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Tonight I made some more!

Though it may be vegan, I'm not exactly sure how healthy it was. I wish I knew how to count calories and things when cooking, but I have no idea. I'm actually trying to keep a food diary. I'm not getting too serious about it, but I'm just curious what it is that I actually eat. Paying attention to it has really shocked me in a lot of cases. I don't think I eat horribly, or exceptionally either. What really got me is the serving sizes and what size portions I eat and how it all adds up. It's crazy how easy it is to overeat.

Anyways, my dinner was really sweet (the tofu and the rice). I usually don't like sweet things unless it's dessert, however, tonight, I guess I was in the mood. The tofu recipe, I got from Eat, Drink, and Be Vegan...the book Tyler had given me as a gift.

It's called Orange Sesame Tofu. Not too hard to make at all, but may take a little bit of prep time (marinating the tofu for at least an hour is recommended). Originally, I saw another recipe suggested as a sidedish to the tofu, but when I found I didn't have all the ingredients, I looked up something similar online. It's very simply called Coconut Rice. I excluded the lemongrass and just went with the coconut milk and sautéed onions...oh and I cut the recipe in half. You could definitely taste the coconut, but I want to say it wasn't too overbearing. I honestly think the onions made the recipe, though. To go along with everything else and to bring color to my plate, I bought a huge batch of asparagus. I'm obsessed with green vegetables! I seriously can't wait to eat my leftovers tomorrow.

Flapjack Smack

Totally made my first pancakes from scratch today...no dairy involved, and no eggs.

I felt defeated, yesterday, when I went out to breakfast with my parents. Everything on the menu had some sort of dairy product in it besides, maybe, the homefries? The waitress looked at me like I had two heads, too, when I asked about the ingredients in the batter. I suppose I should have known better in going to a small-town diner. Well, every now and then, I "cheat" on the not-so-obvious (breads, bagels, pasta, etc), and yesterday was one of those times. I got the waffles with strawberries, holding the whipped cream. Man, I cannot even tell you how unsatisfying it was. Sure a waffle is a waffle, but they gooped it with this gross, thick, strawberry jam-like topping. It was warm, syrup-y, and way too sweet. I guess I was expecting fresh strawberries delicately placed on top. I think I am becoming somewhat of a food snob, now.

Anyways, I decided this morning that I would take my revenge by cooking something marvelous and extremely simple: Banana Flapjacks. I took the recipe straight from Isa Chandra Moskowitz's cookbook, Vegan Brunch, and divided it in half. In less than 10 minutes, I was eating this delicious treat.

Need I say more? It was awesome.

I have to say thank you to my good friends who have supported me in this choice I have made even though they don't choose it for themselves. Occasionally, I'll get the sarcastic remarks, the mocking, and the down right cruel displays of behavior from others about becoming vegan, and honestly, it hurts. Sometimes they act as if I've joined a cult or done something horrific. So to those that have been good to me, I will do my best to be good to you. I will not judge you for eating meat. I will not shove veggies in your face. And I will not preach about my way...directly...and unless called upon. But, seriously, it means a lot...especially the gifts, two vegan cookbooks, from my boyfriend who is the biggest carnivore I know. I love you...all of you. You know who you are.

Just call me Chef Jiscilla

It's been a few weeks in and I'm still cooking...what are the odds?!?

This little dish ^, we made up. Some whole wheat penne, sautéed vegetables, and vegetable broth (we used vegetarian bouillon cubes). It tastes pretty good, but I think it may need a little bit more flavoring. Maybe more garlic? We did chop up 2 garlic cloves...so maybe something else? Any suggestions?

I'm trying to stay away from too many carbohydrates, though. Many of those just turning vegan often make the mistake of overeating pasta, rice, bread, and potatoes...starches with those "empty calories." They tend to slow you down more than give you energy, and have little nutritious value. That's something vegans can't afford to lose since they cut out foods from their diet that contain all those vitamins, proteins, and minerals . This is why I'm carefully watching my intake, and switching it up as much as I can with fun grains and different kinds of vegetables.

