Same here.
I just happen to live in a place where there are many options for year-round fresh organic produce of some sort, and while it can be expensive, I'm hooked just due to personal preference - how it tastes and how I feel. We run out of veggies far before we run out of protein or starch.
My father-in-law, while an avid wine drinker, was also completely addicted to salad every night and fresh fruit for dessert. He was very fit and active until his passing. And my Mom grew-up on a farm in Ohio, so fresh produce was a staple for me early on (and not a negative "eat your vegetables"). Although, my Mom was a little confused when I would combine tofu with chicken. As she saw it as meat vs. no meat. But, I still do both, but just a lot less meat, 'cause it feels better. I lean toward recipes with lots of veggies and a little meat for flavor.
During quarantine I've gotten into long, complicated cooking adventures as a way to use my creative energy, and while I don't stick to just vegan food, we both just prefer it, and I'm always on the look-out for more recipes and adventures in healthy eating (and healthy living for that matter). We call it "healthy gourmet."
Love herbs and spices too - get them in bulk from Mt. Rose Herbs in Oregon. I'm now experimenting with their dried mushrooms and seaweed to make dashi (Japanese broth), for that umami flavor. I have an extensive cabinet of spices for Indian, Italian, Russian, Chinese, and now Japanese cooking. I also find that all of the herbs/spices help with digestion (like fennel, anise, cumin, coriander). My husband is now into making beans - made in a variety of ways, and sometimes just used as a sauce. They're great.
One of these days, I'll focus on cleaning as much as I do on cooking and the house will be immaculate! Until then,
I'll order some goodies from Mt. Rose Herbs ! |
