A Good Veggie Dish

 It is Lent along with being Ramadan. It's a time for feasting and giving up. Yet there are still delicious dishes to be had, namely veggie based ones. There is the delicious Impossible Meat stuffed peppers or the veggie rich ratatouille (always perfect with warm, crusty French bread)Steaming bowls of leek and potato or minestrone soup are perfect for these cold days.

What is your favorite veggie dish? Mine will always be ratatouille. There's something about the marriage between eggplant, tomatoes, and even squash in a bubbling tomato rich sauce that does it for me.

Let us know and enjoy your veggies anyway you can!

Giving Up And Giving For

 Today is Ash Wednesday, the start of another Lent. The period before Easter is meant for sacrifice and fasting for many Christians. Yet this year it's also the time of giving up and this year it should be giving out and for as well.

Thanks to government cuts and jobs being lost across the private sector, more and more people are relying on help. This Lent instead of giving up - give out. Prices are high across the board and it;s hard for yourself to put together a decent meal yet if you can spare a few dollars or a few cans to friends and family in need do so. Also think about inviting them over. You don't have to make and elaborate roast and buy a splashy dessert. Something as simple as pasta or chili which is  inexpensive to throw together . As far as dessert, homemade brownies or slice and bake cookies can do the trick. If your kids ' friends families are having trouble with providing lunches , step in. Make a double lunch for your own and then have the kids share them. The little ones will love the idea and they can get together for meal planning. The same idea goes for  elderly neighbors too.Bring a simple lunch of soup  - which is inexpensive and a sandwich to share. They'll appreciate a hot meal and also the company.

Keep in mind that food pantries are bound to be cut and dismantled. Illinois is already experiencing this. Families will be in dire need of even basic staples. If you're a small grocery owner try to donate any overage to these if you can. Keep in min that church or community run food pantries and gardens are not state run and their budgets may only face slight cuts, depending upon donations. You would be better donating to them. Also this is the time when many community gardens start preparing their land for seeding . Volunteer when you can. Help them with planning where to plant along with the actual tilling and hoeing. Also help in pruning fruit trees if they have them. every year branches need to be cut to make way for new fruit bearing ones. Also help or donate any vital tools like hoses and spades, along with rakes and gloves.If there is a shortage of these and no money , organize either a bake sale or a Chinese auction to raise  money. Bang on doors, send out flyers to the community. too for others to donate whether time or money.

This is the time for giving up. Sacrifice what you have  - food , time or money to those in need. we need to help each other right now and this is the perfect time to do so.

Don't Give Up GIve This Lent

 Ash Wednesday signifies the start of Lent.For many it's giivng up favorite foods, namely sweets and snacks. Yeti nstead of giving up , why not give. It can be food ,it can be time to cook for those who are alone or can;t cook for themselves anymore. Givng up is good. Giving is better.

Sacrificing your time to make a hot lunch for an elderly neighbor is always good. There's nothing like a hot homemade soup and a sandwich. You can invite themover or make a container and bring it to their house or apartment to cook up. Include a salad and rolls for a heartier meal. The weather is hopefully going to improve aswe move towards Easter. it would be a perfect time for an early picnic, whether in the local park or even the backyard. Pack sandwiches and chips if they can have them (or grape tomatoes if you can find good ones) along with drinks for sunny lunch out. This is also the time for severe blizzards too. Make sure those that can't get to the stores are well stocked. Buy extra staples such as milk, eggs and butter along with soups and frozen dinners. Make sure they have plenty of water, juice coffee and tea too.If it's a neighbor you can easily run over with hot food and  eat with them. Have the kids shovel and salt their walks and driveways too. 

Another good act is sharing. As we all know food prices have gone through the roof. It's horrible for those who are just eking by. If you can buy them groceries. Some stores are featuring buy one or two get the third free. Take advantage of this. Some stories like Acme and Stop & Shop have these kind fo sales on sodas and water. deinitely take advantage of this and share the third carton.There are also occasional sales on bags of apples and oranges. Give these to friends and family with kids so the little ones can have nutritional snacks. Check to see of there are sales on more expensive ticket items like cold cuts and certain sweets. Buy two packages of coldcuts or if there's a rare sale on rotisserie chickens then get an extra for family and friends who are struggling. Also eveyone loves homemade food packages.There's nothing to creating an extra lasagna or casserole.Bake two loaves or bread or an extra batch of cookies Warmer days can be perfect for an cookout for everyone. Take them out to dinner or lunch too . Many places like Applebee's are offering free meals for kids , perfect for loved ones with little ones.

Don't give up this Lent. Give instead. Think of those who are food challenged or don;t have family or friends in their immeidate area. Give them your time and food.

