Vegetarian Recipes: Vegan Alternatives to Gelatin by Nicholas Tan

Gelatin serves both nutritional and culinary roles in nonvegetarian diets; however, a lot of vegetarians and all vegans do not consume gelatin in its many forms because it is often created out of boiled pig skins and dissolved veal cartilage and bones.

This leaves vegetarians with a gap in cooking functionality when a recipe calls for a gel or thickening agent. It also leaves vegetarians with fewer options if they need a source of gelatin to increase bone and cartilage health.

If you are a vegetarian and you are looking for something to replace gelatin, do not despair. Here are some alternative options for you:

1. Use a rice starch alternative. A&B Ingredients recently developed a rice starch alternative to gelatins that mimicsthe cooking functionality of gelatins closely.

2. Use a soy-based alternative. Soyfoods USA developed NuSoy Gel, a gelatin alternative which was created entirely out of of soy isoflavones and contains 100% of your vitamin c recommended daily allowance.

3. Use seaweed-based alternatives. Agar-agar, for instance, is a seaweed based alternative to gelatin that can simulate the culinary functions of gelatin.

4. Increase your calcium intake. One component of gelatin supplements that allegedly increases joint health is calcium. If you want to increase your calcium intake without eating gelatin, you can simply consume more calcium-fortified foods and even take supplements.

5. Increase your vitamin c intake. Another component of gelatin supplements that allegedly increases joint health is vitamin c. You can increase your vitamin c intake by consuming more citrus fruit.

6. Increase your glucosamine intake. No foods contain glucosamine, but you can increase your intake by purchasing supplements at your local grocery store or pharmacy. This is rumored to improve joint health if taken regularly.

To reiterate - gelatin has two major functions: it works as a thickening agent for foods and is rumored to improve joint health; both of these functions can easily be mimicked by structural and nutritional alternatives.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/recipes-articles/vegetarian-recipes-vegan-alternatives-to-gelatin-339771.html

The Truth and Nothing But the Truth About Vegetarain Foods by fred Huyghue Jr

There seems to be a misunderstanding in the world of vegetarian foods, most people have a stigma about these types of foods. Unfortunately this stigma is without merit these days, the days of reality TV and all. Today is a new day a new era and people are doing absolutely amazing things with vegetarian foods today, and the food is mouth watering delicious. The stigma or false belief is...

1. Most people believe that vegetarian foods do not have a taste to them or very little taste at all.

2. The food looks dry and visually unappealing.

3. The food does not look fresh.

4. We do not like what does not look nice or that does not have that certain appeal = no thank you I do not want that.

We all grew up around certain types of foods and this helps to feed the stigma. To put it plain and simple, meat is hard to get away from; this is due to being around it so much to where you just adapt and accept; especially as a full dinner course meal.

In life lots of people want to have and maintain a healthy diet but believe the reason it is so hard to stick to maintaining a healthy vegetarian diet is because most people simply do not crave vegetarian food ' probably because most people do not want to eat what they think is dull food, tasteless salads for the rest of their lives.

In this day and age with all the healthy options we have today you can find delicious vegetarian dishes. By coating your vegetables with a peanut oil will get rid of that dry unappealing not fresh look. We have plenty of great vegetarian dishes available today...

1. Fluffy peach pancakes

2. Different types of breakfast smoothies

3. Several delicious types of crepes

4. Mouth watering spring rolls

Always remember you have one life and one body and one mind so why not take care of your body and adapt a healthy life style. In doing so you will find your mind is less stressed and you feel more comfortable and relaxed and in due time you will also look healthier. There are hundreds of reasons why a vegetarian diet is going to make you a healthier person and hundreds of reasons why meat is bad for you I am sure you probably already know all these reasons and know why becoming a vegetarian or just adding a few healthy dishes to your diet would be good for you. Eat well now and you can be well on your way to becoming a more healthy person. We all make decisions for ourselves in life and it is for us to determine what is good for us. I am just sharing with you the 100% truth from which you can make an intelligent decision; one that will suit you and your life style; as every one knows when it is all said and done you must live and do what you think is right for you and I wish you all the best in your new vegetarian life style.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/the-truth-and-nothing-but-the-truth-about-vegetarain-foods-393488.html

Kids Who Won't Eat Vegetables Will Eat This Vegetable-Pasta Salad by Harriet Hodgson

Kids are noodle nuts. They will eat spaghetti with tomato sauce, yet shy away from vegetables. Say the word "vegetable" and kids start to make faces. Though middle and high school kids will eat vegetables, they are selective about the ones they eat.

My 15-year old grandchildren (they are fraternal twins) pretend to eat vegetables by moving them around on their plates. What could I do? I combined pasta and vegetables, and added a tangy lemon dressing. The ratio of vegetables to pasta is five to one, and I think that's pretty darned good.

The directions say you should marinate the salad for three hours before serving. The longer pasta marinates the more dressing it absorbs. You may need more dressing than the recipe calls for if you marinate the salad all afternoon or overnight. My grandchildren loved the salad so much they went back for seconds, and my grandson went back for thirds.

This is not an exact recipe and you may play around with it. If you have leftover veggies toss them into the salad. Make the vegetarian version or add your protein of choice (see below). Customize the salad to your kids' tastes. Kids who do not like black olives may eat green. If your kids hate onions leave them out. You may leave out the roasted red peppers and substitute Cheddar for feta cheese.

While the salad tastes good year-round, it tastes especially good in the summer, when fresh vegetables are available, and tomatoes taste like they are supposed to. Vegetable-Pasta salad is the perfect picnic dish. Just remember to keep it cold.

INGREDIENTS

2 cups small pasta (shells, rings, tubes, spirals), cooked

1/2 cup celery, chopped

1/2 cup English cucumber, chopped

1 cup frozen petite peas, defrosted

1 cup shredded carrots (from a bag)

3 scallions (white parts and green), thinly sliced

1/2 cup sliced black olives

7-ounce jar roasted red peppers, drained and chopped

2 tablespoons (or more) fresh basil, cut into narrow strips

4 ounces fat-free feta cheese

Dressing

4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

3 tablespoons extra light olive oil

1 teaspoon salt-free lemon and pepper seasoning

1/2 teaspoon low sodium salt

Protein of Choice: 1 small can water-packed tuna, or 1 cup cooked shrimp, or 1 cup chicken cut into

bite-size pieces, or 1 cup ham, cut into bite-size pieces

METHOD

Make salad dressing and set aside. Put ingredients into a large bowl. Add your protein of choice and salad dressing. Marinate for at least three hours. Serve on lettuce leaves and garnish with lemon wedges. Makes 8 servings.

Copyright 2007 by Harriet Hodgson

http://www.harriethodgson.com

Harriet Hodgson has been a freelance nonfiction writer for 28 years. She is a member of the Association of Health Care Journalists and the Association for Death Education and Counseling. Before she became a health writer she was a food writer for a local magazine. Her 24th book, "Smiling Through Your Tears: Anticipating Grief," written with Lois Krahn, MD, is available from http://www.amazon.com. Amazon has posted a five-star review of the book. You will find additional reviews on the American Hospice Foundation Web site ("School Corner" heading) and the Health Ministries Association Web site.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Harriet_Hodgson

Edible Wild Weeds: Spring Salad Recipe by JJ Murphy

Sharing wild food recipes gets easier as my favorite organic farmers and local specialty foods markets are now selling these "weeds" in addition to cultivated vegetables.

Most of my early wild edibles discoveries were by trial and error. As I got older, I discovered experts who published their knowledge and gave classes in some cases. My bookshelf contains a growing list of respected wild foods experts. The link to this information is at the end of this article.

The leaves of these early spring arrivals - and in some cases the roots - are all perfect for salad. Pick them now, in a few weeks they'll need to be cooked.

Early Spring Green Salad

1/2 cup tiny plantain leaves*

1/2 cup wild onion grass

1/2 cup tiny dandelion leaves under 2"

1/2 cup trout lily leaves

1/2 cup tiny violet leaves

1 cup lambs quarter leaves

1 cup watercress

1 cup mustard leaves

2 cups wood sorrel

1 cup spring beauty flowers

1/2 cup violet flowers - purple, yellow and/or white

1/2 cup trout lily flowers

1/4 cup spring beauty tubers

1/2 cup trout lily tubers

Rinse leaves, tubers and blossoms in cold water - a light spray is best - and drain.

Tear or coarsely chop leaves and tubers - toss, then sprinkle blossoms on top.

I recommend you taste the salad before adding a dressing - you may find that you won't need a dressing.

* if bigger than 1-2 inches, you may need to remove the stringy central vein to eat raw

Bon Appétit.

