VERY VEGGIE with Rachel ®

2011-09-12T23:40:00.000-04:00

Teaching toddler to kindergarten kiddos this summer all about fruits and veggies is always a highlight for me. From eating a rainbow-a- day to reading "the carrot seed". Some funny faces were made while tasting beet juice and plenty of yums from the carrot juice. It's amazing to watch their lil brains work, watch and listen to where our veggies come from. They loved playing with seeds, planting them and checking out my root display. Luckily our local farm had plenty of just pulled up veggies on hand. The kiddies checked out what a real carrot, greens and all, looks like as well as beets, plus a crazy potato we let go in our kitchen.

The answers to my question of what's your favorite veggie? is funny but more disturbing; chocolate, pine cone, popsicle? My answer: at least they are at a learning center that is open enough to have a mom come in and share some organic ideas. And by the end of the 30 minutes they have eaten a rainbow, watched a seed grow and grew their very own carrot colored mustache'.

almond showers

2011-04-16T11:05:00.001-04:00

i have been putting these slivered raw almonds in everything lately. cereal, pancakes, salads, over grilled asparagus. they pow crunch with a protein punch. add an unexpected texture to an expected meal & add excitement, especially 4 kids. as our favorite cartoon kai-lan @nickjr says "try it, try it & you might like it". that makes me kai-sheen, super happy!

healthy swap

2010-12-20T13:37:00.002-05:00

I had such a nice time at my friend Lisa's amazing creative cookie swap yesterday. Thanks for planning, baking & smiling. Catching up with friends I had not seen in yrs. It was like no time had passed and decades all at the same time. Everyone brought along their delish evilish cookies to share. Thankfully everyone at the office is now sharing them with me. Yummm.

I wonder... what if next time we plan a healthy swap? I realize it's the cookie time of year but I am starved for some freshness. Let's get back together in the new year for that one ladies.

In the meantime here is the healthiest baking recipe i've done this holiday. It makes enough for teacher appreciation, cookie swap & the entire family. Baking in lil loaf pans is a terrific gift idea!

GingeryBread

Mix (exhaustingly) well all Dry ingredients:

8 cups Whole Wheat pastry flour
5T ginger powder
2T cinnamon
1T nutmeg
1.5T salt
2T baking soda

Mix in Wet ingredients:

1 cup canola oil
1 cup earth balance (soy free if you can find it otherwise any fake butter is fine)
4 cups molasses
3.5 cups hot H2O ( to melt fake butter & molasses)

Line baking pans with parchment or grease with fake butter.

Pour in batter that should be cake battery.

Bake @ 350 for 45 minutes, center toothpick test should not be wet.

Cool then cut remove from pan.

Wrap. Share. Enjoy.

Have the happiest, healthiest!

A new day!

2009-03-20T20:05:00.002-04:00

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/20/dining/20garden.html

If you can't plant check out localharvest.org and let the local veggies begin!

Roasted Red Pepper & Cashew Vegan Pizza @ Fiore's in Jamaica Plain

2009-03-11T22:13:00.012-04:00

I have been very good about not eating out lately. Until today. 11 o'clock and desperate for lunch already? I packed my daughters lunch and dropped her off for a play day but forgot all about me. Luckily there was Fiore's. Just a little something, I knew they had some schweet vegan treats. Treat indeed. Roasted Red Pepper Cashew vegan homemade pizza? Talk dirty. Yes this goodie is something we veggies get excited about when we see it on the specials board. Especially when it's damn tasty cheesy goodness. I gave it a try and the protein packed snack is just what I needed. It was as if I had made it but better, because it was instantly in front of me, warmed. The banana vegan cupcake,would have been better if it had 1/2 the icing, twice the banana and I had waited like an hour after my lovely slice to eat it.
If you're in the hood, headed to Harvest or on your way to Forest Hills via the #39, stop by Fiore's Italian Bakery 55 South Street JP 617-524-9200. Their selection is not to be believed. For 3 bucks I didn't even have to break out any plastic. Although I wish they would use dishes instead of disposable plates and plastic ware. Can't have my vegan cake and eat it too, wait I can, here. Yesss. Offering up but not exclusively, Vegetarian or Vegan Sandwiches, Pizza, Soup, Cookies, Cakes, Pies, Pastries and they even have gluten free if you likey. As I said before, schweet.