Easing Into Lent

 With Lent comes sacrifice. Many swear off meat , dairy or sweets .This is their way of fasting which is good and mindful. However it can be a shock to the taste buds to give up beloved foods. There are ways to ease into it.

Luckily there has been an explosion of all sorts of vegan meats in the  last few years.It's easy to give up beef , poultry and even seafood. Gardein has been a leader in this and you can visit any grocery or Target to buy their products. Their hamburgers taste exactly like the real ones and they're even good grilled outdoors. They also have meatballs, which are perfect for subs or if you're thinking of making Swedish meatballs and egg noodles. The company also produces chicien nuggets  and thick crispy tenders. These are so much like chicken itself that KFC is even putting out Gardein nuggets in various locations.Try their fish filets which are beer battered along with fries ro their crab cakes. If you're also thinking about giving up egg then go to Just Egg. This a substitute , using mung beans to get that eggy flavor and rich beaten yolk yellow color. Make a scramble for the family using it and spinach. Add Morningstar Farm's soy bacon which can get as crisp as actual bacon when microwaved.Also incorporate more beans such as kidney and chickpea for protein boosts. Think more dishes with veggies and rice like stuffed cabbage or a filling ratatouille.

As extreme as it sounds giving up dairy is also doable for Lent. There are so many plant and nut milks out there. If the kids do have a nut alllergy then use soy or oat milk. Both work in many recipes calling for dairy along with satisfying an afterschool need for a glass fo chocolate milk. (in fact many of these milks also come in chocolate now and can be bought in small bottles or boxes for lunch boxes), Almond milk is a nice ,creamy alternative and can be bought in gallon containers. If you do cave in and want a treat remember there are non diary yogurts and ice creams to snack on. You may even like these so well that you'll be eating them after Lent has finished. As for butter , try Melt. This plant based spread tastes exactly like the real deal and can be used in eveything form baking to cooking to being spread on toast or bagels. Maybe the hardest Lenten sacrifuce is giving up sweets. This is where a push for a healthier diet comes in. Try an apple for dessert. You could slice it and then dip in cinnamon for something different. PIneapple cubes are another great meal ender along with being a good snack. Think about getting fruit cups like Aldi's pears in syrup which are light tasting or any fruit salad cup like Acme's Signature brand mixed fruit ones. As for candy, nuts can do the trick if you want a snack or popcorn. Raisins or Craisins are fun snackables that you can eat by the handful.

It's a good and mindful thing to have some sort of sacrifuce during this important time in the Christian calendar. However it's best to ease into this new diet .Use these sub for meat , daiiry and sweets tomake that time effortless.

Waste Not For Lent

 Today is Ash Wednesday and it's the start of the Christian Lenten season. It's the time before easter when everyone gives up a favorite food for forty day. Instead of that,  why not give up waste. It may even lead to a good all year round habit of conserving.

Home chefs waste a lot, especially foodwise. One of the best ways to be efficient is to write a thorough list before food shopping. Stick to it. Don;t buy excess. If a recipe calls for one pepper or onion then get it. Don;t buy the three packs or bags of the veggie unless you plan on using them all. Keep in mind that some veggies such as spinach are extremely versatile. Any leftover leaves can be turned into that delicious Italian classic soup, stracciatella. They can also be cooked with garlic and oil for a different sauce for penne or rotelli.It can also be used in salads too as as a dub in for lettuce in any recipe. Potatoes are also in the same category. Leftover ones can be used in soups to thicken the texture instead of a flour based roux. Mashed potatoes can be turned into croquettes for a tasty leftover. Even those peels can be turned into crunchy and crispy chips, perfect for snacking or as a side for burgers or wings.

What about meat? Ham can be ground into deviled ham which tastes much better than any of the commercial ones. The bone should not be thrown away. Use it in pea soup. It adds an incredible earthy sweet flavor .You can also boil it into ham stock which is a great base for corn chowder and lentil soup. Leftover chicken can easily be made into a tasty chicken salad. Just add mayo and tarragon to make it pop. It can also be added to noodle soup or just added to any white pasta sauce for a heartier bite. Leftover ham and chicken chunks can also be put on homemade pizza too for a more flavorful topping. This also applies to roast beef and London Broil. it too can be put into sauces and on top of pizza however you may want to try it as a hash for breakfast or lunch. Cut the meat into small cubes and use it with leftover potatoes and diced onions.It's fried up slowly so every piece is browned and caramelized. Serve with eggs sunny side up or scrambled ones. 

Waste is a sin. Learn how to make the most of your leftovers. Don't buy overage. Change your habits for Lent and a better future for your kitchen.

