Plant Based Protein Sauce

I’ve dreamt of world peace and I’ve dreamt of animal peace. I am an asshole to humans, because most are to eachother, not to mention animals. I treat animals like I would a little baby that I was related to. Animals have evolved their way through this planet harder than we have and I respect their existance and safety.

This month I turn three:)

This month I will be three years plus Vegeterian.

I wanted to prepare ‘meat sauce’ Vegan-style the other day. I felt completely lost because of the word, ‘meatsauce’. I have no desire to even smell nasty-ass meat sauce. I went for the Vegan GOAL, which outsmarts a problem leaving happy parties. I’ve been conducting a list of ideas and for some reason found it unmotivating for a bloooooooody fucking mary. And now, I’ve been drinking tequila….. 100% AGAVE, of course. I do not have the patience, right now, to even consider recipes….

I never give measurements anyways. Because I’m a lazy asshole who cares too much with most of his time.

 

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Animals do not have a voice.

 

Speak up for Animals.

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Speak up for yourself.

Bloody drinks do not have to be so bloody.

Vegan Smashed Potatoes

We all grow up differently. We all make different, but similar mistakes. We all do our best improving our lives. Some are better at doing that than others. With different obstacles, we do our damn best and sometimes it is not appreciated enough. All in all, we all care for our loved ones and passions & hobbies.

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I grew up being a fan of a band, Soulfly, a newer age metal band involving spirituality and tribal aspects. Last night I was messing around with #AppleMusic and somehow wound up with Sepultura which made me wonder what the hell Soulfly was up to as the lead singer for Soulfly helped found Sepultura.

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Now, I love me some of that there loud and fast metal, but I grew a stronger connection with Soulfly because of their ability to turn it down a notch and still be extremely awesome. I’m gonna take a guess and say that the last time that I bought a physical Soulfly CD was 2005-2006. I, however, made a playlist circa 2010 of their instrumental collection of songs literally named Soulfly. A concept that I love and every album has Soulfly 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 only in Roman numerals. I only had 1-5 until last night! Thank you Apple Music! And since I remember anything, the number seven has been my favorite due to watching John Elway sling those footballs growing up. Soulfly VII is now my favorite and it’s fate. I am obligated to share this playlist and I wish everyone on the planet Earth (and Mars:) could experience this playlist.

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This playlist will flourish world peace for all humans and all animals!

Soulfly

Soulfly II

Soulfly III

Soulfly IV

Soulfly V

Soulfly VI

Soulfly VII

Soulfly VIII

Soulfly IX

Soulfly X

Soulfly 9 was not to be found on YouTube, so I put an Apple Music link.

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Along with this beautiful playlist, I’ve organized a beautiful moment that I have experienced in 2013. August 5th, 2013, to be exact. I often talk to animals while riding by and often take pictures and occasionally say “you’re all gonna die” or “I don’t eat you!”. I feel bad when I let them know their doom, but it is the cruel truth. This is when I had my iPhone on my handlebars with Lifeproof technology where it was easy to take photos while moving. I rode with a running herd of cattle like a damned cowboy. I’d like to think this was their idea of saying thank you for giving up meat that January.

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This recipe is amazing and worth a try and I highly recommend good music to accompany a cooking adventure. Not to mention a good beer or glass of wine. Take a load off, you work hard at caring for your loved ones.

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Ⓥ Aioli ingredients:

  • Wash, reused (Earth Balance ‘Butter’, ‘Milk’, Corn Starch)
  • Garlic, minced
  • ‘Cream Cheese’, Daiya mmmmmmmm
  • Breading, reused (Cashews, SeaSalt, Breadcrumbs, Garlic, Oregano, Parsley)
  • Corn Meal

Mix to a somewhat solid consistency.

