Saturday, January 30, 2010

Raw Guacamole Wraps!

Raw Guacamole Wraps - Raw Foods Rock!
Yes, you can actually try a raw foods meal.
1- Make fresh Guacamole.
2- Spoon into Romaine Lettuce Leaves
3-Serve and Enjoy!

See, that was so easy! Raw foods do not have to be weird. Also, try one or two raw dishes a week and see how you feel. These were simple and I used a liitle guacamole "kit" that Trader Joe's sells, which made for a quick guac prep. It even included a little sheet with instructions fo those of you who have not yet made fresh guac. This is a nice alternative to guac and chips btw. Give it a whirl!

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Tempeh Teriyaki w. Sushi Rice & My Yoga Journal Comment


Lately Doug has had some great food ideas - Vegan Teriyaki is one of them. I gave it a whirl, now you can as well!


This dish was so easy and extremely rewarding. Seriously.
FYI - Trader Joe's now carries an inexpensive pack of Organic Tempeh.
Keep a few packs on hand for a simple tasty Plant Based Teriyaki.
No meat, no cholesterol, just flavor.

Also Check This Out:

(My Comment on Yoga Journal's Blog!)
http://blogs.yogajournal.com/yogabuzz/2010/01/can-yogis-be-foodies.html


Fast, Easy Tempeh Teriyaki

1 Cup Sushi Rice
1 Pack Organic Tempeh
1/3 Cup Brown Sugar
1 Tbsp White or Rice Vinegar
1/2 Cup Orange Juice (or Clementine)
2 Tbsp Loy Sodium Soy Sauce
1/2 Tsp Sesame Oil

Rinse, drain and then boil the sushi rice in filtered water; cover and set aside.
Slice Tempeh into 1/2" slabs. Coat frying pan with the sesame oil.
Sear the tempeh - cook it so that it browns but do not overcook it.
This should only take 2 minutes per side. Set it aside covered to keep it warm.

Place the Juice, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce in a medium saute pan.
Simmer for about 6-8 minutes, until it starts to bubble fiendishly.

Transfer the rice to a nice bowl or platter, toss the cooked tempeh into the sauce and place it over the sushi rice.
Serve with steamed broccoli or green beans (steam just for a few minutes, nice crunchy greens are the only way to go).
Garnish with sliced oranges and sesame seeds (I ran out so we did not have them this time). Enjoy!

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Vegan Banana Peanut Butter Cupcakes

Vegan Banana Peanut Butter Cupcakes


Just because Doug and I needed a treat....and because it is still January here in New England.

The cupcakes have a fluffy banana batter rich with vanilla. The frosting is a thick layer of creamy sweetness with my homemade peanut butter whipped in. These guys did the trick!


Monday, January 25, 2010

Fruit Only "Oatmeal"

Fruit Only "Oatmeal"

Here is a nice way to start any cleanse - take 1 or 2 bananas, mash them and heat the over a VERY low flame for just a minute or 2with 1 tbsp organic apple juice.

Top with fresh raw organic blueberries, and a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg.
I added a dollop of pureed raspberries (mash some raw raspberries and keep in an airtight container for 2-3 days to use as a "sweetener".

Let me know what you guys think. You may also add raisins, cranberries or any dried fruit.
This is a nice way to add a warm dish to any raw/fruit cleanse.


Saturday, January 23, 2010

New! Our First Video Recipe - Download it Now!


Educational Video The Ultimate Dairy-Free Cookie Recipe
How To Make AnnaVeda Kitchen's Vegan Ultimate Cookies

Make Vegan Cookies with me - it is easy enough to make with the kids too!
$2.95 Follow this Link :-)

http://store.payloadz.com/details/783122-Video-Educational-The-Ultimate-Dairy-Free-Cookie-Recipe.html

www.AnnaVedaKitchen.com

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

What's On My Vegan Plate Tonight?



OK Starting a new blog entry wherein I share with you what is on my dinner plate...

Tonight's AnnaVedaKitchen Menu:

Oven Fried Tempeh
Sage & Mushroom Dipping Sauce
Corn On the Cob
Tossed Greens w. Oil Free Citrus Vinaigrette

Double Chocolate Moist Vegan Cake w. Raspberry Filling

The cakes are cooling (It is a 2 layer cake) so I will post photos shortly once the frosting has set and I slice that bad boy open!

I have spoken lately regarding the fact that we must still enjoy our food, even when we are modifying and consuming a plant based diet. My Yoga practice is very intense so I am doing the work my body needs to stay fit. I also incorporate some cardio for those of you that have inquired about my personal fitness routine.

Today was a very hectic work day for me so I decided that a big deal dessert and dinner were in order. Comfort food Vegan style!

www.AnnavedaKitchen.com will be donating all profits from baked goods and Granola sales to the Stonington Animal Shelter this week - place your order asap so that I can add your order to my to do list!



Monday, January 18, 2010

Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice

Just finished today's juicing - blended Tangerines, Navel and Tangelo Oranges for a really tasty juice. There is nothing like fresh juice on a grey New England monday. I use an attachment on my stand mixer that is a citrus juicer and run the juice into a large measuring cup with a colander nestled on top to keep out the large pulp. When I do my seasonal cleanse, I make a large pitcher of this juice and sip it throughout the day. Otherwise it is just a vitamin rich bevvie to add to your existing diet.

