You Mexi-Can Eat Healthy South of the Border!

So I've already raved about the healthy yet delicious options I found in Cancun. But as promised, there is more!!  And this time, I'll be chatting dining out as well as dining on the adventure tours. Let's roll!

 In the La Isla Shopping complex, neat The Taco Grill, you will find Mr. Papas. A potato house and piano bar, you'll eat well and be entertained without a doubt. Very accommodating to special diets seeing as how you can customize your potato any way you like, Mr. Papas is a fun night out. Even if potatoes aren't' your fave, their expansive international menu is bound to have something for you.

In the main party zone, there are tons of American chain places like Chili's, Rainforest Cafe & Hard Rock Cafe to name a few. You can absolutely find healthy options there if you're not willing to eat local cuisine and I've covered these joints in a previous post of chain restaurant dining.  But, if you are willing to try something new but want to stay in the thick of the action, try Mex-Treme. They got live music and dancing so you can get your preliminary groove on while dining.They can hook you up with plenty of vegetarian options as well as some fun beverages to get your party started!

Hacienda Sisal Mexican Grill is not only a grand looking place,  it boasts a super neat dining and entertainment club whose setting rivals that of Disney World. The faux, outdoor dining area is a large courtyard complete with the "sets" of pueblo apartments surrounding the tables and the large stage. Featuring live entertainment, dancing, music and local folk artists, Hacienda Sisal feels like you're really getting a slice of Mexican culture along with your guac ; )  The food isn't to shabby either!  I loved my sizzling veggie fajitas and yeas, of course, a large helping of fresh, made at my table guacamole.

The coolest thing to do in the Yucatan aside from eating, drinking and lounging, is the tours to the Mayan ruins and villages.  We especially love d our All-Tour-Native Tours to Coba. The Maya Encounter tour to Coba is the only ruin in the Yucatan that you are still allowed to climb and on this tour you get to zip line, rappel and swim in an underground, freshwater lake called a cenote (sen-oh-teh).  Since you are on an all day excursion, they include lunch at a traditional Mayan village. A lunch I was afraid of so I packed lots of vegan bars. But, I was pleasantly surprise with the wide variety of veggie options that were made super fresh. A hearty veggie soup, veggie beans, rice, salsa a guac. That's all I needed to keep me going through my journey into the past ; )

A can't miss is the Chichen-Itza Tour. One of the new 7 wonders of the world, Chichen-Itza is one of the most recognized Mayan ruin villages around.  Unfortunately you can climb any of the structures but regardless, it's impressive. The ball field and main pyramid are breathtaking and the stories behind them are mega fascinating.  On most of the tours they take you to a super neat cenote near by to swim and they too provide lunch. A large buffest full of veggies, salads, beans and other goodies, you won't go hungry.

That's a wrap on Cancun but not of the state of Quintana Roo! Join me when I summarize the best of Playa Del Carmen!!

A Funfilled Father's Day

Nothing makes my dad happier than a day at the beach, surfing and just enjoying the sun and ocean. Luckily, Father's Day falls in the summer so it's a great time of year to get outdoors and spend some quality time with the dads in your life (fathers, hubbies, brothers and buddies).  Nothing is more appropriate for a fun filled Father's Day then some outdoor dining and adventurous activities.  You can get your dad any number of ties and gadgets but giving him an experience and memories beats any wrapped gift ; ) So,  I've whipped up a few dad approved recipes as well as some ideas for activities that might put a smile on his face this year!

First of all, think about what kind of guy your dad is.

• Water sports enthusiast - If so, then consider Fathers Day gift ideas such as a jet boat ride, a day of scuba driving, surfing or a trip down the whitewater in a kayak. 
• Speed guy - If that's the case then the way you should go is a day spent driving a rally car or an experience in a unique V8 supercar. If, on the other hand, dad is the type who likes the sky, then consider Fathers Day gifts like paragliding, hot air ballooning or sky diving. 
• Outdoorsman - How about a family hike or camping trip?
• Sports freak - Get tickets to his favorite team's game or take him out to play. Shoot some hoops, play some golf, whatever his sports persuasion, gather the family and do it together
• Dare devil - Try rappelling, zip lining or spelunking

If you want to top off a great day of fun or are just thinking of taking it easy that day, either way, cook up a storm of love that dad won't soon forget!


Mediterannean Medley Potato Salad

1  pound whole tiny new potatoes
1/3  cup veganaise
2  tablespoons lemon juice
1  clove garlic, minced
1/4  teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
1/4  cup pitted kalamata olives, coarsely chopped
2  tablespoons capers, drained
2  tablespoons finely chopped green onion
1/2  of a small red onion, sliced and separated into rings

Place potatoes in a medium saucepan; add water to cover and, if desired, 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 15 to 20 minutes or until just tender. Drain well. Cool slightly. Cut potatoes into quarters and place in a large bowl.

Meanwhile, for dressing, in a small bowl combine veganaise, lemon juice, garlic, and pepper. Stir in olives, capers, and green onion. Pour dressing over potatoes. Add onion. Toss gently to mix.

