Happy New Year!!!

New Plant-Based Show: How To Live To 100!!!

I'm super excited to check out the Cooking Channel's new Plant-Based show,
"How To Live To 100", premiering January 6, 2013 at 8pm ET/5pm PT)!!!

"Detroit-born chef, Jason Wrobel, dishes up a sublime fusion of food and humor as host of the new Cooking Channel special, How To Live To 100. Known as the "King of Superfoods," which are powerful ingredients proven to increase your longevity, Jason turns up the heat and whips them up into culinary masterpieces."

It's about time these food networks put something together for us veggie lovers!

My DVR is already set!

Check it out!
The Hoff

Honey Mustard Dressing

Honey Mustard Dressing
Yields: 1/2 cup
dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, soy-free


Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp plain Almond Milk
• 2 tbsp Grey Poupon Mustard
• 2 tbsp Yellow Mustard
• 2 tbsp Honey
• 1 tbsp Cashews
• Juice from 1 Lemon
• 1 tsp Sea Salt

Directions:

1. Blend ingredients together

My2Cents: Use it as a salad dressing or to spruce up veggies like cauliflower!

Hoff Hit: Fluffy Rice

To achieve fluffy rice, always stir rice with a fork instead of a spoon.

The fork will infuse the rice with air, while the spoon will leave you flat.

Merry Christmas!

Hoff Hit: Stop the Splatter!

My walls know all too well when I am attempting to pour things like spaghetti sauce.

But, here's a trick to avoid that dreaded splattering!

Pour the sauce over a  mixing spoon and that shall cut down on your clean-up!

Seasonal Eating: Winter

Despite the lack of snow, today marks the first day of Winter in Ohio.

With the change in season comes a change in seasonal eating habits.

To eat seasonally, means to consume foods that are grown in your region for the current time of year.  It does not mean consuming strawberries in the dead of Winter flown in from another hemisphere.  Eating seasonally enables you to consume food when it's at it's peak in flavor & nutrient value.  Listen to your body, you're probably not craving a cold, crisp salad right now, but I bet a bowl of steaming, hearty soup can get you salivating.

Yes, you can get anything you want year round, but that's not the way we were designed to eat.  And doing so tends to throw us out of balance.  "The body naturally needs different foods during specific times of the year—foods that protect us from the effects of seasonal changes—say experts such as Elson M. Haas, MD, author of Staying Healthy with the Seasons (Celestial Arts, 2004)."


Winter Eating

Winter is the time to reserve energy & rest and there are Winter specific foods designed to help us achieve this.  You want to consume hardier, warming foods at this time of year - think root vegetables, beans & seaweed.  These types of foods take longer to digest and therefore better support our core temperature.
Here's what to look for until Spring blossoms...


Winter Foods

• Apples
• Beets
• Bok Choy
• Broccoli Rabe
• Brussels sprouts
• Cabbage
• Carrots
• Cauliflower
• Celery
• Chestnuts
• Clementine
• Collard Greens
• Dates
• Garlic
• Grapefruits
• Kumquats 
• Leeks
• Meyer Lemons
• Mushrooms
• Onion
• Oranges
• Parsnips 
• Pears
• Potatoes
• Radicchio
• Rhubarb
• Rutabagas
• Snap Peas
• Sprouts (homegrown)
• Sunchokes
• Sweet Potatoes
• Turnips 
• Winter Greens (Arugula, Collards, Kale, Lettuce, Spinach, Swiss Chard)
• Winter Squash (Acorn, Butternut, Calabaza, Delicata, Hubbard, Pumpkin, Spaghetti)

If this list is too long to remember, just hit your local farmers market - they won't have anything that's out of season for your area.


Cooking

Winter is the time to switch to longer cooking methods at lower temperatures.  Think soups, stews & chili simmering on the stove top or dust off that slow cooker.  Try roasting a variety of root vegetables, cut into bite-sized pieces and tossed with flavored vinegar & your favorite seasonings.


Learn More

Check out the NRDC Smarter Living website to see what's in season for your state!

or

Download the free NRDC Eat Local App from iTunes to help you figure out which foods are in season  when you're out & about!

So, while the dietician in your head is screaming, "Order the damn salad!" your body is saying, "Hey man, I just want some soup."  Listen to your body, not your head.

Keep it Seasonal!
The Hoff


Seasonal Eating: Spring, Summer, Fall

Sources: http://newhope360.com/lifestyle/beginner-s-guide-seasonal-eating?page=1
http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/content/local/seasonal/table/vegetables/

Event: Cleveland New Year's Eve, Veg Style

Ring in the New Year with these 

Vegan/Vegetarian friendly 
Cleveland events!

