More Green, Vegan and Eco ideas for Everyone!

WOW, I’ve been reading about so many new and exciting Green, Vegan and Eco-friendly items lately that it’s just simply about time I do another share page.

Before I forget, it’s Monday, so go Meatless!!

If you need an idea for dinner tonight, here’s a quick recipe:

Mexican Casserole
Vegan Ingredients:

1 lb rotini pasta – I use whole grain pasta
1/2 onion chopped fine (optional)
1 clove garlic minced (optional)
1 package of Soy Chorizo – I get mine at Trader Joe’s
1 1/2 cups frozen corn (or you can use canned corn)
1-2 tomatoes, chopped
1 can pinto beans (you can use black beans if you’d rather)
1 small can tomato sauce (8oz)
1 package shredded soy cheddar cheese (or get a block of soy cheese and grate it)
2 cups baby spinach

Spices: add to taste salt, pepper, and chili powder.

Directions:
Cook pasta according to directions on package – leave a little al dente – try not to let it cook too much to get mushy. Set aside.

If you’re using frozen corn kernels, thaw them. I usually pour what I need into a microwave safe glass bowl, (even though I’m not fond of using the microwave), add a little water and microwave for 2-3 minutes. Drain water. Set aside.

Add a little olive oil to a pan (about 1 tbspn), add chopped onion (if desired). Cook until onion looks clear (about 5 minutes). Add garlic and cook a little more.

Remove the wrapping from the soy chorizo and add to the pan cooking until heated through.

Pour the thawed corn over the chorizo and then add your beans and chopped tomatoes over that.

Add the pasta to the pan. Now, add tomato sauce and seasonings.

Stir all together.

Pour 1/2 of the mixture into a casserole dish. Put a layer of spinach on top of this, and 1/2 or a little less of the soy cheese on top of the spinach.  Add the rest of the pasta and the rest of the soy cheese on top.

Bake at 450 for about 10-15 minutes or until cheese is melted.
*Turning on the broiler at the end helps melt the soy cheese better.

ENJOY!

Did I forget something??? aaaahhh, yes, dessert….check out this company:

Their chocolates are divine! Handmade, vegan, raw chocolate truffles, brownies, dipped date rolls, etc. YUM! They had me at the word chocolate!! Also, you can eat these and then feel good about doing that. (I promise, they don’t know me and are not paying me to say these things about them).

To see a re-cap of my other favorite animal replacement products, click the “Stuff to Share” link above on my page. I share both green cleaning tips and vegan and vegetarian food alternatives there.

My final tidbit to share for this post has to do with my all-time favorite product, baking soda!!

Truly, this stuff is amazing. Did I go on and on enough about it in the Lifestyles with Nia Peeples radio interview? If you want more information on on uses for this amazing product, click the following link: http://armhammer.com/myhome/room.asp?room=Family%20Room# Then you can pick a room and learn about all the cleaning and deodorizing tips this simple product can help you with there.

Seriously, it has so many uses – you can even put out minor grease and electrical fires with it – though here’s hoping you never have to use that tip. Add it your shampoo and it will help remove buildup and improve the manageability of your hair. For other personal care solutions click this link http://www.armandhammer.com/solutions.aspx

I’m amazed lately that almost every magazine I read has information on green or eco-friendly products, food, ideas, travel, etc. I love it!! These are my tips for today. I’ll share more soon.