Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Well Life has certainly gotten in the way this last month!! Even longer! YIKES!
I have been getting back on track with the food had a few slips but oh well it happens. Last day of vacation for me this year today and then back to work. We have worked a few weeks of 10 hour days, then a couple Saturdays etc. so it takes it's toll on me. I have to do things for myself also so sometimes I suffer if things seems to be quicker than standing in a kitchen all day on your only day off!!!! I think not.
It is not the end of the world though however I do see how you can get so quickly addicted to the fast food idea and the foods are also calling your name.
So with that said I am off for some of my spaghetti with tons of veggies, a good read today and some R&R with my artwork. I am also an artist the job just lets me buy supplies :-)))
Until next time
Keep it Plantiful

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Happy Nutribullet Life




Well it has been awhile since I was here. I have been really working at getting my routine back which is working out every other day besides the job. Learning all of my new gadgets and the one above is fantastic.
It makes hot things in 7 minutes no timer just runs by itself just awesome!!!!! Getting ready for fall to show up which it has we are under freeze warnings for the next couple days. I am now running a mile every other day or so and plan on a 6 mile walk this weekend. Got the yogurt from a website and it is the best ever so no more agar agar it is tart, tangy goodness from cashews! I love my cashews, next up to learn how to use some of the other things I have acquired. I am cleaning out a couple cupboards this weekend and will be getting my old coffee pot out to make up some herbal teas to use in my nutriblasts. I love those things and have one every morning. Lunch will now be a soup and a few crackers which is a nice change and easy gee 7 minutes to make a hot lunch! WOW. 
I am also learning to use my Vitamix a bit more also they are all getting used and it is just me here. I am losing my weight and loving it. It does not come off as easily as it used to but at 59 years young well I keep the pounds at bay eating this way. I am pretty raw most of the time though. 
Next up hot chocolate in the Rx it makes smaller amounts than a Vitamix so there are uses for all of these machines and this one they say makes nut butters. I will use my Vitamix for that it has the power LOL. You just need so many nuts though but I am going to give it a try and make some maple walnut butter. 
Until Next Time
Keep cookin'
and Keep it Plantiful


Tuesday, September 2, 2014

September is here


Well it has finally arrived and you can feel it in the air FALL is upon us. We still have a few summer like days but the mornings are all fall for sure. I am glad to see the seasons here that is why I live here! I am also excited for the foods that are associated with the seasons. I have 11 acorn squash sitting here from my one plant I have up at the garden at work. There are a LOT more on that plant. I have tomatoes ripening in a bowl (yep pick them green they will ripen beautifully) and am stocking up  on seeds and nuts sounds like I am a squirrel LOL. I will share some of the recipes with you but most of them you can find on line anyway so I think I will just do some reviews of recipes and tell you about some of the tweaks I have done for them.
I did do a slurry for my yogurt yesterday I actually followed the recipe but alas it is not quite what I wanted so I will use it in my smoothies. I think if I had just a bit more agar agar though it would have been the perfect yogurt. I have to say this is the best ever tasting yogurt I have ever had it does not go to waste at all.
I LOVE cashews. 

Today is also the day I order my Nutribullet Rx I can only imagine what it can do. I will be thrilled to be able to make soups while I am in the shower after work. I can come out to a steaming bowl of soup at night WOW and it is not nearly as noisy as the Vitamix. 

What are your new gadgets? I picked up a cherry/olive pitter at Bed, Bath and Beyond works super go tmy cherries pitted and in the freezer. I also bought frozen cherries at Costco so now I can also have a cacao cherry shake. I love my Nutriblasts and Bed, Bath,and Beyond sells the superfoods  packets so now I won't have to order online however sometimes it is best as I do have a 26 mile drive and with gas at $4 a gallon well it is not my everyday trip. 

Life is really really good right now and yesterday I made the oat groats from the back of the Bob's Red Mill package sans the oil they are the best ever. I made the mushroom gravy from Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease by  Caldwell Esselstyn it is excellent. I did add some dried onion to it but it worked!!!

Today is apple something bought some Braeburns and usually I just peel, slice and toss with pumpkin pie spice and a bit of sugar like a raw apple pie. Today I think I want an apple crisp or something. 

Well that is about all of the news I have for today anyway. 
Oh and I watched Food Matters again and am trying very hard to drink at least 2 glasses of water before anything in the morning working my way up to 2 liters!!! Then coffee time. 

Have a great day
Until next time
Keep it Plantiful!!!!!!


Saturday, August 30, 2014

Whole Wallet is right




Just got back from my shopping trip to the Whole Foods, Costco etc. Yes I live 30 miles away so I do not get there often. I have to say I am EXTREMELY disappointed in Whole Foods they have become a mecca for processed foods!!!!!!! Just crazy and the prices at this one were outrageous. I could not find a raw cashew there but even if I did it would have been close to $10 a pound (I get them at my local little health food store for $5.19 a pound!!!!!) I found spirulina for $60 REALLY!!!!!!!????????????? WTF is going on my wages have not gone up so I can not afford any of their stuff. I bought I think 3 things and the bag $22 the least I have ever spent there in my life time. I doubt I will ever go back no need. Costco is right next door made a huge score of fresh power greens, frozen cherries, frozen organic broccoli florets, walnuts, almonds, pecans etc. I will be back for more frozen fruit-- was saddened I could not find the bag of delicious apples but maybe next time. Got my supergreens for smoothies at Bed, Bath and Beyond right next to the Nutribullet display so I am good for green now.
Just needed to vent as my shopping sprees are usually better I even stopped at the Target (have not been a target store for years either) and walked back out it was filthy!! Stuff all over the floor so no need to go back there either. I am funny that way if it looks dirty it probably is so I don't go same for Wal-Mart have not been to one for almost 10 years and no plans to ever go into another EVER!!!!!!!
I am home and have the next 3 days off so I am going to head to the local grocery which is 4 miles away for some produce and start cooking. Yard work tomorrow then just hang out. I will get some of my things online instead at least I know I get what I am looking for and don't have to spend anything on gas which this trip costs me about 4 gallons at $4 a gallon so shipping is cheaper. NO chance of an accident either LOL.
Hope you all are having a wonderful holiday weekend I know I will.


