Happy World Vegetarian Day!!!

Mushroom Burgers

Mushroom Burgers
Yields: 4
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free

Ingredients:

• 4 Whole Wheat Hamburger Buns
• 4 Portabella Mushroom Caps
• 1/2 Sweet Onion (cut into half moon slices)
• 1/2 cup BBQ Sauce (oil-free)
• 1/2 cup Water

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees
2. Remove the stem & scrape out the gills of each Mushroom using a spoon
3. Place Mushrooms in a single layer in a glass baking dish
4. Mix together BBQ Sauce & Water, pour over Mushrooms & Onions
5. Toss to coat & allow to marinate for at least one hour
6. Bake covered for 15 minutes
7. Assemble Burgers as normal

Hoff Thoughts: I prefer my Mushroom Burgers with double mustard, pickle relish, romaine lettuce and a slice of avocado (makes up for the lack of cheese).  If you don't mind the mess, these taste even better on the grill.

Hoff's Pumpkin Shake

Hoff's Pumpkin Shake
Serves: 2
dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, soy-free, gluten-free
 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk
• 2 Bananas (halved & frozen)
• 1/2 cup canned Pumpkin
• 6 pitted Dates
• 1 tsp. Vanilla Extract
• 1 tsp. Pumpkin Pie Spice

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a Vitamix
2. Use tamper to push the Bananas into the blades
3. Blend until smooth about 10-15 seconds
4. Serve immediately

Hoff's Crock Pot Chili

Hoff's Crock Pot Chili
Yields: 10-12 cups
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. Seitan
• 2 15 oz. cans Kidney Beans (rinsed & drained)
• 1 46 oz. can Tomato Juice
• 1 15 oz. can Diced Tomatoes (seasoned optional)
• 1 6 oz. can Tomato Paste
• 1 Red Pepper (chopped)
• 1 medium Sweet Onion (chopped)
• 3 cloves of Garlic (minced)
• 1/4 cup Almond Butter (or any nut butter)
• 2 tbsp. Chili Powder
• 2 tsp. Sea Salt
• 1 tsp. Cumin
• 1 tsp. Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp. Onion Powder

Directions:

1. Cut Seitan into small pieces & add to crock pot
2. Stir in remaining ingredients
3. Heat on low for about 6-8 hours, high for about 4 hours

Hoff Thoughts: Serve over some whole wheat spaghetti for a little Skyline adventure!  Or serve over a baked potato, rice or just eat it straight up!

Event: McDougall 3-Day Intensive Program

McDougall 3-Day Intensive Program – New!

"The McDougall Program is all about gaining freedom from medical businesses and having control over your future health. These goals are accomplished by participants stopping all unnecessary medications, avoiding surgery, and regaining their lost health and appearance."

"Our new 3-Day Intensive Program offers you the most information possible in the shortest time at the lowest price. You'll get all the education you need, enjoy six multicourse meals and meet others who are as passionate about improving their health as you are. An Intensive Weekend can jump start those new to the McDougall Program or take you to a whole new level of healthy eating. It’s also the fastest and easiest way to introduce friends and family to McDougall."

When: December 6-8, 2013
Where: Santa Rosa, California
Cost: $595 per person (Including education and meals. Discounted rooms are also available.)

Hoff's PB & J Smoothie

Hoff's PB & J Smoothie
Serves: 2
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, soy-free, gluten-free


Ingredients:

• 2 cups Spinach
• 2 cups frozen Blueberries
• 1 1/2 cups Water
• 4 pitted Dates
• 2 tbsp. Almond Butter
• 1 tbsp. Flaxseed
• 1 tsp. Cinnamon

Directions:

1. Pack Spinach into blender or Vitamix
2. Top with Blueberries, Dates, Flaxseed, Cinnamon & then Water
3. Blend on high for about 30-60 seconds
4. Serve immediately

Hoff Thoughts:  I suppose you could use Peanut Butter with this recipe, but since I'm allergic to peanuts, I stick with the Almond Butter.  Frozen mixed Berries would also be delightful.

Justin Timberlake - Veganville!

Video Snack Time!

Doc: Blackfish

I have to admit that I spent many birthdays as a kid at Sea World.  Some of my fondest memories come from visiting the park - I had my very own giant Shamu stuffed animal that went with me everywhere.  I even dreamed of being a trainer.  So, it took a while for me to come around and watch this documentary.  But, I knew I couldn't stick my head and the stand and pretend everything was alright.  I had to know the whole story.

This doc is a must see documentary.  Not only is it well done, the message it delivers cannot be ignored, should not be ignored and needs to be acted on immediately.  This doc does a great job getting the message out.

