Important GE Study Released

It's been all over the news . . .  the first peer-reviewed, long-term study of the effects of consuming genetically engineered corn was recently released. Rats that were fed genetically engineered "Roundup Ready" corn developed massive mammary tumors, liver and kidney disease, and premature death. Of course, some geneticists are criticizing the study and calling it "flawed," but at the very least this should spur on further independent studies and prove the need for labeling of GE foods . . . if only to be able to track any possible ill effects.

If you live in California, it is so important that you vote YES on Proposition 37 to mandate labeling of GE foods. It could set a precedent that other states will follow. In the meantime, to make sure you don't consume GE products, buy organic.

Why Use a Slow Cooker?

  

I am so excited to host a guest post by one of my favorite vegan cookbook authors: Robin Robertson. She is about to release a new cookbook called Fresh from the Vegan Slow Cooker (The Harvard Common Press, 2012). I haven't gotten to see this one yet but from reading her post, I certainly can't wait to get it . . . and you can be sure I'll post a review when I do. So without further ado . . . here's Robin!

Why Use a Slow Cooker?

by Robin Robertson

Most slow-cooker enthusiasts would agree that convenience, economy, and great taste are what keep them coming back to their slow cookers time and again. When you cook in a slow cooker, the longer cooking times allow the flavors of the ingredients to meld into a deep complexity that is often unparalleled in other cooking methods. Slow cooking can be more nutritious, too, since the long cooking time allows the nutrients to concentrate in the food as it draws more flavor out of the ingredients. When you factor in the convenience quotient, you’ve got a kitchen helper worthy of the name.

What could be easier than assembling your ingredients, putting them in the slow cooker, and turning it on? That’s it! Several hours later, dinner is served. For added convenience, your meal can be served directly from the ceramic pot in which it was cooked. In addition, the removable ceramic insert can be refrigerated, so you can prepare your ingredients the night before and refrigerate them overnight right in the insert so it’s all ready to cook the next day. Slow cooking can be a terrific solution for busy people who want to eat healthy delicious meals.

In addition to cooking soups and stews, a slow cooker can be used to do such diverse things as cook corn on the cob, braise tofu, and make seitan from scratch. Its versatility extends to casserole-type dishes such as lasagna or mac and cheese, and even “bake” breads and desserts—dishes usually associated with the oven.  It’s also ideal for making jams, chutneys, and other condiments.

Perhaps one of the most popular dishes to make in a slow cooker is chili. One of my favorite chili recipes in Fresh from the Vegan Slow Cooker is this Two-Lentil Chili.  Using two kinds of lentils give this chili a great texture — the red lentils cook down and thicken while the brown lentils hold their shape.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Recipe: Two-Lentil Chili

Serves 4 to 6

Slow Cooker Size: 4- to 6-quart

Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours on Low

Gluten-free

Soy-free Option

Ingredients

·          2 teaspoons olive oil (optional)

·          1 medium-size yellow onion, chopped

·          4 garlic cloves, minced

·          1 or 2 jalapeño chiles, seeded and minced

·          1 bell pepper (any color), seeded and chopped

·          3 tablespoons chili powder

·          1 teaspoon dried oregano

·          1 teaspoon ground cumin

·          1 cup dried brown lentils, rinsed and picked over

·          1 cup dried red lentils, rinsed and picked over

·          1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes

·          1 tablespoon soy sauce

·          1 teaspoon natural sugar

·          1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder

·          Salt and freshly ground black pepper

·          4 cups water

·          Diced avocado, minced onion, vegan sour cream, shredded vegan cheese, and/or chopped cilantro, for garnish

Directions

1. For the best flavor, heat the oil in a medium-size skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, garlic, chiles, and bell pepper and sauté until softened, about 4 minutes. Add the chili powder, oregano, and cumin and sauté for 30 seconds longer. Alternatively, omit the oil and sauté these ingredients in a few tablespoons of water or combine them in a microwave-safe bowl with a little water, cover, and microwave for 2 minutes.

2. Transfer the onion mixture to the slow cooker. Add both lentils, the tomatoes, soy sauce, sugar, cocoa, and salt and pepper to taste. (You may need to add up to 2 teaspoons of salt.) Stir in the water, cover, and cook on Low until the lentils and vegetables are tender, 6 to 8 hours.

3. Taste and adjust the seasonings, if needed. Serve hot, garnished with your favorite chili toppings.

Recipe © 2012 by Robin Robertson and used by permission of The Harvard Common Press.

End of Summer Minestrone Soup

A trip to the farmers' market this weekend prompted this version of minestrone soup . . . a soup I rarely make the same way twice as it always depends on what vegetables and herbs I have on hand. We really liked this one, however, so thought I'd share.

Minestrone Soup
Minestrone is my kids favorite soup . . . probably because of the pasta. Like most soups, the flavor is even better the second day.

 Olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon minced rosemary, preferable fresh but dried okay
2 carrots, cut into half moons (or quarters if carrots are very fat)
2 cups green bean (1-inch slices)
1 fairly large zucchini or summer squash, cut into bite-sized chunks
3 1/2 cups diced tomatoes (fresh or canned with juice)
2 cups chopped kale or other dark leafy green
1 quart vegetable broth or stock
2 cups water
2 cups or 1 (15-ounce) can cooked kidney beans
 2 cups cooked pasta
salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Pour enough olive oil to coat the bottom of a large pot and place over medium-low heat. Add the onion, celery, and garlic. Cook and stir 10 minutes, until softened. Add the basil, rosemary, carrots, green beans, squash, tomatoes, kale, soup stock, and water. Cover, place heat on high, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender but not mushy. Add remaining ingredients and cook a few more minutes until heated through. Stir in parsley.

Serves 8

Note: If I’m not serving immediately, I actually like to keep the pasta separate so it doesn’t get mushy and then add it just before serving. (A trick from my restaurant days.) That’s also why I used cooked pasta rather than adding raw pasta to the soup and cooking it in there . . . but you certainly can add a 3/4 cup of uncooked pasta and an extra cup of water with the vegetables to save a step.