Cover and chill for at least 4 hours or up to 24 hours, stirring salad occasionally. Makes 6 side-dish servings.

Green Kabobs

8  green onions
12  baby green pattypan squash
12  baby zucchini
1  cup sugar snap pea pods
1/3  cup olive oil
3  tablespoons red wine vinegar
3  tablespoons snipped fresh oregano or 1-1/2 teaspoons dried oregano, crushed
1/4  teaspoon salt
1/4  teaspoons pepper

Rinse and trim vegetables. Cut a 3-inch portion from the bottom of 6 of the green onions. Save remaining onion tops for another use. Place pattypan squash, zucchini, pea pods, and 3-inch green onion portions in a plastic bag set in a shallow dish.

Finely chop remaining 2 green onions. For marinade, in a screw-top jar combine olive oil, vinegar, finely chopped green onion, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cover and shake well. Pour marinade over vegetables in the bag. Close bag. Marinate vegetables in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours, turning bag occasionally.

Drain vegetables, reserving marinade. On 6 long bamboo* or metal skewers, poke vegetables in alternating order. Cook vegetables on the rack of an uncovered grill directly over medium coals for 8 to 10 minutes or until browned and tender, turning and brushing with reserved marinade occasionally. Makes 6 side-dish servings.

*Note: If using bamboo skewers, keep them from catching fire or charring by soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes before use.


Best BBQ Veggie Burger

4 tablespoons hickory barbecue sauce
1 tablespoon molasses
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained
2 cups cooked brown rice
1 tablespoon oat bran
2 tablespoons onions, finely chopped
1 tablespoon finely chopped canned beets
1 teaspoon beet juice
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon pickled jalapeno pepper, chopped
1 egg replacer
2 teaspoons olive oil
Vegan cheese of your choice

Stir together barbecue sauce and molasses. Set aside.  In a large bowl, mash beans. Stir in 3 tablespoons of the barbecue mixture (reserving remaining for brushing) and remaining ingredients -- rice through egg replacer. Form into four 6 oz patties.

Heat olive oil in a cast iron or non-stick skillet over medium. Grill burgers for 2 minutes on one side. Turn and brush with remaining barbecue/molasses mixture. Top with vegan cheese and grill for another 2 minutes or until cheese is melted. Serve with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, onions and mustard on a bun which has been grilled in vegan butter.


Peanut Brittle-y Bread Pudding

2-1/4  cups soymilk
4  egg replacers
1/2  cup granulated sugar
1  tablespoon vanilla
1  teaspoon finely shredded orange peel
1/2  teaspoon ground cinnamon
4  cups dry French, Italian, or sourdough bread cubes*
1  cup coarsely chopped  vegan peanut brittle
1/3  cup vegan butter
1/3  cup packed brown sugar
2  medium bananas, sliced
1/8  teaspoon ground cinnamon
1  tablespoon rum or orange juice
1  tablespoon banana liqueur, creme de cacao, or orange juice
  vegan vanilla ice cream (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a bowl beat together milk, egg replacer, granulated sugar, vanilla, orange peel, and cinnamon. Place bread cubes in an ungreased 2-quart square baking dish. Pour mixture evenly over bread cubes. Sprinkle with chopped peanut brittle.

Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until a knife inserted in center comes out clean. Cool slightly. Serve warm with Bananas Foster Sauce (below)and vanilla ice cream, if desired. Makes 8 servings with 3 tablespoons sauce.

Bananas Foster Sauce: In a large skillet melt vegan butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar until melted. Add bananas. Cook and gently stir over medium heat about 1 minute or until heated through. Remove from heat. Stir in cinnamon, rum or orange juice, and banana liqueur, creme de cacao, or orange juice. Serve immediately with bread pudding. Makes 1-1/2 cups sauce.

*To dry bread cubes: Place bread cubes in a large pan and bake in a 350 degree F. oven for 10 to 15 minutes or until dry but not brown, stirring twice.

Have a wonderful yummy and adventurous father's day!! xoxo

Can-cun Honeymoon ; )

Nothing screams honeymoon like lying on the beach, soaking up the sun, eating to your hearts desire with a drink in your hand. A drink with an umbrella in it, of course ; ) We decided to go south of the border for some sun as well as some adventure as we knew that the Yucatan had plenty of it. I'm not much for sitting around the beach for a week  so I'm glad we picked a spot that had tons to offer outside of the beautiful ocean.  So much history, great food and great fun, I couldn't have asked for a better place to get away with my new hubby!

On our first evening, of course I wanted Mexican food so we went on the lookout; ) Oddly enough, it was tough to find!! The Cancun area is pretty much the U.S. Laden with American chain restaurants, I refused to partake and hunted down the first local(ish) spot I could. Taco Grill satisfied my craving for local fare and exceeded expectation. A cute outdoor eatery, on the bay, Taco Grill served up some great veggie options. My dinner was complete with a large helping of fresh guacamole, a nice sized marg ; ), and the best grilled veggie burrito I've ever had! It was oozing with sauteed veggies, mushrooms, avocado, beans and delicious sauce. I'm craving one right now! Taco Grill is located in the La Isla Shopping Center.

