Why?

I hate that question. My husband and I went to Marco Island, Florida last week, he for work, me for rest and relaxation! One of the perks of this "vacation" is we get taken out to dinner. Marco Island is a wonderful place, unfortunately they have quite of few steak restaurants of which we went to. I have a big admission to make, I ate my share of fish last week. I know, but meat or chicken did NOT pass these lips! The questions I got asked when I said I became a vegetarian was "WHY"? I guess I should have said, "why do you eat meat?" My response is always the same, I tell them I'm doing it for my heart, the second question is, "what about protein?" again, I have to explain to them that I eat lots of beans which are loaded with protein. I think we need to educate people that eating vegetables, legumes, pasta isn't really that difficult. At one of those steak restaurants my husband ordered a steak (of course), the sight of it made me sick, I felt bad enough I was eating fish! I suppose I should have just ordered a bunch of sides, they did have quite of variety of side vegetable dishes which being part of a big party we did order most of them, and which I ate most of them.
So, the next time, someone asks me "why" I'm going to tell them, because I want to live a long time without complications!

Jungle Jim's International Market

I went "home" this past weekend for my mom's memorial service. Since we where in Cincinnati I asked my daughter if she would like to check out "Jungle Jim's". She is a big "foodie" just like me, so she agreed. What you may ask is "Jungle Jim's International Market"? Its an amazing food extravaganza. If you need that one special ingredient, I guarantee he will have it. The store encompasses 350,000 square feet of, vegetables, fruit, canned goods, health food, foods from around the world, beers from around the world, cheese, baked goods, meats (OK so we don't go there), and an amazing wine collection, the largest in the United States!
I remember going to "Jungle Jim's" with my dad, it started in 1974, a small fruit and vegetable stand on a corner lot in Fairfield, Ohio. And my has it grown. When I left Cincinnati about 9 years ago, I was amazed at what I could find there. Now its grown even larger. I hear languages from all over the world from the various visitors. I suggest if you go, (make a special trip, its worth it) plan to spend at least 2 hours there and bring that list of special ingredients you can't find anywhere. Have fun! Its an amazing food adventure. Check out their website @ www.junglejims.com.

A Three Way......

My favorite bad food is a 3 way from Skyline Chili in Cincinnati, unfortunately its full of meat. What's a vegetarian to do? I found this book "Vegetarian Beginner's Guide"and there it was a recipe for Cincinnati Chili.
Yahoo!!!! I just made it and it was yummy! I loved it! I felt like I just ate at Skyline only this time I knew I was making my heart happy!
Here's the recipe, if you've never had Cincinnati chili, give it a try.
Cincinnati Chili
6-8 servings
16 oz can red beans
16 oz can chickpeas
2 med onions, coarsely chopped
4 cloves garlic, mined
1 medium carrot, peeled and chopped
1 large stalk celery, chopped
4 cups water
1- 6 oz can tomato paste mixed with 1 cup water
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3 tablespoons chili powder, or to taste
1/2 oz unsweetened baking chocolate (don't let this scare you! this is the secret)
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
salt and pepper
1. Combine all ingredients in a large soup kettle or stew pot. Bring to a full rolling boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
2. Reduce to a simmer and cook, uncovered, until thick enough to mound on a spoon, about 1 hour. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Now, to make it a 3-way
Spaghetti
shredded cheddar cheese
Cook spaghetti as directed.
Layer spaghetti on plate, top with chili, top chili with cheese....
When eating a 3-way you don't use a knife, you "cut" the 3-way with the side of your fork.
Now ENJOY!