Vegan Friendly

New Year's Eve Gourmet Menu
Chef Jonathon Sawyer has created a nine-course, gourmet tasting menu for the celebration; vegetarian and omnivore menus available; vegan selections available with advance notice.
Where: Greenhouse Tavern
Cost: $134 per person w/wine, $89 without
Reservations required - indicate vegan


Celebration of Consciousness Annual New Year's Eve Party
Yoga, Potluck, Kirtan, Drumming, Meditation & More!
Where: Studio Cleveland - Thai, Yoga, Massage & Art Gallery
Time: 10:00am - 2:00am
Cost: $20-$40 per person
Reservations required


New Year's Eve Dinner
Enjoy exclusive offerings from regular menu, plus some oh, so special additions including Seafood Pot Pie, Rack of Lamb, and Veal Chop.  Vegan option available.  Champagne toast at midnight!
Where: Crop Bistro & Bar
Reservations required - indicate vegan 


New Year's Eve Dinner
Contemporary American six course tasting menu w/glass of bubbles. Champagne toast at midnight!
Where: Bistro185
Time: Three Seatings: 5:00, 7:00, 9:00pm
Cost: $95 per person 
Reservations required - indicate vegan


NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY w/ DJ Besto
Hang out in the bar or listen to Besto spin and scratch old school hip hop on a real sound system in the show space. Bass in yo face!
Where: Now That's Class
Time: 9:00pm - ?
Cost: Free admission (food extra)



Vegetarian Friendly

New Year's Eve Prix Fixe Dinner
Bling in the New Year with Spice! Last year’s New Years event was a sell- out smash, so we’re bringing it back for year two. Special vegetarian & vegan menus being offered along with regular New Year's menu.  
Where: Spice Kitchen +Bar 
Time: Two seatings: 6:30pm & 9:30pm
Cost: $100 per person w/wine, $75 without
Reservations required - indicate vegetarian/vegan


New Year's Eve Service & Vegetarian Potluck
All are welcome to join us as we ring in 2013 with meditation, chanting, the traditional Passing of the Light and an Incense Offering. A vegetarian potluck celebration will follow the service.
Where: The Zen Center of Cleveland
Time: 6:30pm - ?
Reservations required

Celebrate New Year's Eve!
Live DJ, party favors, bowling, free champagne toast at midnight!  Vegetarian items offered on regular menu. 

Where: The Corner Alley & 4th Street Bar & Grill

Reservations required - indicate vegetarian

Sprout Mixes

Been sprouting one type of a seed at a time?

That's so last season.

Open up your world to Sprouting Mixes!

Sprouting mixes offer you a vast world of vitamins, minerals and nutrients.  It's like sprouting on steroids, because you're combining various types of foods at their peak state of nutrition!  You also get some pretty unique flavor combinations.

You can create your own mixes by simply pairing seeds together that sprout within the same time frame.  But, if that's too hands on, check out these fascinating sprout mixes:


Mixes Available from Sprout People:

Beanie's Awesome Mix: Green, Crimson & Red Chief Lentils, Green, Marrowfat & Yellow Peas, Beige Garbanzos and Adzukis

French Garden: Clover, Arugula, Cress, Radish, Fenugreek, Dill

Halloween Treat: Black Garbanzos & Orange Lentils

Italian Blend: Clover, Garlic, Cress

Mother's Mix: Red Clover, Alfalfa, Broccoli, Fenugreek, Natural & Black Sesame & Garlic Chive

Neville's Midnight Moon (Mix #47): French Blue & Crimson Lentils and Speckled Peas

Nick's Hot Sprout Salad: Clover, Radish, Fenugreek, Mustard, Dill, Cress and Celery

Oriental Greens: Alfalfa, Clover, Oriental Mustard, Mizuna and Tatsoi

Russian Mix: Clover, Onion, Mustard, Dill, Fenugreek

San Francisco Mix: Peanuts, Mung Bean, Adzuki Bean, Black, Crimson, Eston, French Blue & Green Lentils, Green, Speckled & Bill Jump Peas, Black, Brown & Beige Garbanzos

Spicy Mix: Alfalfa, Clover, Radish, Fenugreek


And that is just scratching the surface of what's available...

Yes, there are more to sprouts than bean & alfalfa - get out there and explore!

Sprout Happy!
The Hoff

Amazing Carving - Not Your Mother's Centerpiece

Standout from the rest of the parties with your very own customized vegan centerpiece or fruit platter!

