“Be the change you want to see in the world!” Positive change can and does happen, one heart at a time! Though change can be difficult, when there is every reason to do so, it is not only possible but also full of tremendous potential! Learn from the success of others, be brave, flexible, patient, informed, creative and be open for the adventures ahead! This is true for so many things in life! It is especially true for making changes in the way you eat! There are so many stories “out there” that will inspire you to follow your heart! Every day, more people are realizing that they can make an important difference and are adding their voices to the millions who are speaking out for a kinder, more compassionate world. The positive environmental impact and significant health benefits are also substantial! I hope I can help you find some ways to make your journey a little easier, as I share some of the things that helped me. Choosing to live with compassion is life-changing in the best ways possible!
Part One
Stocking your Kitchen
Having the kitchen stocked with some of these basics makes it easier to create something delicious without having to run to the store. If a recipe calls for one type of veggie or plant milk, you can often just substitute another! Taste as you go! Enjoy creating something new!
These are the building blocks to most of my meals and recipes now:
(Don’t worry if the list looks long. You probably have most of it already!)
Cupboards
1) A variety of spices! Life and food need these! Some staples for me are: salt, pepper, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, curry powder, chile powder, a store mix of roasted garlic and peppers, cumin, dried oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme. I have slowly filled my cupboards with others but these are the most commonly used.
2) Baking supplies: All-purpose, unbleached flour, multigrain bread flour, white sugar, brown sugar, icing sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cornstarch, vanilla extract, almond flavouring, cocoa, applesauce.
3) Other: Olive oil, apple cider vinegar, agave, (a great alternative to honey) rice, cornmeal, oatmeal, vegan chocolate chips, brown rice, pasta, a powdered veggie stock, canned beans, chickpeas, lentils, coconut milk, pumpkin,and tomatoes.
Fridge
(Fill it up! You should plan on equipping your fridge with a wide variety of flavours and colours! This is where the magic starts!)
1) Keep a variety of favourite sauces and dips on hand for stir frying veggies, spicing up a sandwich, or creating some new favourite meals! Read labels to ensure they are vegan and then try lots! I like to have a tamari or soy sauce, spicy peanut sauce, thai sweet chile, teriyaki sauce, mustards, ketchup, vegan mayo, and hot sauce.
2) Fresh veggies, especially, cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, spinach, mushrooms, sweet peppers, and lemons.
3) Peanut butter, almond butter, vegan butter, jams, salsa, plant milk, craisins, maple syrup, and Cashew Crumbles. (A cheezy sprinkle is good on so many things!)
4) Nuts: hazelnuts, pistachios (shelled), toasted cashews, almonds, etc.
5) Seeds: sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, roasted pumpkin seeds, poppy seeds, and ground flaxseed (an excellent egg replacer)
6) Regular yeast for so many baked goodies, and Nutritional Yeast, which adds B12 and a cheezy flavour to so many recipes!
** Having nuts and seeds on hand means you can easily toss a handful onto a salad or a stew and boost the goodness!
On-the-counter produce:
– tomatoes, avocados, oranges, bananas, growing sprouts… (to be discussed soon!)
In-a-dark-cool-place produce:
– potatoes, sweet potatoes, onions, a butternut squash, and LOTS of fresh garlic!!!
Freezer
1) A loaf of grainy bread, sliced, for emergency toast snacks and quick toasted veggie sandwiches.
2) Frozen fruit to make desserts, jams, smoothies, etc.
3) Frozen peas, frozen corn, and any veggies you grew and froze!
4) Pre-made meals for busy days, eg. soups, chile, curry, lasagne, pasta sauce, perogies, gnocchi…
5) Frozen, soaked cashews, ready to use!
5) Frozen cookies, just in case…
You don’t need to have this all at once, but it is a great feeling to know you have the makings of so much goodness! I hope this helps! Next blog, I’ll talk about some of the easiest ways to use these ingredients to create some really quick, delicious, plant-based snacks and meals!