The White Temptress

2008-11-25T20:25:00.003-05:00

I admit it I have been snippy lately. There are lots of things I could blame it on. But I hate placing blame so instead I took action. First I went for an acupuncture treatment to get all evened out. Secondly I talked to my homeopathic doctor. She suggested my mostly vegan diet wasn't working for my current lifestyle, nursing and all. Fish Oil here I come. Thirdly I became more aware of when I would snap. Mostly at my awesome hubby. And there lied the answer. Sugar- The White Temptress. When feeling stressed I reached for a soy chai or a Boston Cookie or a Tofu Cutie. Sugar. Could it be? My mirage was made up of pure white sugar. As the planets aligned themselves a lecture on just that, Sugar, was happening Thursday nite at Curtis Hall just up the road. Hannah a local nutritionist was offering this talk for free. So I headed up there, kid in lap. And I listened in disbelief. My coping mechanism wasn't solving a thing. Not only was it not solving a thing for me but I learned it is making us all sick & me crazy. Literally. Crazy statistic here; The average American eats, ready? 172 lbs. OF SUGAR A YEAR!!! Not me you say? Read your lables. The grams quickly turn into pounds. Sugar is linked pretty much to every major illness and pretty much every processed food we come across. Yet another reason to get back to the garden. In the meantime Hannah suggested a few coping steps when a craving hits. 1. Deep breath in and out. 2. Drink Water- Chug 2 glasses and see how you feel. Still craving? 3. Ask yourself why? 4. Prepare your craving. Get a plate, set the atmosphere, sit down and enjoy. I love it, no sense denying constantly. But being more aware may help you on your journey to cutting down that 172 lbs. a year. Wish me luck. So far so good. My box of chai is sitting there while my rooibus is running out. Thanks Hannah looking fw to more wisdom from you real soon. Check out Hannah-health.com for more info on her booming business.

History in the Making

2008-11-03T21:17:00.004-05:00

Do your part and go to the polls. In Massachusetts Prop 3 protects the Doggies. In California Prop 2 protects all our friends. We can only change if we are willing. VOTE Peace.

Didi Emmons is my hero

2008-10-23T20:06:00.007-04:00

For those of you who don't know who Didi is you should. Not only did she open Veggie Planet in Harvard Square where garlic is god. But she now runs The Haley House Cafe in Dudley Square. Where she has "healthified" the neighborhood. I was lucky enough to learn a thing or two from Didi as I ventured to the other side of the river for "Labors of Love" a wine & vegetarian cooking class. She talked about autumn olives, how she lost her wallet in the orchard, all while cooking, instructing a staff of 3 and showing us how to make a killer 3 course meal. It was a delicious blurr. Course that could have been the faboo wines that were complementing each flavor. Loving my wine as I do I learned that vegan wine isn't filtered through egg whites as most wines are. Also most european wines from the smaller vineyards are organic. It's how they've been growing for centuries. And it has been how i've gotten through this election season. I digress. If you glance at "edible boston" this season pick it up. Didi's cover article is featured along with Gilesa, one of the students life she is changing by teaching them that healthy can taste good. Check it out; the article, the cafe & the planet. Thanks Didi for all you do!

Soup Season

2008-09-26T14:19:00.004-04:00

It's harvest time and that means the farmer's market is loaded with goodies. On this rainy day I cut up some butternut squash & some carrots. Steamed them till mushy. Pureed & added grated ginger & coconut milk. Yummy. To make it grown up just pan fry up some fresh sage leaves in earth balance or butter til crispy. And top each bowl with 1 or 3 leaves. Stay dry & warm.

Sweet Chips

2008-03-24T20:41:00.000-04:00

So easy. So yummy. So Sweet. Just thinly slice 1 sweet potato per person. Toss in Tb of olive oil per tato & salt & pepper to taste. Lay on a cookie sheet and cook up @ 350 for 30 min. Flip slices over and cook another 15-30 min depending on your preference of crispness. Tonz of Vitamin A in these bad boys so eat up.

Reading rather than sleeping

2008-01-28T21:58:00.000-05:00

I couldn't help deprive myself of just a little more sleep when I read this in the NY times today:
"The United States Department of Agriculture in December revised W.I.C. to include monthly subsidies for fruits and vegetables. States will begin implementing the new rules in February."
In a related article I read this:
"...healthy foods are becoming more and more expensive. Vegetables and fruits are rapidly becoming luxury goods.”
Why in 2008 is the US govt. just now including subsidies for fruits and vegetables? And why are our local farmers barely getting by, if they're lucky?

The good news I read today; The wonder bulb garlic helps prevent cancer, heart disease and promotes lower cholesterol. So I'll keep sneaking as much garlic as I can into my hummus and keep breathing and sweating it too. What I didn't know was, "To maximize the health benefits, you should crush the garlic at room temperature and allow it to sit for about 15 minutes. That triggers an enzyme reaction that boosts the healthy compounds in garlic."

