Masala is the Indian term for a blend of spices. It can be any simple or complex combination.  I grind fresh seeds in a coffee grinder and place in a shaker bottle marked “Andrea’s Spice Mix.”  The spices I use have been proven to possess therapeutic and healing properties. Spices and herbs contain antioxidants, minerals and multivitamins. Because spices are nutrient dense, they are thermogenic, which means they naturally increase your metabolism. Centuries old eastern medicine and now recent studies and scientific research both boast the medicinal healing benefits of spices. Discover what your favorite flavors are and create your own signature blend to share with friends. Here’s my latest fave.

RECIPE:
1/4 teaspoon black cardamon
1/4 teaspoon cracked dry bay leaves
1 teaspoon each mustard seed, cinnamon and paprika
1/8 teaspoon cayenne or 1-2 ground chilis
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

1 tablespoon each of the following ground seeds:
coriander
cumin
fenugeek
fennel

RELATED: Make your own Garam Masala
Healing and Medicinal Properties of Cooking Spices

ALSO SPICY: A Zesty Gremolata I like on everything

I’m learning about vegan cooking.  I’ve not tried these egg substitutes yet but will begin to and will report back.

Applesauce (1/3 cup applesauce = 1 egg or ¼ cup Applesauce + 1 tsp Baking Powder) …  Continue reading →

Mix 2 eggs with 1 banana. Add salt and pepper.  Blend into batter and pour onto hot griddle. When bubbles form and bottom is golden brown, flip and brown on other side. These are a lighter consistency than pancakes made with flour.  Make a vegan version using flax eggs: A great egg replacement in baking (recipe below).   Continue reading →

1 1/2 cups rice flour (brown or white)
1/2 cup soft cooked brown rice
1 tablespoon coconut sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon powdered cinnamon – In Ayurveda, cinnamon reduces glycemic index when eaten together with foods with a high glycemic index, like raisins. Continue reading →

1 cup + 1 tbsp corn flour
1 tsp baking powder
pinch of fine sea salt
3/4 cup non-dairy milk (soy, rice, almond, coconut)
1 tsp light vegetable oil
1/2 cup fresh blueberries
1 flax egg* (1 tbsp of ground flax seed mixed with 3 tbsp hot water, let sit for 2 minutes then it’s ready to add)
Earth Balance vegan margarine for frying
Makes about 8 small pancakes.

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Makes 4 large pancakes or 6 small. Mix dry ingredients together, add wet ingredients to dry.  Mix and spoon into pan. Turn when golden, serve hot with syrup or berries. Continue reading →

My soul brother Doug Cobb taught me all I know about tofu. I buy the firm or extra firm, then I freeze it, thaw it, then gently squeeze the excess water out of it between two plates.  For this recipe, I cut it into cubes, since I want a crispy crunch on all sides.  I marinated it for an hour last night, then drained it (save the marinade for your sauce.) I coated the cubes with a mixture of equal parts cornstarch and panko bread crumbs, with about 3 tbsp of nutritional yeast flakes added for cheesiness.   Place in a 350 degree oven for 10 minutes in a metal pan (sprayed with olive oil Pam) on a lower rack in the oven. Then spray the tops with more Pam, turn and let brown another 3-5 minutes. The bigger the chunks, the longer the cook time. Keep an eye on it and turn when top is brown.  If I cut them thin, 7 minutes each side is long enough to make them crisp. If I cut fat slabs, they might take 13 minutes to crisp.

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THE GREEN ROOM in Cocoa Beach, FL.  I was inspired by their  SALADS:

The Driftwood
Seasoned tofu, baby greens, carrots, cabbage, almonds. Served w/tamari ginger dressing.

The Coastal
Tuna, baby greens, sliced apples, raisins, sun flower seeds. Served w/choice of dressing. Continue reading →

This is a spicy twist on a traditional favorite. I adjust the seasoning before I add in the broccoli and veggies. Here’s the guide to finding your flavor preference:
For more tartness, add more lemon juice.
To make more sour, add more vinegar.
If too sour, add more sugar.
For more heat, add more Sriracha. Continue reading →

Thank you Joy Siren!  What a treat to share my zest (in both the kitchen and in life) in today’s la Vie Sirene post about Goddess Grub.  A guru, a go-to girl, a goddess… & a really good egg.