Lent And Giving Up

Today is Mardi Gras if you're in New Orleans and Carnavale if you're in Europe and South America. It's a night of wild drinking and feasting - because tomorrow is Ash Wednesday. It's Lent and that means giving up the drinks and foods we love. Or will we?

Lent is the period of fasting between Ash Wednesday and Easter. It's always a time of giving up.  The practice started centuries ago as a way to extend the amount of vital products such as meat and dairy for the community. Some Christian religions like the Greek , Russian and Coptic Orthodoxy have strict fasting days when only vegetables are allowed. Everything else, from eggs to wine, meat to fish are strictly forbidden. The Catholics have relaxed the fasting rules tremendously and only two days , Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are restricted to total fasting. Then there's the practice of giving up one food or habit that you love. Many go for the first , not wanting to cut back on cigarettes or alcohol. Some do go dry for Lent, which is relatively easy. There are mocktails, made with fresh juice and seltzer and non alcoholic ciders and beers. Yet it can be hard, especially after a long hard day or week. A lot of people are into a glass of wine a day. It relaxes them, and helps them get through a rough period of hard work and bratty kids.It would be hard to give that up especially if someone does have a difficult life.

If you thought giving up a margarita or a Pinot Grigio for forty days is hard, then feel sorry for those that give up anything sugary.We're hardwired to eat sugar since our Neanderthal days. It was our way of discerning what was safe for us to eat (namely  naturally sweet things such as  non-poisonous berries and fruits). Yet unlike alcohol, sweet , sugary things are all around us. Can we really walk into our grocery stores and completely ignore those displays of freshly baked cupcakes and cookies? What about the cookie or candy aisle that's like an altar to our food desires? Lent is a good time to give those up and head on to the fruit section. An apple is just as sweet and satisfying as an Oreo, yet, there's something about that cookie and others that make us feel happy - especially after a rough day. The same philosophy with candy. Yes, those blueberries are fun to pop into our mouths but so are M&M's. Can we give up those? Maybe  - but not for forty days. Ice cream is another food to give up. You can, there are ways around it, namely having Greek yogurt with honey or maple syrup mixed in. This is a really good sub and healthy for you too. Still, it's a hard sell, especially with the wide variety of tempting iced treats out there.

Can we stick to our Lenten promises? The only answer is try.The best bet is see how long you can do it. Maybe you can this year.

Lessons From Lent

With today being Ash Wednesday  it's time to think of what most Christians can give up.Most Catholics have a long list of foods that they'll give up. This is the start of a good healthy diet. Another idea is to give up ones' time to cook or  serve others.It's a great way of teaching kids how to behave towards those less fortunate.

Yes, you can give up meats and sweets for Lent. Doing such will help you lose weight and possibly go off your favorite foods. The Greek Orthodox have a much stricter rule. Not only do they have to give up meat, dairy, eggs and cheese are also off the table. Wine and olive oil are also nixed. What is left is fruits and veggies.A diet like this may seem severe but it is the healthiest..The Orthodox are allowed rice and pasta which is a plus. No matter what faith you follow, this is a great fast. Unhealthy fats and sugars are eliminated replaced with a boost of  nutrients and fiber. The Orthodox are allowed to have olive oil and wine on weekends.Veggies could easily be made into a ratatouille but veggies such as tomatoes and peppers can be roasted and served over any kind of pasta or rice. They can also be turned into a salsa crudo or raw sauce for spaghetti or angel hair. Finishing with fruit slices is always a better idea. Get yourself and the kids hooked on fruit slices as a great dessert.

Another idea for Lent is giving up your time. Many churches have food drives during the Lenten season. You can easily go around to friends and neighbors and collect cans and boxes from them for an Easter food drive. Have your local supermarket donate small hams along with canned or fresh asparagus along with other Spring veggies to make a filling  holiday meal. If the stores don't want to donate, then have fund raisers or make a plea when the donation plate is passed around. Late winter and early Spring is a time for planning gardens. If you belong to any church group or teach Sunday school, bring up the idea of a  church garden to supplement the food pantry. Think rows of tomatoes, peppers  and carrots to start off with and then get adventurous with potatoes and even watermelon. The last can be started indoors and planted outside when the temperatures rise past seventy degrees. Just remember too that a church garden can supply some of the food for carnivals and picnics. It can also be used in the parish's soup kitchen as well

It's Lent. If you don't want to give up food , then think about giving up your time to help your local church. Both will be  a learning experience that you'll benefit from.

Scandanavian Dishes For Lent

Scandanavian, cuisine whether Icelandic  Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or Finnish has the perfect seafood dishes ready for Lent. The countries share a passion for all sorts of fish , from cod to salmon from herring to shrimp. The recipes are just right for these meatless days.

