Holiday time is approaching and we will be jumping on planes, trains, buses or ferries to go to our holiday destination.
As vegans we cannot always rely on getting vegan foods. So we will have to get creative because often time we get a simple salad served, which is not bad but not filling either.
Our flight left early in the morning, so for breakfast I made us peanut butter and banana sandwiches on sprouted bread, which we had at the airport after getting through security. I also made big zip lock bags of delicious spiced roasted garlic chick peas for the plane ride, and granola for when we would be site seeing and walking around. On the plane, we munched on our chick peas while reading our books and it was enough to satisfy our hunger pains while up in the air. The recipe below is what I made for our trip.
Most restaurants in the airport are accommodating. Ask the server to omit an ingredient or to make a different variation of something.
Some airline menus will offer a salad option, simply have it with no or very little dressing.
Print out a list ahead of time of vegan restaurants, health food stores, and grocery stores from Happy Cow (and you can download their app too).
Stores located inside airports will have convenient snacks in a pinch, but remember to read those ingredients. Things like trail mixes can contain lots of sugars and oils.
Tapas are appetizers, or snacks, in Spanish cuisine. They come in a wide variety, and may be cold or hot. It is fairly easy to make vegan versions. Here’s a fine recipe, which is even cheesy. Tapas don't get much better than that. Well, maybe they are even better when they are vegan and raw – and you can store them in your fridge for a few days.
I love Italian vegan sausages, and they are great to take on picnics. I pack and take them along with other lunch goodies on hikes in the forests where I like to roam with my hubby. But I cannot buy vegan sausages in Finland where I live at the moment. So, I did a search and found a great website: http://www.theppk.com
I will make them from the recipe below, and post an update on how they panned out.
1/2 cup cooked white beans (great northern or navy), rinsed and drained
1 cup vegetable broth
1 tablespoon olive oil *or* 1 tablespoon tomato paste (tomato paste is a great fat replacement)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 1/4 cups vital wheat gluten
1/4 cup nutritional yeast
1 teaspoon granulated garlic *or* 2 cloves fresh garlic, finely grated
1 1/2 teaspoons fennel seed, crushed *or* 1 teaspoon ground fennel seed
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Several dashes fresh black pepper
Before mixing your ingredients, get the steaming apparatus ready, bringing water to a full boil. The rest of the recipe comes together very quickly.
Have ready 4 square sheets of tin foil. In a large bowl, mash the beans until no whole ones are left. Throw all the other ingredients together in the order listed and mix with a fork. Divide dough into 4 even parts (an easy way to do this: split the dough in half and then into quarters). Place one part of dough into tin foil and mold into about a 5 inch log. Wrap dough in tin foil, like a tootsie roll. Don’t worry too much about shaping it, it will snap into shape while it’s steaming because this recipe is awesome.
Place wrapped sausages in steamer and steam for 40 minutes. That’s it! You can unwrap and enjoy immediately or refrigerate until ready to use.
Vegan aphrodisiacs and recipes with these colorful, stimulating ingredients can enhance any mood. One belief is that aphrodisiacs evoke or stimulate sexual desire. Yet, there's no scientific evidence. Experts say that aphrodisiacs can work in two ways. There are those that create sexual desire by working on the mind, and there are those that create desire by affecting parts of the body. This post covers the latter. A common belief is that these eight vegan foods are aphrodisiacs. At the end of this post, I have added a dinner suggestion. Enjoy!
Almonds
This nut is one of the earliest cultivated foods and regarded as a symbol of fertility throughout history. In fact, the tradition of having almonds at a wedding began during Roman times. Guests would throw the nuts at newlyweds. It is also thought that the smell of almonds incites passion in women.
Asparagus
Touted as an aphrodisiac as early as the 17th century, asparagus boosts potassium and folic acid. The latter to boost histamine production, a necessary component in reaching orgasm for both sexes. Bridegrooms in the 19th century France were served three courses of asparagus at their prenuptial dinner.
Avocados
Avocados boast the famous feminine shape and are high in omega-3 fatty acids and potassium, as well as vitamin B6, which increases male hormone production. They are so effective, in fact, that Spanish priests used to forbid their parishioners from eating them.
Bananas
Regarded as a symbol of fertility by Hindus. The banana has a sensual shape and is chock full of potassium and B vitamins, both needed to produce sex hormones. Additionally, bananas contain the male libido-enhancing bromelain enzyme.
Basil
This member of the mint family helps promote circulation, which stimulates sex drive. In Moldavian folklore, a man will fall in love with a woman if he accepts a sprig of basil from her.
Chocolate
Chocolate is a staple Valentine’s Day gift for a reason. The food is full of compounds including anandamide, a psychoactive feel-good chemical. And phenylethylamine, a chemical that releases dopamine in the pleasure centers of the brain, and produces feelings of excitement and happiness. Cacao also contains tryptophan, which is essential for the brain to release serotonin, a “happiness” chemical.