Thursday, August 28, 2014

Feeling Fall


Well I can feel it in the air in the mornings now. FALL is coming upon us and I can hardly wait. Should feel more like it this weekend. I have my shopping shoes on headed to the Big Town LOL. Well for me anyway I am 30 miles from the nearest Costco, Whole Foods etc and with gas prices so high here I rarely get there well this weekend I make the trip!!! I have my list-Almonds, Walnuts, Apples, some peanut butter and hopefully a huge bag of spinach. I am hitting some of the other stores also looking for Spirulina powder, maybe some Mucuna if I can. I am losing my weight and have 7 pounds to go I am now 5 lbs lighter than high school!!!!! Who would think that at 59 years old. I feel really good and am loving my Nutribullet the drinks it makes are fantastic and the recipes are super. They use a lot of the superfoods so I did yesterday Maca, Chia, Goji Berries etc. If you have not tried these please do I got some at the local stores but I order from Nuts. com  they have super products, great service, fast delivery and things I would not normally have where I live. Their prices are also really pretty good. I can get my cashews cheaper here at a local store as well as the agar agar powder so I also support the local guy. 

What gadgets do you own, superfoods have you tried or just your favorite recipes? I love my Buckaroo beans so they are on the lists of things to make this weekend I have 4 days off so cleaning the house, my yard and lots of cooking is on the list of to do's. Oh and order a Nutribullet Rx is also on that list. I also plan on getting a few books The New Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease Cookbook is one of them by Anne and Jane Esselstyn. Check it out on Amazon it looks amazing their recipes are always great. 

So for now I am just focusing on my health, my weight loss and to prove that this can be done on a plant based diet without calorie counting. I know I am not eating as many calories either but a good 400 calorie nutriblast in the morning, a small and I mean small lunch of melon and saltine crackers(5) then home for some vegggies and rice or potatoes and another blast well I am full, I am getting what I need and the weight comes off. I will be turning some of those nightly veggies into a soup instead when I get the Nutribullet Rx though. I can make soup while I take my shower when I get home from work how nice is that!!!! 

So with that thought in mind I will leave this blog done for today. I hope you enjoyed the recipe for the caponata I made a huge batch and eat it over Bob's Red Mill Brown and Wild Rice combo. 

Have a wonderful weekend 
Until Next Time
Keep it Plantiful


Sunday, August 24, 2014

Busy Month


Whew!!! It has been a very busy three weeks for me. I have worked two Saturdays and was in a parade on one of the other Saturdays'. Just too busy and am still trying to catch up on things. Being all by yourself makes it a bit more difficult as my bird is really not good at housework LOL.

Today is Anne Burrell's Caponata recipe sans the oil and sugar. I love that stuff it is just the best I even made a special trip to get the eggplant. I do not roast the eggplant I just cut it up and pretty much put it all in a pot and let it simmer-- I have tons of zucchini as you can see from the picture that is from the garden I have at our work place. I have 8 Acorn squash sitting here that will also be very good stuffed with the caponata her recipe is the best thing I have ever eaten.
I will put it below just remember you do not need to use the oil or the sugar and it still comes out beautifully.
I can feel fall in the air which is a great sign for me as we head into my favorite months of October, November and December. They are my favorites. I like September too it feels like a new year is beginning with school starting that sort of thing time to reaffirm my plant based ways. I am finding it much easier anymore to just eat this way the weight stays away, I can eat tons of food and like what I get.
I am also excited to be ordering the New Nutribullet Rx

I will be doing that in a week or so.  It makes hot things!!!!!
Then next up another order from Nuts.com they have the best stuff ever that will be a LOT of pitted dates. Time to get some books also. I have a lot on my plate and keep my Walk Live Leader certification so a busy time for me. .

Here is the recipe and until next time ---Keep it Plantiful

Caponata-Anne Burrell

Ingredients
1 large eggplant, peeled, alternating with 1-inch strips of skin left on, cut into 1-inch dice
Extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt
1 large red onion, cut into 1/2-inch dice
Pinch crushed red pepper flakes
1 fennel bulb, cut into 1/2-inch dice
3 ribs celery, cut into 1/2-inch dice
6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 red and 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch dice
2 zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch dice
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup tomato paste
2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 cup golden raisins
1/4 cup capers
1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
1/2 bunch mint, cut into chiffonade
Directions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

In a large bowl, toss the eggplant generously with olive oil and salt, to taste. Spread out on a baking sheet and roast until the eggplant is soft and mushy, about 15 to 20 minutes. Reserve.

