tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51386082412689944462024-03-14T10:44:47.436-07:00Garden of Eden VeganThe Journal of a former junk food junkie, drive-thru maven, turned Vegan and Raw.naturerabbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614268478335036124noreply@blogger.comBlogger123125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5138608241268994446.post-61930474065526687052011-08-23T07:41:00.000-07:002011-08-23T07:42:57.696-07:009 Year Old Tyler, our guest food blogger, about to experience RAW cuisine.<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCKM5oYgACFxR3-4-GoiL0Urf9zV_di4ABwHnAMzR9NwqyWxe5DybsrOBHnOA-_qb7Jm4si8CriBNiksfjauVoz31c_TIjfYS18k_h9d7_BzYd2iwUy3jDG_qfNAwfDBZd1eg6srv4VqRq/s1600/photo-777697.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCKM5oYgACFxR3-4-GoiL0Urf9zV_di4ABwHnAMzR9NwqyWxe5DybsrOBHnOA-_qb7Jm4si8CriBNiksfjauVoz31c_TIjfYS18k_h9d7_BzYd2iwUy3jDG_qfNAwfDBZd1eg6srv4VqRq/s320/photo-777697.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644061955857763346" /></a></p>naturerabbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614268478335036124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5138608241268994446.post-85865284280131396512011-08-23T07:40:00.000-07:002011-08-23T07:40:36.810-07:00Tyler's RAW Vegan Experience at Leafy Greens in St. Petersburg<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><br />
<div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hi! My name is Tyler and this is my second vegan experience. I went with my mom and Miss Ann to <a href="http://www.leafygreenscafe.com/Leafy_Greens_Cafe/Welcome.html">Leafy Greens</a> in St Petersburg. On the way I was nervous because I didn’t know if I was going to like the food. My mom said that Miss Ann had ordered almost everything on the menu for me to try! That made me feel like “Oh man. I am not going to be able to finish all of that! I will be stuffed!”</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When we arrived there I didn’t know that it was going to be so small. I thought it was going to be a big place but when I walked in it was small but nice. The tables are in order kind of like dice and the kitchen is pretty cool. You can hear them cooking your food. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I met the owner Miss Denise. She is very nice and thoughtful. She let me go in the kitchen with the waitress who was real nice and get a tour. The kitchen is VERY clean. There is no stove but they have 3 big dehydrators that they make the food in. The chef is always working hard to make the food. I also saw the nut crusher. It looks like a hammer in a way. It’s pretty cool. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Miss Denise also sent an order of Kale Chips to the table for me to try. My mom and Miss Ann told me that Kale is like lettuce but when they dehydrate it then its like a chip. They tasted ok. I didn’t like them the best but they were ok.<span> </span>They kind of had a cheddar cheese taste with a spicy taste too.<span> </span>The waitress brought us water with lemon and mint leaves in it. The mint didn’t really have a taste. It tasted like water.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span> </span>We ate a bunch of different things. Pizza, tacos, salsa, salad, veggie burger, the real deal (a sandwich), spaghetti, and macaroons for dessert (chocolate and vanilla).<span> </span>And don’t forget none of theses things has a mother or a face. <span> </span>The food was brought to us one at a time so we could try everything slowly. The look of everything was kind of cool except the salad. It looked like an ordinary salad. Everything else was presented pretty, especially the macaroons. It reminded me of the movie Ratatouille.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The pizza, also my favorite, was REALLY GOOD! It tasted more like an almond pizza. The pizza dough is made of crushed nuts and they put olives and diced vegetables on it. I liked the taste of the “dough” more than anything! </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Next was my second favorite, also my mom and Miss Ann’s favorite, the tacos. It was made with lettuce for the shell and no meat. There were crushed nuts for meat and salsa. I’m not sure what else was in it, but it was GOOD! </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">After that they brought us a veggie burger (photo below). It was really good even though it was made out of mushrooms. It looked yummy when it came and it tasted yummy. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The real deal was next. It’s a sandwich with sprouts, lettuce, tomatoes, guacamole, and cashew hummus. It is served on raw onion bread. The bread tastes really good.<span> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Next was the spaghetti made of zucchini (photo below) served with their version of tomato sauce. <span> </span><span> </span>It looked really good and it looked just like spaghetti but it didn’t taste like I thought it was going to. I liked the sauce, it was ok, but I didn’t like the zucchini noodles. It’s probably just too much zucchini for me. Miss Ann said I didn’t have to finish it so I ate another piece of the real deal sandwich instead. That was much better.