Figs
Believed to have been in the Garden of Eden, figs were also Cleopatra’s favorite fruit. The ancient Greeks associated them with love and fertility. Figs are a great source of flavonoids and antioxidants, and some believe that figs can increase sexual stamina.
Garlic
This member of the onion family contains allicin, an ingredient that increases blood flow. Both in Hinduism and Jainism beliefs, garlic can increase desire, also good for warming the body. It is well known, that this little bulb creates some strong breath when eaten. Steer clear on a first date.
Vegan aphrodisiacs in recipes
Try out all these (in the) mood-boosters in one fell swoop with these tasty dishes.
When it comes to vegan burgers, the possibilities are as exciting as they are delicious. Gone are the days of plain, uninspired patties—today’s plant-based burgers are packed with flavor, texture, and creativity. And you don't have to buy the premade ones, which may not have as healthy ingredients as you'd like.Making your own can be quick, easy and tasty.
Vegan burger basics: vegetables, grains and legumes
By using vegetables, grains, and legumes, you can craft burgers that are not only satisfying but also full of nutrients. Whether you're planning a backyard barbecue or a quick, cozy dinner at home, vegan burgers are the perfect way to enjoy a healthy, flavorful meal without sacrificing taste.
What makes vegan burgers so special is the variety of ingredients you can use. From the smoky richness of grilled portobello mushrooms to the sweet, hearty combination of sweet potatoes and black beans, the combinations are endless. These vegan patties are as versatile as they are delicious, offering countless ways to experiment with flavors and textures. Best of all, they’re packed with fiber, vitamins, and plant-based protein, making them a nutritious choice for anyone looking to eat more vegetables or try something new.
The 10 creative vegan burger options below showcase just how fun and flavorful plant-based cooking can be. Whether you’re craving something bold like a barbecue jackfruit patty or something hearty like a lentil and walnut burger, these recipes are sure to impress. Pair them with your favorite toppings, sauces, and buns for a meal that feels indulgent but is truly good for you. Ready to step up your burger game? Let’s dive into these mouthwatering options!
Vegan burger basics
Are you craving a vegan burger? Choose tofu, textured vegetable protein, tempeh or seitan. You can also use veggies. The trick is to know which veggie to use, so your vegan burger won't fall apart and tastes great.
When you experiment with burger making, remember: the harder you pack it together, the better it will stay togeher, If you notice that a combination is not holding well together, try adding an egg replacer, such as flaxseed and water, to the ingredients before making the patties.
My mother taught me how to make a burger by cupping my hands together. I can even remember practicing outside, making mudcakes. So, yes, your hands make good molds without having to buy extra equipment. Sometimes I will use parchment papaer or clear wrap so as to keep my hands clean.
How about trying some different ingredients? Here are 10 tasty options below:
10 creative vegetable options for vegan burgers
When it comes to vegan burgers, creativity is key! With countless plant-based ingredients at your disposal, you can craft burgers that are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Whether you're grilling for a summer barbecue or preparing a quick weeknight dinner, these 10 creative vegetable-based options offer something for everyone.
Let’s dive into the world of vegan burgers and explore the endless possibilities:
Portobello mushroom – Grilled or roasted portobello mushrooms make an excellent burger patty base with their meaty texture.
Beet and quinoa – Combine grated beets, cooked quinoa, and seasonings to form a hearty, nutrient-dense patty.
Sweet potato and black bean – Mash roasted sweet potatoes and black beans together, then pan-fry to create a sweet and savory burger.
Lentil and walnut – Cooked lentils blended with toasted walnuts, oats, and spices make for a delicious, protein-packed burger.
Eggplant and chickpea – Roast eggplant and mash it with cooked chickpeas, breadcrumbs, and herbs for a creamy, umami-rich patty.
Zucchini and sunflower seed – Shredded zucchini combined with sunflower seeds, breadcrumbs, and spices creates a veggie-packed burger.
Cauliflower and oat – Riced or grated cauliflower mixed with oats, spices, and binders like flax or chia makes a unique, nutrient-dense burger.
Jackfruit and barbecue – Shredded young green jackfruit simmered in a tangy barbecue sauce makes for a deliciously meaty vegan burger.
Carrot and cashew – Roasted carrots blended with soaked cashews, herbs, and spices results in a creamy, flavorful burger patty.
Mushroom and barley – Sautéed mushrooms combined with cooked pearl barley, breadcrumbs, and seasonings forms a hearty, filling burger.
Some assembly required
Packing your burger can be a personal preference – some people like to smash the ingredients before mixing; others use a food processor for smller, smoother textures. It's totally up to you, Make sure you have all the traditional condiments on the table, like ketchup, mustard, pickles, lettuce, tomatoes and onions. I also like to have barbeque sauce available. What are some of your favorite condiments on burgers?