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Ⓥutter ingredients:

  • Earth Balance ‘Butter’, half heated
  • Garlic, minced and lightly sauteed in ‘Butter’
  • Oil
  • Parsley, diced
  • Celery Salt
  • ‘Cream Cheese’, Daiya mmmmmmmmmmmm

Smashed Potatoes ingredients:

  • Potatoes, red and golden – diced and boiled then strained (time it right)
  • Ⓥ Aioli

  • Basil, fresh and diced
  • Parsley, fresh and diced
  • Oil, Olive
  • Garlic, minced
  • Onion, diced
  • ‘Cream Cheese’, Daiya mmmmm
  • Spinach, to garnish
  • Celery, diced
  • Carrot, diced
  • ‘Milk’, Almond
  • Cashews, SMASHED
  • Brown Sugar
  • Wine, white Vino is great
  • Dill Weed, fresh and chopped
  • Nutritional Yeast
  • Idaho Spuds, instant mashed for concistency assurance

Prep everything and go. Cook Veggies in Oil while boiling Potatoes. Add Wine and cook down and then add everything and crush and smash away. I enjoyed charred store-bought Pretzel Bun with the Ⓥutter.

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And boy do I have leftovers! I cannot wait. I also enjoy creating different Ⓥegan meals and get a kick out of jokingly blogging all over your faces. If only these were read. Happy Saturday! I’ll be enjoying a ride tomorrow before some good NFL games. And I have recipes to complete. Here are some links that will help me blog all over your faces more often:)

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WINNER WINNER VEGAN GRINNER

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CHEERS:)

Terrifying Tofu Genocide

TO(O)FU(N)

I wanted to have some fun with Tofu. I did have some fun. And it has been documented. I will say, grilled Tofu is now by far my favorite way to prepare it and consume it. I’m just gonna jump in… Feet first.

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Srirsalmic ingredients:

  • Olive oil, all the dudes love extra virgins
  • Garlic, fresh and minced
  • Turmeric, fresh and minced
  • Balsamic Vinegar
  • Sriracha, cock sauce
  • Molasses
  • Shallot, diced
  • SeaSalt/Pepper/Oregano
  • Red Wine Vinegar & Cayenne powder, dashes

Mix & stir welly before usage.

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SeanutSutter Soy:

  • Peanut Butter
  • Soy

Mix.

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Wusuppy ingredients:

  • Wasabi powder
  • Broth, Vegetable
  • Sea Salt
  • Cayenne powder
  • Molasses

Mix.

So, I don’t believe I have ever had sushi. Traditional sushi does not appeal much to me. I am a rock star and why would I change that.

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Marination ingredients:

  • Ginger, fresh and minced
  • Garlic, fresh and minced
  • Turmeric, fresh and minced
  • Sesame Oil
  • Tahini
  • Soy Sauce
  • Sriracha
  • Balsamic Vinegar
  • Cilantro, sliced stems
  • Peanut Butter
  • Lemon Juice, fresh
  • Shallot, diced
  • Molasses
  • SeaSalt/Pepper

Mix and marinate dried extra firm Tofu slices.

Tofu Crumbles ingredients:

  • Tofu, extra firm and crumbled
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Sea Salt/Pepper
  • Dill Weed

Mix.

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Ⓥicatta ingredients:

  • Grilled Marinated Tofu
  • Tofu Crumbles
  • Capers
  • Onion, diced
  • Scallions, sliced for garnish
  • Lemon Juice
  • Earth Balance
  • White Wine
  • Mushroom, sliced
  • Celery, sliced
  • Sweet Potato, chopped large
  • Flower, Flour
  • Olive Oil, extra virgin
  • Balsamic Vinegar
  • Garlic, fresh and minced
  • Sea Salt/Pepper
  • Cayenne powder
  • Cashew Milk

Rules of Engagement:

  • Saute Garlic and add Onion, Celery and caramelize in Oil.
  • Add Sweet Potatoes and stirringly saute.
  • Add Balsamic, Lemon Juice and Wine.
  • Cook down Wine. And don’t drive if you drink the rest of the bottle:)
  • Add Earth Balance, Mushrooms and ‘Milk’.
  • Season and add Capers, Tofu Crumbles.
  • Stir on medium high heat and grill your Tofu.
  • Plate and garnish. I forgot to garnish with Lemon…Too many sips of the Wine;)

