Vegan Wednesday! New Years Resolutions!

New Year's Resolution? Life Resolution! I've never been much for making New Year's resolutions. I'm of the belief that if you want to make a change in your life, it should be a complete lifestyle change. So for 2011, I'm making a LIFE resolution. After reading Dr. Joel Fuhrman's "Eat To Live" and "The China Study" by T. Colin Campbell & Thomas M. Campbell II, I've realized how skewed my idea of a healthy diet has been. I've been vegetarian for 15 years, and a born-again vegan for a few months now. But my eating habits have always been a little unbalanced. I've been stuck in a rut of processed foods and designer soy products. It's time to make a change!


Starting January 1st, I'm making myself over. I'm going to embrace the whole foods of nature. I'm going to make an effort to eat less processed foods and more fresh fruits and vegetables. I'm lucky enough to work in a store that has a great selection of organic produce. I have the option of delicious salads made with fresh spinach (and cucumbers, carrots, and onions, oh my!). Our selection of apples is amazing, and a fresh Pink Lady apple is a great afternoon snack. I can't wait to explore all of my options.



Like anything, it's all about moderation. A vegan cookie occasionally isn't going to kill me. But I've come to realize that food is medicine, and the cure for all of my aches, pains, and mood swings, is a diet rich in nutritious whole food. I look forward to seeing what results this new lifestyle will bring.

New Year's Eve Must-Haves!

As the end of 2010 draws near, most of us will be spending time with loved ones. Whether you are going to be spending your New Year's Eve night on the couch in pajamas, out in a bar, or at a party at a friend's, it is a wonderful night to treat yourself to something delicious as we transition into 2011! And, as always, Food for Thought is here to help, regardless of which option you will be partaking in this year.

Option 1: The Cozy-Couch

Cozy up with Dagoba hot chocolate (add some Elyon marshmallows!) as you watch favorite movies and recount favorite memories from this year. Toast in the new year with one of our R.W. Knudsen Ciders (available in apple, cranberry, pomegranate, or grape flavors). Looking for a tasty treat? Try Immaculate Baking's crescent rolls! I make them into a dessert by sprinkling sugar and cinnamon on before baking... or leave them plain and dip them into oil & herbs!

Option 2: House-Party Butterfly

Bring over a bottle of Martinelli's Sparkling Apple Cider to sip on while mingling with friends. Needing to bring over a finger food? Pick up a Cady Creek cheese platter, slice up some Applegate Farms pepperoni and Field Day Round Crackers for a tasty treat! Or try one of the Mt. Vikos spreads on your favorite cracker (available in 5 delicious flavors!)!

Option 3: Night On the Town

Going out for a night on the town? Make a low-calorie spritzer with Steaz teas and Zevia Twist to enjoy while getting ready. Make sure to get some light foods in your stomach that will keep you going through the night. Try Mediterranean Snackfood Company's baked lentil chips (available in three yummy flavors) and Boscoli olive salad (pick between kalamata or jalapeno style!).

Regardless of what you are doing or where you are going, be safe and have a wonderful weekend! We look forward to seeing you in 2011!!!

A few of our favorite things....

While we all love raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens (forgive us, the Sound of Music was on last night), we are also quite fond of various foods, beauty products and supplements here at our store.   To discover a few of our favorite things, look for the green "Staff Favorite" tags hanging on the shelves.    We have tried many, many of the products and love to share our opinions on what we think are hits.   Stroll the aisles and check out what we love!  You may discover a new favorite of your own.  Feel free to share your favorites as well.  We are always inspired by our customer's ideas and recipes!

Home for the Holidays!

For those entertaining at home during this bustling holiday season, it's pertinant to make sure your home smells warm and welcome to all guests! "Seed" soy candles by "Soy Inspirations" offers a variety of luxuriant candles, without the steep cost. From 'Pumpkin and Spice' and 'Hot Apple Cider' to 'Sugar Cookies', 'Peppermint Candy', and 'Evergreen', their wide array of scents will surely make your home a notch above the rest!

Liberte Coconut Yogurt

I am not normally a fan of yogurt. The ocassional flavored greek yogurt here and there and the normal everyday yogurt, rarely....if it's lemon flavored. Maybe it's the tartness or the texture but yogurt just doesn't quite do it for me. But i'm now on the yogurt bandwagon after trying Liberte's coconut yogurt! It's rich and creamy with a touch of coconut cream on the bottom. Yes, it is sweet. It is even high in fat. But it is deee-licious. It is just like eating coconut cream pie. And if you are a fan of coconut you will not be dissapointed! If you buy some to try, buy two. You'll need them.

Vegan Wednesday! Field Roast!

Field Roast products are an awesome alternative to traditional (meat) holiday meals!

The Celebration roast is absolutely amazing, and very versatile. Great with stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, roasted veggies, vegan green bean casserole and just about anything!

The Tomato loaf is quickly becoming a favorite around here. It's delicious sliced for sandwiches or served in place of ham or turkey for your holiday meal. And, just like everything else, it's delicious smothered in Road's End vegan gravy. Yum!

Field Roast sausages (available in Italian, Mexican Chipotle, and Apple Sage) are a more unique addition to the holiday table. These are fantastic sliced up in a stir fry, added to rice and beans, or sliced and added to delicious winter stews.

Stop by Food For Thought and give Field Roast products a try. You will not be dissapointed!

Gluten-Free Baking: Gingerbread Men!

Gluten-Free Gingerbread Men Recipe

1 3/4 cups gluten-free flour mix*

1/2 to 3/4 tsp ginger (depending on how ginger-y of a taste you want!)
1/2 tsp cream of tartar
1/8 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 cup butter or margarine (cold)
1 1/2 tsp xanthan gum

1/2 cup brown sugar
1/8 tsp cloves
1 egg (cold)

1/4 to 3/8 tsp cinnamon

1/2 cup gluten-free molasses

*Gluten-Free Flour Mix:
6 cups white rice flour
2 cups potato starch (NOT the same as potato flour)
1 cup tapioca starch

Combine the gluten-free flour mix, cream of tartar, baking soda, xanthan gum, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, and salt. Mix well. Cut in the butter or margarine until the mixture is in crumbs the size of peas.

In a small bowl beat the sugar, egg, and molasses together. Add this mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until the dough pulls away from the sides. Form the dough into a flat ball shape and refrigerate for one hour.

Dust some freezer paper (not wax paper) with gluten-free flour or confectioners sugar. Put the dough on the freezer paper and sprinkle with flour or confectioners sugar. Roll the dough to ¼ inch thick and cut out shapes as desired. Bake at 350 degrees F for 12 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. Makes about 20 cookies.

Enjoy and have a happy holiday weekend!