Coat a wide deep pot with olive oil. Toss in the onion and crushed red pepper and season with salt, to taste. Cook over medium-high heat until the onions are soft and aromatic, about 8 to 10 minutes.

Add the fennel, celery and garlic and cook for another 5 to 6 minutes. Stir in the peppers and cook for another 5 to 6 minutes. Add the zucchini, season with salt, to taste, and cook until the zucchini and all the veggies are soft and aromatic and starting to come together as a stew, about 5 to 6 minutes. Toss in the eggplant, 1/2 cup of water and the tomato paste. Cook until the water has evaporated. Dissolve the sugar in the vinegar in a small bowl and add it to the mixture. Stir in the raisins, capers, pine nuts and mint. Cook for another 5 to 6 minutes.

Let cool and transfer the caponata to a serving bowl. Serve immediately or even better tomorrow or the next day.

Monday, August 4, 2014

Cashew Yogurt


Well it has been an interesting week to say the least. This picture was my first batch of Cashew Milk  Yogurt ever. It was delicious!!!
I have never worked with agar agar before but it turns out beautiful yogurt. That was a bit too thick for me but that is okay in a smoothie it won't matter! I also just ate it layered with some grape nuts I had around here but perfect with granola. I had put in some chunked up peaches in this batch. I will need to work on the flavoring part of it a bit. I just turned out my second batch yesterday I of course forgot to get the agar agar working well so I reheated and WOW it thickened right up. A bit too much so I have some of the base in the fridge waiting for the next batch. The next batch will use some of the new batch as the culture and I will see if that works.
The machine is awesome!
I got the Cuisinart machine that also cools it down it is wonderful-- the yogurt that came out of this machine is like no other I have ever had. Easy to use, holds a LOT and worked perfectly. Takes 8 hours to culture then they say let it cool for 12 hours but I let it cool for a few hours then put it in the fridge. The taste is unbelievable. I have another yogurt maker but it is not like this one. I got this one at HSN.com on flex pay it is $129 plus shipping but still a wonderful machine. I have used it 3 times already in a week! It is also fairly small so it stays on the counter top. 

The recipe for the yogurt will be coming as I need to tweak the agar agar a bit to get what I want and I think I need to strain the cashew milk, or soak the cashews(I am really bad for that one) anyway with cashews being so neutral in flavor they work the best.

What have you been cooking or making? It has been warm here so this makes a great dessert or smoothie, after it is done I was planning on adding it to some frozen bananas in my Dessert Bullet and see if I can get some frozen yogurt out of it. Alternating with yogurt and banana it should work. 

I had better head out and get ready for work today it is very very hot in our building and yesterday my air conditioner died here so the house will get warm also. NOT FUN but I will survive. 

Until next time
Keep it Plantiful





Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Fresh veggies and yogurt


Wow fresh tomatoes, lemon cucumbers, and zucchini what could be better!!?? I am using them in all kinds of things. Waiting for the tomatoes to ripen but the rest are coming along and I already had 10 zucchini picked.
Hopefully I will get a couple cantaloupes out of it also as they were a bit stunted with some watering issues.

I am also looking forward to a few books this winter and I am going to order from Nuts.com as I see they have chestnuts there.I also see they have maca powder, mullberries and a lot of things so there is also a wish list on that site. I will be perfecting my cashew yogurt as well I like the thickness now but would like it to be a bit thicker. This batch was made with cornstarch albeit not organic but hey you gotta work with what ya got!!! I have tapioca starch and agar agar here also. I think the agar agar will work best but it took me a couple times around the internet to see how they use it for other milks. I get it now and will be trying that also. It is rich, creamy and I added vanilla I swear it tastes just like some of the stuff I have bought in the store sans the soy!

Would you want to try it? I am in love with cashews and they also work on things in your head
I know this works I made cashew milk for two weeks and wondered one day why I was so upbeat and just found myself smiling!!! Try them they are also soft so no need for nut milk bags etc.
You can soak them if you wish but I usually don't I use 1 cup maybe 1 cup and 1 tablespoon to 5 cups of hot water put it in the Vitamix and turn it on. I use this for my yogurt, my creamer, my smoothies, over cereal, just for anything. I also make alfredo sauce out of these, white sauce, whipped topping you name it they just work for everything. 

Well enough on those as I can go on and on about the benefits of them also for your heart too.
I also like the fact that my things usually have very very few ingredients and no additives. 
So with that bit of news I will be off to enjoy my muesli and anxiously await the arrival of my new Cuisinart Yogurt Maker that also does the cooling!!!
Until next time 
Keep it Plantiful



Saturday, July 26, 2014

Happy Saturday

This is a picture of my amazing garden area at work. I work for the Earth2o bottled water company. I stack empty bottles as they come out of the blow molding machines. We inspect them then put them on a palletizer and they are ready to be filled with the absolute best water ever! The gardens there are a way to use the runoff water from the filling machines it goes into a huge tank then is pumped out to our garden area. It is also a green company as well. This is not the latest picture it has almost tripled in size. I have gotten 7 zucchini already, I have about 20 tomatoes on the plant, somewhere around 60 lemon cucumbers and my cantaloupe are also on their way. Oh and I have 4 acorn squash as well. I am having a blast with this I did not do it last year as I had already planted mine here however they grow up there like there is something going on. It must be the water LOL. 