After whipping up that quick dish the other night, I wanted to try something a little more involved, but to my surprise, it was a lot easier than I had planned. I marinated some tofu overnight, and it came out absolutely delicious. I made the marinade, myself, from Alicia's Kind Diet book (Fresh ginger, shoyu, brown rice vinegar, umeboshi vinegar, toasted seasame oil, rice syrup, chopped garlic, and some water). It took me all of 5 minutes to do (okay probably less), and the next day, I baked it for approximately 30 minutes (15 on each side) and voila! It was seriously awesome. I just added asparagus and some plain millet (a high-protein grain) to my plate and dinner was served.

I'm kinda liking this cooking thing. Who woulda thought? I guess as long as meat is not involved, I'm good.

Whole Food Heaven

I swear, I'm never shopping in a Stop & Stop, Gristedes, or a Price Chopper again! Whole Foods in my jam! Not only can I always find what I need there, the experience is so much more pleasant (except if you're waiting in line at the Union Square location). Seriously, the dude that helped me out today said that if I don't like the product that I ate, I can always bring back any of the remnants or carton it came in and get a refund? Really??? Now, I wouldn't ever actually do that because if I'm buying something I'm committing myself to the trial and error process, but hey...it's a nice thought that they offer that option. Oh, and everyone that works there seems so happy. It really makes a trip to the market not such an awful task...unlike those that work at your local grocery store, where all they do is seem to hate life.

Anyway, here is my vegan dinner attempt #2. Black Bean and Tomato Quinoa.

Not gonna lie, it was actually really good. For those that see the word, Quinoa (pronounced KEEN-WAH), and freak...if you don't know what it is, just think of it as a replacement for your grains or pastas. Now, you may be wondering why I'd need a replacement for either of those, well I guess I don't, but the nutritional value is awesome. It is considered one of the best sources of protein in the vegetable kingdom, and if I'm not getting my proteins from either meat or dairy anymore, I need to get it from somewhere. And, if your wondering what it tastes like, to me, it reminds me of couscous. For the recipe of this dish, go to MeatOutMondays. I promise, it's not that hard. Let me know if you try it.

The Kind Life I'm living

I've been inspired. For those that don't recognize from title, I've chose to begin experimenting with a vegan lifestyle. It's been a thought of mine for many, many years now, and I can honestly say it all started with an influence from Alicia Silverstone.

Back in the days of Clueless, I loved her as an actress. As the years progressed, I became familiar of her passion for animals. As an animal lover, myself...I always thought of her as quite an inspiration. You can only imagine my excitement when I found out she was coming out with a book.

After my move to New York City, I began falling in love with all sorts of different cuisines I've never been previously exposed to...things like sushi, thai food, and more amazingly, vegan foods! I have always been a huge fan of veggies (HUGE...like, I have odd cravings for snap peas, asparagus, broccoli, and even brussel sprouts!), so I've always thought, "Hey, I can be a vegetarian." But, at the time, I didn't see it being a logical fit for me.

Well, now, I dare take that statement one step further. I want to try being vegan. For any of those who know me well, I'm a lact-y (what I like to call someone who is lactose intolerant), so staying away from anything dairy has been a constant in my life for at least 10 years now. Phew, this makes my attempt a little bit easier. But what about all those other things? There is SO MUCH to becoming vegan, so this is definitely me just testing the waters.

I've started reading Alicia's book, The Kind Diet, and so far everything is making complete sense to me. It just clicks. There's no feeling of pressure...just honesty (if that makes sense). As she likes to say, she doesn't expect a "superhero" overnight...it can take months or even years, so, yeah, I'm taking my baby steps. Let's be honest, have I even really cooked before? Not really. There's a lot involved, but I'm attempting it.

Tonight was my first night doing that. I made Gingered Green Beans with Garlic & Onions, Falafels, and mashed sweet potatoes. It was actually really good, but it's just a start.

Now, my question is...how do I give up sushi? How do I give up my scrambled eggs? These are things I cannot think of right now. I shall take it slowly...wean myself off, and give up one thing at a time. Any words of encouragement?