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Last but not least, for dessert, Miss Ann ordered the macaroons.(photo below) It looked REALLY good when it came to our table. It looked like two golf balls, one chocolate and one vanilla but not smooth like golf balls. It came with a split blackberry and some raspberry chocolate tasting sauce drizzled on it and underneath it. It looked like the best dessert ever! </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">First I tried a piece of the vanilla one. It is made of coconut, vanilla almond, and a sweet something else. <span> </span>It tasted really good and then I took a taste of the chocolate one made with coconut, cacao, and other flavors. The chocolate one was not as good as the vanilla one because it was to chocolaty for my taste. And to me chocolate and coconut do not mix. (Although Miss Ann disagrees!) I ate another piece of the vanilla one and then I ate the rest of it. It was AWESOME!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Overall I would rate the leafy greens café a 4 out of 5 stars. It wasn’t perfect because I would like the tables to be bigger so that I am not sitting right on top of someone else. The food though was <b>FANTASTIC!</b> I would definitely go back there again! The experience was kind of cool for me. It made me feel like a totally new type of person.</span></span></div></div><div> </div><div><br />
</div>naturerabbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614268478335036124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5138608241268994446.post-11362240131947901832011-08-23T07:28:00.000-07:002011-08-23T07:30:35.406-07:00The Burger!<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit2Zm42DJuI8gt9XHnE7j9CuQta9E_mMBh9vCEcbiPt2DpMa34McWrY0k5P26-zz5yFn75Xu-9i7588p-j8L8fxYgVIDI46j4UNmqHPbW2cLb6xpLw8lnjPsHBwuaj5pDMLoaN_7Xnv7F_/s1600/photo-735407.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit2Zm42DJuI8gt9XHnE7j9CuQta9E_mMBh9vCEcbiPt2DpMa34McWrY0k5P26-zz5yFn75Xu-9i7588p-j8L8fxYgVIDI46j4UNmqHPbW2cLb6xpLw8lnjPsHBwuaj5pDMLoaN_7Xnv7F_/s320/photo-735407.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644058767768021442" /></a></p>naturerabbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614268478335036124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5138608241268994446.post-3242465186315925222011-08-23T07:27:00.001-07:002011-08-23T07:29:18.881-07:00Now comes The Real Deal!<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfkHnWsCRygXmKOrZ5JmZtMvYoVe_69k7k6kb0ZfaAXqVQ9ds09iGx7agHgrBSkI47Wi4pYa2VwHVzIZCBHlwbCKfj6U72bb-T2ZSm63kUGr7ahtSgQUFRGZtwfsXaa3adGurzsYQAaJuB/s1600/photo-758883.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfkHnWsCRygXmKOrZ5JmZtMvYoVe_69k7k6kb0ZfaAXqVQ9ds09iGx7agHgrBSkI47Wi4pYa2VwHVzIZCBHlwbCKfj6U72bb-T2ZSm63kUGr7ahtSgQUFRGZtwfsXaa3adGurzsYQAaJuB/s320/photo-758883.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644058438923582674" /></a></p>naturerabbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614268478335036124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5138608241268994446.post-20598117879358766132011-08-23T07:27:00.000-07:002011-08-23T07:28:15.412-07:00Lottsa Sprouts.<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFtUREq-fbBcydzvc-2PZAyvYOUAQXCJSAJSUPJrAi2mOe6KZ7OUvkcQ2oAKjZuVHTJB-72tbnFC2_ieY33-VZP7TYdChEhDjsxJ5F_Z-LU9kr15XG7IH-QTXW4bRbKA1vHrZwgmMQAQd9/s1600/photo-795413.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFtUREq-fbBcydzvc-2PZAyvYOUAQXCJSAJSUPJrAi2mOe6KZ7OUvkcQ2oAKjZuVHTJB-72tbnFC2_ieY33-VZP7TYdChEhDjsxJ5F_Z-LU9kr15XG7IH-QTXW4bRbKA1vHrZwgmMQAQd9/s320/photo-795413.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644058171685497346" /></a></p>naturerabbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614268478335036124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5138608241268994446.post-4873144767320035572011-08-23T07:26:00.000-07:002011-08-23T07:27:25.981-07:00The Spaghetti!<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPIcnHUWTx3jo1mmpGoFocaS6Naq7w1WYTqGBG4QJ_O4vpZVepp7jsUatCH1ZwokRxYoHhOkEU1Kg0e-I6Un42ce2hd2AaiPj3nuA8KrLyeKoONYmsV3drWq6PDR4Y1thaffVnd5MzcYo2/s1600/photo-745981.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPIcnHUWTx3jo1mmpGoFocaS6Naq7w1WYTqGBG4QJ_O4vpZVepp7jsUatCH1ZwokRxYoHhOkEU1Kg0e-I6Un42ce2hd2AaiPj3nuA8KrLyeKoONYmsV3drWq6PDR4Y1thaffVnd5MzcYo2/s320/photo-745981.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644057958918202962" /></a></p>naturerabbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614268478335036124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5138608241268994446.post-45059473820810162392011-08-23T07:13:00.000-07:002011-08-23T07:17:48.290-07:00Ahh, dessert!<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJOsRoLVKI3JSGODL92uiDPSpgsMcB2CfbGF0ynoaj8vlX9yjxDtML-6V_QNOOSLtEHSeuByupFku6swN8-eRQTKkKJq9J6oSKeSlWkafzgXB_yBHThnb3NTdUF9GtqNGfaqJB8uON8ke5/s1600/photo-768294.