Salmon is a big dish in Scandinavian cooking, namely in the dish known as gravlax. It's basically curing the salmon for four to five days. It requires both salt and sugar to cure it along with dill and cognac for flavor.. It's an elegant main meal for pescatarians too as well as those who are temporarily off meat. A  humbler recipe is the fish pie, filled with whitefish  and potato, Unlike other fish pies that are usually loaded with onions, this one has the mild ,sweet taste of cucumber to counteract the sharpness of  radishes which also add color. There's also the Scandanavian must have dill in it too for a spark of green and flavor. It's a nice dish to make on a Friday night when the family is gathered. Another cozy recipe is fish soup made with the Norwegian standard - cod. The fish's mildness matches up well with the carrots, potatoes, and mushrooms. Crushed tomatoes are also added to give it a vibe similar to the Portuguese soup, cioppino. It's served with warm crusty bread and butter.Norway also has a great flounder soup, from the seacoast town of  Bergen.Like the other it's a cream soup, but also has flour to thicken it. Julienned carrots give it color. Shrimp can be added to it as well.

Flounder is also used in many other Norwegian and Swedish dishes. Try it baked with shrimp for an elegant spin. It's a casserole, with fish filets layered with shrimp ,  tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese, then topped with pats of butter. Another flounder dish is fish cakes, made with flour and tarragon leaves. Cod and haddock can be used too instead of the flounder. Serve with crispy potatoes as a great Friday night dinner. Not surprisingly Scandinavians  also turn seafood into a pudding called fiskepudding. It's ground haddock mixed with milk and eggs to create a kind of custard. It's served with a shrimp and lobster sauce, heightened with a good  slug of sherry. Herring is a big deal in all the northernmost countries. One of the easiest is a salad made with salted fillets mixed with sour cream, chopped dill and the dill's bulb also chopped. Lemon juice is spritzed in for some tang. Serve on rye crackers or with a  dark bread such as kavring.

Scandinavian cooking is in perfect harmony with Lenten eating. The fish dishes are perfect for meatless Wednesdays and Fridays Try them in any way, from a savory pudding to .fishcakes for tasty dining.

Stuffed: From Empenadas To Pasties

Stuffed foods are always fun foods. How many times have we bit into a pasty and enjoyed the savory  middle.Or sunk our teeth into a Jamaican patty, relishing the mixture of spices and beef. They're a wonderful marriage of crusty shell with flavorful stuffing.

Meat and vegetable pastries are nothing new. They have been around since the 1200,s and were even given a Royal Charter from Henry III of England, The recipe was part of an early cookbook, LeViander while another cookbook from 1393 offered a recipe for meat pies or pastes stuffed with venison, veal, beef or mutton.Pasties are part of the Cornish culture in southwest England, where miners used to take them for their lunches as they descended into the surrounding tin mines. These mini meat pies are known for their flaky crusts, made of a short crust dough and delicious fillings of skirt steak  and lamb, using mixed with mashed potatoes and onions. There are also vegetable ones stuffed with swede or turnip along with potatoes or onions. It spawned the Jamaican beef patty when the English took over the island. There it got a redoing thanks to the inclusion of  cumin and curry along with the ultra fiery taste of the Scotch bonnet pepper. The crust, still in the traditional "D" shape color became a rich golden hue thanks to adding either egg yolk or turmeric.Jamaican home and professional chefs expanded the variety by including seafood such as lobster and shrimp along with pork and soy.

Latin and South Americans have their own version , the empenada first made in the Galacia region of northern Spain and Portugal around the time of the spice trade .The name comes from the Spanish word empanar to wrap or coat with bread.It is the Argentinians who elevated the recipe to a high art. The crust is a mix of wheat flour and beef drippings,similar to Yorkshire pudding while the fillings vary from province to province. Fillings range from typical such as chicken and beef to raisins, boiled eggs and olives. Some also have ham or sweet corn inside too and they can be either baked or fried..There are special ones for Lent and Easter filled with tuna and fish. The Arabs have something similar in fatayer.,Its' spinach and onion filling is spiked with cumin. Arab cuisine is also responsible for the Indian samosas. These delights were introduced to the Indian subcontinent around the 1300' to 1400s. from traders. They are also called shingaras in East India and are fried to a crunchy, golden crisp. Both pies are filled with peas,potatoes,onions and almonds along with chutney and yogurt.

Whether it's pastie or empenada or samosa,  a meat or vegetable pie s a great treat. Have it for a snack or as a light meal with a salad. They're flavorful and fun.

