Stuffed Artichokes, French Onion Soup, Hoppin John, Seeded Crackers and A Fruity Lunch

Five more to report tonight, but first I want to mention another great benefit of plant based cooking. On my last shopping trip, I spent $150. Of that, $100 was spent in the produce dept (you know how much time that saves?) and then I did just two other aisles for seeds, nuts, beans, granola and soy milk. It is so great to be buying predominantly whole, fresh foods and all the meals reflect that life and vitality. I am willing to bet that one year ago my shopping cart would only have been 1/8 fresh foods, if even that.

We are all so healthy as a result. We almost never get sick. My 98(soon to be 99) year old mother is never sick and never has an ache or a pain. What a blessing.

On to the reports:(remember the rating system is V-,V,V+,V++ & V+++ being over the top delicious)

1. French Onion Soup, pg32, rated a V++, Colleen made this wonderful soup and really enjoyed it. Her one comment was to cut out the maple syrup as it made it a little too sweet but other that it was rich and brothy like that made with beef.

2. Hoppin John, pg 106, rated V++. I cooked up this dish for Chris, Katie and my 3 yr old grandaughter, Lewella (she calls it Jumpin John) and we all enjoyed it served with Rosemary Bread and Katie's kale salad (torn kale, 1 avocado, lemon juice and sea salt...so simple and so good). I did cut a corner with this by buying 3 cans of black eyed peas at Whole foods and thus saving all the soaking and cooking time.

3. Stuffed Artichokes, pg144,rated tops with a V+++. Colleen made this dish and raved about it. Colleen is a great cook so if she likes it you can be sure it is over the top!

4. A fruity Lunch, pg 11, rated a V+. I would like this better as a breakfast with lots of chopped fresh fruit. It would be nice served in a parfait glass and topped with fresh blueberries. The main ingredient is bananas. Did you know you can buy over ripe bananas and just toss them in the freezer skins and all? Then just pull
out what you need and thaw slightly in the microwave.

5. Seeded Crackers, pg 168, rated V+++. These are a delicious treat and well worth baking even though they take a bit of time. I added a little extra Braggs Aminos (available at Whole Foods and most Health food Stores)to give them a little more salty flavor. They are great with soup, dips or just plain.

Twenty more recipe commentaries to follow.