Hoff's Adult Spaghetti O's

Hoff's Adult Spaghetti O's
Yields: 4 servings
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, soy-free


Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups Water
• 2 cups Whole Wheat Israeli Couscous
• 1 15 oz. can Tomato Sauce
• 1/4 cup Nutritional Yeast
• 1/2 tsp. Italian Seasoning
• 1/2 tsp. Onion Powder
• 1/2 tsp. Garlic Powder
• 1/2 tsp. Sea Salt

Directions:

1. Bring Water to a boil, reduce to simmer, stir in Couscous & Nutritional Yeast, cover & cook for 10 minutes
2. Fluff Couscous with a fork, stir in Tomato Sauce & Seasonings
3. Heat through and serve!

Hoff's Thoughts: To kick this up a notch, add some shredded zucchini or yellow squash, chopped onions or some chopped Field Roast Sausage.

Scientists Discover One Of The Greatest Contributing Factors To Happiness — You'll Thank Me Later

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Starving Cancer with Methionine Restriction

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Contrast Hydrotherapy

About six weeks ago, I narrowly eluded a very nasty fall.  I did so by slamming my hand against a wall to break my forward momentum.  By doing so, I severely jammed my index finger.  While not bad enough to seek medical help, it has been plaguing me ever since - taking its good ole' time coming around.

On my last visit to my acupuncturist, I asked if there was anything she could do and she recommended Contrast Hydrotherapy. 

Here's The Deal:

Contrast Hydrotherapy works by quickly changing tissue temperature from hot to cold and back again, thus increasing circulation and speeding healing.  The increased circulation results in an increased delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the injured tissues, allowing white blood cells to distribute appropriately and allowing tissues to eliminate toxins, metabolic wastes and the by-products of inflammation.

It is effective for tissue type injuries such as sprains and strains and stubborn ligament issues.  It can also be affective for shin splints, tennis elbow, Achilles tendinitis and even plantar fasciitis.

What To Do:

• You'll need two containers big enough to fit the affected area
• Fill one with ice water
• Fill the other with water as hot as you can tolerate
• Submerge the affected area for 3 minutes into the hot water
• Then, submerge the affected area for 1 minute into the ice water
•  Repeat 3 times, ending with the ice water (if you have arthritis, end with hot)
• Do daily until you're better

Got a larger area to cover?  This same concept can be achieved using the shower - even better with a detachable shower head.  But beware; sudden circulation changes over a larger area can bring dizziness or fainting.  This same technique can be achieved with the use of a heating pad and ice pack.

The Verdict:

I've only been doing this a few days, but the swelling has gone down (I can wear my rings again!) and my finger doesn't hurt as much.  I still don't have full bending ability, so I know I need to continue.  All in all, not a bad free DIY therapy.

Check it out!

Source: 
http://saveyourself.ca/articles/contrasting.php
http://www.seekinghealth.com/blog/hydrotherapy-contrast

The Best Vegan Mac & Cheese

The Best Vegan Mac & Cheese

Yields: 6-8 servings
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, soy-free

Ingredients:

• 16 oz. Whole Wheat Pasta
• 2 cups plain Almond Milk
• 1 cup Cashews
• 1 15oz. can Diced Potatoes (rinsed & drained)
• Juice from 1/2 Lemon
• 1/2 cup Nutritional Yeast
• 2 tbsp. Mustard
• 2 tsp. Sea Salt
• 1 tsp. Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp. Onion Powder

Directions:

1. Cook Pasta until al dente according to box directions
2. Meanwhile, in a Vitamix, blend together remaining ingredients until creamy
3. Mix together Pasta & "Cheese" Sauce

Changing Our Taste Buds To Favor Healthier Foods

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Soul :) Smile

Coconut Oil, a Natural Moisturizer

Coconut Oil is all the rage in natural beauty products right now, why not cut out all the excess BS and go straight to the source?

Yes, you can use pure Coconut Oil intended for consumption (although I would advise against eating it) for a variety of beauty applications.