Writer and naturalist, JJ Murphy, has been eating wild foods since her farmer parents pulled weeds from the veggie garden and she ate the weeds. She now lives in Harriman, NY. For information on how to identify wild edibles and for more wild edible recipes, visit: http://www.writerbynature.com/index.php?topic=Recipes

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=JJ_Murphy

3 Simple Steps to maintain a Vegan or Vegetarian Diet whilst Pregnant by Tom Parker

An increasing number of people are now choosing to consume a vegetarian or vegan diet. Whilst vegan and vegetarian diets do have a number of health advantages they often lack nutritional value in a number of key areas. Whilst this may not be a problem for you personally, the reduced nutritional value can have a significant impact on your unborn baby. In this article I discuss how you can adapt your vegan or vegetarian diet and ensure your baby is getting adequate nutrition in just three simple steps.

1) Consult your Doctor:- The very first thing you need to do is tell your doctor that you are a vegan or vegetarian. This needs to be done as soon as possible with your first pre-natal checkup being an ideal time to mention it. Your doctor will then be able to assess your current diet and then give you advice on the additional foods you should be consuming. In certain cases they may also recommend you take supplements to compensate for a vitamin or mineral deficiency. You should only take supplements when your doctor advises because overdosing can cause significant damage to your baby. I would recommend you get your doctor to write this information down so you can always have a list of the foods and/or supplement you need available.

2) Look at some Recipes:- Once you have the list of recommended foods from your doctor I would then advise you to do a little research. Go to the library or look on the Internet for some vegetarian or vegan recipes and then choose a selection that you like and that also include the foods on the list given to you by your doctor. If you spend an hour or two looking at recipes with your list, you should soon be able to come up with a long and varied selection of tasty meals that provide all your nutritional requirements.

3) Exeriment, Experiment, Experiment:- Just because you have an initial selection of suitable recipes that doesn't mean you have to stop there. This is the perfect time to try new foods. Why not try some mediterranean cooking? Perhaps try some Italian cuisine? This is a really great opportunity to to improve your culinary skills and sample a range of new and exciting foods.

Being pregnant does not mean you have to give up on your vegan or vegetarian diet. With a little thought and preparation you can stick to this type of diet and even make it more varied and interesting. Just remember to follow the advice of your doctor and build on this to create an exciting, nutritional vegan or vegetarian diet.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/nutrition-articles/3-simple-steps-to-maintain-a-vegan-or-vegetarian-diet-whilst-pregnant-358719.html

Vegetarian Fried Crunchy Okra by M.Jeya

This is a vegetarian dish. Okra is slimy. Some folks don't object to this characteristic and stewed okra with tomatoes and squash is popular with some Southerners. And as Lady goat noted in her missive to okra, it's a frequent addition to gumbo where the negative becomes a positive by adding body to the stock. Okra is also a popular pickle and, as such, is not in the least bit slimy. But okra's best incarnation is fried. Combine cracker crumbs, flour, and salt. Dip okra pieces in buttermilk mixture; dredge in cracker crumb mixture.

The Crunchy okra is a vegetarian food. In a food processor finely grind crackers. In a shallow bowl whisk together cracker crumbs, flour, and salt to taste. Here you could buy a rod and reel, shotgun shells, live bait, gas from the pumps out front, and sacks of White Lily flour for making biscuits. And you could also have a great meat-and-three lunch. Ruth & Jimmie's is long-gone now, but we recall the old wood-frame shop every time we make the crunchy fried okra for which they supplied the recipe.

Preparation of crunchy okra:
1. Spread the okra on a flat dish and sprinkle salt, red chilli powder, garam masala, mango powder, and chaat masala. Mix gently.

2. Now, add gram flour and mix gently to coat evenly, preferably without adding any water. Divide the okra into 2 portions.

3. Heat the oil in a pan to smoking point. Fry 1 portion of the okra mixture, separating each lightly with a fork. Do not allow the slices to stick to each other. Remove with a slotted spoon when both the sides are crisp and brown. Similarly, fry the other portion.

4. Serve hot garnished with ginger and green chillies.

Crunchy okra variety of luffa gourd is cultivated for the tender and sweet flavor of its immature fruits. Stir together buttermilk and egg. Please purchase online www.indomunch.com in NewYork city.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/food-and-beverage-articles/vegetarian-fried-crunchy-okra-400939.html

Go Vegetarian - It's Not As Hard As You Think by Barry Lovelace

Have you ever considered making the switch to a vegetarian diet? It's undeniable that eating a diet rich in vegetables, grains, fruits and legumes is healthy. It's also undeniable that the fat and cholesterol that comes from animal products is just not good for you. I think it is because of these facts that more and more people are switching or at least considering switching to a vegetarian diet.

It can seem daunting to give up meat since it is such a staple in the typical American diet but it really is not so tough. These days the grocery stores are full of vegetarian foods. The meat substitutes that are available are much improved so if you haven't tried them lately, than you haven't tried them. They can make the transition quite painless and take away the feeling like you are missing something.

Of course many of the daily foods that you already eat are vegetarian anyway, the problem is that we were raised to stick a piece of meat on the plate along with them and that piece of meat has taken up more and more space on our plates for too long. The result is the rampant heart disease, high cholesterol and high blood pressure that we see. It doesn't have to be that way.

Vegetarians love their food as much as anyone, they are not upset about it or feel like they are sacrificing or doing without. Quite the opposite in fact, when you eat a vegetarian diet you really appreciate food and the powerful role it can play in your life, it is delicious and it is nutritious; it makes you feel good and it gives you energy.

It is also a big misconception that a vegetarian diet is restrictive. When you really think about it there is only a few kinds of meat; that from cows, pigs, chickens and lamb. On the other hand there are countless grains, vegetables, fruits and beans that can be combined in numerous ways to create fabulous and healthy meals. Many recipes can be converted simply by removing the meat or by removing the meat and adding a meat substitute or beans. Happily, most restaurants offer many vegetarian options on their menus these days so going out to dinner will not be a problem that you have to face either.

Remember also that switching to a vegetarian diet does not have to be accomplished over night. One way to start is to plan a few vegetarian days per week and than you can slowly add another day per week until you get to your goal. This way you can ease yourself into your new way of eating.

So much of what and why we eat is habit and conditioning. The way you eat as you are growing up plays a huge role in the way you eat as an adult. This is why making a change like this can seem overwhelming. It is changing everything you know; it is reprogramming your preconceived notions about food. You may have even been raised to think that you need meat in order to be healthy. We know better now, but that doesn't erase everything that was instilled in us as we were growing up. That is why I think that educating yourself throughout the process is a key to success. Get some vegetarian cookbooks or check out a vegetarian recipe website. Look over some books that discuss factory farming or the health benefits of vegetarian eating. The more you know the more you will be inspired to change the way you eat.

Barry Lovelace is an internationally recognized personal trainer and fitness professional. He is passionate about helping people live their best life and about being a vegan.

Visit his website for FREE health and fitness tips and a FREE EBook titled 'How To Juggle Your Health and Fitness'!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Barry_Lovelace

Great Vegetable Juice Recipe Ideas by Shannon Medley

You can really put your juicer to great use if you have some delicious recipes to follow, so if you love juicing and want to get some fantastic ideas, here are a few of the top juicer recipes.

Carrot Juice

One of the favorite juicer recipes is carrot juice. This is the most commonly made juice, because it is so easy and also because of the multitudinous health benefits it offers. All you need is a couple of carrots, and you juice them one at a time, until you have the amount of juice you need.

You should not peel the carrots first because then you will be taking away most of their nutritional value, and some juicers will even clean the food for you so you may not have to worry about that part either. Just make sure that you feed the carrots into the juicer at a steady pace, and never push them through too hard.

Celery Juice

Another of the most favored juicer recipes is celery juice. For this recipe you just need a couple of celery stalks, and you want to cut each stalk into a few different pieces, otherwise they will be too large to fit through the juicer and may end up breaking it.

Feed the stalks in at a steady speed, holding down the tamper for a few seconds each time, and if you are juicing larger amounts of celery, you may want to stop and rinse the machine after each bunch to keep it from getting clogged up.

Carrot Anise Drink

This is one of the funkier juicer recipes, but one that is still very quick and easy to make. You just need 8 carrots, 2 anise stalks, 3-4 celery stalks, and 2 apples, and you want to juice everything in the order given.

These are just a few of the many juicer recipes that you can choose from, and remember that any juice you could find in a store you can make on your own with your juicer, only you will be getting much more nutritional value and without all the sugars and added preservatives that commercial companies put into their drinks.

A juicer will no doubt be one of the most versatile and useful kitchen appliances you will ever own, and if you do not already have one this is definitely an investment that you should make in the near future. You can juice all the fresh fruits and vegetables you want and make them into drinks to serve to yourself, friends and family.

