Happy Easter!

Event: Raw Retreat

Are you curious about the Raw Food lifestyle? 

Looking to add more Raw Food into your diet?

Want to meet like minded people?

Join the Raw Trainer for the ultimate Raw Weekend Retreat!

"Whether you are brand new to raw foods or a lifelong expert, this retreat will supply inspiration and adventure! Enhance your knowledge of raw food, healthy living and more than you could ever imagine. Learn how to prepare raw meals, snacks, smoothies, and desserts as well as bring a more holistic approach to your entire lifestyle. Be prepared for a hands-on, fun experience that will not only change your health, but your life! You will be able to take your education home to teach others and feel confident about your new lifestyle! PLUS… enjoy eating all kinds of awesome raw, life giving foods throughout the weekend."


When: May 3-5, 2013
Where: Pure Health and Fitness: 13281 Prospect Rd, Strongsville OH 44149
Time: Varies by day, check schedule
Cost: $399.00 per person

More details

Pre-registration required

Medical Costs Revealed!

Ever go in for a procedure only to be shocked a month later as to what your insurance decided not to cover?  Even worse, have no insurance?

Next time, get the low down on the costs first!

The FairHealth Consumer Cost Lookup, run by nonprofit group FAIR Health, will help you do that.

From root canals to MRIs, this site can give you an estimate as to what you might expect to pony up.

This site is free, super easy & quick to use - no registration required!

Here's what you do:

1. Select either Medical or Dental
2. Enter your Zip Code
3. Indicate Insured or Uninsured
4. Enter the CPT code (if you know it) or browse through a list of services/procedures

That's it!  You now have the upper hand, which could cause you to confront your Doc as to if the procedure is absolutely necessary or just standard protocol.

Be informed!
The Hoff

Happy Birthday Charlotte Gerson!

Today Charlotte Gerson turns 91 years old!

Charlotte is the daughter of Max Gerson and the founder of the Gerson Institute.

The Gerson Institute delivers whole body healing for a number of chronic degenerative illnesses through the use of the Gerson Therapy, "a natural treatment that activates the body’s extraordinary ability to heal itself through an organic, vegetarian diet, raw juices, coffee enemas and natural supplements."

Living by the diet she teaches, Charlotte is a true testament to living long & well.

Happy Birthday Charlotte & Thank You!

Event: Dr Joel Fuhrman is Coming to Cleveland!

Vitamix presents Dr. Joel Fuhrman in Cleveland!

"Joel Fuhrman M.D. is a board-certified family physician, NY Times best-selling author and nutritional researcher who specializes in preventing and reversing disease through nutritional and natural methods. Dr. Fuhrman is an internationally recognized expert on nutrition and natural healing, and has appeared on hundreds of radio and television shows including The Dr. Oz Show, the Today Show, Good Morning America, and Live with Kelly. Dr. Fuhrman’s own hugely successful PBS television shows, 3 Steps to Incredible Health! and Dr. Fuhrman’s Immunity Solution! bring nutritional science to homes all across America."

When: April 18, 2013
Where: Ohio Theater: 1511 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115
Time: 6:00 - 8:00pm
Cost: Free!

Registration is required

Hoff's Potato Chips

Hoff's Potato Chips
Serves: 2

meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, soy-free, gluten-free

Ingredients:

• 2 Baking Potatoes (peeled)
• 1 tbsp. Vinegar (optional)
• 2 tsp. Sea Salt

Directions:

1. Using a Mandolin on the thinnest setting, cut Potatoes into slices
2. Place Potato slices into a large Ziploc bag with Vinegar & Salt
3. Toss to coat
4. Line the glass turntable of your microwave with parchment paper
5. Spread Chips out (do not overlap)
6. Microwave for 8 minutes or until crispy

Sexiest Vegetarian over 50!

Video Snack Time!

