Month: March 2022

Spicy Vegan Tofu Recipe

March 16, 2022

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
2 1/2 teaspoons Chinese five-spice powder
1 (14-ounce) package firm tofu, cut into cubes
1 cup sherry, divided
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh ginger
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
4 1/2 teaspoon tamari 3 dried whole red chiles
3 cups small broccoli florets
1 cup cubed fresh pineapple
1/4 cup dry roasted unsalted peanuts
2 green onions, sliced
2 cups cooked brown rice

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, beat together nutritional yeast, five-spice powder and 1 tablespoon plus 1-1/2 teaspoons of the cornstarch, until blended. Add tofu and toss until evenly coated.  Spread tofu on a baking sheet, lined with baking sheet paper in a single layer. Bake tofu until crisp.

Sherry Cornstarch Mixture: In a small bowl, beat together ginger, garlic, tamari, 1/2 cup of the sherry, and remaining 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Set aside.

Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add chili.  Toast until fragrant. Takes about 2 minutes. Add cooking oil to cover skillet or wok. Stir in broccoli, pineapple and baked tofu and continue cooking until broccoli is still firm, but cooked. Note: you can prepare the broccoli separately, to be sure it’s not raw and the other ingredients are not overcooked, and then toss the broccoli into the mixture.

Stir in remaining 1/2 cup sherry and cook, stirring constantly, until reduced, about 2 minutes. Beat sherry and cornstarch mixture once more. Add mixture to wok with green onions and peanuts. Cook  vegetables thoroughly. Serve over rice.

KITCHEN UTENSILS

Wok or Large Skillet. A cast iron skillet works well with this recipe.
Measuring Cups
Measuring Spoons
Large Mixing Spoon

Vegan Broccoli Tofu Quiche Recipe

March 16, 2022

This unique quiche is made with a fast-cooking bulgur wheat crust.

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup bulgur wheat
Pinch fine sea salt
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 chopped yellow onion
1 large broccoli crown, trimmed and cut into bite-size florets (about 3 cups)
1/4 pound cremini mushrooms, sliced (about 1 3/4 cups)
1-1/2 container firm tofu, drained well
2 tablespoons tahini
1 tablespoon white miso or umeboshi paste
1 -1/2 tablespoon tamari

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 350°F. Oil a 9-inch pie plate. Bring 1 cup water to a boil in a small saucepan. Stir in bulgur and salt. Cover pan. Lower heat and simmer until water is absorbed and bulgur is tender. When finished, allow to cool slightly, then press onto bottom and partway up sides of the pie plate. Bake until slightly dry.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add broccoli, onion and mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender. Set aside.

Combine tofu, tahini, tamari and miso in a blender. Purée until smooth. Pour mixture into a large bowl. Add vegetables and combine into mixture. Spoon mixture over bulgur crust and bake quiche until top is browned. Allow to cool before slicing.

KITCHEN UTENSILS

9 inch pie plate
Large skillet

Vegan Lentil Pate Recipe

March 16, 2022

Pate is a French word that means paste. Pates are served over crackers, on crusty bread, or on toasted bread rounds.

INGREDIENTS

2 cups cooked lentils
1 cup cooked rice
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
3 tablespoons tamari sauce
1 cup rolled oats
2 chopped scallions
2 tablespoons almond butter
Olive oil
Optional: add salt if recipe is too bland

INSTRUCTIONS

Combine all ingredients into a food processor with a metal chopping blade and blend until smooth, adding water if needed. Lightly oil an 8″x8″ baking pan with olive oil, and transfer mixture from food processor into the pan. Bake for 30 minutes at 375 degrees F. Serve when cooled.

KITCHEN UTENSILS
Food processor
8″x 8″ baking pan
Measuring utensils

Vegan Black Bean-Tofu Chili Recipe

March 16, 2022


INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup olive oil
4 chopped onions
2 green peppers seeded and chopped
2 red peppers seeded and chopped
4 cloves minced garlic
1 package firm tofu (drained and cubed)
2 28 oz cans black beans (drained)
1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 teaspoons ground cumin
6 tablespoons chile powder
2 tablespoons dried oregano
2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
1 tablespoon Tabasco sauce

INSTRUCTIONS
In a large skillet heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the onions . Saute and stir until they become soft.
Add garlic, sauté until soft.
Add the green and red peppers. Saute and stir until tender.
Add seasonings to mixture. Blend and stir until well absorbed.

Add mixture to cook pot. Add beans, tofu, and tomatoes. Stir mixture until well blended. Cover and simmer over very low heat 30 to 40 minutes. At intervals, stir mixture for even cooking and to keep mixture well blended.

Kitchen Utensils
Large skillet
Cookpot or Dutch Oven
Measuring spoons and cups

How To Buy A Juicer

March 16, 2022
THE CENTRIFUGAL JUICER BY BREVILLE

Breville Juice Fountain

The Breville Juice Fountain Is Available on Amazon
THE MASTICATING JUICER BY TRIBEST

Tribest Solostar 4

The Tribest Solostar 4 Horizontal Juicer Is Available on Amazon
THE MASTICATING JUICER BY OMEGA

Omega Juicer

The Omega Horizontal Juicer Is Available on Amazon
TYPES OF JUICERS
There are 2 types of juicers: centrifugal and masticating. Centrifugal juicers process fruits and vegetables at a high speed, which means you’ll get your juice fast. The masticating juicer processes raw fruits and vegetables a slow speed, which means, you have to be patient, since it will take longer to process one cup of raw juice than with the centrifugal method.
WHICH ONE SHOULD YOU BUY? If you’re new to juicing, making a decision can get confusing. While there are only two types of juicers (fast, or slow), there are added features that you need to know about before you make your purchase.
MASTICATING JUICER FEATURES
  • The juicer is built to stand vertically or horizontally.
  • The juicer is built with either one gear or two gears.
  • The juicer is either electric or manual.
  • The juicer is capable of juicing wheat grass or other leafy greens.
  • The juicer is capable of processing fruit ice cream, nut butters, and pasta.
Pictured left is the Solostar Vertical Slow Juicer by Tribest.
The Tribest Slowstar Vertical Slow Juicer Is Available on Amazon
HOW TO DECIDE WHICH JUICER TO BUY
HOW MUCH SHOULD YOU PAY? Juicer price depends on brand and features. If you only need basics, then save your money and don’t buy a juicer that’s beyond your needs. A well-known brand will most likely offer a longer warranty period and better customer service. Other considerations are kitchen counter space, and motor noise. Centrifugal juicers generate more noise than the slower masticating juicers.
Buying A Juicer Is An Investment In Your Health. Once You Taste The Difference And Experience Better Health You’ll Never Buy Canned or Bottled Juice Again

Home Fitness: SPRI Balance Pods

March 14, 2022

Category: Core Strength, Agility, Balance, and Stability,

How To Use It: SPRI Balance Pods are used to improve balance and coordination.  They are placed on an indoor flat, smooth surface, spaced evenly, and used as stepping stones.  Pods come in a set of 6.  

Portability: The pods are very light and portable. They’ll fit in a carry all.  Take them anywhere.

Benefits: Easy to store.  Perfect for a home gym.  Toss in your bag for business trips or vacation exercise.  Lightweight, colorful product.  Easy to learn.  Activates the core.  Excellent for experienced older adults who want to improve balance.  

Type of Workout: Standing Balance Exercises. For more challenge, use more than one set of pods.

SPRI Balance Pods Are Available on Amazon. Follow This Link for Details and Prices