Apples are great any time of the year. They are full of vitamins and minerals and are just great eaten as they are. But during this chilly, or downright cold, time of year, warm apples really hit the spot. Vegan Scalloped Apples make a wonderful side dish to warm you up after a cold day.

Vegan Scalloped Apples

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon light vegetable oil or light olive oil
• 4 medium apples
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 medium orange

Directions:

1. Slice apples in half, and then into quarters. Cut out the seeds and slice quarters into thin slices.
2. Heat oil over medium heat in medium size skillet.
3. Add apples to skillet and cook until apples become golden and tender, about 15 – 20 minutes.
4. Sprinkle cornstarch over apples and stir until cornstarch is dissolved.
5. Cook an additional 1-2 minutes.
6. Sprinkle sugar over apples and stir.
7. Slice orange in half and squeeze the juice from each half over apples and stir until sugar is dissolved.
8. Cook an additional 1-2 minutes.
9. Serve while hot.

In August we discussed the importance of calcium in maintaining a healthy body. Most of us do not get the daily recommended allowance of calcium from our diets, so supplementing is a must. Recently, one of our readers, Bill, pointed out that a study done by Oxford reported that too many vegans are not getting enough calcium in their diet. A report on this study can be found on Bill’s site VerdantReports.org. In doing a little more research on this subject, I stumbled accross AlgaeCal.

AlgaeCal is a completely plant based calcium supplement (perfect for vegans) that has proven to not only protect bone loss, but to increase bone density. In addition, this company offers a tool to help you make sure you are getting enough calcium each day. Using the calculator you can input what you have eaten and find out whether your diet is meeting the key nutrients for good bone health. This company also has a study from 2008 to show the benefits of using their product. Check it out today.

Corn is a favorite in our house. My youngest loves to shove fistfuls of it in his mouth. Although corn on its own is yummy, it’s fun to dress it up from time to time. Vegan Lime Corn is a great way to jazz up a great staple. This recipe is very mild, but if you like things spicy add some extra chili powder. If you don’t like cilantro, leave it out.

Vegan Lime Corn Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 green onions chopped, white and green parts divided
• 1 can whole kernel corn drained
• 1/4 teaspoon plus 1 dash ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon plus 1 dash mild chili powder
• Salt
• Ground black pepper
• 1 lime
• 1 bunch fresh cillantro finely chopped (optional)

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in medium size skillet over medium-low heat.
2. Add white parts of butter and cook until tender, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add corn and stir.
4. Add cumin, chili powder, salt and pepper and stir.
5. Allow to cook over low heat 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Taste it to make sure it’s spicy enough for you. Add more seasonings if needed.
7. Zest lime over pan and stir.
8. Add green parts of green onion and stir.
9. Cook another 3-4 minutes stirring occasionally.
10. If using cilantro, place in bottom of serving bowl.
11. Squeeze lime juice into pan and stir.
12. Cook another 2-3 minutes.
13. Pour corn into serving bowl over cilantro and stir until cilantro is incorporated.
14. Enjoy!!

Let me apologize for our long absence from this site.  It was never my intention to be away from our readers for so long.  I’m sure you all are just as busy and can understand how real life can sometimes keep you sidetracked.  With that said, please know that we will not be gone again for so long.

Here is a video of a talking pig that explains why eating meat is bad for you.