Recipe Test: Raw Vegan Tacos

Credit:  astivegan.com

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INGREDIENTS:

• Collard greens
• Almonds
• Cumin
• Coriander
• Chili powder
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Salt & Pepper
• Tomatoes
• Raw olives (I left out this time)
• Avocado
• Cilantro

I know what you are thinking ... vegan tacos?!  I thought so too but figured what the hell - give it a try and see.   I'm glad I did because I LOVED these!  No - not just liked ... loved!  The taco sauce made with the nuts and spices is awesome.  Just two filled me up which isn't surprising when you think about it because we are talking about a small avocado, a roma tomato, two collard green leaves and ground nuts in olive oil.  

This WILL be a repeat recipe!  And the great thing - it takes no time to make.  Other than the food processor for the sauce, knife, cutting board and your dinner plate you use no pots, pans, dishes! Just roll them up like a burrito or hold like a soft taco and you are good to go!   I liked it so much I forced Hubby to try it ... he looked at it at first like that would be pure and utter torture but he did it AND liked them!  

Whodathunkit?  Raw ... Vegan ... and YUMMY! 

Recipe Test: Chia Fresca

Credit: ohsheglows.com

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INGREDIENTS:

• Coconut water (or plain water)
• Chia seeds
• Lemon or lime juice
• Sweetener (maple syrup)

Photo Credit: ohsheglows.com

Forgot to take my own picture so showing the one from the site with the recipe.  Her picture is much prettier than the drink was in real life.  The chia seeds look like little bugs in the water.   That being said I grabbed this around 10AM and slowly drank it through my work day.  Next thing I know I look up and it is almost quitting time and I'd never once thought about lunch!  That DOESN'T happen so I can only assume it was this keeping the hunger at bay.  Chia seeds contain fiber, protein, calcium, magnesium, copper, iron, zinc, omega 3 fatty acids and more!  They get this kind of gelatinous coating when they sit in water so when you drink it they slide right down no problem.  I thought it would be thick and goopy but it wasn't.  

As the original blogger said 'you'll either love it or hate it' ... I didn't love it but definitely didn't hate it.  And if it keeps me full and is good for me then worth having again! 

Recipe Test: Sushi Bowl with Asparagus & Avocado

Credit: tastespace.wordpress.com

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INGREDIENTS:

• Brown rice (short grain)
• Asparagus
• Orange
• Lemon
• Agave nectar (I used honey)
• Soy sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Avocado
• Sesame seeds (I was out so substituted with chia seeds)
• Nori

Sushi without the actual sushi?  Yep!  No raw fish here - though I do love me some sashimi it is not something I don't think I'll ever make it at home.  This actually did taste like sushi when you got all of the tastes in one bite.  The rice was a bit too orangy but that's easily something that could be toned down next time.  I'd never thought of putting nori in a salad like this but it was great!

Will make again!  Even Hubby liked it!

Recipe Test: Spinach Burgers

Credit: thevillagecook.com

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INGREDIENTS:

• Spinach
• Egg
• Onion
• Shredded cheese (I used Monterrey jack)
• Bread crumbs (I used whole wheat)
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt
• Garlic powder

Quick and easy to mix together.  Just form into patties and cook on a skillet the same way you would a pancake.

I used my olive oil sprayer so that it wouldn't be too much oil.  Worked very well.  

They aren't what one would call pretty ... but they are yummy.  And this one is definitely HUBBY APPROVED!  He scarfed them all down so no leftovers at all.  

Recipe Test: Cinnamon Quinoa Bake

Credit: www.fitsugar.com

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INGREDIENTS:

• Quinoa
• Eggs
• Soy Milk (I used whole milk)
• Maple syrup
• Vanilla extract
• Cinnamon

I was getting a little sick of scrambled eggs for breakfast so decided that I'd find something else.  This was what I chose.  It has worked well.  Texture is a little off for a 'cake' but put it in the microwave a little bit and then add a little bit of maple syrup on top and a good breakfast.  Even Hubby liked it! 

Recipe Test: Baked Zucchini Cakes

Credit: theyeasticando.blogspot.com

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INGREDIENTS:

• Zucchini
• Salt
• Panko bread crumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Egg
• Green onions
• Red bell pepper
• Dijon mustard
• Mayonnaise
• Red pepper flakes
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper
• Onion powder
• Cayenne pepper
• Oregano
• Thyme

Easy to make and tasty.  I made them to have for lunches this week.  Not bad cold straight out of the fridge. Good grab and go item.  

Good Thing it Ain't June

So after my productive day of yard work and gardening Memorial Day weekend I woke up the next day with my lower back in agony.  I threw it out a few years back and I must have pulled it again because there was no way I was doing anything else physical.  Just moving around was bad enough that I caved in and instead of cooking dinner let Hubby pick up take out.   He wanted to do Subway which just sounded disgusting to me ... salty processed meat, white bread, who knows what it is cheese slices ... nope!  I figured it ain't June yet, if I'm going to do take out then I want something I actually crave.  Yep ... I ate a big ole cheeseburger and french fries!

Was it worth it?  Well ... the fries yes ... the burger NO!  It wasn't bad but it was ... well, disappointing.  I guess I've been romancing my old go to foods & reality sure as hell wasn't as good as the memory!  It didn't make me sick  - I was worried it would give me a 'food hangover' but it didn't.  And though my back was killing me all weekend I was right back on the wagon the next morning.  There was no way I was spending long periods of time cooking but no more 'naughty' foods.  And next time I'm thinking about it I'll probably pass!