A juicer will no doubt be one of the most versatile and useful kitchen appliances you will ever own, and if you do not already have one this is definitely an investment that you should make in the near future. You can juice all the fresh fruits and vegetables you want and make them into drinks to serve to yourself, friends and family. Here are more juice recipes to help you on your way.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shannon_Medley

Learning How To Cook Tofu by Michelle Bery

When it comes to preparing healthy and delicious meals that will satisfy, it’s difficult to know where to begin. The truth is – we all lead busy lives that can frequently teeter on chaotic. Between a busy career, non-stop schedules, and ever-increasing activities, we often don’t know where to fit the making of meals. It often seems so much easier to just grab something on the run – even if that something is far from healthy. And for those who are vegetarians, finding healthy meal alternatives can be even more difficult. Luckily, learning how to cook tofu will put your meals back in your control.

Tofu is a spongy cake made from bean curd and is traditionally cubed to be used in a variety of dishes. Tofu is extremely nutritious as it is rich in many essential vitamins. Also, because tofu is a protein dense food, it is often used as a meat substitute in a variety of vegetarian cuisines. Discovering how to cook tofu will open up a whole new world of different foods.

Tofu tends to be quite bland on its own; but because of its porous consistency, it absorbs the flavors of the food around it. Subsequently, tofu can be delicious in a variety of sauces and marinades. Many people, when first learning how to cook tofu simply substitute it for meat in any recipe that would traditionally call for chicken, red meat, or fish. But there are also recipes specifically geared towards the use of tofu as the main ingredient. As a matter of fact, there are cookbooks and online search engines dedicated exclusively to how to cook tofu.

Because of tofu’s versatility, it is commonly used in a variety of cultural cuisines. The Japanese in particular, frequently include tofu as a part of their diet.

Low-fat, low-calorie, and nutritious, tofu can change the face of any recipe, allowing you to enjoy a satisfying, delicious meal without sacrificing good health. Learn how to cook tofu in a way that works for you and your family; you will be more than pleasantly surprised.

For easy to understand, in depth information about tofu visit our ezGuide 2 Tofu.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michelle_Bery

Vegetarian Diet Tips: Make Your Vegetarian Diet A Balanced Diet! by Ashley Green

The world has opened eyes to the harmful side-effects of non-veg food like red meat and is now opening arms to Vegetarian Food. A very common myth found among common man is that vegetarian food doesnt provide you with necessary nutrients but a Vegetarian Diet, in no ways, is deprived of necessary nutrients, only if you have a balanced Vegetarian Diet. Make sure you eat a lot of fruits and dont follow particular monotonous meals.

Some Nutrients you dont come across normally in Vegetarian Diets are:-

a) Iron

b) Calcium

c) Zinc

d) Protein

e) Vitamin D

f) Vitamin B12

But you can always have vegetarian source for these nutrients. On a other side of the coin, there are a lots of benefits of Vegetarian Food (incomplete). They are rich in:

. You can Find Iron in the following Vegetarian Food items:-
Cashews, tomato juice, rice, garbanzo beans (chick peas) and tofu.

. You can Find Calcium in the following Vegetarian Food items:-
Dairy products, fortified soymilk, fortified orange juice, tofu and broccoli.

. You can find Zinc in the following Vegetarian Food items:-
Whole grains (especially the germ and bran of the grain), nuts, tofu, leafy vegetables (lettuce, spinach, cabbage), root vegetables (onions, potatoes, carrots, celery, radishes), eggs and dairy products.

. You can find Protein in the following Vegetarian Food items:-
Vegetarians must eat a variety of plant foods over the course of a day to get enough protein. Eg: Tempeh, miso lentils, tofu, nuts, seeds, and peas.

. You can find Vitamin D in the following Vegetarian Food items:-
fortified cereals (or a small amount of sunlight) and Fortified milk and soymilk

. You can Vitamin B12 in the following Vegetarian Food items:-
Tempeh, miso, eggs, dairy products, fortified soymilk and cereals.. Tempeh and miso are foods made from soybeans.

They are low in calories and fat and high in protein.

Know more about Balanced Diet at http://www.weightloss-health.com/balanced_diet.htm

About the Author: Ashley Green

For Healthy Diet Related Free Articles Directory your complete and most comprehensive family guide on Health.

Also get free sample low carb recipes, low fat recipes, low calorie recipes, low sodium recipes, low sugar recipes at Low Carb Recipes and Diet

If you wish to reproduce the above article you are welcome to do so, provided the article is reproduced in its entirety, including this resource box and LIVE link to our website.

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Wild Edible Recipe: Sauteed Puffball Mushrooms by JJ Murphy

Yes! I did it! I love the confident feeling of learning something new.

Until yesterday I was sure of two edible mushrooms. Today I am sure of four. My two new delicacies are the Gem-studded puffball and the Pear-shaped puffball. I have a fifth under study.

Before I share this recipe, it's time for my disclaimer: ALWAYS test for edibility.

When I gather mushrooms, I put each species in a separate paper bag. When I get home, I take them out of the paper bag and begin my visual study.

The mushroom under study right now is the fawn mushroom. I found one on a hike with "Wildman" Steve Brill last month. I have found it twice since, but did not eat it. I just studied the shape, how the gills were attached and the stem. "Wildman" has made replicas out of Sculpey - which is an excellent way to improve observation skills. It's also fun.

I am cautious enough to consult other mushroom identification guides, but "Wildman" has the best photos and his sculptures are accurate. I am now making a spore print and when I do sample this mushroom, it will be a piece the size of a green pea.

THE RECIPE:

Sautéed Gem-studded (Lycoperdon perlatum) or Pear-shaped (Lycoperdon pyriforme) mushrooms:

1. Remove mushrooms from paper bag, trim dirt and wipe with a cloth or paper towel 2. Do not wash or immerse in water. Do not salt. That makes the mushrooms tough 3. Cut the larger mushrooms into bite-size pieces 4. Coat with olive oil and one-half teaspoon of lemon or lime juice 5. Set pan over low heat, then add coated puffball mushrooms 6. Cook until tender

Puffballs are fragrant when picked and they do have a distinct flavor, but it is delicate. I enjoyed it as a simple side dish.

Writer and naturalist JJ Murphy has been eating wild foods since her farmer parents pulled weeds from the veggie garden and she ate the weeds. JJ continues to forage and write in Harriman, NY, posting recipes and resource information at http://www.WriterByNature.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=JJ_Murphy

Ratatouille Recipe by Kim Steele

Ratatouille is a wonderfully versatile dish that you can easily fix in under 20 minutes if you follow my method.

I was cooking ratatouille long before I moved to the south of France and discovered that it had a name. I always called it vegetarian spaghetti sauce. I'd go to the grocery store and find the freshest, tastiest looking vegetables available. When I got home I'd put two big solid pots on the stove, one filled with hot water for the pasta, and the other to cook the sauce in. I always started with onions, put them in the pot with a generous amount of olive oil (vegetarians get to do things like that - use lots of olive oil), and than kept chopping vegetables and adding them to the pot as I went. I soon learned the best order to add vegetables to the sauce.

Fussy French Ratatouille

When I got to France I ran out and bought a fancy French cookbook - Larousse de la Cuisine. It is a wonderful book and is now falling to pieces after years of use. Some of the recipes though I find a bit humorous in their complexity and their ratatouille recipe is one of them. It has all of the classic ingredients of ratatouille (onions, bell peppers, eggplant, zucchini and tomatoes), but it requires you to cook each of these ingredients separately before assembling them into another pot. For me, that destroys the charm of ratatouille.

Ratatouille the Easy Way

I always imagine someone stepping from their kitchen out into their vegetable garden on a hot summer afternoon. They pick whatever is ready to be eaten that evening, and that is what goes into the ratatouille. As for cooking it, you really should try my method of chopping as you cook. Ratatouille goes together perfectly like this.

What to serve it with

Ratatouille goes with so many things and you can vary the ingredients (both the vegetables and the herbs) depending on what you have available. Do you remember how in the movie of the same name the rat fancied up ratatouille? You can do the same if you wish. Serve it hot or cold. With an omelette or a vegetable terrine. Serve it on pasta or simply with bread. Sprinkle it with cheese if you wish. The French like it with different meats, poultry and fish. I add hot pepper sometimes. Now that is definitely not French, but it is very good.

Here's my recipe, and please change it as you see fit and don't forget to enjoy all of those lovely vegetables as you are chopping them up. They are gorgeous you know! Bon appetit.

Ratatouille

1/4 cup olive oil

2 onions, slivered

3 bell peppers, cut into one inch squares(try different colors)

2 eggplants, cut into 1/2 inch cubes

2 zucchini, cut into 1/2 inch cubes

4 cloves garlic, minced or crushed

2 pounds tomatoes, chopped

1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme

salt and pepper

1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

Heat olive oil in a heavy soup pot on medium heat. Sliver onions and add to oil.

While the onions cook, chop the bell peppers and add them to the pot, stirring well.

Chop the eggplants and add to the pot, stirring well to coat the eggplant with oil. At this point all the olive oil will have soaked into the eggplant, so you need to stir often to keep things from burning until they soften some.