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Loaded Salad ingredients:

  • Tofu Marination, iBaked…defintely grill
  • Iceberg, wedged and removed from holding that door open
  • Radish, sliced
  • Tomato, graped halfly
  • Scallion, sliced
  • Rye Bread, toasted and cut
  • Capers
  • Mushroom, sliced
  • Daiya, slices
  • Carrot, shaved or slivered
  • Srirsalmic, mmmmmmmm
  • Spinach, basil-sliced

Boom.

Chinese Pizza ingredients:

  • Tortilla, the bigger the better-size does matter
  • Pizza Sauce, store bought or nought
  • Daiya, I used ‘provalone’ pre-sliced and sliced block ‘cheddar’
  • Cashews, raw and then grilled:)
  • Tofu, grilled and then sliced
  • Scallions, sliced for garnish

Pizza Pizza:

  • Grill Tofu and Cashews.
  • Put Tortilla in a hot pan.
  • Top the Tortilla and cover.
  • Garnish and EAT.

I also made an Eggplant version with basil-sliced Spinach.

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Relish ingredients:

  • Cucumber (4.5) @ $0.70 = $0.16 per serving, deseeded and diced
  • Onion (4) @ $0.80 = $0.20 per serving, diced
  • Tomato (6) @ $1.50 = $0.25, deseeded and deiced
  • Serrano Pepper (8) @ $1.17 = $0.15, deseeded and diced
  • Celery Seed/Celery Salt/Pepper = $0.05 per serving
  • Garlic (3) @ $0.24 = $0.08, minced
  • Mustard = $0.05 per serving , ground
  • Basil (10) @ $3.00 = $0.30, freshly chopped

Mix & have fun with.

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Tofato Souper w/ Grilled Daiya ingredients:

  • Tofu, not squared, but cubed (to the third power)
  • Tomato Concentrate
  • Guts, leftover Cucumber and Tomato guts from my abundance of Relish I posted a few days ago.
  • Garlic powder/Onion powder
  • Rye, grilled
  • Relish
  • Daiya
  • Vegenaise
  • Scallions, sliced for garnish

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Make your sandwich and await your Tofato Souper.

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Tofunated EZ Chinesey  ingredients:

  • Ramen noodles, undercooked and drain.
  • Sesame Seed Oil
  • Sesame Seeds
  • Ginger, fresh and minced
  • Garlic, fresh and minced
  • Turmeric, fresh and minced
  • Soy Sauce
  • Balsamic Vinegar
  • Tofu, Wasabified and grilled
  • Sriracha
  • Scallions, sliced for garnish

Simplicity simplified:

  • Undercook Ramen and donate the non-vegan seasoning.
  • Drain.
  • Dry same pot, add oil and heat.
  • Toss in Ginger, Garlic, Sesame Seeds and Turmeric.
  • Caramelize.
  • Include Balsamic, Sriracha, Soy Sauce and Noodles.
  • Stir. Plate. Oppositely subtract Tofu and Garnish immediately.

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Ⓥinston’s Ⓥagel ingredients:

  • Earth Balance, mmmmm
  • Tofu Marination, get it extra firm and braise that bad boy.
  • Spinach, basil-sliced
  • Tomato, grapely halved
  • Shallot, sliced
  • Bagel, toasted

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Ⓥ Fry ingredients:

  • Cauiflower, chopped
  • Tofu, cubed
  • Daiya, mmmmmmmm
  • Garlic, minced
  • Turmeric, minced
  • Ginger, minced
  • Serrano, deseeded and diced
  • Relish, mmmmmmmmmmm
  • SeaSalt/Pepper/Paprika/OnionP/NutritionalYeast
  • Balsamic Vinegar
  • Carrot, stringiness
  • Soy sauce

Have fun and Fry away.

