Meatless Recipes for a Change

I have returned after a mini-vacation and today, I would like to help you get out of the "Red Meat Rut" that we can get into. Using fresh, all natural vegetables makes for healthier meals, and is also a nice diversion. I received these recipes from some vegetarian friends back in the 1970's when there was a beef shortage and the meat was very expensive and scarce. It caused me to look at alternatives. I have discovered, that as science and research has progressed over these last 38 years, we hear so much about limiting our intake of red meat for the heart and to lower cholesterol.

Back in the old days, we had fun with our friends, gathering for "new recipe" buffets. This first recipe we used as Hors Doeuvre or snacks:

Stuffed Egg Plant Rolls

1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
1/2 Cup Parmesan Cheese
1/3 Cup Ricotta (or cottage cheese)
1/2 tsp. oregano
2 eggs
1 Tbs. whole wheat (or reg) flour
1/2 tbs. baking powder
dash veg. salt (or reg.)
1/3 Cup milk
5 Tbs. olive oil (or reg)
1 large eggplant

1. Combine chesses with one egg yolk - save egg white
2. Add parsley and salt - bread well
3. Beat one egg while stiff - blend in
4. Chill mixture - 15 minutes
5. Add flour, baking powder, milk, remaining egg and 1 tbs.oil
Beat well into batter
6. Peel egg plant
7. Cut in half long ways and slice longways 1/16" thick
8. Flour lightly - dip in batter mixture
9. Brown lightly in oil - drain.
10. Place cheese on slices of eggplant and roll up
11. Place in oil and bake dish at 375 degrees for 15 minutes
12. Can use tomato sauce in casserole or on the side, if desired

This next recipe provides a tasty burger that is high in protein and healthy to eat.

Soy Bean Patties (8 patties)

11/2 Cups soy beans
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 scallions, chopped (or equivalent onions)
1/4 cup non-fat dry milk
1/2 cup wheat germ
1/4 cup cottage cheese
1 tbs. soy sauce
1/4 tsp. sea salt (or reg)
1/8 tsp. black pepper
18 tsp kelp
1/8 tsp dry mustard
1/8 tsp. ginger
1 teaspoon sesame oil (or butter)
sesame seeds
Cook Soybeans: 1. soak in cold wather bowl overnight (beans triple in size)
2. Place in kettle in same liquid - add water to cover beans
3. Add dash of salt - biol then simer 3-4 hours until tender

1. Put soy beans in blender
2. Mix all ingredients in bowl - except sesame seed
3. If too wet, add mor wheat germ - if dry, add liquid
4. Shape in patties, roll in sesame seeds.
5. Let stand 15 minutes
6. Fry 8 minutes on each side.

Enjoy these two recipes as prepare ahead for a special time.

God Bless You!

Lady of Light