It's taken from the point of view of numerous past Sea World trainers who saw things firsthand.  It depicts how corporate greed has torn apart families and has caused immeasurable damage to these gentle animals.  Furthermore it shows how Sea World has twisted new reports of killer whale attacks through the years so as consumers, we are none the wiser.

My personal opinion: My heart goes out to these magnificent creatures.  Sea World needs to stop cashing in on animal suffering and release all of their performing animals back to the wild where they belong or retire to a proper sanctuary.



Watch for Free online!

Check out the trailer:

Hoff's French Toast II

Hoff's French Toast II
Yields: 1 loaf of bread
dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, soy-free


Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of Sourdough Bread (or whole grain bread of choice)
• 1 cup Vanilla Almond Milk
• 1 Banana
• 1/2 cup Apple Sauce
• 1 tbsp Vanilla Extract
• 1 tsp Cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp Sea Salt

Directions:

1. In a blender or Vitamix, blend all ingredients until smooth
2. Pour mixture into a shallow bowl or dish
3. Soak each side of the Bread in the mixture
4. Brown each side in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat

Curing the Sickest People

Video Snack Time!

Hoff's Awesomer Chocolate Shake!

Hoff's Awesomer  Chocolate Shake!
Serves: 2
dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, soy-free, gluten-free
 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk
• 3 Bananas (halved & frozen)
• 1 cup Spinach (you won't notice it)
• 6 pitted Dates
• 4 tbsp. Cacao Powder
• 1 tbsp. Cacao Nibs (optional)

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a Vitamix, except the Nibs
2. Use tamper to push the Bananas into the blades
3. Blend until smooth about 10-15 seconds, add Nibs at the last few seconds
4. Serve immediately 

Hoff Thoughts: You may be in love with Hoff's Mmmmm Chocolate Shake!, I know I was until I started doing some investigating and discovered that one serving was resulting in over 17 grams of sugar!  Yes, that's a lot - especially if you're trying to lose or control weight.  So, I re-created this awesome recipe to be a lot more figure friendly.  Instead of turning to artificial sweeteners to combat the sugar, I turned to natural, whole ingredients instead - cacao powder, nibs and dates! Just as good as the original, if not better!

Hoff's Enchiladas

Hoff's Enchiladas
Serves: 2
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, gluten-free

Ingredients:

• 8 Corn Tortillas
• 1 15 oz can Vegan Fat Free Refried Beans
• 1 2.25 oz can slice Black Olives (rinsed & drained)
• 1/4 cup Vegan Cheddar Cheese (optional)
• 16 oz Enchilada Sauce
• 6 cups Leafy Greens (chopped)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees
2. Warm Tortillas in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to make rolling easier
3. Pour a thin layer of  Enchilada Sauce in a 2 quart glass cooking dish
4. Gently spread Refried Beans onto each Tortilla
5. Roll & place seam side down onto Sauce
6. Once all are rolled, generously top with Enchilada Sauce
7. Sprinkle with Cheese & Black Olives
8. Cover with tin foil & cook for 20 minutes
9. Cover each plate with 3 cups of Greens & top with 4 Enchiladas

Hoff Thoughts: My go-to vegan cheese is Daiya, dairy-free Cheddar Style Shreds.  Serve with Hoff's Guac or some home-made vegan Sour Cream.

Fridge Pickles

Fridge Pickles
Yields: 5-6
dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, soy-free, gluten-free 


Ingredients:

• 5-6 Pickling Cucumbers (sliced)
• 1 cup White Vinegar
• 1 cup Water
• 2 Garlic Cloves (crushed)
• 1 tbsp. Sugar
• 1 tbsp. Sea Salt
• 1 quart Mason Jar

Directions:

1. Toss Cucumbers with Salt and allow to sit for 30 minutes
2. Meanwhile, dissolve Sugar in Vinegar & Water
3. Place Garlic in the Mason Jar
4. Add Pickles spears
5. Cover with Vinegar & Water
6. Allow to pickle in the fridge for at least 2 days
7. Store in the fridge

Hoff Thoughts: If you leave the Cucumbers whole, they will take longer to pickle.  This is so ridiculously simple that I may never buy pickles again!

Mock Tuna Salad

This recipe is a modification of Christina's Tempeh Salad.

Mock Tuna Salad
Yields: 4-5 Sandwiches worth
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free

Ingredients:

• 8 oz package of Tempeh
• 1/2 cup Red Onion (chopped)
• 1/3 cup Vegan Mayo
• Juice from 1/2 Lime or Lemon
• 2-3 tbsp Pickle Relish
• 1 tbsp Kelp Granules

Directions:

1. Steam Tempeh for 10 minutes, allow to cool
2. In a medium bowl, crumble Tempeh into tiny pieces
3. Mix in Onion, Mayo, Lime Juice, Relish & Kelp until combined
4. Serve chilled just as you would tuna salad

Hoff Thoughts: It's the Kelp Granules that gives this salad it's "tuna fish" taste.  No pickle relish?  Just chop up one pickle.  I was skeptical on this one, but it is awesome!

