Darn it! I became a vegetarian right before Thanksgiving!

[manolos mom]

Since the age of 13 I have not had Beef, Pork or Chicken (any birds). I will eat fish. I saw my grandmother slaughter a baby goat. It scared me. I try and cook with vegetable based broth. So for Thanksgiving I will eat vegetables, salad even the dressing(YUM) and will broil a nice piece of fish. Eating meat is not natural! Notice when feeding a baby meat for the first time they hate it. It takes time for them to get use to the taste. But vegetables and fruits are natural and babies love it for the get go. Good Luck and Happy VEGAN Thanksgiving!!!!!

[alisonJ]

Originally Posted by TXGirl

Yes, you need plenty of Kleenex to watch Earthlings. It is sooo hard to watch but yet so important. I think everyone should watch it.

I am not sure I can handle that. I saw some short video clips on peta.org and on youtube, and I cannot get the horrible images out of my mind. But when I am tempted to eat meat, I think of those things. I don't need any more incentive right now.

I also consider the carbon footprint of meat vs. vegetables when I consider going astray. If you believe in global warming (and I DO think there is an anthropogenic contribution to global warming) then becoming a vegetarian is one of the most important things you can do to lessen your carbon footprint.

Like Ann, though, I hate preachy vegetarians or vegans, and I will not become one. After all, my husband continues to eat meat. And other animals eat meat! I don't think it is unnatural to eat meat. But it is a decison I have made for a few reasons, as discussed in my postings above.

[manolos mom]

Originally Posted by alisonJ

I am not sure I can handle that. I saw some short video clips on peta.org and on youtube, and I cannot get the horrible images out of my mind. But when I am tempted to eat meat, I think of those things. I don't need any more incentive right now.

I also consider the carbon footprint of meat vs. vegetables when I consider going astray. If you believe in global warming (and I DO think there is an anthropogenic contribution to global warming) then becoming a vegetarian is one of the most important things you can do to lessen your carbon footprint.

Like Ann, though, I hate preachy vegetarians or vegans, and I will not become one. After all, my husband continues to eat meat. And other animals eat meat! I don't think it is unnatural to eat meat. But it is a decison I have made for a few reasons, as discussed in my postings above.

I hope you didn't think I was a Preachy vegetarian! Sorry if you did. I have not touched meat for 37 years and my husband and my 3 daughters love meat. My reasons are more of the Inhumane treatment of animals, not because I want to be healthy Its ones personal choice. Good luck to you.

[TXGirl]

Originally Posted by manolos mom

I hope you didn't think I was a Preachy vegetarian! Sorry if you did. I have not touched meat for 37 years and my husband and my 3 daughters love meat. My reasons are more of the Inhumane treatment of animals, not because I want to be healthy Its ones personal choice. Good luck to you.

Oh I hope I didn't either! I never bring it up to people unless they ask or unless someone else brings it up, and then I will gladly join the conversation. I am the only on in my family who is a vegetarian, so it can be kind of lonely at times...

[alisonJ]

Originally Posted by manolos mom

I hope you didn't think I was a Preachy vegetarian! Sorry if you did. I have not touched meat for 37 years and my husband and my 3 daughters love meat. My reasons are more of the Inhumane treatment of animals, not because I want to be healthy Its ones personal choice. Good luck to you.

oh no! I did not mean to imply that at all. My reasons for being a vegetarian are the same as yours!

[capt_noonie]

Hi y'all. I didn't read everything, but just wanted to share my personal experience. It's kind of messed up though.

My cousin is a vegetarian not b/c she loves animals but b/c she is anorexic, she is deathly afraid of fat. She also wear leather and fur.

I am chinese and my grandma (RIP) was buddist and vegetarian. We would go to chinese buddhist restarants with fake meat. As it DID NOT taste like meat, it still tasted good b/c of all the sauce.

Myself as an avid meat eater, I could never really enjoy fake meat. It doesn't do real meat justice. If you want something to taste like sausage, eat sausage. I love animals, and yes many are slaughtered inhumanely, but unless we are slaughtering our own meat ourselves (how do we KNOW how they were killed?), we have to deal with how it is done in the industry. It is a business now isn't it?