Now, you wouldn't think that going out for Italian in Mexico would be a good thing but Limoncello was great! Right across from our hotel was this cute, fine dining-ish, locale, right on the water. They even have a private gazebo on a dock for special occasions - very nice! I was delighted that they had my favorite dish, Gnocchi, and I was able to get it with a really great tomato sauce. their bread was a nice touch as well as it came out like a flatbread on a griddle - warm and melty ; )  We really enjoyed the food and the ambiance of Limoncello so don't fret about getting some variety.

If you're looking to do some tequila tastings while enjoying a flavorful, waterfront meal, then La Tequileria is the place for you! So veggie and special diet friendly, I really enjoyed the live music and varieties of their local beverage ; ) Their salads are all veganizable and mega tasty and there's no denying yourself some guac and chip!

I need of curbing a sweet tooth, I stumbled upon Ah Cacao, an all chocolate cafe! And I was able to partake as they could make the cacao goodness vegany. I got a soy Mexican hot chocolate and it ruled! The company is super green and offers the best quality cacao products from the Mayan regions. See, chocolate can be green, helpful and healthy!

Nothing shows the magnitude of the health movement like finding a natural foods restaurant in the heart of Mexican part town. Natura is located on the main drag of Cancun and offers up all sorts of natural dishes, fresh juices and a ton of vegetarian options. Even though it was crazy hot out, I had to try their veggie soup and I followed that with insane vegan nachos. I also imbibed a super green juice and was very happy that I could get one anytime as it was in walking distance of our hotel ; ) Stop in for a healthy meal at Natura - Boulevard Kukulcan Km 9.5, Zona Hotelera, Cancún. 77500
Mexico Tel +52 998 8830585.

There's way more to come as I have more rave reviews for Cancun and the surrounding cities in the state of Quintana Roo!

Lovin' Leeds

On our way back to London from Blackpool, we made a pit stop in Leeds. A historic English town that is also home to University of Leeds, I hopped off the train in downtown and was smack in the middle of beautiful buildings, shopping centers and eateries.  Surrounded by countryside, this city has the best of both worlds. And with that, comes great dining!

Steps away from the train station you will find the old post office building, in the heart of city square. Now remodeled, you will find The Restaurant Bar & Grill inside, modern and sophisticated. This beautiful space hosts a large bar and gourmet menu. I veganized the Mezze appetizer platter and gobbled it right up. This large plate was a Mediterranean tasting menu with a neat twist. Covered with falafel, oloves, hummus and pita, my favorite were the butternut squash fritters, mmmm! I could have eaten a whole plate of those for sure!  Save your appetite and as soon as you arrive in downtown Leeds, make a beeline to The Restaurant Bar & Grill.

I stumbled upon Roots & Fruits
and figured it would be a great veggie friendly joint, and I was right! It dishes up a fully vegetarian international menu of goodness from Mexican to Indian, accommodating vegans easily. I devoured my wild mushroom pate on sun-dried foccaccia sandwich along with a hearty bowl of Mexican bean & tomato soup. It totally hit the spot and beat the chill quite nicely!

You can rarely go wrong finding healthy and/or veggie meal at an Indian spot. And especially when it's a completely vegetarian spot! Hansa's Gujarati Vegetarian Restaurant specializes in cuisine from the western coast of India and has been rockin' for over 20 years. Outside of their fresh fare, they also cater, host phenomenal cooking classes and are well known for their fabulous cakes.  And if you can't make it into Hansa's, they have their own cookbook. Eat with your fingers or eat with a fork but either way, eat at Hansas's!

I'd love to spend some more time in Leeds as the historic architecture is gorgeous. Plus, I think there is plenty more to eat in this bustling metropolis tucked away in West Yorkshire, England ; )

MMMMMMemorial Day ; )

There is no question about it, summer is here! Put away your coats and break out your swim suits because it's time to frolick in the sun and hang out with friends by the bbq.  However you decide to kick off fun in the sun season, do it as healthy as possible because come back to school season, you want to make sure you fit in your jeans and you aren't burnt to a crisp ; )  For more healthy and eco Memorial Day tips, check out last year's post. This year, I'm sharing nothing but fun food so let's start the party right but before we do, be sure to thank the veteran's in your life because today, is their day ; )

Here's a feast to enjoy all summer long:



Drunk BBQ Corn
10 ears fresh corn with husks
1 quart beer (non-alcoholic or wheat free if desired)
1 (7 pound) bag of ice cubes

Place whole ears of corn in an ice chest. Pour beer over top. Dump ice out over the ears of corn. Place the lid on the cooler, and let sit 8 hours, or overnight. Preheat smoker to 250 degrees. Place corn in the smoker and close the lid. Cook for 1 to 2 hours, turning every 20 minutes or so. Kernels should give easily under pressure when done. To eat, just peel back the husks and dig in!