In closing Ladies and Gentlemen start your seedlings! Plant those cloves! And join your CSA for spring is on its way. Now I can sleep...

veggie baby

2007-11-19T20:16:00.000-05:00

No postings as of late due to our little arrival. Everyone is super happy and healthy. What a cute little carrot she is. The outfit was a gift from her great aunt & uncle and couldn't have been more perfect. Green Babies! Which certainly explains our baby. 100% certified organic. We found more of their cute stuff at our local Whole Foods in Boston and Cambridge. Thanks to everyone for all your kindness.

Terra Pass makes Great Gifts!

2007-05-11T11:05:00.000-04:00

My cousin-in-law sent us the prettiest recycled paper wedding invites last month. The celebration will be on a farm out in Cali with a VEGAN fare. How much greener can you get? Well I thought with all the traveling that will be happening we better continue their trend by hooking them up with their very own CO2 offsetting gift from Terra Pass. After getting the info from their helpful newsletter they e-me every month, I was actually the first to buy a wedding pass from Terra!

According to Terra Pass "the single biggest environmental impact of a wedding comes from guest travel, particularly via plane. With family and friends spread all over the globe these days, the carbon footprint from an average-sized wedding can easily hit 50 tons or more."

So Go to http://www.terrapass.com/wedding and give it or get it for your own chin-dig. And offset those Planes, Trains & Automobiles. Oh and Happy Merry, Paul & Jenny! Many happy green years ahead.

Happy Sweety Day

2007-02-09T13:31:00.000-05:00

For like ever I've made Valentines Day cookies but THE ARTFUL VEGAN Bittersweet Chocolate Truffles are way yummier, fancier & easier. I just LOVE them. xx, Rachel
6oz bittersweet chocolate bar
chopped into 2" pieces.
1/4 cup soy milk
1/4 cup port wine or orange liqueur
1/4 tsp chile powder
1/4 cup dried cherries finely chopped
2 TB unsweetened cocoa powder

Fill saucepan halfway with water, over low heat.
Place metal bowl on top of saucepan and make sure
bottom of bowl doesn't touch water in saucepan.
This will create a double boiler if you don't have one.
Add the chocolate, soymilk, port, chile & cherries to bowl.
After just a few minutes whisk well for 30 seconds,
til the mixture is well blended and completely melted.
Refridgerate for 2 hours or until firm.

Place the cocoa powder in a small, clean bowl. Using a tablespoon or melon baller scoop the chilled mixture into balls. Roll the balls in the cocoa powder using spoon or with hands. Serve immediately or wrap and save for later. Stores in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. mmm mm.

1 cup at a time

2007-01-22T16:18:00.000-05:00

A teaspoon of sugar you say? Bringing our Walk For Hunger re-useable coffee mug to our cute local store www.cityfeedandsupply.com I convinced my Hubby he was not only getting a larger, cheaper cup of coffee! but he was also sparing the landfills of one more paper cup each and every time he had his daily coffee craving. Now onto convincing him to use soy milk & stevia. Or better yet switch over to green tea for that kick fix. Small steps. Sugar.

Great Vegetarian Restaurant

2006-10-13T18:55:00.000-04:00

Go Go Go to GOBO! goborestaurant.com
I'm still dreamy from my 1st dining experience at GOBO in NYC. Mom and I just had a late lunch at their upper east side address. At first I thought we were entering a spa. Gladly it was GOBO. Parched and hungry we ordered some, smart, slirpy tonics. A little pricey @ $7 but they did help our brains decide what to eat. "mind over muddle" raspberries, plums and herbs for mom, "depth recharger" berries, wolfberry and ginseng for me. Googling wolfberry A.K.A. Goji Berry is believed to enhance the immune system. Wanting to try the whole harvest we ordered and shared 4 items off the dinner menu. Trusting the server we started out with "TOMATO SOUP w. black olives" made with yummy, ready heirlooms and the surprising chunks of perfectly cured olives. Stomach now on full growl, "5 SPICE TOFU ROLLS w. mango puree". Loved, loved, loved, the sweet & spicy zing just wished the roll was hot, seeing it was fried and all. Mom dared to try the "CHOPPED ROMAINE SALAD w. smoked tofu & almonds". We wished there was more of the tofu slivers but the fresh, tasty dressing with ginger and soy made me want to lick the plate, but being with mom and all, I did not. Beauty of the beet I would call the "RUBY BEET SALAD w. baby green beans in grain mustard." Snappy beans, flavored so subtly spicy and surrounded by plenty of big sexy beet quarters.
At GOBO it is as if everything on the menu is straight from the farm. Sadly we were too full for dessert but I will no doubt, be back for that "MULTI-LAYERED CHOCOLATE CAKE dusted w. green tea" as soon as I possibly can. Thank YOU GOBO. You are a GEM! -photo by MOM of Darryn Wu (Owner) and Rachel@veryveggie.com (Me) Eat More Veggies @ GOBO!