Also as a foodie, the worst fate an animal can have, IMO, is to be prepared poorly. Have you ever had a bad steak or over cooked chicken? I think about the animal that it came from, and I get sad.

Lastly, my bff (I love her to death) is a vegtarian who hates vegatables, so there is something for everyone. (Lentils and rice is her fave. To me that sounds gross, but to her a big fat steak sounds gross.)

Oh yeah, tofurkey is DISGUSTING! Get Boca brand stuff, not bad.

[capt_noonie]

Ok I would like to add, as far as I know, those black and white PETA films are super old, and they don't (shouldn't?) do it like that anymore. I've seen those films more than 10 years ago and I could tell already (back then) they were super old. Hidden cameras nowadays are in color.

But again, not hating on vegetarians/vegans. You guys have more self restraint/control than I will ever have. Seriously don't know how you do it.

[miabellaamoure]

Originally Posted by Britster

I never get the whole not eating meat for the love of animals thing... I'm NOT saying this to be mean, I'm just highly curious and intrigued and wish to know more of your decision. The human brain developed from eating meat and I feel it's just part of the natural food chain and an important part of the human diet. All animals (including human animals) eat other animals, it's just the way the world has worked since the beginning of time. All existence would become extinct if everyone stopped eating meat. I do not believe in the way certain places kill their animals but if you do your research, you can see who to support and who not to. I think if it's being humanely done, there is nothing wrong with the process. If you like turkey.... eat it! Don't look for the "fake" stuff because it's just not the same. I understand if you just flat out don't like the taste of meat or something... but to not eat meat simply because your love of animals seems silly to me, but like I said, I'm just very curious about why you made that decision.

Many Hindu's are strict vegetarians as well as other religious sects...all for the love & respect for anything "living".

So, I can 100% percent appreciate ones decision to omit meat from their menu as a way to honor what they love.

[ChantalB]

Originally Posted by capt_noonie

Hi y'all.

Myself as an avid meat eater, I could never really enjoy fake meat. It doesn't do real meat justice. If you want something to taste like sausage, eat sausage. I love animals, and yes many are slaughtered inhumanely, but unless we are slaughtering our own meat ourselves (how do we KNOW how they were killed?), we have to deal with how it is done in the industry. It is a business now isn't it?

.

Buying humain grade meat, organic meat or from local farmer market is the best way to help without giving up meat. Those animals are usually keep in way better condition.

[Wylie's Mom]

Alison wasn't really asking for a discussion, she was really asking for meal tips ...so she may want her thread closed. But, I thought I'd address a few points until we hear from her....

Originally Posted by capt_noonie

She also wear leather and fur.

So, are you saying that if someone who doesn't eat meat, but wears leather shoes - is doing something empirically *wrong*? That, her "vegetarianism" is then "negated" for some reason?

If yes, then to me, that's like saying - "well, yeah you drive a Prius, but you don't recycle a thing, so I don't think you care about the environment at all and your efforts w/ the Prius really don't count". I actually don't feel black and white about things like that - and I like to applaud people for whatever efforts feel right and meaningful for them, at any given time, for whatever reason. Doing 1 small thing for a "greater good", does not mean that person should be expected to do EVERY little small thing as well, less they be judged, ya know? A good thing is a good thing, let them have it and let them feel good about it.

Originally Posted by capt_noonie

I love animals, and yes many are slaughtered inhumanely, but unless we are slaughtering our own meat ourselves (how do we KNOW how they were killed?), we have to deal with how it is done in the industry. It is a business now isn't it?

I don't think we have to "accept" how anything is done in this world just because it is done that way...especially when it comes to other living creatures who are really at *our* mercy.

Originally Posted by capt_noonie

Also as a foodie, the worst fate an animal can have, IMO, is to be prepared poorly. Have you ever had a bad steak or over cooked chicken? I think about the animal that it came from, and I get sad.