Chop the zucchini and stir it in once the eggplant has softened a bit.

Chop the garlic and add to the vegetables, stirring well.

Chop the tomatoes and add them.

Chop the thyme and add it along with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well and cook two minutes.

Turn down heat and cover the pot. Simmer until everything is soft and well blended - about 40 minutes.

Stir in basil and remove from heat.

Makes 4 to 6 servings.

Are you interested in learning more about French food and culture? You'll find lots of easy French recipes and fun food facts at http://www.easy-french-food.com I've been living and cooking in France for the past 17 years and would love to share with you my love of simple good food. Don't forget to enjoy your food today.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kim_Steele

Taco Salad Recipe by John T Pratt

Everyone loves my Taco Salad and they always want my recipe! I think this is one of the best around - whether you choose the meat or vegetarian version!

We've eaten taco salad since we were kids, and there's just so many good ways to modify this recipe. How I make Taco Salad now is basic and simple and "it works". It's tasty, quick, and fast! Is there room for improvement? I don't think so - I think if you make this recipe "as-is" without modification you'll just love it! The only thing you should have a choice over is what kind of meat to use. The choices for meat are ground chuck, chicken, or fake meat (Morningstar ground meat crumbles substitute).

Taco Salad Recipe Ingredients You'll Need:

• 1 lb meat (boneless chicken, ground chuck, or Morningstar Vegetarian ground meat crumbles)
• Salt, Pepper, Chili Powder, Garlic Powder, Cumin - to season meat
• 1tbsp minced garlic (preferred from a jar)
• 1 head of lettuce chopped
• 3 large or 5 medium tomatoes diced
• 1 medium sweet or red onion (or one bunch diced green onion)
• 1 packet Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix (not dip mix)
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 bag Doritos or Restaurant style tortilla chips (crushed)
• 1 packet shredded colby jack or taco cheese (8 oz)

This is so easy to make, just start your meat cooking on the stove, and cook on med-high for 5 minutes. If using chicken or morningstar you may need some oil in the pan first - just a few table spoons. Once it's cooked 5 minutes add the seasonings which are about 1tbsp chili powder, 2 tbsp Cumin, 1 tbsp garlic powder and salt and pepper to taste, cook another 8-10 minutes or until meat is thoroughly cooked.

The trick to making this Taco Salad Recipe quickly is to get as much done while the meat is cooking as possible. I usually start the meat, and immediately get an extra large mixing bowl (4-6qt) out and all the veggies. While the meat cooks I dice the tomato and lettuce and onion. I toss it all in the bowl with the tbsp of minced garlic and thoroughly mix it up. In a medium bowl mix the cup of milk, cup of mayonnaise and packet of Hidden Valley Ranch - then set aside. Open one end of the tortilla chip bag, and crush the chips up finely (without destroying the bag).

Add the chips and shredded cheese to the bowl with the veggies and mix well again. Add your meat and mix well again. Last add the Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing and mix well again and you have some easy to make and very tasty Taco Salad!!

I hope you liked this recipe, and I think your family will love it too!

John Pratt usually writes on his blog at JTPratt's Blogging Mistakes, but his love of cooking always seems to have him writing his best recipes on his daughter's web site Kieil's Handpicked Recipes! If you want to learn how to cook some of the tastiest dishes from scratch, including pizza and bread - be sure to stop by and visit!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_T_Pratt

Vegetarian South Beach Diet by Tim Grimsley

The South beach diet has been one of the most popular ways to lose weight for several years. Now there is a new surge in popularity among Vegetarians. The South beach diet is based on the intake of more Protein and less Carbohydrates, because of this, the diet has not been appealing to vegetarians.

Vegetarians are now modifying the popular diet to fit there lifestyle. There are lots of great vegetarian recipes available that work perfectly with the South beach diet plan. During the first phase of this diet many dieter's experience weight loss of 8 to 12 pounds.

A great recipe to start with is the Chili recipe below.

Ingredients

3/4 cup dried red kidney beans, soaked overnight

2 teaspoons olive oil

1/2 teaspoon whole cumin seeds

1/2 tablespoon chopped garlic

3/4 cup coarsely chopped onions

1/2 large sweet red pepper, seeded and diced

1/2 large green pepper, seeded and diced

3/4 tablespoons mild chili powder

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1 1/2 cups water

1 tablespoons tomato paste

1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

Drain and rinse the beans. Set aside. In a large saucepan, warm the oil over medium-high heat. Add the cumin seeds and sizzle for 5 seconds. Add the garlic, onions, red peppers, green peppers, chili powder and oregano. Sauté over medium-high heat for 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the beans and water.

Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for 30 minutes. Uncover and simmer for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the beans are tender. (Add more water if the mixture becomes too dry during cooking.)

Stir in the tomato paste and salt. Cook for 2 minutes. Just before serving, stir in the cilantro.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tim_Grimsley

Decadent and Delicious Vegan Cheesecakes by Carine Nadel

The season of "packing on the pounds" is upon us. Now, we know that desserts are supposed to be decadent-deliciously so. But decadent does NOT necessarily mean that it can't be healthy. Too often when we think of indulging we imagine globules of fat being pasted onto our hips and it makes all of us-40 and over (or not)-cringe.

This simply doe not have to be the case! Due to a dairy allergy and a lifelong commitment to eating healthy, I have found ways to make even cheesecake good for the body, not just the soul. Here are 3 easy, healthy versions that would even make "The Golden Girls" happy:

Start by using your favorite basic pie crust. Since making pie crust has never been "my thing" I usually keep the refrigerated type on hand, but a good graham cracker one will do as well. If you have a talent for it-make it yourself.

Pre-heat your oven to 350. Get your blender out! All versions will call for 12 oz of firm tofu. Like regular cheesecake, the ingredients do matter-so buy premium tofu, not the boxed type on the shelves or the ones heavily packaged in water. And drain for about 20 with a bit of weight on the top to remove the excess liquid

Remember, this is not so much a recipe as a "method", so get creative if you aren't thrilled with some of these flavorings!

Lemon Tofu "Cheesecake" (Orange is also quite lovely)

Put the tofu into the blender with:

1/3 C sugar

1/3 C water

¼ C fresh lemon juice and the zest of that lemon

1 tsp lemon extract

½ tsp kosher salt

1 tbsp. canola or vegetable oil

2 tbsp corn starch dissolved in 3 tbsp cold water

Blend until smooth and pour into prepared crust. Bake 45 minutes. Chill thoroughly.

Mocha Tofu "Cheesecake" (my personal favorite)

Put the tofu into the blender with:

1 C water

1/3 C cocoa powder (do not use dutch, and the darker you can use, the better)

2 tbsp instant espresso (or instant coffee)

1/3 C sugar

2 tbsp nut butter (I love almond butter, but peanut is also good)

1 tbsp canola/vegetable oil

2 tsp pure vanilla

½ tsp kosher salt

2 tbsp cornstarch dissolved in 3 tbsp cold water

Same cooking directions as above.

And last, Berry Tofu "Cheesecake" (use your favorite fresh/frozen one)

Put the tofu into the blender with:

1 C berries

½ C sugar (taste the berries first and adjust sugar depending on tartness)

2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and the zest from it

1 tbsp canola/vegetable oil

½ tsp kosher salt

2 tbsp cornstarch dissolved in 3 tbsp cold water

1 tsp rum extract

Same cooking directions as the rest!

Toppings are up to you. If you are particularly traditional you might want to try this:

Tofu cream: (no matter how you flavor it, it's great on just about anything-trust me, I even topped my all-bran more than a few times!)

Drain and cube 8 ounces of firm tofu. Cook in boiling water for about 5 minutes. Drain and cool. Blend thoroughly with 1/4 C of sugar, 1 tbsp of canola/veggie oil, 2 tsp of your desired extract and 1/2 tsp salt.

Put the pureed mixture back into the saucepan you cooked the tofu in. Dissolve 2 tbsp of cornstarch in 2tbsp of cold water and stir into the "cream", cook over low heat at a simmer until it is thick enough for your purpose. Either serve on the side, or top as you would use a sour cream mixture on a "real" cheesecake.

Because all are very low in fat and high in protein-I personally told myself a number of times that leftovers are great for breakfast!

Carine Nadel is on The Reader's Advisory Panel of Woman's Day magazine and has had numerous articles and recipes published both on various websites and print publications. To read more of her work, log onto: http://www.Carine-whatscooking.blogspot.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carine_Nadel

Vegetarian Potato Soup by Rachel Williamson

Traditional potato soup recipes often include bacon, sour cream, and other animal products. For vegetarians and vegans who want a hearty potato soup, this recipe is the answer. Kids and adults alike love this nutritious, satisfying soup.

