| Question. |
[Jul. 17th, 2009|12:26 pm] |
After having dug through the darkest recesses of my pantry, I've realized that I've never used nearly half the staple grains I have lying in wait. Millet, pearled barley, sweet brown rice - all items I bought for particular recipes which, in the end, didn't "pan" out (excuse the pun). I'm tempted to march on down to my local Whole Foods to buy some farro for a recipe that I've been eyeing, but after this recent discovery I'm wondering if I'll ever end up using it again!
So, out of curiosity, just what particular grains have you found to be the most useful? Do you have a particular 3 or 4 grains which you find yourself using over and over again without fail? (Also, would anyone mind tossing out a few suggestions as to what I might do with that millet and pearled barley?) |
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| becoming vegan with food allergies? |
[Jul. 16th, 2009|11:00 am] |
Is it possible to become a vegan when I am allergic to nuts and sensitive to soy?!
help! I am SO SICK of eating like shit and feeling like shit all the time! :( |
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| (no subject) |
[Jul. 16th, 2009|10:19 am] |
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Just watched Food Inc. last night. Intense! Does anyone know what soy/other products are non-GMO? Is there a list somewhere? |
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| Blackfriars flapjacks again! |
[Jul. 13th, 2009|10:43 pm] |
Remember that post I made about the is-it-isn't-it ginger and choc chip flapjack? I've finally had a solid response from Blackfriars. They were a bit slow, and bizarrely unwilling to give up the info! I'm copying the email conversation behind a cut because it's a bit lengthy but mildly entertaining. The short version is, the people who supply the choc chips can't guarantee they're free from whey as they're made on the same production line. So they're vegan, but not suitable for people with serious allergies. They could have just told me that in the first place!
( Convoluted email conversation for those remotely interested ) |
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| Planning crisis... |
[Jul. 12th, 2009|11:23 pm] |
Soooo, I have a big family do on Saturday, it's a 'teddy bear's picnic' where you all bring food and drinks are provided. My family haven't really come round to my giving up meat yet, and they don't even know about my giving up the rest (easing them in gently...), so I really need to impress them with my offerings this weekend! To add to this and make my life just that bit more difficult, I don't live near them any more, it's a 2 and a half hour train journey, so I would have to take the food on the train (with changes including the London Underground). I've transported cakes in this way before and it's not fun. So I came up with a cunning plan - take Friday off work, get the train up to my mum's Thursday evening and spend Friday cooking. Sorted! But wait... I have no transport, she lives in the middle of nowhere, she can't even take me to the shops because se'll be at my sister's graduation 200 miles away... So now I have to buy the ingredients on Wednesday, and haul them all the way there on the train. Fun times.
Cupcakes (carrot, from the genius Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World) are my only definite so far. I'd like to do the yummy smoked tofu salad I found last week, but transporting salad items... not so good. There's always the old favourite, roasted veg, but I'd like to be a bit more creative.
Any bright ideas, anyone? |
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| (no subject) |
[Jul. 11th, 2009|06:03 am] |
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Right now, a family member of mine was diagnosed with diabetes II, and we're looking for healthy recipes since we're pretty much all eating the same thing. The diet does not allow oil and very little sodium. Also no animal or animal based products or fruit. Also not too much grain/starches. I thought I'd come here for some help because I'm getting really tired of having spinach and tofu soup with salad. Any dishes and recipes would be greatly appreciated. |
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| living on a food budget of approximately $150 a month |
[Jul. 10th, 2009|08:48 pm] |
so i have to live within a semi-strict food budget due to my inability to find a second job (damn economy!) but every time i go to the grocery store (publix, in my case) i always feel like i come out empty handed. i have almost every spice in the spectrum, bottled lemon & lime juice, jarred garlic, & i usually purchase fresh potatoes & onions, frozen vegetables that aren't in season & fresh when they are, & dried beans (chickpeas & black beans, usually).
the point of all of this is that lately i've been feeling like i'm running out of food options & that i'm ALWAYS hungry! i try not to buy prepackaged meals & when it comes to appliances i have a crockpot, blender, food processor, toaster, conventional oven, & microwave. basically, what are some inexpensive MEALS that i can make (i don't mind the process of making them being time consuming if the end result is worth it) that are super cheap & filling? |
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| This week's meal plan |
[Jul. 9th, 2009|01:03 pm] |
Hey guys,
I was just wondering if you guys could give me some ideas for an easy meal plan for this week. I'm trying to cut the grocery order's down (as you may remember from my last post). There were a lot of great ideas in response to my last post, but I'm just curious about a more specific meal plan for this coming week.