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Tofempehwich ingredients:

  • Tofu, grilled
  • Tempeh, grilled
  • Daiya, mmmmm
  • Bun, gurmet
  • Spinach, basil-sliced
  • Relish, mmmmmmm

Construct.

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BBⓋ Tofu ingredients:

  • Tofu, extra firm crumbles
  • GarlicP/OnionP/Pepper
  • Sriracha, cock sauce
  • Balsamic Vinegar
  • Liquid Smoke
  • Molasses

Mix and broil if desired.

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ⓋLT w/ BBⓋ Tofu ingredients:

  • Bacon, Vegan
  • Bun, gourmet and grilled
  • Spinach, basil-like sliced
  • Earth Balance, mmmmmm
  • Tomato, sliced w/ a touch of SeaSalt

Erect and destroy with your big and strong plant eating teeth.

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Wasabi Tofu ingredients:

  • Wasabi, powder
  • Ginger, powder
  • Garlic, powder
  • Tofu, extra firm crumbles

Mix.

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Chinese Weiner ingredients:

  • Smart Dog, grilled
  • Bun, grillio, yo!
  • Wasabi Tofu

Consume.

I don’t know about anyone else, but some of these terms for these ingredients are somewwhat sexual. I’m not saying that I’m not a pervert, I’m just saying.

So, I had a Sushi idea in my head, but got lazy and decided to be a meatless lover. If that makes any sense. I’m a dude, I might practice a Vegan lifestyle, but I like to eat Vegan like a man, I think. Not too sure how other Vegan males deplete their hunger, but I am well aware of my processes.

Sushi Browned Rice ingredients:

  • Brown rice, post-soaked & rinsed
  • Olive Oil
  • Sesame Oil
  • Ginger, fresh and minced
  • Sriracha
  • Balsamic Vinegar
  • Garlic, P for powder

After ingredients:

  • Tahini
  • Molasses
  • Red Wine Vinegar
  • White Wine, dashly

Heat Oil mixture and get that Ginger going. Combine everything else with double water of Rice measurement and bring to a boil. Cover and Coolio.

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Jeff’s Sushi? ingredients:

  • Sushi Browned Rice
  • Bacon, Ⓥegan
  • Tofu, sliced long and extra firm
  • Toothpicks

Roll ’em up and stick a pick through ’em. I was more impressed with the sauces to dip. (see very top)

HAPPY HERBIVOROUS EATING!

Relish Ⓥersatility

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Relish ingredients:

  • Cucumber (4.5) @ $0.70 = $0.16 per serving, deseeded and diced
  • Onion (4) @ $0.80 = $0.20 per serving, diced
  • Tomato (6) @ $1.50 = $0.25, deseeded and deiced
  • Serrano Pepper (8) @ $1.17 = $0.15, deseeded and diced
  • Celery Seed/Celery Salt/Pepper = $0.05 per serving
  • Garlic (3) @ $0.24 = $0.08, minced
  • Mustard = $0.05 per serving , ground
  • Basil (10) @ $3.00 = $0.30, freshly chopped

Mix & have fun with.

A good Vegan Dawg, to me, is spiritly uplifting.

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Ⓥ Char Dawg ingredients:

  • Lightlife Smart Dawgs, charred
  • Buns
  • Relish, mmmmm
  • Mustard, optional
  • catsup/ketchup/tomato flavored sugar, NOT AN OPTION

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Gnocchi Ⓥreatness ingredients:

  • Gnocchi, I used packaged whole wheat
  • Capers, mmmmm
  • Relish, mmmmm
  • Spinach, basil-sliced
  • Brown Sugar/SeaSalt/Pepper
  • Sriracha
  • Nutritional Yeast
  • Dill

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Ⓥimmitation ingredients:

  • Ⓥ patty, I used Hilary’s

  • Ⓥ bacon, Sweet Earth

  • Daiya, provolone and block cheddar
  • Relish, mmmmm
  • Bun, gourmet/large/yummy
  • Spinach, basil-sliced
  • Pepper
  • Vegenaise, mmmmmm

It’s not burger, it’s not bacon, it’s not cheese, that is not an egg… It is Plant Based win-win happy food! Healthy tastes so good!