3 med potatoes, skinned and cubed

1/2 lb. tofu

4 cups water (you can substitute one cup of water with vegetable broth)

1 medium yellow onion, chopped

1 teaspoon salt

1 T. olive oil

1/4 c. chopped parsley

black pepper to taste

Directions:

Fill a large pot with the water and vegetable broth. Bring the water to a simmer and lower the potatoes and onions into the pot. Add sea salt. Simmer for about 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

While the potatoes and onions are cooking, blend the tofu and olive oil in a food processor. When the potatoes and onions are done, add half of the batch to the food processor with the tofu and olive oil mix and process.

Return the contents of the food processor to the pot containing the water and the other half of the potato/onion mix. Add parsley and black pepper to taste. You might also want to add bacon bits or vegetarian bacon bits to the mix.

Simmer for a few minutes until warm enough to serve.

Rachel Williamson shares healthy recipes and nutrition information in Eat This!, a healthy food blog.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rachel_Williamson

Lazy Cook Meatball and Veggie Soup by April Lorier

What encourages and inspires us more than a tasty, nutritious meal at the end of the day? I am not known for my cooking ability! But recently, a neighbor brought me a pot of "Sopa de Albondigas" (aka Mexican Meatball Soup) and I fell passionately in love with it! I had to have that recipe, especially since it is something that can go into the freezer for those "rainy days"! She told me to make it my own, put in what I like, and leave out what I didn't like. So I spent half a day - including the shopping - making my version of what I call "Lazy Cook Meatball Veggie Soup". After all, nothing encourages me more than having something delicious before I settle down for a night of writing!

Prep and cook time (if you have all the ingredients at home) is about 35 minutes. The flavor of this soup is fresh and simple, and the meatballs are exceptionally moist and tender because they are poached in the soup, not pan-browned first. If making ahead, cool, cover, and then chill up to 3 days. Just re-heat to simmering to serve. Makes 12-16 cups, depending on how many veggies you add. (It is a great way to get your veggies!)

Chop up the following veggies:

4 stalks of celery

2 Anaheim peppers (long, green, not hot) or 1 bell pepper chopped

1 large white onion, diced

4 large red potatoes (white potatoes with red skins) in large pieces: about 6 per potato (no mushy potatoes!)

6 carrots, diced thin (or, if you are a lazy cook, like me, one small bag of the fresh baby carrots)

½ bag of cole slaw, or you can slice ½ green cabbage if you are not lazy like me

½ bunch of cilantro (aka Italian Parsley) Makes 1-1½ cups total

2 Italian Squash sliced thick

Fill a big pot with 12 cups of water, then add beef bouillon to taste (about 5 tablespoons or 6 cubes)

Add a large can of either diced tomatoes or stewed tomatoes, including juice

Add 3-5 cloves of smashed garlic

Add 1 large onion, chopped, to the pot.

Add chopped pepper to pot.

Add 1 cup of your already-chopped cilantro

Salt and pepper to taste

Turn heat on under pot (high) and bring to a boil.

While you are waiting for the boil, prepare the meatballs.

1-1½ lbs of ground sirloin, or hamburger, or turkey, or combination

2 eggs, beaten

½ white uncooked rice

½ cup of remaining cilantro

Worcestershire Sauce

Salt and pepper

Make 2" meatballs with your hands (meatballs will expand)

When liquid is boiling, drop in the meatballs, one by one, and do not stir. Cook med heat for 20 minutes, covered.

Add veggies and let them cook 10-15 minutes (I like crunchy veggies!) Make sure everything is covered with liquid.

Get a big ladle and scoop into large soup bowls. Yum, yum, yum!

Reheat for 3 days, or freeze for months. Great tasting and good for lazy cooks like me!

© 2008 April Lorier (aka "Lazy Cook")

April Lorier is an award-winning poet, writer, Author, Christian Speaker, Columnist, and Encourager of Christians worldwide.

As a pastor's daughter and a survivor of severe child abuse, April Lorier has an intimate knowledge of child abuse in and out of the church. She founded COPE, Inc, for the retraining of abusive parents. She successfully fought for the passage of The Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), signed by Ronald Reagan.

Her autobiography, "GOD'S BATTERED CHILD: Journey from Abuse to Leader" (2007) is available at Amazon, B & Nobles, Target and at http://aprillorier.blogspot.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=April_Lorier

Easy To Cook Delicious Indian Food Recipes - Cauliflower Curry Recipe by M Muhammad

Indian food recipes are occupying a special place in the lives of Indians. Even though, the Indian culture is highly influenced by the British and American cultures, Indian foods still occupy the primary place in Indian society particularly in all occasions and festivals.

Indian food recipes are the by product of rich Indian heritage may be 5000 years old. Indian food recipes may be broadly classified into Indian vegetarian recipes, Indian chicken recipes, Indian curry recipes, Indian fish recipes, Indian briyani recipes and Indian mutton recipes.

Here we are giving an example Indian vegetarian recipe - Cauliflower curry recipe.

Ingredients:

Cauliflower - 1 small size

Fennel seeds - 1 tsp

Curry leaves - 1 tbsp

Dry Red Chilli - 3

Big Onion - 1 medium size finely chopped

Tomato - 1 medium size finely chopped

Turmeric Powder - 2 pinches

Red Chilli Powder - 2 tsp

Coriander Powder - 2 tbsp

Water

Oil

Salt to taste

tsp - teaspoonful

tbsp - tablespoonful

Method:

1. Heat oil in a saute pan.

2. Add fennel seeds and allow it to turn light brown.

3. Add Dry Red Chilli and fry for few seconds.

4. Add big onion, curry leaves and fry till onion turns golden brown.

5. Add Tomato and fry till it gets cooked.

6. Add all the powders and fry till its raw smell goes.

7. Add cauliflower florets, water (enough to cook the vegetables - and salt.

8. Allow it to boil for few minutes.

9. Lower the flame, close the sauce pan and let the cauliflower get cooked.

10. After it gets cooked fry till the gravy thickens.

Delicious Indian vegetarian recipe is ready to serve. Enjoy the tasty cauliflower curry with white rice.

If you are an Indian or an Indian descendent, try to consume Indian foods at least one time a day. Indian foods will rejuvenate and revitalize your body and soul.

To see much more Indian food recipes, please visit http://www.indianfoodrecipes.co.in where you will find this recipe and other Indian vegetarian recipes

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=M_Muhammad

Easy Vegetarian Spaghetti by Donna Rivera

This is an easy recipe for those of us who don't eat meat. I love spaghetti and created this recipe playing around in the kitchen one day. My family really likes it and I make it often. Since the rest of my family does eat meat, I can make a separate pot for them with hamburger meat. I know they are still getting their vegetables because I have added the peas and corn. You can try it with other vegetables too, although I never have. Hope you like my families favorites spaghetti recipe.
1 lb Morning Star Vegetarian Meat Crumblies or something similar

1 can spaghetti sauce mix - (26.5 oz)

1 can whole corn - (15 oz)

1 can peas - (15 oz)

Your favorite seasoning

1/4 lb Uncooked spaghetti (1/2 - 8 oz. pkg.)

1 1/2 tsp Salt, if desired

Pepper to taste

Grated parmesan Cheese

Cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions. Using a microwave safe container, heat the vegetarian crumblies/meat for 6 minutes or according to the instructions on the package.

Using a medium sized saucepan, place the heated vegetarian crumblies/meat, the spaghetti sauce, the canned vegetables, and your favorites seasonings. Remember, not too much seasoning is required because your canned spaghetti sauce already has seasonings in it. Add salt and pepper if desired. Mix all the ingredients well. Bring to boil and then simmer for 20 minutes. Serve sauce over cooked spaghetti noodles. This recipe will serve about four people.

Donna Rivera-Loudon
Quick and Easy RecipesDonna has an MBA in Information Ttechnology and is currently a Tupperware Director and CEO of her own company. She also teaches online Management and Business classes for a local community college as well as computer classes for a four-year university.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Donna_Rivera

Vegetarian Food is a Complete Food by m.jeya

Nowadays everybody wants to save time and keep a healthy lifestyle. We are all aware of the importance of healthy cooking and healthy eating. The good health is a goal that many of us strive to achieve. Among the many ideas that we have about getting a good healthy body is that of eating the right foods.

According to the specialists, half liter of milk provides the required quantity of this vitamin. The best sources of B-12 are curds, Idli, Dosa, Dokhla, and Jalebi etc. To gain the most out of a vegetarian health conscious diet there are numerous vegetarian diets that you can look at. These diets will have the food prepared according to the views of the authors.

Once you have decided to have a full vegetarian style meal you will need to choose the foods for this meal. Since each person has different tastes in foods you will need to take these into account when you are looking at the different foods that you can make. Once you list down the vegetables which are not eaten at any meals you can start looking at some tempting recipes.

The vegetable food products main dishes are ones that you can use in smaller quantities as side dishes as well if you so desire. To help you plan the complete vegetarian meal you can find recipes that will show you some of the dishes. The internet will also have a wide selection of main vegetarian foods that serves to you.

