Safety – Page 8 – VeggHead BeerCyclist

Xmas Feast

Posted on December 27, 2015December 29, 2015 by jeffreylatty

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.

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!

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

Ⓥ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

GraⓋy grooⓋiness:

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

Battle

Posted on December 27, 2015 by jeffreylatty

Many folks say that things happen for a reason. Prove it on an astronomical level and disprove that shit just happens. There is a huge difference from cause and effect and fate, basically being the difference of air and water between all living beings.

Tonight’s ride attempt was a fail. Hence, my battle. I am not a prancy-everything-has-to-be-perfect, cyclist. I am a grinder and a true sport. I got off of work early today to follow that with having a beer with my boss. I decided to ignore the wet atmosphere generously dampening my world and suited up to hop on the Fat Bike. I, first of all, encountered a flood I was not going to ride through. I unclipped left and couldn’t unclip right and immediately noticed that I lost a screw.

The Elements and Technology hit me hard. Using the Fat Bike and my one free foot for balance on a damp slight slope was not easily achievable for first to get my foot out of my Bontrager cycling shoe and two to then remove my shoe from the Crank Brothers Eggbeater pedal to better protect my cold foot from the cold wetness. I threw in the white flag and walked the bike home. I am thankful for this happening close to home. I am thankful for bringing beers.

I have lost a battle, however, I will win the war.

#RIDEON

2015 Cycling

Posted on December 22, 2015December 25, 2015 by jeffreylatty

I’ve been riding bicycles pretty regularly since 2009. Where the cycling relapse, in college around and about Southern Illinois, begun and I have been evolving into a decently average bicyclist since.

EⓋolⓋe –

verb (used without object), evolved, evolving.

to come forth gradually into being; develop; undergo evolution :

The whole idea evolved from a casual remark.

Biology. to develop by a process of evolution to a different adaptive state or condition:

The human species evolved from an ancestor that was probably arboreal.

I’ve made many Gran Fondo’s, metric centuries, imperial centuries and mudfulness’ towards becoming a better cyclist. Why not have a hobby that menatlly and physically stengthens you. Why not obtain and flourish a sense of adventurism.

Remember when you were a child and you actually remember how enjoyable your days were? Have you ever experienced a sobering permi-smile joy as an adult? There is an ongoing group of peers who (including myself) have had that same childhood sense while riding a Fat Bike. A Fat Bike is a massive sand, snow, creek venturing MTB (mountain bike) machine. In this group I had the first Fat Bike. It may have been low end, but it worked for a few kilometers. Now, I’ve ridden with almost ten differently owned FATBIKES. It is unreal in the snow. UNREAL IN THE SNOW.

I’ve been concentrating on the mental aspect of cycling rather than the physical demands for years. At work, on a walk, in the pool, just anywhere, I try and bring myself to breaking points. I want to have an unbreakable mind. I put myself through extremely aggitating scenerios that I will not prematurely specifically blog all over your face.

I did a Gran Fondo (110 km) Fat Bike ride and it was mentally draining.

Fat Bike Hike

What’s next? 🙂

Be happy. Be adventurist. Be healthy. Live and challenge yourself.

I & M Canal’s Issue

Posted on December 14, 2015 by jeffreylatty

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.

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.

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.

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

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?

Just hoping for a miracle. Please share.

Happy Monday!

LBⓋ 10/10 CHILI

Posted on December 8, 2015 by jeffreylatty

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.

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

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

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!

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

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

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 🙂

BREAKⓋAST

Posted on November 30, 2015December 3, 2015 by jeffreylatty

There are most likely numerous things I do miss about a carnivorous and non-Vegan lifestyle, but, for some reason, I miss that sickening full feeling the most. And the subconscious connection between comfort-food and that sickly full atmospheric pressure is in the back of my brain as I’m still attaining to retain that damn sensation.

The conclusion was creating an awesome ongoing process of constructing Ⓥegan food that is extremely good for you that will never provide a sick-full ambience, like chasing a water-like mirage for 100 kms in a sand-boiling-into-glass desert. After months and months of scientifically creating food ideas like Einstein with an apron on and like Einstein riding a bicycle, there IS NOT a way to be engulfed by that death euphoria without torturing, murdering and consuming animal flesh or animal dairy products.