Bruschetta Salad
8 cups Italian bread cubes
3 cups chopped tomatoes
1 cup minced fresh basil
1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
1/2 cup olive or vegetable oil
2 T cider or red wine vinegar
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 garlic clove, minced

In a large bowl, combine the bread, tomatoes, basil and onion. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients; drizzle over bread mixture. Cover and let stand for 30 minutes before serving.


Tropical Chick'n Sticks
1 cup pineapple juice
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup light soy sauce4
4 boxes of Gardein Chick'n Filets
skewers

In a small saucepan over medium heat, mix pineapple juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Remove from heat just before the mixture comes to a boil. Place chick'n  in a medium bowl. Cover with the pineapple marinade, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Preheat grill for medium heat. Thread chicken lengthwise onto wooden skewers. Lightly oil the grill grate. Grill chick'n tenders 3 minutes per side. They cook quickly, so watch them closely.


Summer Grillin' Veggie Sandwich
1/4 cup veganaise
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 T lemon juice
1/8 cup olive oil
1 cup sliced red bell peppers
1 small zucchini, sliced
1 red onion, sliced
1 small yellow squash, sliced
2 (4-x6-inch) focaccia bread pieces, split horizontally
1/2 cup Daiya shredded Mozzerella cheese

In a bowl, mix the veganaise, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Set aside in the refrigerator.
Preheat the grill for high heat. Brush vegetables with olive oil on each side. Brush grate with oil. Place bell peppers and zucchini closest to the middle of the grill, and set onion and squash pieces around them. Cook for about 3 minutes, turn, and cook for another 3 minutes. The peppers may take a bit longer. Remove from grill, and set aside. Spread some of the veganaise mixture on the cut sides of the bread, and sprinkle each one with cheese. Place on the grill cheese side up, and cover with lid for 2 to 3 minutes. This will warm the bread, and slightly melt the cheese. Watch carefully so the bottoms don't burn. Remove from grill, and layer with the vegetables. Enjoy as open faced grilled sandwiches.


SweetLeaf Punch
2 (750 milliliter) bottles sparkling apple cider
1 liter carbonated water
3 large oranges
2 lemons
1 bottle of SweetLeaf Lemonade
1 T sugar
2 trays ice cubes

Thinly slice the lemons and the oranges and place in a large punch bowl. Pour in lemonade. Gently stir in the seltzer water and the sparkling apple cider. Add sugar to taste. Add large block of ice.


Creamy Strawberry Banana Pops
2 cups So Delicious strawberry banana coconut milk yogurt
1⁄2 cup light-brown sugar
18 vegan vanilla wafers

Whisk yogurt and brown sugar in a bowl to blend. Divide between six 3-oz waxed paper cups. Freeze 1 hour. Insert a Popsicle stick in each cup. Freeze at least 2 hours more. Put cookies in a ziptop bag; crush with a rolling pin. Working with 2 pops at a time to prevent melting, carefully tear off cups. Roll both in cookie crumbs. Place in a new cup; freeze until ready to eat. Repeat with remaining cups and crumbs.

Have a great Memorial Day weekend and enjoy the start of summer!! xoxo

Bon Apetit in Blackpool!

I was very excited to roll through the english countryside and head to Blackpool. Located on the northwest coast, this seaside town is a bit like English Coney Island. Beach front hotels, water parks, casinos and more, Blackpool is a great little beach resort town for northern England residents.  Unfortunately we were there in the dead of winter so no beach fun for us but getting there was a treat as it the terrain looked just like the illustrations in one of my all time favorite Christmas stories, The Snowman ; )  Our friends showed us all around town so now I'll share it with you!

Just outside of Blackpool, you will find the cute country town of Little Eccleston. In it you will find The Cartford Inn. Newly refurbished in 2007, this adorable inn is just the place for a warm meal and cozy bed. While vegan, gluten free or any other special diet isn't the most popular of cuisines in northwest England, the folks at The Cartford Inn are more then happy to accommodate their valued guests. The house chef makes everything in house with the utmost of care. Feel like royalty when you have a lavish meal by the fire then retiring to your comfy quarters for a hot bath ; )

If you happen to find yourself in town for an extended stay or an event, I highly suggest hiring Little Black Dress Catering. Owner and chef, Frances Macualey, can whip up anything you heart desires. I was blown away with her fabulous vegan offerings. I had the distinct pleasure of chowing down on her vegan curry cutlets, roasted root veggies, creamy mashed potatoes and winter squash soup. I'm salivating just thinking about it! To contact Frances for a meal that will send you into a tasty tizzy, email her at franlittleblackdress@hotmail.com  .

Number One South Beach is a waterfront resort with fine dining. This chic locale might seem like the least likely place for a great vegan meal however,  Number One caters to all special diets. The chef takes special care and pride in serving all of their non-omnivore guests and they do a great job of doing so. Depending on what's in season, you'll be treated right at #1SB!