In my opinion, the worst fate an animal can have is to be treated cruelly.

[ChantalB]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

So, are you saying that if someone who doesn't eat meat, but wears leather shoes - is doing something empirically *wrong*? That, her "vegetarianism" is then "negated" for some reason?

If yes, then to me, that's like saying - "well, yeah you drive a Prius, but you don't recycle a thing, so I don't think you care about the environment at all and your efforts w/ the Prius really don't count". I actually don't feel black and white about things like that - and I like to applaud people for whatever efforts feel right and meaningful for them, at any given time, for whatever reason. Doing 1 small thing for a "greater good", does not mean that person should be expected to do EVERY little small thing as well, less they be judged, ya know? A good thing is a good thing, let them have it and let them feel good about it.



I don't think we have to "accept" how anything is done in this world just because it is done that way...especially when it comes to other living creatures who are really at *our* mercy.



In my opinion, the worst fate an animal can have is to be treated cruelly.

[manolos mom]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

Alison wasn't really asking for a discussion, she was really asking for meal tips ...so she may want her thread closed. But, I thought I'd address a few points until we hear from her....




So, are you saying that if someone who doesn't eat meat, but wears leather shoes - is doing something empirically *wrong*? That, her "vegetarianism" is then "negated" for some reason?

If yes, then to me, that's like saying - "well, yeah you drive a Prius, but you don't recycle a thing, so I don't think you care about the environment at all and your efforts w/ the Prius really don't count". I actually don't feel black and white about things like that - and I like to applaud people for whatever efforts feel right and meaningful for them, at any given time, for whatever reason. Doing 1 small thing for a "greater good", does not mean that person should be expected to do EVERY little small thing as well, less they be judged, ya know? A good thing is a good thing, let them have it and let them feel good about it.



I don't think we have to "accept" how anything is done in this world just because it is done that way...especially when it comes to other living creatures who are really at *our* mercy.



In my opinion, the worst fate an animal can have is to be treated cruelly.

[capt_noonie]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

Alison wasn't really asking for a discussion, she was really asking for meal tips ...so she may want her thread closed. But, I thought I'd address a few points until we hear from her....




So, are you saying that if someone who doesn't eat meat, but wears leather shoes - is doing something empirically *wrong*? That, her "vegetarianism" is then "negated" for some reason?

If yes, then to me, that's like saying - "well, yeah you drive a Prius, but you don't recycle a thing, so I don't think you care about the environment at all and your efforts w/ the Prius really don't count". I actually don't feel black and white about things like that - and I like to applaud people for whatever efforts feel right and meaningful for them, at any given time, for whatever reason. Doing 1 small thing for a "greater good", does not mean that person should be expected to do EVERY little small thing as well, less they be judged, ya know? A good thing is a good thing, let them have it and let them feel good about it.



I don't think we have to "accept" how anything is done in this world just because it is done that way...especially when it comes to other living creatures who are really at *our* mercy.



In my opinion, the worst fate an animal can have is to be treated cruelly.

I was speaking specifically of my cousin, who is a vegetarian, but NOT a vegan b/c she LOVES wearing fur and leather. A vegan does not eat or use any products that come from any animal or animal by-products. Point being, she doesn't eat meat, not b/c she cares for animals, b/c she is anorexic and deathly afraid of fat. That's what I was trying to say is messed up.

Everything else I wrote is purely just my opinion or past experience, as I believe I did say.

[manolos mom]

Check this out as a side dish Alison..Sounds good....three of life’s pleasures

Pan-Fried Brussels Sprouts with Red Onion, Chilli and Cumin Seeds
November 25, 2008
Now don’t groan. I know, I know, sprouts don’t seem like much to ring home about. But that’s where you’re wrong, you see, and this is the start of my one-man mission to prove it.

Christmas and the day after and the day after that don’t have to be deadly, with only another plateful of soggy vegetables to look forward to. It can all be so very, very different.

Take a look at this.



