How I Went Vegan

The new year is a great time to take stock of your life and current choices, reflect on what you want to improve, and set a course for new directions.  My path on a vegan lifestyle took place almost three years ago just after the new year.  The journey has been challenging (not for the reasons you think), but my decision to embark upon it was immediate.  I literally stopped eating any animal products from one night to the next after reading The Kind Diet by Alicia Silverstone.  My husband was shocked (to say the least) and my kids a bit confused..."Why isn't mommy eating cheese pizza?"  It was the best decision I made, leaving me feeling more energized, healthier, and positive.  The transition may not be easy, but I promise you this: it will be rewarding.  Here's how I did it:

1. Get informed: When I chose to go vegan, I knew right away that I wanted to do it the right way - a plant based diet with whole grains.  I didn't want to make my family the same food and just skip the chicken on my plate.  I was looking for a whole transformation - and not just in my food, but also what I put on my skin and body, in my home, etc.  I needed information.  I immediately started seeing a nutritionist for about 2 months to make sure I was eating the right way and getting the nutrients I needed.  It also introduced me to vegan proteins that I had no familiarity with - tempeh, seitan, tofu, as well as other vegan pantry mainstays like Vegannaise and nutritional yeast that changed my world in yummy ways I never imagined.  Hiring a nutritionist was one of the best things I did and I highly recommend it.

I also read a lot...a whole lot.  Cookbooks, guides, blogs, magazines, websites, you name it.  I wanted to arm myself with information to make sure I understood everything behind the choices I was making. I already mentioned The Kind Diet.  Kris Carr's Crazy Sexy Diet and VegNews magazine were two of my other favorites on my reading shelf (and still are).

2. Join a plan: Lucky for me, PCRM's 21-Day Vegan Kickstart was launching right around the time I decided to go vegan.  This wonderful program is free and provided weekly menus and recipes to help me know what to eat.  It was a great way to train me how to plan meals and cook vegan.  This is a great way to jumpstart a vegan change in your life.  PCRM restarts the program on continuous intervals.  Check out the link above to see how many days until the next one starts.

I just learned that Colleen Patrick-Goudreau also has a 30 Day Vegan Challenge Program.  With your subscription (at a minimal cost), you get daily messages, videos, audio podcasts, and recipes.  I recently signed up for this myself to keep expanding my vegan knowledge.  I love it.

Cooking with Trader Joe's Skinny Dish also has a weekly meal plan in the beginning of the book that I think is fantastic.  It helped me with my meal plans at the beginning of my transition.

3. Arm yourself with food and recipes: I found myself with a void the first few months after my transition.  My arsenal of recipes and culinary magazines became useless instantly.  Years of tried and true favorites and familiar sources were no good to me.  My ease and comfort in the kitchen, which usually brought me such joy and passion, were replaced with stress and anxiety.  I had to start from scratch and find a new comfort zone in the kitchen.  I stopped my old subscriptions and signed up for VegNews and Vegetarian Times.  I scoured the net for vegan food blogs (so many!) and signed up for some newsletters that sent weekly recipes.  Last, I browsed Amazon and bought myself some new cookbooks.  I spent the next few months getting into a rhythm, but did find my groove and built up a new arsenal in no time.

4. Connect with others: The most challenging part of becoming vegan for me was the isolation I felt.  I knew no one else in my immediate circle of friends or family who was living the same lifestyle.  When at parties or get togethers, I immediately became interrogated and made to defend my new choice.  At the same time, I was feeling so alive and well that I wanted to share my choice with others, however quickly learning that not everyone was as enthused with the prospect of what a vegan lifestyle could bring.  

I found some groups to connect with and it got better.  It made me feel like I was part of a community and not some "weirdo" that no one understood.  The Kind Life has a great forum for vegs to post questions and help each other.  Neil Barnard's Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) also has a nice community.  

Whatever your path, I encourage you to stay on it.  There are so many resources and groups to help you  be successful.  If you are considering going vegan, I congratulate you and please let me know if I can help you on your journey!

My Favorite Wellness Apps

Self care is big on my list of resolutions for 2013.  Self awareness, staying present, and quieting my mind are all gifts I have been working on giving myself this holiday season.  Thanks to these iPad and iPhone apps, wellness is never out of hands reach.  I really love these tech helpers for the mind and body.

