The Hopeful Herbivore

  The Super Bowl is coming up this Sunday. And you know that usually includes some form of a Super Bowl party. Seldom do we think about what our food choices mean on these occasions. So, let me tell you. It is estimated that 1.23 BILLION chicken wings will be consumed this weekend. If you haven't done the math, that's 600 MILLION chickens that will be slaughtered for their wings.. just for one weekend. So, I urge you, to look for a compassionate alternative. My favorite 'faux' wings are these amazing wings from Gardein. I PROMISE that nobody could tell the difference; including kids. I love the buffalo, and they also come in a sweeter bbq. But you CAN'T have buffalo wings without ranch! What's a vegan to do? This! Serve it up with your wings or a plate of veggies. Vegan Ranch Dressing/Dip 1 cup vegan sour cream (I use Tofutti) 2 teaspoons parsley 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon dill

Valentine's Day is quickly approaching. Store shelves are chock full of chocolates and candies; most filled milk or gelatin. What's a vegan to do? Sure, there are greeting cards and flowers.. and the occasional dark chocolate. But what about the vegan candy, or the cruelty-free bath? Here's my Top 6  list of vegan must-haves for this Valentine's Day: 1) Sjaak's Organic Dark Chocolate Heart (filled with dark chocolates). Cause what's better than chocolate? Several chocolates. That's what. 2)  Get Zum Bath Salt & Massage Oil Gift Set . Because baths and/or massages lead to.. Well, you know.   3) Crazy Rumors: Parlor Collection (set of 4 lip balms). They taste like ice-cream! Warning: May lead to kissing.   4) Farm Sanctuary's "Roll in The Hay" Soy Candle . Sure, the cow and chicken logo may not seem to get the recipient in a romantic mood. But it's called "Roll in The Hay" for a reason. Plus, nothing

Nearly the first day I went vegan, we made these. The small amount of ingredients, and quick prep time have made it a staple in our diet. Ingredients (makes 4-6 fajitas): white tortillas 3 green/orange/red peppers (mix colors for great antioxidants) 1 white onion 1/2 tbsp garlic powder 2 tbsp vegetable or canola oil 2-3 oz. vegan taco seasoning (2-3 packets) 1/4 tbsp cinnamon salt & pepper, to taste Frank's Buffalo Sauce (optional) Remove seeds from peppers and cut into strips. Slice onion into long strips. In large bowl, combine peppers and onion. Drizzle with oil; stir to coat. Pour all seasonings over veggies. Stir with large spoon or hands to coat the peppers. Place all ingredients into a hot wok or frying pan. Cook for 7-9 minutes, or until onions are translucent and peppers are tender. Warm/steam tortillas (I just place them between two large plates, and microwave for 25 seconds) Wrap veggies in tortillas. Can serve with taco sauce, guacamole, or veg

In recent weeks, I've had a few discussions (both online and off), about the comparison between human life and all other living beings. Basically, I get a lot of flack for 'humanizing' animals. Yes, I mourn for them. I physically feel pangs of empathy for them. I think it is just as heartbreaking when they die, when they're abused, when they're separated from their young. I can't rationalize their existence in any other way. But I'm not humanizing them . I'm equalizing all . I realize that my view isn't necessarily the most popular one.. But I'm hoping that if I lay it all out in one post, it will be easier to understand where I'm coming from, even if one chooses to still not agree. At any rate, the discussions that came up in the last couple weeks were in relation to animal testing, the school shooting in Newtown, and then the President eating meat while stating how we need to address and reduce violence in our country. I know