I have a lot of staples, like whole grain brown rice, sticky rice for sushi, lots of beans (red, black, kidney) and chickpeas, and wraps.
Here's what I'm thinking, and maybe you guys could give me some pointers (side dishes? cheaper, tastier ideas?):
Friday: Portobello mushroom burgers. I already have the whole wheat buns in the freezer.
Saturday: Sushi. I have the rice already, so all I would need is the seaweed and the veggies (which I'll be buying already).
Sunday: BBQ'd veggies on.. quinoa? rice? mashed potatoes? Perhaps accompanied by a salad.
Monday: chickpea cutlets (from veganomicon), tabouleh (with quinoa instead of bulgar), sauteed spinach and tomatoes (also a la veganomicon)
Tuesday: Roasted eggplant and spinach muffuletta sammiches (from veganomicon), leftover sides or salad
Wednesday: Quesadilla's
Thursday: Not sure
Friday: Not sure
Any ideas or helpful "fixes" to what I already have would be great.
Thanks guys! |
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| Bento question |
[Jul. 8th, 2009|12:18 pm] |
Hi, I've been looking into buying a Mr. Bento and was wondering if there are any chain retail stores that carry them (Whole Foods, Target, etc). I know one can be purchased on Amazon with a good discount but my shipping address is a little up in the air at the moment so I'd like to just physically buy it (also I like looking/agonizing over things before purchasing!).
Thanks for your help. And this is totally on topic because I plan on putting cheap, vegan food in it! ;) |
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| Ideas for a main dish for potluck engagement party? |
[Jul. 6th, 2009|05:49 pm] |
Hi all! So my roommates are having their engagement party this weekend, and as they are devout omnivores but have plenty of friends w/varying diets, they've asked if I could make some sort of vegetarian main dish. I asked if they wanted vegetarian or vegan, and they were like "uh...I'm sure vegetarian is good enough.." :p I think I'm gonna go vegan just to cover all everyone, just in case. :) I'm just poor and for some reason at a loss of ideas of what to make. Anyone have any good ideas for a good cheap vegan potluck main dish?
Possible useful info: we have a pretty cosmopolitan selection of friends, so ethnic dishes are fine. We also live in Atlanta and this will be in our backyard, so it will be hot as balls outside. Also, I'm broke. :p
Some random raw staples I already have in the house: some almonds I think, raw pecans, raw walnuts, some cashews, raw pine nuts, raw sunflower seeds, raw pumpkin seeds, raw flaxseed, raw ground flaxseed, raw sesame seeds, quinoa, soft white winter wheat, buckwheat, nutritional yeast, cacao nibs, agave nectar, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, several other different kinds of non-raw vinegars like balsamic, handful of goji berries, carob maca, fresh garlic, and pretty much any dry spice and condiment (American to Mexican to various Asian) you could possibly think of.
Doesn't have to be a raw vegan dish, cooked is fine...that's just what I have. :)
Thoughts? :) |
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| Enchilada Casserole |
[Jul. 6th, 2009|01:42 pm] |
It's been too hot to bake anything lately, so the crockpot has been my friend. This is quick to put together and is great for potlucks.
( Read more... ) |
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| Burgers! |
[Jul. 6th, 2009|04:16 pm] |
Alright, so my softball team is holding a fundraising BBQ this weekend to raise money for uniforms. We've gotten piles of meat donated, which leaves the rest of us (two vegetarians, two vegans, myself included) to fend for ourselves and make a vegan option.
I'm looking for suggestions on recipes that would be good to make in bulk with cheap ingredients, that hopefully won't crumble all over the grill. The BBQ isn't until Saturday, so I'll have some time to soak beans/freeze patties. I keep a pretty well-stocked pantry, so I don't expect to have to shop for too much other than the bulk items.