I loved Blackpool and hope to visit soon after the snow and cold has gone south for the summer!

Healthy Voyager Radio - Cleaning & Eating Raw Foods

 

Listen to the Healthy Voyager Radio right here!! Featuring Mareya Ibrahim of Eat Cleaner Foods and raw chef, Bryan Au:

Healthy Voyager Radio

Next week we chat with mom-trepreneurs Colleen Lanin of Travel Mamas and Catherine McCord of Weelicious!!

London Encore

I've been to London several times and every time, I find more and more veggie yumminess.  It's quickly becoming one of the most veg friendly cities in the world and delicious to boot!  Gone are the days of poking fun at bland English food and welcome to a veritable taste bud frenzy. In addition to the last London post, here are a few more spots that I couldn't leave out of the mix ; )

One of my favorite things about London is the amount of quick food spots all over town. And by quick food, I don't mean fast food. I mean eateries that have fresh sandwiches, soups, salads and other treats that are made daily. A lot of them have refrigerators packed with selections for a healthy to go treat as well as counters for an on the spot experience. Eat is just one of those places with convenient location all over town. I especially love their veggie meal or sandwich of the week and I fell in love with their veggie gyoza soup! Delish!!!  Quick, healthy & affordable - you can't beat that!

Itsu is yet another chain of quick food. Itsu's spin is sushi, noodles, soups and salads with a modern feel to each locale. Their motto is "Health & Happiness" which I believe they deliver on consistently ; ) For us non-sushi eating vegans, their miso soup and veggie dumplings are choice. Top it off with their organic dark chocolate rice cakes for an after lunch sweet tooth squasher!

Nothing is screams iconic London more then a red double decker bus.  But what would be cooler then dining on one? Dining on a vegan one! Here in London town there are 2 vegan bus-taurants, Rootmaster & Vegan Routes.  Each offers up killer vegan food and can be reserved for private events. Comfy, cute and tasty, these novelty restaurants are worth the ride ; )

If you're in need of some yoga and meditation after running around from tube to tube, check out Alchemy. A holistic sanctuary in the center of the city that also boasts a cef and juice bar. So after a relaxing session of Kundalini, treat yourself to a Hemp Mountain Magic Super Smoothie with hemp seed milk, maca, banana, agave syrup, mesquite and cacao nibs.  After all that sight seeing and eating you're way through jolly ol' London, you will need it!!

Next, I visit the English seaside & college towns - join me, won't you?

Healthy Voyager Radio - Creative Crusaders

 

Listen to the Healthy Voyager Radio right here!! Featuring Vance Lemkhul of Vegcast and the Bizarro King, Dan Piraro:

Healthy Voyager Radio

Next week we chat with Eat Cleaner's Mareya Ibrahim and raw chef, Bryan Au!!

Making the Most of Mother's Day

Moms make the world go 'round from kissing boo boos to being a shoulder to cry on when our heart breaks ; ) Mother's day is that Sunday that comes once every year where we show her how much we love her, feed her and shower her with gifts. What better way to express our love then fixing her a healthy feast and gifting her with things that will help her live a healthier and greener life? We want mom around for many Motehr's Days to come so here is a Mother's day menu fit for a queen and a list of gift ideas that will help set her on a path to wellness!

 Gifts and goodies

• Green Cooking Pots - Toss out those pots mom has been cooking with since you were in diapers and get her some eco-conscious and stylish enameled cast-iron pots and pans.
• Gobble Green Vegan Home Delivery - Save your mom some time in the kitchen without sacrificing taste and nutrition. Order up a yummy vegan meal with via Gobble Green's delivery service, nationwide.
• Chocolatl -Mom will love the gift of delicious, rich, raw, vegan chocolate ; )
• Olsenhaus Shoes - Sexy, stylish, eco, vegan shoes. Nuf said.
• Ro & Co Bags - Get your mom the hottest vegan bag around. Clutch, hobo, whatever, she will love you for it!
• Nimli - Shop for clothes, bags and more for mom - a green, organic and conscious online store!
• Tallulah Jane Perfume -What goes great with new clothes, jewelry, bags and shoes? All natural perfume!
• PeaceLoveEarth Jewelry - A division of Annatarian eco-couture, PLE jewelry is eco, vegan and spiritual. The gift of a wish bracelet or a necklace will go over quite well after mom's afternoon feast ; )
• Sevi - EcoVegan body care and cosmetics - mom will be over the moon with these treats! 
• Village Tea Co. - Help mom wind down and kick her feet up with some delicious, eco tea.

 Mother's Day Brunch

Mom-osas

2  cups fresh orange juice
1  cup  fresh pineapple juice, chilled
2  T grenadine
1  bottle Champagne or sparkling wine, chilled (2 cans ginger ale or lemon-lime soda may be substituted for non-alcoholic version)

 Stir together first 3 ingredients. Pour equal parts orange juice mixture and Champagne into glasses.

