Happy 2011! Get to Cookin'

Happy 2011!  As we usher in a new year, we are again bombarded with "healthy" diets and new weight loss plans which always seem a bit far fetched and unscientific.  We promise to change the unhealthy habits and poor eating choices that we make which usually only lasts a few agonizing weeks.
I read this article by Mark Bittman in the NYT, and thought it was a perfect way to kick off the new year as he suggests that even though we say we don't have time to cook healthfully, we spend thirty five freaking hours a week in front of the t.v.  No more excuses, America, this is getting ridiculous!  Use your damn kitchen and start cooking some meals at home!

These are Mister Bittman's 3 must-have recipes for a healthy planet and a healthy population.  All can be altered to fit a meat-eaters or a vegan diet.  Happy New Year!

Broccoli Stir - Fry with Chicken (or not) and Mushrooms


Lentils and Rice With or Without Pork


Crunchy Cabbage Salad


Illustration from New York Times, January 2, 2011.

Mark Bittman's Granola

Granola, is deceptively unhealthy, as it is generally very high in fat and sometimes sugar. Usually, the better it tastes, the worse it is for you. Mark Bittman has a simple, low fat recipe which is easy to make and as soon as it is in the oven, the cinnamon, nuts and honey will get everyone asking (hovering), what are you making?? Once cooled, add your favorite dried fruit, seal in a air tight container and have your granola, guilt-free.

(Should I mention that this also makes a great gift!)

Mark Bittman's Granola

6 cups rolled oats, not quick cooking

2 cups mixed nuts or seeds. (almonds, cashews, sunflower, walnut, pecan...)

1 cup dried, shredded unsweetened coconut, optional

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 to 1 cup honey, agave, or maple syrup

1 cup raisins, or any dried fruit

Preheat oven to 350

Combine everything in a mixing bowl, except dried fruit, and place on a sheet pan. Bake for 20 - 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Watch for burning! Remove from heat, add dried fruit. Allow to cool completely and store in an airtight container.

Yummy honey from Traverse City, MI, a gift from Cheryl and Ian! Delicious!! Love it!!

Mark Bittman's Vegan Chocolate Pudding

Pudding is something that I love, love, love. And about a month ago, fate played a large part in me trying out this recipe... I was on my way to the market, as I pulled up to a red light, I fished for my Food section of the New York Times for some last minute inspiration. Now, if I told you that I had already been craving chocolate pudding that day AND that this recipe was suddenly staring back at me, you'd call me a liar. But, I tell you, it's TRUE! So, needless to say, I picked up everything the recipe called for and in a few short hours, I was in chocolate pudding heaven. I know, I know, very dramatic, but you get the point, this made my day! My thanks to Mr. Bittman for sharing this recipe and I am happy to pass this simple, yummy, and vegan pudding along to you. So go make it, like now!

As Mr. Bittman suggests, spend less time worrying about the brand/quality of tofu (but I encourage you to look for non-GMO), and focus on the quality of the chocolate you buy. I used Ghiradelli semi-sweet chocolate chips.

Mark Bittman's Vegan Mexican Chocolate Pudding

from The New York Times, May 20, 2009.

3/4 cup sugar

3/4 cup water

1 lb. Silken tofu - look for non-GMO/organic

8 oz. good quality semi-sweet or bitter-sweet chocolate, melted* (See note below).

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp chili powder, optional.

chocolate shavings, optional - for garnish.

In a small pot, place sugar + water and heat up until sugar is dissolved. Set aside, allow to slightly cool.

Place all ingredients in a blender or food processor, except chocolate shavings, and blend until completely smooth.

Divide among 6 ramekins and chill for at least 30 minutes. Garnish with chocolate shavings, if you like.

*Note: To melt chocolate, place a heat - proof bowl over a small pot filled with a few inches of water. Bring water to a boil and place pot over it with chocolate chips. Stirring occasionally, the chocolate will melt quickly. See photos above.