Here just a few ideas: 

• Hair Mask: slather on, let sit for an hour, shampoo out
  
• Conditioner: rub oil into ends of hair as a conditioner to treat & soften damaged hair
• Leave-In Frizz Fighter: learn what to do
• Dandruff: massage into scalp, allow to sit, then rinse out
• Body Scrub: blend oil with brown sugar to create an exfoliating scrub
• Moisturizer: massage oil into skin (face, hands, legs, etc.) for extreme dry skin relief
• Toothpaste: mix oil with baking soda for a chemical-free cleaning
• Shaving Cream: lather on for a super smooth shave, perfect for sensitive skin (use caution - slippery)
• Deodorant: slather under arms as the lauric acid kills odor-causing bacteria
• Cuticle Oil: massage into hands and cuticles for softening & repair
• Makeup Remover: 1/2 tsp. rubbed over the face, wipe off with wet cloth
• Eye Cream: tab around the delicate areas of the eye to ward off crow's feet
• Dry Feet/Hands: slather on, put on socks/gloves & go night night
• Massage Oil: as the oil is not immediately absorbed, it provides slickness for long deep strokes
• Bath Oil: add a few tbps. to warm bath water

If that list is not enough to convert ya, Coconut oil is naturally antiviral, antimicrobial, antiprotozoal and antifungal (translation: kills the bad stuff on your skin); it also supports healing and repair of skin while also promoting anti-aging (anti-wrinkle, anti-age spots).

As with anything you put on your skin, make sure the Coconut Oil you are using is 100% organic as it will be absorbed into the body.

Aside from the all-natural goodness and using something on your skin that is edible (always the way to go), the smell of Coconut Oil is pure bliss!  It well...smells like coconuts, but actually reminds me of an Almond Joy (a beloved pre-vegan treat).  Best part, no chemicals - this scent is bona fide!

P.S. Coconut Oil is not tested on animals - triple score bonus!

Keep It Healthy!

Amazing Animals!

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I Like Like 100% Pure!

I have new crush and it's on an all natural, organic, vegan beauty line called 100% Pure!

Being reminded recently that our skin absorbs up to 60% of what we put on it - right into the blood stream, I began to panic about my current health & beauty product regime - not horrible, but not as good as it could be.

I set out to find a line of products that would be good for me inside & out, so to speak.  I found a few heavy contenders, but delightfully fell hard for 100% Pure!

Why am I head over heals for 100% Pure?

1. The Environmental Working Group gives this company a low - moderate (0-3) hazard rating (very rare)
2. They are cruelty free - no animal testing!
3. All natural, organic, vegan ingredients
4. No synthetic chemicals, chemical preservatives, artificial colors, harsh detergents or any other unhealthy toxins
5. No chemically created fragrances!!!
6. All ingredients are food grade quality (um doesn't mean you should eat your eye shadow...)
7. Stellar smorgasbord selection of products
8. Reasonable prices $$$
9. Product quality rocks!

I became so addicted to this line, that at one point, I was ordering products daily!

Here's what I have tried so far:

• Fruit Pigmented Tinted Moisturizer - gets the job done!
• Fruit Pigmented St. Tropez Eye Shadow - adore it!
• Fruit Pigmented Mascara - smells like berries - LOVE IT!
• Super Fruits Scrub + Mask - love the multitasking ability!!!
• Purity Facial Cleanser + Mask - more multitasking!!!
• Honey Almond Hand Buttercream - great moisturizer!
• Strawberry Lemonade Hydrating Body Wash - not a fan of the sad lack o' sudsing action
• Creamy Nail Polish - Pie - they have my go to color!!!!
• Makeup Brushes - super soft & just the right size

This is just the tip of the iceberg.  I fully expect my like like status to explode into a full on love affair as I continue to explore all the beauty goodness that 100% Pure has been so kind to create.


Check'em out!

