Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Wordless Wednesday at Tohono Chul Park







































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The quote for today is from Albert Einstein



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Friday, September 2, 2016

Tips, Recipes, and Ideas to Help You Plan a Vegan Potluck




Celebrating the end of summer can be such fun. If you're anything like I am, you want to keep weekend entertaining simple and low fuss. 

Why not have the gang over, and share the food prep with your nearest and dearest? Want to make the theme one that's especially nutritious and delicious? My suggestion is to plan a Vegan Potluck. 


Take a peek at this sample party invitation. It describes what vegan is and is not. It also provides ideas that your guests can choose from to bring. 

    
You're Invited to a Vegan Potluck






Bring a Brunch or Lunch Item with Serving Utensils. To help conserve, reuse, and recycle please bring your own reusable plate, and appetite. Your hosts will be making veggie wraps and provide the beverages.

Please keep it simple, and contribute something that doesn't need to be heated. If you're not sure what vegan means ...

Every Vegetable or Fruit under the sun
Every Grain, Legume, Bean, Seed, or Nut in the world 

Vegan does not mean any dairy product including yogurt, cheese, milk, cream, butter or beef or other meat product including pork, fish product, poultry product (including eggs), honey, or mayonnaise or bread with egg in it. 

If you need help thinking of a dish or are still unclear about what vegan means, please call us or look below for ideas. We prefer stuff to be organic, but please make sure that it is at least NON-GMO. 

tossed green salad 
three bean salad
sandwiches
tabbouleh
quinoa pilaf or salad
veggie stew or combo
gazpacho or fruit soup
hummus
organic fruit or organic fruit salad
guacamole
salsa and chips
lentil or bean loaf
kale chips or corn chips
pasta salad (without cheese or mayo with egg)
potato salad (made with vegan mayo or dressing without egg)
sweet potatoes
shredded carrot salad
cole slaw (made with vegan mayo or dressing without egg)
spinach salad (without bacon)
organic tofu or organic tempeh dish
organic edamame in pod
nuts and dried fruit
bread, cakes, cookies made without eggs, butter, milk, yogurt, cream, cheese or other dairy or meat derived ingredients
seeds
squash
vegetable medley
veggie pâté

                                                    ******

My contribution to a party like this would be the wraps and my latest favorite party food, Homemade Hummus with a Kick.


Hummus dip has gained popularity over the last decade. There are many varieties of hummus served nowadays. I've made roasted garlic, kalamata olive, roasted red pepper, and artichoke and love them all. The costly store bought form can be easily made at home for a fraction of the price. Today I'll share my favorite recipe of the moment so you can see how simple and tasty it is to make.


Homemade Hummus with a Kick



Hummus with a Grilled Veggie Tossed Salad

Ingredients:


1 Tablespoon Organic Olive Oil
4 Garlic Cloves minced
1 teaspoon cumin
2 Cans Organic Garbanzo Beans (Also Called Chickpeas) rinsed and drained
1 teaspoon coriander
1 teaspoon chili powder
2 tablespoons Organic Tahini (ground sesame seeds)
¼ cup fresh squeezed Lemon Juice
1 Cup Water


Note: I use organic items whenever possible, because they taste better, are healthier for you, and don't pollute the planet.


What to Do:


Heat oil in a small frying pan and add minced garlic and cumin. Sauté for a minute or two or until lightly browned.

Put this mixture and next 5 ingredients in a food processor and purée for a moment. Add the water slowly, and as needed, to make the hummus a smooth consistency or as chunky as you like. Grind in fresh black pepper and salt to taste.

Chill until ready to serve. Hummus will keep in the refrigerator for approximately 5 days. This recipe serves 8-10 people, and can be served to top grilled veggie salads, in a romaine lettuce or collard green hummus veggie wrap, or on a crudité platter with crackers, corn chips, or pita chips.




Check out this whole food quinoa casserole dish, perfect to bring along to the next potluck. Vividly Colored Plant-based Dish that's Great to Serve at a Potluck.






To end your gathering on a high note, Serve a chilled Red, White, and Blue Dessert.




Here in the United States it’s the Labor Day Weekend. This public holiday honors the American labor movement and its workers. This year it's celebrated on September 5, 2016. I’m proud to say I've done my part to strengthen, create prosperity, and add to the well-being of our country. Wishing you a most relaxing weekend and fun-filled Labor Day.

Please take a moment to comment and share the LOVE!



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My quote for today is: “There is no sincerer love than the love of food.” George Bernard Shaw

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Thanks for Visiting

Hope you enjoyed your visit and will return again. Be well. Live well. Lead a colorful life! Warm regards, Nan