Glazed Lentil Apple Walnut Loaf

Yield: 1 large loaf 

Ingredients:

1 cup uncooked red or green lentils
3 cups of vegetable broth or water

3/4 cup walnuts, finely chopped and toasted

3 tbsp ground flax + 1/2 cup water (flaxseed eggs)

3 garlic cloves, minced

1.5 cups diced sweet onion
2 TBSP fresh parsley, chopped

1 cup diced celery

1 cup grated carrot

1/3 cup peeled and grated sweet apple (use a firm variety)

1/3 cup raisins

1/2 cup oat flour

3/4 cup oats or panko crumbs

Dash of red pepper flakes

2 tsp fresh thyme (or 3/4 tsp dried thyme)

Balsamic Apple Glaze: (I like this topping so much I double the batch)

1/4 cup ketchup

1 tbsp pure maple syrup

2 tbsp apple butter (or unsweetened applesauce in a pinch)

2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

1. Rinse and strain lentils. Place lentils into pot along with 3 cups of vegetable broth or water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium/low and simmer, uncovered, until done. Stir frequently & add touch of water if needed. Slightly under-cook the lentils so there is a 'chew' in the lentil loaf.  

3. Whisk ground flax with water in a small bowl and set aside. (Flaxseed eggs)

4. In a large mixing bowl, mix all ingredients together. 

5. Spray a loaf pan (or 9 x 9) and press mixture firmly into pan. Whisk glaze ingredients and then spread on top of loaf. 

6. Bake at 350F for 40 minutes, uncovered. Edges will be lightly brown. Cool in pan for at least 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. I usually wait until loaf is cool before slicing.

The loaves freeze well too. Just make sure to fully cool the baked loaves before wrapping and freezing.

As for serving suggestions, this loaf is great paired with applesauce, sautéed greens, and mashed/roasted potatoes.

Note to vegan chef: 
I prefer the 9 x 9 pan because it there is more area to add the glazing.

Inspiration:

http://ohsheglows.com/2012/10/05/glazed-lentil-walnut-apple-loaf-revisited/

French toast

Ingredients: (2 servings of 2 slices each)

1 cup of tofu

1 cup of organic soymilk

2 tablespoon of whole wheat flour

2 tablespoons of maple syrup

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

1 teaspoon cinnamon

4 slices of bread (multigrain bread)

Optional: chia seeds, sesame seeds, flaxseed, wheat germ (they add a little texture, more nutritious but don’t change the flavor)

In a blender, process all ingredients except bread until smooth. Pour into a flat, shallow dish and soak bread slices 1 minute on each side.

Transfer to a skillet that has been oiled or sprayed with nonstick vegetable spray.

Cook first side until lightly browned, about 3 minutes, then turn and cook second side until browned. Serve with fresh fruit or maple syrup.

Note to vegan chef:

Look for soy milk that is fortified with Calcium, Vitamins A, B2 (Riboflavin), B-12 and Vitamin D

Summer Salsa (Pico de Gallo)

Summer Salsa (Pico de Gallo)

Healthy Benefits

Antioxidant Powerhouse. Tomatoes are a great source of lycopene, Vitamin C and Vitamin A. They are antioxidants that are instrumental in neutralizing free radicals known to potentially damage cells, which can increase inflammation and the progression or severity of disease. Diets high in these antioxidants have been shown to help reduce the risk or severity of all of these illnesses. Lycopene, especially, helps protect cells from oxygen damage and heart disease.

Prostate, Colon and Pancreas. Although tomatoes are great cancer fighters in general, they are specifically known to promote prostate and colon health. Further, a study published in The Journal of Nutrition showed that those consuming a diet high in lycopene had a diminished risk for pancreatic cancer.

Fiber Factor. Tomatoes are a great source of fiber, which helps to regulate blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

Ingredients   47 calories per 1 cup serving (makes 4 cups)

4 large organic tomatoes
1 onion chopped
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbspn lime juice (1 lime)
1 jalapeño pepper, minced with seeds removed

Preparation  

Pulse the tomatoes in a blender to get a 'chunky' consistency. In medium-size bowl, combine tomatoes, onion, cilantro, garlic, lime juice and jalapeño. Cover and chill for at least one hour to allow the flavors to blend.

Ethical Considerations 

1) Florida supplies an enormous portion of the USA's out-of-season fresh tomatoes, as well as slicing tomatoes used throughout the food service industry. These tomatoes are picked green, ripened en route, and arrive perfectly red and tasteless in our stores and restaurants during winter and spring. 

2) Because of the poor soil quality and warm climate in Florida, growers there use up to six times the pesticides and fungicides used on tomatoes grown in California (the USA's other primary tomato region). 

3) Worse, labor conditions for people picking our out-of-season tomatoes in Florida range from mediocre to deplorable. Safety standards are highly questionable--especially concerning pesticide use in close proximity to fieldworkers. Worse, in the past several years there have been documented cases of slavery among contract work crews hired by major Florida growers. Yes, that's right: slavery.