Any thoughts? Should I be looking into lentils, mushrooms, chickpeas, tofu, black beans? I normally just buy a box of processed burgers for myself to keep on hand when I don't have to cook, but they're pretty pricey to be making a dozen+.
Thanks! |
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| Anything sinister here? |
[Jul. 6th, 2009|06:34 pm] |
Just a quick enquiry about the veganosity of my favourite flapjack flavour (ginger and choc chip, yum)...
Here is the ingredients list: Oats, Non Hydrogenated Vegetable Margarine (Vegetable Oils & Fats, Water, Emulsifier E475, Nature Identical Flavourings), Partially inverted refiner’s syrup, Chocolate Chips 9% (Sugar, Cocoa Mass, Cocoa Butter, Emulsifier E322, Vanilla Flavouring), Sugar, Ginger Powder 1%.
As far as I can see there isn't anything dodgy in it, but I emailed the company and they said the choc chip varieties weren't vegan. Thought I'd check with you lovely knowledgable people too. What do you think? If they really aren't I'll just have to start making them myself! |
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| Cutting Back Financially |
[Jul. 6th, 2009|12:40 pm] |
My husband and I have been going over the finances (ugh) and we really need to tighten our belts.
We are supporting a family of 4, soon to be 5. Is there anyone here who can recommend delicious meals or meal plan ideas that don't cost ridiculous amounts of money?
I typically spend between $800-$1000 a month on groceries and I need to cut WAY back on that number. Is this feasible while still maintaining a healthy veg*n lifestyle? What do YOU do to keep grocery costs down?
Thanks,
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| (no subject) |
[Jul. 6th, 2009|03:13 am] |
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I'm craving some sort of casarole, and I've got lots of rice and lentils lying around. any suggestions? |
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| favourite cheap cookies? |
[Jul. 4th, 2009|04:40 pm] |
a friend of mine is soon going into business with her mother, opening a salon which will also sell local clothing lines and records. they have sampled a lot of the vegan baking i've done, and asked if i would be able to bring some vegan sweets for the opening.
unfortunately i am flat broke. i was hoping you guys could tell me your cheapest vegan cookie recipes, that will be easy to transport and hopefully enjoyed by the crowd. anything helps!
thanks in advance |
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| homemade banana bread ^_^ |
[Jul. 3rd, 2009|08:22 pm] |
I have some bananas that are too ripe so I don't want to eat them
so I figured I could make banana bread ^_^
I have to add that my stomach detests soy products it seems
so I use almonde and rice milk
and right now all I have is rice milk and I can't go to the store until monday =[
I know that rice milk doesn't work in a lot of my recipes since it is a lot thinner than most milk alternatives
so I'm hoping someone can help me find a recipe using rice milk
or maybe even water? |
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| homemade energy bars + no food processor |
[Jul. 3rd, 2009|02:08 am] |
So this is kind of a "cheap cooking appliance" question, and also a question for anyone who's tried to make homemade clif bars or something similar.
I'm looking to start making my own energy bars (a la clif bars) to save money, and also I want to make some energy nuggets for before long runs. I have the recipes from The Thrive Diet to use, and they call for a food processor to process dates with coconut oil, lemon juice, agave, and a few other ingredients. I don't have a food processor or even a regular blender--I only have an immersion blender. I usually just use the immersion blender for any chopping and pureeing needs since I haven't wanted to spend money on a million appliances, but I have a feeling I can't just aim it at some dates and hope for the best since they're kind of sticky. Do you think I could just chop the dates really finely with a knife? What do you normally do if you don't have/can't afford a food processor for a recipe that calls for one?
Also I looked online and I'm finding it's about the same price (about $22-$29) to get a small cheap 3 cup food processor vs. a "chopper" attachment for my existing immersion blender. My immersion blender is a kitchenaid and was a serious investment when I bought it, so I know it's quality... I just don't know if the "chopper" attachment would work the same as a food processor or not. The attachment in question is here.
If I find a way to do this, I'd probably be making energy bars all the time, but dates themselves are kind of expensive so I hate to just trial-and-error with various chopping and blending methods that may yield sticky disaster. If you have any ideas let me know. Thanks!
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| (no subject) |
[Jul. 2nd, 2009|11:55 pm] |
whoa whoa whoa, I needed to share:
I just made these Snobby Joes from theppk AND HOLY SHIT THEY WERE AWESOME!
