Hippie Loaf

Thanks to Happy Herbivore for the recipe!

Ingredients:

• 15 ounces black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 whole onion, diced
• 2 whole garlic cloves, minced
• 1 whole carrot, minced
• 2 whole celery stalks, minced
• 1 cup mushrooms, coarsely chopped
• 1 cup quinoa, cooked
• 1 tbsp italian seasoning
• 3 tbsp brown rice flour
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 2 tbsp tamari 

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350F. Grease a standard bread pan and set aside. Mash black beans in a large bowl and combine all ingredients until evely combined. Transfer to pan and pat down firmly and tightly using a spatula. Bake 45 minutes to one hour, until firm and browned on the outside. Allow the loaf to cool and firm up before serving, about 15 to 20 minutes. 

 

Black Bean Brownies

Thanks to Happy Herbivore for the recipe!

Ingredients:

• 15 ounces black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 whole bananas
• ⅓ cup agave nectar
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa
• 1 tbsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ cup raw sugar (optional)
• ¼ cup instant oats 

 
Directions:
 Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease an 8x8" pan and set aside. Combine all ingredients, except oats, in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth, scrapping sides as needed. Stir in the oats and pour batter into the pan. Bake approximately 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool before slicing. Chef's Note: if you find these brownies are too soft or too fudge-y, add another 1/4 cup oats or flour.

Ziti With Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Thanks to ChooseVeg.com for the recipe!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. ziti
• 1 cup chopped oil-marinated sun-dried tomatoes
• 1 cup firm silken tofu, drained and crumbled
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• 4 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
• soy parmesan (optional)

 
Directions:
Cook the ziti al dente. Meanwhile, in a food processor, combine the tomatoes, tofu, garlic, basil, vinegar, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Process to a smooth consistency. Drain the pasta and toss with the sauce and artichokes. Sprinkle with the parsley and soy Parmesan, if desired.

Curried Tofu with Peanuts

Thanks to ChooseVeg.com for the recipe!

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup chopped peanuts, whole or chopped
• 1 pound tofu, drained and cubed
• 3 tablespoons oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 1 cup peas (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 carrot, diced

Directions:
Saute the onions and garlic in oiled frying pan. Add remaining ingredients and cook over medium heat for 10-20 minutes. Add a little water if needed.
Variations: Use garlic powder or ginger instead of garlic. Use different nuts or vegetables.

Pesto

Thanks to VegWeb.com for this recipe!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh basil, tightly packed 
• 1/4 cup cashews, macadamia or pine nuts
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice, fresh squeezed
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon shoyu, or to taste (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
• pinch cayenne pepper
• black pepper, ground to taste

Directions: Place all ingredients in food processor and process until smooth.

Midterms

Ugh. Midterms started last Thursday and I've already taken my Chinese, Algebra, and English exams. Tomorrow I have French and Civics, then on Tuesday I have Chemistry. I hate studying for these and I get so bored that I end up procrastinating (not good!). I wish I could find already made flashcards in Quizlet but I haven't found any yet. I put up Cold Turkey (a program that blocks your computer's access to certain websites and programs until a specified time) but I still seem to find other ways to procrastinate. ARG! I can't wait until these are over...

Vegan

As of January 22, 2013, I've been a vegan. I think it's a healthier choice for me, the animals, and the earth and I'm glad I'm doing it. With so many modern resources to use instead of animal products, there isn't any reason I shouldn't be a vegan. My parents weren't too pleased with my choice but I'm sure they'll get used to it eventually. It takes some work, as I have to now check everything that I eat or wear, but it's definitely worth it.
My Vegan page has resources to help me, as well as anyone who needs it, become a vegan.

Vegetarian Starter Kit

Companies That Don't Test On Animals

Companies That Do Test On Animals

Vegan Baking

Vegan Starter Kit

Vegan Shopping List

Vegan Nutrition Pamphlet

Go Vegetarian, Go Vegan!

Accidentally Vegan Foods

Protein & Calcium

Vegan Recipes

More Vegan Recipes

How to Be a Vegan Teenager

Nutrition

*WARNING* The video below has harsh images and facts and is not recommended for young children.