• Power Cards by Louise Hay - I own the physical affirmation cards as well, but love that I can FB post, Tweet, and email these cards - sharing the love!
• Deepak Chopra Daily Gift - I look forward to opening my "gift box" each morning to see what is waiting for me.  It could be a thought for a day, a video message from Mr. Chopra himself, an affirmation or some other surprise that warms my soul and sets my day off right.
• Deepak Chopra's Meditation Challenge - I took the challenge last month and love this app that continues to lead me in meditation practice.
• Deepak Chopra's Heart Meditation - Another guided meditation from my meditation hero, Deepak Chopra has a series of different ones...Stress Free, Great Career, Live Happy, Love, Sleep, Breath...
• Relax Melodies - This is what I use when I meditate.  It has a great assortment of music melodies and sound effects.  I pick my mix for the day, depending on my mood, set the time and meditate away.

Merry Christmas

Lake Tahoe - November 2012

Sending you and your family a very merry Christmas and best wishes for a fabulous 2013.  Thank you for your support and readership.  Looking forward to seeing what the new year brings!

My Christmas Menu

After much discussion with my family, I have decided to dial it down for tonight's Christmas Eve dinner.  I love food...the holidays really don't do it for me without incredible, delicious food.  Being vegan, that usually means I cook.  That is just fine by me, but apparently I went a little overboard last year with the homemade gnocchi.  So...this year, I am opting for a simple menu that I prepped mostly in advance.  Here's what is on tonight's menu.

Appetizers:

Cheese and cracker plate - I purchased the Herb, Tomato and Basil, and Gouda nut cheeses from Pure Market Express and yummy pita crackers (regular and multi-grain) from Trader Joe's.

Antipasto platter - I love the marinated mushrooms, yellow sun-dried tomatoes, marinated artichoke hearts and olives from Trader Joe's.

Dinner:

Herbed Polenta Cutlets with Marsala Mushroom Ragout from Chloe Coscarelli's Chloe's Kitchen

Sauteed Kale or Spinach (can't decide!)

Dessert:

Chocolate Cashew Mousse Pie from Nava Atlas's Vegan Holiday Kitchen

I can't decide if I am more excited about the food or the presents tonight!  Merry Christmas Eve!!!

5 Homemade Gifts That Kids Can Make

My kids love the holidays for many reasons, but I have to admit that the anticipation of the gifts they will receive is at the top of their list.  I was delighted this year that my children (well, my nine and six year-old) are just as excited to give as receive this year.  They put a lot of thought into their gifts for their siblings, and really surprised me with the time they decided to invest in making gifts instead of purchasing.  Ah, the spirit of the season is alive and well in our home.  Thank you, Santa!

Here are five of my kids' favorites to make and gift:

Photo frame

1. Photo frame - I just adore this frame that my six year-old made.  She did it all herself.  Using a pre-cut block of wood (try Michael's or your local wood store), have your child paint their masterpiece on the wood "canvas."  After it dries, glue a picture of your child and a loved one.

Coloring book

2. Coloring book - My nine year-old made her own coloring book for her siblings this Hanukkah (her idea).  They were perfect gifts for her sister and brother, who both love to color.

Holiday cookies

3. Cookies - My daughters and I had so much fun baking these treats to give to a few of our family friends.  They had so much pride, delivering them, telling them how they helped bake them.

Dangling snowman ornament

4. Ornaments - My kids made these cute ornaments with their Girl Scout trips this year to give to a local women's shelter and their children.  It was a party making them and they turned out super cute.

Homemade bracelet

5. Jewelry - My six year-old loves to make jewelry almost as much as she enjoys wearing it!  She loved the bracelet she received from her sister.

Do you have any gifts that the kids in your life like to make and give?

My Holiday Cookie Plate

My holiday cookie plate

I would never have called myself a baker.  Up until a couple of months ago, I really disliked baking.  I was not good at it and nothing ever came out right.  I was okay with that because what I lacked in baking prowess, I more than made up for in cooking (if I do say so myself!).  Still, holiday cookie baking is annual tradition in my family, so I always rally for the occasion.  It is sometimes painful, but my mom, sis, grandma (and now kids) are there to help me along the way.