Hoff's Hominy Side

Hoff's Hominy Side
Serves: 2
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, soy-free, gluten-free

Ingredients: 

• 1 15 oz can Hominy (rinsed & drained)
• 1 cup Spinach (chopped)
• 1 cup Red Pepper (chopped)
• 1 cup Sweet Onion (chopped)
• 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
• 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder

Directions:

1. Sautee Red Pepper & Onions in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until lightly browned and softened
2. Add remaining ingredients, plus seasonings and toss until heated through

Hoff's Thoughts: I typically have this as a side at breakfast with Hoff's French Toast or Hoff's Pancakes.  However, this dish can easily serve as a side for dinner.

Farm Tour Time!!!

If you're a longterm Healthy Hoff fan, you know I that I LOVE FARM TOUR SEASON!

So, I won't bore you by regurgitating info from past posts - you can catch up here & here.

Instead, I present you with the details that you need to get your Farm Tour 2013 on!


Huron County Farm Tour
When: 9/14/13
Where: Huron County (check the map for addresses)
Time: 1pm - 5pm
Cost: Free


Lorain County Fall Farm Tour
When: 9/28/13
Where: Southern Lorain County (check the map for addresses)
Time: 12pm - 5pm
Cost: Free


Ashland Fall Foliage Tour
When: 9/28-9/29/13
Where: Ashland County (sorry no map found)
Time: 12pm - 6pm
Cost: Free


Lucas County Fall Foliage Tour
When: 10/5/13
Where: Lucas County (sorry no map found)
Time: 12:30pm - 5:30pm
Cost: Free


Knox County Fall Foliage Tour
When: 10/5-10/6/13
Where: For maps, email: info@VisitKnoxOhio.org
Time: 1pm - 6pm
Cost: Free


Franklin County Farm Tour
When: 10/6/13
Where: (sorry no map found)
Time: 1pm - 5pm
Cost: Free


Holmes Fall Farm Tour
When: 10/6/13
Where: To obtain maps or learn the location of stop one where maps will be available, call the Farm Bureau office at 330-263-7456 or toll-free 866-658-7456 or wcfb@sssnet.com
Time: 10am - 5pm
Cost: Free


Wayne Fall Farm TourWhen: 10/12/13 - 10/13/13 
Where: To obtain maps or the location of stop one where souvenir booklets will be available, call the Farm Bureau office at 330-263-7456 or toll-free 866-658-7456 or wcfb@sssnet.com
Time: Saturday–11am to 6pm; Sunday ­– noon to 6pm
Cost: Free


Medina Fall Foliage Tour
When: 10/12/13 - 10/13/13 
Where: Medina County (check the map for addresses)
Time: 12pm - 6pm
Cost: Free


Trumball County Farm Foliage Tour
When: 10/13/13 
Where: Copies of the map can be sent by email - send a request to Info@ExploreTrumbullCounty.com
Time: 1pm - 5pm
Cost: Free


Support Your Local Farmer!

We Won't Forget

Vegan Sour Cream

Vegan Sour Cream
Yields: About 1 1/2 cups
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, soy-free, gluten-free


Ingredients:

• 1 cup Cashews
• 1 Lemon

Directions:

1. Cover Cashews with Water & soak for at least one hour
2. Drain Cashews
3. Place Cashews & juice from Lemon in mini food processor
4. Pulse until Cream is very smooth
5. Add a bit of Water if desired consistency is not coming together

Hoff Thoughts: Should you actually have any leftovers, store covered in the refrigerator for up to five days.  Ideally you want to soak the Cashews overnight, but really who has that kind of foresight?

Hoff's Easy Mushroom Risotto

Hoff's Easy Mushroom Risotto
Yields: 4 cups
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, gluten-free


Ingredients:

• 3 cups Water
• 2 cups Jasmine Rice
• 1 1/2 cup Veggie Broth
• 1/2 Lemon
• 1 cup Cashews
• 2 cloves Garlic
• 1 tsp Onion Powder
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Sea Salt
• 1 cartoon Mushrooms (sliced or chopped)
• 1 small Sweet Onion (half moon slices)
• 2 tbsp Bragg Liquid Aminos

Directions:

1. Bring Water to a boil in a large pot, reduce to simmer, stir in Rice, cover & cook for 15 minutes
2. Meanwhile, using a Vitamix blend Veggie Broth, Lemon Juice, Cashews, Garlic, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder & Sea Salt for 6 minutes (if using a regular blender, blend until smooth & creamy, heat through on the side)
3. In a medium, non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat, sautee Mushrooms & Onions in the Bragg Liquid Aminos
4. Fluff cooked Rice with a fork, add Mushrooms & Onions, stir in Sauce

My2Cents: Much easier than traditional Risotto, yet just as creamy!