Ash Wednesday Giving And Giving Up

Today is Ash Wednesday, the start of the Western Christian holy period leading up to Easter Sunday. It's a time of giving up but can also be a time of giving. One of the pluses of this austere time is that our sacrifices can turn into habits that we can take with us through the year.

Volunteering is never really a Lenten idea yet is is a sacrifice of one's time. Many soup kitchens are understaffed at this time because volunteers usually drift away.  Our local media never  emphasizes this as they do around the Thanksgiving and Christmas when more people feel compelled to help out. To get rid of the mid  winter doldrums join your local kitchen and  hang out if you have the time. Get to know the regulars and listen to their stories.Buy them a coffee if you see them on the street, help them in whatever journey they're on. Another idea is baking for these kitchens . Have the offspring help so they can get an idea of what public service is.They can make brownies or cookies and bring them over to the kids (and there are many) that also frequent the kitchens.Smaller soup kitchen sometimes have parties so donate either food or drinks or even bake a cake or cupcakes to bring over as well as assisting setting up and cleaning up afterwards. Also donating seeds and gardening tools to community gardens are a huge help as well along with offering gardening advice. Right now many grocery stores are starting to sell seeds. Pick up a few packets, such as lettuce, peas and squash  to help them start.

Of course Lent means giving up the foods and drinks we love Many give up sweets such as cake or candy for these forty days. The good thing about giving up foods is that you lose your taste for them. These sweets can be replaced with healthier fruits for a burst of sweetness. After a while it's easier to reach for a handful of dark , flavorful grapes than cookies. It's also better for the body as well as for the soul, as we all know. You'll feel springier  after nixing the gluten and refined flours and replacing it with vitamins and fiber too. Many , especially the Greek Orthodox give up meats for Lenten fasting. There are so many bonuses win doing this. You'll lose weight  as well as not ingesting all those harmful antibiotics and hormones that are still being injected into farm animals. It's also a good deed , with saving animal's lives. Fasters will also enjoy broadening their diets by include all sorts of pastas and vegetable dishes. They'll  discover the variety of different faux meats from Morningstar Farms and Gardien brands. Remember though , that if you give up meat you need to supplant it with protein. This is where peanut butter or any nut along with green peas and edamame give you that punch of it. Even unsweetened cocoa powder which can be made into the Mexican mole sauce has huge quantities of it.

Ash Wednesday is a time to start  giving up whether time or favorite foods. It's a time of soul searching and wondering what you can do to make life better for yourself and your community. It's fasting but also also pondering too.

Fish On Fridays

Now that it's Lent in some Christian religions, the faithful are observing some of customs and rites of the season. One is forgoing meat on Fridays and opting for fish . Doing such  will introduce home chefs to different kinds of fish and ways to cook them. It's a step up ,leading to a healthier diet,

Tilapia is a hot fish right now, even though it's been eaten for centuries. Originally called Saint Peter's fish It is high in Omega 6 and a good source of protein along with having the lowest levels of  mercury for any fish.It can be grilled or baked and is easy to prepare. Try it as a taco filling with cucumber relish or baked with a side of couscous. Tilapia can even be turned into panko crusted fish sticks , with a side of fries, Both can be baked instead of deep frying. Another tasty fish is the traditional cod.This is the kind used in making the traditional English dish fish and chips. As unhealthy as the dish is, it is sheer heaven in taste when it has a thick crispy crust and deep fried. Use British beer in the batter for an authentic taste and have plenty  of malt vinegar for dousing. If you want something lighter, then try it sautéed  in an easy lemon sauce .Serve with a green salad and it makes for a nice , healthy dinner.

For more ambitious home chefs  there is boulliabaisse, the famed French  Provencale fish stew.It has clams, shrimp and fish  fillets cooked with different spices such as bouquet garni and saffron for half an hour , There is also the added prep of sautéing onions and pepper too for the mix as well Making the stew is worth all the labor because it's one of the most delicious seafood dishes out there.if you want exotic but without all the work there is Chilean sea bass.This toothy prehistoric looking fish has been a top player on the culinary scene for the past quarter century. It's tasty cooked filet style in a simple salt and pepper crust with a white wine sauce.It is also good pan seared with mushrooms in a Marsala wine sauce.Ofcourse there is tuna fish, the easy go to . This can be made into a simple salad Nicoise with fresh veggies and hard boiled eggs.It can also be used in a tuna and herbed rice salad as well. Always used the Italian imported one in oil as opposed to the American canned one in water.It's more flavorful and has a silkier texture.