While there are some people who may feel that vegetarian meals are bland and pale into comparison when compared to other foods, you will find this is only true based on the foods that you choose. Vegetarian meals which are prepared in a tasty manner will help you to choose a better lifestyle. For more information http://www.indomunch.com

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/vegetarian-food-is-a-complete-food-238225.html

Is Vegetarianism Right For You by Owen Walcher

Do you ever feel like you know just enough about Vegetarianism to be dangerous? Let's see if we can fill in some of the gaps with the latest info from Vegetarian experts.

Vegetarian diets are lower in fats, cholesterol, and animal protein and higher in fiber than diets containing animal protein. Because of this vegetarians have a reduced risk of obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, to name just a few.

However it is not just the way vegetarians eat that impacts their health so positively it is also their lifestyle. Most vegetarians don't smoke for example.

Just because someone is vegetarian does not mean they are healthy. This is because some vegetarians cut out eating animal meat and continue eating a lot of junk food. Because they don't satisfy their hunger with plenty of protein and fiber they often have cravings and overindulgences with high-sugar, high-fat, and empty calories.

To be sure you are keeping yourself healthy as you change over to being a vegetarian you should read articles like this on a regular basis.

For protein use soya beans because they are an exceptionally good source of protein. For instance in the dried form they contain about 40% protein, which is about double the amount of protein in other types of beans.

Take some of the mystery out of becoming a vegetarian by changing the ingredients in some of your favorite recipes. For instance you can leave out the meatballs from your spaghetti recipe. This will enable you to begin being a vegetarian without a lot of research and shopping in the beginning.

After you have found the time, look inside the supermarket for vegetarian products, ingredients, and meals. In this step it is important to stay flexible. Try different vegetarian items twice if you don't like them the first time. For example: if you have tried a veggie burger and you did not like it, try it again only this time prepare it differently. So if you microwaved your veggie burger and did not like it then the next time grill it.

Another tip is to be patient with yourself. If you discover you are having cravings for say that big juicy hamburger, then give yourself more time to let go. The longer you had eaten animal meat the more used to it you are, and the more it may bother you to give it up. Well don't despair! Just keep going and be patient and before you know it all your cravings will be gone. Go now and enjoy!

If you base what you do on inaccurate information, you might be unpleasantly surprised by the consequences. Make sure you get the whole Vegetarian story from informed sources.

The day will come when you can use something you read about here to have a beneficial impact. Then you'll be glad you took the time to learn more about Vegetarian.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/is-vegetarianism-right-for-you-60636.html

Italian Vegetarian Dishes you Can Enjoy by Dave Owen

If you are looking for the perfect combination of great food and the vegetarian principals, you need to experience Italian vegetarian cooking. You can have your favorite foods and still not violate your basic vegetarian guidlines. If you are new to the vegetarian lifestyle or have been practicing the discipline for years, you will enjoy some treate Individuals can enjoy some great recipes that embrace Italian vegetarian cooking.

To get started, you can enjoy some of several appetizers like Panzanella Salad, Rotini Salad with Feta Cheese and Black Olives, Italian Potato Salad with Sun Dried Tomatoes, Pecorino and Basil Crostini, Rocket (Arugula) or Baby Corn Panzerotti, and Tomato Bruschetta.

Moving on you can add one of many pasta dishes to your vegetarian cooking regime. Some of these dishes are old favorites and some are brand new. These include Eliche Arrabbiata, Linguine with Spinach Pesto, Rigatoni with Gorgonzola, Fusilli with Sun dried Tomato Pesto, Courgette, Spinach and Wild Mushroom Lasagne, Cannelloni with Ricotta Cheese in Red Wine Sauce, Manicotti with Artichokes in Green Tomato Sauce, Capellini in Tomato and Basil Sauce, Conchiglie Genovese with Coriander Pesto, Spicy Vermicelli with Oyster Mushrooms, Macaroni with Cheese, Fettuccine In Creamy White Sauce, Tagliatelle with Tomato Sauce, Penne Pesto, Spaghetti with Olive Oil and Garlic, Farfelle Marinara, and Pasta Primavera. There are also several gnocchi dishes that you can enjoy. They are Gnocchetti in Pomodoro Sauce, Potato Mushroom and Chives Gnocchi, Spinach and Ricotta Cheese Gnocchi, and Pumpkin and Semolina Gnocchi.

Something else that you may enjoy is risottos. If you have not tried them, here are some choices that will provide a nice introduction. Some of these dishes include Risotto Alla Pomodoro, Risotto Alla Milanese, Risotto with Porcini Mushrooms, and Baked Brown Rice with Roasted Vegetables. You may also also enjoy trying the different sauces that are available. These include Almond Butter Sauce, Basil Garlic Sauce, and Herbed Mushroom Sauce.

The use of vegetables in Italian cooking is very pleasant. Some of the more suculant are Eggplant Parmigiana, Zucchini Corn and Tomato Au Gratin, and Vegetables and Beans Alla Veneziana.

Another way to enjoy your vegetables is on a vegetarian pizza. You can start with a Fresh Dough Pizza Base. To this, add one of these toppings such as Thin Crust Gourmet Vegetarian Pizza, Deep Pan Pizza Margherita, Cheese and Mushroom Calzone, or Spinach and Feta Cheese Stromboli.

To finish off your meal, you can add a vegetarian dessert. Some of these are Risotto and Rocket Pie, Vegetable and Rice Timbale, Red Pepper and Spaghettini Flan, Tiramisu, Lemon Vanilla Panna Cotta with Wine and Fresh Cherry Sauce, and Strawberry Cheesecake.

Whether you are new to vegetarian dinning or have been enjoying this type of food for some time, you can enhance your experience by adding Italian vegetarian dishes to your cuisine.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/italian-vegetarian-dishes-you-can-enjoy-181155.html

Vegetarian and Vegan Meal Planning Ideas PLUS ... Dairy Free Muffin Recipe by Rebecca Bennett

In a vegan or vegetarian diet, it may take time to explore new foods and develop some form of routine to it. There are many different products on the market today for vegans and vegetarians to choose from - keep experimenting to find your or your families personal preferences and tastes.

You should be-able to find quite a good amount of vegetarian and vegan products at supermarkets, natural health food stores and co-ops.

When baking, you can use substitutes like egg replacers, cornstarch or bananas to replace eggs.

Soy, rice and nut milks are great replacements for cow's milk. Plus there are many other dairy alternatives around like: vegan cheese, yoghurts, frozen non-dairy ice creams, and cream cheeses. These are all easily sourced through health stores or supermarkets worldwide.

If you are stuck for ideas on some quick easy menu ideas, here are some sample meal menu items for you to consider:

** Breakfast

- Pancakes

- Soy Yoghurts

- Fruit Smoothies

- Wholemeal Toast or Cereals

** Lunch/Dinner

- Veggie Mock Meat and salad sandwich

- Veggie Sausages or hot dogs

- Veggie or Soy Burger

- Simple Prepared Salads

- Tofu Kebabs or Wraps

- Veggie Fried Rice

- Tomato & Pasta Bake

- Soup or Curry Vegetables

- Veggie Stir fry with Tofu, tempeh, or seitan

- Baked Vegetables with Rosemary & Garlic Herbs

** Snacks /Dessert

- Cookies

- Cake

- Non-Dairy Ice Cream

- Dried Fruits & Nuts

- Fresh Fruits

- Chickpeas

- Popcorn

- Pretzels

- Soy or Veggie Crisps or Chips

- Vegan Pies

So as you can see there are an abundance of tasty foods on offer for vegetarians of all kinds, the tastes and wonders of one's food choices is only limited by one's own imagination.

If have you ever wondered how vegetarians, vegans or people just wishing to avoid dairy products make delicious tasting and looking cakes and sweets without much effort at all?

Unless you are a vegetarian or 100% animal free cooker, chances are that you have never cooked without animal ingredients like eggs and dairy. In fact, if you don't know any vegetarians personally you might not even be aware that you can cook without any animal by-products like, eggs and dairy.

Vegetarians are able to maintain a very healthy diet eating any number of traditional meals or sweets minus animal by-products.

And you don't have to be a vegetarian to benefit from such things, even if you'd just like to cut down on animal by-products for the many health benefits involved or if you are lactose intolerant, have vegetarian friends you'd like to cook for or are trying to avoid cholesterol . . . you don't have to feel you will miss out on all those wonderful sweets and treats you feel you can't live without. Because cooking minus animal by-products is so simple and easy you won't believe it until you experience it for yourself.

So I urge you to try the below recipe for yourself and then decide if vegetarians just eat rabbit food or not. You might be surprised. And you might even be shocked that you won't even notice these muffins are not cooked using any eggs or diary.