Great article in Boston Globe

2006-06-29T16:51:00.000-04:00

In the Globe's SideKick section Rachel was qouted!
"The Deluxe Cafe in South end is more than happy to make grilled sammies- vegan if you like. Crazy good. Bukowski's also never disappoints. It's rare you can swig back a beer with an awesome chili not-dog in Boston." Way to go Boston restaurants for taking notice and adding more veggie meals to your menu's. Kudos to the GLOBE for taking an interest in all these great veggie meals. Oh yes and don't forget to also give River Gods in Cambridge a try and Scallywagle's in Allston for some down right junky vegan food!

-Deluxe Cafe 100 Chandler Street BOSTON 617.338.5258
-Bukowski's 50 Dalton Street behind Hynes Convention Center/Prudential Center BOSTON 617.437.9999
-River Gods 25 River Street CAMBRIDGE 617.576.1881
-T.J. Scallywaggles 487 Cambridge Street ALLSTON 617.787.9884 Scallywaggles.com

06.08.06 @ 08:24 AM EST

Gore's good for you

2006-06-29T16:49:00.000-04:00

I never thought he would but he did. Gore made me laugh out loud. Yes, my honey fell asleep a couple times. But if you didn't know it's time to buy a hybrid, it's time to change up all your lightbulbs to energy efficient ones and it's time to elect people who actually give a shit about the environment, then you must, must, must, see this film. He enetertains more than I thought, he admits more than we need to know, like losing the election. "was a big blow". But it was worth the 8 bucks by far. climatecrisis.net Stay till the end, the closing credits are worth the trip.
06.03.06 @ 06:24 PM EST

Farmfabulous

2006-06-29T16:46:00.000-04:00

I picked up my first CSA today! Nothin like getting greens straight from the farm. They are bouncy and beautiful. Plus they help my community. We're supporting a local farmer and sharing some awesome veggies with our neighbors. In the city no less. It's much cheaper than whole foods, it's taken less energy and it's whay better for me. The vitamins have not been sitting on a shelf depleting. What's not to love? check out localharvest.org and start digging local produce today!
06.03.06 @ 05:54 PM EST

Cut out CO2's

2006-06-29T16:44:00.000-04:00

Since I can't get a new Prius for another decade and I haven't been able to talk my hubby into buying a diesel junker to change over to a fryerlator engine. (See greengreasemonkey.com) I decided to get us our very own terra pass. The visual above explains it pretty well. So now when I have to drive I won't feel as guilty. Check it out. Remember we vote with our wallets! Go Terra, Go Veggie. terrapass.com
05.19.06 @ 01:59 PM EST

Organic or Not

2006-06-29T16:40:00.000-04:00

Print this one out and take it shopping with you.

Walk4Hunger raised $900

2006-06-29T16:37:00.000-04:00

Thanks for visiting! Very Veggie raised $900 for Project Bread. Way to GO! Check out cute T-shirts from the walk @ www.cafepress.com/walkforhunger Thanks for everyone's support! What a feel good thang! xx, Rachel
05.18.06 @ 07:29 PM EST

Vieques Vacay

2006-06-29T16:34:00.000-04:00

Wanted to share this magical place with you. Organic fruit & Yoga in the morning. Swim or snorkle in the afternoon. Massage & Hot solar shower. Then off to a local restaurant for plantains and local fish. Doesn't get any better. Check out enchanted-isle.com & hixislandhouse.com if you're interested in visiting. Guacamole & Mango Salsa Recipes coming soon to veryveggie.tv
Mucho Gracias Vieques!

SPA party

2006-06-29T16:17:00.000-04:00

Why not throw a spectacular spa party? My friends Tina & Cidalia did. They set up the pampering; mani's, pedi's, massage & I cooked up the healthy bites;

Artichoke Hummus on Pita
(helps lower cholesterol on veryveggie.com on diva menu)
Stuffed Baby Bellas (detoxifying)
Red Pepper Puffs (healing)
Spicy Cucumber Squares (improves circulation)
Tiny tomates with black bean soup (antioxidant)
Lovely Lemon Bites (calming)
Pumpkin Ginger Muffins (rejuvinating)
Apple Cinnamon Petites (cleansing)
Lime Ginger Spritzers (digestif)
Berry Smoothies (antioxidant)
Green Chai Tea (cleansing)

You & your friends deserve it!

10.21.04 @ 03:36 PM EST