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJOsRoLVKI3JSGODL92uiDPSpgsMcB2CfbGF0ynoaj8vlX9yjxDtML-6V_QNOOSLtEHSeuByupFku6swN8-eRQTKkKJq9J6oSKeSlWkafzgXB_yBHThnb3NTdUF9GtqNGfaqJB8uON8ke5/s320/photo-768294.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644055482263169042" /></a></p>naturerabbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614268478335036124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5138608241268994446.post-83049811621134199682011-08-23T07:12:00.000-07:002011-08-23T07:15:04.606-07:00A sign of a delicious raw culinary experience.<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmMhjV3g3Pn4AkGAe0bEsxzuigEkyyBO8JGRmA5rACZriLazpKCfPAEk-l3MOlbMrr2FGcwO7QWMgnSAzZh6XCSF6Lz52anLaj6PlT9bYGgSaCQx1lsRNGZBOIlob7IGTLhYmpuuJzOuT7/s1600/photo-704610.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmMhjV3g3Pn4AkGAe0bEsxzuigEkyyBO8JGRmA5rACZriLazpKCfPAEk-l3MOlbMrr2FGcwO7QWMgnSAzZh6XCSF6Lz52anLaj6PlT9bYGgSaCQx1lsRNGZBOIlob7IGTLhYmpuuJzOuT7/s320/photo-704610.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644054772313264450" /></a></p>naturerabbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614268478335036124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5138608241268994446.post-90597927408743292042011-07-26T07:42:00.000-07:002011-07-26T07:43:11.923-07:00Tyler's Vegan Experience - ps: Ty is 9 years old!<div class="gmail_quote"><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0.8ex; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-left: 1ex;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hi. My name is Tyler. I've never thought of being a vegan because I love meat.</span></blockquote><div style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At first when I was asked to be a "vegan for a day" I was moaning and groaning because I couldn't eat my meats and drink my milk. Anything that had a face or a mother wasn't vegan.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then the day came and I was excited. I got ready and headed to </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.naturesharvestmarket.com/retailer/store_templates/shell_id_1.asp?storeID=DWRVUW2L6MVU8K8RKLUEPXFW532WBWA9">Rolling Oats </a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> in St. Petersburg with my mom to meet Miss Ann. When we got there we shopped around for a little bit. My mom and I picked out nuts, vegetables, and dried fruits. Then I thought vegans only ate fruits and vegetables.</span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next we headed to the restaurant part and met Miss Ann. She showed me what was vegan and what was not. I wanted to pick the chicken burrito or the chicken salad but it wasn't vegan because it had a mother and a face.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The thing I chose was called an Avacodo Tomato Melt, with tortilla chips and macaroni salad. The avocado and tomato looked really good. It made my mouth water. When the lady brought our food to us I took a bite and thought "Mmm. This stuff is good." The vegan cheese was good. It was a little different but I thought it was better than regular cheese.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I took a bite of the macaroni salad. Even though it has no real mayo it tasted really good. After a minute I took another bite of the sandwich and thought "Man am I in heaven!" I was surprised it was so good.</span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I thought lunch was way better than I expected. After lunch we went grocery shopping and we went down all the aisles. My mom let me get some vegan chocolate cake for dessert but I was so full I had to take it home. When I got home I took a bite of it and it tasted a little different than regular chocolate cake but it was pretty good. I couldn't even finish the whole piece it was so filling.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My vegan experience was better than I expected. We bought some vegan cheeses, organic fruits and vegetables, and other vegan foods while we were there. Every now and then I put a pinch of some vegan foods in my meals but I'm not ready to become a full vegan. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now I'm dying to try the raw restaurant with Miss Ann. She told me they make pizza dough out of nuts! Next time look for my blog entry about eating at the raw restaurant! Bye for now!... Tyler</span></div></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span>naturerabbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614268478335036124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5138608241268994446.post-91616095982865275022011-07-21T11:03:00.000-07:002011-07-21T11:08:18.008-07:00Our youngest guest blog writer, Ty.<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikqKYdfFBze7n9tWFh1Lm9MFdjbYx2tcaqwP9RTfjrgP9pmRJrBkk69_r0FE3gKYDE_KWa-5p48L_eFbHcWWLlkG8LDFOTNIkgKoQ_DtYpwxDN4ih9m9x_QhkQRhOm3rGmOYzLrliNuG-t/s1600/photo-798009.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikqKYdfFBze7n9tWFh1Lm9MFdjbYx2tcaqwP9RTfjrgP9pmRJrBkk69_r0FE3gKYDE_KWa-5p48L_eFbHcWWLlkG8LDFOTNIkgKoQ_DtYpwxDN4ih9m9x_QhkQRhOm3rGmOYzLrliNuG-t/s320/photo-798009.