Hoff's "Crab Cakes"

Hoff's "Crab Cakes"
Yields: 12 - 14 cakes
 meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, soy-free, gluten-free

Ingredients:

• 1 15oz. can Hearts of Palm (rinsed & drained)

OR

• 1 20 oz. can Jackfruit (rinsed & drained)

• 1/4 cup Chickpea Flour
• 1/4 cup Nutritional Yeast
• 1/4 cup Sweet Onion (chopped)
• 2 tbsp. Pickle Relish
• 1 tbsp. Braggs
• 1 tbsp. Lemon Juice
• 1 tbsp. Mustard
• 1 tsp. Onion Powder
• 1 tsp. Kelp
• 1/2 tsp. Sea Salt

Directions:

1. Rinse & pull apart Hearts of Palm or Jackfruit until it resembles "crab meat"
2. In a large bowl combine: Hearts/Jack, Pickle, Onion, Nutritional Yeast, Lemon Juice, Mustard, Onion Powder & Kelp
3. In a non-stick frying pan set to medium high heat, drop spoonfuls of batter, flatten using the back of the spoon & cook on each side 2-3 minutes, flipping when browned
4. Or
5. Air fry at 400 degrees for 10 minutes

Hoff Thoughts: Treat the cakes gingerly as they tend to fall apart easily.

Grind Your Own Flax Seed!

That's more of a suggestion rather than a demand...

For years, I have been purchasing ground Flax Seed.  And for years, I have been preaching to everyone, to store their Flax Seed in the fridge because the delicate oils go rancid so quickly.  And for years I have pondered the freshness of my store bought, ground Flax Seed.

So I did some digging...

"While pre-ground flaxseeds offer similar amounts of protein, total fat, fiber, minerals and vitamins as those you buy whole and grind yourself, they likely contain lower levels of heart-healthy polyunsaturated fats, including omega-3 fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)", says Barry Swanson, Ph.D., a fellow at the Institute of Food Technologists and professor of Food Science and Human Nutrition at Washington State University.

Just as I suspected, to get the highest levels of omega-3 essential fatty acids, really the main reason for incorporating flax into one's diet, you need to grind it yourself.




How...

Freshly ground Flax Seed is best, but who really has time to grind a tablespoons worth each day.  I'm honest enough with myself to admit, that I would do it maybe once.  Instead, every Sunday, I grind 1 cup of whole Organic Flax Seeds using my beloved Vitamix, which does an excellent job of pulverizing the hull of those tiny seeds.  (A Magic Bullet will work just as well.)  I then immediately store the freshly ground Flax Seed in a mason jar and keep in the fridge for the week.


Save $$$...

Buying whole Flax Seed is usually cheaper than buying it in its ground form.  Look for it in the bulk food section of your healthy grocer.


Learn more...

Check out my post, What is Flax Seed to find out why you should go through this minimal trouble and what to do with the Flax once you've ground it.


Keep it Healthy!

Source: 
http://www.eatingwell.com/nutrition_health/nutrition_news_information/are_store_bought_pre_ground_flaxseeds_as_nutritionally_e

Event: Healthy Lifestyle Expo 2013

12th Annual Healthy Lifestyle Expo 2012

A weekend that will change your life!

Weekend Activities:

• This year's theme is "great health on a budget"
• Hear the latest information and research about health from our panel of experts
• Learn how to incorporate healthy changes into your life
• Interact with like-minded people with whom you can form a healthy support system
• Taste delicious plant-powered meals, and learn how to make them yourself
• Meet in person your favorite doctors, authors, and personalities
• Purchase discounted items from the store which will help keep you on your healthy path
• Cooking demonstrations
• Friday night gourmet, low fat vegan banquet
• Much more...

Scheduled Speakers:

• Keynote: T. Colin Campbell, PhD
• Caldwell Esselstyn MD
• Michael Klaper, MD
• Ann Esselstyn
• and more...

When: October 18-20, 2013
Where: Warner Center Marriott Hotel: 21850 Oxnard Street, Woodland Hills, California 91367
Cost: $210 (Price includes gourmet low fat vegan banquet Friday night.)
Registration: https://secure2.vegsource.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=75

Contact for more info!

"Health is not luck. We have an innate ability to maintain good health if we establish the optimal environment for healing." - Joel Fuhrman, MD

Watch an excerpt from the 2011 Expo!

Happy Labor Day!