Ode to the Bowl Part 1

     If you consider yourself a true VeGAL then you are also a vegan foodie! Personally, I run to eat. Conversely, I eat to run...food = fuel. I like the idea of fuel in disguise!  Vegan fare should be as delicious and satisfying (and of course more nutritious) as that of our non-vegan counterparts!  To that end, we eat with our eyes!  Truth be told, I'm not big into juicing, smoothies and raw foods!  If you prefer to drink your meal, like a breakfast smoothie, rich with leafy greens like kale, spinach, wheat grass along with fresh fruit, that is the bomb! Unfortunately, my curious eyes just can't get past the thick, frog-green like beverage (gag!). I have never been into juice, opting to drink only water, seltzer and coffee, saving my calories for food with some room left over for a recovery plant-protein drink as needed. The VeGAL lifestyle lends itself to BOWL FOOD!!!  A cheap,quick and easy(like us!) method of combining a whole grain/pseudograin, protein, mixed veggies with a dash of seasoning/hot sauce (burns calories-yay! VeGALs simply do not have time to fuss in the kitchen!! 
     Now that the kale craze recipe bandwagon seems to have run its course (everyone and their mother has a prep suggestion, yawn), kale is here to stay and I officially induct it into the dark leafy green Hall of Fame!!!  However, after throwing it into various dishes each week, it's time to mix it up a bit!!!  So last night I grabbed a bag of sweet kale mix consisting of not only kale but brussel sprouts, broccoli slaw and radicchio, and emptied the contents, minus the dressing/seed & berry mix), threw it into a baking dish, tossed in a small package of shitake mushrooms for their (for lack of a better word) "meaty" or "umami" protein value (wipe with paper towel, pull stems off, break into small pieces), coated with EVOO, sprinkled some Nutritional Yeast (cheese-like substance chock full of essential B-12) with a dash of Kosher sea salt, baked in 475 degree over for approx. 15-20 min, until crispy/almost burnt.  I had already prepared a box of nutrition powerhouse quinoa (another bandwagon, yawn)that I keep in the fridge for either cold salads or hot bowl food.  I threw some in a bowl, warmed it up, added the veggies (you can throw in the craisins/pumpkin seeds that come with the kale mix but I didn't).  Discard the dressing...too many questionable ingredients. Drizzle with some EVOO and perhaps a little sracha! Paired with tiny glass of vegan-friendly Frey Sauvignon Blanc and wala!!!  Perfect night-before supper for an intense work out today!

And let's not forget...VeGALs train with a conscience; we are FIRMLY PLANTED!