veganandvegetarianlife

[veganandvegetarianlife]

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Supreme

1 c Chocolate Wafer Crumbs 3 tb Margarine, Melted 24 oz Cream Cheese, Softened 3/4 c Sugar 1/4 c Unbleached All-Purpose Flour 3 ea Large Eggs 1/2 c Sour Cream 1 ts Vanilla 1 c Mini Semi-sweet Chips

Combine crumbs and margarine; press onto bottom of 9-inch spring form pan.

Bake at 350 degrees F., 10 minutes. Combine cream cheese, sugar and flour, mixing at medium speed on electric mixer until well blended.

Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Blend in sour cream and vanilla.

Stir in chocolate chips and pour into crust. Bake at 350 degrees F., 55 minutes.

Loosen cake from rim of pan; cool before removing rim of pan. Chill.

Garnish with whipped cream and fresh mint leaves, if desired.

Photo by Aliona Gumeniuk on Unsplash

#recipe #cheesecake #chocolate

[veganandvegetarianlife]

Arizona Sunset Cheesecake

Shortbread Crust

1 1/2 c Flour 1/2 c Finely ground pecans 1/3 c Sugar 1 lg Egg, separated 1/2 c Butter, softened

Cranberry Glaze Filling

1 cn Whole berry cranberry sauce OR 2 cups cranberry orange relish 2 tb Sugar 1 tb Cornstarch 1 tb Grated lemon zest 1 tb Lemon juice

White Chocolate Filling

1 1/2 c Fresh orange juice 1-3 Inch x 1 inch piece of orange peel (orange part only) 4 8 oz pkgs cream cheese 2/3 c Sugar 1 tb Grated orange zest 2 tb Cranberry Liqueur (suchas Crantasia Schnapps) 8 oz White chocolate, melted 4 Eggs

Candied Orange Topping

4 c Water 2 c Sugar 3 Seedless oranges (unpeeled) cut into paper-thin slices

Garnish Whipped Cream

Shortbread Crust: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Working on a large flat surface, such as a pastry board, place flour, pecans, and sugar in the centre of the surface and mix together.

Form a small depression or well in the centre of the mound. Add the egg yolk and the softened butter to the well, then blend these with the dry mixture.

Mix the ingredients thoroughly using your hands -- there is no substitute for warm hands.

Shape the dough into a ball and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill for at least 10 minutes.

Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/4-inch. You should have a circle of about 11 inches in diameter. For best results, roll out your dough between 2 sheets of waxed paper, then peel away the paper and cut the crust in a 9-inch circle.

Place the circle inside a 9-inch spring form pan. Prick the crust several times with a fork to keep the crust from puffing up during the baking.

Place the spring form pan in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until light brown. Allow to cool.

Using the leftover dough, line the sides of the spring form pan. Press the dough against the sides of the pan, smoothing it to have a continuous layer of crust all the way around the sides of the pan.

Make sure that the side crust meets the bottom crust all the way around. Brush the reserved egg white onto the shell, covering the bottom and sides. This will seal the dough and keep it from becoming soggy. Set aside until ready to use.

Cranberry Glaze Filling: Mix the sugar and cornstarch together in a small saucepan. Stir in the cranberry sauce. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thick. Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice. Set aside to cool slightly.

White Chocolate Filling: Reset the oven to 350 degrees F.

Boil the orange juice and piece of orange peel in a heavy medium saucepan until the juice is reduced to 3 Tbsp - about 12 minutes.

Remove and discard the strip of orange peel and set aside the reduced orange juice. Using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese, sugar, grated orange zest, Crantasia, and reduced orange juice until smooth.

Beat in the melted white chocolate and then the eggs, one at a time, beating just until combined. Pour the cranberry glaze filling into the prepared crust, spreading evenly.

Pour the white chocolate filling over the cranberry layer and bake about 50 minutes (the top will be dry, and the sides puffed slightly - the centre will not be set). Move cheesecake to a wire rack and cool completely to room temperature. Chill in the refrigerator overnight.

Candied Oranges Topping: Cover a wire rack with waxed paper. Set aside.

Combine the water and sugar in a heavy shallow wide frying-pan. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Simmer 5 minutes longer.

Add the orange slices 1 at a time and adjust the heat so that the syrup bubbles only around the edges of the pan. Cook the oranges for one hour.

Turn over the top layer of oranges and cook until the oranges are translucent and the orange peels tender, about another one hour longer.

Lift and drain each orange slice out of the syrup, and arrange the slices in a single layer on the prepared rack. Let dry 1 hour.

