"what do you eat?"

~welcome! this blog was created in response to a lot of interest and questions about my dining habits. i hear it often: "what do you eat?" well, check back often for pictures, ideas and recipes of some of my favorite dishes~



Monday, June 28, 2010

Spinach Artichoke Dip

Spinach Artichoke Dip~such a yummy, crowd pleasing appetizer~

What you'll need to prepare:
  • 1 10 ounce package frozen spinach

  • 1 14.5 ounce can of artichokes

  • "Follow Your Heart" brand Vegenaise

  • "Galaxy Nutrional Foods" Rice Vegan cheese, Mozzarella Flavor

  • Nutritional Yeast (available in bulk at Whole Foods)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Thaw your frozen spinach and drain the artichokes. I like to mash the artichokes a bit so that they are broken up. Combine the artichokes and spinach in a large bowl.

Fold a generous amount of Vegenaise to the mixture~probably about a half a cup.

Shred about a half cup of the mozzarella and add to the mix. I like to sprinkle a good amount of Nutritional Yeast flakes to the dip~taste test frequently.

Pop in your pre-heated oven for about 30 minutes and you're done!

**This dip can be served with tortilla chips if you're in a hurry~OR, or you can whip up my favorite crostinis as an accompaniment:

  • slice up a thin loaf of Italian or French bread and arrange on a baking sheet

  • brush one side of the bread with a mixture of EVOO, oregano, onion powder, basil, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, pepper and melted Soy Garden butter

  • broil at 300 degrees for about 10 minutes or until lightly browned

Teriyaki Tofu Stir Fry

Teriyaki Tofu Stir Fry is quick, easy and delicious~and a million times better for you than Chinese take-out :)

To prepare, you will need:
  • 1 block of extra-firm tofu
  • 2 large onions
  • 1 red or green pepper
  • Braggs Liquid Aminos All Purpose Seasoning
  • EVOO
  • BBQ sauce~I prefer Sweet Baby Ray's
  • Teriyaki sauce~whatever brand you prefer
  • Brown rice~I like 10 Minute Success Brown Rice, Boil in Bag

Begin by boiling water for your brown rice.

Next, we prepare the tofu. Tofu is packaged in water to keep it fresh and ready to absorb whatever flavors you wish to add. Slice open the packaging and drain out all the water. Grab a clean tea towel and wrap up the tofu block. Place something heavy on top~a few books, whatever you have around~and set aside. I usually try to leave it under weight for at least five-ten minutes to ensure that the maximum amount of water is drained~the more water that drains out, the more flavor will be absorbed during the cooking process.

While you are waiting for the tofu to drain, drizzle a generous amount of EVOO, BBQ sauce, teriyaki sauce and Braggs in a large pan (*a little amount of Braggs goes a long way~it is potent, so taste test frequently). Dice your onions and peppers and add to the pan. Begin sauteeing over medium-low heat.

By now the tofu should be sufficiently drained of water. Remove it from the tea towel and place on your cutting board. It may be a bit crumbly~this is okay. Begin slicing up the tofu: I prefer to cut it in half lengthwise first, then slice it into quarter inch cubes.

Add your tofu crumbles to the pan with the onions, peppers, BBQ sauce, EVOO, teriyaki sauce and Braggs. Stir frequently. Add liquid as necessary to prevent from drying out.

Once the water is boiling, add the rice and boil as directed. Once it's cooked, add the rice to the pan and stir in to the tofu, onion and pepper medley. I like to keep this cooking over medium heat for about ten more minutes to ensure all the flavors combine.

Voila! Teriyaki Tofu Stir Fry!