Happy New Year!!!

Hoff's Chili Mac

Hoff's Chili Mac
Yields: 6-8 servings
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, soy-free, gluten-free

Ingredients:

• 16 oz. gluten-free Pasta
• 15 oz. frozen Cauliflower Rice
• 10 oz. frozen chopped Onions
• 1 15 oz. can Kidney Beans (rinsed & drained)
• 2 15 oz. cans Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes
• 2 Fire Roasted Red Peppers
• 1 5.5 oz. can Tomato Paste 
• 1 cup Water
• 2 tbsp. Liquid Smoke
• 1 tbsp. minced Garlic
• 1 tbsp. Chili Powder
• 1 tsp. Smoked Paprika
• 1 tsp. Cumin 
• 1 tsp. Cinnamon
• 1 tsp. Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp. Onion Powder 
• 2 tbsp. Sea Salt

Directions:

1. Bring large pot of water with 2 tbsp. Sea Salt added to a boil
2. Cook Pasta according to directions
3. Meanwhile, add Cauliflower Rice to a medium pot over medium-high heat
4. Add Onions & Kidney Beans
5. Using a high speed blender, purée Tomatoes, Red Peppers, Tomato Paste, Water & Garlic together
6. Add to the pot along with Seasonings, stir to combine
7. Combine Chili with Pasta

Merry Christmas Everybody!

Veggie Burgers II (IP)

This is an adaptation of Jeff Novick's Basic Black Bean Burger recipe.

Veggie Burgers II (IP)
Yields: 16 Burgers
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, soy-free, gluten-free

Ingredients:

• 2 15 oz. cans Fat Free Vegetarian Re-fried Beans
• 2 cups of Rolled Oats
• 1 1/2 cups Brown Rice
• 1 1/2 cups Water
• 1/2 cup BBQ Sauce
• 1 tbsp. dried minced Onion
• 1 tsp. Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp. Onion Powder
• 1 tsp. Sea Salt

Directions:

1. Combine Rice & Water in IP
2. Lock lid in place and make sure pressure release valve is closed
5. Select Manual setting on High Pressure & cook for 22 minutes
6. Natural release pressure for 10 minutes, then Quick release
7. Add remaining ingredients to IP
8. Mix until well combined
9. Form into patties
10. Allow to set-up in fridge for 20 minutes, uncovered before cooking or freeze for later
11. Grill or broil until golden brown, about 10 minutes each side

Hoff Thoughts: Arts & crafts is not really my thing, so I'm not going to sit around forming uniform patties.  Instead, I cheat with this silicon (BPA-free) burger press mat - love it!  These babies cook up great on my Cuisinart Griddler!

Hoff's Broccoli Cheddar Soup (IP)

Hoff's Broccoli Cheddar Soup (IP)
Yields: about 12 cups
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, soy-free, gluten-free

Ingredients:

• 5 cups Water
• 4 cups Veggie Broth
• 4 cups Plant-based Milk
• 16 oz. Gluten-free Spaghetti (broken into bite size pieces)
• 1 large head of Broccoli (finely chopped)
• 1 medium Sweet Onion (chopped)
• 1 tbsp. Sea Salt
• 1 tbsp. Garlic Powder
• 1 tbsp. Onion Powder
• Pepper to taste

"Cheese" Sauce:

• 15 oz. can diced Potatoes (rinsed & drained)
• 15 oz. can sliced Carrots (rinsed & drained)
• 1 Roasted Red Pepper (jarred)
• 4 tbsp. Nutritional Yeast
• Juice from half a Lemon
• 2 tbsp. Yellow Mustard
• 1 tsp. Sea Salt
• 1 tsp. Onion Powder
• 1 tsp. Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp. Paprika

Directions:

1. Blend the Cheese Sauce together
2. Combine all ingredients in IP, except Milk
3. Lock lid in place and make sure pressure release valve is closed
4. Press "Manual" button, reduce time to 7 minutes
5. When done, use quick release method
6. Stir in Milk

Doc: Chemiracal

Chemiracal gets you thinking about all the chemicals in your home - from cleaning to personal care products.  The doc follows one family's journey from chemical-ridden zone to toxic-free home! 