Ground Tempeh ingredients:

  • Onion, diced
  • Tempeh, crumbled
  • Celery, diced
  • Sriracha/Balsamic Vinegar
  • Salt/Pepper/ChiliP
  • Serrano, deseeded & diced
  • Garlic, minced
  • Soy, saucy

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Tempehito ingredients:

  • Ground Tempeh
  • Rice, cooked
  • Relish, mmmm
  • Spinach, basil-sliced
  • Potato, chopped & sauteed
  • Tortilla

Daiya’s Patatas ingredients:

  • Potatoes, chopped
  • Daiya, mmmmmmmm
  • Salt/Pepper/Rosemary/Caraway/Fennel/Dill
  • Relish, mmmmm
  • Tempeh, sauteed

And construct.

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Rice-Spinach-Relish Burrito ingredients:

  • Rice, cooked
  • Spinach, basil-sliced
  • Relish, mmmmmmm
  • Tortilla
  • Potatoes or something, on the side

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Ⓥ Fry ingredients:

  • Cauiflower, chopped
  • Tofu, cubed
  • Daiya, mmmmmmmm
  • Garlic, minced
  • Turmeric, minced
  • Ginger, minced
  • Serrano, deseeded and diced
  • Relish, mmmmmmmmmmm
  • SeaSalt/Pepper/Paprika/OnionP/NutritionalYeast
  • Balsamic Vinegar
  • Carrot, stringiness
  • Soy sauce

Have fun and Fry away.

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Tofempehwich ingredients:

  • Tofu, grilled
  • Tempeh, grilled
  • Daiya, mmmmm
  • Bun, gurmet
  • Spinach, basil-sliced
  • Relish, mmmmmmm

Suggestion: Enjoy a delicious high octane brew and have fun session.

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Reward: A decent buzz and good food.

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Xmas Feast

I might’ve been guilty of forcing family members to enjoy  a taste of Veganism this holiday season. I did make sure it would be super tasty. This was my second Tofurky Veggie Roast made in the last month. I had already come up with an idea before actually reading their instructions/recommendations. I was glad we were on the same page.

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I made two different feasts a couple of weeks apart. Both being very similar, the first being a trial. It took me quite a few minutes to make sense of my notes, but I think I got it. I think we’re good. Let’s go!

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The only mistake was not being sober enough both instances to take a decent picture. My tastebuds, however, took a few amazing photographs.

Trial Xmas Feast ingredients:

  • ⓋraⓋy or GraⓋy

  • Tofurky Veggie Roast, thawed
  • Veggies
  • A beer or two to help the brain to think freely

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ⓋraⓋy or GraⓋy ingredients:

  • Chipotle/Chili/Paprika seasonings
  • Fresh Garlic/Turmeric, minced
  • SeaSalt/pepper/Sage/Savory
  • NutritionalYeast/LiquidSmoke/BrownSugar
  • Oil/BalsamicVinegar
  • Water
  • Onion/Celery/Carrot/Mushroom/Radish, super diced
  • Serrano, deseed or not for more spice, super diced

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GraⓋy grooiness:

  • Heat oil and add Turmeric & Garlic and slightly brown.
  • Add super diced Veggies and stir for 10 minutes.
  • Season, add Balsamic Vinegar/Liquid Smoke and cook for a few more minutes before adding water.
  • Simmer and cook down before blending for smootherness.

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Veggie Mix ingredients:

  • Brown Rice, dry
  • Carrots, baby
  • Celery, chopped
  • Onion, sliced or diced
  • Potato, chopped
  • Lightlife ‘Sausage’ & ‘Beef’, torn
  • Raw Cashews, smashed
  • SeaSalt/Pepper/Fennel/Rosemary
  • Broth/BalsamicVinegar
  • Lentils, dry

Mix. And don’t worry about getting those Cashews too smashed. They can hold their own.