Today I am making yogurt and zucchini chips. I am enjoying my Saturday as I usually do.  Tomorrow is yard day and then to work out a few things in my head to start making more of my own food. I have grown a lot of things so far but would like to continue this so I am looking at building some sort of  something maybe a few straw bales for sides something like that. I will think this through then keep you up on that.

Any plans? Mine are just to hang out and not do much it is headed for the dog days of summer so time to relax and then get ready for fall and winter. 

Happy Saturday everyone
Until Next Time
Keep it Plantiful


Thursday, July 17, 2014

Good Thursday

Good Thursday everyone
Well here I sit trying to get my house cooled off before I leave for work. It hit 100 degrees in that building yesterday and that is not a lot of fun! Very hard on my body anyway. I am hydrated but still you are uncomfortable to say the least and then in the winter it is a brisk 50 degrees so the same. It is a huge building so I understand and that is part of the manufacturing world for sure. 
I am just grateful for having a job that is 40 hours a week so I just keep moving forward.

I am also surrounded by wildfires here so the air to say the least is very smoky. This is not the healthiest time to be outdoors either. I work 17 miles away which is closer to the fires and there is ash falling in the air there. It will get here though usually does and this is a typical Central Oregon summer. Being so hot and dry and most of these are due to the 1000's of lightening strikes last weekend. I always feel bad for the displaced animals who lose their homes when this happens. This is mother nature doing some house cleaning -- but it still bothers me.

As for the food part of it well I am still drinking my smoothies for my brunch every day, my lunch at work yesterday was just some cucumbers and crackers. Heat and food with me are not to be combined well.
I did put some celery, cucumber and apple in my NutriBullet but I was not too thrilled so after trying to drink it I decide hmmmm a great base for gazpacho so that is what I am doing with it this weekend. I froze it and it will be there waiting for the rest of the ingredients. I love gazpacho.  When I have things that don't always work out well I try to think of something else they will work with or at least turn into. I don't like to waste things and it happens to me. I am trying very hard but I am not a menu oriented person but I should be would be good however when the day comes to eat a certain thing what if I am not in the same mood as when I wrote it? What do you do?  Being a trained chef it is so much easier to make something quickly and I can literally make some of the worst foods taste great so no need for the menu then? I will see if I can start this fall and get the menu thing going. It would be great for the shopping list. 

What is up next I really don't know. I always have things going on in my head -paint my shirts, work on some recipes for this blog,just some hints and tips for cooking quickly, whatever comes to my mind.
I need to really think this out. I would like to make a few bucks on the side. I have dreams of a lot of things and being close to 60 well sometimes I think it is too late other times I think HECK NO!!! My one dream is to have a food cart that just sells potato dishes period. Just spuds that is all with all kinds of toppings that sort of thing. I make some awesome potato items. Sort of a spudnation sort of thing LOL. I think it would work and it would be fairly easy to do with just potatoes. Just ides running inside my head all of the time. I am sort of a leftover hippie, listening to that different drummer for sure. 

Well here is my dessert from last night

Maple, Banana and Walnut Ice Dream

Bananas-frozen but thawed a bit for the dessert bullet
Walnuts
Maple syrup 
You put in according to your tastes 
This tastes like maple walnut ice cream I did this in the dessert bullet but if you add some nut milk you can also make it a shake.
Enjoy the day
Until Next time
Keep in Plantiful


Sunday, July 13, 2014

Great Sunday


I am sharing a picture of the park I literally live inside of. Yes I do this is Smith Rock State Park. It was a muggy morning but I got out and walked my 2 miles today. It sure felt good feet were rocking it!!! No pain took my Exterstrider Poles too got a great workout in. It has been hot here in the mid to upper 90's all week and the same for next week. We had thunderstorms today.

I also got my new toys a NutriBullet and a DessertBullet WOW is all I can say about them. They work wonderfully. The Nutribullet is just the best for small things and the dessert bullet well I tossed my Yonanas machine in the trash today. This is so much quieter and does a wonderful wonderful job of making fruit into a frozen dessert.  I also used my Vitamix this weekend too. I made some salad dressing without any oil it turned out pretty good really. It will get a bit of a rest though the Nutribullet is more my size and does a nice job of things. I also drank more tea thanks to the coffeemaker. So all it all my new toys are proving to be very very helpful around here. I love kitchen gadgets but am finding I am spending more $$ and getting better quality ones also. The dehydrator is an Excalibur, Vitamix, Nutribullet, Cuisinart, KitchenAid that sort of thing. The only way I afford any of this is QVC or HSN on the payment plans but I am glad I got them.
The dehydrator will get more use this winter it puts off quite a bit of heat so not when it is 81 inside am I turning that on LOL.

That has been most of my weekend learning new the new toys, walking, getting my yard work done and just relaxing a bit. I head to work tomorrow in a very very hot building as I have said usually hangs around the 93-97 degree mark in there. We do have fans but it is still hot!!!! Lots of water available though so that is nice and it is in a water cooler out on the floor so we can get nice cold water. It warms up fast though but we are drinking it and lots of it too.

Hydration is a big key for me especially if I need to get some extra pounds off from eating the salted items of which I watched very closely this weekend. Salt can just pack the pounds on me as does bread so I have given up the bread for awhile anyway. An  occasional piece here and there won't matter but other than that I am passing it up.

Well with all of that I will end this blog for today. I am off for some tea and maybe a small WFPB treat.
How about you?
Until Next Time
Keep it Plantiful



Thursday, July 10, 2014

It's Thursday!!!!


