Tacos & Steamed Veggies, Oh My!

I got some new toys recently to simply make my life easier.

The first is what I had considered an indulgent or gimmick type of purchase, but after using it, I now consider it a MUST HAVE for Taco Tuesday.

A Taco Holder.

This simple, unassuming gadget is absolutely necessary to have a successful taco night! Ok, ok, that’s a bit of a stretch, I mean, I’ve been eating tacos successfully for years without one, but it makes life so much easier! No more falling over tacos, no fillings spilling out, no wrestling to make your taco.  These holders make life so much easier and isn’t that what true happiness is about? I think a headache free taco dinner is worth $8.99, don't you?

The second toy was an unexpected find. After getting back into healthier eating, I was at a lose for how to steam my vegetables. Yes, I know how to steam them, but the thought of bringing a big pot of water to boil felt tedious and steaming in my Instant Pot, makes my veggies too mushy.

Then this baby came into my life, the Microwave collapsible steamer!

I am a sucker for a collapsible anything and it’s BPA free and it comes in my favorite color, black! The bowl, lid and even the strainer is rubber, so it’s super light weight and easy peasy to clean.

Just add a bit of water, lay your veggies out, place the lid, nuke for 3-5 minutes and you’re eating!

For $23.99, I might buy another just for travel!


Keep it healthy!

Hoff's Apple Maple Oatmeal (IP)

Hoff's Apple Maple Oatmeal (IP)
Servings: 6
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, gluten-free, soy-free 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Old Fashioned Oats (Rolled)
• 3 cups Water
• 1 Fuji Apple (chopped)
• 1/4 cup Maple Syrup
• 1 tsp. Cinnamon

Directions:

1. Dump all ingredients into IP
2. Close & lock lid
3. Make sure pressure release valve is closed
4. Cook Manually on High Pressure for 3 minutes
5. Quick Release
6. Stir & serve or store

DIY Sea Moss Mask

DIY Sea Moss Mask
Yields: 1/2 cup 

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup Water
• 2 tbsp. Sea Moss Powder

Directions:

1. Bring Water to a boil
2. Pour into high speed blender (I use my Nutribullet because of the small amount) with Sea Moss Powder
3. Blend for 2 minutes (container will be hot)
4. Using a mitt like the Ove Glove, transfer to a glass storage container and place in fridge  on something to protect the glass shelf, for at least an hour before using
5. Will keep for 3 weeks
6. Spread over face & let sit for at least 30 minutes

Hoff Thoughts: Don’t worry, mixture will thicken as it cools.

Doc: Earthlings

Doc: Earthlings

Earthlings, is a must see if you are a human being.

This doc may have come out in 2005, but sadly it is as relevant today if not more so.  I first learned of it about four years ago, when I broke down the first minute of its 2:50 minute trailer. At the time, I had been vegan or rather plant-based for health reasons, abstaining from any animal derived ingredients from a dietary standpoint.  All it took was that one minute to change me into a real vegan, : a strict vegetarian who consumes no food (such as meat, eggs, or dairy products) that comes from animals, also : one who abstains from using animal products (such as leather).  After watching a living animal have its skin ripped from its body and thrown onto a pile of other freshly skinned animals to slowly die, leather/suede lost every ounce of status I once gave it. It would take four years until I could bring myself to watch this film in its entirety.

While this is a hard documentary to watch (I lost it several times) it reveals the truth that is happening every hour of everyday in this world. Having once been a contributor via my own consumption whether by food, possessions, or entertainment, I owed it to the animals who suffered by my ignorance to understand what pain, torment and torture that I caused, so that I will never play apart in these barbaric practices again.

Are you ready?