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Use a casserole dish and fill with Veggies. Make Veggie Roast fit in the middle of Veggies and cover with GraⓋy. Save GraⓋy for afterwards, also.

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Very tasty and a job well done; deserving some tinkering for a Xmas meal.

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Xmas Feast ingredients:

  • GraⓋy
  • Tofurky Veggie Roast, thawed
  • Veggies
  • I refrained from a deliciously good beer until party time, but be my guest!

GraⓋy ingredients:

  • Broth, veggie of course
  • Balsamic Vinegar
  • Salt/Pepper/GarlicP/OnionP/Paprika/ChiliP
  • Fresh Garlic/Turmeric, minced
  • Oil/LiquidSmoke/NutritionalYeast/BrownSugar
  • Soyrizzo
  • Serrano, deseeded or not, diced
  • Cilantro, chopped
  • Mushroom, super diced
  • Carrot, super diced
  • Celery, super diced
  • Onion, super diced
  • Bell Peppers (green,yellow,red), super diced

I wanted to go with a mexican warmer Gravy, cooking down all of the flavors for some time before blending.

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Veggie Mix ingredients:

  • Brussels Sprouts, sliced
  • Potato (Sweet and Russet), chopped in-skin
  • Carrot, baby
  • Onion, sliced or diced
  • Salt/Pepper/Rosemary/Fennel
  • Broth
  • Beans (I used Northern), undercooked
  • Brown Rice, dry
  • Tofu, extra firm
  • Vegan ‘Bacon’, sliced

Mix. Same as my Trial Feast, let this baby cook and intensify its wonderful flavor.

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Couldn’t be happier of the Xmas Feast’s results.

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I hope y’all had a wonderful Christmas! Onto the new year!

ⓋLT Science

I’ve been vigorously trying to construct the perfect ‘blt’ever since finding Sweet Earth ‘Bacon’ in early December for the first time. It is a great product and will continue to purchase it. However, I’ve come to the conclusion that any ⓋLT is not perfect unless I have made my own Vegan bacon or Seican. I have a recipe map already made up, just need to pull that trigger and kill some plants! I truly hate plants and hope that they all die.

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A ⓋLT (Vegan BLT) is common sense and easy to make and configure. I did make Vegan Island Dressing.

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Vegan Island Dressing ingredients:

  • Vegenaise, mmmm (64) @ $9.98 = $0.16 per serving
  • Cucumber, deseeded & diced (4.5) @ $0.70 = $0.16 per serving
  • Radish, diced (7.5) @$1.19 = $0.16 per serving
  • Celery seed = $0.05 per serving (probably less)
  • Seasonings: GarlicP/OnionP/Paprika/Salt/Pepper/Sugar = $0.05 per serving
  • Shallot, diced (4.5) @ $0.72 = $0.16 per serving
  • Sriracha (96) @ $2.97 = $0.04 per serving
  • Balsamic Vinegar (32) @ $2.97 = $0.10 per serving

Prep, Mix & Spread. For roughly 88 cents per serving and for the number of servings you can have, the punch in the mouth of flavor compared to cost is unreal. Making a Vegan BLT with Vegan Island and pairing with a nice (local) IPA hits the spot so hard.

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The only things that I can recommend for awesome VLTs are:

  • Use fresh Veggies
  • Use good Bread
  • Toast the Bread
  • And prep your own Veggies
  • Use your imagination 🙂

CAUTION:

ⓋLT pictures and adaptations to follow…

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I’ve also found it better to use the Vegan ‘bacon’ right out of the package. I hope everyone takes pride in the Quality of their pictures as much as I do. QUALITYoverQUANTITY. Have fun & be healthy! Happy SUNDAY!

