Where we're going we may not need roads but we're going to need these books! (Yes this is a pretty awesome contest)

Don't worry it will all make sense.

I think every vegan hopes that a day will come when people all over the world are willing and able to adopt a cruelty-free lifestyle that's better for them, the environment, and of course, the animals. Until that day comes, it's up to us vegans and veg-curious to help show the world how easy and fun being a compassionate consumer can be. This is the story of one anonymous reader who is doing what she can to help make this hope a reality.

Recently Dan and I got a email from a reader (who wishes to remain anonymous) who wanted to donate some books for a Meet The Shannons contest. She wanted the books to be prizes at a benfit for Farm Sanctuary, but plans had fallen through. Being an awesome activist, she wanted to make sure these books made it out into the world to help inform and educate people about how easy and important a vegan lifestyle is. So she asked that we give them away on our blog. Challenge accepted!

When the box came, it had a lovely note and 4 brand-new never-been-touched books! Four books that any vegan or veg-curious or just plain animal lover would want on their shelf.

We tried to figure out what would be the perfect contest. We wanted to do something really special--but I'll be honest, we're really focused on the Meet The Shannons book right now and the days are a blur of typing and cooking. Type Type Type. Cook Cook Bake Cook. Wash Dishes. Repeat.

But somewhere in all that, I found these beautiful organic carrots (see photo above) at the market around the corner. So here's our contest! Leave a comment below telling us what you would do with these colorful little carrot buddies and we'll randomly choose ONE Comment from a Member to win 4 cruelty-free living classics!

• Farm Sanctuary by Gene Baur
• The China Study by T.Colin Campbell and Thomas M. Campbell II
• Appetite for Reduction by Isa Chandra Moskowitz
• Quick and Easy Vegan Comfort Food by Alicia Simpson

We're choosing randomly so you can be as honest as you want. In other words, if you would just gobble 'em down with a bowl of vegan ranch dressing or if you would feed 'em to your house rabbit - it's all good. Sorry, you have to be a member to enter, so that we can contact you later to send you your brain feast! If you're not already a member, you can find the button to join in the right hand column. We'll be choosing the winner on Friday November 18th.

Special thanks goes out of course to our book donor but also to these authors who are helping make a better future for all of us.

PS - Don't forget to adopt a turkey!

The Betty Crocker Project : Dark Chocolate Apricot Cookies

So the other night Dan and I were talking about progressive American presidents. There's one president in particular who in our opinion was the best one this country has ever had: Franklin D. Roosevelt. He's the guy who faced a crumbling economic system, housing and unemployment disasters, and a world war. He also created numerous programs that not only built and improved many of the roads and bridges we still drive on, parks we visit, and railroads that bring us food, but also created groundbreaking programs to support the elderly and the poor. He also gave great speeches. I mean, real make-your-heart-beat-faster, proud-to-be-American things that bring tears to your eyes and make a lump rise in your throat. This is part of one of our favorites:

We had to struggle with the old enemies of peace—business and financial monopoly, speculation, reckless banking, class antagonism, sectionalism, war profiteering.

They had begun to consider the Government of the United States as a mere appendage to their own affairs. We know now that Government by organized money is just as dangerous as Government by organized mob.

Never before in all our history have these forces been so united against one candidate as they stand today. They are unanimous in their hate for me—and I welcome their hatred.

Now, because we are who we are, this conversation gradually slipped into something beyond a political conversation. See, Dan does a great FDR voice. I mean really spot on. If you not familiar with what that sounds, like click the link for the quote above*. Now, just for fun, imagine that voice saying your favorite movie quote. Here are two that have been Shannon-tested and are pretty much a new level of hilarious/inspiring when FDRed :

• Right now they gotta do what's right for them, 'cause it's their time. Their time, up there. Down here it's our time. It's our time down here. That's all over the second we ride up Troy's bucket.
• Ray, when someone asks you if you are a god, you say "Yes"!

It's Friday night, and if you're looking for something to make this evening a little special, why not try speaking like FDR all night? I think you might be surprised how encouraged and patriotic those around you will become. Let's practice:

• We will have a pitcher of (insert the name of your favorite beer here) and the largest soy cheese pizza you have or we will have nothing. A side of fries would be welcome as well.

Oh and we made these cookies and they're freaking amazing! They combine a buttery cookie, sweet fruit and dark chocolate. Dare I say it? They are awesome! (Did you read that in the FDR voice? You want to make cookies now right? See - it's like magic.)