4) California growers, in general, have better labor practices and pesticide use practices. The problem is, California supplies the vast majority of North American canned tomatoes, not fresh/out-of-season tomatoes. Casual Kitchen readers should instantly see a possible solution here for their tomato needs: when tomatoes are out of season, stick to buying canned.

5) In other words, if you buy an out-of-season, fresh tomato, chances are it's from Florida. And that tomato was likely sprayed, grown and picked under suspect conditions. If you buy canned tomatoes, they were probably grown under better--and safer--conditions. 

Note to vegan chef

I don't add salt because I usually have it with salted multigrain chips. Pico de Gallo is the same recipe only chop the tomatoes instead of using the blender. 

Nutrition: (per 1 serving)

Fun facts

• Although many people believe that tomatoes are vegetables, they are actually fruits.
• Italian in Origin … not so much. Although popular as an ingredient in Italian cuisine, tomatoes are originally native to the western side of South America.  However, it was first cultivated in Mexico; and it was through Colombus that seeds were first introduced to Europe.
• Every Color of the Rainbow. Tomatoes come in every color except for blue!  You can find them in red, orange, yellow, green and even purple!
• Organic Matters. In tomatoes, research has shown that organic tomatoes and organic tomato products provide a much greater dose of lycopene than non-organic.

Reference Calorie Count,  Tomatoes: 8 Fun and Interesting Facts, How Do You Eat Tomatoes Ethically

Oatmeal Banana Waffles with Blueberries

Oatmeal Banana Waffles with Blueberries with pineapple and grapes because that's what I had :)

Healthy Benefits

Bananas are a excellent source of potassium, an essential mineral for maintaining normal blood pressure and heart function. Its unique mix of vitamins, minerals, and low glycemic carbohydrates has made them a favorite fruit among endurance athletes.  

Since bananas also contain tryptophan, serotonin and norepinephrine, they help prevent depression while encouraging feelings of well-being and relaxation. Additionally, the vitamin B6 helps protect against sleeplessness, mood swings and irritability.

Ingredients   223 calories per serving (serves 2)

1 organic banana (besides being a great source of potassium, it's also a binder)
1 cup of uncooked rolled oats
1 cup of water
1 tsp of vanilla extract
10 blueberries

Optional add-ins:
1 tsp Wheat germ
1 tsp Flaxseed

Preparation  

Place all ingredients in blender (except blueberries) and blend until smooth. Let it sit for a couple minutes to thicken.
- Pour onto the heated oil-sprayed waffle iron
- Add blueberries when batter in on waffle iron
- Cook for 8-10 minutes without lifting the lid. 

They should be moist with a crunchy crust. Add pure maple syrup and fresh fruit.

Ethical note: USDA Organic bananas have never been included in the “dirty dozen”. Organic farmers use natural fertilizers like manure and seaweed, and rely on insect predators rather than pesticides to keep pests and weeds at bay, whereas conventional bananas are sprayed with synthetic fertilizers, insecticides, and herbicides. 

Organic is not only better for your health, it’s also better for the planet. Fertilizers and pesticides make their way into the soil and water and eventually the ocean. These contaminants in our waterways are leading to ocean dead zones and blue-green algae blooms that are so dense they can be fatal to marine animals and humans.

Note to vegan chef: Pour the batter onto the waffle iron and then add the blueberries.

Nutrition: (per 1 serving)

Fun facts: 

• Did you know there are ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs that depict people with bananas?
• Bananas have been around as early as the 6th century B.C. (this is when they were first mentioned in literature)
• The average American eats 27 pounds of bananas each year.
• Bananas are one of the few foods to contain the 6 major vitamin groups.
• Bananas are a very rich source of vitamin B6, which your brain needs to function properly and make you wise.
• The phrase "going bananas" was first recorded in the Oxford English Dictionary because of the banana's connection with monkeys.
• We buy more oatmeal in January than any other month of the year.
• Oats were known in ancient China as long ago as 7,000 B.C. The ancient Greeks were the first people known to have made a recognizable porridge (cereal) from oats.
• Seventy-five percent of U.S. households have oatmeal in their cupboard.

Reference: Calorie Count, Banana Fun Facts & Trivia, Ten Fun Facts for Oatmeal Month, Banana Nutrition Facts, Bananas, Bananas aren't part of the 'dirty dozen' so why buy organic?

Hearty Lentil Soup

http://kriscarr.com/recipe/hearty-lentil-soup/

Hearty Lentil Soup

By Kim Traverso

Yield: 3-4 servings

-3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
-1.5 tablespoons of oil
-3 carrots, washed, peeled and chopped
-3 stalks of celery, washed and chopped
-2 cups of dried uncooked lentils (rinsed)
-2 cups of purified water
-1.5 – 2 cups of tomato sauce (homemade or organic store bought)

-3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or any fresh herbs you have on hand)
-1 tablespoon dried oregano
-2 cups of kale or spinach
-sea salt and pepper to taste

-1 bay leaf

In a medium pot, begin to saute the garlic in oil over medium heat for 1-2 minutes (be careful to not let the garlic brown).

Add the carrots, celery, herbs, salt and pepper and cook for 7-9 minutes or until veggies are tender (stir occasionally).

Add the the lentils, tomato sauce, water, and bay leaf.

