The Lazy Vegan
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Grainy Side Dishes from Casbah
Some nights I need help preparing dinner. I don't have the energy to make something from scratch. There are plenty of side dishes in easy to make mixes but I can't eat most of them. They are either laden with salt, dairy, and other things I can't digest. Or, you must mix them with butter, milk, or oil in order for them to come out right. Since I don't eat any of those things, I'm limited.
Casbah, a division of Hain Celestial Group, has a line of side dish grain mixes that are easy to make and taste pretty good. The mixes are based on rice or couscous. The mixes come with seasoning packets so you can pour in as little or as much as you like. All cook easily in the microwave. Also, if you'd like to make a full meal of it, you can add 2 cups of your favorite veggies such as broccoli, peas, spinach, etc.
I have three favorites in the Casbah line: Rice Pilaf with Organiz Orzo, Nutted Pilaf, and Couscous Pilaf. I also like the Spanish Rice, but my stomach doesn't like the peppers that come with it.
The Couscous only takes 5 minutes to cook, while the others take about 15 minutes depending on the cooking method.
A look at the Casbah website shows that they are increasing their product line, although the website isn't fully functioning yet, so you can't see what they are. Looks like more good stuff is on the way! (By the way, they also have a line of grains such as couscous and basmati rice if you'd like to create your own side dish.)
Casbah, a division of Hain Celestial Group, has a line of side dish grain mixes that are easy to make and taste pretty good. The mixes are based on rice or couscous. The mixes come with seasoning packets so you can pour in as little or as much as you like. All cook easily in the microwave. Also, if you'd like to make a full meal of it, you can add 2 cups of your favorite veggies such as broccoli, peas, spinach, etc.
I have three favorites in the Casbah line: Rice Pilaf with Organiz Orzo, Nutted Pilaf, and Couscous Pilaf. I also like the Spanish Rice, but my stomach doesn't like the peppers that come with it.
The Couscous only takes 5 minutes to cook, while the others take about 15 minutes depending on the cooking method.
A look at the Casbah website shows that they are increasing their product line, although the website isn't fully functioning yet, so you can't see what they are. Looks like more good stuff is on the way! (By the way, they also have a line of grains such as couscous and basmati rice if you'd like to create your own side dish.)
Friday, April 14, 2006
Bumblebar
I don't normally like health bars. Usually they have too many ingredients that disagree with my stomach.
I came across Bumblebars last year. I didn't realize that I couldn't live without them.
Bumblebars are made with a minimum of ingredients. Ingredients vary, however, you'll find an abundance of seeds and nuts in each bar. All varieties are certified organic and are gluten, dairy, and wheat free. Each is chewy and tastes a bit like a granola bar. They are rich in fiber, so if fiber is lacking from your diet this is one way to get it.
I really like the Chocolate Crisp. It's chocolatey enough for my taste buds, but not like a candy bar. I also enjoy the original flavor. I can't eat the others as they contain honey. For some reason, honey and I don't get along.
You might find Bumblebars as a local health food store. You can order direct from www.bumblebar.com as well. If you order from the website, sign up for the newsletter. Each month they offer a case discount on one flavor. When it's Chocolate Crisp I stock up.
This is snack you can indulge in. It taste good and it has nutritional value. You can check out the different varieties to see if you'd like to try them at the Bumblebar website.
I came across Bumblebars last year. I didn't realize that I couldn't live without them.
Bumblebars are made with a minimum of ingredients. Ingredients vary, however, you'll find an abundance of seeds and nuts in each bar. All varieties are certified organic and are gluten, dairy, and wheat free. Each is chewy and tastes a bit like a granola bar. They are rich in fiber, so if fiber is lacking from your diet this is one way to get it.
I really like the Chocolate Crisp. It's chocolatey enough for my taste buds, but not like a candy bar. I also enjoy the original flavor. I can't eat the others as they contain honey. For some reason, honey and I don't get along.
You might find Bumblebars as a local health food store. You can order direct from www.bumblebar.com as well. If you order from the website, sign up for the newsletter. Each month they offer a case discount on one flavor. When it's Chocolate Crisp I stock up.
This is snack you can indulge in. It taste good and it has nutritional value. You can check out the different varieties to see if you'd like to try them at the Bumblebar website.