Ah this is home sweet home for me Central Oregon I love it here must I have been here 20 years!
It is going to be a warm one today and we are under a fire watch it is very very dry here in the high desert.

I am sitting here enjoying my cup of coffee(yes I do drink coffee albeit not a lot though) from my new single cup brewer. I wonder sometimes why it takes me so long to get on the bandwagon with things. I guess I have to sit back and wait and watch. 
My NutriBullet 900 and the Nutribullet dessert maker will be here tomorrow that will make it a fun weekend to finally  "NutriBlast" myself. I love my Vitamix don't get me wrong and I would be getting me a new one if it ever breaks but sometimes I want to just be able to make and take and the NutriBullet allows me to do that. 
I watched the demo for two days this weekend and am glad for my decision.

What are your favorite appliances?  I also am finding I am spending more on them and getting awesome quality ones over the less costly and buying them a lot. I did that with blenders and after you do that say 5 times you already paid for the one you thought you could not afford in the first place!!!
QVC and HSN make all of this possible anymore with flex pay oh and not to mention Fingerhut though the shipping can be a bit high from them. The products are the same, colors etc. I still have stuff from them from 25 years ago! Pick your "store" and get yourself something that will make this plantiful life easier, more fun for sure as you can do more with it and just enjoy!!! I would be lost without my cashew creamer, cashew and oat miks etc I make in my Vitamix. I do not do nut butters yet as it costs a lot for the nuts here and you have to have 24 oz to make the butter. I tried the smaller amount not the best idea but I did use my Cuisinart to finish it up. If you want the smoothest hummus you need a Vitamix or Blentec, make a "cheez" sauce or the cashew "alfredo" you need one or at least a Cuisinart/Kitchenaid food processor. 
Invest in your health that is how I think of it an investment in ME!!!!!!!!!

No added ingredients you can't pronounce just simple ingredients for a great meal. 

The Cashew "Alfredo" just fly by the seat of your pants here but it works

Raw Cashews a good handful or more
Chopped garlic
HOT water
NOTE: you can add parsley, basil, etc to this also if you so desire.
Put the cashews and any other raw nut but a peanut into the blender with the garlic 
pulse a few times to get them mixed well then turn it on and slowly add enough very hot water and watch it come to a creamy sauce consistency. Season with salt and serious black pepper. 
Toss with your favorite cooked pasta mine happens to be linguine and enjoy!!
You can top with vegan parm and if you really want a treat mix in some bacon bits that are not the real thing of course. I usually try not to add these much anymore but every now and then I like them. 

Well I had better get my work done today before I go to work but think about buying a real good appliance for yourself.
Invest in your health.
Until next time
Keep it Plantiful



Tuesday, July 8, 2014

HOT Tuesday




It is well on it's way to 95 today for sure.  I know it is not as hot as in Arizona but when you are inside a metal building it is hot enough. It will be close to 100 in there today not a fun place to be I just pace myself.
This morning has been a great one so far--up earlier as I want to start doing that I don't need to sleep more as I am now sleeping better anyway. I figured out is was the soda I gave up that was keeping me up! I do still indulge now and then but not like before. Feels good.

I made some creamy oat milk this morning which is going in my smoothies. My Cuisinart Single Coffee Maker is out for delivery today I won't get it till I get home but that is okay as long as it does not sit in the hot sun all day long. I got my Pilates in and my body will thank me. I love my reformer I am just not focused  like I used to be. I am not with a crowd of health enthusiasts anymore and that makes a huge difference. No one seems to want to learn but me! I find that odd but I still keep up or try anyway.

Today is a watermelon day for me also at work and a couple crackers. My body does not like food and heat so I take it easy in that department.

My Yogurt cultures are also on their way next purchase is the Cuisinart Yogurt Maker with the cooler in it.
I am excited I can finally make nut milk yogurts first up is Cashew of course I got a recipe off the internet that uses pectin which is found in apples to thicken it. I will try it out and then I am going to make some others.

It is going to be a great summer. Now to be able to get out and walk my long miles on Sundays that starts this weekend. I will do at least 3 miles then work up to my usual 7-12 miles. It has been a very long time but I am determined. I miss those long walks however this week I am also working 6 days and with it being such a physical job well you can imagine my body gets tired.

With that I will let you go for today.
Eat well, be well and above all
Keep it Plantiful


Monday, July 7, 2014

Happy Monday




Good Morning or afternoon depending on where you are at! 
I love living here! 
I am having my morning cup of Java and am excited that all of my things have shipped. I will be thrilled to get the NutriBullet I think I will use it quite a bit. I am going to try a green smoothie this morning. 
I had one almost two years ago and got a touch of food poisoning from the spinach so I have been very very gun shy ever since. However today I am going to do it!!!! I will add it in after I wash it like crazy.I buy a mix of spinach and kale and will be using that.I know I am not supposed to eat Kale in the raw form so will pick some of that out.Thyroid has to do with that and my other favorite veggies and fruits. I eat them a lot anyway but if you cook them a bit it is okay. They are goitrogens and not a good thing. 

What are you doing today? I am back to work in a very very hot building and it is supposed to hit 93 today UGH.
I will survive though I just pace myself. 
We are in the 90's all week long so welcome Summer!!!!
I even think the animals know it as the birds are not chirping outside my window today like usual. 

