VeganMofo Starts October 1st!

The Dirty Vegan will be participating in VeganMofo. This is a blogging event that vegan bloggers partake in, in which we vow to blog about only vegan food for the entire month. That means, I will be getting all my non-food vegan talk out of my system the rest of this month, and only blogging about food for all of October. My focus will be on Comfort Food, which is not a stretch from the recipes I do on here all the time. However, I'm going to get extra Dirty with it, think Vegan Paula Dean! These are going to be the type of recipes that will carry you into the transition from summer to fall. These recipes will be perfect for and complimentary to cool autumn weather. Thirty days of awesome and comforting vegan recipes that are perfect for fall; who is as excited as I am??!!

In November I will resume my combination of recipes, food talk, animal talk, product reviews, and also all things non-food vegan! Until then...get ready to eat like a Dirty Vegan baby!

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Wanna See My Apples?

Have you ever found yourself with too many apples? Maybe you aren't in the mood for apple pie. Who isn't in the mood for apple pie? Well, maybe you aren't in the mood to make apple pie. Why not make bird feeders with all those extra apples?!

What you will need:

-Apples

     -Wire Ties

-And a helper!

What you will need to do:

String apples with wire ties. As you can see, the square connector part at the end, holds the apple on. You can string as many apples as you like and connect them tightly onto trees. Aim for a tree branch high enough where cats will not likely be able to bother the birds while they are eating. Basically, high enough when you are standing and reach your hands up, that should be fine.

Voila! Birds and Squirrels can now enjoy some fresh and beautiful autumn apples! Send me pics of yours!

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Adversity

This Chris Crocker video inspired me to write on this particular blog topic. I've written a lot of inspiring posts and I also stand up for the rights of animals, vegans, vegetarians, gay and lesbian community, people of all races, shapes, and sizes, victims of bullying domestic violence, and anyone who needs me to be a megaphone of a voice for them until theirs can be. If you check out the labels "Lesson" and "Rights" on this blog, you can see some past posts where I address these topics and help to provide some hope when you feel that you need it the most.



Today I wanted to address the adversity vegans and vegetarians face. But first, I wanted to give you some background on Chris Crocker, a pioneer for social movements. Chris Crocker is a YouTube sensation, and probably made famous for his well known video LEAVE BRITNEY ALONE!, which has been seen by millions and surfaced all over the internet. If that is the only Crocker video you have seen, you have been missing out. Crocker is entertaining and humorous, but also teaches a lesson within each video, if you are open to seeing it. Whether Chris is inspiring confidence with his Bitch Bell or giving advice on Dealing with Unsupportive Family, like in the above video, his videos reach people who need to hear his advice. I've seen Chris spreading important messages like, confidence, to be strong, to work it, and also speaking on various social topics; I think he is fascinating. There really isn't a topic that Crocker hasn't spoken on. His messages about gender equality and being different, remind me of issues I have faced being different myself.

At any age, especially young, vegans live a constant battle. We try to surround ourselves with like-minded people, but sometimes that is just not always possible. We face adversity, criticism, and debates (sometimes arguments) about our moral choices. For being good people with good hearts, we face consequences, sometimes negative ones, from people who are close minded and that don't want to accept people for who they are. Sometimes the source of stress is from the ones that we love, and should love us back unconditionally. I am telling you today that no matter what battle you are fighting for - animal rights, gay and lesbian rights, racial equality, anything - you are not alone and it will get better. It does get better with age. When I was younger, I was simply inexperienced. When someone would say, "You need meat, meat is good, vegans don't get protein...", I would freeze up, be at a loss for words, and lose all of the vegan knowledge I had swirling around in my head. Now, I am still faced with so many people like that at events I do for Dirty Vegan Foods and various life situations. However, now I can spit out knowledge, statistics, and facts like you wouldn't believe and my ability to have a smart and true answer for everything has enabled me to not care about the haters, put them in their place kindly, politely, and with poise, and also enable me to change people's minds about veganism through knowledge and leading by example.

