Local – The Vegan Rhino

August 1, 2018May 14, 2020

Raw Creamy Cucumber Dressing

Let’s be honest- we all know it can be difficult sometimes to get our vegetables in. A few vegetables at diner each evening for our entire life just isn’t enough some times. The beneficial thing about plant-based foods is majority of the time you can use vegetables in their raw nature to produce an amazing product. In this case, a dressing filled with great nourishing vitamins and hydrating properties that will leave your appetite quenched. With this easy recipe, you can take locally bought produce and make an oil free dressing. Bringing to you and your family an explosion in your mouth of fresh cucumber with a hint of lemon and a slight creamy texture from the avocado.

Yields 4 cups

Ingredients

1 medium cucumber

1 large lemon, squeezed

I large avocado

3 stalks celery

1 tsp Vitacost Himalayan Pink Salt- Fine

1 tsp Spicely Organics Black Peppercorns Tin

2 cloves garlic

Directions

In blender, combine all ingredients until mixture is thick and creamy. Pour into desired container and allow to chill for 1 hour minimum.
Dressing will last refrigerated for 7 days in an air-tight mason jar or bottle.

Chef’s tip: For added freshness, add 1 Tbsp. fresh dill.

August 1, 2018May 14, 2020

Vegetable Teriyaki Lo Mein

We all know how easy and delicious it is to order Chinese Delivery, however, the next time you feel inclined to place an order for take-out, give this a try instead. One of the main benefits from cooking at home is in controlling what ingredients you use. Some times it may be hard to find vegan dishes at a Chinese restaurant due to fish oil or other ingredients being used. This stir-fry is flavorful with fresh and local ingredients from Bedner’s Farm Fresh Market- you can get these ingredients at your local farm as well. Grab your wok and chop sticks and get cooking with this recipe.

Yields 3 servings

Ingredients

Stir fry:

1 red bell pepper

1 yellow bell pepper

1 green bell pepper

4-5 baby Bella mushrooms

1 small baby boy choy

2 garlic cloves

Tofu:

8 oz extra firm tofu

1 Tbsp. Vitacost Maple Syrup

1 tsp Frontier Co-Op Organic Garlic Powder

1 Tbsp. Tamari

Pinch of Vitacost Himalayan Pink Salt- Fine

Pinch of Spicely Organics Black Peppercorns Tin, freshly ground

Teriyaki Sauce:

1/4 cup Kikkoman Organic Soy Sauce

1 garlic clove

1/4 tsp ginger, freshly grated

1 Tbsp. Spicely Organics Black Sesame Seeds Jar

2 Tbsp. saki

3 Tbsp. Vitacost Certified Organic Light Brown Sugar – Non-GMO

2 tsp rice wine vinegar

1/2 tsp Spicely Organics Black Peppercorns Tin, freshly ground

1 tsp corn starch

Directions

To begin, you will need to drain your tofu between pieces of paper towel. Lightly press and allow to drain as much water as possible. Boil noodles you are using according to package instructions.
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Place tofu into a bowl and add maple syrup, tamari, and garlic powder- mix till coated. Pour onto a baking sheet that has been lightly oiled and bake for 25 minutes or until lightly browned.
In a sauce pan, mix together all sauce ingredients and bring to a simmer. Once brown sugar has melted, add sesame seeds and corn starch and stir until slightly thickened. Pour sauce on top of your cooked noodles, stir until combined.
In a frying pan, add your sesame oil and turn on high heat. Then toss in bell peppers, garlic, and onions, cooking until slightly browned. Salt and pepper to taste.
Turn heat to medium and add in the mushrooms- cook 5 more minutes. Once baby bok choy has wilted, take off heat and serve.

Chef’s tip: You can add either black or white sesame seeds to this dish. I used white sesame seeds in the teriyaki sauce and I topped the vegetables with black sesame seeds.

August 1, 2018May 14, 2020

Peach Jam

Are you getting tired of using butter on your toast each and every morning for breakfast? Taking some fresh peaches and mashing them up to create a fresh jam is super easy. Store bought food just is not cutting it anymore and this is a much better alternative to those varieties. Spread this peach jam on your toast and artisan sandwiches or wherever you’d like.

Yields 8 oz

Ingredients

8 medium peaches

1 cup Florida Crystals Organic Cane Sugar

1 small lemon, squeezed

Directions

Remove skin and mash peaches
In a saucepan, add sugar and lemon juice to mashed peaches.
Boil for 10 minutes- stirring frequently.
Cool and pour into mason jar.

July 17, 2018August 22, 2020

Bedner’s Fresh Farm Market

Looking for somewhere worthy of your time this weekend? Visit a farmers market! There’s nothing better than strolling a market lane by lane to browse the bounty of fresh fruits, veggies and unique homemade and locally made creations.

Every Saturday, my roommate, friend and I head to the notorious Bedner’s Farm Fresh Market in Boynton Beach, FL. The best part about this market is the ever-exciting U-pick; meaning you get to pick your own produce right from the vine, bush or tree!

Upon entering, I’m immediately overloaded with amazing fruit, breads, vegetables, herbs, wines, freshly squeezed orange juice and more. It’s tempting not to toss one of everything in my reusable grocery bags.

When I’m finally ready to check out, I often find myself pausing after I unload the cart because I have no idea what the grand total is going to be. It’s like a game! But when you purchase organic, local produce you don’t have to worry about the bill! When you shop at a farmers market, you’re essentially cutting out the middleman. You pay for your food at cost rather than marked up prices (think big-box retailers). Plus, nothing beats the level of freshness you get when you buy local—especially when you know the level of care being sowed in.

It’s also smart to always ask your local farmers if their produce is organic, what pesticides are used and if it’s Non-GMO. Like I always say, once you go farm, you’ll never go back!

If you would like to plan a visit to Bender’s Fresh Farm Market- click here.