These aren’t just Brussels sprouts. These are sprouts mingled with red onion, lightly charred (the burn’s the best bit, right?), spiced with cumin and chilli and lifted with just a tangy hint of balsamic vinegar. To be eaten with any of the usual Christmas Day stuff or on their own, as I did, out of the pan, with rye bread fresh from the Spence Bakery on Stoke Newington Church Street.

The recipe is (very loosely) adapted from one I found in an old issue of BBC Vegetarian Good Food Magazine – long defunct, sad to say. There they used shallots, which sound good too. I’ve made the recipe hotter, as is my wont. Well I have to. After all I’ve still got a bag of Thai chillies in my larder which I bought to make the Red Lentil and Carrot Soup.

Pan-Fried Brussels Sprouts with Red Onion, Chilli and Cumin Seeds
for 4 as a side dish
500g Brussels sprouts, trimmed and sliced in half lengthwise
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 red onion, sliced
1 red Thai (or any) chilli, sliced – with the seeds included
2 tbs olive oil
fresh ginger – about a cubic inch, grated
1 level tbs cumin seeds
1 tbs balsamic vinegar

In a large frying-pan, lightly fry the red onion, garlic and chilli just long enough for the onion to become translucent. Add in the ginger, the cumin seeds and the sprouts, and cook over a medium heat for a few more minutes.

Turn the heat down to the absolute minimum, cover the pan and cook for 10 minutes. Stir the sprouts occasionally so that as many as possible get that wonderful charred effect.

The sprouts should now be tender, with just a little bit of crunch left in them. Pour over the vinegar, sprinkle on some salt, stir well. Let the vinegar begin to bubble. You can sprinkle with some chopped chives or other herb if you have any to hand. But basically (and how long can this realistically take, 20 minutes?) you’re done.

[manolos mom]

Check this out as a side dish Alison..Sounds good....three of life’s pleasures

Pan-Fried Brussels Sprouts with Red Onion, Chilli and Cumin Seeds
November 25, 2008
Now don’t groan. I know, I know, sprouts don’t seem like much to ring home about. But that’s where you’re wrong, you see, and this is the start of my one-man mission to prove it.

Christmas and the day after and the day after that don’t have to be deadly, with only another plateful of soggy vegetables to look forward to. It can all be so very, very different.

Take a look at this.



These aren’t just Brussels sprouts. These are sprouts mingled with red onion, lightly charred (the burn’s the best bit, right?), spiced with cumin and chilli and lifted with just a tangy hint of balsamic vinegar. To be eaten with any of the usual Christmas Day stuff or on their own, as I did, out of the pan, with rye bread fresh from the Spence Bakery on Stoke Newington Church Street.

The recipe is (very loosely) adapted from one I found in an old issue of BBC Vegetarian Good Food Magazine – long defunct, sad to say. There they used shallots, which sound good too. I’ve made the recipe hotter, as is my wont. Well I have to. After all I’ve still got a bag of Thai chillies in my larder which I bought to make the Red Lentil and Carrot Soup.

Pan-Fried Brussels Sprouts with Red Onion, Chilli and Cumin Seeds
for 4 as a side dish
500g Brussels sprouts, trimmed and sliced in half lengthwise
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 red onion, sliced
1 red Thai (or any) chilli, sliced – with the seeds included
2 tbs olive oil
fresh ginger – about a cubic inch, grated
1 level tbs cumin seeds
1 tbs balsamic vinegar

In a large frying-pan, lightly fry the red onion, garlic and chilli just long enough for the onion to become translucent. Add in the ginger, the cumin seeds and the sprouts, and cook over a medium heat for a few more minutes.

Turn the heat down to the absolute minimum, cover the pan and cook for 10 minutes. Stir the sprouts occasionally so that as many as possible get that wonderful charred effect.

The sprouts should now be tender, with just a little bit of crunch left in them. Pour over the vinegar, sprinkle on some salt, stir well. Let the vinegar begin to bubble. You can sprinkle with some chopped chives or other herb if you have any to hand. But basically (and how long can this realistically take, 20 minutes?) you’re done.