Anyone who has a struggle, knows the struggle that animals face. Voiceless yet beautiful and fascinating, we must be their voice for them. To all my young readers, please know that I have been in your shoes. Family who thinks I'm not getting enough protein (most days I eat more protein than I should), vitamins (DEVA makes vegan multi and even vegan glucosamine - so eat that haters), and the feeling of being left out or shunned. We have either been invited or not been invited to uncomfortable outings (things like fishing, pig roasts, crap like that), been criticized, scoffed at, or people being overly mean because they are intimidated by our lifestyle and that we have such a great time doing it (its a peaceful way to be). We also have to deal with people who think we eat fish, dairy, eggs, seafood, and offer it to us on a regular basis - seeming to ignore that we are vegans and ignore what we are doing in the Animal Rights world. I continually get offered non-vegan food, goods (like leather), etc. and people seem to ignore the fact that not only is it not suitable or appropriate, it is offensive to me and all that I believe in! Ignore these people, focus on the good and the mission. The mission is equality for all. And also, try and give people the benefit of the doubt; not everyone is being mean on purpose, sometimes people just don't realize. Just because you are an aware and accepting person, doesn't mean everyone else is. So just do your best to lead a happy life and always put thought into your actions. Pass it along to whoever you can - kindness is contagious!

I like Chris Crocker's message and it is similar to mine. Its basically, live your life, don't let haters get you down, don't get discouraged because the best is yet to come, use common sense, and stand up for yourself. Like Crocker, i am out here getting the message out about peace - peace for ALL. I really feel if we brought together all the social rights activists, we can work together on turning this place around for the good! Let's team up, Everyone!

Chris will be coming out with a documentary in 2012 and I'm psyched for it. He has a good heart and big personality. His message and making light of heavy situations, is just the kind of social crusader we need and I think he is a positive voice in the gay and lesbian community. And for now, the Dirty Vegan is signing off. Peace.

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Spicy and Sweet Stew with a Twist!

Cook Up My 'Spicy and Sweet Soyrizo & Sweet Potato Curry Stew' Recipe


2 sweet potatoes, cubed
32 oz container Trader Joe's Butternut Squash Soup
2 cups water
3/4 cup red peppers, chopped
3 tbsp Earth Balance
1 large sweet onion, chopped
1 cup portobello mushrooms, cut into chunks
12 oz package of Soyrizo
1 bay leaf
1 tsp curry powder
2 tbsp pure maple syrup
sea salt to taste


Bring first four ingredients to a boil in a large sauce pan on medium high heat. Next saute Earth Balance, onion, mushroom, and soyrizo in a saute pan until onions are translucent and ingredients are nicely combined. Add the soyrizo mixture to sauce pan and allow to boil for a few moments. Then reduce heat and add bay leaf, curry, maple syrup. Let simmer on low for 2 hours. Season with sea salt and serve with crusty bread. Enjoy!

Wowzers! Probably my fave soup that I've ever created!

What's your all time favorite soup or stew?

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Get Ready To Party!!!

Disclaimer: this post is ONLY intended for kids who are age 21 and older.

Vegans love to party. Too bad all these years we were deprived of “Jello shots”. Well not anymore because Party Star has done it folks! I am happy to report that Party Star Jel Shots are vegan-friendly Jel Shots and come in crazy awesome flavors!

Party Star Jel Shots come in all the seven flavors you see here, some of which are strawberry, grape, cherry, orange and other fun flavors. These shots come ready made, so no prep work. They do not need refrigeration, but you can chill them prior to enjoying them; you don’t have to, either way they taste great! The flavors are natural, the colors are certified. The “jel” is plant based with no animal products or bi-products used. They also have a 1 year shelf life, but I doubt you can keep these fun shots in your kitchen for too long without getting the urge to pop one in your mouth. You can find these 24 proof (12% alcohol by volume, per shot) in your local liquor store. If they do not carry these yet, they need to totally get on it! These shots are a really cool and exciting vegan discovery. Thanks Party Star, you guys rock!

Vegans like to party like rock stars too!

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Cat Talk: Claws, Litter, and Fur Shedding

Today I'm going to address three topics that are common among cat parents, including myself, with some simple solutions or ideas on how to keep the whole family in balance at the same time.

Simon making his Puss In Boots face!

Claws

When we rescued Simon a few years back, he had a problem with little Rocky. I talked about it in a Previous Cat Talk Post. At that time, Simon was attacking Rocky and it even resulted in some scratches. In fear of Simon ripping Rocky's eye out, kitty received regular nail trimmings and SoftClaw applications. Since this past winter, peace has been restored in the house, no more SoftClaws for Simon, and he now just gets regular nail trims. He no longer attacks Rocky, but not because he fell in love with him, its because we rescued Shirley, a dog who wouldn't stand for anyone being mean to anyone else in her pack. 