Boil the orange-sugar syrup until thick, about 6 minutes. Loosen and remove the sides of the spring form pan. Set the cheesecake on a serving dish.

Overlap the candied orange slices around the top of the cheesecake.

Reheat the orange syrup, if necessary, and brush over the orange slices. Drizzle any remainder over each serving. Garnish: whipped cream.

NOTE: You may substitute grapefruits for the oranges in the Candied Oranges Topping if you prefer.

Photo by Diliara Garifullina on Unsplash

#recipe #cheesecake

[veganandvegetarianlife]

Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake

1 1/2 c Creme-filled Cookie Crumbs * 2 tb Margarine, Melted 32 oz Cream Cheese, Softened 1 1/4 c Sugar 3 ea Large Eggs 1 c Sour Cream 1 ts Vanilla 6 oz Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips** 1/3 c Strained Raspberry Preserves 6 oz Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips 1/4 c Whipping Cream

* Cookie crumbs should come from 18 Cream Filled Cookies that have been finely crushed.

** This 6 oz of Chocolate chips should be melted and cooled slightly.

Combine crumbs and margarine; press onto bottom of 9-inch spring form pan.

Combine 24 oz of cream cheese and sugar, mixing at medium speed on electric mixer until well blended.

Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Blend in sour cream and vanilla; pour over crust.

Combine remaining 8 oz cream cheese and melted chocolate, mixing at medium speed on an electric mixer until well blended.

Add Red Raspberry preserves; mix well.

Drop rounded measuring tablespoonfuls of chocolate cream cheese batter over plain cream cheese batter, do not swirl.

Bake at 325 degrees F., 1 hour and 25 minutes.

Loosen cake from rim of pan; cool before removing rim of pan.

Melt chocolate pieces and whipping cream over low heat stirring until smooth. Spread over cheesecake.

Chill. Garnish with additional whipping cream, whipped, raspberries and fresh mint leaves, if desired.

Photo by Mink Mingle on Unsplash

#recipe #cheesecake #chocolate #raspberry

[veganandvegetarianlife]

Creamy Chilled Cheesecake Recipe

1 c Graham Cracker Crumbs 1/4 c Sugar 1/4 c Margarine, Melted 1 ea Env. Unflavoured Vegetarian Gelatin 1/4 c Cold Water 8 oz Cream Cheese, Softened 1/2 c Sugar 3/4 c Milk 1/4 c Lemon Juice 1 c Shipping Cream, Whipped 1 x Strawberry Halves

Combine Crumbs, sugar, and margarine; press onto bottom of 9-inch spring-form pan.

Soften gelatin in water; stir over low heat until dissolved.

Combine cream cheese and sugar, mixing at medium speed on an electric mixer until well blended.

Chill until slightly thickened; fold in whipped cream.

Pour over crust; chill until firm.

Top with strawberries before serving.

Photo by Kalisha Ocheni on Unsplash

#recipe #cheesecake

[veganandvegetarianlife]

Cookies and Cream Cheesecake Recipe

2 cups Cream-filled Cookies * 6 tbsp Margarine, Softened 1 ea Env. Unflavoured Vegetarian Gelatin 1/4 cup Cold Water 8 oz Cream Cheese Softened 1/2 c Sugar 3/4 c Milk 1 cup Whipping Cream, Whipped 1 1/4 c Creme-filled Cookies **

* These cookies should be chocolate cream filled cookies and be to as fine as can be done.

** These cookies should be chocolate cream filled cookies and should be coarsely chopped.

Combine cookie crumbs and margarine; press onto bottom of 9-inch spring form pan.

Soften gelatin in water; stir over low heat until dissolved. Combine cream cheese and sugar, mixing at medium speed on an electric mixer until well blended.

Gradually add gelatin mixture and milk, mixing until well blended.

Chill until mixture is thickened but not set.

Fold in whipped cream.

Reserve 1 1/2 C cream cheese mixture; pour remaining cream cheese mixture over crust.

Top with cookies and reserved cream cheese mixture. Chill until firm.