LBⓋ 11/10 Roasted Potatoes

LBⓋ = Low Budget Ⓥegan

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MERRY CHRISTMAS, y’all!

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Good food, good beer, a bit of time on my CROSSMAS bike (2014 TREK CrossRip aka HULKRIP) and not to mention quality family time is the perfect balance of greatness for I to strive this holiday season.

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My sisters were mentioning that I need to write a cook book. I failed to mention all of you wonderful people that I annoy and torture with my deafening words and blinding pictures on WordPress. I will, however, take it into consideration.

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It is oftenly easy to get ahead of yourself (myself) and experiment with food. Which is great, but not the best thing to do with family as your test bunnies unless you do not like them. There is nothing wrong with keeping things simple. I made Roasted Potatoes and a mastered experimental dish that I’ll get into another time. I will seriously not be climbing into the casserole dish with all of that glorious food consuming space waiting to be embraced inside of my tummy. Apologies for any misleads. I have an idea for bread, but decided to hold off and do that concept as a project just for myself. Crafting your (my) Ⓥ experiments before sharing is ideal. And it pans out. Happiness and joy to follow. Nothing is more satisfying (to me) than showing off a successful experimental dish you (I) constructed.

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LBⓋ 11/10 Roasted Potatoes ingredients:

  • Red Potato (15) @ $2.49 = $0.17 per serving
  • Sriracha (96) @ $2.97 = $0.04 per serving
  • Balsamic Vinegar (32) = $0.10 per serving
  • Seasonings: Salt/Pepper/Oil/Rosemary/Basil = $0.08 per serving

Potato Process:)

  • Chop potatoes and from a decent distance, throw into large mixing bowl;)
  • Add everything except Basil and mix.
  • I put on baking sheet and wrapped with foil.
  • I baked for 60-75 minutes before removing foil and broiling slightly to finish.
  • Garnish with Basil and transfer to be made presentable.
  • At a whopping $0.39 per serving, this is a simple no-brainer for a side dish.

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Happy Crossmas!

I & M Canal’s Issue

The Illinos & Michigan Canal united the East Coast to the Gulf of Mexico with easier access as of 1848. According to Wikipedia, since 1964 eight engineered canal locks were designated a National Historic Landmark.

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I’ve been getting to know this historic path extremely well since 2012. I documented a ride in September, 2012 that did not show any signs of a washout. I only documented aftermath of a fire that burned a field. And I have experienced and taken at least one decent bicycle ride via I&M Towpath that was washout-free. I remember this individual ride because of pictures and it was my contemplation process of ending a relationship. Without any detours or hazards, it was a free-thinking and relaxing ride.

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In September the following (2013) year, was my next documentation of the I&M Canal. The towpath and I became close from then on. Ever since 2013 the same washout has been between Utica, IL and Ottawa, IL like one side is Mexico and the other the U.S with neither claiming the territory resulting in ultimate neglect..

Starved Rock State Park

There has been washouts along the Illinois & Michigan Canal, but have been fixed. There has been a near washout along the Hennepin Canal and even that has been fixed.

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And then.

Hennepin Canal

The most West part of the I&M Canal does contain a rich Irish and Polish heritage equalling a poor catholic culture with a life involved around hefty drinking and vices.

Illinois Valley History

Furthermore, The I&M Canal provides immense opportunities for various activities from walking, running, adventurism and cycling. To pass the washout in and concludes risking injury, breaking the law, taking a high traffic road, and/or traveling extremely out of the way defeating the purpose of a worry free environment in which to roam.

I have heard IDNR has projected the project at a cost around $300,000.

Local businesses have offered to fund and construct permanent results only to be turned down. I’ve had about enough of this hazard/annoyance/apathy/lack-of-government-help

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There has even been rumors of the BEAUTIFUL Starved Rock park to be promoted to a National Park. How is this neglect possible just outside of this unique beauty?

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Just hoping for a miracle. Please share.

Happy Monday!