Hoff's Pumpkin Soup

Hoff's Pumpkin Soup
Serves: 6
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, gluten-free


Ingredients:

• 4 cups Veggie Broth
• 1 cup plain Almond Milk
• 2 15oz. cans Pumpkin
• 1/2 cup Cashews
• 1 Sweet Onion (chopped)
• 2 Garlic cloves (chopped)
• 1 tsp. Pumpkin Pie Spice
• 1 tsp. Cumin
• 1 tsp. Onion Powder
• 1 tsp. Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp. Sea Salt
• Dash of Cayenne Pepper

Directions:

1. In a large stock pot, sautee Onions & Garlic until softened
2. Add Veggie Broth & Seasonings (except Cayenne), bring to a boil
3. Reduce to simmer
4. Stir in Pumpkin
5. Using a hand blender, puree the soup
6. Stir in Milk
7. Cook on low heat until heated through
8. Garnish with Cayenne

Hoff Hit: Vinegar To Brighten Clothes

Add 1 cup of White Vinegar to Rinse Cycle for a natural, chemical-free way of punching up the colors of your clothes.

Hoff's Thin Mint Brownies

A tad bit labor intensive, but totally worth the effort for a special occasion.


Hoff's Thin Mint Brownies
Yields: About 15 brownies
dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, soy-free


Ingredients:

Brownies

• 1 1/2 cups Whole Wheat Pastry Flour
• 1/2 cup Cacao Powder
• 1/4 cup ground Flax Seed
• 2 tsp Baking Powder
• 2 tsp Baking Soda
• 1/2 tsp Sea Salt
• 1 1/2 cups Sugar
• 1 1/4 cups Chocolate "Milk"
• 1 (15 oz) can Pumpkin
• 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 1 cup vegan Chocolate Chips

 
Thin Mint Cream

• 2 cups Powder Sugar
• 2 tbsp Vanilla Almond Milk
• 2 tbsp Peppermint Extract

Chocolate Ganache

• 1/2 cup Vanilla Coconut Creamer
• 1 cup vegan Chocolate Chips
• 1/2 tsp fine Sea Salt

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. In large bowl, whisk together Flour, Cacao, Flax Seed, Baking Powder, Baking Soda & Salt
3. In a medium bowl, mix together Sugar, Milk, Pumpkin & Vanilla
4. Add wet mixture to the dry mixture, stir gently to combine
5. Fold in Chocolate Chips
6. Pour batter into 9X13 glass baking dish & bake 35-40 minutes
7. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine Powder Sugar, Milk & Peppermint Extract, mixing until smooth, pour over baked brownies
8. Gently move the pan side to side, front to back in order for the Mint to coat the brownies
9. Then in a medium pot, bring Coconut Creamer to a boil, stir in Chocolate Chips & Sea Salt until melted, pour over Mint Cream
10. Again, gently move the pan side to side, front to back in order for the Chocolate to coat the brownies 
11. Allow to set in the fridge before digging in!

New Cleveland Vegan Restaurant Alert: BEET JAR juice BAR!!!

Not quite ready yet, but sometime this month, BEET JAR juice BAR will unveil its awesomeness to the citizens of Cleveland - hooray!!!

BEET JAR juice BAR is an Organic, Raw, and Vegan Food establishment. Vegan-owned and Vegan-operated!  Not only will this place be a safe-haven for Vegans, the food will be made with a health-conscious focus.

The menu will change seasonal, but feature specialties include Cold-Pressed Juices, Nut Milks, Kale Chipz, Raw Slaw, Pauerkraut, Zucchini Pasta, Spring Rolls, Gluten-free Desserts & more!  Starting out completely raw, BEET plans to expand to soups & noodles as well.

Come on Cleveland - get out there and support one of our own!



Location: 1432 W. 29th St. Ohio City, OH 44113

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Moderation

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New Toys!!!

Santa was good to the Healthy Hoff this past Christmas - thanks Santa!!!

Here's a sneak peek into my Christmas stocking.

First up, the greatest gift of all, a brand new 48 oz. short Vitamix container!!!


Yes, I already have the original 64 oz. container that came with my Vitamix and while it looks like it has gone through a natural catastrophe, it is still fully functional and will remain close at hand for larger jobs.  However, I wanted the shorter container to tackle smaller jobs such as Almond Butter, Hummus or Flour.  Yes, all of these things can be made with the larger container, but the shorter container just makes it a bit easier.  Plus, it fits nicely under a cabinet.

