Meatout Mondays - Kick the Meat Habit One Day at a Time!
May 18, 2009
Recipe
Shiitake-Tofu Lettuce Wraps

Mushrooms are used extensively in many cuisines, notably Chinese, European, and Japanese. Full of fiber, most mushroom varieties are a good source of minerals, especially potassium, and vitamins, particularly vitamin B. Mushrooms are also a superb protein source because of their exceptional amino acid content. Add sliced fresh mushrooms to tossed salads, sauté and season them, or even chop and add them to sauces, soups, and stews.

Ingredients:

1 head of lettuce
1 lb. extra firm tofu (drained)
2 1/2 cups shiitake mushrooms, chopped
4 Tbs. fresh garlic, chopped
2 Tbs. fresh ginger, chopped
4 oz. water chestnuts, chopped
1-2 Tbs.soy sauce
red pepper flakes (to taste)
pepper (to taste)

Directions:

  1. Dice tofu into small bite-size cubes and spread them out on a cookie sheet.
  2. Sprinkle tofu with red pepper flakes and soy sauce; bake at 350º F for 35-45 minutes.
  3. In a wok or frying pan, sauté garlic and ginger for about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Add mushrooms; add more soy sauce & red pepper flakes if desired; cook 10-12 minutes.
  5. Add water chestnuts and tofu; cook another 2-5 minutes.
  6. Wash and dry the lettuce and pull off pieces about the size of your palm; spoon the mixture into the leaves and roll them up.

For this and more delicious recipes, check out the HungryHungryVeganos website!

magazine
VegNews Magazine

VegNews Magazine is the smart way to stay informed about the latest happenings in the veg world. Learn exciting new vegan recipes, get tips on traveling, find out about the best products, and much more. Since beginning publication in 2000, VegNews has become the most talked about veg magazine. The premier magazine to focus on a vegan lifestyle, VegNews offers its readers (almost 200,000) up-to-date information on a compassionate and healthy lifestyle with features such as: the latest vegan news, intriguing interviews, travel tales, food & health, celebrity buzz, delicious recipes, practical advice, the hottest new veg products, fabulous vegan weddings, and much more. It's all in VegNews. Haven't subscribed yet? What're you waiting for!?

VegNews supports good causes and is a sponsor of this summer's Animal Rights 2009 National Conference! Be sure to attend for the conference and stop by the VegNews exhibit table.

Find out more about the magazine at www.VegNews.com!

health
Mushrooms Help Beat the Flu

With the scare of flu in recent news, it’s good to know mushrooms help boost your immune system and protect against infection.

Research conducted at Tufts University and published in The Journal of Nutrition revealed that button mushrooms enhance the body’s natural immune response against viral infections and tumors. According to Accredited Practicing Dietitian Glenn Cardwell, "Laboratory research found that the intake of mushrooms may promote innate immunity - the body's first line of defense - against viruses.” Common button mushrooms contain substances that jump start the immune system. They also raise levels of proteins that help defend against viruses and tumors.

Cardwell sees current concerns over the impact of influenza, particularly the swine flu, influencing the importance of eating a balanced diet. That includes foods that naturally boost the immune system. He emphasizes, "While it is always tempting to reach for a quick fix vitamin or medical supplement, real food alternatives, such as the mushroom, are a healthier long-term choice."

To read the full article, click here!

Inspiration
SuperVegans!

Supervegan is an ambitious website made by vegans for vegans. In the March/April 2009 issue of VegNews, Supervegans Patrick Kwan and Olivia Lane (both New York City natives) are featured among the 20 young activists under 30, who comprise the faces of vegetarianism's future in "20 Under 30."

Patrick is a politically passionate 27-year-young founder of the Student Animal Rights Alliance (SARA) who has enhanced the lives of animals since high school. He’s trained thousands of students in activism. Humorous and kitchen savvy, Patrick is the New York State Director for The Humane Society of the US. He has raised awareness on critical issues from puppy mills to canned hunts.

Olivia is a vividly vivacious vegan and co-founder of SuperVegan. In regard to the growing world of veg-themed blogs, she says, "It's millions of different bloggers and commenters adding to the diversity of the public image of vegans and to the discourse of what it means to live an ethical lifestyle." In conjunction with her activism, the 29-year-old earns a living at the eco-friendly boutique Sustainable NYC and as a hostess for Angelica Kitchen, an all-vegan restaurant.

Find out more at www.SuperVegan.com!

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