Breakfast with McDougall

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     Here I am again! It's shameful the way I've neglected a perfectly good blog.  I once again have committed to developing this blog.

Today's subject dear readers is my complete conversion to a Dr. McDougall lifestyle.  Ill be discussing this in more depth in a later blog but this morning I'm sharing.... Breakfast! Yum!
If my photos have loaded properly you should see not only my finished product, but a few steps along the way.
When I found out that following Dr. McDougalls plan I could eat all the potatoes I want I nearly swooned! Ahhh now here is a workable life diet!
This morning I started by boiling my days potatoes. I used to do them in the microwave but found that I preferred the added moisture from boiling them.
While my delectable potatoes were boiling merrily along I took out my wok type skillet, sprayed it lightly with cooking spray, ( Dr. McDougall advocates not even using cooking spray but sometimes I still use a bit.) I heated it up sufficiently to begin sauteing some minced garlic. Not too hot or it will be bitter. As soon as the garlic begins to release its fragrance I add in some freshly cleaned kale. Ahh kale! My favorite superfood!  To the kale I added slivered Vidalia onion to taste, seasoned with lemon pepper, sea salt and a bit of crushed red pepper. It's important to stir frequently and when it gets too dry add small amounts of water or veg broth till its cooked to your desired doneness. I like it when the onions have gotten semi-clear.
Once the kale is about done slide it up to one side of the pan. Now I crumble some pressed Nasoya lite none GMO tofu into the pan. I let the little bits from marinating the kale flavor the tofu as well as add some turmeric and just a bit of Tamiri soy sauce. Saute long enough for the flavors to absorb and heat through.
Now for the moment of truth! Assemble on a nice plate, add potatoes to your hearts content! I scoop the kale and tofu up on the potatoes a bit. I also added some diced olives w/pimento and normally a sliced tomato.
Good Eats!!

A new week in 2012, vegan style!

I know it's only day 5 of the new year, but I'm feeling pretty good about things so far.  Getting back to the weight watchers plan and being more dedicated to delicious dining vegan style has made me feel better already.  It didn't take a New Years resolution to convince me I want to be vegan, but dedicating to eating a HEALTHIER vegan lifestyle, (cuz nachos can be soooo vegan!), was a smoooooth  move!

How did I handle the New Year holiday and that fantastic traditional meal?  So easy!  I simply prepared the sauerkraut by itself, which I might add tastes so much fresher when you don't cook it to death with a pork roast!!  With that we had black eyed peas, smooshed taters and turnip greens.  All prepared vegan style of course!  It was excellent!!   While I couldn't convince the onmi's to forego the pork as well, they did enjoy the rest of the offering.  Small step, small steps...they still get you somewhere!

My diligence is paying off in other ways too!  Day 5 and I've lost a lb.!  Yay me!  I've been focusing on family friendly, healthier vegan meals and I've found some real keepers that have been getting me through the week and given me a better outlook for future reference.  My new breakfast favorite is a Tofu Breakfast Sandwich.  Man is it good, and so versatile.  I've included a picture of this mornings feast.  I did have a browned potato on the side that isn't pictured here.  Yummy.!  

      This is the second version I tried.  It has the fried tofu, asparagus, apple slices and Dijon  style nayonaise on toasted whole grain bread.  It was a very filling sandwich for only   4 weight watchers points!

On a less that thrilled side, I have worked out but not the way I want to.  I am not giving that direction up and when done fulfilling my internet addiction for the evening I'll be attending to that as well.  I also have plans to  join the local gym within the week and I'm really looking forward to that.  Wish me luck!  

                                   

Sloppy Janes and the New Year

Hello 2012!  We rang in the New Year relatively low key in our household.  The honey had to be at work at 9 a.m. so we agreed a nice bottle of Yellow Tail Shiraz-Cabernet at home was right on target.  Watching a ridicules comedy and laughing and talking made for a comfortable evening.

I made a grand effort of f aux-resolution keeping on the Eve and think it made my transition into today much easier.  I had made a massive batch of Sloppy Janes and had them for lunch and part of my dinner.  So yummy!  Not sure I'm past the craving yet. Not so terrible as they are so low in points on Weight Watchers, which is the healthy guideline choice I've decided to use . I have to make a note that the picture above is of a a commercial sites sloppy janes, as I ate mine before I thought to take a picture!  I've previously said that I am no longer going to let myself try to use this as an official food blog, but I happen to think my Sloppy Janes recipe is the bomb, so I've included it at the bottom of the blog.  Hope you'll try them and enjoy.

I worked yesterday as did the honey.  I found myself in a phenomenally good mood and really have been looking forward to starting the New Year.  The moment of change was a disappointment somewhat, although that is another story for maybe never another time, but I enjoyed the day and today's First Day of the New Year is going well.  Not so much in what's happening as in my mood.  I mentioned that the honey had to work, so I miss him today, but the evening will be comfy cozy.  I've managed a vegan menu that he'll enjoy, although he'll still have the traditional pork roast with his as well.  My part of the meal will be Turnip greens, black eyed peas, boiled potatoes and sauerkraut.  mmmmmmm!  lol! I will take a picture of that I assure you!

I've promised the dogs a walk today and the weather is blustery and turning into a more expected winters day. We won't be swayed however and I find that I'm looking forward to it.  I may document that for View of the World later.

I also have to consider that it is almost time to take down the tree.  I find I don't want to!  It's so cozy in my living room right now!  I've determined that it will stay up until Tuesday evening.

No more procrastinating now, the dogs are waiting and the weather is fast deteriorating for walking.  All part of my resolution...Here I Come World!

                                              Peace to you all!


Dondi's Sloppy Janes:

All ingredients are determined by your preference.

Saute diced onion, sweet red pepper, celery and mushrooms in a bit of canola oil until onions are clear.
Add about a 1/2 c. of cooked brown rice, continue to saute.  Add pressed, crumbled, extra-firm tofu.  About 1/4 of a block.  Saute a bit more to get flavor into tofu.  I freeze and thaw my tofu before using for a better texture and easier to squeeze the water out.  To this mix add 1 can of vegan tomato soup.  Mix well. Add enough cooked split peas to desired consistency. You can use any split peas you want but for better visual appleal yellow is best. You want to simmer this mix about 10 mins. and it will thicken a bit so leave it just a little soupy when you first add the split peas. You can add water if needed.  Salt and pepper to taste.  I also put in some crushed red pepper cus I like some zip.  I served mine on a hearty  toasted whole wheat bread.  For the final touch, and not to be excluded because it compliments totally, a dill pickle!  A big one!