Everyone go make them right now. SERIOUSLY.
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| Greens. |
[Jul. 2nd, 2009|07:04 pm] |
| [ | sound: |
| | Amanda Palmer - Astronaut (A Short History Of Nearly Nothing) | ] |
I'm trying to incorporate more dark leafy greens into my diet.
What are your favorites?
Delicious ways to prepare them?
x-posted. |
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| Balsamic Vinegar in Cupcakes. |
[Jul. 1st, 2009|11:37 pm] |
| [ | current location |
| | 54229 | ] |
| [ | feeling: |
| |  curious | ] |
| [ | sound: |
| | the breeders | ] |
Hello!
I am trying to make this cupcake recipe:
Chocolate Cinnamon Cupcakes
1 ½ c. flour
½ c. cocoa powder, sifted
½ tsp. cinnamon
½ tsp. baking soda
Pinch salt
1 ¼ c. sugar
¾ c. strong coffee, room temp
½ c. vegetable oil
1 tsp. vanilla
½ tsp. almond extract
2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
½ c. chocolate chips
1. In a small bowl, mix together flour, cocoa powder, cinnamon, baking soda and salt.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, coffee, oil and extracts. Add flour mixture, beating until smooth. Mix in balsamic vinegar. Add chocolate chips.
3. Bake in 350 degree oven for 25 minutes.
What can I substitute for the balsamic vinegar? I'm a cheap ass and would rather spend my tiny grocery budget on other things. Any suggestions? I know balsamic is sweeter than other vinegars, maybe I could add some brown sugar to some apple cider vinegar? Or do you think I could omit it all together?
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| (no subject) |
[Jul. 1st, 2009|03:58 pm] |
Favorite picnic foods?
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| Wheat gluten! |
[Jul. 1st, 2009|11:06 am] |
Hey, all!
For those of you inclined to do so, where do you get your wheat gluten? So far all the stores I've checked have just had super expensive small bags of Bobs Red Mill stuff. I thought I'd ask here instead of ![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/community.gif) veganpeople , because I'm concerned about price.
For reference, I live about half way between DC and Baltimore. The nearest Whole Foods is about a half hour away, but I'm willing to drive thar if it's significantly cheaper. I'm also not above ordering online. I bought my current supply in Ithaca, NY, but am almost out. (horrors!)
Thanks!
P.S. Bonus points if you post an exciting seitan 'o greatness modification
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| sprouts? |
[Jun. 30th, 2009|09:52 am] |
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Anything I can do with sprouts other than put them on a sandwich? I love them but my dad's GF just sent over a large jar full and I am the only one in the house that will eat them. |
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| Cake Ideas |
[Jun. 28th, 2009|02:28 am] |
My husband and I throwing a small get together at out apartment on Saturday. I want to bake a cake, but I have no idea what to make aside from the normal chocolate frosting and vanilla cake. Any ideas? |
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| (no subject) |
[Jun. 19th, 2009|03:42 am] |
NutriBiotic Vegan Rice Protein
Mixed Berry flavor
I've had bad luck with berry flavored protein powders, but was pleasantly surprised by this. It has more of a berry aftertaste than anything else. |
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| (no subject) |
[Jun. 18th, 2009|07:23 pm] |
what's the most cost effective way to acquire dehydrated vegetables? can I make them myself? are machines unreasonably expensive? I found an old box of spinach and mushroom risotto in the back of the pantry and I'm in love. it required about a half cup of dehydrated spinach, mushroom, garlic, and onion, along with basil, oregano, parsley, sage, rosemary, turmeric, and black pepper. I ignored the cooking directions and threw in a quarter cup of dried lentils and it's one of the best smelling and tasting meals I've had in ages.
anybody know a place to order them in bulk online? what about brown rice? |
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| (no subject) |
[Jun. 18th, 2009|03:35 pm] |
Does anyone have a tried&true recipe for making your own granola bars?
I'm looking for something healthy, not too sweet, and preferably more on the chewy side than the crispy side. Something that I can grab in the morning when I'm running late, or as a nice snack instead of popcorn.
ALSO WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE KINDS OF CHIPS?! |
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