Event: DIY Organic Lawn

Beyond Pesticides Ohio will present free comprehensive training sessions on why and how to implement an affordable organic turf care program. Each session will be introduced by Beyond Pesticides Ohio staff and led by natural turf expert Alec McClennan, President of Good Nature Organic Lawn Care. Topics include proper soil testing, natural weed control, special needs for playing fields, and the cost benefits of organic turf management.

You can protect people's health and the environment and also save money by transitioning to organic turf practices. Cleveland Heights and Cuyahoga County have already banned Lawn Pesticides from all city and county-owned property. University Circle’s Wade Oval also went organic. The reasons are clear: pesticide exposure is dangerous to people and the ecosystem. Many commonly used pesticides have been associated with elevated risks for acquiring asthma, childhood leukemia, learning disabilities and Parkinson’s disease.

When: April 11, 2013 (Thursday)
Where: Rocky River Memorial Hall: Community Hall: 21016 Hilliard Blvd, Rocky River, OH 44116
Time: 7:00 - 9:00pm
Cost: Free

Pre-registration is encouraged by contacting Barry Zucker: 216-371-3263 or beyondpesticidesohio@gmail.com

Hoff's Greens Sauce

This is a free form sauce, good for greens such as Kale or Bok Choy.

Hoff's Greens Sauce
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free

Ingredients:

• Bragg Liquid Aminos
• Brown Rice Syrup
• Almond Butter
• Sea Salt

Directions:

1. Using a mini food processor, blend all ingredients together for about 30 seconds
2. Pour over greens & eat!

My2Cents:
The amount of ingredients you use depends on how much sauce you need, a little goes a long way.  Experiment by adding citrus juice (orange, lemon or lime) or mustard.

Cooking Greens

Here are four easy ways in which to cook Greens.  Each require little time & effort on your part.  All will give you the nutritional power punch that Greens provide.

No matter the cooking method, store Greens in a plastic bag in the fridge for no more than 3-4 days.  Just before cooking, thoroughly wash or Rehydrate Your Greens, an easy method is to fill your salad spinner with water, soak Greens for a few minutes and then rinse the Greens via the strainer.

Help Greens go down easier with Hoff's Greens Sauce or hit them with some Bragg Liquid Aminos or Lemon/Lime juice & a little Sea Salt!


Pan Steaming

• Thoroughly rinse Greens, don't bother drying as water will aid in steaming
• Tear or chop into bite size pieces
• In a large frying pan, sautee Onions & Garlic (optional)
• Pile Greens into pan and cover
• Greens will cook down within about 1-8 minutes (depends on the type of Green)

Blanching

• Drop whole Greens (minimize nutrient loss) into a large pot of salted boiling water for 30 seconds to 5 minutes (depends on the type of Green) until desired texture is achieved
• Drain, spin dry & chop into bite size pieces
• Give the leftover water to your plants

Stir-Fry

• Add a handful of chopped Greens to a Stir-fry and cook along with other veggies

Simmer

• Add chopped Greens directly to any broth-based soup or stew - try adding Spinach or Collards to a minestrone

No matter how you cook them, you can never get enough greens in your diet. 


Get Your Greens On!
The Hoff

Event: Dr. Neal Barnard is Coming to Cleveland!!!

Dr. Neal Barnard of The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, will be in Cleveland to speak about his latest book, Power Foods For The Brain, An Effective 3-Step Plan to Protect Your Mind and Strengthen Your Memory.

Rebecca Dingle, PCRM's Food for Life instructor will conduct food demonstrations & provide samples.


When: April 24, 2013 (Wednesday)
Where: John Carrol University: 1 John Carroll Boulevard, University Heights, OH 44118 
(Donahue Auditorium, Dolan Center for Science and Technology)
Time: 7:00 pm
Cost: Free!

Jaali Bean: A Taste Of India

In my latest KlutchClub Box, I received a packet of Jaali Bean Lentil & Rice Kit.  I was intrigued as Indian food has always been an interest, but seems too complicated to master.  I love watching the Spice Goddess with Bal Arneson on the Cooking Channel with all the wonderful spices that she puts together, but I have no clue where to start myself.

