One Post for February!

I thought I better blow the cobwebs off my blog so I could get one post in for this month! The past five months have been a wild ride with sinus surgery, the bipolar rollercoaster, thyroid issues, and falling off the veggie wagon. After having extensive bloodwork I can see the proof of what a plant-based lifestyle does for my health. My cholesterol and triglycerides were ridiculously high. Some of the anxiety and OCD was from my thyroid being way too high. I've been working with my naturopathic doctor to get that straightened out and I climbed back up on the veg wagon to start anew.

I found this soup recipe in Vegan Food Gifts. I wanted to try it out before I made it as gifts. 

~ Hearty Pasta Soup with Chik'n Mix ~

It has tri-color pasta, seasonings (along with 1/2 cup vegetable broth powder), lentils, and soy curls. 

I'm glad I tried this myself first because the directions say to just throw everything into the pot and cook for 10 to 12 minutes until the pasta and lentils are tender. Well, the pasta was tender way before the lentils softened so I had to let it simmer until the lentils were no longer hard. By then, I ended up with mushy pasta. The soup did taste really good so if I make this again I think I will cook the lentils first before adding them into the pot! 

Goodie Bags for New Year's

I like to get these bags made to give to the special people in my life during the month of December. Yeah, that didn't happen this year. So I made "Happy New Year's" bags instead. I like to give them to people who take such good care of me throughout the year ~ my chiropractor, hairstylist, massage therapist, Pilates instructor; and a few special friends. 

I have a notebook where I collect ideas all year long and then choose new things to add to the bags each year. This year I made two soup mixes I found in Vegan Food Gifts. Love that book; so many great ideas! And she gives you a recipe to copy and cut out with each one.  

 Masala Soup Mix

red lentils, brown rice, split peas, quinoa, veg. broth powder and lots of spices ~ 

Garam Masala style! -chives, cumin, coriander, chili powder, salt, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, black pepper, bay leaf

Cajun Red Beans & Rice

white rice, red beans, parsley, chives, salt, onion & garlic powder, smoked paprika, basil, black pepper, cayenne, oregano, thyme, and bay leaf

I also included a bag of my herb tea I make. 

I get the organic dried herbs from Mountain Rose Herbs. 

 Everyone always likes the aromatherapy spray I put in the bags. This year I used a recipe from Mountain Rose Herb's blog called "Winter Spice" with essential oils of cinnamon leaf, cedarwood, and clove. 

 I love making my own incense; it is quite labor-intensive though for so few cones. But it smells divine! It doesn't give me a headache like store-bought incense does. 

And for my cat-loving friends I included some catnip mice! I have heard good reports that the cats love them. Heehee! 

New Year's gift bags all ready to go.

TVP Taco Meat Mix

I had some TVP I needed to use and found this easy to make Taco Meat Mix in Vegan Food Gifts. 

You just combine TVP granules with some chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, sugar, cumin, paprika, cayenne, and salt. I have bought packaged taco meat mixes before with a lot of added preservatives in it; now I have an easy, cheaper, healthier version to keep in my pantry.