Gingerbread, Apple & Vanilla Waffles


2 cups flour
1 T baking powder
1/2 T baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ginger
1/4 tsp cloves
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup molasses
1 1/4 cups soy milk, unsweetened or vanilla
1/2 stick vegan butter, melted

Apple Compote
3 pounds of apples, cut into 1/2 inch slices
1 vanilla bean, cut in two lengthwise
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
2 T lemon juice
2 T vegan butter
2 T apple brandy or dark rum (optional)

For the Apple Compote:
Add the apples, sugar, water, lemon juice, and butter to a large pot. Scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean with a knife. Add the seeds and vanilla pod to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until apples are soft and most of the liquid has evaporated (about 25 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in the brandy or rum. Remove the vanilla pod before serving.

For the Waffles:

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt. In another bowl mix together the milk, brown sugar, molasses, and melted butter. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix well.

Ladle the batter into a hot waffle iron according to the manufacturer's directions. Keep cooked waffles warm in an oven set at its lowest setting. Put a scoop of warm apple compote onto each serving of waffles to serve. For an extra treat add vegan whipped cream, powdered sugar, or chopped nuts.


Italian Frittata


1 lb extra firm tofu
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 cup nutritional yeast
2 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 cup onion, diced
1/4 cup chopped mushrooms
1/4 cup sun-dried tomato, finely chopped
1/2 cup chopped spinach
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 lemon, juice of
1/4 cup fresh basil leaf, chiffonade

Preheat oven to 400°F. In a mixing bowl, crumble the tofu through your fingers until it resembles ricotta cheese. Be sure to sqeeze out all the lumps. Mix in the soy sauce, mustard, nutritional yeast and turmeric and combine well. In a small (8-inch) skillet, saute the onions in the olive oil for 2 minutes. Add the mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, and thyme, and saute for 3 more minutes. Add the garlic saute for 1 minute. Add the lemon juice, mix and remove from heat. Transfer the cooked onion mixture to the tofu and combine well, foldin basil leaves and spinach. Place the tofu back into the skillet and press down firmly in place. Cook in the oven at 400 for 20 minutes. Transfer to the broiler to brown the top, about two minutes. Let the frittata sit for 10 minute before serving. Carefully cut into 4 slices and lift each piece with a pie server to prevent it from falling apart.

Mom, thanks for everything you did and continue to do! Happy Mother's Day!! xoxo

Healthy Voyager Radio - Compassionate Authors & Cooks

Listen to the Healthy Voyager Radio right here!! Featuring Will Tuttle & the Compassionate Cook, Colleen Patrick-Godreau:

Healthy Voyager Radio

Next week we chat with fellow vegan podcaster, Vance of Vegcast as well as the very funny & talented, Dan Piraro!!

Healthy Voyager Radio - Earth Day Cooking & Media

Listen to the Healthy Voyager Radio right here!! Featuring Jenny & Heather Goldberg of Spork Foods as well as Gary Smith & Kezia Jauron from Evolotus PR:

Healthy Voyager Radio

Next week we chat with the inspirational Will Tuttle & Compassionate Cook, Colleen Patrick-Godreau!!

Healthy Voyager Radio - Holisitc Medicine & Simple Green

 

Listen to the Healthy Voyager Radio right here!! Featuring Dr. Lederman & Dr. Pulde from Exsalus Health & Wellness as well as Tracy Hepler from popular LA green site, Your Daily Thread:

Healthy Voyager Radio

Next week we chat vegan cooking & classes with the gals of Spork Foods as well as conscious PR with Evolotus PR!!

Healthy Voyager Radio - Careers in Wellness & Fitness

Listen to the Healthy Voyager Radio right here!! Featuring Suzanne Monroe of Real Life Food & Jenna Phillips of Mission Possible:

Healthy Voyager Radio

Next week we talk holistic health with Dr. Lederman & Dr. Lederman as well as greening your life with Tracy Hepler of Your Daily Thread!!

Healthy Voyager Radio - Seasonal Spring Cooking & Eco Shopping

Listen to the Healthy Voyager Radio right here!! Featuring The Blissful Chef, Christy Morgan & Sydne Garchik from TheEcoLuxeLife.com:

Healthy Voyager Radio

Next week we talk health, fitness & possible new careers with Suzanne Monroe from Real Life Food & Jenna Phillips of Mission Possible!

London Revisited

My last visit across the pond was a freezing one! The coldest, snowiest winter in the last 100 years and yes, it sure felt that way ; ) It was nice to see snow on the ground as well as on the countryside as we whizzed by in trains, but nothing felt as warm and cozy as a delicious meal! I was incredibly excited to go back to London and revisit some faves from my last trip but even more so for some new locations that had sprouted up since my last jaunt. There were so many places I hadn't gone that I made sure I squeezed them all in within the week we spent in jolly, frozen, England!