 My next coveted gift...a pair of black ceramic knives - the Kyocera Revolution Series Paring and Santoku Knife Set to be exact!!!  I love ceramic knives because they start out super sharp and they remain sharp for a really long time, compared to traditional knives.  Plus, an all-black knife is just cool!  Keep in mind that ceramic knives cannot be sharpened with a traditional knife sharpener.  Usually the company will offer free sharpening or you can get a ceramic knife sharper.



For the beauty side of me, Santa brought two giant bottles of bath wash from 100% Pure, a vegan health & beauty company that I just so happen to have a crush on.  100% Pure products are truly 100% Pure - no synthetic chemicals, chemical preservatives, artificial fragrances, artificial colors, harsh detergents or any other unhealthy toxins.  What that all means, is that it's safe to put on your skin!  Plus, they don't mask their products with perfumes or fragrances.  Why?  The wonderful aromas in 100% Pure products are from real fruits, pure essential oils, and pure absolutes.  So, if you've got a chemical sensitivity like I do, this line is for you!



And lastly - Meditating Buddha Kitty.  This piece literally makes me smile every time I gaze upon it.  I adore him!  So peaceful, so serene.  The carving of the "Independence" sign on the back makes this little statue perfect and a piece that I will display proudly in my sanctuary. Namaste.


I wish you all an AMAZING 2014!!!




 Keep it Healthy!

Hoff's Easy Greens Soup

Hoff's Easy Greens Soup
Yields: 10 cups
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, soy-free, gluten-free


Ingredients:

• 4 cups Veggie Broth
• 4 cups Greens Water
• 1 cup Quinao
• 1 bunch Kale
• 1 bunch Swiss Chard
• 2 cups Spinach
• 1 15 oz can Tomato Sauce
• 1 15 oz can diced Potatoes (rinsed & drained)
• 1 15 oz can Cannellini Beans (rinsed & drained)
• 1 Lemon
• 1 medium/large Sweet Onion (chopped)
• 2-3 cloves of Garlic (chopped)
• 2 tbsp Italian Seasonings
• 1 tbsp Sugar
• 1 tsp Onion Powder
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Sea Salt

Directions:

1. In a large stock pot over medium-high heat, soften Onions & Garlic
2. Add Broth, bring to a boil
3. Meanwhile, rough chop Kale & stuff into Vitamix, cover with Water
4. Using the variable dial turn to 10 & them immediately back to 1 and turn off
5. Strain Kale through fine wire mesh strainer, add to pot
6. Be sure to collect the Green Water in a measuring cup until you reach 4 cups for the soup base
7. Repeat steps 3-5 for Swiss Chard
8. Repeat steps 3-5 for Spinach
9. Add all remaining ingredients (except Quinoa) to the pot & cover
10. Reduce to simmer & cook for 1-2 hours
11. 15 minutes prior to serving, add Quinoa

Hoff Thoughts: The trick of chopping the Greens is something that I adapted from chopping Cabbage the same way using a Vitamix.  You have to be quick on the dial or you'll end up with a green smoothie instead of chopped pieces.  Try to collect about 1 1/2 cups of Green Water from each Green to get the most variety.  Don't dump the rest, your plants will love it!

Open to Receive Love and Abundance Meditation

Event: Berea Animal Shelter: Soup-R-Bowl Benefit Dinner

Berea Animal Shelter: 

Soup-R-Bowl Benefit Dinner

Looking for something that will warm your heart and tummy at the same time?

Then don’t miss ARF’s Soup-R-Bowl Dinner at Berea High School. Held every year, ARF’s Soup-R-Bowl is a long-standing tradition where ARF supporters gather to feast on delicious bowls of soup, chili, sandwiches, homemade desserts and more. A vegan chili, a vegan sandwich wrap and salad will also be available.  

Plus there’s a huge raffle basket table, sideboard betting, 50/50 raffles and the chance to shop for fun ARF t-shirts, hoodies and other fun merchandise.

