Happy New Year - Greens & Black Eyed Peas

Happy New Year!  If you are anywhere near the Southeast, you've probably heard of eating Hoppin John and Collard Greens. It's an age old tradition to welcome in the new year and I've eaten it on New Year's Day for as long as I can remember. Here is my quick and easy take on a classic favorite.

Note: The "quick and easy" portion of this recipe is courtesy of my mother, who gave me a Fagor Pressure Cooker for Christmas. If you don't have one, this recipe is still do-able. Heck, you could even use canned black eyed peas if you want!

Ingredients:
1 cu dried black eyed peas (soaked overnight and drained)
3 cu veggie broth (you can use water and 1 T salt here if you'd like, but I had the broth on hand)

1 bunch collards, de stemmed and torn into bite sized pieces
1 T olive oil
1 t garlic
1 t salt
1 t South African smoke seasoning (I get mine from Trader Joe's, if you can't get it, substitute crushed with 1/2 t red pepper flake, fresh black pepper, or any other seasonings you like)

Super Simple Pressure Cooker Directions:
In a nonstick skillet, heat the olive oil and garlic. Add the collards and seasonings and let cook on medium high for 5 - 10 minutes. You want a little brown on the edges of the greens and the greens should wilt nicely. In your pressure cooker, add the presoaked black eyed peas and veggie broth. Once collards have sauteed, add them to the pressure cooker. Follow pressure cooker directions to cook at high pressure for 10 minutes. Allow to naturally release pressure for another 10 minutes. (If you don't have a pressure cooker, simmer beans and broth for 1.5 hours).

Look at all that pot liquor! I love serving this over brown jasmine rice with a side of vegan cornbread!

What are your New Year's food Traditions?

Vegan Gift Ideas

Ok, so the holiday season is almost over... this year. But now that the Mayans were wrong (and of course they were, they didn't have the best track record with predicting the fall of civilizations!) there will be another and another, and there are birthdays and weddings to think about too! And if you're anything like me, you have a stockpile of gifts because you never know when the gift giving occasion may arise. :) So, here are  a few great ideas to give your vegan (or soon to be vegan once you convert them with all this wonderful stuff) friends:

Clockwise from the book (click the title to follow a link to purchase):

1. Veganomicon - This book is the bible for beginner vegan cooks and seasoned chefs alike. It teaches the basics but includes some amazing dishes you'd never think of on your own. It's a great gift, but if you're tired of subsisting on pasta and salads, you'll want to own a copy yourself!

2. Upcycled Belts from Uncommon Goods -  These belts are amazing as there isn't much out there in the way of belt options for the non-leather wearing. The bike tube belt is by far the most professional and easily passed off as a business belt. So far Robert has the fire hose belt (Christmas present) and the bike tread belt (birthday present), but I see many more in his future!

3. Ozeri Green Earth Pan - This is my new favorite pan. Yes, cast iron will always have a special place in my heart, but this puppy is made from a textured ceramic that is completely free from harmful chemicals. No PTFE or PTOAs or any other chemicals that give off toxic fumes at high temperatures. And it cooks like a wonder! It will definitely make a cameo here and there in this blog!

4. Threads for Thought - These comfy basics are my everyday lounge wear. They make clothes of every shape and size, but I love the T shirts. They even have a Made In The USA section. I am definitely getting Robert this grandpa cardigan soon!

5. Vegan Slippers - I am wearing these bad boys right now. They are so comfy and vegan! And the color is called buff popcorn, now that's just fun to say!

6. Soy Candles - My friend Eileen introduced me to Terra Essential Scents and I am hooked! The hand poured soy candles smell so good! My favorite is the Sweetgrass and Sage Smudge. The melted wax doubles as lotion or massage oil!

7. Planet Dog Toys - Something for the vegan pet lover (and who isnt'!?) these dog toys are rough and tough and have a good hearted mission.

8. Vegan Candy (not pictured) - My sweet mother found this website and filled my and Robert's stockings with vegan chocolates and candies. My absolute favorite were these dark chocolate coins. Worth their weight in gold!

Well, shopping may be the last thing on your mind as the holiday season wraps up, but when the occasion presents itself, I hope these 8 ideas provide inspiration to find the perfect present for that special someone.

What are your favorite vegan finds?

Super special thanks to the wonderful people who went out of their way to veganize my Christmas! Love my family!