Photo by Tina Guina on Unsplash

#recipe #cheesecake

[veganandvegetarianlife]

Bath Bombs / Bath Fizzies Recipe

2 tbs. citric acid (you can get this at a pharmacy) 2 tbs. cornstarch 1/4 cup baking soda 3 tbs. coconut oil (or any other emollient oil like almond, avocado or apricot kernel oil) 1/4 tsp. fragrance oil 3–6 drops of food colouring (if desired) Paper candy cups

Place all the dry ingredients (first 3) into a bowl and mix well. Place coconut oil into a small glass bowl and add fragrance and food colouring. Slowly add oil mixture into dry ingredients and mix well. Scoop up small amounts of the mixture and shape into 1" balls. Let the balls rest on a sheet of waxed paper for about 2 to 3 hours, then place each ball into a candy cup to let dry and harden for 24 to 48 hours. Store bombs in a closed, airtight container. To use, drop 1 to 3 bombs into warm bath water.

Photo by Herbs Basics on Unsplash

#bath and body products #bathtime #bathing #bath bomb

[veganandvegetarianlife]

Bath Cookies Recipe

2 cups finely ground sea salt 1/2 cup baking soda 1/2 cup cornstarch 2 tbs. Light oil 1 tsp. Vitamin E oil 2 eggs 5–6 drops essential oil

Preheat oven to 350 F. Mix together all the ingredients. Take a teaspoon of the dough and roll it gently into a ball about 1" in diameter. Continue doing this with all the dough, and place the balls on an ungreased cookie sheet. You can decorate the cookies with clove buds, anise seeds, or dried citrus peel if you wish. Bake the cookies for 10 minutes, until they are lightly browned. Do not overbake. Allow the cookies to cool completely.

To use, drop 1 or 2 cookies into a warm bath and allow to dissolve. Do not eat! Yield: 24 cookies, enough for 12+ baths.

Photo by Vyshnavi Bisani on Unsplash

#bathtime #bathing #bath and body products

[veganandvegetarianlife]

Basil and Lime Bath Salts Recipe

You will need: 5 cups of Sea Salt (or Epsom salt, or a combination of both) 1 Tsp. Baking Powder 2 Tsp. Almond Oil 5 drops Lime Scented Oil 4 drops Basil Oil 1 drop green colouring 1 drop yellow colouring

All you have to do is mix the salt and the baking powder in a bowl. In another smaller bowl mix together all liquids and add to salts, stirring well. You should let them sit so they can soak up the scent and the colouring all the way through. After they have sat for about two hours, take them and place them in jars with cork stoppers. To create a good seal, dip the cork in melted wax (green to match salts) and put cork into the bottle.

Photo by Glen Carrie on Unsplash

#basil #lime #bath salts #bathing #bathtime #bath and body products

[veganandvegetarianlife]

Basic Bubble Bath Recipe

Ingredients:

5 drops fragrant oil or essential oil (your choice) 1 quart water 1 bar Castile soap (grated or flaked) 1 1/2 ounces glycerin Directions:

Mix all ingredients together. Store in a container. Pour in running water.

Photo by CRYSTALWEED cannabis on Unsplash

#bath and body products #bathtime #bathing

[veganandvegetarianlife]

Balancing Seaweed Salts Recipe

Sea Salt--2 tbsp Baking Soda--3 tbsp Powdered Kelp--1 tbsp Essential Oils--8 drops Jar--4 oz

Choose 3 or 4 oils from these essential oils: Bergamot, Frankincense, Geranium, Lavender, Palmarosa, Rose, and Rosewood.

Add sea salt, baking soda, powdered kelp and oils to jar. Gently shake to mix, mix well. Add to tub of running water.

Photo by Shane Stagner on Unsplash

#bathtime #bath and body products #bathing

[veganandvegetarianlife]

A Guide to the B Complex Vitamins

There is a lot of discussion about the B complex vitamin and how it is essential for the body to perform a multitude of functions. However, the B complex vitamin is not simply one very complicated vitamin, as the name might suggest.

There are actually eight B vitamins that are in the B complex vitamin, as well as a few other related substances. The eight vitamins that make up the B complex vitamin are thiamine or vitamin B1, riboflavin or vitamin B2, niacin or vitamin B3, pyridoxine or vitamin B6, cobalamin or vitamin B12, folic acid, pantothenic acid and biotin. 

The other related substances that are also in the B complex vitamin include choline, inositol and para-aminobenzoic acid.

Every part of the B complex vitamin performs its own individual function within the body, but it is when they work together as the B complex vitamin that they provide essential maintenance for the body to remain healthy.

The B vitamin complex comprises B vitamins which are water-soluble, and it is essential that enough of these vitamins are consumed on a daily basis. The body cannot store water-soluble vitamins such as the B complex vitamin, and this leads to a regular intake being required.

