Burgers

Hamburgers were one of my favorite things. I didn't realize this until I stopped eating them. Now thinking back they have been a huge part of my diet. When going out to eat they were usually what I ordered. If I didn't feel like cooking, fast food burgers would be what I wanted.  Not to mention all the ones I made at home.

I don't miss the meat but I still like the package they come in. The bun, lettuce, tomato, onion, etc. So instead of ground hamburger or ground turkey I have veggie burgers and portabella mushroom burgers. I also have some ideas for my own version of a veggie burger (I'll keep you posted). I don't eat them as often because I'm having so much fun exploring other food, but some days I just want a burger.

Portabellas drizzled with olive oil, garlic powder and parsley.

Portabella burger with cucumbers, lettuce, and mustard.

Veggie burger (Boca Original Vegan) with lettuce, tomato, and mustard.

Happy Eating!

Black Bean Tacos

Yesterday when James and I were talking about what to have for dinner, I decided I really wanted tacos. I started creating a taco in my head so I would know what to get at the store. I thought black beans would make a great "meat" and that I could just pick up a taco spice flavor packet for the seasoning. Put it in a shell with some onions, lettuce and tomato and that would be it.

Every time I have made tacos in the past, I have used a flavor packet.



However this time I checked the ingredients list (as I always do now) and found out that it has milk in it.

Ok, new plan. I make my own.

This is what I came up with. It was awesome! I will defiantly be making it again.


Black Bean Tacos

2 cans Black Beans (rinsed and drained)
1 1/2 cups Veggie Broth
1 small can Diced Green Chillies
6 Garlic Cloves diced
1/4 large Onion diced
2 tsp Chili Powder
1 tsp Cumin
1/4 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Black Pepper

Add everything to a pan bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the liquid is gone. Stirring occasionally. (I forgot to time it but it was about 30 mins.)

Add to taco shells and top with your favorites. I had mine with lettuce, onion and tomato. James had his with onion, tomato, and sour cream. I had also bought taco sauce but I forgot to use it. I didn't notice until I was cleaning up after dinner. Oh well, it was probably better with out it :)

Happy Eating!

Tofu Scramble

Tofu Scrambles are my answer when I have no idea what I want to eat or when my husband and I are having a big breakfast together. I used to love scrambled eggs and Tofu Scrambles are enough like scrambled eggs, I don't care that James is eating eggs in front of me. All tho the last time I tried to eat eggs it had been 3 months since I had eaten meat or dairy and they were totally gross. So I have no problem sticking with my tofu ;)

Again, like my Roasted Veggies, I don't really have a recipe. I use whatever veggies I have (I do make sure they always have potatoes in them). Cook up the veggies, add the tofu, a little salt, a lot of pepper and voilà there you have it!







first I added 7 garlic cloves and 1/2  a large onion



next was asparagus and broccoli

zucchini and summer squash

mushrooms

cook until almost done

crumble firm tofu and stir in

here I added potatoes that I had roasted the day before, but I didn't like it this way.
I normally add them after the onions and cook them til almost done before adding the other veggies.

Happy Eating :)

Roasted Veggies

I love roasted veggies. They are nummy and the bonus is they can be served hot, warm or cold. Which makes it a perfect dish when going to BBQs, picnics or other peoples houses. It seems anytime I serve them, or take them somewhere people always ask me for the recipe. I have to say I don't really use a recipe tho. I use whatever veggies I have or that look good at the store. Toss them in olive oil, black pepper, and some herb. The herb I use most is dried basil, but I have used parsley or oregano. Cook them in the oven at 350 for about 30mins and you're good to go.

This year I'm starting a herb garden and I'm looking forward to having fresh herbs to use when I make my veggies!!

uncooked

cooked

I ate them with leftover 3 bean salad

Yum!!





 

 Happy Eating :)






Three Bean Salad

As a kid, Three Bean Salad never looked very appealing to me. Over the last year I've been trying things that I had never really thought about trying before. Today was the day for the beans!

I made the salad last night so it had time to marinate before my lunch today. I was quite surprised at how good it was. The onions and celery were nice and  crispy, the beans were soft and chewy. My favorite part was the onions. When I was mixing the salad together I thought it looked like I had added too many, but now I'm glad I did!!

Three Bean Salad

1 can Garbanzo Beans
1 can Kidney Beans
1 1/2 cups frozen Green Beans (or 1 can)
1 medium Onion (I used a large onion, but it was a lot of onion)
2 stalks Celery
2/3 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
1/3 cup Olive Oil
3-6 cloves Garlic (I love garlic)
1 Tbsp Black Pepper (and I love black pepper)


I thawed the frozen green beans under running water and rinsed and drained the canned beans. Add to a large bowl. Slice onion, chop celery, dice garlic and add to beans. Add vinegar, oil and black pepper.
Stir.

Super simple :)

Cover and let it marinate in the fridge for a couple of hours stirring occasionally.

Happy Eating!

Eating While On Vacation

Today I am back to real life after a 9 day vacation. While gone I did eat out
 a little. (ok,ok a lot!)

When I first started eating meat and dairy free, eating out was very overwhelming. It has gotten easier, and I'm very blessed to have friends and family that understand my food choices. Thanks guys for not picking on me (too much)!

Out of all the wonderful food I've eaten over the last 9 days, one of my favorites was the Mediterranean Veggie from Panera Bread. I just had them hold the feta cheese. I will defiantly be having this one again :)

 Mediterranean Veggie
Zesty Peppadew™ piquant peppers, feta cheese, cucumbers, lettuce, tomatoes, onions and cilantro Jalapeño hummus on our Tomato Basil bread.




I also had chinese (eggplant and tofu stir fry and a noodle dish), veggie burgers, and lots and lots of salads. It was all nummy :)
After all that eating out I'm excited to be getting back to cooking fresh, healthly meals.

Happy Eating!