Now THAT'S a GOOD read!

I thought I'd put a list together of my favourite, most inspiring books, cookbooks & websites. I think these are excellent for anyone looking into vegetarianism/veganism but don't know where to start. Or maybe you've already made the switch but feeling like you need some more recipes? Or maybe just want to keep learning? Enjoy! <3

Books:

• Quantum Wellness ~ Kathy Freston (some great!!! recipes at the back of the book)
• The China Study ~ Dr. T. Colin Campbell
• Skinny Bitch ~ Rory Freedman & Kim Barnouin
• The Food Revolution ~ John Robbins (the Heir to Baskin Robbins, he gave it all up for veganism!)

Cookbooks: (these are ALL excellent, but I've bolded the ones I use the most)

• The Kind Diet ~ Alicia Silverstone
• The Conscious Cook ~ Tal Ronnen
• How It All Vegan, La Dolce Vegan, The Garden of Vegan ~ Sarah Kramer & Tanya Barnard
• Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World! ~ Isa Chandra Moskowitz & Terry Hope Romero

Websites:

• The Future of Food (explains why ORGANIC is SOOO important!)
• Karmavore (where to buy ALL vegan goods...food, clothes, shiney's & more)
• Everyday Dish (vegan cooking videos!)
• Vegan Coach (Sassy teaches you how to eat vegan whole foods, she's great!!!)
• Happy Cow (website to search for veg restaurants near you!)
• Canadians for Ethical Treatment of Food Animals (VERY informative website. Twyla is SOO AMAZING & wonderful & genuine. The stuff she does, for animals..i just adore her. She will reply to your emails personally as well. We need more people like Twyla).
• Ellen (has lots of recipes on her site. LOVE how she features vegan cooking on her show!)

Well I hope this gives you some new avenues to explore. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have. If you have any questions, fire away! :)

~Lena

Vegan Enchilada's Even a Meat-Eater Will LOVE!

I got this recipe from my friend Anna & just easily veganized it. It's SOOO good, even my other-half can't get enough!


Heat oven to 350°F. Spray a 13x9 (3qt) glass baking dish with cooking spray (works just as well in a non-stick 13x9 cake pan, but don’t spray).

1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed, drained
1 Cup each Organic frozen corn & diced red/green peppers
1  can (4.5 oz) chopped green chilies, undrained
2 cups shredded Daiya Cheddar
1 jar (10 oz) enchilada sauce (be sure to read the labels, most are vegan, but some contain meat)
8 flour tortillas (6 to 7 inch) (or about 5 10 inch) –tomato flavoured ones are tasty!


Shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, chopped avocado, tofutti or follow your heart ‘sour cream’ and salsa, if desired.

1.    In medium bowl, mix black beans, corn, green chilies, 1 cup of the Daiya and 1/4 cup of the enchilada sauce.

2.    Spread 1/2 cup of the enchilada sauce over bottom of baking dish. Spoon 1/2 cup bean mixture (more if you’re using the 10” tortillas) down center of each tortilla. Roll up tortillas; place seam sides down in baking dish. Spoon remaining enchilada sauce over enchiladas. Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup cheese. Spray sheet of foil with cooking spray. Cover baking dish with foil, sprayed side down.

3.    Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until thoroughly heated (uncover for the last 10 minutes). Serve topped with lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, ‘sour cream’ and salsa.

Reheats great! Serves 3-4

Welcome to My New Adventure

Well, been thinking for a while of starting a blog...but wasn't sure how to streamline all my thoughts into a blog without rambling on about nothingness or randomness. There are so many things I have a passion for, I wanted to share the info I have been learning over the last decade & in the future. Animal rights, the environment, our own health, food, things that are going on around us globally that many of us have NO IDEA about...I want to share the amazing information & their sources. We need to start taking responsibility for oursleves & our actions. Ignorance is NOT bliss, it's just plain ignorance. Nothing blissful about it. I get asked a lot of questions about why am I a vegan, 'hippy' or 'granola' (to me these are great compliments) & a lot of questions about the foods I eat. So, please join me on my blogging expedition. A single spot to put all my fav recipes, stores, products & information. I hope you enjoy :)

~Lena