At this year's holiday cookie day, a miracle happened: I became a baker!  I finally hit my stride and my cookies came out beautifully.  My non vegan tasters agreed that you couldn't tell the difference with their butter laden counterparts.  Major success!  And this cookie success came after my pie favorite at Thanksgiving and cupcake treats for my uncle's birthday last month.  I cannot believe it, but...I can bake!

I think going vegan has had a lot to do with my newfound skills since I usually have to bring my own baked goods to holidays and parties if I want to have dessert...and if you know me, I love dessert! All the baking has led to practice and hence, improvement.  It has also made me more comfortable with the process and techniques that use to intimidate the heck out of me.  Whatever the reason, I am thrilled (and I think my family is too).  Here's a peek at what we baked up for our holiday cookie plate this year - all vegan!

Snowballs (aka Wedding Cookies) - These are the white beauties on the left.  These are a must each year, but instead of my mom's recipe, I used a vegan recipe from Vegan Cookies Invade Your Cookie Jar.  My husband said they taste the same as my mom's!

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Puffs - Chocolate Covered Katie posted this recipe earlier in the month so I thought I'd give them a try.

Chocolate Chip Cookies - Another mainstay and these ones from Vegan Cookies Invade Your Cookie Jar do not disappoint.

Peanut Butter Pillows - I started making these two years ago (also from Vegan Cookies Invade Your Cookie Jar and my family asks for them every year.

Chocolate Truffles - I used Chocolate Covered Katie's recipe for 5 minute truffles, but melted the chocolate on the stove top.  My girls and I rolled the truffles in red sugar crystal sprinkles, pecans, cinnamon sugar and powdered sugar.

Happy baking and eating to you this holiday season.  Please let me know if you have a favorite cookie recipe I should add to my plate!

What's For Lunch?: Portabello Mushroom Panini

Mushroom panini

I love me a good panini.  I was gifted a panini press for Mother's Day a few years ago and my whole family loves it.  We grill lunch on it at least once a week.  This panini is one of my favorites, featuring the portabello mushroom.


Portabello Mushroom Panini

Ingredients:

Vegan panini roll (I like the par baked ones at Trader Joe's)

Vegan flavored mustard (For the one above, I used a basil mustard in a specialty pack that Trader Joe's is carrying now for the holidays)

Vegannaise

Several leaves of baby spinach

Several sun-dried tomatoes, julienne cut or chopped

2 slices of Daiya jack cheese

Several slices of portabello mushroom (cleaned, with the inside scooped out)


Directions:

Slice the bread in half and spread with the Vegannaise and mustard.  Layer one slice of bread with the spinach, tomatoes, and mushrooms.  Place cheese on top and follow with the top slice of bread.  Place in the panini maker for approximately 5 minutes until grilled and toasty, and the cheese has melted.

Slice and enjoy!

Cooking with The Kind Diet

This book is what convinced me to go vegan.  I owe Alicia Silverstone a lot of gratitude.  Her book is compelling and for me, has been life changing.  It is not so much a cookbook for me (although it is loaded with wonderful recipes), as it is a plan for going vegan.  The book is divided into three parts.  In part one, she breaks down all of the reasons that a plant based diet is better for you and the planet, and supports it with tons of research.  She then introduces you to vegan foods and explains where you can find them.  In part two, she segments the change in lifestyle into "flirting," "going vegan" and "superhero."  She has meal plans and recipes for each segment and talks you through how to make changes in your life to adapt to each segment.  This was really helpful during my transition.  I literally photocopied sections of the book and took them grocery shopping with me when I was becoming vegan!  She addresses entertaining, eating away from home and traveling.

Part three is all about recipes - vegan and superhero.  Here are some of my favorites:

• Moroccan Couscous with Saffron
• Pecan Crusted Seitan
• Seitan Piccata with White Wine and Capers
• Caesar Salad - I LOVE this recipe
• Toasted Nori Burritos
• Quinoa with Basil and Pine Nuts
• Baby Bok Choy Drizzled with Ume Vinaigrette - I crave this
• Mochi Waffles

As I said, this book is more than a cookbook to me, but a reference guide and lifestyle plan.  As I write this post, I am reminded of all the great info packed in it that I should re-read.  If you are considering a vegan lifestyle, I highly recommend this read.

How I Celebrated Hanukkah

Happy Hanukkah!