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631869060531989618" /></a></p>naturerabbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614268478335036124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5138608241268994446.post-35720012877790651442011-06-29T09:27:00.000-07:002011-06-29T11:52:48.611-07:00GUEST BLOGGER: JACK TRUDEAU - CARNIVORE AND CHEF<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>small print disclosure: Jack Trudeau is my son, a graduate of LeCordon Bleu's Orlando Culinary Institute, and a confirmed carnivore/omnivore. He will be starting a new gig at Lyon Hall in VA in July - wishing him lots of luck. Thanks, Jack! </i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ever since childhood, it was my mother that taught me the value of trying new things and keeping an open mind. Of course these are great life lessons, but I am specifically speaking about food for the time being . Somewhere in my development I picked up a strong dose of skepticism. Reconciling skepticism and open-mindedness has become a complex problem in my life, but I guess I live a life of dualities. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When my mother told me that I was going to a vegan restaurant to write a review, of course my skepticism burst forth in my defense: "Nope! I'm not doing that!" After a brief struggle, and the realization that I had no say in the matter, my skepticism diminished and I left the experience to be determined by the fates. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was a Tuesday, around lunchtime that I finally dragged myself to the <a href="http://www.everlastinglifecafe.com/">Everlasting Life Cafe in D.C.</a>. I decided to go with my roommate, Ryan, who used to be a vegan but still lives a vegetarian lifestyle because of the siren's song of eggs and cheese. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We drove into a seedy neighborhood to find a dark orange building with a banner proclaiming the openness and veganness of a restaurant that used to be a co-op in a past life. My skepticism started to kick at this point, because the exterior, well, looked a little run-down. I ignored the urge to turn tail, and went inside. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm glad I did. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On entering, we found the place to be clean and organized. There were around 10-12 tables, a bar, and a few couches. It was empty except for two other people, but as we were there, maybe every five minutes, someone came for take-out. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our second impression was markedly better than our first, and it only got better from there. Leonard, the cashier came out from around the counter, introduced himself, and gave us a tour. He took us into the kitchen and showed us a delicious array of prepared foods. Each day they have a special on the hot bar. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today's was shepherd's pie with kale greens and macaroni and cheese as side dishes, or eggplant parmesan. They also had a fully stocked cold bar with salads of every kind. They also had a sandwich station, which we regrettably missed.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When we finally ordered, the counter staff was more than helpful in giving us samples and answering any questions. I tried a mock chicken salad, and you know what? it tasted like chicken (cliche, I know, but the flavor was spot on). We decided on three cold items: the macaroni salad, the string bean salad, and the corn and black bean salad. We also had to try the shepherd's pie with macaroni and cheese and kale greens. They put everything into to-go boxes and we went to pay. Ryan then decided to get a cashew nog from the juice bar. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We ended up with a lot of food for around $30 dollars. For DC, the prices are great. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now for the good stuff. The shepherd's pie was a little pepper heavy, but the TVP had a texture reminiscent of the beefy goodness that I so dearly love. The macaroni and cheese was delicious, but calling it "cheese" was a travesty. They used nutritional yeast to impart a cheesy flavor to mock cheese. Creative ingredient use, but I am not a fan of mock cheese. The kale greens were also delicious. They used a touch of liquid smoke to give them a meaty flavor, and it outsmarted my taste buds. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the cold bar side, we had one raw and two cooked items. The string bean salad was lightly tossed with oil and plum vinegar. It was super tasty for not being cooked. The black bean and corn salad was more like a salsa to me. It was delicious and a little spicy, but I could have used some tortilla chips. The macaroni salad was my favorite. It reminded me of being back in Florida. Publix, the supermarket, did an awesome macaroni salad, and this tasted just like it. The only difference is that this one had TVP in it, well that and vegan mayonnaise. I never thought I would enjoy vegan mayo, but I was surprised.