"Chemerical" explores the life cycle of everyday household cleaners and hygiene products to prove that, thanks to our clean obsession, we are drowning in sea of toxicity.  This film tackles "the toxic debate" in a truly informative and entertaining way, not only by raising awareness, but most importantly by providing simple solutions."  

How toxic is your home?


Check out the trailer!

5 Day Overnight Oatmeal Mix

5 Day Overnight Oatmeal Mix
Yields: 5 days worth
dairy-free, oil-free, soy-free, gluten-free

Mix Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups Old-fashioned Oats (gluten-free)
• 2 cups Steel Cut Oats (gluten-free)
• 1/2 cup dried chopped Dates
• 5 tbsp. Coconut Sugar
• 2 tbsp. Chia Seeds
• 2 tsp. Cinnamon/Apple Pie Spice
• 1 tsp. Sea Salt

Mix Directions: 

1.  Dump all ingredients into a airtight container
2.  Shake to combine

 Overnight Oatmeal Ingredients:

• 1 cup Mix
• 1 cup Water
• 1 cup frozen Blueberries (optional)

Overnight Oatmeal Directions: 

1. Add all ingredients in a small bowl, I don't bother to stir
2. Place in fridge overnight
3. Next morning, microwave for 2-3 minutes
4. Add additional Water or Plant-based Milk to reach desired texture

Hoff Thoughts: Yes, Oats are naturally gluten-free, but due to cross contamination during processing they are one of the highest contaminated foods - so if you have issues with gluten, spring for gluten-free Oats.  I like my Oatmeal with Blueberries, feel free to add any fruit or no fruit that you want.

DIY Quick & Easy Almond Milk

This recipe has been "borrowed" from Chef AJ.

DIY Quick & Easy Almond Milk
Yields: 3 cups
dairy-free, oil-free, soy-free, gluten-free

Ingredients:

• 3 cups Water
• 1 tbsp. oil-free Almond Butter
• 1 pitted Date
• Optional 1 tsp. Vanilla (great for cereal, not so great for cooking)

Directions:

1. Place all ingredients into a high speed blender
2. Start low, then up to high quickly
3. Blend for about 1 minute
4. Store in refrigerator for up to a week
5. Shake before using

AJ Thoughts: Only need 1 cup?  Blend 1 cup of Water with 1 tsp. of Almond Butter.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hoff's Chickpea Dressing

Hoff's Chickpea Dressing
Yields: 4 cups
dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, gluten-free, soy-free

Ingredients:

• 1 15oz. can Chickpeas (with liquid)
• 1 cup Water
• 1/2 cup Honey Mustard
• 1/4 cup Yellow Mustard
• 1/4 cup Maple Syrup
• Juice from 1/2 Lemon
• 1 tsp. Sea Salt

Directions:

1. Using a high speed blender, blend all ingredients until smooth
2. Keep in the fridge up to 1-2 weeks

Doc:The Connection

The Connection is a documentary that dives into the mind, body, medicine connection. It explores the health benefits that meditation has been documented to have over chronic illness.

The film includes an internationally recognized lineup of scientists, including Dr. Herbert Benson; researchers, including Dr. Dean Ornish; writers, including Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn; and renowned medical doctors, including Dr. Andrew Weil.

The film also features compelling true stories of recovery such as ProfessorGeorge Jelinek, a Professor of Emergency Medicine who has recovered from multiple sclerosis, and Dr. Ian Gawler who recovered from an aggressive bone cancer.

The Connection is a film that proves we have more influence on our health outcomes than we ever thought possible.

Check out the trailer!