LBⓋ 10/10 CHILI

My mother, the wonderful angel she is, made Vegan Chili for me the other night. It was nothing spectacular other than her kindness and simplistically comforting Chili flavor. I decided to try out block Daiya for the first time and prepare Chili ‘Cheese’ ‘Steak’ Fries. I also included a Chili recipe within my Low Budget Ⓥegan concept.

Last night I purchased a used, but basically new FAT BIKE as most components were not used except for wheels and frame. It has been nicknamed Arrogant Bastard.

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I often come across things on Netflix that are popular and OK, but not very good in my opinion. I sometimes continue to watch them because hunting for something you feel like watching is the entirety of the battle. And then I came across this and the war has been victorious!

Real Rob

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Low Budget Ⓥegan Chili 10/10 ingredients:

  • Celery, diced (13) @ $0.39 = $0.03 per serving
  • Onion, diced (5) @ $0.80 = $0.16 per serving
  • Carrot, diced (12) @ $0.84 = $0.07 per serving
  • Sweet peppers, diced (2.75) @ $2.50 = $0.91 per serving
  • Stewed Tomatoes (6) @ $2.19 = $0.37 per serving
  • Tomato Paste (5) @ $0.58 = $0.12 per serving
  • Broth (4) @ $1.98 = $0.50 per serving
  • Dry Pinto Beans (13) @ $1.12 = $0.09 per serving
  • Dry Kidney beans (13) @ $1.16 = $0.10 per serving
  • Dry Black Eyed Peas (13) @ $1.52 = $0.12 per serving
  • Corn, canned (3.5) @ $0.50 = $0.15 per serving
  • Seasonings: GarlicP/OnionP/Paprika/Salt/Pepper/ BrownSugar/Cayenne = $0.06 per serving
  • Saltines (30) @ $1.78 = $0.06 per serving

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Approach: 

  • I decided to cut out the use of any Oil for this Recipe.
  • I pre cooked Beans together for 60-75 minutes.
  • I chopped all Veggies and strained Beans and Corn.
  • Add Tomatoes and Paste. Fill Paste cans with Veggie Broth and add all ingredients with remaining Broth.
  • Add Pasty Broth and Season
  • Bring to boil, cover, simmer and periodically stir
  • GO FOR A FAT BIKE RIDE IN THE WET AND COLD AND COME BACK AND ENJOY!

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It may be a bit deceiving at a whopping $2.74 per serving for this Chili, but the amount of serving are plentiful.

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The block Daiya ‘cheddar cheese’ did not melt as I thought it would, but was extremely tasty!

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Chili ‘Cheese’ ‘Steak’ Fries ingredients:

  • Potatoes, sliced and grilled (20) @ $2.99 = $0.15 per serving
  • Vegenaise, mmmm (64) @$9.98 = $0.16 per serving
  • Spinach, sliced (12) @$2.99 = $0.25 per serving
  • Chili, mmmm = $2.74 per serving unless MOM makes it for you 🙂
  • Daiya ‘cheese’ (7) @$5.95 = $0.85 per serving

Barrel Rolls:

  • Grill Potatoes
  • Slice Spinach and Daiya from block
  • Place Potatoes on plate and bake with heated Chili and Daiya.
  • Add Daiya and Vegenaise 🙂

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LBⓋ 9/10 Simplistic Toast

This one is so simple that I feel out of line for sharing it. The taste is so good and it always puts an enormous smile on my face. AND this Ⓥegan plant-based butter is by far superior to any dairy animal torment butter. Earth Balance, you are my hero!

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Low Budget Ⓥegan Simplistic TOAST ingredients:

  • Rye Bread, grilled (16) @ $2.89 = $0.19 per serving
  • Earth Balance ‘butter’ (30) @ $4.99 = $0.17

At 36 cents per serving, the taste compared to price, this combination is a no-brainer. Even for those carnivores, this is a win-win combination.

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Gonna take another stab at cellaring good Beers.

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Rye Bread and Rye BEER…. RYE NOT!

HappyThursday!