Up next is also how to get more pictures on here. I am not very good at keeping my camera with me at all times so I will have to learn that one!!! I am not even good at keeping my phone with me for pictures. 
This will have to be addressed when I want to share recipes and things with everyone.
I am not a fussy cook by any means. I sometimes just throw things together and don't look back :-))
I can usually take a recipe of 18 steps and get that down to 5 or so. No need for a lot of work unless you like that sort of thing and being a professional chef for years in a kitchen you really do not have time to do a lot of extra steps. Some things cannot be "veganized" but most can. 
My focus has always been on flavor and patience when cooking. Rarely do  I like to rush things other than when I get home from work. Bean dishes can cook all day long to get the flavor that is wanted. Stews need to simmer, sauces etc The upside of this is that it just wraps the house in great smells.
Quick items like a baked potato in the microwave is fine. My mac and cheese should have been baked but I was hungry so I did hurry that one up. I will put the sauce on  here this week. Get the nutritional yeast ready. I also mixed it all in my Vitamix before I heated it up it was so smooooooooth. 

Well enough rambling for this morning. Keep at your goals. I am trying to lose the last 12 pounds wish me luck. This picture says it all however I will add that it is almost all diet. Exercise is great for your heart, muscles etc however your diet will do more for your body than anything.




Until next time 
Keep it Plantiful





Sunday, July 6, 2014

Glorious Sunday

Happy Sunday everyone
Well the above picture shows what is on it's way to me!!! I can hardly wait. Yes I do have a Vitamix but it is not as portable as this. I still LOVE MY VITAMIX  oh and they are on QVC today as a special value.
I also got the Dessert Bullet and the insulated bag to go with it. I shopped a bit much this weekend!!!!!
I will use them all for sure as I am sitting here enjoying my banana,mango and coconut smoothie. These seem to do the trick for me really really well especially as the thermometer is headed for the 90's today.

I am cleaning out my pantry today and pouring the water onto my yard with 97 degrees for Tuesday it will be  glad I did. 

There is a slight breeze outside, sun is up and oh such a beautiful morning. I even got my Pilates in today.
A few more chores and I can just sit back and enjoy the day.
What are you up too? 

I won't be doing much cooking today as I am eating leftovers from the other day. The 4 bean salad with the the 3-2-1 dressing worked out really really well.

Keep it Plantiful everyone 
I will be back later
Enjoy this glorious day!!!



Saturday, July 5, 2014


Good Saturday morning everyone!!!

Today is another gorgeous day here in Central Oregon.
I love living here lots and lots of sun and there are definitely 4 seasons. I had a great day yesterday. I spent a few bucks though last night some impulsive buys but I have looked at them for a very long time.
I own a Vitamix but I ordered the NutriBullet and the NutriBullet Dessert maker also. I love my Vitamix but sometimes I wish it was not as large, I could just take it with me etc so the bullet should address those issues. I can finally take it with me. It was a great deal on HSN also extra flex pays, free shipping etc. I also own a Yonannas but the dessert bullet seems to also do more stuff so we shall see. I have almost 12 pounds ore more of bananas in the freezer right now. I am going to continue with this tradition of buying at least 8 lbs every week and freezing them. I am lost without my smoothie everyday to keep me going till at least 6 p.m. and they do!!!!!

What are your favorite gadgets? I am quite the gadget owner however I also use them ALL can you imagine one person can use all of these.I have no regrets I am just spending a bit much this summer. My reward for working in 95 degrees and 6 days a week I guess. Well not all 6 day weeks but next week is again.
My plants at work in the garden are just growing like weeds!!! I have blossoms everywhere so I am anxiously awaiting the fruits lemon cucumbers, zucchini, cantaloupe and acorn squash. I have radishes, potatoes, Swiss chard, spinach etc growing at home. 

I am headed to town for my cashews today, some new pants as mine are worn out or too big nice problem to have. The Dollar Store for my frozen fruits they have some of the best stuff and only a dollar!!!

Enjoy your Saturday I am going to just hang out, rest my back which is on the fritz and take in the beautiful weather.

Until next time
Keep it Plantiful

Here is a recipe from Engine 2

Migas

I’ve never met a Texan who doesn’t like migas. The word is derived from the Spanish word for crumbs, and the dish is traditionally made using eggs, cheese, sausage, tortillas, and salsa. Part of the Tex-Mex food culture, it’s a dish that creates a very satisfying melody of tastes. Served with a side of healthy refried beans, corn tortillas, salsa, and fresh fruit, with this dish mornings just don’t get much better???

INGREDIENTS:

1 onion, chopped

8 ounces mushrooms, sliced

2 tomatoes, chopped

1 pound firm tofu, drained, pressed with a cloth, and mashed

1 teaspoon turmeric

3 corn tortillas cut into 1 inch squares

1 can fat-free vegetarian refried beans, warmed in non-stick skillet



Salsa (see page 00)

4 corn tortillas (enjoy them the same way you would toast, or to make little tacos)



INSTRUCTIONS:

Sauté onion in non-stick skillet on medium heat with a little water or low sodium vegetable broth for 3 minutes or until translucent.

Add mushrooms and tomatoes. Cook for 7 minutes or until most of their juices have been cooked away.

Add tofu, turmeric, and tortillas squares. Cook for a few minutes, or until mixture is warmed through.

Place a generous spoonful of migas on a plate and top with salsa. Or, serve in corn tortillas for breakfast tacos!





Friday, July 4, 2014

Happy 4th of July!!!!