I am a convert - became Jewish almost 7 years ago after being raised Catholic.  I was raised spiritual, not religious, and the conversion came about very naturally.  My husband and I had been married about 5 years at the time and together about 12 years (started dating in college).  We were raising our family Jewish so I was already a proud pro at the traditions and meanings of all the Jewish holidays.  Before I became Jewish, our home was a mixed bag of traditions.  A large Christmas tree adorned our living room, decorated in blue and silver sparkle.  My then two year-old met Santa at mommy's parents' house and Hanukkah Hank at daddy's parents' house.  The holidays were a chaotic, magical time where we celebrated everything and were all the merry for it.

Hanukkah came ten months after the first year of my conversion.  My heart and spirit had time to adjust to the changes I wanted to introduce to the family.  To my husband's disappointment, the tree did not go up in our home again.  We were a complete Jewish home now and I was proud to celebrate the Jewish traditions (lighting the menorah, eating latkes, spinning the dreidel...and opening a present every night for eight nights) in our home, while still having the great fortune of celebrating all of the splendor of Christmas with my parents.  I say all this to explain that my family truly does get the best of both worlds and my kids are better for it.  It has made their Jewish identity stronger and built strong family traditions - both at home and with their grandparents.  

That is what Hanukkah is about for me - reinforcing that identity and helping my kids relate and connect with others who are different from them (school holiday parties always provide a vast platform for discussion about religious differences, where my kids are maybe 1 of 2-3, if any Jewish kids).  I spend a lot of time planning each of the 8 nights, ensuring that we are with other Jewish families, celebrating traditions and understanding what Hanukkah means.  I ration out gifts to the kids, one per night which is a lot of fun, as the anticipation builds until night 8 (the gifts get bigger each night).  Here's how we celebrated this year (note the links to some of the recipes).

Night 1: This is usually our big family night with all of the grandparents, cousins, and aunts.  This year was spent at my sis-in-law's house who did a beautiful job with the dinner, kids activities and whole evening.  I brought my favorite Caesar Salad from Kind Diet, roasted broccolini, and a vegan cookie platter. She made chicken piccata and a seitan version just for me!

Vegan latkes

Night 2: Spent with close family friends, the Rinslers, this dinner is a tradition every Hanukkah, with each of us taking turns hosting.  This year, we traveled to Beverly Hills for our dinner, which was amazing.  The menu included spaghetti squash, a fennel salad, vegan latkes and a kale salad.  

Night 3: We celebrated with the Greenes, another tradition.  Alas, the husbands were working and out of town, so it was just the girls and my son, but no less fun.  I hosted this year and since both of us were racing home from gymnastics and dance classes that evening, I made a pasta dinner.  I wanted to incorporate oil, the miracle of the holiday, so I made a garlic and olive oil sauce over linguini, sauteed with spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes, capers and pine nuts.  My friend loved it.  Salad, bruschetta and some antipasto items rounded out the meal.

Night 4: Taco Tuesday went Hanukkah style!  By this time, we were all sick of latkes so fried taco shells took care of our oil quota!  We played Hanukkah dominoes and opened more presents.

Night 5: Our Temple held a Hanukkah Lights program with the religious school students.  Each family brought their own menorah and lit the candles.  My in-laws joined us and stayed for a community dinner that followed.

Night 6:  My husband's holiday party was that evening, and my older daughter had some after school activities, so this was a simple night, where we just lit the candles and opened presents.

Night 7: Our Temple's annual Hanukkah party took place this night - so much fun!   My husband created a latke/vodka bar this year, which was a big hit with the congregants.  

Night 8: We actually celebrated night 8 a day late with our havurah (Jewish group of families) at our annual family party.  My friend, Tanya, makes a wonderful sit-down lunch for the adults, while the kids get to run around and play.  We look forward to it every year.

If you celebrate Hanukkah, I hope your eight days were full of family time and delicious, fried foods! 

My Quest for Vegan Boots

I have been in a quest for vegan boots.  I have one pair of tall black Franco Sarto boots that I love.  I purchased them years ago, way before becoming vegan was even a glimmer in my eye.  They have served me well.  I take care of them and they make sure I look fashionable.  Unfortunately, they are leather.  When I became vegan, I proclaimed that I would not wear animal products (it felt hypocritical...I won't eat animals, but I will wear them), but I struggled with the environmental impact of getting rid of perfectly good leather boots and handbags.  So I made a compromise with myself.  If I bought anything new, it had to be vegan, but I would wear or use existing stuff I had until it was time to recycle or donate it.

