For the past 6 months or so, I've been thinking about dabbling in a vegan diet, but have had major commitment-phobia. No dairy? No eggs? I already can barely cook, how will I survive without omelets and cheese? It takes big-time commitment to be a full-time vegan, and I'm just not ready for that. I did decide to tackle one of the things on my 30 before 30 list: try being a vegan for 30 days. October is the month! Buh bye eggs, dairy, and honey!
Because I'm not much of a cook, I don't have much of a pantry at home...in fact, I barely even had spices beyond italian seasoning and garlic powder! To prepare for my vegan month, I did some epic grocery shopping. After perusing some blogs and cookbooks, I realized just how many ingredients my kitchen was lacking and prepared this crazy list...
I started the shopping adventures at my favorite store, Trader Joe's. I swear, every time I walk into that store I am instantly in a wonderful mood. If I ever burn out at teaching, I think working there might be a nice change...the employees are always so happy! Just kidding...kinda... ;) I managed to find a bunch of things on my list here...
Today, I hit Whole
Paycheck Foods. Another happy place! Although because I rarely go there, I felt completely lost wandering through the store! I found some other goodies there before heading over to Jewel to pick up some basics and the last of my list. The haul:
The damage:
$210 later, and my fridge and cabinets are full of vegan goodness! In order to make it through this month, I am commiting to cooking at least 2-3 real meals a week. That may not seem like much, but that's about 2-3 more meals a week than I normally cook! I got the party started tonight with a slightly simplified version of a recipe from the cookbook
Veganomicon: Pineapple Cashew Quinoa. This is the only cutting board I have in my apartment...Can you tell I don't cook much? Must add that to my next Target list!
The finished product: YUM!!!
This recipe was pretty simple, fresh, light, and super tasty. Also, it's packed with three different plant-based proteins! Quinoa, edamame, and cashews. WOOHOO!
Any vegan-friendly recipes to recommend? I'm gonna need help if I'm going to make it through this month!!!
EDIT: I just found out that today is World Vegetarian Day! What better day to start my vegan experiment :)
Wish I could help you here. I'll be thinking of you if I come across anything! :) Have not been here in awhile but I love your new header...so great to see your lovely face!!
ReplyDeleteWow! I'm impressed with your new venture ;) I'm pretty sure this recipe is vegan:
ReplyDeletehttp://allrecipes.com/recipe/quinoa-with-chickpeas-and-tomatoes/detail.aspx
I know for sure it's delicious. I add a little cooked zucchini to it too!
And these chickpea tacos are really yummy (just omit the sour cream and they're vegan!)
http://yesteachercrafts.blogspot.com/2011/08/knock-your-socks-off-chickpea-tacos.html
Good for you and good luck!! I wish I could give you some kind of recipe but I'm fresh out. I have neither a Trader Joe's or Whole Foods where I live, so I'm totally jealous.
ReplyDeleteOoo goodness good luck! Can't wait to hear about your adventures.
ReplyDeleteGood luck! I can't wait to hear more about how this goes.
ReplyDeleteWOW! so cool friend! i know nothing about vegan but am pulling for you! good luck!
ReplyDeleteTrader Joes has a list of everything in their store that's vegan- just go online. Congrats on going vegan. I've been for 18 months and I love it. I hope it works out for you!
ReplyDelete