Cover with lid and raise the heat to high to bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, add kale, and more water if consistency is too thick.

Let simmer with lid for 30 – 40 minutes or until lentils are soft, stirring occasionally. When lentils are done, season with salt and pepper and serve.

- See more at: http://kriscarr.com/recipe/hearty-lentil-soup/#sthash.uOfE7mxX.dpuf

Note to vegan chef:

Put in the kale at the last minute to preserve it's nutritional value.

Kale chips

Kale chips

Healthy Benefits

Very high in dietary fiber, vitamins A, B6 and C, B12, potassium, and manganese. Potassium is a simple mineral with a crucial job: helping your heart beat. A hundred thousand times a day, potassium helps trigger your heart's squeeze of blood through your body. 

No sugar and no cholesterol (high blood cholesterol is generally associated with an increased risk of heart disease) and low in calories.  

Ingredients   236 calories per serving (serves 2)

5 stems of kales broken off with stems removed
2 tspn of extra virgin olive oil
1 tbspn of nutritional yeast (and then some for the topping)
1/8 tspn sea salt
1/4 tspn black pepper
A few shakes of garlic powder

Preparation  

Mix all ingredients in large bowl by hand.
Place on cooking sheet as one layer.
Shake another 1 tbspn of nutritional yeast on top.
Preheat oven at 250 and bake for 28-30 minutes.
Cool for 5 minutes and enjoy.

Note to vegan chef: I tried making it with 1/4 tspn of salt but it tasted too salty. Nutritional yeast is an excellent source of B12. Two tbspn a day meets the daily requirement. If you are not already taking a B12 supplement you should start. Any kind will do. B12 is the one vitamin needed that a plant-based diet cannot provide. You really want it to be crispy. 

Nutrition: (per 1 serving)

Fun facts: 

• There are over 50 varieties of kale. It has been in cultivation for over 6,000 years and is grown around the world.
• A kale plant continues to produce late into winter and becomes sweeter after a frost.
• Kale is an amazing source of carotenoids, which are linked to one’s level of optimism.
• Kale has more vitamin C than an orange. (among other benefits, Vitamin C helps heal wounds, protects agains ill effects of stress, and helps to lower cholesterol).
• Kale has more calcium than a container of milk. (Calcium, the most common mineral in the body, plays an essential role in blood clotting, muscle contraction, nerve impulse transmission, and bone and tooth formation). 
• Kale has more vitamin A than any other leafy green vegetable. (Vitamin is essential for good health. It promotes growth, the immune system, reproduction and vision).
• Kale might become the new state vegetable of Vermont.
• Thomas Jefferson experimented with several varieties of kale at his garden in early 1800s.

Reference: Calorie Count, Potassium and Your Heart,  Kale Facts and Trivia, 6 Things You Didn't Know About Kale, Vitamin A and Bone Health, Vitamin C, Adding up the Benefits of Calcium

Flourless High Protein Pancakes

  

Flourless High Protein Pancakes - 13.7g of protein, 14.3g of fiber

Healthy Benefits 

One serving of Quaker rolled oats has 4 grams of fiber. Fiber is a way to describe carbohydrates that are indigestible, explains the Harvard School of Public Health. There are two types of fiber found in food: soluble fiber, which partially dissolves in water, and insoluble fiber, which does not dissolve in water. Two grams of the fiber found in Quaker oats is soluble, which can help lower cholesterol, and the other 2 grams are insoluble, which helps with digestion. The Institute of Medicine recommends that women aged 19 to 50 get a minimum of 25 grams of fiber daily and men 38 grams daily.

Ingredients 406 calories per serving (makes 8 pancakes, 4 per serving)

1 chia seed or flaxseed egg (1 tbsp chia seeds (or ground flaxseed) and 
3 tbsp water
, stir and wait 3 minutes until gelatinous). This is your binder.

2 cups rolled oats


1-1/2 cups unsweetened non-dairy milk (almond, hemp, soy)

1-1/4 tsp baking powder


1 tsp vanilla extract


1 tsp cinnamon, add more for topping when done

Directions 


- Mix the chia seeds (or ground flaxseeds) and water in a small bowl and set aside 

- Add the oats and milk in the blender and blend untill smooth

- Add the remaining ingredients and purée until smooth, but do not over mix

- The consistency should be close to pancake batter

- Cook until it’s golden on both sides and then garnish with your favorite fruit
- Add pure maple syrup

Note to vegan chef

Garnish with fruit. Vanilla extract does contain alcohol. I suspect it burns off but I don't know how much, probably more in baking. Another option would be to use one vanilla bean in the blender.

Fun facts  

Everybody talks about needing protein but nobody knows how much protein they actually need. 

Most individuals are surprised to learn that protein needs are actually much less than what they have been consuming. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for protein for the average adult is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight. To find out your average individual need, simply perform the following calculation: Body weight (in pounds) x 0.36 = recommended protein intake (in grams). A 180 lb. man should aim for 64.8g of protein/day. A 120 lb. woman should aim for 43.2g of protein/day.

Nutrition: (per 1 serving)

Reference:  Calorie Count,  Quaker Rolled Oats Nutrition