Apple Sauce (IP)

Apple Sauce (IP)
Servings: 5
dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, soy-free, gluten-free

Ingredients:

• 4-5 organic Apples (McIntosh, Jonathan, Gala, Fuji, Cortland, etc.)
• 2-3 organic Golden Delicious Apples (Gala, Fuji can also be used)
• 1/2 cup Water
• 2 tsp. Cinnamon

Directions:

1. Core & stem Apples, cut into chunks (I cheat with an Apple slicer)
2. Place Apples & Water in the IP
3. Lock lid in place and make sure pressure release valve is closed
4. Press "Manual" button
5. Decrease cooking time to 8 minutes
6. Natural Release for 3 minutes; then Quick Release
7. Add Cinnamon
8. Use an immersion blender to reach desired consistency
9. Store in the fridge

 
Hoff Thoughts: I'm calling for organic Apples with this one, because the wax used on conventional Apples is too heavy/hard to remove and you're going to be eating the skins (lots of nutrients).  Nevertheless, be sure to soak your Apples in a salt or vinegar bath before using in order to clean.  The Golden Delicious will make up for the lack of Sugar.  You want medium to large Apples for this recipe. 

Have A Magical Halloween!

Hoff's Tomato Pumpkin Soup

Hoff's Tomato Pumpkin Soup 
Serves: 4
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, soy-free, gluten-free

Ingredients:

• 4 cups Veggie Broth
• 1 14.5 oz can Diced Tomatoes
• 1 14.5 oz can Pumpkin
• 1 Roasted Red Pepper (jarred)
• 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!

Hoff's Pumpkin Pudding II

Hoff's Pumpkin Pudding II
Yields: About 3 cups
dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, soy-free, gluten-free


Ingredients:

• 1 15 oz. can 100% Pure Pumpkin
• 1 cup soaked Cashews 
• 1/2 cup Maple Syrup
• 1/2 cup plant-based Milk (I use Almond or Cashew Milk)
• 1 tbsp. Vanilla
• 1 tsp. Pumpkin Spice
• 1/2 tsp. Sea Salt

Directions:

1. Blend all ingredients together using a high speed blender
2. Allow to chill in frig
3. Get your pumpkin on!

Vegan Halloween Candy, Recipes & More!

 

Looking to celebrate Halloween with a Vegan spin?

Check out these spooky resources for some Vegoween inspirations:

Candy:
Amazon
Endangered Species Chocolates (vegan options)
NaturalCandyStore.com
Sjaaks Organic Chocolates

Candy Guides:

Peta Kids
VegNews

Cooking Show:
The Vegan Zombie

Recipes:
365 Halloween
AllRecipes.com
ChooseVeg.com
Forks & Beans
Happy Cow
No-Bake
Oh She Glows
One Green Planet
Peta
Pinterest
Vegetarians in Paradise
Vegan Halloween Round-up!
Veganosity

Thought Starters:
About.com
Pinterest
The Spooky Vegan


Happy Halloween!!!

Soul :) Smile

Hoff's Low Fuss Burritos (IP)

Hoff's Low Fuss Burritos (IP)
Yields: 6 Burritos
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, soy-free


Ingredients:

• 6 Whole Wheat Lavash Wraps/Tortillas
• 1 1/2 cups Water
• 1 cup Jasmine Rice
• 1 15 oz. can Black Beans (rinsed & drained)
• 1 2.5 oz. can sliced Black Olives (rinsed & drained)
• 1 cup organic Corn
• 1 medium Sweet Onion (half moon slices)
• 1 Red Pepper (sliced)
• Juice from 1 Lime
• 2 tsp. Sea Salt
• 1 tsp. Taco Seasoning
• 1 tsp. Chipotle
• 1 tsp. Cumin

Directions:

1. Using the Sautée setting, sautée Onions & Peppers
2. Turn off IP to stop Sautée feature
3. Add Water, Rice, Beans, Olives, Corn & Seasonings, stir to combine
4. Close & lock lid
5. Set Pressure Valve to Sealing
6. Select Manual setting & reduce timer to 3 minutes
7. Natural release pressure
8. Fluff Rice with a fork
9. Add Lime Juice and stir to combine
10. After assembling, I like to "panini press" the wraps using my Cuisinart Griddler, purely optional

Hoff's Tex Mex Mac & Cheese

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

Ingredients:

• 16 oz. Gluten-free Pasta
• 1 14 oz. bag frozen Cauliflower (defrosted)
• 1 cup Salsa
• 1/2 cup Nutritional Yeast
• 1/2 cup unsweetened plain Plant Milk

Directions:

1. Cook Pasta according to directions
2. Meanwhile put remaining ingredients into Vitamix & blend until smooth
3. Drain Pasta, return to pot, mix in "Cheese Sauce"
4. Return to stove-top to heat dish
5. Enjoy!