The Betty Crocker Project : Lemon Pesto Crescent Rolls

This one could have been rolled better, but you can't see the filling in the prettier ones.

So I keep writing and rewriting this post. I have so much to share! In one I vented about my soul-crushing disappointment in the Democrats; and when I say vent, I mean lost my freaking mind. There was another one about my frustration with my job and about how freaking hot it's been lately. I considered instead taking a more positive route and typing your face off* about how I was flattered by our nomination for a VegNews Veggie Award this year that I got kinda choked up. Especially considering the fact we're up against some really awesome blogs that have been around forever and have huge followings... well, it's pretty amazing! Like a vegan food blog miracle! Thank you Baby Pizza! If you haven't voted for us - please do!

We've also been tweaking things on here a bit here and there. I finally found a reliable email subscription service. So you can get Meet The Shannons sent right to your inbox now! The subscription box is in the right hand column. It's OK to get really excited about that.

But really, that's not why you're here. Let's talk Pesto Crescent Rolls instead. The buttery, flaky, garlicy crescent rolls that I had for breakfast with a cup of coffee and some Nyan Cat to wake me up. Yeah, I know Nyan Cat is so April 2011 but I have to ask... Aren't we all just a little April 2011?**

I will share that I plan to eat these all day with my salad or soup for lunch. I personally love a good lemony pesto. I mean, do you remember when we made those vegan Red Lobster Garlic Cheezy Biscuits? These rolls aren't as easy as those little buddies, but they're just as good. And in the end, that's what really matters. I included one of Betty's "Cheats" in case you want a short cut.

Let's roll!

A Special Message from The Shannons

Thank You Cards from TinyPrints

So yesterday something kinda strange happened. We got what I am calling "Hate Mail". It's wasn't from the usual Pro-Bacon-Hipsters or Eggy Mayo Loyalists who stumble in from time to time. It was numerous comments from people claiming to be readers who declared that they would stop reading our blog and tell their friends to join their "boycott" because we supported New York State's historic marriage equality bill . The comments were pretty hateful actually and all offensive. Now, I have no idea who posted them. They could have been vegans. They could have been pirates, or vegan pirates, or Pro-Bacon Hipsters & Eggy Mayo Loyalists with a nasty bigoted streak in them... who cares really? I would rather hateful people didn't read our blog. This is a place for celebrating living a cruelty-free life and that includes not being cruel to people as well. So, if you're into being a dick, this is not the right blog for you.

But that's not really the point of this post. Yesterday, I vented on Twitter about the hatemonger comments. I've been all emotional on Twitter these past few days. I can't explain it. But this stupid thing happened, and then I tweeted about it because I got sick of deleting comments. But then something happened that - in all seriousness - caused me to become verklempt. There's no better way to describe it.

I came home from dinner to find a series of supportive tweets from readers and other vegan bloggers, not only supporting Meet The Shannons and marriage equality, but being real friends. Since we started this blog, one of the best parts has been joining an online community that is doing such a great job promoting compassion for animals and being more environmentally friendly... and just being more amazingly kick ass. So Thank You Girlie Girl Army, Citizen Radio, Vegan Good Things, Erin Red from Vegansaurus, Kitsch & Kitchen, Laughing Samuari, Vegan Verite, and everyone else who tweeted support yesterday and understanding that the "pursuit of happiness" should include all America's citizens. We love you guys.

The Betty Crocker Project : Beef & Artichoke Pasta

So this morning, I had this whole rant about how the NBA terrible tattoo situation was out of control and how in life sometimes there are no second chances. (Yes - That was a tattoo of a dragon flying towards a basketball being held like a crystal ball and that other guy has Abe Lincoln on his neck)

That blog made sense because this was a recipe that has 2 versions - one fast and one exceptional! It was a blog entry about how the kitchen forgives and you can always come back and try again. Then I saw this and  I just had to share :

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
Craziest F#?ing Thing I've Ever Heard - Gored Bullfighter
www.colbertnation.com
Colbert Report Full Episodes Political Humor Fox News

I wasn't one of those folks who celebrated when bullfighter Julio Aparicio was gored. Though I have to admit my first thought was - "Karma's a Bitch."

