Corn Stripper!

Nothing tastes better than fresh corn!

But nothing is more of a pain in the ass than removing the kernels, aside from husking the corn of course. (For a genius method for husking, check this out!)

So, when I came upon the OXO Good Grips Corn Stripper, I had to give it a try!

Never again will I take a knife to an ear of corn to free the kernels.

I won't sugar coat the Corn Stripper, it takes some practice to get the hang of this gadget and the container will only hold about an ears worth of corn at a time and it can get a little messy.  But, it does make quick work of removing the kernels without the risk of cutting yourself.

You can use this tool on raw or cooked corn.  (Yes, you can eat corn raw, it's just a little tough.)  When using the tool on hot corn, I suggest using your Ove' Glove (I keep two on hand) to keep from burning yourself.  Also, it's easier to start from the wide end and move toward the narrow end.

Keep It Healthy!
The Hoff

Hoff's Zucchini Cakes

Hoff's Zucchini Cakes
Yields: 12 patties
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, soy-free
 

Ingredients:

• 2 Zucchini (about 2 cups shredded)
• 1/2 cup minced Onion
• 2 Garlic Cloves (minced)
• 1 tbsp. ground Flax Seed
• 3 tbsp. Water
• 1/2 cup Chickpea Flour
• 1/3 cup Nutritional Yeast
• 2 tbsp. Mustard
• 1/2 tsp. Baking Powder
• 1 tsp. Italian Seasoning
• 1 tsp. Hoff Seasoning

 
Directions:

1. Using a paper towel, blot the shredded Zucchini to remove any excess water
2. Mix together Zucchini, Onion, Garlic, Flax Seed & Mustard
3. Add Chickpea Flour, Nutritional Yeast, Baking Powder & Seasonings, mix together
4. Drop spoonfuls of batter, flatten using the back of the spoon on a silpat sheet
5. Airfry at 400 degrees for around 20 minutes
6. Serve with mustard or tofu sour cream!

Hoff Thoughts:  I like to use a spring-loaded scooper to ensure that equal amounts of batter are used for each cake.

Enjoy Life: New Products!!!

So Festively Packed!

I was once again approached by Enjoy Life, to test some of their latest products - this time their line of Plentils.

Plentils are a vegan's answer to flavored potato chips, except that these chips are made from Lentils and contain none of the 8 most common allergens: wheat, dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, egg, soy, fish & shellfish.  They also happen to be gluten-free!  Add to that minimal, pronounceable ingredients and these chips are a dream come true!

To my dismay, these chips are seriously addictive!

In fact my boyfriend and I polished off 4, yes FOUR, 4 ounce bags in one weekend.  Oiy!

So you can guess what I think of these chips, they are seriously good!

I loved three flavors: Dill & Sour Cream,  Garlic & Parmesan & Margherita Pizza!  These really pack a flavor punch with this lighter than air chip.  Flavors that are typically off limits to a Vegan Girl like myself are once again a possibility!  They don't taste spot on to their real counterparts, but they are delicious nonetheless.  With these I don't feel so left out come snack time.

I thought the Light Sea Salt was okay.  After trying the other three samples, these chips were a little bland.  However, if you're craving traditional potato chips, this flavor is your answer.

I just have one issue, the oil.  Every single flavor contains one to two types of oil (Safflower or Sunflower Oil).  A healthy diet just doesn't need added oils, an unhealthy diet doesn't need them either.  These chips would be perfect if they would just drop the oil, but I suspect it is necessary to get the crisp, lighter than air texture (sigh).  And I suspect it's the added oil(s) that is driving the rather high fat content on these chips.

However, for those of you not concerned with oil, these are a most excellent vegan snack!

Keep It Healthy!
The Hoff

Shucking Corn - You Have to See This!

Check out this ingenious way of shucking corn so you don't have to deal with all those pesky threads.  I had to watch this twice just to believe it!  I love the music!

This guy rocks!

Shucking Corn - Clean Ears Every Time

Hoff's Fake It Italian Sausage & Spaghetti

This is a super quick, one-pot meal; that I whipped up one day for lunch.  It makes just enough for two and requires minimum effort.  Truth be told, I made it while putting away the weekly groceries because I was so ravenous & had to eat stat!

Hoff's Fake It Italian Sausage & Spaghetti
Serves: 2
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free


Ingredients:

• One bundle Buckwheat Soba Noodles
• 1 Vegan Veggie Burger
• 1 15oz can of Tomato Sauce
• 1 Zucchini (shredded)
• 1 tbsp Sugar
• Italian Herbs
• Garlic Powder

Directions

1. Bring a medium pot of water to boil and cook Pasta for 3 minutes
2. Meanwhile, microwave Burger for 2 minutes (1 minute each side)
3. Drain water and return pot to heat with Pasta
4. Add Tomato Sauce, Zucchini & crumbled/chopped Burger
5. Add seasonings to taste
6. Eat!

My2Cents: Tastes just like Italian Sausage with Spaghetti!

Doc: Hungry For Change

From the creators of Food Matters, Hungry for Change is a very well put together doc that takes a look at food addictions & how to overcome them, busting dieting myths, what a real diet is, natural detox, why fad diets fail and a whole lot more.


Some of the experts weighing in:

• Dr. Joseph Mercola 
• Dr Alejandro Junger
• Jaime Oliver
• David Wolfe
• Kris Carr
• Joe Cross
• many more...

A definite must see!

"I was 31 when I realized I didn't know how to take care of myself and I am sick.  So I had to go back and learn all the things I wish I would have learned as a child." - Kris Carr


Check out the trailer!

Hoff's Blueberry Syrup

Hoff's Blueberry Syrup
Yields: About 1 1/2 cups
dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, soy-free
 

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup Water
• 1/2 cup Sugar
• 1 cup frozen/fresh Blueberries
• 1 tbsp Kuzu Root
• 2 tbsp cold Water
• 1 tbsp Vanilla
• Salt

Directions:

1. In a small sauce pan, bring Water & Sugar to a boil
2. Stir in Blueberries & bring back to a boil
3. Gently mash Blueberries (leaving a few whole for texture)
4. On the side, combine Kuzu Root & Water, stir into syrup
5. Add Vanilla & Salt to taste
6. Allow to simmer until desired consistency (few minutes)

My2Cents:  I use a small leftover food jar to shake up my Kuzu Root & Water mixture.  I don't even bother measuring the Water, I just add enough to cover the Kuzu.  If you don't have Kuzu Root, just use Corn Starch.  Kick this syrup up a notch by substituting in Vanilla Sugar!  Whether you use fresh or frozen fruit, this is a super quick recipe!