But, Jaali Bean is perfect for people like me, it's like Indian food for dummies.  These kits include everything you need to make an authentic Indian dish: the grains (lentils, rice)  and more importantly the correct spice combinations.  And what I think I love most is that these kits don't skimp, instead of a pinch of Cinnamon, you get an entire Cinnamon Stick!

I also love that these kits are all-natural, gluten-free, oil-free and vegan (although the package says vegetarian)!  They also come together in under 30 minutes with very little intervention from the chef.  While the directions call for the addition of oil, I omitted without issue.

There are 3 flavors:

• Lentil & Rice Creamy Coconut
• Lentil & Rice Warmly Spiced
• Lentil Soup Kit Savory & Spiced

I tried the Creamy Coconut myself and my house filled with the warm toasty aroma of coconut the second the spices hit the pan!  I can't speak to the authenticity of the dish, but it is definitely something I will make again!

Check it out!
The Hoff

Meatout!

Today is National Meatout Day!

Give your colon a break and just say 

NO to meat today!

"Red meat and processed meat may increase the risk of developing colon cancer, according to a new report from the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) and the World Cancer Research Fund." - WebMD.com

Hoff's Winter Stew

Hoff's Winter Stew
Serves: 6
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free


Ingredients:

• 3 Carrots (chopped)
• 1 Parsnip (chopped) 
• 1/2 Winter Squash (peeled & chopped)
• 2 medium Potatoes (peeled & cubed)
• 1 cup Corn
• 1 package Tempeh (chopped)
• 1 Onion (chopped) (sweet stew)

Sweet Sauce

• 1 28oz can Tomatoes
• 1/2 Water
• 1/2 cup Almonds
• 6 cloves of Garlic
• 2 tbsp Liquid Smoke
• 2 tbsp Sugar
• 2 tsp Herbs de Provence 
• 1 tsp Cumin
• 1 tsp Sea Salt 

Savory Sauce (adapted from McDougall's Mushroom Gravy)

• 1 Onion (chopped)
• 1/2 lb Mushrooms (sliced)
• 4 cups Water
• 4 tbsp Braggs
• 6 tbsp Arrowroot or Kuzu Root

Directions:
Sweet Stew:

1. In a crock pot layer in Carrots, Parsnip, Squash, Potatoes, Corn & Onions
2. Meanwhile, blend together Tomatoes, Water, Almonds, Garlic, Liquid Smoke, Sugar, Herbs de Provance, Cumin & Salt
3. Pour sauce over vegetables, drop in Tempeh to marinate
4. Cook on low 6-7 hours or high for 5 hours

Savory Stew: 

1. In a large crock pot layer in Carrots, Parsnip, Squash, Potatoes, Corn & Tempeh
2. Cook on low 6-7 hours or high for 5 hours
3. Drain any excess liquid from the veggies
4. In a large pot over medium-high heat, sautee Onions & Mushrooms until soft
5. Combine Water, Braggs, & Arrowroot/Kuzu and add to Onions & Mushrooms
6. Stir constantly until mixture boils, thickens & turns a dark brown
7. Mix Veggies & Sauce together
8. Eat!

My2Cents:
Experiment with a variety of root vegetables.  I like to serve this stew over a bed of Jasmine Rice!

Hoff's GF Chili

Hoff's GF Chili

Yields: 10-12 cups

meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, soy-free, gluten-free

Ingredients:

• 1 46oz can Vegetable Juice
• 1 15oz can Light Kidney Beans (rinsed & drained)
• 1 15oz can Dark Kidney Beans (rinsed & drained)
• 1 15oz can Diced Tomatoes (seasoned optional)
• 1 15oz can Pumpkin
• 1 cup Jasmine Rice
• 1 cup Quinoa (rinsed)
• 1/4 cup Almond Butter (or any nut butter)
• 8oz Mushrooms (sliced)
• 1 medium Sweet Onion (chopped)
• 2 tbsp Chili Powder
• 3 tsp Sea Salt
• 1 tsp Cinnamon

Directions:

1. Turn slow cooker to high to warm up
2. Add Mushrooms & Onions, cover and sweat to soften (about 5 minutes)
3. Stir in remaining ingredients
4. Heat on low for about 6-8 hours, high for about 4 hours

My2Cents: If the Rice & Quinoa soak up too much of the liquid, add in some Water or Veggie Broth to compensate.  Throw on top of some rice pasta for Skyline Chili!

