by Michaela Kennedy | Jun 23, 2014 | Food Guide, Recipes
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.
Start out the evening with some almond stuffed mushrooms and easy bruschetta, before moving on to apple fig walnut rocket salad.
For the main course, treat your lover to sesame-glazed tofu with sides of grilled avocado with roasted veggies and rroasted asparagus salad.
Let’s not forget dessert! Chocolate Fondue with figs, bananas, and strawberries, and Chocolate Turtle Truffle Torte are two sweet choices for your lucky honey.
by Michaela Kennedy | Jun 23, 2014 | Vegan Main Meals
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?
Photo credit: Ewan Munro
by Michaela Kennedy | Jun 20, 2014 | Side Dishes
The first thing to consider is which oil to use when you want to grill asparagus. Coconut oil is more healthy when used for high-heat cooking. Use your expensive Extra Virgin Olive oil for salad dressings. It is easy to use coconut oil and if it's still solid then just take a small amount between your hands. Then give the asparagus a little massage and ‘voila' you have the asparagus covered in coconut oil. Avocado oil is also good for high-heat cooking.
For 2 generous servings you will need:
500 g /1 lb. asparagus
2 Tbsp / 10ml coconut oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper
Trim the bases of the asparagus spears. Break them off by hand. I prefer to break them off by hand by starting with the base between my thumb and index finger and giving it a slight bend.
Heat your grill to high 200°C /400°F. Wash the asparagus and pat dry. Place in a baking dish and toss with coconut oil, salt, and ground pepper until all of the spears are coated. When the grill is hot, place the spears across the grates and grill about 3 minutes then flip them over. Grill another 3 minutes or so until just blistering. Remove from heat and serve.
Here are 11 vegan asparagus recipes http://www.glueandglitter.com/ for you to get inspired by.
by Michaela Kennedy | Jun 20, 2014 | Recipes
Can a serious mountain climber be vegan? Kuntal Joisher who is a software engineer and has climbed Mount Everest says:
I just returned from a trip climbing the north side of Mount Elbrus, the highest peak on the European continent, located in the Caucasus Mountains. Most people whom I met on my trip to Russia were skeptical of my diet during the expedition. See, there are a lot of climbers out there, some of who have even summited Everest, but I'd venture to say that very few of them are vegetarian, let alone strict vegans.
I am a strict vegan climber who attempted to summit Everest this year on a purely vegan diet, and I just summited Elbrus.
Surprisingly, most of the people I met in Russia, including my guide team, had never even heard the word “vegan.” Russia is considered to be a predominantly meat and dairy country due to the harsh weather. Because they can't imagine any meal without either of these items, my new Russian friends were wondering how I would be able to climb the mountain without eating meat or consuming dairy, recommended climbing dietary staples.
Read the article at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/
Image Courtesy: Rupert Taylor-Price (www.flickr.com/photos/38154080@N00/534748923), Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic | Flickr