Get there early, this event always gets jammed packed!

When: Saturday, January 25, 2014
Time: 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Where: Berea High School Cafeteria: 165 East Bagley Rd, Berea, OH 44017
Cost: $10 Adults, $5 Kids 5-12 years old, Free Kids under 5

Tickets sold at the door

Momentary Musings

Dr. John McDougall: Your Bowel Digestive System

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Hoff's Tempeh Chili

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

Ingredients:

• 1 46 oz. can Tomato Juice
• 2 15 oz. cans Kidney Beans (rinsed & drained)
• 1 15 oz. can Pumpkin
• 8 oz. Tempeh/Smoked Tempeh
• 1 6 oz. can Tomato Paste
• 1 Zucchini (shredded)
• 1 medium Sweet Onion (chopped)
• 3 cloves of Garlic (minced)
• 1/4 cup Almond Butter
• 2 tbsp. Liquid Smoke 
• 1 tbsp. Chili Powder
  
• 1 tbsp. Cumin
• 2 tsp. Garlic Powder
• 2 tsp. Onion Powder
• 1 tsp. Paprika
• 1 tsp. Sea Salt

Directions:

1. Turn slow cooker to high to warm up
2. Add Onion & Garlic and sweat to soften (about 5 minutes)
3. Rough chop Tempeh and grind into crumbles using a Vitamix or Mini Food Processor
4. Stir together remaining ingredients (except Spices) into slow cooker
5. Heat on low for about 6-8 hours, high for about 4 hours
6. With 2 hours or less to go, add the Spices to prevent them from losing their flavor.

Hoff Thoughts: I enjoy this Chili - Skyline style, served over a generous portion of Whole Wheat Spaghetti!  I used to use V8 Juice in this recipe; but much to my horror, it turns out V8 isn't vegan!

Microwave Popcorn - Not Safe!

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Open Your Third Eye

JuiceLab Manual Juicer

I just got another toy!  This time, it's the Metro Design JuiceLab Manual-Style Citrus Juicer (that names needs to be a tad longer). 

While I typically use a Norpro Lime Juicer for my citrus juicing needs, I recently encountered some recipes requiring a measured amount of lemon/lime juice.  So, I requested the JuiceLab Juicer for Christmas and Santa came through - woo hoo!

Just a few things that I love about this little gadget:

1. Under $20 bucks!
2. Use it for both limes & lemons
3. 5 oz. capacity
4. Measuring markers
5. Easy cleaning
6. BPA Free
7. Made in the U.S.A.

P.S.  I never ever buy both lemon and lime juicers of any style.  I simply get the lemon juicer as it tends to be bigger than the lime juicer, so I can use it for both lemons and limes.


Check it out!

Hoff's Seitan Stew

Hoff's Seitan Stew
Yields: 6-8 servings
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, soy-free

Ingredients:

• 32 oz. Veggie Broth
• 16 oz. cubed Seitan
• 1 15 oz. can Organic Corn (rinsed & drained)
• 1 15 oz. can Green Beans (rinsed & drained)
• 6 Baby Red Potatoes (cubed)
• 2 cups Baby Carrots (halved)
• 1/2 cup Brown Rice Flour
• 2 Bay Leaves
• 2 tbsp. Dried Onion
• 1 tbsp. Liquid Smoke
• 1 tbsp. Cumin
• 1 tsp. Paprika
• 1 tsp. Onion Powder
• 1 tsp. Garlic Powder
• Pepper (to taste)
• Sea Salt (to taste)

Directions:

1. Mix pinch of Sea Salt, Pepper, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder with Flour
2. Dredge Seitan to coat
3. In a large stock pot over medium-high heat, lightly brown Seitan
4. Add all ingredients, except Potatoes to the pot
5. Add enough Broth to just cover ingredients
6. Bring to a boil
7. Reduce to low, cover and cook for 20 minutes
8. Add Potatoes and more Water if necessary
9. Cover and cook for an additional 20 minutes
10. Serve!