You can observe Lenten Fridays with a traditional fish dinner,It;s a great way of introducing the family to seafood and different , fun recipes.They may want seafood all year round then, instead of just during Lent,

Nutrition Lessons From Ash Wednesday

Today is Ash Wednesday in the Christian calendar, This solemn day of reflection and prayer beings the forty day period of Lent. For most , such as the Catholics and Greek Orthodox , it means days of fasting and giving up certain foods. To be honest it 's a great way of paring down one's daily diet to a healthy one.

Usually Catholics abstain from meat  today and some abstain from eating meat on Lenten Fridays as they once did before the Second Vatican Council in the early 1960s. It's a good way of weaning away from being a full on carnivore. Doing it cold turkey is not always the best. That usually results in meat eating frenzy similar to a great white going through a school of tuna. Having a day away from chicken , beef or pork is a chance to discover different vegetable dishes., The observant are allowed to have seafood and this is a good time to explore tilapia and salmon as substitutes. Some Catholics also give up a favorite food such as cake or ice cream for the forty days,Again this is a good way to wean off all the unhealthy stuff and look into healthier snacks such as fruit and yogurt.

The Greek Orthodox are the strictest with two hundred fast days  in the year. The fasts are varied but it's basically giving up all meat, sugar, dairy and even olive oil. It is truly a cleansing diet with the body being purged of all fats , sugars and even chemicals,Breads are allowed as are tofu and beans..Seafood is allowed but it has limitations too. Only shellfish, octopus and squid can be eaten. There is a week long period where dairy is allowed so there can be milk, ice cream and cheeses as well as yogurts.Any fast is a good one because it introduces you to different vegetables and ways in which to prepare them. It 's a time to try steamed veggies or various t bean dishes like chili. The more you avoid addictive sugars and fats the less likely you'll be craving them later on.

The Lenten period is a time for prayer and reflection along with fasting. This may be the beginning of healthy eating. Abstain from all those sinful foods and not only will your faith be stronger but your body will be too.

Little Bit Of Lenten Cheating

Lent means certain sacrifices.Most people give up a favorite snack or dessert.Some give up meat on Wednesdays and Frodays.This is probably the hardest.While it's easier to sub in rice crackers for chips and frozen yogurt for ice cream, there's really no subbing in for steak or even hamburger.Luckily we can turn to vegans for solutions. Thanks to a strong worldwide vegetarian movement, it's now easy to still have much loved burgers and steaks.There are so many different kinds of veggie burgers out there.from Italian style to grillers that no one will actually miss the real things.There are also soy versions of Salisbury steak packaged with a rich mushroom gravy.You can also buy meatballs that are made in two ways.one with soy and the other with ground mushrooms.Both are great ,gracing a bowl of Friday night spaghetti.If you're longing for a vegan pizza,look no further than the Tofutti brand.The cheese is soy,and you can also scatter soy pepperoni. To be honest , this is also a heart healthy meal free from nitrates and processed pork.Speaking of which there is also tofu based ham and hot dogs.You can make some nice sandwiches as well as enjoying a grilled dog to finish out the week. Nowadays almost any meat, even fish can be duplicated thanks to tremendous inroads made in the soy industry.There are thick cut grilled soy steaks .These can easily be put out on the grill or pan fried.Have then with a baked potato and salad for satisfying dinner. Most supermarket and animal friendly sites will sell beef alternatives.Many serve beef tips which can be turned into a tasty crockpot stew or goulash. Soy beef crumbles are easy to get and they can be turned into a meatless chili or Bologneses sause.For poultry lovers there is both tofu chicken and turkey .You can get the chicken in nugget form but also in cutlets.Both are great for kids who are also observing Lent.The nuggets can be served with the same sauces as the real thing.For a big family meal, especially on Wednesdays .Serve with stuffing and cranberry sauce for the real thing. You could also make a soy turkey chili as well to vary the dish.Soy turkey and chicken cold cuts make excellent sandwiches and they easily be the main ingredient for Dagwoods or heroes for either lunch or dinner. If you find yourself craving meat on Lenten Wednesdays and Fridays, don't give in.There are soy substitutes that can satisfy .Try the many different kinds ,from beef to pork to chicken and turkey for either a filling lunch or dinner.