Happy St. Patty Day!!!

New Mediterranean Diet Study - The Facts Not The Hype!

Video Snack Time!

Hoff's Tomato Soup

Perfect alongside a vegan grilled cheese sandwich!

Hoff's Tomato Soup 
Serves: 2
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, soy-free


Ingredients:

• 1 14.5 oz can Diced Tomatoes
• 3 cups Veggie Broth
• 1 tbsp. Nutritional Yeast
• 1 tsp. Italian Seasoning
• 1 tsp. Sea Salt
• 1/2 tsp. Smoked Paprika
• 1/2 tsp. Onion Powder
• 1/4 tsp. Garlic Powder

Directions:

1. Place all ingredients in a Vitamix & blend on high for 6 minutes
2. Serve!

The Healthy & Humane Observer Is Here!!!

The Healthy & Humane Observer 

is now available!!!

What is it?

Think of Healthy & Humane as your one-stop local vegan resource!

Part of the Observer successful series of publications, this local paper focuses on being VEGAN & loving animals - dedicated to promoting a healthier, more compassionate way of living through diet & lifestyle choices.

This paper provides not only information on the whole food, plant-based lifestyle, it also promotes vegan & vegetarian friendly restaurants and activities in the area.

Healthy & Humane also aims to be a forum for dedicated, hardworking animal advocacy groups within Cleveland and the surrounding areas.

Look to this paper to feature many “rescue & foster” organizations located throughout Northeast Ohio.  You could find your next best friend...


Sounds expensive...

Nope - it's free!


I want one!

Look for the paper at vendors, restaurants, libraries and various other locations throughout Northeast Ohio.  Or check out the online version!


Want to get in on the action? 

Consider being a sponsor!  The Healthy and Humane Observer presently has openings for ad sales.  It's crucial that these get filled as the ads are footing the bill for the paper.  If you've got a business, event or anything to promote, send an email to healthyandhumaneobserver@gmail.com, for flexible ad pricing!


Look mom, I've been published!

This paper is written by its readers for its readers -  if you've got stories, events, notices, recipes, rescues - anything related to the vegan lifestyle or rescuing our furry little friends, submit to healthyandhumaneobserver@gmail.com for consideration in upcoming publications!  Photos are welcomed too!

Keep it Healthy & Local!
The Hoff

Jessica Bowen: Stage 3 Breast Cancer Survivor & Fighter

Video Snack Time!

Sore Throat Guide

 Sore Throat Guide

Allergy
Symptoms: Sore throat, itchy, watery eyes, pressure headache & clear nasal discharge
Try: Local Honey

Viral Infection
Symptoms: Sore throat, runny nose, cough & congestion, fever (sometimes)
Try: Raw Garlic, salt water gargle

Bacterial Strep
Symptoms: Sore throat, fever or headache or stomachache, swollen lymph nodes, abdominal pain, no congestion, cough or runny nose
Seek: Medical Treatment

*Disclaimer

Simple Vegan Donuts

This recipe is an and adaptation of Easy Baked Doughnuts from One Green Planet.