** Dairy Free Choc Muffins

Ingredients:

1 cup water

1 tsp vanilla

1 Tbsp vinegar

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1 cup sugar

1 tsp baking soda

1/3 cup coconut

1 and 1/2 cups flour

3 Tbsp cocoa or carob powder

Method:

1. Pre-heat oven to 190C.

2. Mix first 6 ingredients in a bowl until blended through.

3. Sift the remaining ingredients and blend in bowl until just combined.

4. Bake for 15-20 minutes.

Servings: 6 large muffins or 12 smaller muffins

If you are not a vegetarian but are considering becoming one don't let the fear of eating egg or diary free stop you. If you already are a vegetarian or don't eat dairy or eggs for other reasons, and have not tried cooking sweets, you might want to try it. It's so simple and easy if you know how and have access to proven recipes.

Rebecca has worked in the vegetarian and vegan industry for years. She is the founder of http://www.VeganSecrets.com a portal with many interesting vegan and vegetarian books, articles, veg living tips and information on everything vegan, vegetarian and cruelty-free.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rebecca_Bennett

Good Vegetarian Recipe Books Are Hard To Find But Worth Their Weight In Gold by Sunny James

Good Vegetarian recipe cook books are hard to find, but worth their weight in gold! Once you find one consider it a treasure. More and more folks are turning to become a vegetarian. Some because of the on going findings in the amount of chemicals and additives to meat product. People just aren't feeling safe about what they are eating. And for good reason many times these chemicals and additives are linked to cancer and other health related problems that are on the rise. We hear about it all the time in the news papers and on the new on television. So since there doesn't seem to be any thing being done to change the amount of chemicals and additives, some people just feel safer eating fruits and vegetables and other sources of protein like beans. Thus creating the need for more and more good vegetarian cook books to help keep the meals from being repetitive and boring. Following a vegetarian diet can be challenging since most folks eat the traditional meal that do include meat or fish. and when put in these environments there isn't always the right choices for vegetarians to eat.

Sometimes leaving them to carry with them the foods of their choice. It is important however to make sure and consult with your doctor when considering to become a vegetarian. They can help better direct you to the proper diet that you would need to fulfill in order to make sure you are getting the proper protein and calcium into you diet, as well as other nutrients.

For more on vegetarian diets and cookinghttp://www.sunnyjames.com/vegetarian.html

visit us at http://www.sunnyjames.com/vegetarian.htmlemail us at beths2222@comcast.net

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White Sun on Health - Vegetarian Fast Food by Teow Aun Chew

The first commercial canning factory was established in England in 1813. It was pioneered by a French man by the name of Nicholas Appert in the 18th century. The raw food is packed into a can which is then cooked at high temperature and pressure to get rid of all bacterial spores and fungi so that the food is commercially sterilized. This enables canned food to be shelf stable over a long period. The high temperature kills all bacterial spores but unfortunately it also destroys the texture, natural taste, color and the nutritional values of the food.

Canned food has always been meant for emergencies and convenience and is always perceived as low quality. In the early 1960s, an improvement called the “retort pouches” was introduced in the market. Instead of metallic cans, special plastic laminates are used to hold food products. However, the cooking process for retort pouches is still the same as for cans which results in the same over-processed food products.

Recently there was an invention where there is a modified retort process where the food is not subject to the same high temperature and pressure as in canning process. They are able to cook and preserve almost all types of food products in retort pouches and retort trays without sacrificing quality. Food that is processed according to this technique keep its organoleptic qualities and it tastes close to freshly cooked meals. This modified process won three major awards in Australia in year 2002 and 2003. Today United Kingdom imports 40,000 bags of lamb shank per week from Australia.

In 2003, the largest rice cooperative in Australia, took up a processing license for the technology to produce pre-cooked rice of different flavors for the Australian market. Having ready-meals in the house which are good in quality in terms of nutrition, taste and value for money would be a trend to come and will catch on in the 21st century. When the kids moved out, many elderly people would probably live in apartments with a small kitchen. They will eat out more often and would probably have lost the desire to cook meals. Many live alone and may not find it easy to go out for their daily meals. By just pressing the button on the microwave, food can be served like freshly cooked.

The young generation and those in their mid-20’s to mid-40’s are occupying middle to senior level management positions and spend more time in office than in the kitchen. Many apartments are designed without a kitchen but are replaced by just a microwave oven for reheating. The women of this generation are more assertive and ambitious than their mothers and demand equal rights with men. Many do not know how to cook a good meal. Divorce rates soar and marriage is delayed or even put off altogether and there are many single mothers. Living together without marriage is a norm and same sex couples are rife. This generation would have forgotten how to cook or had not been taught how to cook.

Those born in the late 20th century can be classified the internet generation and is one of the most medicated generations in history with many prescribed anti-depressants and other behavior-altering drugs. Childhood obesity is another health problem due to the proliferation of “junk food” and reduced physical activities except for their movements of their fingers due to computer games, iPod, text messages etc. This generation does not eat proper meals but grew up snacking and this is especially so in the newly developed and developing Asian countries. Fast food outlets are packed with children taking along their parents to have meals there. Just look at the intense advertisements capturing the hearts of the children unlike in the past, the meals were very natural, home-cooked.

With the invention where ready meal products can still maintain its highly nutritious low fat, low sugar, low salt, no artificial additives and yet taste good, they are bound to capture the market and give convenience to millions of people in the modern world. Wide range of varieties can be found even in the frozen food under the vegetarian section. If vegetarian food is processed in the same manner, then it will give convenience to millions of vegetarians worldwide as well as those health conscious people who seldom take meat. White Sun is studying this possibility to provide nutritious vegetarian food using the modified retort process without sacrificing quality.

Man by nature is composed of physical body and mind. The organic body which is of material form needs to rely on material things such as food to nourish its growth whereas the mind requires a serene order in order to live. Confucius said, “The object of the superior man is Truth. Food is not his object.” After the three inches down the throat, there is no more taste but man by nature craves for good taste. In order to encourage vegetarianism, we still have to ensure good taste and nutrition intact without preservative as in the modified retort process to serve as vegetarian fast food.

A vegetarian diet, with its emphasis on pulses, legs of mushrooms and grains to provide essential vitamins, is regarded by many medical experts as much healthier. Medical evidence from around the world suggests that diets rich in animal fats lead to heart disease and cancer. It is also encouraging to note that vegetarians have significantly lower incidences of cancers of the lung, breast, rectum and colon because the diet of a vegetarian is usually higher in fiber.

Dr William Bruce, a researcher at the Ontario Cancer Institute at Toronto’s Princess Margaret Hospital found that people who cut their animal fat intake from 150 mg a day to 50 mg a day (in essence, decreasing their meat consumption) could reduce the presence of detectable cancer-causing (N-nitroso) compounds by 50%. In addition, the addition of bran to the diet and a daily intake of 2 gm of vitamin C per day were also found to reduce the presence of cancer-causing compounds. Vegetarian fast food definitely will help the same at the same time cutting off the bad karma between human and animal.

Author: T.A Chew

T.A Chew has the opportunity to team up with the awards winning inventor of the modified retort process to produce shelf stable vegetarian food products without the need of refrigeration but yet able to retain its freshness without preservatives. It is with great hope that the venture will take off to a good start to give convenience to vegetarians worldwide soon. Website: http://www.white-sun.com

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Vegetarian Cooking - The Whole World Is Turning Vegetarian by Abishek Agarwal

Simple vegetarian cooking is the new catchphrase of companies, keen on discovering innovative and superior ways to provide people appetizing food with a wonderful aroma and minus any health risks involved. The following are a few tips for simple vegetarian cooking.

Now, individuals can relish biting into hamburgers once they adopt the simple vegetarian cooking way of life. It is suggested that when making such a move, individuals need to select whole grain buns required for the rolls, besides picking one from a wide assortment of meatless burgers. Vegetarian burger makers, who currently rule the roost, are Morningstar Farms, Garden burgers, and Boca Burger. Individuals can either put in their chosen vegetables to this burger or add vegan mayonnaise. This makes up a delicious supper that is balanced and healthy.

With the simple vegetarian cooking way of life, individuals can just drool over and sink their teeth into burritos, potpies, and enchiladas. A great vegetarian product is created by the Amy's brand. In addition, keep an eye peeled for the latest products to hit the market. Many food majors have acquired health food businesses, and therefore locating vegetarian substitutes is not that difficult anymore. Besides, if consumers showed an interest in them, retail stores would willingly stock up on these vegetarian food products.

Pepperoni, lunch meat, and Canadian bacon, can still be had under the simple vegetarian cooking way of life. Yves veggie cuisine is a great substitute for these kinds of foods. Since they are prepared from soy products and wheat gluten, they have the flavor and hold all the health benefits, but not any of the associated health worries. Individuals can opt to put in these products into their favored sauces or casseroles and sandwiches.

Sausages, hot dogs, and Italian links, can even now be consumed under a simple vegetarian cooking way of life. Light life and Yves veggie cuisine, make available superb alternative for these foods. These too, are prepared from soy products and wheat gluten. Morningstar has on sale veggie dogs featured on its menu of vegetarian fare. In case an individual is fond of chili, he can surely pick cha cha chili, which creates amazing instant food in a cup. A further excellent alternative is chili ole.