Positive Affirmations - Guided Meditation with Singing Bowls in Nature 20 Minutes

Never Forget

Hoff's Avocado Toast

Hoff's Avocado Toast
Serves: 1-2
dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, soy-free

Ingredients:

• 4 slices of oil-free Bread
• 1/2 Avocado
• Sea Salt

Directions:

1. Toast Bread
2. Spread Avocado onto Toast
3. Sprinkle with Sea Salt

Hoff Thoughts:  To save the Avocado for the next day and reduce browning, leave the Avocado pit in and wrap in a plastic bag, refrigerating until needed.  I am partial to either a multi-grain, sourdough or Italian bread that I get at my grocer's bakery.

Did Humans Evolve Eating Meat?

Check out this video snack!

Doc: What The Health

What The Health, this doc is another game changer.  Just as Forks Over Knives tapped into the mainstream consciousness, so too is this film. 

From the guys who brought us Cowspiracy, comes in my opinion, a better doc on the reasons to go not only vegan, but plant-based.

This film dives head on into the hush, hush relationship between our government and big business.  If you thought the government had your best interests in mind, think again – you being sick is big business.  If you thought Susan G. Komen, the American Heart Association, the American Diabetes Association and the American Cancer Society were on the side of helping sick people, you’re in for a rude awakening.

If cancer, heart disease, diabetes or auto immune diseases are a concern or are already your reality, you need to watch this documentary – NOW!  This doc will uncover the “secret” to preventing and reversing these chronic illnesses that plague the majority of the population and spoiler alert, it ain’t drugs & surgeries.

The typical big players make an appearance, as well as some new faces.

Dr. John McDougall

Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn

Dr. Neal Barnard

Dr. Michael Greger

Check out the trailer or watch online now:

WHAT THE HEALTH from AUM Films & Media on Vimeo.

Event:20th Annual Instrumental Evening for the Earth

http://www.earthdaycoalition.org/content/20th-annual-instrumental-evening-earth

Happy Black Cat Appreciation Day!!!

Doc: I AM

What’s wrong with our world?

What can we do to make it better?

Filmmaker and director Tom Shadyac (Ace Ventura, Nutty Professor, Bruce Almighty, etc.) contemplated these very questions after an accident almost took his life.  I AM is a documentary that brings together philosophers, scientists and others to help answer those questions.

Well worth the watch!



Check out the trailer:

World Lion Day!

https://www.facebook.com/WorldLionDay/

Hoff's Asian Rice (Instant Pot)

Hoff's Asian Rice (Instant Pot)
Yields: 5 servings
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, gluten-free

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Brown Rice
• 2 1/2 cups Water
• 1/3 cup Braggs
• 1 cup Peas
• 2 tsp. Ginger

Directions:

1. Add Rice, Water, Braggs & Ginger to Instant Pot and stir to combine
2. Set Manual setting at High Pressure for 22 minutes
3. Set vent to sealing 
4. When done, turn off IP, natural release for 10 minutes, then quick release
5. Stir in Peas

Soul :) Smile

Not Going Anywhere Without My Rothy's!

I’m in love!

I know, I know, I say that a lot.  But, I fall hard for things that make me happy, happy and this time, I’m crushing hard for Rothy’s!  

What are Rothy’s you ask?  

Allow me to introduce the new love of your life…

Rothy’s is a vegan, comfort, stylish shoe line hailing from San Francisco.

The more I learn about this brand, this company, the more I fall in love!