Shirley saves the day!

There are many other instances where your cat child may be causing doom and gloom with her claws. Many cats kneed on furniture or even scratch up the entire house. It is also not uncommon in the world of rescuing animals, to encounter feral or non-feral cats who just want to claw the crap out of you! Declawing is NEVER the answer. SoftClaws and similar nail covers is a better and more humane alternative. Thankfully it was temporary in my household and since, the canines and felines created their own boundaries and territories. I really didn't have to do too much there. However, if your fur children aren't making their own space and separating themselves, you may want to create a space for each, in which they feel comfortable and safe. It takes time and is trial and error, but eventually peace should be restored. Offering scratching posts, lots of toys and play/ stimulation, is also always a great idea.

Litter

There are always issues when it comes to litter. The mess, the strong fragrance, the way your cat reacts to litter, if your cat favors a particular brand or not, and so on. There is also the potential harm to your cat's health and the environmental impact to think about. A lot of clay-based litters that contain perfumes and other chemicals are risky for cats, especially since cats are such keen groomers and are prone to ingesting these chemicals. Alternatives are fragrance free litters or natural pellet and pine litters. I've heard a rumor that the small natural company that owns Feline Pine, has been bought by Arm & Hammer. I am still researching this, but if this is true and A&H is still testing in animals, then obviously Feline Pine would not be a vegan-friendly recommendation  However there are many other natural litters available, and other pine products. Another perk of using clay-free litters is that you don't have that dust cloud when you are pouring litter into the box. That is kind of gross.

Fur Shedding

Whether your cat child is a short haired breed or long haired breed, chances are you're dealing with fur everywhere. Embedded in your rugs, on your furniture and clothing, and even clumps slowly breezing by like tiny tumbleweeds. Well, regular brushings help keep everything under control, and also will create a bond between you and kitty. Also, some groomers have a brush that trims a little while it brushes, if your cat is very fury. For rugs and such, I notice that a hard bristle broom (plastic bristles work great) will get the hair unstuck. Just sweep as usual, applying firm pressure to your rug and sweep into a dustpan. You may also want to use a small handheld sweeper. I usually take Simon's fur from the rugs and brushes and put them outside in the yard for the wildlife to make nests with. Its always funny to see nests made with an array of materials, including your cat's old rug fur! It must keep the birds, squirrels, chipmunks, and other wildlife nice and warm in the fall and winter months. Not to mention it must make a soft and comfortable home for them.

Do you have any neat animal companion tips or stories?

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Yes, Another Veg-friendly Chain Restaurant!

I'm happy to report yet another vegan friendly restaurant that not only will accommodate us veggie folk, they have vegan dishes on the menu now! No, I'm not kidding you. And yes, I realize this is unusual for chain restaurants, some of which still do not offer a simple veggie burger on their menu. Well, Ruby Tuesday has lots of veggie options. Like what, you ask?

Its not just about the salad bar anymore (which is not too shabby either); you can actually get other things. They make veggie sliders which are like little mini veggie burgers, which are off and on their menu that changes frequently. Right now, they are offering a lot of farm fresh veggie dishes on their menu. They have a lunch and dinner portion of the above picture, which is their Spaghetti Squash marinara (a vegan item on their menu - just be sure to say no fresh cheese on top because some staff may put some on top, although it is not mentioned on the menu, it can happen), that is like pasta but with the strings of squash instead, and has chunks of tomato, green zucchini, and onions in the sauce. It tastes pretty amazing too! They also offer a Veggie Trio dish where you choose three vegetarian sides that are on their menu. In addition to the plethora of produce to choose from in the salad bar, you may also want to start with their salsa, and fresh guacamole chips appetizer. It is portioned like a mini meal (very generous size) and I'm told there is no sour cream or dairy in the guac, which is pretty obvious anyway.

This restaurant is among the best chains for accommodating vegetarian customers. So I definitely recommend it. You may want to call in advance, since they do change their menu items so often, and especially since autumn is approaching. I'm not sure what they will be offering for the upcoming season, but am excited to find out. Ruby Tuesday, please keep the veggie menu items coming - we love it! And for now, the Dirty Vegan is signing off.

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