I must open with Saf Restaurant & Bar. Not only is it hip & chic, it is incredibly tasty, 100% vegan and offers lots of raw dishes.  I heard about it from Chef Tal Ronnen, and anyone who has tried his food knows that if he has anything to do with something, it's gotta be good!  I made a beeline toward Saf on my first free day. Ordering up a feats for lunch, I started with their phenomenal Pesto Au Poivre, a gourmet cheese made from cashews sure to knock the biggest carnivore's socks off. I followed that with a delicious TLT Ciabatinni (smoked tofu, lettuce, tomato, garlic mayo on yummy crusty bread). The menu changes with the seasons and makes it all the more fun and interesting. Their juices and cocktails are just as gorgeous as their dishes while their desserts, insane! See how beautiful the food is, salivate over the menu online at Saf!

If you're looking for a hipster, chill, artsy, music filled, vegan meal, then Inspiral Lounge is the spot for you! Streaming their own radio station and dishing out nothing but tasty treats, this lounge/cafe is located right by Camden Market. Lots of young, trendy, discount shops, Inspiral is a great place for a break and a bite. Their menu is great with your choice of entree, sides and salads, all for a nice price.  Beer, wine & desserts can be found here as well, perfect complements to the relaxed feeling of the riverfront locale. Stop in and be Inspiralled!

With locations all over the UK, Europe, and now the US, Wagamama is a fun choice for healthy, community style dining. With shareable, Japanese plates, diners have oodles of noodles to choose from. Something for everyone, Wagamama has a ton to offer veggies or any other special diet ; ) I went for the raw juice (cucs, carrots, tomato, orange, apple), yasai gzoyas & yasai yatzu curry. Yasai means veggie ; ) Suck it up & look for a location near you!

I LOVED the concept behind Tossed. A fast growing chain in the UK, Tossed is not only healthy, it's fun!  With a new location popping up somewhere all the time, each is quite different from the next. But the food offerings are awesome at any of them.  At Tossed, you get to choose your fiber base of pasta, brown rice or salad. Then you add your ingredients from all sorts of veggies and proteins. You choose you dressing and it all gets tossed! They also offer soups, sandwiches, juices, coffees and some pre-packaged meals if you're on the go but their you build it, we make it meals are the best! Keeping an eye on calories, low GI grains and keeping fat at bay, you really can't feel guilty going overboard at Tossed!

I've got some more updates on London as well as some more spots across England so come back for more!

Get Ready for Redding, CA!

One more stop before we headed once more through San Fran to visit friends and then home again. We were told that the Sun Dial Bridge was pretty neat so that was enough to get us of the 5 South and into Redding. This small northern California town had a neat bridge, a cute nature park & gardens as well as some tasty treats to satisfy my healthy appetite!

Since we were only there for 24 hours, I knew I had to fin some quick eats. Greengo's was just the place and they offer tons of vegan, gluten free and other special diet dishes. I went right for their rice & bean salada and a cup of their vegan soup of the day, tomato basil, mmmm ; )  Super cute, super quick, super healthy, it's Greengo's!

For din din, we grabbed a seat at The Downtown Eatery.  Along with our meal we got some great local live music. I devoured my portobello mushroom sandwich with cashew cheese along with my sweet potato fries and vegan garlic aioli dip.  It was really nice to chill out, listen to some fun tunes, take in the local scene and grub!

Sue's Java Cafe was a nice departure from my usual on the road Starbucks (they always have soymilk so it's just a no brainer). Their soy chai was delightful as was their freshly baked bread & the vegan chili I took with me for the ride home. Really cute and really yum, who could ask for a better way to start the day!

Redding was quick but I had enough time to enjoy the local vibe.  If you're passin' through to see the Sun Dial bridge, now you know where to eat too!

Eureka! in NorCal

I was charmed by this little seaside town in Northern California. It somehow has kept a lot of its history, making you feel like you've stepped into the early years of the state. You can just picture horse drawn carriages and ladies in big Victorian dresses. But I will say that the food and folks are very much modern and forward thinking ; ) I was excited to see how many options there where but maybe that's because they are in Humboldt county, heehee ; )

We pulled in after a long day of driving and lunched at Hurricane Kate's. I was famished so I shared the delicious portobello sate and then chowed on their awesome nut burger. They've got all kinds of healthy fare and it was a nice place to eat on our first venture in town.

Later that night we wanted to get a taste of the night life in town in headed over to the Lost Coast Brewery. Not only do they feature a bunch of local brews, but this watering hole dished out some pretty yummalicious food! Lots of healthy fare that included tofu tacos, Humboldt green party veggie burger or even a  tofu burger. There's nothing like being able to order up a healthy meal to go with your organic beer ; )

The next day we breakfasted at the eco & healthy diner, Golden Harvest. I started my day right with the Popeye Scramble made with tofu and sans the cheese. Everything at Golden Harvest is made  with the best local ingredients and a lot of it is made from scratch.  Definitely a must for the first meal of the day and their lunch menu looks great too!