Lenten Foods

Today is AhWednesday ,a day when Christians ,and this year the Greek Orthodox begin Lent.It is forty day period of giving up and fasting leading to Lent.There are certain foods that are eaten today as well as during these forty days leading up to Easter.IThey not only full of religious significance, but are also a nice way of eating light. Ash Wednesday and the following LentenFridays for Catholics and Episcopalians means meatless meals.The restrictions are not as strict as the Orthodox so a meatless meal could be an omelet or anything kind of fish.Most Friday night dinners have always been pizza or spaghetti for dinner, with a lunch consisting of either a fish sandwich or fish sticks.Clam chowder is popular during this time as are any fish stew.It's a great time to try bouillabaisse out thanks to it being rich in an assortment of fish ,from lobster to angler fish to crabs.Soy meats are also allowed ,so technically you could create a meat loaf ,providing it has a soy base or have veggies pups and burgers. The Greek Orthodox are much more stricter and more traditionally rooted.Their first day of lEnt was Monday also known as Clean Monday and must fast until sundown.They are only allowed bread ,salt and water for the day.It is also called the Great Lent and other meat related products such as dairy and eggs are forbidden.Even their dietary staple olive oil is not allowed so foods have to be cooked in vegetable oil.Depending on how religious the Greek Orthodox are along with where they come from in Greece,their pre Easter period can be forgoing meat on Wednesdays and Fridays,Fish is also taboo as is dairy products.The diet during this time is rich in vegetables and beans.They make a white bean soup,along with boiled leafy greens as well as the classic stuffed grape leaves.This last is filled with rice and lemon in place of lamb. The time of Lent is a period of reflection and fasting.It means giving up certain foods as Christians follow ancient rules and customs.It is a time honored period of cleansing the body and soul.

Mardi Gras Fun

Today is Mardi Gras, the last day of celebration beforeLent.Throughout the world there are amazing celebrations with tons of party food.One of the best places to celebrate is here in the States down in New Orleans.The Cajuns and Creoles, locals down there have givenus delicious recipes that actually can be eaten any time of year. One of the most famous dishes is gumbo.It's a well known dish with roots in West Africa. This stew whose name come from the African word for okra can be made tailored to your tastes.You can add okra, however this veggies is an acquired taste, thanks to it's sliminess.It should have the famed and ultra spicy Andouille sausage for kick,along with red hot pepper flakes and Creole seasoning .This last you can make at home by mixing a variety of dried peppers with paprika ,onion and garlic powders.Dried basil and thyme are also added as well.If you want a seafood gumbo, perfect not only for Mardi Gras but for Lenten Fridays,add shrimp and craw daddies (sub in lobster if you can't find the car daddies or bayou lobsters). Jambalaya is another tasty treat from the Big Easy.It's a traditional rice dish with chicken,sausage,shrimp and pepper.It is seasoned heavily with Cajun spices and slow cooked for seven hours before serving.It's a great crock pot recipe to try as well. Mardi Gras celebrations wouldn't be the same without the famed King Cake.This is one of the city's oldest traditions,first being baked in France for Epiphany.It's decorated in gold ,purple and green, symbolizing power, justice and faith.A trinket, namely a ring is baked inside .The person who finds this prize has to buy next year's cake.It's a flaky,buttery composition filled with either a cream cheese ,apple or strawberry filling.Of course there are the famed beignets.These are fried puffs of dough,which are then dredged in powdered sugar.You can also dip these in melted chocolate ,caramel or even an orange brandy sauce.Bananas also figure in Crescent City desserts.Banana pudding is an easy mix of Nilla wafers, bananas and vanilla pudding.Bananas Foster is a yummy hot mix of bananas,brown sugar,rum and butter .It can be served over ice cream or eaten just as is. Mardi Gras is a time for revelry bordering on debauched.Satisfy your gluttonous side with these richly flavored savories and sweet.They make a perfect farewell dinner before the strict dieting of Lent.

Lenten Diets All Year Round

Lent will be starting with this Wednesday.It 's a time when Christians give up certain foods, especially meat and dairy.It's an idea that's worth looking into as a year round diet.It means more fruit and veggies along with a step towards healthier living. Most Catholics and some Protestants give up meat on Wednesdays and Fridays.Starting with a day or two without meat is a good and easy way towards veganism.After a few months you can increase meatless days to four or five and then eventually have meat days one or twice a month.Since some religions allow fish this is a good time to explore the different types put there.Try a steamed salmon(easy to do in the microwave) or tuna which can be served hot or cold.This is also a convenient time to check into the many types of soy "meats"out there.You can easily make spaghetti and meatballs using mushroom based already prepared meatballs.There's also veggie burgers and veggie dogs to try on a Friday night.The Greek Orthodox also give up dairy during the forty days leading up to Easter.This paves the way to try both soy and rice milk,along with the soy and coconut based ice creams. Many people give up a favorite food for this time of fasting.It's usually cake, ice cream and cookies.If these can be given up for just a little over a month, then they can also be given up for good.Again,Lent is an excellent time to explore healthier desserts such as fruits.These are extremely versatile too.You can end a meal with apple sauce, sprinkled with cinnamon.Another treat is grilled pineapple kabobs.Make fruit salads using all sorts of fruits in your market,along with trying new ones such as kiwis and mangoes.Snacks too are usually given up.This is good way of switching over to simple snacks like crackers and rice cakes..Also think a bout having raw veggies with a lemon or lime vinaigrette as a daytime nibble.It's filling but also light. Lent is a time of giving up favorite and lush foods.It's also a chance for a healthier diet and to change unhealthy eating habits.Following one's beliefs is not only good for the soul but for the body as well.