Off to work, now that I have all of this fruit juice energy!

Friday, January 15, 2010

Anna Maria's Vegan Whole Wheat Pizzas


Last night I made my Whole Wheat Vegan Pizzas. I wish I had access to one of those nice NY Pizza ovens my dad had in Mount Vernon, Ossining and New Rochelle, NY back in the 80s and early 90s! However, if you use a nice hot oven and a pizza stone, as I do - you will be pleased...



Here is a really simple and delicious pizza dough recipe which uses Agave Nectar as opposed to sugar.

1 Packet Yeast
1 Cup Warm Water
1 Tsp Agave Nectar
2 Tbsp Olive Oil
1.5 Cups Whole Wheat Flour
1.5 Cus Whole Wheat Pastry Flour
1 Tsp Salt
Pinch of Corn Meal

Proof yeast in water, add agave & oil. Sift together the dry ingredients then slowly add to wet ingredients. Using a strong wooden spoon, combine until a nice dough forms. At this point remove dough and knead very well for about 4-5 minutes.
Cover with a clean kitchen towel - set aside in a well oiled (olive oil) bowl for at least 1 hour.

When ready to make pizzas, cut dough in half flatten out two pies, and let sit without toppings - covered with two clean kitchen towels for at least 30 minutes, on your counter. Toss corn meal and a touch of olive oil onto clean baking bans. Cover pies with your fave toppings and bake in an oven that has been preheated to 450 degrees for 18-20 minutes.

The corn meal ads a nice crunch to the pizzas. Enjoy!

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Raw Vegan Coconut Macaroons & Vegan Banana Walnut Muffins

Vegan Banana Walnut Muffins

Happy New Year! Looking for a healthy baked goodie that is egg free, dairy free, and devoid of animal products & cholesterol? Give these Vegan Banana Walnut Muffins a whirl, you will be pleased. Try something new - break out of the stagnant "conventional" baking routine and go Vegan, your body (cardio health, waistline, etc.) will thank you!

4 Ripe Bananas
1/3 Cup Coconut Oil
1/2 Cup Agave Nectar
2 Cups Whole Wheat Flour
1/2 Tsp Coarse Salt
1 Tsp Baking Powder
1 Tsp Baking Soda
1 Tsp Cinnamon
1/2 Tsp Allspice
1/2 Rounded Cup Chopped Walnuts

Preheat Oven to 375 degrees. Line large muffin pan with paper liners. Mash the bananas with the coconut oil and agave nectar in the bowl of a stand mixer. Add all of the dry ingredients and stir with a spatula or wooden spoon just until combined. Do not over-mix.

Fold in walnuts. Fill liners to the very top and bake for 30 minutes, checking with a thin bamboo skewer at 28 minutes for doneness. I used Large muffin liners (oversize) hence the 30 minute baking time. If you use smaller tins, try testing for doneness at 18 minutes. The muffins should be golden brown and puff up nicely. They will keep well in an airtight container for 3 days, or freeze them in an airtight container, then re-heat in an oven at 325 degrees for 5-8 minutes to enjoy in the future.


Raw Vegan Coconut Macaroons

I had a raw coconut macaroon while in Sedona, AZ last month and they were incredible. Once home, I fiendishly began mixing and chopping raw ingredients until I came up with these. I have been 2/3 Raw Vegan for a while now and it is easier that one would think.

Your energy levels will increase, you will feel light and clean and your fridge will be full of fresh vibrant fruits and veggies! So when you are in the mood for something fun and highly rewarding - get out your food processor. Here is my recipe for these awesome macaroons - they are raw and you do not need a dehydrator - simply refrigerate and enjoy!


3 Cups Shredded Coconut
1/4 Cup Coconut Oil
1 Cup Raw Cashews
1/2 Cup Raw Almonds
1 Cup Agave Nectar
1 Tsp Real Vanilla Extract

Pulse cashews and almonds in a food processor until broken down and only some medium size pieces remain. Transfer this mixture to a large bowl and add all remaining ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon or strong rubber spatula. Get in there with your hands and mash it all together.

Form large golfball sized macaroons with a tablespoon and your hands, transfer macaroons to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Wrap with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour prior to serving. You may also wrap individual macaroons in an airtight container and freeze - simply thaw out before serving.

There you have it folks, resolve to evolve. Make subtle modifications regarding what you eat. You do not need to sign up for any expensive diet program, you simply need to be an aware eater. Start by going veggie one full day per week, you will be amazed at how easy that will be. Then try it for a weekend. So on and so forth....

Next - Exercise, dummy! This is so simple... Go for a walk, head to a gym and get on a treadmill. Try various yoga and martial arts classes at the Y and local studios; poke around until you find a routine that suits you.

The key is to get yourself moving, begin eating "clean" food, and it need not be a "Diet" plan per se. Do not starve yourself, just try eliminating processed foods and animals for a few days at a time. Take a look at your fridge, do you see any leafy greens in there? Get off the internet, go to the market and buy some dark green leafy things. Bon Appetit!