Three years later, I am in the market for a new pair of boots.  I want brown this time, and I also want a black pair with a lower heel that I can wear for extended periods of walking (like in Paris, where my hubby is whisking me away for our 20th anniversary at the end of the month!).  I have been searching and searching, my friends, but a cute vegan boot is hard to find.  Moo Shoes NYC offers some cute options but they are all over $200, many for $300, and with the holiday season upon us when I am spending so much on gifts, I just couldn't spend that right now (note to self though for a splurge later in the year!).  In my search, I did find several retailers that offer vegan boots, but they just weren't my style - more grunge and granola.  I wanted a heel, something sexy and stylish.  So I kept searching.  In my quest, I became overwhelmed with options and now have many to choose from.  Here are some of my top picks:

Vegan Chic - This retailer offers some beautiful boots, between $150-$200.

Lulu's - This online storefront sells clothes, accessories and shoes.  I like that they have a 'vegan shoes' category with very stylish and on trend options (including boots!) at very affordable prices.

Planet Shoes - I found a variety of boots at this site at good prices.

The Good Fashionista - This blog is a fantastic go to for vegan shoe and handbag options.  A search for boots alone brought up some options that I hadn't known about.  I will be following her!

In the end, I settled on two pair from Alloy - the Keelan Scrunch boot and Natalie boot (pictured below).  I got these at really great prices, leaving me room to splurge on a nicer pair come January when the holiday season has been paid off my credit card!

Music to Make You Sing This Holiday Season

I love the holidays.  Lucky for me, I get the joy of celebrating both Hanukkah (with my husband's family) and Christmas (with my family).  It makes for a very long month of celebrating and gifts (it feels like my kids get a present every day...).  For me, the spirit of the season takes me over once I start hearing the music.  We decorate the house, bake holiday cookies, and drive through our lighted neighborhood all while my favorite holiday tunes are played.

Here are my favorites to sing and dance away the season to...

Hanukkah:

• Hanukkah Swings by Kenny Ellis - Hanukkah and swing music - very fun.
• Hanukkah Rocks by the LeeVees - I love these guys.  They are hip and cool.  I wish they would record another Hanukkah CD.
• Hanukkah Lounge by Various - This is not your traditional Hanukkah music, which is why I love it!
• Cha Cha Hanukkah by The Shirelles - This is a fun festive album, especially great for the kids.

Christmas:

• Harry for the Holidays, What A Night and When My Heart Finds Christmas by Harry Connick Jr. - I cannot get enough of Harry.  Traditional holiday caroles sung by him take me to my happy place.  Sigh.  You're a lucky lady, Jill Goodacre.
• Glee: The Music, Christmas Album, Volumes 1 and 2 - I am a huge fan of the show, so it follows that these two discs are in my holiday shuffle list.  Volume 3 came out this week!
• A Christmas Together by John Denver and The Muppets - This is a classic, folks.  I first received this album when I was five, meeting my future stepmother at the time.  A bond was formed and a Christmas tradition was born.  I feel five every time I hear this album and love to see my kids enjoying it as much as I did as a kid and still do!
• Feliz Navidad by Jose Feliciano - It isn't officially the holidays until I hear this song with my dad, stepmom and sister.  Another family tradition and favorite in my house.

Please share your favorites with me.  I am always looking to add to my collection!

What's For Lunch?: Millet Bowl

Millet "Super" Bowl

During this colder weather, I love the feel of warm, comfort food.  Soups and stews are great, but when I want something a little lighter,  this millet bowl does the trick.  Millet is a grain, similar to couscous.  It is easy to cook and very versatile, taking on the flavor of whatever you put into it.

For this recipe, I cook it simply with a tablespoon each of garlic and ginger and top with steamed veggies and an ume plum vinaigrette.

Millet Bowl
Ingredients:

 Millet
1/4 cup millet
1 15-oz can black beans (drained and rinsed)
1 tablespoon ginger, minced
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
Kosher salt
1 cup of water

Place millet, black beans, ginger and garlic in a saucepan.  Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt and the water.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat and cover for approximately 15-20 minutes.  Remove from heat and rest for 10 minutes.  Fluff with a fork.