I will never in my life eat animal flesh ever again. So, it is settled. I do still enjoy creating and consuming Ⓥ “comfort-food”, but I will never experience that deathly ill susceptibility. I will only have an energetic, healthy and LIFEFUL consciousness and how is that a bad thing.

One fact that bothers me is Albert Einstein, the brilliant scientist, believed in vegetarianism his whole life, yet only practiced a vegetarian lifestyle at the conclusion of his life. For someone so smart, why did it take him so long..? I’d truly enjoy asking him that question.

I’ve recently noticed a trend of mothers posting cute pictures of their children and calling them “hams” on various social media platforms. I am biased being Vegan and haven’t stuck a fork in ham for well over three years, but I find it disturbing. All that I can think of is the torture and murder involved in preparing that “cute” dead animal flesh for the holiday. Why is that becoming a fad? I hope for the sake of quality of life that I am not the only one that has noticed and been bothered by this. Maybe I am overthinking this, but felt an urge to shed some light on this. If anyone can explain the reasoning behind this, I’d greatly appreciate it. I can only think of ignorance.

Penguins Kill Polar Bears

A newly found artist, Penguins Kill Polar Bears, are a post-rock scottish foursome that are talented and loud.

CHECK ‘EM OUT

PenguinsKillPolarBears

I am also gonna, from now on, keep track of prices most of the prices in relation to their serving sizes. LBV is still not finished, also. (Low Budget Vegan)

BREAKⓋAST ingredients:

Tofu, extra firm (6) @ $2.98 = $0.50 per serving
Eggplant, chopped (8) @ $1.78 = $0.23 per serving
Spinach, sliced (3.5) @ $2.98 = $0.86 per serving
Shallot, sliced (6) @$0.72 = $0.12 per serving
Portabellini, sliced (3.5) @ $3.99 = $1.14 per serving
SEASONING: SeaSalt/Pepper/FennelSeed/ DillWeed/Oil = $0.07
Lightlife ‘sausage’, crumbled (7) @ $4.99 = $0.72 per serving
Lightlife ‘beef’, crumbled (7) @ $4.99 = $0.72 per serving
Rye Bread, grilled (16) @ $2.89 = $0.19 per serving
Earth Balance (30) @ $4.99 = $0.17 per serving
Tortilla, warm – for burrito (8) @ $1.25 = $0.16 per serving
Potato, diced (20) @ $2.99 = $0.15 per serving
Garlic, minced (27) @ $2.99 = $0.12 per serving

This is definitely not the cheapest meal, at $4.43 per serving, it is well worth it for health and general life benefits. And depending on quality of vegetables, it can cost more. The spinach and Mushrooms are ridiculously expensive for the servings. Not 100% sure those were the serving sizes, but still way more than I normally want to spend.

I do not feel like going into much detail on how I made this. It’s pretty simple. I think I broke my toe last night and I’m going to attempt to ride tonight! I, also, am going to buy a Fat Bike tonight!!!

It’s been quite a few months since I rolled a FATTY!

Happy THURSDAY! Enjoy a good BEER

LBV

Posted on November 22, 2015November 22, 2015 by jeffreylatty

Low Budget Vegan 4/10

TOFATO has been created mated and stated boldly never hated life.

Tomato Soup Concentrate (6)@$2.24=$0.38 per serving
Tofu, firm (6) @ $2.99 = $0.50 per serving
Silk Cashew ‘Milk’ (8) @ $2.97 = $0.38 per serving
Seasonings @ $0.05 per serving
Smart Dogs (8) @ $3.99 = $0.50 per serving
Buns (8) @ $1.25 = $0.16 per serving
Mustard (136) @ $1.75 = $0.02

When you marinate Smart Dogs in this Euphoria, you’re playing with fire. Eat healthy and enjoy a good beer.

This costs, per serving, $1.99 and is well worth it to end a snowy day.

LBⓋ 3/10

Posted on November 21, 2015November 21, 2015 by jeffreylatty

Low Budget Ⓥegan 3/10

Chicago-style Vegan Hot Dogs could be a bit cheaper depending on the quality of your Veggies. Any time I’m eating raw Veggies, I tend to be pickier on quality. These are super quick and easy to make and even easier to devour.