For our last meal in town we decided to splurge and go fancy shmancy so we dined at Avalon. Very pretty and suiting for downtown, Avalon serves up nothing but organic and local fare.  I was able to find a deleicious veggie item in their home made gnocchi (with no cheese) that followed my fresh field green salad. It really was a nice meal and a treat from our usual road trip meals ; )

We were in and out of Eureka but I would recommend that if you ever drive up the western coast to add it to your stop and dine list!

You need to dine in Eugene!

Not far from Portland is another healthy town, one that Jack Kerouac once hailed from (his statue is reading me a story in that photo). And that town is called Eugene! On our Pacific North West road trip, we were told to stop in Eugene on our way back home.  Good thing we listened as there was much to grub on and I'm going to share all the info with you now!

The main reason we stopped was to be sure we visited the Pizza Research Institute. It was more then well worth it, I wish we had one in LA!  A converted mechanic shop, the PRI has an ever changing menu but always scrumptious regardless of what's on it. It is completely vegetarian and veganizing items is not hard at all. They really do have some wonderfully experimental dishes but each is a hit.  The day we popped in I had a killer spinach soup with their ridiculous spiral garlic rolls and a slice a spicy tofu vegan pizza. I was in heaven!  Check them out and even if it's your only stop in Eugene, you must dine at the Pizza Research Institute!

I'm sure I've said this a thousand times and I'm glad to say it again, you can always find a healthy dish with Asian cuisine. Sweet Basil Thai is just that kind of place.  All kinds of authentic Thai dishes, it wasn't difficult to fin something that suited any special diet. I went straight for the I Love Veggies Stir Fry and requested the vegan sauce that went with it. They offer tofu, tempeh or veggies with any dish and are very helpful with all sorts of food allergies. If it's Thai you're craving, let Sweet Basil scratch the itch ; )

Just because I'm The "Healthy" Voyager, doesn't mean that I don't let myself indulge in a sweet or 2 every now and again.  And I chose to indulge at Sweet Life!  Organic and many vegan desserts, you can anything here from a pie to a custom wedding cake - yummmmm! I went for their Vegan Chocolate Silk Torte and savored it for most of my trip home.

An awesome lunch spot I stumbled into was the Laughing Planet Cafe. I went to town with all the healthy, low fat, veggie options that I had to take some on the road with me in our cooler to enjoy later ; )  I started with their plantain chips & spicy bbq dip and moved on to their Soylent Green Bowl wchich was full of healthy grains & greens topped with tempeh & delicious mushroom sauce. Mmmm! Then i took a vegan deluxe burrito for the road ; )

Finally, I will confess that I stopped into yet another bakery ; ( But I had no choice!! It was 100% Vegan!! Woot woot!  Gotta support veggie businesses even if it means I must eat cupcakes ; ) And eat cupcakes I did at Divine Cupcakes. They've not only got vegan cupcakes but they have gluten, sugar & wheat free options so no one is left out of the sweet mix. You can pop in for freshly baked cupcakes (might I recommend the Red Velvet or the Lavender?) or take & bake options. And if you are so inclined, they ship!  No more excuses, get yourself a cupcake ; )

I'm more then excited to get back to Oregon and Eugene is definitely on my return list ; )

So Sweet in Sonoma

You can't deny that that Sonoma & Napa are best known for their wine. And what goes best with wine? Delicious food! There is no shortage of scrumptious cuisine in this quaint California area so let's not waste any time and get right to it, shall we? Yes!

When in doubt, always go for Japanese. Shiso was the perfect place for a light and healthy bite.  Minimalist and crisp, Shiso offered nice options for me like the Agedashi Tofu along with my faves, seaweed salad and miso soup. Light and clean foods really hit the spot after a day of wine tasting ; )

For an al fresco brunch or just an all around fresh meal, visit The Sunflower Cafe. Since everything is made from scratch, and to order, they are super accommodating to special diets. Their home made hummus is to die for and is delicious on their roasted veggie panini. Find out more about them at Sunflower Cafe online.

If you're looking for shi-shi Mediterranean, The Plaza Bistro is your place.  Tasty Italian fare with lots o' flair ; )  Lots of their dishes are creamy and meaty however, if you know how to navigate the menu, you can have a fabulous meal. I loved the bruschetta and veganized the house made gnocchi dish.  Me and my belly left quite happy and so will you!

In need of something casual and affordable? Try Mary's Pizza Shack! Fun for groups and families, this is more then just a pizza joint. And in Cali, of course they offer stuff for veg heads, low fat eaters, fiber wanters and passionate proteiners ; )  Something for everyone at Mary's, including the health nut in me ; )

Lastly, I wanted to mention the Pharmaca Intergrative Medicine Pharmacy.  Located right by a beautiful Whole Foods, this is just an added bonus if you're in need of any health or medical attention when in the area. Their store offer a range of products (holistic as well as commercial) to help you maintain good health, as well as traditional treatment options along with a knowledgeable staff of health care experts. It's good to know they are there if you need them ; )

There is plenty more to see, eat, drink & do up here so stay tuned for more California wine country posts ; )