Happy World Vegetarian Day!!!

Steam Cooking

Just when I think I have every kitchen gadget a girl could need, another one pops up!

This time it was the glory of steam cooking, courtesy of an electric steam cooker!

Yes, I have steamed food in the past, the old fashion way - pot on the stove with a steamer basket to separate the food from the water.  I have even used a bamboo steamer basket.  Neither method all that exciting or efficient.

But when a friend of mine (Hi Jessica!) told me that she cooks almost all her meals in an electric steam cooker, I was intrigued.  I hate buying equipment that only gets used a few times a year, but the possibility of daily use?!?  My investigation began...

What I discovered...

Steam cooking has come a long way from my lonely pot on the stove.  Electric steam cookers have hit the market in droves!  These suckers have tiers, multiple tiers; which separate your food, thus keeping flavors from mixing and allowing for your ENTIRE meal to be cooked by one gadget!

Why I love it...

*I get my time back.  Steam cooking requires no stirring, no doting.  I can set up my tiers and do non-kitchen activities.  It's so freeing!!!

*Steam cooking is quick!

*Steaming maximizes the flavor and color of food.

*Can't screw up.  It's really hard to overcook or burn your food with steam, which adds to easy clean-up as well!

*It's healthy.  No oil needed to prevent sticking and the debate is still out on whether or not microwaves are destroying the nutrients in our food.  I for one, keep my microwaving to a minimum.  Plus, steam cooking is a more gentler way to cook.  Unlike boiling, nutrients are not leached out of the food, leaving the food more nutrient dense.


*It's not just for cooking, but for warming food as well.  I can steam fresh produce in one pan and heat up frozen or canned food in another.

*Food seems to taste better - crisper, more vibrant!  My steamed rice came out better than the rice cooker or traditional stove method.  This is now the only method I use for corn on the cob!


What to look for...

One major thing I discovered was the importance of the material that your steamer is made from - avoid plastic, go for stainless steel.

Just as I avoid cooking or storing food in plastic due to leaching chemicals, I don't want to steam my food in plastic either.  Sure there are a few BPA-free plastic steamers on the market, but I opted for the Secura 3-Tier 6-Quart Stainless Steamer, one of the few stainless steel steamers on the market.  The best price I found was on Amazon for $69.99.  My only regret, not opting for the 9-Quart steamer.  Yes, even for two people, I find the 6 quart a bit small for some things such as corn on the cob.  Also, 3 tiers is not enough for me (I may have an overcooking issue).  Thankfully, the Secura is expandable, just buy extra tiers!!!  I am currently rocking a 4-tier steamer, which for now, seems to be enough and yes I do use them all!

With these expandable tiers, comes the freedom to steam larger items.  Each tier comes with a removable inner pan, allowing you to stack the tiers in essences creating a large pot and steam a bunch of ears of corn or a whole spaghetti squash!   The possibilities are endless!

This unit also heats up in 15 seconds!  No more waiting for water to boil.  The built-in timer helps you from forgetting that you are actually cooking.

What am I steaming...

Unlike my friend, I only steam cook 1-2 times a week and that works for me.

So far I have steamed:

• Corn on the cob
• Cauliflower
• Greens & Onions
• Whole Squash
• Carrots
• Brussels Sprouts
• Sweet & White Potatoes
• Rice
• Veggie Burgers
• Frozen Veggies
• Canned Beans
• Re-heated cooked Veggies

The possibilities of steam cooking are endless - what will you steam?

Cook Happy!
The Hoff

Vegan Eats Hits Heinen's!

Typically, I hit up Heinen's to score vegan sushi & their stellar produce.  

Now, I'm super excited to announce that they have added a line of Vegan "grab & go" items!  Woo hoo!!!  (Knew I liked Heinen's for a reason.)

Bonus, aside from being a 100% Vegan - no added oil!!! (I might shed a tear.)  

Why?  

Because this line is based on Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn's No Oil diet!!!

Check these tasty winners out:

• Adobe Black Bean Soup
• Creamy Corn Chowder
• Tuscan Bean Stew
• Creamy Spinach Lasagna Bowl
• Creamy Tomato Bisque
• Thai Sweet Potato Soup

Each 15.5 oz. container sells for $7.99.

Vegan Eats are available now near the fresh soups & deli section at your local Heinen's store!

Mad Props Heinen's! 
The Hoff 

September 28th is Hug a Vegetarian Day!!!

Dandy Blend: Coffee Alternative

You've all heard me sing the praises of Teeccino, a caffeine-free, herbal coffee substitute.

Now, I'm here to tell you about Dandy Blend - another caffeine-free, herbal coffee substitute!

Just in case Teeccino wasn't your cup of tea...

 Dandy Blend is

• 100% caffeine-free
• gluten-free
• acid-free
• GMO-free!!!
• low in calories (5 per cup)

Dandy Blend is made from roasted dandelion, chicory, beets, barley and rye.  Yet, it still has the same taste, body and texture of regular coffee.