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Overall, my impressions were great. I have never had better customer service at a restaurant in DC. The quality, creativity, and diversity of the food made this an excellent experience. I will definitely go back if I am ever in the area.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>naturerabbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614268478335036124noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5138608241268994446.post-33594346199534827422011-06-27T08:17:00.000-07:002011-06-27T08:17:48.362-07:00Smoky Avocado and Cumin Dressing from Choosing Raw<a href="http://www.choosingraw.com/smoky-avocado-and-cumin-dressing/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ChoosingRaw+%28Choosing+Raw%29&utm_content=Google+Feedfetcher">http://www.choosingraw.com/smoky-avocado-and-cumin-dressing/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ChoosingRaw+%28Choosing+Raw%29&utm_content=Google+Feedfetcher</a><br />
<br />
<br />
Above is the link to this recipe --Gena's Choosing Raw blog has incredible recipes daily; its a great blog to subscribe to and this recipe was a keeper just as it is. (okay, with one minor exception -- next time I will cut back the water just a little to make it creamier.)<br />
<br />
And as she suggested, I mixed it with coleslaw and to make it a Quickie -- I purchased a bag of slaw with both red and green cabbage and carrot mixed it. Total time - less than 15 minutes from start to table. No excuses.<br />
<br />
I had some left over slaw (after I prepared my delivery to my clients) so I mixed some quinoa in it for a taste test. No, I didn't shout "Hallelujah" and dance naked in my kitchen, nor was I even tempted, but I do think there is serious potential with this dressing and quinoa and something else??????? I'm open for suggestions.naturerabbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614268478335036124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5138608241268994446.post-65672290259750760422011-06-27T08:12:00.000-07:002011-06-27T08:12:21.539-07:00Soup in the Raw - Fiery Lava SoupI get my inspiration for my creations by playing with ingredients - reading recipes and then just playing. But sometimes I will follow a recipe precisely (rare, but true) and with this soup I did and it was such a mouth orgasm that I would not change a thing, except to double the amount.<br />
<br />
This recipe is from Juliano in his awesome and one of my absolute favorite books, <b>RAW, The UNcook Book.</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
Fiery Lava Soup - serves 2<br />
<br />
For Soup:<br />
<b>1 1/2 cups fresh carrot juice (I could have made it in my juicer but I bought it at the store so this was easy peazy.)</b><br />
<b>1 T mint leaves</b><br />
<b>1 teaspoon minced jalapeno</b><br />
<b>1 teaspoon minced ginger</b><br />
<b>2 teaspoons minced garlic</b><br />
<b>1/3 cup avocado (this turned out to be 1/2 avocado)</b><br />
<b>2 teaspoons olive oil</b><br />
<b>2 T Nama Shoyu (or 1 1/2 teaspoon Celtic Sea Salt</b><br />
<b>1 T basil leaves</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
Blend ingredients for 30 to 45 seconds, until creamy. Divide soup into serving bowls and garnish with:<br />
<br />
<b>avocado, mint, bell peppers and scallions.</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
Or, just drink it from the blender and then shout "Hallelujah" and dance around your kitchen naked. Okay, okay, I have allowed myself to get carried away. But this simple recipe is a keeper!!naturerabbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614268478335036124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5138608241268994446.post-81412751325182617882011-06-27T07:50:00.000-07:002011-06-27T07:50:03.977-07:00Cooking is a Lot Like Sex!Maybe that's why I like to cook. But truly, I do find cooking very similar to sex and since inquiring minds what to know how this could be, I will enlighten those minds.<br />
<br />
As I begin to create, I search recipes, play with ingredients, imagine tastes and colors blending. This is like the fantasy part of sex -- the playful mind aspect of getting ready.<br />
<br />
Next, once I have committed to the act, so to speak, I gather my ingredients, peel, chop, measure -- all of my ingredients are ready, lined up in bowls and good to go -- this is a delightful foreplay.<br />
<br />
The ACT: the blending of ingredients - slow (as in a kettle) or fast (as in the Vita Mix).<br />
<br />
And finally - the conclusion or the taste test. Hopefully it is orgasmic, yet honestly, sometimes it is disappointing. <br />
<br />
I thought of this metaphor this morning as I was getting set up to prepare a Raw Soup and Salad combo (recipe above: Firey Lava Soup and Smoky Avocado/Cumin Slaw) -- the recipe preparations went so quick - both in less than a half hour. I was almost let down in that I didn't expect a Quickie. However, the taste was incredible. <br />
<br />
