A Different Meatless Monday

So, I've been getting a lot of requests for a list of kitchen staples from my friends and some family.... So, instead of a Meatless Monday Recipe-that I missed.... Helping out with Herb Fest, helping Bruce move and him getting sick-I've been a busy girl.... Whew! I Miss All of my friends in San Antonio, and I keep you in my thoughts and list to return e-mails.... I'm working on the e-mail part... hugs and giggles.... Kitchen Staples Greens: Spinach Kale Swiss Chard Keep fresh longer if you clean it {rinsed/patted dry/in a paper bag in the crisper} Any of these can be substituted for each other. Beans: Chick Peas/Garbanzo Beans Red Beans Black Beans Pinto Beans Always rinse if you're using the cans. Are less expensive when you buy in bulk. Grains: Quinoa {Is related to the Chard family, but is most associated with this category} Bulgur Wheat Couscous Pearl Barley Rice {Brown/Long Grain/etc.} Quinoa is a complete protein by itself. Any of these can be substituted for each other. Are less expensive when you buy in bulk. Can be made in a rice maker. Non-Dairy: Soy {Organic} Almond Coconut Hemp {Great source of omega 3 and 6, always THC Free} Most of these can be substituted for each other. Can be found as “ice cream”. Non-dairy cream cheese {Non-hydrogenated oils} Soy Yogurt {Organic} Vegan Mayo Seeds/Nuts/Dried Fruit: Sun flower Flax Sesame Flax is another great source of omega 6 {it’s better ground} Walnuts Cashews Almonds Peanuts Great source of healthy fats. Raisins Cranberries Dates Mangos Mix dried fruit and nuts to make your own trail mix. Are less expensive when you buy in bulk. Great as toppings for “ice cream” or soy yogurt. Veggies: (Fresh/Seasonal) Sweet Potatoes Tomatoes Zucchini Mushrooms {buttons/portabellas} Wipe clean, and keep fresh in a paper bag in the fridge. Bell Peppers Veggies: (Frozen) Peas Corn {Organic} Green Beans Fruit: (Fresh) Lemons/Limes {Organic if you are going to use the zest} Apples/Pears Can be interchanged in the recipes that call for either one. Bananas