Flavors of Home

I began formulating the idea of a cookbook, and compiling recipes quite a few years ago when I became involved in giving vegetarian cooking classes and needed a resource for myself and each participant to use. Over the years I have continued to add to this collection and with the help of my daughters, have critiqued each recipe.  “Flavors of Home” is this collection and contains many of our family’s favorite recipes that I hope will produce smiles of satisfaction from those who sit at your table as they have with ours!
     “Winning Weight Loss”, is a project I have been working on in recent months and have included in this book.  I believe everyone can benefit from increased knowledge of calories and nutrition whether weight loss and maintenance are desired or not.  And many of us can relate with problems of weight gain, or slower metabolism, especially as we age.   I hope this new resource will be helpful and make a difference in your life as it has with mine.
     All of the recipes in this book are plant based, and no animal products are used.  We have included a broad range of recipes which we feel everyone can enjoy and use, whether they are beginning on a transition to a healthier diet, or have been cooking with these products for years.   A balanced healthful diet approach, without extremes, is my intention in this cookbook.
     If, for health reasons, you need or prefer to have a more strict diet plan, then you may wish to add more whole grains, use less sweetener, or less oil whenever possible in some of these recipes.  The more you do, the more you gain, as long as good nutrition and balance are always considered.    We’ve learned that it’s a healthful choice to use whole grains, flours, and nuts along with types of fats and sweeteners that are best for our bodies, and try to limit or eliminate things we know to be harmful as much from our diets as we can.     
     Achieving good health is a life long process; we continue learning as we go. For some, these lifestyle changes seem to take no adjustment, while for others they need to be more gradual.  If a healthier diet is a new experience, be patient with yourself, and your family. Taste buds and cravings do change over time!  It will be well worth your efforts and your time I promise you…  The benefits far outweigh the sacrifices.  I hope you will find this book helpful.  The things I am sharing with you have truly helped me and my family.
     We operated a small boy’s school at our home for 9 months a few years ago.  They came from various backgrounds, and were not accustomed to eating a whole foods vegan diet.  All the meals provided were from this cookbook and there was not one complaint the entire time they were here!  In fact, one of the things each of them commented on and enjoyed highly about their experience, was the food!  Good, healthful food does not have to lack delicious flavor!  It may be different from what you’re used to, but just like with the boys, if you give it a chance you will learn to love it!  
     Remember, ‘We Are What We EAT’!!  Chips/snacks, unhealthful sweets, lots of meat and dairy products, little or no fruits/vegetables or whole grains will give cloudy brain function, no energy, poor attitude, temper and passion outbursts, lack of self control, poor complexion, overweight problems, and often disease.  While fruits, vegetables, whole grains and nuts provide a nutritious diet that will enable us to have a clear mind, vital energy, good attitude, cheerful disposition, good complexion, help keep us thin and trim, plus promote a healthy body and immune system!  Something to think about...   I pray that God will richly bless you in your quest for better health; body, mind and spirit
 ~ Marcia Boothby
 
“Kitchen Queen”   By Rod Boothby
They were up to their elbows in dough,
and the kitchen was sure quite a mess.
They said, “Daddy, we’re cooking you know”.
I just nodded and said, “So I guessed!”

Their mommy had taken a nap,
she needed a break from the pace.
“She’ll sure be surprised!” they both laughed,
they couldn’t wait for the look on her face.

“You see, we’re making her favorite!” they said,
with the cookbook laid out on the table.
But they only looked at the pictures instead,
of reading the words, because they weren’t able.

So with a little bit of help from their dad,
we really made quite a feast.
And their mommy’s surprise wasn’t bad,
because we cleaned up the kitchen at least!

Our girls, they learned to cook early,
but you can learn if you’re still young at heart.
It’s a gift folks will love you for surely,
so just roll up your sleeves and let’s start.

If you’re tempted to doubt you can do it,
to make them smile with your vegan cuisine,
then now’s the time to get to it,
and you’ll soon be your home’s “Kitchen Queen”.