Ash Wednesday Time For Changes

Today is Ash Wednesday in the Christian calendar. it;s a time when most give up their favorite foods or even necessities like butter and milk. It;s a season of fasting however it's may also be a time to look change dietary ways.

Most people usually give up some food that they love for Lent. Some even go vegan which is a good idea. This is the time to explore other options, such as soy and quorn. Once you've given up faves like bacon or burgers you can look into the soy alternatives which taste the same and are good for you. (let's face it we all will crave the foods we give up.)These are great subs if you;re completely dying for bacon and eggs or just a nice grilled cheese burger. If you're giving up dairy and butter, then then are also soy made alternatives. Not only is there soy milk , but also almond and rice. As for butter there is pure coconut oil to cook with and the old standard margarine.

For those of you who have given up sweets, think about the alternative - fresh fruit. This is the time to become reacquainted with bananas , apples and oranges. Instead of craving a Hershey's kiss , think about a nice , juicy, iron rich grape. If you feel like ice cream,. then then eat a fruit yogurt which has plenty of calcium but little calories. You'll also feel better too because you're eating fiber and protein as opposed to allergy inducing glutens. Forbidding yourself that piece of cake never felt so good - or so right. too

Lent should be the time of fasting and repentance but it can also be a time of rediscovery. Giving up the bad means eating healthy. You may just change over to this lifestyle year round.

The Start of Lent

Today marks Ash Wednesday , the beginning of Lent for Catholics and some Protestants the world over. It means meatless Wednesdays and Fridays for most of us observing. It also means giving up a favorite food until Easter Sunday. The Lenten season could also mean more thoughtful eating as well.
Many people give up meat along with butter and milk as the Greek Orthodox do for their Lent (which falls on different dates than the Catholic and Protestant).This is a chance to have a diet more enriched in fish and the benefits it brings. Eat more salmon and you’re going to be healthily infused with Omega 3s. Fish is also low in calories especially if it’s grilled and just served with a spritz of lemon. You can give up meat all together and stick with vegetables and pasta. Again this is heart healthy and low in nitrates and sodium. There’s nothing like steamed veggies over rice, flavored by all natural ginger and other spices.
Of course Lent is a time to give up favorite foods. Most people usually forgo cake , cookies or chocolates. Some hardier sorts do last until Easter . However many do fall prey to temptation. This is the period to switch over to healthier sweets such as cranberries and bananas, along with grapefruit and oranges. This is also the time to think about giving up savory snacks, such as potato chips nuts or any other salty, oily treat. Some even abstain from alcohol. Whatever you give up doesn’t matter, What matters is giving up something you love and fasting from its‘ temptation.
Lent is a time for introspection and abstinence. It’s a time for giving up what’s bad for you and discovering healthier alternatives to meat , sweets and snacks. These next few weeks will be good for both your soul and body.

Lent Rules

This is the season of Lent where some Catholics give up their favorite foods as well as not eating meat on Fridays.This practice actually goes back to the Middle Ages when meat was scarce and people had to find a way of stretching food. As the centuries progressed giving up foods became a standard for the season. Lent ends with Easter, a time when there are spring banquets and parties.

Since Lent (which is derived from the German word lenct meaning to fast) is really a time of fasting, many people go on a kind of mini fast, that is giving up some food that they really love. Most skip cake and bread for forty days. Others forgo candy . It's a good way to lose weight however once the period ends, there's usually a feeding frenzy at the local bakery or in some poor unsuspecting kid's Easter basket. Myself, I usually give up intolerance or impatience which make for very high blood pressure until Easter morning

Another dictate that some Catholics (including myself) adhere to is not eating meat on Fridays (some like the Greek Orthodox also eschew meat on Wednesdays too). These are the days when we become reacquainted with Manhattan clam chowder and fish sticks. It's not as drastic as giving up a favorite cookie or snack. It's a way of showing respect to the Church. Years ago we were not allowed to eat meat on any Friday throughout the year. However in the last almost fifty years the Vatican has more or less relaxed the rule s and we can eat meat on this day.

Lent means a lot of thing to a lot of people. For most it's soul searching and looking to do good for one's fellow man and community. For others it's just giving up something they love. For foodies it;'s giving up a slice of Italian bread or a pastry until Easter.