I texted by client (yes, how fun, this vegan chef actually has two clients!) with: "Fiery Lava Soup - an awesome mouth orgasm - coming your way at 4 today!" She is a trauma surgeon - always busy, always working with drama and trauma - texted back: "I will NEED that at 4 today!" Hopefully the anticipation for her today will be as good as the taste tonight.<br />
<br />
Perhaps to conclude the metaphor - cleaning the kitchen afterward, when I get into the zen and mindfulness of it, is like the proverbial smoking of the cigarette. Or not.naturerabbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614268478335036124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5138608241268994446.post-27195086033022006102011-06-27T07:37:00.001-07:002011-06-27T07:37:50.551-07:00Shout Out to Those Who Entered the First Free Lunch Contest:I'm feeling a little like Oprah as the contest deadline nears -- stay tuned to see what I mean!!!!naturerabbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614268478335036124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5138608241268994446.post-68838721951485890262011-06-22T09:17:00.000-07:002011-06-22T09:17:00.859-07:00Who Said "There's No Such Thing as a Free Lunch?"The Garden of Eden Vegan is launching a Free Lunch Challenge and Contest. <br />
To enter, you merely have to be a human who enjoys eating - you can be an omnivore, a carnivore or a herbivore. Doesn't matter to us. Enter the Contest and you and a guest can win a free lunch -or dinner - with.....okay, here's the gig, here's the no such thing as a free lunch strings attached.....you must agree to write a short (or long) blog post about your culinary experience, with maybe a photo or two. Not so hard - heck, we're not the New York Times here.<br />
<br />
CONTEST RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS<br />
<br />
1. To be eligible, you must "friend" us on our Facebook, Garden of Eden Vegan Facebook page. If you already have, you are half way there. If you haven't, you must find the page first, therein lies the challenge for us non-techie foodies. Here's a hint: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Garden-Of-Eden-Vegan/223555090994336">https://www.facebook.com/pages/Garden-Of-Eden-Vegan/223555090994336</a><br />
<br />
2. Once on this page - write on our wall some note to let us know that you want to be entered in this contest, your dietary label: omnivore/herbivore, and the city in which you would like to dine.<br />
<br />
3. Entries must be in by midnight EST, Thursday, June 30, 2011. The random drawing (yes, I will write each of your names on a card and toss them into my secret drawing bowl and blindly choose one) will be on Friday, July 1st - and the winner will be announced that day on our Garden of Eden Facebook Page.<br />
<br />
4. I will contact you and we will find a Vegan or Raw restaurant in your chosen city and I will contact the restaurant and arrange to have your lunch/dinner paid up to $50. <br />
<br />
5. You will agree to go as soon as you can but during the month of July. Take your camera or phone with camera and photograph your meal, and write a blog post for Garden of Eden Vegan about your culinary experience.<br />
<br />
That's it -- easy peazy! Not much of a string attached. The goal is to have fun and highlight vegan restaurants and the vegan experience - especially among non-vegans.<br />
<br />
My hope is that this will be so much fun that we will do it again, and again, and again.<br />
<br />
Stay tune for our Carnivorous Reluctant Vegan's post -- I here Jack will be dining this weekend at The Everlasting Life Cafe in D.C. -- I have asked that he note his reaction to some faux food. Yes, I am still prejudices against it but this is a learning experience for all of us.<br />
<br />
Hope to see you at a Vegan restaurant near you soon --- Let's have fun and wave the green bean!!!naturerabbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614268478335036124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5138608241268994446.post-84609120413043117702011-06-22T09:02:00.001-07:002011-06-22T09:02:59.970-07:00Our Carnivorous Reluctant Vegan<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKDuJyOa2ZS8fYRFdergsJcwb3iUflCV2WKFRI2N7wv-7GSLMmuoTeU4OqGOdAH1O-OosWXKOhD68PRSeujq-9hP4bz-FrVx8_vJ9J2WkuBZBRc0X0wtuM34L6DsP1WoMeQdl01QtGVPzW/s104/5.jpg" />naturerabbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614268478335036124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5138608241268994446.post-91242195226558520182011-06-21T08:04:00.000-07:002011-06-21T08:04:05.436-07:00Welcome, Jack Trudeau - Carnivore, Omnivore, Foodie to the Garden of EdenCan you fathom such a thing - welcoming a carnivore/omnivore to the peaceful, life sustaining, bucolic atmosphere of The Garden of Eden Vegan blog? <br />
<br />
Why would I even consider such a thing? No, not because I am evil. Banish the thought. But because I felt too cozy and comfortable, preaching to the choir, vegans loving vegans. Why not shake it up and hire, okay, force, a carnivore to eat one vegan meal a week and share his experiences with us. <br />
