Momentary Musing

Hoff's "Peanut-free Peanut Butter"

Hoff's "Peanut-free Peanut Butter"
Yields: About 2 1/2 cups
dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, soy-free


Ingredients:

• 2 cups Almonds
• 1 15oz. can Chickpeas (rinsed & drained)
• 1 tbsp. Whole Flax Seeds (optional)
• 1 tsp. fine Sea Salt

Directions:

1. Microwave Almonds for 1-2 minutes or until warm to the touch
2. In order add Almonds, Chickpeas, Flax, then Salt to a Vitamix
3. Turn to high & using the tamper, constantly push mixture into the blades
4. Run no more than 3 minutes (exceeding 6 minutes could result in this horror)

Hoff Thoughts:  For the record, I loath peanut butter - with good reason, I'm allergic to peanuts.  My lifelong natural revulsion has saved me many times.  However, I did not set out to make peanut butter with this recipe.  What I was trying to do was combine my Almond Butter recipe and my Hofftella (my vegan take on Nutella) recipe to create a whipped, creamy Almond Butter.  It didn't work.  What it did result in, (so I'm told) is something resembling peanut butter.  I'll buy that, because frankly, I'm not loving this stuff either.

Hoff Hit: No More Crying

Does chopping onions turn on the water works?  For me it certainly does.  Next time, try breathing through your nose only (that means no talking) and kiss those tears goodbye!

Hoff's Fried Rice

Hoff's Fried Rice
Yields: 4 servings
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, soy-free, gluten-free

Ingredients:

• 3 cups Veggie Broth
• 2 cups Jasmine Rice
• 1 carton sliced Mushrooms (chopped)
• 1 cup Edamame/Peas
• 1 cup Organic Corn
• 1/2 cup shredded Carrots (chopped)
• 1 medium Onion (chopped) 
• 1/3 cup Braggs 
• 2 tsp. Ginger
• 2 tsp. Garlic

Directions:

1. In a medium pot, bring Broth to a boil, reduce to simmer, add Rice, cover and cook for 15 minutes, fluff with fork
2. Meanwhile, in a large non-stick Wok or skillet, sautee Onions & Mushrooms in a little Braggs
3. Add remaining ingredients & cook through with a little Braggs
4. Mix in Rice & remaining Braggs and allow to just sit for 7 minutes
5. Serve!

Beet Jar, A Vegan It Spot In Cleveland

Thanks to my friend Katie, I got my ass out of the office finally after a long winters hibernation and hit up lunch at the BEET JAR juice BAR, a new local little gem that has popped up in the Cleveland Veg scene.


Now, while I may be vegan, I'm far from a raw foodie.  So the fact that this restaurant is all raw, I was a little concerned for my rumbling tummy.  But my fears were replaced with genuine love for this vegan delight.

The menu may be small & pricey ($23 for lil' ol' me), but it's packed with unique flavor combinations.

For lunch I gleefully devoured a Silver Apple Raw Juice (apple, beet, cucumber + ginger), cheddar Kale chipz & THE MOST AWESOMEST SANDWICH OF MY LIFE - smokey coconut, greens, cashew mayo, red onion and avocado on toasted sourdough (num, num, num).  Seriously, days later and I am still drooling over this sandwich!



Welcome to Cleveland, Beet Jar!

Soul :) Smile!

Hoff's Adult Spaghetti O's II

Hoff's Adult Spaghetti O's II
Yields: 4 servings
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free

Ingredients:

• 16 oz. Whole Wheat Orzo
• 2 15 oz. can Tomato Sauce
• 1 Veggie Burger (chopped) (optional)
• 1/4 cup Nutritional Yeast
• 1/4 cup plain Almond Milk
• 1 tsp. Dried Onion Flakes
• 1 tsp. Cumin
• 1 tsp. Garlic Powder
• 1/2 tsp. Paprika

Directions:

1. Cook Orzo according to package directions
2. Meanwhile in a medium sauce pan over low heat, heat through Sauce, Veggie Burger, Nutritional Yeast, Milk & Seasonings
3. Combine Sauce with Orzo
4. Relive your childhood