It is a common misconception that veganism is a deprivation or limiting lifestyle.  On the contrary!  Being vegan enriches ones life in ways you could not imagine.
  • By avoiding and not ingesting animal products, you experience a lighter feeling in your body because you are not supporting cruelty or consuming violence.
  • Vegans enjoy vibrant health, maintain a healthy weight and many report feeling a deeper connection to the natural world and having greater compassion.
  • You will enjoy profound health benefits on a plant based diet as endorsed by Cornell University, The American Dietetic Association, and many other reputable health experts who state that vegetarians have lower rates of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity, and other health problems.

Recommended Cookbooks

home-fries
These delicious homefried potatoes are great for breakfast, or any time of day. Serve them with applesauce or try them with black bean chili and salsa!

3 russet potatoes, scrubbed
1 onion, thinly sliced
4 tsp soy sauce
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp paprika or chili powder
5-6 cherry tomatoes, cut into quarters (optional)
2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional)

Cut the unpeeled potatoes into 1/2 - inch cubes and steam them until just tender when pierced with a sharp knife, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside. Heat 1/2 cup of water in a large non-stick skillet and add the onions. Cook, stirring frequently, until the water has evaporated and the onions begin to stick to the pan. Scrape the pan as you add another 1/2 cup of water, then cook until the onions once again begin to stick. Repeat this process until the onions are very brown and sweet. This will take about 15 minutes. Add the diced potatoes and sprinkle with the soy sauce, black pepper, and paprika or chili powder. Cook, turning gently with a spatula, until the potatoes are golden brown. Garnish with cherry tomatoes and green onions if desired.

Source: New Century Nutrition
tofu_scramble

1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
1/2 lb. sausage substitute
1/2 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb. firm tofu, drained and crumbled
1 tomato, diced
1 tsp. turmeric
1/2 tsp. garlic salt
2 green onions, minced

Heat oil in a skillet. Add the sausage substitute, onion, and garlic and fry until browned. Add the tofu, tomato, turmeric, and garlic salt and saute for 5 minutes. Add green onions during last minute of cooking.
blueberry-pancakes
2 cups white flour, preferably unbleached
3 Tbsp. sugar, preferably Sucanat
3 Tbsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
2 cups vanilla soy milk
3 Tbsp. canola oil
1/2 cup frozen blueberries
1/2 cup fresh blueberries

Combine the dry ingredients in a bowl and mix together. Add the soy milk and oil and mix until the batter is smooth. Ladle the batter onto the hot pancake griddle. Add frozen blueberries. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Serve with Earth Balance vegan margarine, fresh blueberries and pure maple syrup.
1 cup garbanzo beans (canned or pre-cooked)
1 stalk celery, chopped
1/2 small onion, finely minced
vegan mayonaise (e.g. Vegenaise or Nayonaise)
salt and pepper to taste
bread
Mash the garbanzo beans. Add remaining ingredients and mix well. Spread on bread.
bean_squash_soupServes 6

1 tablespoon canola oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1 onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons cumin, ground
3 cups butternut squash, peeled, in 1-inch dice
2 cups water
1 cup diced canned tomatoes with chilis, drained
2 cups black beans, cooked
1 cup red kidney beans, cooked
1 cup great northern beans, cooked
1 cup black-eyed peas, cooked
1 cup pinto beans, cooked
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Add the oil to a large stockpot over medium heat. Saute the garlic, onion, and bell pepper until softened, 8 to 10 minutes.  Add the chili powder, cumin, and oregano and stir to combine. Add the squash, water, and tomatoes and bring to a boil, stirring to combine.

Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the beans and simmer another 5 to 10 minutes until the squash is tender and the beans are well heated, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper.

Top with vegan sour cream if you like.  Toffutti is a great brand!
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