[Tweety]

I had a nice dinner last night. I wasn't hungry so I ordered veggie pita - with hummus, tabouli and veggies, with fruit on the side. Later we had some sorbet - well I had sorbet and my friends had ice cream. Going out to eat sometimes is a challenge, but seems to be easier around here, the German restaurant experience being more the exception.

[AbbyTheRN]

Yay, other vegetarian nurses.

[Tweety]

So I tried making spaghetti and beanballs using a recipe in Vegonomicon and it was a mess. They completely fell apart in the frying pan. I think I used too many beans. Oh well, I'll keep trying.

Hi AbbyTheRN!!!

[Blackcat99]

Has anyone here ever visited any Hare Krishna vegetarian restaurants? I've gone to several different ones in different states and they were all very delicious!!!!

[MaineEMT2RN]

Originally Posted by Tweety

So I tried making spaghetti and beanballs using a recipe in Vegonomicon and it was a mess. They completely fell apart in the frying pan. I think I used too many beans. Oh well, I'll keep trying.

It wasn't you - I had the same problem. DH liked them, but they sure weren't pretty. Personally, I wasn't thrilled with them. They're not on my "try this again" list.

Last night I made a recipe I found on veg web and it was really yummy. I can't remember what it's called, but luckily you can search by ingredients. It had 6 cups of cooked brown rice, a can of garbanzo's, diced tomatoes, and and onion, and tahini. The reviews said that it was a little bland, so I added 3 cloves of crushed garlic, chopped kalamata olives, some salt, black pepper and a little cayenne. Very, Very yummy, and great with a simple green salad on the side. DH said it qualifies as comfort food. It made a huge caserole, so there's plenty of leftovers for tonight.

[Tweety]

Originally Posted by MaineEMT2RN

It wasn't you - I had the same problem. DH liked them, but they sure weren't pretty. Personally, I wasn't thrilled with them. They're not on my "try this again" list.

Last night I made a recipe I found on veg web and it was really yummy. I can't remember what it's called, but luckily you can search by ingredients. It had 6 cups of cooked brown rice, a can of garbanzo's, diced tomatoes, and and onion, and tahini. The reviews said that it was a little bland, so I added 3 cloves of crushed garlic, chopped kalamata olives, some salt, black pepper and a little cayenne. Very, Very yummy, and great with a simple green salad on the side. DH said it qualifies as comfort food. It made a huge caserole, so there's plenty of leftovers for tonight.

Maybe next time, I'll use less beans, and use the baking method instead of the frying. I love olive oil is why I tried frying instead.

That recipe sounds really good. You're a creative cook. I tend not to mess with recipes and follow them literally. I like www.vegweb.com, been posting on the forums there for years.

[MaineEMT2RN]

Here's the link to the casserole I made - it was even better last night for a quick supper after the dreaded microbiology class -

http://vegweb.com/index.php?topic=6080.0

[Diary/Dairy]

That looks good - I think I am going to have to try that! Thanks!

[NurseHeidi]

I work with a CRNA who has been vegetarian for 38yrs!

I have been Vegan for almost a year now (July 2007). I've lost 25lbs and kept it off (that wasn't the reason for going Vegan...ethical reasons). My co-workers aren't that supportive and I didn't mention it to anyone right away...when some found out I was always expected to defend myself. I am not a hard core PETA person (although that website and VegWeb have been awesome for helping with finding foods/dishes I could eat. I'm not a card carrying member)...I think we all have to make our own choices...but some just hear I don't eat meat and feel threatened. It also seemed as if many were jealous that I was losing weight and that became this big issue at work too. My PACU partner has struggled with her weight and she is always on my case about eating! I EAT! I just don't overeat and I don't eat meat. I eat until I am full. PETA has an aisle by aisle of groceries that are Vegan listed on their website, but vegetarians can benefit too.

As far as the videos go...it is what it is...no matter if it's one video or 1000 videos showing cruelty...it's one too many. I live in the heartland, farm country and it's no secret what happens here.

Also I love Boca chik'n patties and nuggets. They were a life saver to get me over the meat cravings I was having. I have not found a ground beef sub that matches beef, but I've learned to adapt. I don't eat as well as I should and I've gotten sick here and there, but I started taking vitamins again and I've been feeling better.

Anyone try Alternative Baking Company's cookies...OMG! They are to die for and meat eaters CANNOT tell the difference. My kids will love them...and Boca chik'n too. My youngest will always choose a Boca over a real chicken patty. I also like the "dump cake"...you can use store bought frosting for it - for Vegans some frosting has dairy in it, so just look at the ingrediants)...the recipe is on VegWeb...one bowl and I add semi-sweet chocolate chips (not all brands are Vegan - Sam's Club is though). Mmmmmm!

I also prefer Silk Soymilk light plain for cereal. The vanilla just is too much for me & regular soymilk is too "thick" my tastes. I don't drink it straight either...again too much for me.

Beano is not Vegan I found out...someone on another site said Papaya enzyme is supposed to help with gas. I have IBS and everything makes me feel crampy/gassy...so I have to be careful. I also take acidophilis supps sometimes.

I miss jello and yogurt sometimes.

[Tweety]

Hi NurseHeidi!!! Nice to have your input in this thread.

Soymilk and vegan yogurts are an acquired taste. I buy unsweetened soymilk/almond milk and rice milk for cereal, but otherwise dont' feel the need to drink it.

Have you tried soy yogurts? I eat a couple of them a week for the probiodics (I tend towards IBS myself and just got off a flareup a few weeks ago). Don't try the brand O'Soy from Stoneybrook Farms because their grow their cultures in milk. What's the point?

I avoid talking animal ethics to coworkers or anyone for that matter. Sometimes a quiet "I object to how animals are treated in factory farms" is all I'll say. However, I'm not 100% vegan either, so I'm a hippocrite there.

Congrats on the weight loss!