By michael vivar
The "meat and potatoes" diet symbolized America's First World status since the end of WWII. Conversely, several possible factors have grown the population identifying as "vegetarian" to 6%.
There are those with moral concerns as to the treatment of livestock. Independent investigations show factory farms keeping animals in appalling conditions.
Others have concerns about the carbon produced from meat consumption including clear cutting forests for grazing, methane emissions from livestock and pollution from transport.
Some make the plant diet switch for health concerns. Famously, former President Bill Clinton went vegan after a heart bypass surgery. No matter the reason, here are plant-based recipes for beginners who want to dip their forks in.
2/3 cup raspberries, 1/2 cup sliced bananas, 1/4 cup blueberries, 1/2 cup almond milk, 5 tbsp sliced almonds, 1 tbsp dark cacao nibs, 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/8 tsp ground cardamom, 1/8 tsp vanilla extract, 1 tbsp coconut flakes
Set aside coconut flakes, cacao and two tablespoons of almonds. Mix remaining ingredients in a blender until smooth. Pour contents into a bowl. Sprinkle cacao, almonds and coconut flakes on top.
5 pounds cauliflower, florets separated, 2 leeks, chopped, 1 1/2 cups olive oil, 1 3/4 tsp kosher salt, 1 3/4 tsp ground pepper, 2 1/2 cups fresh parsley, 2/3 cup fresh chives, set aside, 12 cups "no chicken" chicken broth
Toss vegetables with oil, salt and pepper. Roast for 30 minutes in a 400 F oven. Combine in a pot and add broth. Bring to a boil then simmer for 10 minutes. Puree in batches pouring each into a bowl. Garnish with chives.
1 cup mixed salad greens, 1 tsp red-wine vinegar 1 tsp olive oil, pinch of salt, pinch of pepper, 2 slices whole-wheat bread, toasted, 1/4 cup hummus, 1/4 cup alfalfa sprouts, 1/4 avocado, sliced, 2 tsp unsalted sunflower seeds
Toss greens with vinegar, oil, salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Spread each slice of toast with 2 tablespoons hummus. Top with sprouts, avocado and alfalfa. Sprinkle with sunflower seeds.