Ok, my love of food has often defined my life. It comforted, brought joy, and provided satisfaction. Even when I have been angry, I've dug into foods I should not eat...potato chips, cookies, cinnamon rolls...all while thinking how that'll show whoever hurt me, upset me or made me mad. Not to mention all the celebrations that happen with food as the centerpiece.
In the interest of being healthier and more vibrant in our later years, my hubby and I decided to try vegetarianism. With a vegan slant that I have termed as being "veganish". We saw a movie titled "Forks Over Knives" and it presented a very good case against eating meats and dairy products. (Not to mention all that I have learned about just where and how we get our meats and dairy products, but I won't go into that right now.)
The purpose of this blog is to share some of what I'm learning about cooking and eating only vegetables, grains, legumes and very limited amounts of dairy. I'm still having trouble giving up half & half in my coffee, and we are not going to be so picky that we won't eat something made with eggs and milk. We are, however, choosing not to intentionally drink cows milk, eat cheese or eggs. The food we miss most in all this? Cheese. It is amazing just how much cheese is used in cooking, garnishing and otherwise flavoring many foods and meals. Let's face it, there is nothing quite like the comforting and deep flavor of cheese...so, yeah, that is what we both miss the most.
Considering that it seems a daunting task to revamp our eating habits in such ways, I have found it really isn't that difficult. Time consuming? Yes. Labor intensive? Yes. Requiring imagination and flexibility? Definitely. Having said all that, I have found (and so has my husband) that it is very worthwhile and rewarding. The food I've prepared has been delicious and nutritious...aside from one meal of faux mac and cheese which we decided was not worth the effort or the fat content since it wasn't delish or satisfying. I have consulted the internet for recipes, bought one cookbook and have another on the way...and also have realized that I can customize many recipes that formerly called for meat and/or dairy, into a yummy meal sans both!
I will be posting recipes on this blog in order to share what I am learning (and eating!). I'll also give some hints and advice. You don't have to be a vegetarian or a vegan to enjoy the recipes. Here is a bit of advice: Don't be afraid to give something new a try. If you go into preparing a meal of strictly veggies with an open mind and a desire to make it delicious, then you will most likely find it yummy! And, even if you don't forsake meat and dairy forever more...you can always enjoy one of my recipes as a change of pace.
A parting thought and preview to my next post:
Roasted Veggies.
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