Vegan Banana Splits

I've found it very interesting that since switching over to certain products such as ice creams made of almonds rather than milk, my cravings for sweeter things are satisfied far more quickly by a long shot. I used to be able to eat so much dairy ice cream and so much milk chocolate because it took a lot to satisfy my cravings. It's unbelievable the difference since having gone vegan! 

Ingredents:

Bananas

Hershey genuine chocolate syrup 

Almond Dream Praline dairy free ice cream

Fresh chopped cherries

Flaxseed (optional)

I sprinkled the chopped cherries with sugar to help extract the juice and left in fridge for 20 min prior to serving. Otherwise, no one needs instructions on how to make a Banana split!

Ingredients for 12 muffins:

3 Ripe Bananas
1/2 cup Banana Jell-O instant pudding mix (It's vegan. Blend with soy milk)
1/2 cup fresh sliced, pitted cherries
2 cup flour
1/2 tsp Bob's Red Hill Baking Soda (It's cruelty free).
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
1tsp almond or vanilla extract (I use almond)

 I use Red Hill Baking Soda because other brands of soda such as, "Arm and Hammer" test on animals.

Combine flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and soda.

In a separate bowl mash the bananas. Add sugar, and extract. Add pudding mix. Gently fold in cherries.

Now add your dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix. Scoop large spoonfuls of mixture into each individual muffin tin.

Bake at 350 for 12-15 minutes. Test with toothpick to see if muffins have cooked through. Sometimes it takes longer due to additional moisture form the pudding mix. If you prefer, you can make a bread loaf and cook it at 350 for approx. 45 minutes.

THERE IS ONE SINGLE INDUSTRY DESTROYING THE PLANET MORE THAN ANY OTHER

It's the leading cause of Global warming

It's the leading cause of water depletion

It's the leading cause of species extinction

It's the leading cause of ocean dead zones.

The leading cause of this environmental devastation in progress is factory farming.

Google search COWSPIRACY to see if this video is airing in your home town. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nV04zyfLyN4

Plant Powered Protein Smoothie

Ingredients:

1 Lb Silken Tofu

1/2 Cup Silk Soy Milk (Optional)

2 Frozen bananas (Mine were semi frozen)

1 Half Avocado

2 cup berries of your choice

Squeeze of lemon 

Place all ingredients in blender and pulse until mixture is smooth. 

Makes for a healthy protein treat! 

Younique cruelty free BB Cream & Cream Foundation Review

I would love to share with you my latest cosmetic find... Younique makeup! What's great about this company is they have a line of vegan cosmetics! And what I love most about Younique is they are a company under way to becoming certified as cruelty free. Go Younique...don't stop until you get there! Although Younique is not officially cruelty free to date, my reason for writing this review is to encourage the purchase of cosmetics from companies such as Younique who do not test on animals. Also, their quality of makeup is excellent! Ever since I started using superior quality makeup, my overall appearance looks better. Even my husband commented that Younique makeup suits my complexion and is more natural looking. Bonus! I was so excited when I was sent a package of makeup in the mail to try out. I decided to do a review on it because I was impressed with the quality of their products. 

The BB Flawless Line is entirely vegan! There are a variety of colors for all skin tones. I chose my color in, "Bisque" as pictured below. I think this product is excellent! Goes on smoothly, beautifully and helps cover those flaws you don't want to show. It also results in a dewy complexion for those who like their skin to glow. Pick your color online at: https://www.youniqueproducts.com/vipretty/products/view/US-1074-00. 

                                                BB Cream in, "Bisque"

_______________________________________________________

I also received the cream foundation which I think is fantastic! I chose my color in, "Taffeta" and applied this over the BB cream enhancer for additional coverage and to cancel out the dewy effect of the BB cream itself. Together they create an overall beautiful flawless look. (Cream foundations are not vegan).

Cream Foundation in, "Taffeta".

Here is a complete list of the Younique vegan line:

Moodstruck concealers
Moodstruck Blushers
Refreshed Rose Water
BB Flawless
Awake Facial Cleanser
Concealer Brush (Synthetic Hair)

My experience with Younique makeup has been great! I'm very impressed with the products and recommend them. A lovely representative named Cessna was very helpful in answering questions I had and helping me choose out my colors.

(Please note: Younique does not trace in depth investigations into where their ingredients come from  in order to make their cosmetics.)

For further assistance in purchasing cosmetics from Younique, please visit:

Cessna Foster 

Younique Presenter

www.VIPrettyLounge.com

Sweet Berry Pie!!!