The B complex vitamins are extremely beneficial for a number of conditions and may be needed in additional quantities at certain times in a person’s life. Of course, there is a recommended daily allowance for the B complex vitamins that varies according to the sex and age of a person. However, doctors and other health professionals have discovered the benefits of increasing the intake of the B complex vitamin to help overcome certain illnesses.

Many people suffer from anxiety and stress at one time or another, and research has found that the B complex vitamin can be beneficial in helping alleviate the symptoms of anxiety and stress. If a person has been unwell, the B complex vitamin can be extremely valuable in aiding the recovery process.

Fatigue can be a symptom of a multitude of illnesses as well as simply overdoing things, but the B complex vitamin can help alleviate general tiredness and lethargy.

Interestingly, some skin conditions, such as dermatitis, can also benefit from addition B complex vitamin intake. In fact, a number of creams and other skin preparations contain added vitamin B complex that can be absorbed by the skin to alleviate the condition.

The condition of a person’s hair will also be greatly improved with sufficient B complex vitamin intake.

Download your FREE audio copy of Plant-Based, Vegetarian, and Vegan Diets for Beginners: How to Save the World One Meal at a Time.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Photo by Amanda Jones on Unsplash

#vitamins #nutrients #nutrition #diet

[veganandvegetarianlife]

Are You Getting Enough Vitamin B?

Vitamins are chemical compounds the body cannot make itself and that must therefore be supplied. Besides fat, carbohydrates, proteins (amino acids), minerals and trace elements, we must ingest these with our foods or with supplements.

Vitamin B complex comprises a number of vitamins that exist as a family. They should not be taken individually. In this modern era, millions of people suffer from a deficiency of vitamin B for several reasons, chief among which are: stress, processed foods in the diet, toxins, refined sugar, drugs, cooking, malnutrition.

Deficiency of vitamin B leads to anaemia and neurological disorders; deficiency in children can cause profound damage, much of which is reversible.

A normal level of serum vitamin B does not guarantee adequacy, methylmalonic acid concentrations (either serum or urine) are a much more reliable metabolic measure of vitamin B metabolism. People following a pure vegetarian (vegan) diet are at high risk (>50%) for metabolic vitamin B deficiency.

Vitamin B is found in all animal products (liver, muscle flesh, eggs, and dairy products are sources, in order from richest to poorest sources).

Plant foods contain little if any active vitamin B; produce grown in soil fertilized with cow dung may contain more B than commercially grown produce. Other good B vitamin sources are: baked potato, banana, spinach, soybeans, wheat germ, cantaloupe, tuna in water, navy beans, bok choy, avocado, sunflower seeds, chicken breast, turnip greens etc.

Probiotic supplements are not a sufficient source of vitamin B; some products work better than others. A deficiency of vitamins B can increase your risk of heart disease. They help keep a substance called homocysteine in check by breaking it down. If the homocysteine levels go too high, your blood may clot easier which increases the likelihood of a heart attack or stroke.

There are many ways to getting enough B vitamins: eat a variety of fresh fruits and veggies, choose dark green leafy types, not pale green ones, eat whole grains like brown rice, whole wheat pasta, whole grain cereals, oatmeal and barley instead of those with refined white flour, eat beans (or split peas) every day.

Photo by Leohoho on Unsplash

#vitamins #diet #nutrients #nutrition

[veganandvegetarianlife]

Are Prenatal Vitamins Really Necessary?

One of the first things that happens when a woman visits a doctor, either in a visit to discuss becoming pregnant or the first visit after becoming pregnant, is that she will receive a prescription for prenatal vitamins.

It is such a common occurrence that most women don't give it a second thought. Vitamin supplementation is generally a debatable topic, but medical doctors agree that it is imperative for women who are pregnant.

Consider the last time you had a nasty cold, for example. It is probably the case that your doctor did not prescribe that you take high doses of vitamin C as a treatment method.

Quite often, doctors are reluctant to prescribe vitamins for any health condition. So, why is it that they don't hesitate to prescribe prenatal vitamins? Quite simply, pregnancy means that a woman has to consume enough nutrients for two lives (more if multiple births are expected).

If people in general don't consume sufficient vitamins, it only makes sense that women would have a huge deficit of nutrients if they were to become pregnant.

Not all prenatal vitamins are the same. While a woman will need sufficient amounts of all essential vitamins and minerals, the most important to a baby are folic acid and calcium. Folic acid is a B vitamin that is essential to prevent birth defects, especially those of the spinal cord and brain.

