Wednesday, August 20, 2014

RECIPE: Karinna's Vegan Rosemary, Spinach & Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms




Karinna's Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms

14-18 Large White Button Mushrooms
1 package Vegan Veggie Ground Beef Style Crumbles (Boca or Smart Ground/Lightlife Foods)
2 cups fresh Baby Spinach
1/2 cup Vegan Mayonnaise (Vegenaise, or Just Mayo)
1/2 cup Flat Leaf Parsley
1 cup Broccoli, chopped
1 cup Cauliflower, chopped
2 cloves Garlic
1/4 cup white Onion

2 bunches fresh Rosemary, de-stemmed
Extra Virgin Olive Oil or Earth Balance Vegan Butter

Preparation:
1. Clean mushrooms, remove stems (twist and pull out) and set aside, layer cookie sheet with aluminum foil, place mushrooms face up on the cookie sheet, and preheat oven to 375.
Mushrooms are anti-carcinogenic and full of nutrients!
2. Mince Garlic, chop Onions, Parsley, Green Onions, Broccoli, Cauliflower, and Mushroom stems. 
Garlic is a natural antibiotic! 


Cooking the Sausage Mixture:
1. Heat pan, add 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil and saute the Garlic, white Onions, Broccoli, Cauliflower and Mushroom Stems. Add 1 tbsp Earth Balance Vegan Butter.
2. Add the vegan ground beef crumbles until browned; season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Turn off heat and let cool.
4. In a medium bowl, add the fresh flat leaf Parsley, Spinach, fresh Green Onions, and cooked sausage mixture. 
5. Add the Vegenaise, mix.

Stuff the Mushrooms:
  • Spoon the Sausage Mixture into the Mushrooms. I like to pile them high!
  • Sprinkle with Daiya Mozzarella Vegan Cheese.
  • Transfer to Oven and bake for 20 minutes.
The Mushrooms will be juicy! Enjoy!

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Vegan Foodie Adventures: Seabirds Kitchen Costa Mesa, CA


As a mommy of three vegan environmentalists-in-training who love veggies just like me, it's easy for me to find a spot for lunch.  We have our favorites here in Orange County; but today, we chose Seabirds Kitchen at The LAB Anti Mall in Costa Mesa.
  
Seabirds started as a very popular food truck and recently opened Seabirds Kitchen here in the heart of the OC.  Founder Stephanie Morgan's passion is providing locally sourced veggies and reducing the amount of time from farm to table.  The menu is fresh, light, lean, and revolutionary!  You'll find amazing Grilled Street Corn, Cold Zucchini Noodles, Burnt Brussels Sprouts, Squash Blossoms and a few other items on the small plates menu.  Entrées include a Local's Bowl, Portobello Mole Quesadilla and Tempeh + Shiitakes.  Salads are unique, desserts are delish and even the drinks are one of a kind.  The most impressive menu item for me is the Jackfruit Tacos.  


The Beer Battered fried Avocado tacos are a close second.  But let me just prepare you, Jackfruit is the CARNE ASADA of the Future!  It is no surprise that multi-billionaires are investing in companies which produce meatless meat.  Bill Gates blog, written by Gates himself, says the Future of Food is Vegan.  James Cameron and his wife have invested in a fully plant-based school!  Meat consumption is growing at a dangerously exponential rate and whether you are a Vegan warrior like me, or you just want to make a difference in the world and make an impact, Vegan alternatives are the way to go! 

Jackfruit has taken me by surprise.  I first heard about it from my friend Robert Cheeke, over at Vegan Bodybuilding and Fitness, when he posted a photo on his Instagram and Facebook page.  My first experience with Jackfruit was here at Seabirds a few weeks ago for their Taco Tuesday special.  Being the Vegan Foodie that I am, of course I posted a picture of my Taco and all my friends and followers went crazy!  "THAT is Vegan??"  "Now I could eat THAT!"   The texture is absolutely meaty, carne asada-like, and shreds just like meat.  Everyone is different, but although I haven't had a shred of animal flesh in years, I do like some of my foods to have a meaty texture.  This will satisfy that craving for you.

We also ordered the Local Bowl with brown rice, black beans, and delicious Dinosaur Kale, topped with Coconut Bacon. YES BACON!!
Double Trouble

Overall, Seabirds is awesome and I hope you will visit.  The Lab is a semi-outdoor shopping center labeled an "Anti-Mall."  Complete with a Buffalo Exchange, Urban Outfitters, and the eclectic and unique Habana restaurant on one end, The Lab is a fun destination where you can dine and find some interesting clothes, accessories, vinyl, and collectibles.

Leave me a comment below if you have any questions on the Vegan Plant-Based Lifestyle.  I offer a Free 30 Day Coaching Challenge!  Sign up for my mailing list here!

♥Karinna

  

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Breakfast: Sweet or Savory?

We all have a preference; sugar and sweetness, or salty spiciness.  How do you kick start your day? 

Most of the foods you already eat are plant-based or can easily be made vegan.  The key is to get comfortable with alternatives and get ready to add explosively delicious flavor to your dishes!
  Here is a list of some easy to make breakfast ideas from my vegan cookbook!


Sweet Breakfast Ideas:
~Vegan Banana Waffles 
~Oatmeal with Almond Milk and Fresh Berries
~Toasted Bagel with Daiya Strawberry "Cream Cheese" Spread
~Homemade Vegan Granola with Rice Milk
~Cinnamon-Agave Bulghur & Oats with Fresh Fruit


Savory Breakfast Ideas:
~Kale and Mushroom Tofu Scramble
~Soyrizo and Black Bean Burrito
~Roasted Baby Potatoes with Tempeh Bacon
~Veggie Stuffed Tofu Omelette
~Organic Tomatillo Salsa
~Avocado Smoothie
~Spicy Chilaquiles



Leave me a comment below if you have a specific question on cooking Vegan.  I love your feedback!
♥K

Saturday, August 2, 2014

Karinna's High Protein Post-Workout Salad Recipe


When I first went Vegan in 2007, I had to break down some of my paradigms.  The word protein was synonymous with meat.  I had to unlearn a lot of myths that I had learned since childhood.   Now, I see food for the nutrient content.  It is quite easy to construct a well-balanced, healthy meal once you realize that everything you need can be found in plant sources without the saturated fat and chemicals found in the typical American diet.  

"But Organic food is expensive."  
Actually, heart disease, diabetes, and organ failure can be even more expensive.

Exercise and eating clean are habits we need in order to live a long and healthy life.  After a rigorous workout, I need some carbs and a good amount of lean protein to recover.

Karinna's High Protein Post Workout Salad

In a large bowl, mix together these power foods!



Kale
Broccoli
Radicchio
Edamame
Pinto Beans
Butter Beans
Avocado
SpicyTomatillo Salsa


Tips:  
I almost never use salad dressing; substitute salsa instead.
Use black beans, garbanzo beans, or any other legume you prefer. 
Add red onion, mushrooms, carrots for a heartier meal.

Enjoy!

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