or peas)

12. Leafy greens (arugula/spinach/watercress/kale/swiss chard)

13. Onions

14. Herbs (parsley, cilantro, basil)

15. Fresh seasonal produce (local preferred)

16. Raw nuts (Brazil/Cashew/Almonds)

17. Peanut or almond butter

18. Coconut water Be careful with this, as far as your digestive system. It is an awesome hydrator, though.

19. Bananas

20. Tea (green, black, white, red, herbal)

21. Condiments (mustard, non-HFCS ketchup, salsa, soy sauce)

22. Vegan buttery spread My favorite is Earth Balance.

23. Flour, both white a whole wheat

24. Vegan cheese There are so many varieties, so give them a chance.

25. Cocoa powder Whether you are making a whole cake or just a quick mug one in the microwave, you need this baking staple.

26. Nutritional yeast This adds a lot of yummy minerals and vitamins to anything you add it to, and it has a nutty, cheesy flavor to it.

27. Carbs! Rice, pasta, couscous

Trying to not make an impact: No Impact Man starts worldwide project

green goddess — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 01:32:33 +0000

We are told to make an impact on our world, but what about not making an impact?

Colin Beavan was and is a man on a mission. He decided more than a year ago to not make a carbon and pollutant impact on the world, but turning his life in a eco-positive way. He created himself into “No Impact Man.”

For one year, he and his family slowly and sometimes drastically took their consumption into their hands and changed it to better the environment. That meant not consuming new products but buying used or getting thrown out; buying organic and locally grown, and making their own products; turning off or getting rid of electronics that eat up energy and taking themselves off the grid; avoiding gas-guzzling transportation and using natural, human power; and much, much more.

What Beavan learned was he not only made an actual impact on the environment by trying to not make an impact, but he improved his health, his relationship and his overall well-being and purpose in life.

Being “eco,” “green,” or “conscious” of our impact is something easy to think about but hard to implement, just like a diet. However, Beavan shows that change is possible. This generation has never been more concerned about what will happen to our Earth if we don’t take care of it.

That is why Beavan started the No Impact Project, set to kick off this Sunday, Oct. 18. This project is eight days of developing skills to not create impact on the environment.Those that have signed up download (but don’t print out) a guide that will lead them through the week. Day one starts with consumption; then trash, transportation, food, energy, water and giving back. By the following Sunday, you will have seven skills that you put all together, and have time to reflect on your eco-sabbath.

Throughout, Beavan guides you to make the changes, creating a challenge for every day and listing tips and some past experiences from him and other “treehuggers.” According to Huffington Post, which has partnered with Beavan, “No, not everyone has to completely give up their cars and shut off their power; the guide gives many achievable levels of reducing your footprint and you can pick the goals that are right for you.”

His non-profit provides the perfect opportunity to bring this eco conversation paired with action to the world. according the the Post. “We want to spark a conversation about the way our culture looks at consumption,” Arianna Huffington said. “We hope that after focusing for just over a week on how our daily habits impact the world around them, (participants) will see the effect our actions have in a new light. It will be very interactive and social – and empowering.”

It is being called a “carbon cleanse” and like any detox before a new diet change, it can be beneficial and a starting point for all of those who want to be more eco-conscious but don’t know where and how to start.

If you want to be part of the change, gather some friends or try it yourself, and go to No Impact Project.

Learn more about Beavan and his impact on his blog, and read about the documentary and his book, both titled “No Impact Man.”

Think outside the cheese box

green goddess — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:17:32 +0000

You can make authentic-tasting Italian food, and eat it, too!
When it comes to real Italian food, you may picture the Olive Garden commercials. However, “Italy” Italian food has a lot of veggies and not as MUCH less cheese. That doesn’t mean you can’t eat carb-filled fake cheese-erific dishes.
With the winter winds starting to blow so early, I have been in the mood for lasagna, but it takes a bit of time and effort. For a single gal like me, for some dishes to eat alone, there is not enough motivation.
Well, I found a yummy, quick substitute to get the same taste and texture: lasagna rolls.
It’s the same ingredients, but in a quicker format and an easier way to dish out this dish. What also is great is how easy you can make the parts separately, store in the fridge and pull out to assemble. It’s perfect for an hour dinner break.

First, you need to cook the pasta noodles. Boil them according to directions, for how many you need to make. A typical 8×8-inch pan can fit about 6 rolls.

While they are boiling, make the “ricotta” cheese by using tofu. As an Italian, I am always improvising in the kitchen, so my “ricotta” is tofu, a multitude of spices and a food processor. For an actual recipe, use the one from “Skinny Bitch In the Kitch”: Take 14 to 16 ounces of extra firm tofu, crumbled, and put in processor; add garlic or garlic powder (to how strong you love garlic), 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon of oregano and a dash of salt. Add any other spices that tickle your fancy, such as onion powder, basil, Italian spices. Pulse in processor until pureed, and then use immediately or store in refrigerator for a week.

When noodles are done, rinse in cold water and lay out, one by one, on wax or parchment paper. If you want to use a tablespoon or two of olive oil in the boiling water to help the noodles not stick, you can do that, too.

When the noodles have cooled enough the handle, heat up some leftover tomato sauce. If you need to make some more, do so as the noodles cool.

Heat oven to 400-450 degrees.

Spray the pan with nonstick spray or rub with oil. Put a small amount of tomato sauce in the bottom of the pan, but not too much. Take the noodles and spread the “ricotta” on each one. Don’t add too much, because you have to roll the noodles. If you want to add anything else inside the rolls, do so now. I suggest a leafy green such as spinach or Swiss chard (already cooked), vegan meats or other types of vegan cheese.

Now, it’s time to roll! Take an edge and roll it into itself, like a jelly roll. Place in the pan with the end side down, so it won’t unroll. When they are all in there, spread tomato sauce on top of the rolls and then add the “cheese”, such as mozzarella or parm (all vegan, of course.)

Place in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, covered tight with foil. Then, take foil off, and let cook for another 10-15 minutes. When the cheese is bubbling, take out and let it sit to up to 10 minutes (put foil back on to keep warm.)

Then, serve and eat!

For recipes or more ideas, try reading:

More VeganMoFo

Fall chill is here to stay; get your menu ready!

green goddess — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:15:23 +0000

The wind is blowing, sweaters are being pulled out of the back of closets, and harvest time is here!
This also means it’s “hearty food time.” The summer was all about cooler, simple, refreshing meals. As the temperature chills the bones, our bodies crave heavy, pipping-hot dishes to warm our bellies and souls.
This time of year, I think of my back-to-school days, when I would watch my mother make dinner for the family. There was always a meat, a starch and a vegetable, and I was craving the same meals now.
It’s so simple to recreate such a dish!

First, the “meat”: tempeh, tofu, seitan, TVP. Pick your favorite and create a burger, cutlet, meat pieces. Flavor sweet or spicy, or in between. It doesn’t need a special sauce, just frying in a pan does the job.

Next, the starch: potatoes, rice, noodles. Mashed potatoes or au gratin, simply boiled with a bit of vegan butter. How about white rice with soy sauce or leftover risotto. Boil the noodles and add butter and spice or tomato sauce.

You can add veggies right to the starch, or cook them separate. For a quick fix, use canned, but frozen is best. Fresh needs to be cooked a little longer, and probably separate before adding to starch. The favorites for me is peas and green beans. If you can handle carrots or corn, go for it! Try mixing squash into rice or noodles, and fresh tomatoes are considered the veggie (even though it’s really a fruit.)

Try searching Vegweb.com for ideas for each, or just think of what mom used to make and try recreating it, vegan-style.

HAPPY COOKING!