1. Vegan - what’s not to love?
2. Comfortable – 3-D knit technology means no seams, no rubbing, no blisters – just happy feet!
3. Stylish! Two styles are available the classic ballet flat & the pointy toe flat - each amazing!
4. Vibrant & colorful – they are constantly introducing new, fun colors & patterns
5. Recycled! These shoes are seriously made from recycled plastic water bottles and when they’ve given their all, you can return them back to the company to be recycled!  Be a part of the solution, not the problem.
6. Machine washable – personally, I have never felt the need to wash a pair of shoes, except for the odd tennis shoe, but after reading horror stories of people spilling coffee or landing in a stray puddle, I’m relieved these babies can be brought back to life on the gentle cycle.
7. Free Shipping/Free Returns – quite possible my four favorite words after vegan…

If I haven’t convinced you that these babies NEED to be in your fashionable wardrobe, maybe this will.

I jumped for the classic black pointy with white racing stripe (well that's what I call it) & "the look at me" hot pink ballet flat.  I love them both and I'm itching for more!  I feel a sassy red in my future...

I did feel the need to size up a half size with the pointy style, whereas the ballet fit true to size - this is not the norm for me with other brands.  I do however, like to add an additional sole insert, which was causing some cramping, but again, no issues doing that with the rounded toe.

Yes, they are pricey coming in at $125 - $145, but they hand assembled, resulting in high quality & durability.  You are helping to get over 500,000 stray water bottles off the streets!  These shoes have serious, sophisticated style while feeling like you're wearing slippers - slippers!  And, well, they are 100% vegan - vegans know you have to shell out a little extra coin to support companies who are doing the right thing.

Are you dying for your first pair?  Get $20 off now!

Tell them the Hoff sent you (not really, they have no idea who I am)

Keep it healthy & stylish!

Hoff's Quick Beans & Rice (Instant Pot)

Hoff's Quick Beans & Rice (Instant Pot)
Yields: 3-4 Servings
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, soy-free, gluten-free

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Jasmine Rice
• 2 1/2 cups Water
• 1 15 oz. can Red Kidney Beans (rinsed & drained)
• 1 15 oz. can Tomato Sauce
• 1 tbsp. Dried Onion Flake
• 1 tsp. Italian Seasoning
• 1 tsp. Cumin

Directions:

1. Mix Rice & Water in the IP 
2. Top with Kidney Beans &Tomato Sauce do not mix together (very important!)
3. Press "Manual" button & reduce time to 3 minutes
4. When done, use manual release method
5. Add Seasonings and stir to combine

Quinoa Pizza Dough

Adapted From: http://www.themicrovorediet.ca/#!2-Ingredient-Quinoa-Bread-Microvore-Recipes/qoax1/5729409f0cf28ad72abc5098

Quinoa Pizza Dough

Yields: 8 pieces
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, soy-free, gluten-free

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Quinoa
• 1 cup Water + 1/2 cup Water (reserved)
• 1 tsp. Sea Salt 
• 1/2 tsp. Baking Powder
• *Seasonings (optional)

Directions:

1. Rinse Quinoa, then soak in 1 cup Water for 15 minutes
2. Add 1/2 cup reserved Water, Salt & Seasonings (optional) to soaked Quinoa
3. Blend using a high speed blender or Nutribullet until smooth
4. Pour batter into a Cuisinart Griddler
5. Level using a spatula
6. Bake for 15 minutes at 425 degrees
7. Carefully remove with a spatula (at this point, the dough is fully cooked)
8. Dress your pizza and cook in the oven at 400 degrees for another 10 - 15 minutes or until the toppings are warm

Hoff Thoughts: I soaked right in the Nutribullet container - easier clean-up.  The bread itself is pretty bland.  Seasoning ideas: Nutritional Yeast, Rosemary, Dried Onion Flake, Garlic Powder, etc.  I did attempt to make this dough in the oven with not much success.  If using an oven be sure to spread the dough out to avoid it still being raw in the middle and use parchment paper.