Depending on how you take your coffee, you may not require any additional sweeteners, because some find the naturally occurring fructose in the dandelion & chicory roots to be all the sweetness they need.  In fact, it's this fructose that prevents this product from being bitter.

Is it healthy?

Each cup contains over 50 trace minerals, mostly used by the body to facilitate metabolism.

*Dandelion is loaded with trace minerals and potassium, iron and calcium. Dandelion is reputed historically to be an excellent liver tonic and blood purifier, and one of the best diuretics, complete with its own potassium source. It is reported also to regulate the gastro-intestinal system, and is a good cure for anemia and acne. It also has the reputation for lowering serum cholesterol and blood pressure, eliminating gas and acid indigestion, aiding in weight loss,and counteracting certain cancerous tumors.

*Roasted Chicory promotes healthy digestion. It is food for the beneficial bacteria in the intestinal tract, and is reported to increase both digestion and nutrient absorption into the blood stream. Chicory also is rich in potassium, provides support to the immune system and promotes synthesis of B vitamins.

*Roasted Beetroot detoxifies and builds blood. It also renews old blood with minerals and natural sugars. Beetroot contains betaine, which stimulates liver cells and protects the liver and bile ducts. It also is reputed to build red corpuscles and add tone to the blood. It is rich in phosphorus, sodium, magnesium, calcium, iron, potassium, vitamin A and C and other nutrients. Beetroot also has a significant tumor-inhibiting effect. According to an article in the Feb 27 1996 issue of Cancer Letters. “The combined findings suggest that beetroot ingestion can be one of the useful means for preventing cancer.”

*Barley and Rye are very nutritious grains and a rich source of protein and B complex vitamins. Barley is good for urinary tract disorders as well, and is very useful in fevers and all inflammatory conditions because of its soothing properties. It helps heal the digestive system and digest starchy foods, and is also good for treating urinary disorders like nephritis and cystitis. Possibly most important, because the ingredient is the water soluble extracts free from gluten, and not the whole grains of barley and rye, those who normally couldn’t benefit from the nutrients in barley and rye can by drinking Dandy Blend.

A Cleveland Connection...

While Dandy Blend was adapted from a herbal formula that originated in Austria about 200 years ago, it found it's way to an obscure herbal shop in Canada.  Where, in 1988, Dr. Peter Gail, a Ph.D Ethnobotanist from Cleveland, OH, discovered and then brought to the United States!  Dr. Gail was a professor at Cleveland State University for 16 years!  He established Goosefoot Acres, Inc, also located in Cleveland - which currently distributes Dandy Blend as well as some books published by Dr. Gail.  Check out his blog!

I want some!

Find some at a Mom & Pop near you, Amazon or directly through Dandy Blend as it appears to be cheaper!

Check it Out!
The Hoff

*Source: http://www.dandyblend.com

Cheap Nuts!

I don't know about you, but I have become so frustrated by the price of nuts, that I had stopped buying them.

That was until I stopped looking for the "perfect" nuts and started buying the nuts that nobody wants.

You know the ones, the broken pieces of Cashews, the slivers of Almond, etc..  For what I use them for, these are perfect & cheaper! Sometimes $2-$4 per pound cheaper.

I seldom just eat plain nuts with the exception of Pistachios.  Instead, I am blending them to create creams, sauces, butters or chopping to mix into a dish.

So in actuality, the nut pieces suit my end needs much better.

And ultimately, aren't we just chewing them to pieces anyway?

Stop looking for perfection and save yourself a buck or two...

Don't Touch That Squirrel's Nuts!
The Hoff

Event: 10th Annual Holistic Holiday at Sea

Holistic Holiday at Sea presents the ultimate gift for your mind, body and spirit. Share the experience and wisdom of some of the world’s leading authorities and experts in holistic living and natural health.

Cruise the Western Caribbean on one of the world's premier Italian luxury liners, the MSC Poesia, which combines the style and sophistication of Europe with American comforts and convenience.

Visit exciting ports of call as we sail from Ft. Lauderdale, FL to exotic Falmouth, Jamaica; beautiful Georgetown, Grand Cayman; historic Cozumel, Mexico; and tranquil Isla de Roatan, Honduras.

All this and more while you dine on specially prepared vegan natural foods and beverages prepared by our own chefs.

Lectures, workshops, and cooking classes included.

Continuing education credits (CEUs) are available.

A huge list of guest lectures, including: Dr. Caldwell B. Esselstyn Jr., Dr. T. Colin Campbell, Dr. Neal Barnard, Christina Pirello, Michio Kushi, Yogi Desai, and many, many more!


What: Holistic Holiday at Sea
When: March 2-9, 2013
Where: Sailing from Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Cost: Rates vary - see chart


For Information about the holistic program, classes or meals, contact Holistic Holiday at Sea directly.

Toll-free: 1-800-496-0989 or 1-828-749-9537
Email: info@atasteofhealth.org