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Happy 4th of July to everyone!!!!

I just got home and unpacked my groceries for the upcoming week. I even got all of my bananas in the freezer and I mean there were a lot of them close to 10#. I get to buy the brown ones in a bag for 99cents!!!
You can't beat that price. I love my smoothies before work so I am lost without my bananas. 

I will also be making a 4 bean salad today and using Jane Esselstyn's 3-2-1 dressing very very easy to make the recipes are to follow . I love the beans but this with a little red onion mixed in will be perfect. 

Just a cloudy day here today but oh so much cooler than it has been and the heat wave is on it's way from what I can see anyway. 

What are you making today? Grilled Corn on the Cob? salads, carrot dogs?, bean burgers, potatoes etc.
Whatever it is enjoy it and keep it Plantiful.
Here is the recipe for the dressing and visit this site for more recipes. It is also not a bad idea to read those books they are from either 

Jane's 3-2-1 Dressing

3 parts Balsamic Vinegar
2 parts Mustard -any kind you like
1 part maple syrup or other sweetener
Mix and enjoy!!!




Thursday, July 3, 2014

Weekend ahead


Well it is finally here Thursday. I am so glad tomorrow is a day off and a day of rest for this old body. I somehow pulled a muscle in my back at work and it sure does act up at night!!!

I will be doing some cooking tomorrow, a bit of shopping at the local store gotta get my watermelon and then home to just hang out. I may go for a walk depends on how I am feeling. I miss my walks but this job has sort of just really put a strain on my body. We move 8 hours a day turning, lifting, etc.

Well enough of that now what is on the food agenda? Well carrot dogs on buns for sure, some potato salad, hummus, mac and cheez and whatever else I can find. Oh and a HUGE chocolate shake out of bananas and cocoa powder. I love those things. Maybe some popcorn later in the day. A nice salad with some hummus dressing? Oh and I will nibble on watermelon all day long. I can make myself sick with that stuff I just love it.
 It sounds like a lot but not really most of it is already made.
The carrot dogs are easy I will just pick up the buns albeit the wrong kind but oh well. I may even opt to wrap them in a tortilla instead. Seems that bread will just put weight on me. I do not like that !!!!!
It is much easier to eat potatoes and watch it fall off than to eat a piece of bread and notice the scale rising.
ARGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The carrot dog recipe can easily be googled and they do come out nicely. I do use a bit of oil with the popcorn as I do have a few exceptions to the no oil rule but I think I have two of them. Popcorn and Veganise on a sandwich now and then.

Next week the Cuisinart Coffee Brewer arrives I will be glad-- I can then enjoy some tea when I get home, a decaf coffee etc. I really don't drink much so this will be less wasteful also. It comes with a K Cup filter so I can still use my coffee not buy the pods but I want to be able to do both. It also says you can brew it right over ice for iced drinks that will be fabulous. I know I will use it and I try everything!!!

I am starting to just purchase very very good brand appliances. They make life easier and sometimes I wonder why I did not do it sooner. The Excalibur Dehydrator was one of them. It is the best I don't use it everyday but I do use it a lot when I do. I can hardly wait to make zucchini chips from my plant at work it is just HUGE.

Well I think that is all for today I am just rambling on.
Have a wonderful 4th.
Until next time
Keep it Plantiful.





Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Happy Tuesday!


Happy Tuesday everyone.
Well it is half way for me today WOOHOO!!!!!!!!!!!! I got on the scale this morning which I do not do very often and guess what down another 2 lbs. Drink your water!!! I know this is what helped me a LOT. If you do not drink enough it can inhibit any kind of weight loss you are looking for. It is also great for your skin, just everything really. It is supposed to be hot here today 93 degrees first for us this summer so far. I am catching the Extended Interviews from Forks over Knives this morning before work keeps me focused. I love these doctors they make so much sense to me and it works!!!

I think I will make my kalamata hummus which is really just chickpeas, lemon juice, garlic and olives all pureed up I love that stuff. The I put it on toast with sliced tomatoes what a great looking open face sandwich. It is also very rich so be careful.

I use the base recipe from Engine 2 you can find it on line. I do not add the braggs but you can if you would like. This stuff is addictive but oh so good and you can eat as much as you would like.

Date Nut smoothie this morning then some hummus and flaxseed crackers etc life is good. I get a 3 day weekend and am so looking forward to it. Some working outside, shopping for my favorite foods and some painting of shirts.

Life is good.
Until next time
Keep it Plantiful




Monday, June 30, 2014

Good Monday


Hi Everyone!!!
I hope you had a great Plantiful Weekend. I sure did ---lots of cooking of course. Got the chickpeas all cooked up which are one of my weaknesses for sure. I can just eat them by the handful.
I am all ready for work today a short week though which is nice! I am catching Forks over Knives before I go today. I love that film and I watch is often to keep me motivated. 
It is going to be hot here this week so I am ready for it. I really do not eat much at work when it gets that hot as we are working in a tin can so to speak a huge metal building with no venting yet so it can get upwards of 100+ degrees in there. Since it is a water company we get to drink often and lots of water!
I quit drinking soda a few weeks ago. I miss the fizz though but I can still do that with just water also and add some flavorings. Dasani has not Propylene Glycol in it so that is a bit safer than MIO which does. I loved Crystal Light but it has aspartame so it is now out also. I am not opposed to Splenda but I use it rarely. I prefer organic sugar and sucanat. I have never cared for Stevia but I do use maple syrup and agave which are also getting less and less in my diet. 