<br />
Jack is a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu's Orlando Culinary Institute, a pastry chef extraordinaire, and a foodie, with a very dry sense of humor. His first assignment, should he choose to accept it, and we hope he will, is to venture into The Everlasting Life Restaurant in Washington, D.C. <a href="http://www.everlastinglifecafe.com/">http://www.everlastinglifecafe.com/</a><br />
<br />
I have asked him to chose some of the following, at a minimum (he is a big eater):<br />
a raw dish<br />
a pure vegan dish<br />
and a faux meat dish<br />
<br />
As a purist, I am against the faux movement. Why faux? The vegan diet is so yummy. But I ventured into the faux dairy realm recently with Earth Balance (faux butter) and Daiya cheese -- loved them both, but I am not sure I will carry on with them. Not just the faux aspect but also the processing aspect of which I am not a fan.<br />
<br />
Stay tuned -- you will learn more about Jack as he drags himself from vegan restaurant to vegan restaurant each week. <br />
<br />
He is also our new technical manager and administrative assistant so maybe you will see some changes on this blog too. Welcome, Jack -- it's not a scary world in the Garden.naturerabbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614268478335036124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5138608241268994446.post-10976505104265738782011-06-18T11:31:00.000-07:002011-06-18T11:31:46.667-07:00* re: garlicIn the previous salsa recipes, I put an * by garlic -- wonder why?<br />
<br />
I have this battle with garlic. I hate to handle it - and I often forget I have heads of garlic around until they spoil. I purchased a tube of garlic in the garden/produce section of the supermarket (as well as tubes of cilantro, and ginger, and chili paste in the event I ever need it because I don't have fresh around -- they also have a tube of lemongrass which is nice to have on hand.)<br />
<br />
But I didn't like the extra ingredients in the tube. And lo and behold (rabbis and assorted clergy love to say this), Penzey's came out with a dried garlic that is wonderful to work with. Check it out on their website -- I don't think I will ever buy a head of garlic again. This is my new garlic source. <br />
<br />
Vampires beware.naturerabbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614268478335036124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5138608241268994446.post-17819723172099336772011-06-18T11:27:00.000-07:002011-06-18T11:27:42.364-07:00Dueling Salsas!It is a hot, hot, hot day -- all the better for a hot and spicy salsa!<br />
<br />
I have two favorite salsas in my collection - one easy and one a bit more challenging. Friends LOVED the easy one....that is until they tasted what I call the Mega Salsa. Now they are getting picky.<br />
<br />
Anyhoo -- here is the easy peasy, limey squeezy quick salsa.<br />
<br />
Into a blender container, or food processor bowl, add the following:<br />
<br />
<b>1 container of cherry or grape tomatoes</b><br />
<b>1/3 sweet onion</b><br />
<b>1 clove of garlic*</b><br />
<b>1/3 seeded jalapeno pepper (or more depending upon your heat tolerance)</b><br />
<b>3 teaspoons of fresh lime juice</b><br />
<b>2 tablespoons of chopped cilantro - or a small handful</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
Give it a whirl until blended -- and voila! What did it take: less than five minutes and probably with ingredients you have or should have on hand.<br />
<br />
Now, my friends, here is the secret to the Mega Salsa.<br />
<br />
Into the blender (preferably a VitaMix) or a food processor, add the following:<br />
<br />
<b>1 container of cherry or grape tomatoes</b><br />
<b>1/3 cup or less of sun dried tomatoes</b><br />
<b>3 teaspoons of fresh lime juice</b><br />
<b>1/4 red bell pepper</b><br />
<b>1 large handful of cilantro</b><br />
<b>1 1/2 teaspoon minced ginger</b><br />
<b>1 clove garlic*</b><br />
<b>1/2 jalapeno seeded or more depending upon your heat tolerance</b><br />
<b>1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil</b><br />
<b>1/4 cup - or just a little less of nama shoyu</b><br />
<b>1/2 teaspoon ground cumin seed</b><br />
<b>and if you have it: 1/4 teaspoon ground sun dried lime</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
Give it a whirl and within minutes you will be enjoying this Mega Salsa - and probably drinking Jose Cuervo, kissing the cowboys and shooting out the lights -- well, maybenaturerabbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614268478335036124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5138608241268994446.post-75123916811218573682011-06-16T08:37:00.000-07:002011-06-16T08:40:31.820-07:00Oriental Summer Edamame Salad<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGaCaRqfp1N4owukXOQi5DkCOPebwFOhAouVnlAbZl7SCT4NXWddbjQEENG4kbRd6zrcQCBPgl4SS8MC2ZATpoXFWRHUZ2ndtCqSbUSEI6Ur3P47E9u4NckWGXAiGICX2dxzNFH3flPcng/s1600/photo-731822.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGaCaRqfp1N4owukXOQi5DkCOPebwFOhAouVnlAbZl7SCT4NXWddbjQEENG4kbRd6zrcQCBPgl4SS8MC2ZATpoXFWRHUZ2ndtCqSbUSEI6Ur3P47E9u4NckWGXAiGICX2dxzNFH3flPcng/s320/photo-731822.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618843001488828514" /></a></p>naturerabbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614268478335036124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5138608241268994446.post-80563715908124816152011-06-16T08:36:00.000-07:002011-06-16T08:36:14.048-07:00Beautiful Summer Oriental Edamame SaladThis salad is not only beautiful, but the oriental taste makes it a delightful summer salad.<br />