Veggies
8 shiitake mushrooms, sliced
1 carrot, peeled and sliced
1/2 cup green cabbage, shredded
2 baby bok choy
1 scallion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons sunflower seeds

Steam mushrooms first for about three minutes.  Add carrots for another 5 minutes and add bok choy for the last 3 minutes.  Remove from heat.

Dressing
Whisk 3 tablespoons of olive oil with 3 tablespoons of ume plum vinegar.

To serve, scoop a cup of millet into a bowl.  Top with the steamed veggies and then the raw (scallions and cabbage).  Pour the dressing on top.  Sprinkle with sunflower seeds.

It is hearty food that leaves you feeling light and energized.  I call it my millet super bowl!

Where To Eat: Mendocino Farms

If you want a killer sandwich, look no further than Mendocino Farms.  The farm to table sandwich shop always has a line out the door.  It is because the sandwiches are inventive, fresh, and delicious.  They are all about the sandwich and take down home favorites and twist them into gourmet versions without pretense.  Their salads are equally unique with fresh flavors.  It is a great place if you are with non vegans who prefer meat on their sandwich, but Mendo also offers four vegan sandwich options on their menu.  Three of the items are on their permanent menu and one of their seasonal sandwiches is always vegan.  They also serve at least 2 vegan salad options.

Here are the details:

Info: 4726 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey; (310) 822-2300; mendocinofarms.com 
They also have locations in downtown LA, West LA and West Hollywood.

Setting: Casual and busy.  The kitchen is open so you can see all the action going on.

Service: Super friendly

Kids menu: Yes!

Prices: Sandwiches range from $8.85 - $9.85 and salads are between $9 - $11

What I order: The Traditional Vegan Club is my favorite (tempeh bacon, smashed avocado, vegenaise, pickled red onion, tomatoes and greens on buckwheat), but I also love their Vegan Shawarma (chickpea shawarma, bean puree, tzatzki, red onions, cucumber, tomatoes, and romaine in a vegan tortilla wrap).

You must check these guys out the next time you are in the mood for a sandwich.  It makes lunch anything but boring.

Is Your Glass of Wine Vegan?

I recently discovered that wine and other booze is not necessarily vegan.  I was devastated.  I love wine.  LOVE it...and champagne, even more.  I assumed, given that wine comes from grapes, it would be vegan.  I mean, who would have thought that wine needs to pass through fish scales and other body parts to achieve its vintage?  And did you know that some vinters use dairy and honey in the making of their product?  I didn't.  These things don't show up on the label, with no way of knowing what's been involved in the process unless you ask.  Yuck.  Yeah...

So, I admit that I have been living in a state of ignorance (and bliss), continuing to drink my wine, not knowing if the particular glass I am having is vegan or not.  Recently though, I received some information that has enlightened me and made me drink a lot easier.  Big smile.

Check out Barnivore.  This oh so very awesome alcohol directory has over 9900 entries, which have been checked vigorously by the Barnivore team.  I also found an app for my phone called Green Vegan that is based on data from Barnivore with over 5000 beers, 3000 wines, and 600 liquors.  No more guessing or worrying when I am out at a party, especially during this festive season.

I also recently discovered Vegan Sommelier, a wine-of-the-month club that picks the best of vegan wines and offers them in monthly packs and picks.  I bought a bottle of bubbly from them and am looking forward to popping the cork this week while I finish wrapping holiday gifts!

With these great resources, I can enjoy a cruelty free glass of wine with no problem.  I'll raise my glass to that!

Read GOOD

My husband first met the great people at GOOD several years ago while working on a business project together.  He introduced me to the magazine and I was more than impressed.  The company has evolved over the years to expand beyond the magazine to now encompass a global community "of people who give a damn."

I have followed the magazine on and off since my first introduction.  Every time I pick it up, I am overwhelmed with all of the change agents in the world, working to make our planet a better place.  This is more than feel good stuff, but intellectual, mind stretching thinking about today's issues.  It is also hope and inspiration that compels me to always want to do more.

I was inundated with publications for a while so I put my GOOD subscription on hiatus, but just re-subscribed and am receiving their "daily dose of GOOD" to get me connected again with the topics and organizations that are meaningful to me.

I encourage you to check them out online, a new platform for others to engage in discussions on topics that you care about.  I am excited to explore this online community...and am looking forward to getting my first issue again (the infographics are amazing).