Today, individuals have at their disposal a multitude of choices with regard to their simple vegetarian cooking practices without having the need to sacrifice a few of their preferred food choices. Besides, they can ferret out recipes in order to create their fancy food dishes.

Go in for food recipes, which require the use of varied ingredients and produce different flavors so that you can concoct a diverse range of vegetarian dishes that tickle the taste buds of individuals.

There are plenty of options for a person to experiment with. Simple vegetarian cooking recipes, without a doubt are an enjoyable and a terrific means of relishing food. Preparing vegetarian dishes not only have a positive effect on your body but also undoubtedly, are delicious to consume.

Vegetables, in fact are an indispensable part of a person's nutritional regimen. They are a vital source of essential nutrients and vitamins. Putting together vegetarian dishes for supper helps in reducing the calorie intake as well as the fat consumption levels of an individual by means of restricting meat intake. Preparing vegetarian meals also gives individuals a chance to reduce the incidence of disease by eating right and staying fit.

Abhishek is a cooking enthusiast! Visit his website http://www.Cooking-Guru.com and download his FREE Cooking Report "Master Chef Secrets" and learn some amazing Cooking tips and tricks for FREE! Learn how to create the perfect meal on a shoe-string budget. And yes, you get to keep all the accolades! But hurry, only limited Free copies available.

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Beware of Fast Food Veggie Burgers by Djehuty Ma'at-Ra

While I applaud the efforts of the fast food industry in attempting to provide vegetarian and more healthful alternatives to the crap they already sell on a daily basis, I have to point out shortcomings and defects in their attempts to provide vegetarian and healthy alternatives that sabotage or defeat the whole purpose of attempting to provide healthier and meat-less (vegetarian) products.

Is health or the wellbeing of the American people the main objective in selling vegetarian products or is it financial gain? Unfortunately for all the people who want to believe the fast food industry is coming around and becoming more health conscious, the fast food industry’s objective in selling vegetarian items such as the veggie burger is strictly commercial, at least right now or presently.

Why? Because until the vegetarian items are completely lacking animal byproducts, the promoting and selling of vegetarian items is to deceive fast food consumers into believing that they have a choice in eating meatless or healthier items and products, which just isn’t true

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Take McDonald’s, Burger King, and the Habit for example. They all sell a veggie burger. But that veggie burger patty (if the patty itself is not entirely vegetable based) is cooked in ANIMAL LARD number one, and number two, cooked on the same grill that meat (DEAD ANIMAL FLESH) is cooked on.

All meat contains parasites and worms, and the ugliest ones that you could ever see with the human eyes. I know this personally as I have done the personal research (and have been presented research from Doctah B, Bro. Tarik, and others in the Los Angeles area) and have the nauseating photographs to show you. TOTALLY GROSS!

Some people thought they were avoiding animal byproducts by only eating French fries from the fast food restaurant, not knowing that most fast food restaurants such as McDonald’s were cooking their fries in vegetable oil mixed with beef juice. That’s right! McDonald’s add beef juice to its cooking oil for flavor, in addition to spraying the fires with a sugar solution, freezing them and shipping them off to McDonald’s franchises, and after cooking the sugar sprayed fries in beef juice (oil), sodium chloride (salt) is added and you have one of the most addictive products in America – McDonald’s French fries!

Take Subway for example, a place I used to eat at often in my early vegan days and while I was in the Corporate world. I had my places to eat at and menus to choose from. However, eating out was the exception to the rule and not the rule, as I normally prepared my own lunch. But Subway was right across the street from my place of employment and the food was much lighter than the stuff sold at the more general fast food establishments.

However, as I became more spiritual and health conscious, it started to bother me eating at establishments that served vegetarian products alongside with meat or flesh products. I used to order the Veggie Max sub sandwich from Subway. But the soy based Veggie Max patty was in a container or bin next to bacon (pig’s back end). This was not a far distance for the microscopic parasites and worms to crawl from the bacon bin to the veggie patty bin. Also, the veggie patty was cut in two with the same knife used to cut meat with. You see, it really doesn’t matter if you’re health conscious or vegan or vegetarian and the person preparing your food (or product) is not. To the fast food employee, they’re just preparing another product totally oblivious to strict food sanitary preparation ethics and principles.

Another thing to point out about the Subway Veggie Max sub or sandwich is that it was (1) cooked (actually, RADIATED) in a microwave oven, (2) cooked or radiated in the same microwave oven as meat or flesh products (pork worms can’t be killed in heat because of a heat-resistant shell that forms around the worm in very high temperatures, and the only substance that can penetrate or break open that shell is the hydrochloric acid of the human body).

One day while out on the town with my children here in Glendale, California, my daughter wanted some noodles or Chow Mein and I think some vegetable-fried rice or egg rolls from Panda Express, I really can’t remember exactly the items, but I do remember asking the Panda Express employee to prepare an exclusively vegetarian plate – NO MEAT OR MEAT-BYPRODUCTS WHATSOEVER, i.e. vegetable-fried rice, Chow Mein, steamed vegetables, and to my utter shock, the employee honestly told me that NOTHING at Panda Express was vegetarian. Absolutely nothing! I said, “Even the vegetable-fried rice, noodles, and steamed vegetables?” He said “That’s right, Sir!” With a discombobulated look on my face, the employee then told me that Panda Express pours chicken juice on all of its items. So now I’m thinking about the time when time compelled me to get something on the go and I got what I thought was completely vegetarian from Panda Express.

And of course, I’ve heard similar accounts from my good Vegan comrades as well. So if you want to know a thing, ask. And by all means, don’t presume.

If you think those vegetarian corn dogs at Hot Dog On-A-Stick are vegetarian, think again! They contain egg whites (in the bread batter).

I also used to eat the vegetarian burritos at Baha Fresh Mexican Grill. I started getting headaches. Why? White flour tortillas cooked on the same grill as the slaughtered flesh (meat). So what did I do to cure the problem? I Left those burritos alone and I have been fine ever since.

I remember my early vegan days of 1997 and 1998 and thinking I was not eating any animal parts or byproducts whatsoever only to discover that those black beans I was eating from El Pollo Loco contained chunks of chicken. One day while eating these black beans, I noticed a strange substance in them. When I picked the substance up and closely analyzed it, I was disgusted to be holding a piece of chicken in my hand. Boy did I feel nauseated at this revelation and discovery. I had to let those beans go no matter how good they tasted. I refuse to let taste disillusion me into a state of poor health and into an early grave.

Vegetarian does not mean vegan! Vegan means “completely animal free, including dairy products and eggs,” whereas vegetarian means “meat-free but not dairy/eggs-free.” A vegetarian burrito at a fast food restaurant may contain cheese and sour cream (congealed cow snot or mucus). Some veggie burger patties may also contain cheese. Cheese is from an animal so how can it be animal free? While many health conscious folks and would be vegans enjoy Boca Burgers, some brands contain egg whites and cheese, so start reading the ingredient list on the box.

So although McDonald’s now has a veggie burger, just know that its veggie burger is cooked in beef oil, in addition to the fact that the veggie burger is centered between two white, refined grain buns, conventionally grown iceberg lettuce (the worst lettuce to eat and the most nutritionally deficient plant to eat) and genetically engineered tomatoes (if you want lettuce and tomatoes on your veggie burger). The same thing can be said of Burger King and the Habit’s veggie burgers.

However, if you’re on the road or out and about in society and must make a choice to eat something that is not so insalubrious, it would be a good idea to experience around with a major fast food chain’s veggie burger rather than give in to the traditional crap that has been served over the years and that you always bought and ate. However, it is better (and wiser) to seek out vegan restaurants before you actually hit the town (if you’re a health conscious individual or vegan).

I know how difficult it is to be vegan (at first) and to not have vegan eateries so easily and readily accessible, especially if you live in a small town. I’m thankful that the Greater Los Angeles area and Southern California in general is loaded with vegan spots around town to get something wholesome and nutritious to eat. The same is true for other big cities around the nation such as New York City, Atlanta, San Diego, San Francisco-Oakland Bay area, etc.

If you’re having trouble locating vegan eateries around the nation, contact Friends of Animals at bill@friendsofanimals.org or (203)656-1522 for a possible listing of vegan restaurants.

If you’re in the Greater Los Angeles area, you may contact us at www.DHERBS.com for a listing of vegan (and vegetarian) restaurants.

Eating healthy is a journey, discipline, and lifestyle and does not come without challenges in the early stages. However, as you become more health conscious, you’ll discover more healthy places to eat at while out on the town.

Thank you for reading! PEACE, LOVE and LIGHT!

This article was compliments of www.dherbs.com and Djehuty Ma’at-Ra, The People’s Herbalist

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