I mean I would slap that guy something awful given the chance but I don't wish torture and death on anyone - even a freaking jerk face like him. Just because I am pro-animal doesn't mean I'm anti-human and I wouldn't be much of an advocate for animals if I didn't think there was a way to change people's hearts and minds towards animals - even a freaking jerk face like him. I mean isn't that really - at the most basic level - what the animal rights movement is about? Aren't we just asking people to not be a jerk to the those who depend on our compassion?

Having said that - I couldn't agree more with the intro to this piece from The Colbert Report and I sincerely hope that Senior Aparicio thinks a little bit more about his life choices and the barbaric butchery he is responsible for. He had a choice to get in that ring - the bull didn't.

OK - Soapbox put away let's make some fake Beef & Artichoke Pasta!

The Betty Crocker Project : Taco Salad

 

 I had planned on writing this whole thing about how there are a lot of Americans who don't eat good Mexican food. . . citing examples like the caulking guns they use at Taco Bell to serve their bean and guacamole pastes, their strange octagon shaped taco sandwiches and of course the role they play in the evil axis that is Yum! brands. 

But to be honest - Taco Salad isn't really Mexican food. It is more Mexican inspired but that's not to say this isn't one of the best recipes in this project thus far. Betty is so my Yoda. 

But enough lallygagging. . . there are quite a few steps so let's get going.

The Betty Crocker Project : Breakfast Tacos

So when I think of these tacos I can't help but get this song * in my head. . . OK - those fabulous dresses aside . . . I know tacos are Mexican and the Puerto Rican version of a taco is pretty different ( at least the versions I have seen in Puerto Rican restaurants in NYC). But that really isn't what made the connection in my clockwork brain. See this taco is to me very American.

In America, we seem obsessed with revamping breakfast. We make sandwiches with mini pancakes instead of bread and French toast you can eat with your hands. . . or make replicas of prehistoric monuments with. So a Breakfast Taco wasn't that odd of a concept. I feel like I've seen them before. Though they may have been called a Chalupa or Gordita. . . or something. 

We made these for a Brinner this week and I admit they were pretty good. We both agreed they'd be a fun breakfast for kids. They had that kinda fun novelty to them that can be fun to make with smaller people with shorter attention spans. Of course, people of all sizes love a good taco toppings spread and us American's seem to love eating with our hands . . . things to consider if you are making this dish for American adults. I'm just chattering now. Let's get down to some tacos.

• 1 Package of Firm Tofu 
• 2 Tablespoons of Nutritional Yeast 
• 1/2 Teaspoon of Garlic Powder
• 2 Teaspoon of Cumin
• 1 Teaspoon of Paprika
  
• 1/4 Teaspoon of Black Pepper
• 2 Pinches of Turmeric
• 1/4 Cup of Red Peppers (chopped)
• 1/2 Cup of Daiya Cheese - Cheddar (shredded)
• 6 Taco Shells 
• 1 Avocado
• 1/3 Cup of Cilantro (chopped)
  
• 1 Jar of your favorite Salsa
• 1 Tablespoon of Olive Oil
  

Heat the Olive Oil over medium heat in a cast iron skillet. Add Garlic Powder, Cumin, Paprika and Black Pepper to Oil and mix. In a bowl, crumble - not mash - the tofu and then stir in Nutritional Yeast and Turmeric. Put Tofu in the skillet . Occasionally stir and flip the Tofu mix to keep it from sticking. Fry until it reaches a desired texture/moistness.

Heat Taco Shells as per directed on the package. Spoon Tofu mix into shells and top with Avocado, Cilantro, Daiya Cheese and Salsa. 

This is just our adaption of Betty's recipe. . . we recommend you use your favorite tofu scramble recipe for the "eggs" and also mix the cheese in with the tofu mix before putting it in the shells - it will melt better. 

* The book West Side Story is based on was written in 1949 - 61 years ago. Pretty sad what they are singing about is still the reality for many people who come to this country. Just saying. . .

The Betty Crocker Project : Osso Bucco

I've eaten a lot of Italian food in my life. Probably more than most people not actually living in Italy. I can still remember one of the first times I realized the world was not Italian. I was at a friend's house and saw their dad cut his spaghetti with a knife and fork and eat the tiny pieces like rice. ( Insert Shudder Here )

But there was one Italian dish we never had at my house is Osso Bucco and not just because it is a Milanese dish and that's like a world a way from Palermo. The reason : VEAL.