Give yourself a little GOOD this holiday season and let me know what you think.  You can connect with me in the online GOOD community here.

My Favorite Baby Gifts to Give

Goofyfoot Photography 2009

My cousin, Shana, just gave birth to a beautiful baby girl...sending me into my own baby bliss memories.  I love babies.  From pregnancy to birth and then through the first year of newborn joy, I relished in every minute of my three babies (and I would have one more if my hubby was willing!).

Now that my "babies" are no longer babies technically - how long can I call my three-almost-four year-old a baby...I take extra pleasure when family and friends have babies.  I enjoy gifting these newborns with extra special faves that I have discovered over the years as a mom.  Here are some of my top picks:

Baby Gear:

• Aden and Anais muslin blankets
• Petunia Pickle Bottom diaper bags
• Skip Hop diaper bags
• Personalized monogrammed burp cloths - my sis made these for me, but you can purchase from many sources too.

Clothing:

• Trumpettes socks
• Gap footed pj's
• Gymboree leggings

Books:

• Iza Trapani's collection of board books
• Hush Little Baby by Sylvia Long
• Time for Bed by Mem Fox
• I See Me personalized name books

Miscellaneous:

• Ragbone and Bindery's baby books
• Picture People membership
• Oompa wooden toys
• Melissa and Doug toys

What the Veg?: Butternut Squash

Sautéed butternut squash

I got this recipe last month while training as a nutrition docent for my 4th grader's class.  It is super simple, but oh so delicious.  This recipe calls for sage, but think of the possibilities with thyme...or rosemary....

Try this recipe and I won't have to convince you that delicious veggies can always be prepared quickly and easily with just some fresh herbs and olive oil.

Sauteed Butternut Squash
1 bag of peeled, washed and cut butternut squash (another reason to love Trader Joe's)
1 teaspoon of olive oil
1 bunch of chopped sage

Heat olive oil in a skillet and add butternut squash.  Saute for 10-15 minutes until squash is tender.  Sprinkle with the fresh sage and serve.

Do you have a favorite way to prepare butternut squash?  I'd love to hear it.  Tell me in the comments section below.

Cooking with The Vegan Holiday Kitchen

If you are in need of some delicious, beautiful holiday recipes, look no further than Vegan Holiday Kitchen by Nava Atlas.  My cousin referred me to this book last Passover after reading an article about it in a magazine.  I purchased it and was immediately delighted with all of the elegant dishes to choose from.  The title is appropriately named.  It says "holiday" and it means it!  From secular (Thanksgiving, Independence Day) to religious - Christian and Jewish (Christmas, Passover, Rosh Hashanah, Hanukkah, and Easter), she's got the whole calendar covered.  The book also includes chapters on Summer Entertaining, Brunches, Potlucks and Appetizers.  As a vegan who entertains A LOT during any holiday, this book is a gold mine.

I am still cooking my way through this book.  There is so much to discover.  Here are my favorite recipes so far.

Soup and Salad:
Massaged Kale Salad with Cranberries and Cashews
Vegan Matzo Balls

Main Dishes:
Quinoa and Lentil-Stuffed Golden Squashes
Spinach, Leek and Potato Matzo Gratin
Moroccan-Flavored Tofu with Apricots and Olives

Side Dishes:
Maple Pecan Sweet Potatoes
Quinoa Pilaf
Seven Vegetable Couscous
Sweet Noodle Kugel

Desserts:
Pumpkin Cheesecake with a Hint of Chocolate
Chocolate Matzo Brittle
Just-as-Sweet-as-Honey Cake

For this holiday season, I plan to try Hot Artichoke and White Bean Spread, Sweet and Spiced Pecans, and Traditional Latkes (vegan style).

Check out this wonderful cookbook and let me know what you think!

My Dinner Menus for the Week - Plus Shopping List!

This post is for my friend, Lisa, who has been begging me to give her my weekly menu and shopping list for a while now.  She lovingly tells me that she could be vegan if I cooked for her everyday.  So sweet!  Seriously though, I tell her it's not that hard.  Truth - it took me a bit to get into my stride, but now that I have an arsenal of recipes at my fingertips (I am constantly scouring my mags, cookbooks and blogs for new recipes to try every week), dinnertime is truly a joy for me - and dare I say, fun!

"How do you do it?" she asks.  I plan for success.  Read on...

