Slopping the kids and Three Sisters Chowder

The funniest thing happened to me today. At least I thought it was funny...hilarious actually. My good friend Kathy, whom I had just left, was calling my cell phone. I answered and she starts by saying you are not going to believe what Keith has done. She then proceeds to tell me that her, darling and wonderful, husband Keith had called to tell her he had prepared dinner for her. He had made a special trip to the store to buy seasoned ground turkey, eeewww, and a can of peas, eeewww again. He cooked the ground turkey and added the canned peas, then for good measure he topped it off with a can of sauerkraut! I am totally serious! I was mortified by this concoction but the story itself made me laugh hilariously. Who would think of such a combination of randomness? I asked my friend how and why he would think this was a good meal. She said that is how his mother cooked for him. Everything was thrown together and dumped on the plate. She slopped the kids in the same way you would slop the pigs. She did this with love of course. Hamburger Helper is an example of such a slopped meal. The story was humorous but sad as well. Even now kids are growing up eating like this. Random slop is being passed of as real food in their homes and schools everyday. It is so sad. Every time we talk about eating whole foods, veganism, or preparing delicious vegan meals for others, we run the risk of influencing someone in a very good and positive way. Keep talking, writing, cooking and education your friends, family, and coworkers. It is catching on and our kids are worth it.



Three Sisters Chowder

1T olive oil
1 lg onion, chopped
1 lg clove garlic, minced
4 cups corn
3 cups black beans
1 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1 cup vegetable broth
2 cups unsweetened almond milk
3 cups homemade or really good store bought black bean and corn salsa
salt and pepper to taste

In large pan saute onion and garlic in oil until soft. Process half of corn in food processor until relatively smooth. If using frozen corn you may need to add some water to process. Add beans (if using canned, drain and rinse) and corn to onions and mix well, cook for a few minutes. Add pumpkin and vegetable broth and continue cooking until hot. Add almond milk and salsa and stir well to combine. Continue cooking until hot but do not boil. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve with tortilla chips.