Baking pie without using eggs, or animal based products is so easy! Here's one of many pie recipes that's animal friendly. 

Ingredients for pie shell:

1 tsp. salt if desired
2 cup flour ( I recommend Robin hood)
1 cup fat ( I use vegetable based Crisco)
1/2 water

Place ingredients into a bowl. Mix very gently and preferably with hands. This will help to result in  a thiner and lighter crust rather than a thicker one. Gradually add water and mix in between pouring. Be extremely gentle at all times with the dough. Separate dough into two separate balls. Gently roll dough out. One part for the base and one part for the top.

Filling:

1 cup black berries,
1 cup strawberries
1 - 2 cup sliced apples
1 cup sugar
2 Tbs sugar
3 Tbs flour
Smart Balance butter ( I used flaxseed butter ...tastes better than dairy and it's healthier for you!)

Add fruit to a bowl. Add 1 cup sugar onto fruit. Mix. Add 3 tbs of flour onto fruit, mix and let sit for about 5 minutes.  Place pie shell into pie plate. Sprinkle 3 Tbs of flour on the pie shell. This will help thicken the juices that are extracted from the fruit during the cooking process. Add 2 Tbs sugar onto base of pie shell for extra sweetness. Place fruit mixture into pie shell. Place 4-5 Tbs of Smart balance butter on top of fruit. Cover the top with the rolled out dough and pinch the sides together. Brush top with butter half way through cooking.

Bake 425 degree for 10-15 min
Reduce temperature to 350 degree for 50 min

Tip: You may want to add additional flour to thicken up the filling to your desire. This recipe will create a center that has a sweet syrup which I think is nice. You can see the syrup in the picture. I recommend placing your pie onto something that will allow for the juices to drip onto as they cook in the oven. This will keep from your oven getting sticky and messy. By chance your pie crust doesn't turn out perfect the 1st time around, keep trying this recipe until you perfect it. It is the best recipe for a light crust! Hope you like it:)

Natures Gate & Jason Shampoo Review

I've been trying out some cruelty free shampoo's for a few months now and would love to share my review on them.  First up, Natures Gate Shampoo and Conditioner. My favorite feature about this product is it's scent. You can choose from Tea Tree or the Herbal scent and both smell exceptional. Even my 9 year old step son commented on how he loves the new shampoo he's discovered in the shower. I do find I have to use more conditioner than usual to detangle my hair. Sale price over $7.00 each. You pay more because it doesn't contain the harsh chemicals that are so commonly found in most hair products. I have re purchased this product several times to date. 

Jason strengthens and repairs damaged hair shampoo has no scent. For some people this will be beneficial and appealing for health reasons. Jason shampoo is good if you need a little more body to your hair. I find it to be a little drying to my hair resulting in additional volume. Retail price is just over $6.00

You can purchase these at Meijer, Walmart, Amazon or local health food stores. No way I'm going back to chemical brands that test on animals and are not as healthy even if I have to pay a few extra bucks! Cruelty free and natural is the only way to go:)

Vegan Indian Red Lentil Curry

Another successful vegan dish and my husband loved it! I'm having so much fun creating new and delicious dishes. Our eating habits have become healthier and our taste buds are happier!

• 1cups lentils, rinsed and picked over
• ½ large onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons red curry paste
• ½ tablespoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• ½ teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 3 bulbs minced garlic
• 1-2 teaspoon minced ginger (more the better!)
• a few good shakes of cayenne pepper
• 1 28 oz tomato puree ( I didn't use the whole can but most of it)
• 1-2 tomatoes cut in chunks
• 1/2 cup coconut milk 
• cilantro for garnishing
• rice for serving

Serves 2-3

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Cook the lentils according to directions on package. 
2. Melt the butter in saucepan and add the onion. Saute for a few minutes until golden. Add all the spices (curry paste, garam masala, curry powder, turmeric, cayenne, sugar, garlic, ginger). Stir fry for 1-2 minutes. Add the tomato sauce; stir and simmer until smooth. Add tomatoes. 
3. Add the lentils and the coconut milk. Stir and simmer for another 15-20 minutes (Longer is better so the flavors extract throughout the dish! I actually let mine simmer for 30min). Serve over rice and garnish with cilantro.