Chicago-style Vegan Hot Dog ingredients:

Smart Dogs, grilled or boiled
Smart Dog Buns, regular buns
Mustard, mmmmm
Tomato, I had leftover grape Toms-sliced longways
English Cucumber, diced
Celery Salt
Onion, diced
Tortilla Chips, on the side or choose other side

No instructions needed (I’d hope) 🙂

Chicago-style Vegan Hot Dog Cost Science:

Smart Dogs (8) = $3.99 @ $0.50 per serving
Buns (8) = $1.25 @ $0.16 per serving
Mustard (136) = $1.75 @ $0.02 per serving
Tomato (10) = $3.98 @ $0.40 per serving
English Cucumber (10) = $1.99 @ $0.20 per serving
Celery Salt (794?) = $1.00 @less than $0.01 per serving
Onion (7) = $1.17 @ $0.17 per serving
Tortilla Chips (13) = $2.00 @ $0.16 per serving

These are extremely comforting Vegan Dawgs and at $1.62 per serving, they are most worth it on a regular basis. Lightlife does an outstanding job with their Plant Powered Protein and if anyone ever gets a chance, TRY one of their many products. They even blew my mind having JUMBO Smart Dogs.

Lightlife

To all of you getting some snow, be safe & have FUN!

LBⓋ 2/10

Posted on November 20, 2015 by jeffreylatty

Low Budget Ⓥegan 2/10

EZ Chinesey ingredients:

Ramen, just noodles not seasoning packet
Veggies, I chose Oriental (Frozen)
Balsamic Vinegar
Sesame Oil
Sriracha
Soy Sauce
Minced Onion, dry
GarlicP/OnionP/Salt/Pepper

EZ Chinesey Cost Science:

Ramen, seasoning packet discarded (24) = $2.18 & $0.10 per serving
Oriental Veggies, frozen (13) = $5.98 & $0.46 per serving
Balsamic Vinegar (32) = $2.97 & $0.10 per serving
Sesame Oil (10) = $3.48 & $0.35 per serving
Sriracha (96) = $2.97 & $0.04 per serving
Soy Sauce (30) = $1.88 & $0.07 per serving
Seasonings @ roughly $0.05 per serving

Bring water to a boil and add Seasonings and Veggies for a minute. Then add Ramen Noodles without their non-Vegan seasonings. Turn off heat and stir for 1-2 minutes. Strain. With Noodles and Veggies still in strainer, in the same pan/pot put Sesame Oil/Balsamic Vinegar/Sriracha and Soy Sauce and heat. Add Noodles and Veggies and stir. Done.

At $1.17 per serving this EZ Chinesey is more on the expensive side, BUT ideal for date night and 2+ servings. HAPPY FRIDAY

LBⓋ 1/10

Posted on November 19, 2015November 20, 2015 by jeffreylatty

A go-to quick and inexpensive sandwich that I’m hooked on keeps my belly and wallet happy.

I love Vegan food that is basically all ready prepared as a meat substitute, but it is rarely on the cheaper side. I have actually documented the price of the ingredients and would like to continue with 10 different ideas over the next few weeks.

Go-To Ⓥ Sandwich ingredients:

Hamburger-less Bun, toasted
Frozen Hash Brown Patty, baked or pan-fried
Iceberg Lettuce, torn and folded
Mustard, generously splashy
Tortilla Chips, on the side and/or on the sandwich 🙂

Go-To Ⓥ Sandwich Cost Science:

Buns (8) = $1.50 & $0.18 per serving
HashBrown Patties (10) = $2.00 & $0.20 per serving
Lettuce (5-7) = $1.77 & $0.22 per serving
Mustard (136) = $1.75 & $0.02 per serving
Tortilla Chips (13) = $2.00 & $0.16 per serving

I’m definitely not saying this should be consumed every day for every meal. It is, however, cheaper and healthier than fast food. It is also cheaper than using Ⓥ Boca patties. And I find them extremely satisfying. I still love my Ⓥ Boca patties, just can’t afford them all of the time especially if you are as thirsty as me. CHEERS at a whopping 79 cents per serving for this meal.

Veganism doesn’t have to be as expensive of a lifestyle as some of us can make it to be. Overall, the satisfaction of eating to BETTER the world and to BETTER ourselves is priceless no matter the price tag.