Amazing Carving of Brunswick, OH will give your party a healthy flair with edible fruit & vegetable carvings for any occasion!

Check out these amazing creations!

Check out Amazing Carving or contact Svetlana Partem: AmazingCarving@gmail.com or 440.212.9046 to order your special piece today!

Hoff's Stripped Down Chili

Hoff's Stripped Down Chili
Yields: 10-12 cups
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, soy-free

Ingredients:

• 2 15 oz. cans Kidney Beans (rinsed & drained)
• 1 46 oz. can Tomato Juice
• 1 can Diced Tomatoes (seasoned optional)
• 1 15 oz. can Pumpkin
• 1 1/2 cups Wheat Berries/Barley
• 1 Red Pepper (chopped)
• 1 medium Sweet Onion (chopped)
• 3 cloves of Garlic (minced)
• 1/4 cup Almond Butter (or any nut butter)
• 1 tbsp. Chili Powder

Directions:

1. Turn slow cooker to high to warm up
2. Add Onion, Red Pepper & Garlic and sweat to soften (about 5 minutes)
3. Stir in remaining ingredients (except Chili Powder)
4. Heat on low for about 6-8 hours, high for about 4 hours
5. With 2 hours or less, add Chili Powder to prevent it from losing it's kick

Hoff Thoughts: I used to use V8 Juice in this recipe; but much to my horror, it turns out V8 isn't vegan!

Stainless Steel Scoop!

Out of all my kitchen gadgets, I may covet this one the most!

It is my spring action, stainless steel scooper!

When a recipe calls for the scooping of anything, I reach for my trusty scooper and she never fails me.

Perfectly proportioned portions (say that 3 times fast) every time!  Single hand scooping action.  No fuss, no mess!

What makes this scoop rise above the rest is the spring loaded scraper that glides smoothly under the food, depositing equally sized mounds a single squeeze.

I find that a two tablespoon scoop is the perfect size for such things as Pumpkin Cookies, Chocolate Chip Cookies, even Zucchini Cakes!  Use it for sherbert, melons, veggie meatballs - anything you need to scoop.

I never scoop without her - she is the Lexus of scoopers!

These scoops come in a variety of sizes: 4 tablespoon, 3 tablespoon, 2 tablespoon, 1 tablespoon and even half sizes or smaller.  Coming in under $15, this is a worthy investment.

Ask Santa to fill your stocking with one or two of these babies this year, you'll thank me later...

Luxury Scooping!
The Hoff

Hoff's Broccoli Cheddar Soup

I wasn't always a vegan and during those times, I would make pilgrimages to The Barn Restaurant in Smithville, Ohio specifically for their Broccoli Cheddar Soup.  I have been obsessed with this soup since I was a kid and it's one of the things I miss most from my pre-vegan days.  I'm happy to say that I took at stab at this legendary soup and came pretty close to the original.  It will never beat The Barn's soup, but this vegan gal is a happy camper once again!


Hoff's Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Yields: about 16 cups
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, soy-free


Ingredients:

• 5 cups Water
• 3 cups Veggie Broth
• 4 cups plain unsweetened Almond Milk
• 12 oz. thin Whole Wheat Spaghetti (broken into bite size pieces)
• 1 large head of Broccoli (finely chopped)
• 1 cup Sweet Onion (chopped)
• 1 tbsp. Sea Salt
• 1 tbsp. Garlic Powder
• 1 tbsp. Onion Powder
• Pepper to taste

 "Cheese" Sauce

• 1 can Diced Potatoes (rinsed & drained)
• 1 cup Veggie Broth
• 1 Red Pepper (chopped)
• 4 tbsp. Nutritional Yeast
• Juice from half a Lemon
• 2 tbsp. Yellow Mustard
• 1 1/2 tsp. Sea Salt
• 1 tsp. Onion Powder
• 1 tsp. Garlic Powder
• 1/2 tsp. Paprika

Directions:

1. In a very large pot over medium-high heat, sautee Onions until soft
2. Add Broth & Water, bring to boil
3. Add Pasta & Broccoli, cook for 7 minutes
4. Meanwhile, combine all "Cheese Sauce" ingredients in a Vitamix or blender, blending until well combined, about 2 minutes
5. Once Pasta has cooked, reduce to a simmer
6. Stir in "Cheese Sauce"
7. Once soup has stopped boiling, add "Milk"
8. Simmer for 2 hours uncovered, stirring occasionally
9. Add Seasonings & serve

Hoff Thoughts: Yes, this is a lot of soup, but it freezes well if you happen to have leftovers.

