The Veggie Scoop

Hello all!

It has been a while... I know! We all know how hectic things can get during finals week. Now that that is over I can express my feelings on the organic/vegan/veg craze. Living in Tallahassee there are not a lot of options for those following Vegan or Vegetarian diets as far as restaurants goes. We have All Saints Cafe in Railroad Square and a few organic markets including New Leaf (which is a co-op) and The Fresh Market which is pretty far down Thomasville Road. My passion to find the freshest ingredients possible for my own cooking/eating enjoyment and my own diet preferences (I am not a veg, however, my diet does consist mostly of plant products for obvious health reasons.) has led me on this search for health supportive cuisine! Another great thing Tallahassee has to offer is the Downtown Market Place- a seasonal market that sells art, clothing as well as fruit and veggies!

I also understand that there are lots of other sustainable fruit and veg markets around the area that I am excited to try when I return for Spring Semester! Since I am running out of restaurants (almost) I have decided to extend my blog to not only blogging about the food I eat but the food I make with local ingredients combined with common grocery store items!

Here is a great banana bread recipe that I made this morning. It is absolutely delicious!

3 ripe mashed bananas (Fruit with a thick skin does not have to be organic)

1 cup chopped pecans

1 cup raisins

2 eggs

1/2 cup coconut milk (you can use any milk you like but I am a big fan of milk substitutes- almond, soy, hemp, and my new favorite is SO Delicious Brand coconut milk!)

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1/2 cup whole wheat flour

3/4 cup sugar

1/3 cup Safflower oil (or any other light oil- Safflower is just better for you and the Earth!)

1 tbsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

Combine the wet ingredients and the mashed bananas first, slowly add the dry and then fold in the raisins and nuts! Bake at 350 for an hour and enjoy!

Let me know if you have any questions about healthy eating and do let me know how that banana bread turns out!