Simple Vegan Donuts
Yields: 6-9 large donuts, 12 mini donuts
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, soy-free


Ingredients:

Dry

• 1 1/2 cup Whole Wheat Pastry Flour
• 1/2 cup Sugar
• 2 tsp Baking Powder
• pinch Cinnamon
• pinch of Nutmeg
• pinch Sea Salt

Wet

• 3/4 cup Vanilla Almond Milk
• 1/4 cup Apple Sauce
• 1 tsp Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1 tsp Vanilla

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together dry ingredients
3. In a liquid measuring cup, whisk together wet ingredients
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk together until just combined
5. Optional: Place a Ziplock bag into an empty glass, folding the bag over the sides, then pouring the dough into the bag.  Close the bag and snip one corner off, then pipe dough into a non-stick donut pan (oiling the pan is not necessary)
6. Bake for 12 minutes
7. Allow to cool completely for easy removal

My2Cents: This cake-like donut is good plain, but kick it up a notch by creating a simple ganache - nuke about 1/4 cup vegan Chocolate Chips with 1 tbsp Almond Milk or Coconut Creamer on 30 second intervals until perfectly melted, pour over donuts and allow to set.

Organics At Your Door

Organics At Your Door

Real Food. Delivered.

 Free home delivery of local, organic food.  

 I'm intrigued, tell me more!

Founded in 2007 (why am I just now discovering them?), Organics At Your Door is the first organic & local food delivery service in Ohio!

Delivering for FREE to the following counties: Cuyahoga, Lorain, Medina, Wayne & Summit.

This company/farm has partnered with numerous other small organic farms all over Ohio to provide organic produce, meats, dairy, bakery, honey and syrup.

The main business is via CSA, with a variety of options (sadly nothing vegan/vegetarian) that best fit your needs.  A weekly box is available for those with commitment issues, as well as a 20lb Juice Bag perfect for daily juicing.  Additional chicken, beef and honey can be purchased a la carte.

Deliveries are available every Saturday & Sunday. 

Check out what to expect in a weekly CSA share.

Go Local, Go Organic!
The Hoff

Dr John McDougall: Dietary Treatment of Cancer

Video Snack Time!

Hoff's Stuffed Zucchini

Hoff's Stuffed Zucchini
Serves: 2
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, soy-free 


Ingredients: 

• 2 medium - large Zucchini
• 1 15oz can Tomato Sauce
• 1 slice Whole Wheat Bread
• 1 Veggie Burger
• 1/2 small Sweet Onion (chopped)
• 1 Garlic clove (minced)
• 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
• 1 tsp Sea Salt

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Toast WW Bread and using a blender, turn into Bread Crumbs
3. Heat frozen Veggie Burger in microwave for 1 minute or until it can be cut into tiny pieces
4. Trim off the ends of the Zucchini & cut each Zucchini lengthwise
5. Using a spoon, scoop out the guts into a medium bowl
6. Add Bread Crumbs, Veggie Burger, Onions, Seasonings to bowl & mix together
7. Place Zucchini cut side up in a medium glass dish, fill with heaping mounds of Stuffing Mix
8. Cover Zucchini completely with Tomato Sauce
9. Cover dish with wax paper & then tin foil & bake for 40 minutes

My2Cents: Wheat Germ can easily be substituted for Bread Crumbs - use 1/3 cup.

THE HEALTHY HOFF HITS 100,000 PAGEVIEWS!!!

Hoff's Mac & Cheese III

I finally nailed vegan Mac & Cheese!  It's no Velveeta, but it's pretty close!


Hoff's Mac & Cheese III
Yields: 6-8 serving
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, soy-free


Ingredients:

• 13 oz uncooked Pasta
• 1 can Diced Potatoes (rinsed & drained)
• 1 cup Veggie Broth
• 3 tbsp Nutritional Yeast
• 2 tbsp Cashews
• Juice from half a Lemon
• 2 tbsp Yellow Mustard
• 1 1/2 tsp Sea Salt
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Onion Powder

Directions:

1. Cook Pasta according to directions
2. Meanwhile put remaining ingredients into Vitamix & blend on high for 6 minutes
3. Drain Pasta, return to pot, mix in "Cheese Sauce"
4. Enjoy!