See - No matter how Italian my mom is and how not down with the whole animal rights/vegan thing she might be. . .  she would never eat, serve or allow her children to eat baby cows. There are just some things that just aren't right. What happens to baby cows to make veal is one of them. Ironically, this systematic form of cruelty was my introduction to how awful the world can be to animals and much to the frustration and disapproval of my mother - started me on this life-long mission to make the world a more compassionate place for animals and to the love of my life.

Let's get back to food that isn't made by jerks because THIS DISH FREAKING ROCKS!

• 1 Package of Gardein Homestyle Beef-less Tips
• 1/4 Teaspoon Black Pepper ( freshly ground )
• 1/4 Cup Whole Wheat Flour
• 2 Tablespoons of Olive Oil
• 2 Tablespoons of Apple Juice
• 1/3 Cup of  Dry White Wine
• 1 Clove of Garlic (minced)
• 2 Pinches of Onion Powder
• 1 Cup of Better Than Bouillon Broth ( vegetable flavor - made into a broth per directions on the label )
• 3/4 Teaspoon Braggs (if you don't love salty food - you may want to make this 1/2 of a teaspoon)
• 2 Bay Leaves (dried)
• 2 Tablespoons Parsley (fresh and chopped)
• 1 Tablespoon Lemon Peel (grated)
• Vegan Parmesan Cheese (topping)
• 6 Cups of Mashed Potatoes (see below)

Ingredients for Mashed Potatoes:

• 6 Medium red Potatoes (chopped - not peeled - we like the skin in there)
• 1/2 Cup Soy Milk
• 1/4 Cup Margarine (softened)
• 1/2 Teaspoon Salt (if you don't like salty food - skip this ingredient - there is plenty salt in the sauce)
• 1/4 Teaspoon of Black Pepper

Boil the Potatoes in a 2 quart saucepan - make sure you have enough water to cover the Potatoes. Once the Potatoes are tender when stab them with a fork, drain the Potatoes through a colander.

Pour the cooked Potatoes back into the saucepan and blend with a Pastry Blender. Add Soy Milk, Margarine, Salt and Pepper. Blend with an electric hand mixer till it is perfection. It takes less than 5 minutes. . . be sure and get all the lumps out.

In a shallow bowl or deep dish, mix Flour and Pepper. Coat the Gardein with the flour mix.

In a 4-quart Dutch oven, heat Olive Oil over medium heat. Cook Gardein in the oil till the outside gets a crispy coasting - you need to keep the extra coating from sticking to the bottom - so scrape the bottom of the pot with a spatula while cooking a few times.

When the Gardein is brown on all sides, stir in Apple Juice, White Wine, Garlic and Onion Powder. Reduce heat and stir. The sauce will start to thicken in less than a minute. Once it starts to thicken, add the Better Than Bouillon Broth, Braggs and Bay Leaves. Let simmer uncovered. If you cover it - the Gardein will get mushy.

Once it comes to a boil, remove from heat. . . You're ready to serve!
Place one or two scoops of Mashed Potatoes on a plate and then ladle the Gardein and "Gravy" on top. Sprinkle with Vegan Parmesan, grated Lemon Peel and chopped fresh Parsley. Be sure and get a lot of the Gravy/Broth. . .it is really the best part. (I was kinda -sorta licking my plate after I finished dinner to get it all)

Mondays are better with Freedom Toast.

Oh France. . . Is there anything that says luxury, elitism, latte-drinking, global warming ghost stories, granny-killing, ketchup kingdoms and socialism more than calling something "French" . . . Yes. . . There is.
BUT is there anything that can start off a week of activism and compassionate outreach better than VEGAN CINNAMON FRENCH TOAST? NEVER!

Bon Appétit!

• 1 1/2 Cups of Soy Milk
• 2 Tablespoons Flour
• 1 Tablespoon Nutritional Yeast
• 1 Teaspoon Sugar
• 1 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
• 1 Tablespoon Oil
• 4-6 Thick Slices of a Crusty Bread

• Margarine and Maple Syrup to Taste

Mix the Soy Milk, Flour, yeast, Sugar & Cinnamon. Pour the Mix into a pan or bowl that the bread can sit in and be equally covered by the Mix.
Heat the Oil in a pan. Dip the Bread into the mix until equally covered on all sides and then place in the skillet. Fry each side until golden brown and crispy - about 5-7 minutes total.