Please tell your friends to follow this blog as I will be posting more recipes, my painted shirts etc in the next few months. I am new to this so it is a journey we will take together. I also love photography but am working on that one for this blog. I took the picture that is on this page years ago I love Mt. Jefferson. 

What are your plans for the 4th of July? Me I am working out in my yard and then having some carrot dogs, potato salad, and if I am really energetic make a 3 bean salad. 

Oh and I also ordered a new single serve coffee maker now I can have just one cup of tea when I get home and no worries. I do not drink a lot of coffee really so this will help on any waste. I get it next week oh and I can also use it for hot water how great is that!!!!????

Well enough rambling time to get going and start my day. 

Until next time
Keep it Plantiful



Sunday, June 29, 2014

Happy Sunday

Happy Happy Sunday everyone!!!!


It is a perfect day outside today. The sun is out, not too warm is the forecast and just a very very slight breeze. This is perfection to me I love it when it is just in the high 70's and it is extremely quiet also here.
I also love my Sunday mornings even though work was a real hoot last night I still love my time.

Today is also my cooking day so the garbanzos are already on. Mac and Cheez is on the menu for this coming week, as is some potato salad, and the banana leather roll up I did well it is really actually pretty good.
I made the banana leather/soft dough in the dryer it was an accident I turned into something

1 good handful of walnuts
1 good handful of raisins
These were soaked

2 medium bananas
2 c. flax seed meal
1 good tsp of vanilla
Blend this all till really really smooth  then spread out on some unbleached parchment paper (regular if you have it) and then I put this in my Excalibur Dehydrator on 150 for about 4 hours. You could do it in a low over also.

When it is fairly dry then you spread it with some peanut butter( real stuff with just peanuts and maybe salt) then I spread  it with melted chocolate chips (I use Costco brand there is really not much in those)  and roll it up. I put this in the fridge overnight it got really really stiff but I took it out and let it sit at room temperature for a bit. I tell ya it came out pretty good. It is very very rich though so cut small slices.

Here is the result of my mistake LOL
So with that I will retreat once again to my kitchen and see what else is in store for the coming week.
The mac and cheeze is one of my all time favorites. I would prefer whole wheat pasta but alas it is just regular but that is okay. 

I keep my weight down pretty well eating this way and I eat a lot in fact I lost a pound yesterday while I was at work!!!! That is  a first for me but I was excited. 

So Until next time
Keep it Plantiful



Friday, June 27, 2014

TGIF


I am sure glad it is Friday today!! Only one more day to go. I loved my cashew taco butter the other day it turned out really really good  and paired with lettuce, tomato and organic oat bread mmmmm. Great lunch and not too heavy either.  I did try to make a banana bread spread well it is NOW banana bread leather instead the dryer is almost finished with it. I have to say it tastes just like banana bread!!!

I have my disasters as most do but I usually figure out a way to save them or use them in something else as I really do not want to waste those precious ingredients. 

I am also going to be mixing some nuts and beans together and see what happens.I have made cookie dough hummus before following a recipe I found online it was really really good.
 I will include the Cashew Taco Butter recipe below, You can follow me on Instagram also I am in there and Facebook, Twitter all of those. 

It is not too hard to make 
1/2 cup cashew butter
1 TBL taco seasoning (adjust to your taste and watch the salt!)
Mix very very well and enjoy--- this would also be good mixed into some tofu sour cream or tofu cream cheese.

Enjoy the time has just flown by this morning I have to get ready for work shortly. 
Have a most wonderful Friday 
Until Next Tiome
Keep in Plantiful





Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Plantiful Thoughts

I am glad for today as it is half way for my work week. Yep we work Saturday this week. I still have my morning though which I love!!! I find it calming to sit with my cup of coffee, peruse the news on the computer while I listen to my OPB which is public broadcasting here in Oregon. I live inside a State Park (Smith Rock) so it is also very very quiet up here except for the occasional WOOHOO from a hiker in the park.

This morning I am having my oatmeal with walnuts and raisins it is a cooler morning. I love these mornings clouds hanging overhead, stillness and the bird choir is singing in the trees for me. Silence otherwise very very peaceful.

The agenda for this weekend well my one day off anyway is to work with some nut butters, I had a brainstorm last night at work and was thinking I do not see many nut butters out there like date bread buttter, maple walnut butter, coconut cashew and chocolate etc. I thought well if they are not out there then I will have to just create them. I also want to make one that is hot and spicy!! Cashew Jalapeno comes to mind. You could drizzle that on a tortilla, add it to a dressing, mix it in with a tofu cream cheese or just eat it with your spoon!

I always have tons of ideas I however am NOT GOOD with measurements as I sort of fly by the seat of my pants on that one. I usually use a cup of nuts and go from there hopefully if I want to share recipes I will have to work on this or maybe not. I find it easier when I just go with it and if I end up with a bit much I share or I freeze it for later.

I also want to try a curry butter oh that would be falafel heaven to dip those into some great curry butter or maybe a garlic almond butter. Oh the ideas are just coming out of me again. I love it. I will share these as I want some alternatives to butter that us WFPB eaters can use.  I love nuts as they add some depth, protein, and flavor and occasionally some crunch.

So with the thoughts of nut butters in my head I will leave you.
Until next time

Keep it Plantiful!

 Oh and another cause I am all about is below!!!