A pregnant woman needs extra calcium so that the baby's teeth and bones can grow healthy and strong. The additional supply of calcium prevents the baby from the baby having to draw calcium from the mother's bone.

Of course, every woman has different needs. If you are a vegetarian, have a low tolerance for certain foods, or are on a restricted diet for health reasons, prenatal vitamins can provide you and your baby the nutrients you need that would otherwise not obtain.

The exact vitamins you need is a determination that your doctor will make. Some women neglect to take prenatal vitamins and attempt to use a multivitamin instead.

This is not a good idea since multivitamins rarely contain the additional nutrients that a woman needs when she is pregnant.

Photo by Alicia Petresc on Unsplash

#vitamins #pregancy #pregnant

[veganandvegetarianlife]

Are Mega-Doses Of Vitamins Safe?

In today's health-conscious society, much attention has been paid to vitamin supplementation and the role it plays in total body health. In addition to promoting optimum wellness, vitamin supplements are taken for reasons such as protecting the heart, reducing the risk of cancer, boosting the immune system, relieving the symptoms of PMS, alleviating depression and anxiety, improving the memory, and even weight loss.

There have been some publicized theories that advocate the use of extremely high doses, or megadoses, of certain vitamins. Care should be taken when considering this kind of supplementation. While some vitamins are safe in large doses, others can be harmful. Here are the most commonly used vitamins and the safest maximum doses for each:

Vitamin A. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble compound that is crucial for healthy vision, cell growth, and immune system function. Vitamin A should not be taken in excess of 10,000 IU which is twice the daily recommended allowance for adults.

Vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin that is required for protein metabolism, the delivery of oxygen to cells, and the regulation of blood glucose. Excessive Vitamin B6 can cause debilitating and dangerous nerve damage. Do not exceed 100 mg of Vitamin B6 per day.

Vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is essential to healthy red blood cells and nerve cells in the body. Vitamin B12 also plays a vital role in the creation of human DNA. Although this compound is well-tolerated and has a low level of toxicity, it is recommended that you do not exceed 3,000 mcg per day.

Folic Acid. Folic acid contributes to the development of DNA, and is also needed for the metabolism of important amino acids. It is especially crucial for pregnant women. Folic acid has a low toxicity level, however the recommended maximum dose for adults is 1,000 mcg.

Vitamin C. Vitamin C is necessary for the production of collagen, growth and repair of the body's tissues, and a healthy immune system. However, too much vitamin C can cause harmful oxidation in the body. No more than 2000 mg per day should be consumed.

Vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential for normal levels of phosphorus and calcium in the blood. Vitamin D is an important contributor to strong bones and teeth. Excessive vitamin D intake (more than 10,000 IU) can lead to bone pain, nausea, vomiting, and even kidney stones.

Vitamin E. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps protect the body against free radicals. However, taking more than 1,000 mg can cause heart problems and excessive bleeding.

Talk to your doctor to learn more about the safe dosage levels of vitamin compounds. It's not always a good idea to buy into the latest health fads, or to believe the sales copy you read on the product bottle.

Photo by Raimond Klavins on Unsplash

#vitamins

[veganandvegetarianlife]

PAPAYA SMOOTHIE

1/2 cup orange juice 3/4 cup peeled, seeded and chopped ripe papaya honey to taste 1/2 cup ice Place the juice, fruit and honey in a blender. Blend on high speed for 30 seconds. Add the ice and blend until smooth.

Photo by Katrin Hauf on Unsplash

#vegetarian #recipe #smoothie #papaya

[veganandvegetarianlife]

PAPAYA CREAMSICLE SMOOTHIE

2 ea Papayas; ripe 1/2 c Orange juice 1/2 c Vanilla frozen yogurt

Peel, seed and coarsely chop papayas. Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.

Photo by Debora Cardenas on Unsplash

#recipe #vegetarian #smoothie #papaya

[veganandvegetarianlife]

ORANGE FRUITY SMOOTHIE

1 medium banana, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces 1 ripe peach, peeled, halved, pitted, and diced 1 cup raspberries 1 1/2 cups freshly squeezed orange juice 3 ice cubes

Combine all ingredients in blender and whip until smooth. Serves 2

To make the best smoothies, I highly recommend the Nutribullet. I've been using one for about a year and think it's fantastic.

Unlike most blenders and juicers, this high-powered nutrition machine pulverizes your fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds into a smooth, delicious smoothie in 30 seconds or less.

Check out Nutribullet here. (Affiliate link).

Photo by Cocobols on Unsplash

#vegetarian #recipe #vegan #smoothie