Ingredients for main dish:
1 lb package of Firm Tofu
2 thinly sliced carrots
1 bell pepper
1 Cup snap peas
1/2 yellow onion
1/2 beet, cooked
1 can bamboo shoots
2-3 diced garlic bulbs
1 tbs cilantro diced
1-2 Tbs ginger diced 
1 tsp Ovega 3 (a substitute for fish oil) This is optional and not necessary for this dish. Please see: http://www.ovega.com/ovega3_vs_fish_oil 
Salt and pepper
Oil such as Vegetable or Canola

Cut Firm Tofu into thick or thin slices. For this dish I used thinner slices and prefer it this way. I base the bottom of my pan with just enough oil to fry the Tofu nicely.  Add salt and pepper. Additional option for extra flavor: Add Ovega 3 (an alternative to fish oil)

The trick with Tofu is to prepare it right or it doesn't taste that great. It's like anything, prepare it right and it will taste good. In my experience you need to add flavorful spices or sauces so it can soak in the flavors for great results. Tofu is an excellent source of protein.

While your tofu is frying, begin to prepare the Green curry Sauce as instructed below.

After your tofu is light golden brown start to fry the veggies in the same pan. Make sure there is enough oil coating the pan to sauté your vegetables. Fry broccoli for 5 minutes on medium heat with lid covering to lock in heat.  Saute carrots, bell peppers, snap peas 7-10 min.
Add your pre baked beet, bamboo shoots, onion, diced garlic, cilantro, and the magic ingredient..ginger!!

Green curry sauce: 
1 can coconut milk ( I use Thai Kitchen brand)
1 Tbs brown sugar
2 Tbs Green curry paste
1-2 stalks fresh lemon grass ( This enhances the flavor of the dish and I highly recommend it)
1 Tbs flour
1 cup cold water

Bring coconut oil to boil, and simmer. Add sugar and paste. Mix. Cut lemon grass lengthwise and snap it thoroughly to extract the lemon flavor. Add it to sauce mix and let sit for at least 15-20 min. After 15-20 minutes you will remove the lemon grass from the sauce.

This is optional but I like to thicken the curry sauce just a little. To do this I add 1 Tbs of flour with 1 cup cold water. Whisk with a fork. Now add approx. 3 Tbs of this mixture to Green curry sauce and mix.

One of the best recipes ever!!! Approx time 45 min. Takes a little while but worth it!

Cooking with Essential Fatty Acids

Essential Fatty Acids are Important for optimal health. Let's take a look at the types:

Linoleic Acid (LA): An O-mega 6 fatty acid found in grains, seed, nuts, especially safflower, sunflower, corn and soy oil. Vegan friendly.
Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA): An omega 3 fatty acid found in flaxseed, chia, hemp, walnuts, canola oil, and some soy foods. Vegan friendly.

The other 2 types are DHA (docosahexanoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentanoic acid) found in animal products such as fish and eggs.

Vegans tend to get a high ratio of LA fatty acids in their diet when what they need is little more ALA in their diet. One way to help get more ALA in a vegan diet is by cooking with certain oils. These oils include: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Canola, "High-Oleic" Sunflower or Safflower Oil (must be labelled "High-Oleic"), Almond, Avocado, Hazelnut & Macadamia Nut Oil. Corn, Soybean and peanut oils are popular for frying but should be limited in a vegan diet as they have a high LA (Linoleic Acid) content and vegans tend to get plenty of this Essential Fatty Acid:)




Fun Fact: Oils with a low smoke point begin to break down at high temperatures, potentially producing toxins. Oils with high mono saturated fat content (as listed above) have a higher smoke point and are better to cook with.

Chickpea Cakes:

3 tbs oil
1/4 cup diced onion
1/4 cup diced green pepper
1 celery stalk, diced
1 28 oz can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 tsp thyme
1 tsp paprika
pinch of cayenne pepper
1 tsp hot sauce ( I use habanero sauce for extra spiciness)
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
2 tbsp flour
1 tbsp cornstarch
salt and pepper to taste
oil for frying

Directions:

Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Saute onion, green pepper, and celery until softened. Remove from heat.
Place chickpeas in a food processor along with the onion mixture. Pulse until chickpeas are no longer whole, but dont process them too much. Place chickpeas in a bowl and add spices, hot sauce, and parsley. Mix well. Add flour and cornstarch and mix well. Place in the fridge for 30 mins.
Heat oil in a frying pan over med/med-hi heat. Shape chickpea mixture into 6 patties and fry in batches, about 3-4 mins per side, or until crispy and browned. If you have trouble forming the patties, add some more cornstarch to hold it all together.