Prepare ahead of time - I select all of my dinner menus for the following week every Saturday.  I write the menus in my calendar so I don't need to guess at what's for dinner, but can just open up my book and be reminded.  If I am making anything that needs to be prepped in advance, I also make those notes on my calendar so I remember to do it at the planned time and day, leaving no room for stresses such as "I forgot to defrost the beans" or "I didn't start the crock pot early enough."

VeegMama's shopping cart

Shop once - I purchase all of of my groceries for the week (primarily at Trader Joe's) once on Sundays. I might also need to make a quickie stop at Whole Foods, but I fit that in on the way home from school drop off Monday am, usually within 15 minutes.

VeegMama's weekly shopping

Organize my list - I write out my shopping list by aisle.  This is a huge time saver.  While I shop, I have everything I need in the particular aisle listed together for me.  Before I leave the particular aisle, I do a double take of the group of items to make sure I didn't miss anything.  I can fill the cart above, bag the groceries and pay for it all within 45 minutes.  

Respect my boundaries - My menus are suited to my family's schedule for that particular day.  Tuesdays are always tacos.  On Thursdays, two of my kids have sports until 7, so I plan a meal that can be prepped ahead and reheated quickly.  I always choose one day where I pick one of my "mixed meals" or an easy prepared meal (like Trader Joe's vegetarian canned chili, a green salad, and homemade cornbread) to give myself a bit of a break that day.  I use Wednesdays or Fridays to try out new recipes (days that are a bit lighter and flexible, compared to the rest of the week) when I have more time during the dinner prep hour.

Here's my menu for the week based on the shopping list above.  The items on the list also include breakfasts (including green juice) and lunches for me and my family all week.

Monday: Sushi rolls, miso soup, edamame, and Asian slaw
Click here for my earlier post for what I put in my rolls, as well as my recipe for Asian slaw.  I buy Annie Chun's Miso Soup bowl (though you could certainly prepare from scratch too).  Trader Joe's sells frozen edamame in the shell that cooks in 5 minutes.

Tuesday: Tacos
Click here for my earlier post for my taco fixings.

Wednesday: Chili and simple butter lettuce salad
I use the canned vegetarian Trader Joe's chili and serve it alongside cheese and tortilla chips.  I make a simple salad using butter lettuce, avocado and chopped tomatoes.  I drizzle with brown rice vinegar and olive oil.

Thursday: Farfalle baked pasta with spinach salad and ciabatta bread
Farfalle bake:
1 bag of farfalle pasta, cooked and drained according to package directions
2 jars of marinara sauce
2 packages of vegan mozzarella, grated

Combine pasta with about 1 cup of marinara sauce to coat.  Spread a layer of marinara on the bottome of a casserole dish.  Spread a light layer of farfalle inside the dish, top with sauce to coat, and sprinkle with a third of the cheese.  Repeat two more times.  Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.  Let sit for 10 minutes before serving.

Other variations: Sometimes I like to add, artichoke hearts, marinated mushrooms, olives and/or sun-dried tomatoes for variety.

Spinach salad:
1 bag of pre-washed spinach
Handful of sliced strawberries
Juice of an orange or tangerine

Combine spinach and strawberries in a bowl. Toss with the fresh juice of a tangerine or orange.

Friday: Orange tofu (and orange chicken - Trader Joe's bagged, frozen version is a favorite with my kids) with sesame broccoli and peanutty soba noodles

Orange tofu - My husband and in-laws loved this recipe from Chloe Coscarelli's cookbook, Chloe's Kitchen.  I adapted a recipe from Cooking With All Things Trader Joe's for the peanutty soba noodles.

Sesame broccoli:
1 bag of organic broccoli florets
Gomasio (sesame seeds and sea salt)
2 tablespoons of shoyu (organic, natural soy sauce)
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1-2 tablespoons of toasted sesame oil
Saute garlic in sesame oil until fragrant.  Add broccoli florets.  Saute 1-2 minutes.  Add in 1 cup water, turn down heat, cover and steam for approximately 8-10 minutes (depending on how tender you like your broccoli).  Remove cover and add shoyu.  Stir to combine.  Sprinkle with gomasio.

With a little practice and planning, you can pull your menus and shopping lists together in about an hour.  It sounds like a time commitment, but I promise it is worth it.  Stress free, delicious dinners are within reach!