Bite Size Spaghetti

I think Rachel Ray turned me onto this handy, dandy trick.

If you're just not into long strands of spaghetti or have a recipe better suited for smaller pieces, follow these super, simple steps:

Start with Whole Wheat Spaghetti & a clean Dish Towel

Lay spaghetti lengthwise with the towel

Wrap the spaghetti in the towel, twisting the ends, so nothing escapes

 Drag the towel along the edge of a counter or table until
desired sized pieces are accomplished

You will need to apply pressure to get the pasta to break

That's it - takes mere seconds to accomplish!

You Gotta See The Baby!

You may recall a few posts ago, I had a guest writer - Morticia, my 16 year old black cat who's been with me for over a decade.  She simply insisted that I help her write the post - Adopt A Black Cat - Bring Luck To Your Family.

It's with great pride that I announce that Morticia is no hypocat and during a recent vet visit, she insisted that we forever home an abandoned little black kitty.

I'd like to welcome the newest member to The Healthy Hoff family...
Elvira.

She's practically perfect in every way and just like Morticia said, this little black beauty has brought joy, laughter and a little luck to our family!

Hoff Hit: Stop Budding Potatoes

I hate it when my potatoes start growing those green thingees on them.  Stop rushing me!

To prevent this, stick an apple in with the potatoes!

Country Gravy

Country Gravy
Yields: 4 1/2 cups
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free

Ingredient:

• 1/2 cup Flour
• 1/2 cup Nutritional Yeast
• 2 cups Veggie Broth
• 2 cups plain Almond Milk
• 1 tbsp Bragg Liquid Aminos
• 3 tsp Poultry Seasoning
• 2 tsp Onion Powder
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder

Directions:

1. In a medium pot over medium-low heat, whisk together Flour & Nutritional Yeast for about 3 minutes to remove raw flavor of the Flour
2. Slowly whisk in Veggie Broth & Almond Milk
3. Whisk in Braggs & Seasonings
4. Bring Gravy to a low boil, reduce heat to a simmer & allow to thicken

Event: Raw Living Expo

• We’ve got love and respect for where you are, and hold the vision with you for where you are going.
• We’ve got dynamic presentations from speakers to inspire and motivate you.
• We’ve got hands-on experiential workshops to help you “dial it in!”
• We’ve got DELICIOUS raw foods cuisine for you to enjoy and sample, from many of the world’s top Raw Chefs & companies!
• We’re co-creating a fantastic networking experience in a GORGEOUS Sedona resort location!
• We’re bringing in outstanding bands, musicians and DJ’s to rev up the energy and get our bodies moving!
• We’ve got some of the Brightest Stars on the Raw Stage as our emcees!
• We’ve got 17 outstanding Raw Chefs who will teach you their culinary tips and secrets, in person!
• Our question to you is, “What is this event, that it absolutely takes your life to the next level?” Let us know!
• We’ve tuned into the needs of our community, and Yes Indeed, we’re here to Rawk Your Life!

When: 2/22/13 - 2/24/13
Where: Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa: 90 Ridge Trail Drive Sedona, AZ 86351 
Cost: $97 - $650

Register now!

Hoff's B&W Hot Chocolate

Hoff's Quick B&W Hot Chocolate
Serves: 1
dairy-free, soy-free

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup Dark Chocolate Almond Milk
• 1/2 cup Vanilla Almond Milk
• 1/2 cup Water
• Sea Salt
• Cinnamon

Directions:

1. Mix Milk & Water into a mug and microwave for 1-2 minutes
2. Top with Salt & Cinnamon

Hoff's German Spaghetti Squash Spaghetti

Hoff's German Spaghetti Squash Spaghetti
Serves: 2 + lunch leftovers
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, soy-free


Ingredients: 

• 1 Spaghetti Squash (size will really determine the number of servings)
• 2 cups Sauerkraut (rinsed & drained)
• 1 jar Spaghetti Sauce

Directions:

1. Microwave Spaghetti Squash for 1 minute to soften skin
2. Cut Squash in half and remove seeds using a spoon
3. Place Squash cut side down in a baking dish and fill dish with enough water to cover the Squash by 1/2"
4. Bake at 375 degrees for about 40 minutes or until tender
5. Meanwhile, heat up Sauce & Sauerkraut on the stove
6. Once, Squash is done, allow to cool & using a fork, scrape the inside to form "spaghetti noodles"
7. Mix the Squash into the Sauce & enjoy!

My2Cents: Experiment by adding shredded Zucchini or Yellow Squash, Matchstick Carrots or Diced Potatoes.