<br />
Begin with a package of frozen <b>edamame</b> (shelled). Follow the cooking directions which will have you pour the edamame into boiling water for about 4 to 5 minutes. Then drain and cool. Place the edamame into a large bowl.<br />
<br />
Add:<br />
<br />
<b>1 red pepper, seeded, and diced</b><br />
<b>1 container, or about 2 cups of bamboo shoots</b><br />
<b>1 can of drained and rinsed water chestnuts, diced</b><br />
<br />
Mix and marvel at the bright freshness of this salad.<br />
<b> </b><br />
The dressing is the coup de grace. Into a blender or food processor, add the following:<br />
<br />
<b>About an inch of peeled ginger</b><br />
<b>1 clove of garlic</b><br />
<b>3 tablespoons of white miso paste</b><br />
<b>1 tablespoon of honey or agave nectar</b><br />
<b>2 teaspoons of dry vermouth (you can use mirin if you don't have the vermouth)</b><br />
<b>1 teaspoon of nama shoyu </b><br />
<br />
As this is blending, gently pour in the following oil combo:<br />
<b> </b><br />
<b>2/3 extra virgin olive oil with a healthy splash of dark sesame oil</b><br />
<br />
Mix this dressing into the salad and get ready to enjoy! Serve at room temperature or chilled.<b> </b><b><br />
</b>naturerabbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614268478335036124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5138608241268994446.post-71687957886552001992011-05-20T12:17:00.000-07:002011-05-20T12:18:08.514-07:00Asparagus and Jicama<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjSx0hg2nJvo_lS1l2gnDbfRD9OYmJeYVM64h4aifAcppafWZBAJsqw3Q7qb91WhM99e54KNP_kdXZ6yCOjfGZKUnCl8tnQiP8f_BXTmrAld_jHeA1fabpb-dPvvMU1yl7_hP10t0SEw9q/s1600/photo-788515.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjSx0hg2nJvo_lS1l2gnDbfRD9OYmJeYVM64h4aifAcppafWZBAJsqw3Q7qb91WhM99e54KNP_kdXZ6yCOjfGZKUnCl8tnQiP8f_BXTmrAld_jHeA1fabpb-dPvvMU1yl7_hP10t0SEw9q/s320/photo-788515.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608879781011536386" /></a></p>naturerabbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614268478335036124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5138608241268994446.post-5436309050625815312011-05-20T12:16:00.000-07:002011-05-20T12:16:15.685-07:00Asparagus and Jicama - I felt like I was on a European Vacation!I don't know why, but I felt a decadent pleasure eating this veggie dish - like I was sitting under an umbrella at a Parisian street cafe. It was quick and easy to make and counts as a keeper in my book.<br />
<br />
<br />
I used the following ingredients:<br />
<br />
<b>asparagus</b><br />
<b>jicama</b><br />
<b>extra virgin olive oil</b><br />
<b>shallots</b><br />
<b>lemon juice</b><br />
<b>cayenne</b><b> </b><br />
<br />
Why no amounts? Because it is fun to just wing it with this recipe<b> </b><br />
<br />
I used equal amounts of asparagus spears, and julienned jicama, and with a healthy fistful of each, two diced shallots works. <br />
<br />
To save washing dishes, I used my large skillet and added the asparagus and some water to steam, put a lid on it and steamed until they just started to wilt and change color. Then I removed the asparagus and drained the water.<br />
<br />
Next I put about a tablespoon of evoo in this pan, and added the diced shallots and the julienned jicama and sauteed until the jicama started to get transparent and bronze - for my taste buds, I gave the jicama a BAM of cayenne - this is optional. Then I added the asparagus and mixed everything up and finished off with a healthy squeeze of lemon.<br />
<br />
Easy peazy, lemon squeezy -- a real taste treat. (I had never experienced cooked jicama - but it was like an exotic french fry.<br />
<br />
Enjoy!naturerabbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614268478335036124noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5138608241268994446.post-33705744803595116382011-05-15T07:37:00.000-07:002011-05-15T07:38:20.496-07:00Roasted beet and wild rice salad<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigczxkHJuk59NQd64rFsJT1ebvciBszQzp5EcviYAmloc4DEnPIe7IemFblVJ_UXBacIDDSiOiZCo3G1hs5_oPU3caIBOTgfW9LLATCAnrY8NAcu-0c7w0vQ4BHgLg2gnTquu889F1qDBe/s1600/photo-700497.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigczxkHJuk59NQd64rFsJT1ebvciBszQzp5EcviYAmloc4DEnPIe7IemFblVJ_UXBacIDDSiOiZCo3G1hs5_oPU3caIBOTgfW9LLATCAnrY8NAcu-0c7w0vQ4BHgLg2gnTquu889F1qDBe/s320/photo-700497.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606952249824756898" /></a></p>naturerabbihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614268478335036124noreply@blogger.com0