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Showing posts from May, 2025

Nashville's Plant-Based Beats: A Vegan Foodie's Guide

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Nashville isn't just about hot chicken and country music; it's also a city that embraces plant-based cuisine. Here are some of the top spots for vegans to explore:  Vege-licious Cafe: This restaurant specializes in vegan soul food, offering hearty and flavorful dishes. It has gained a very solid reputation. They have two locations: 513B Fisk St, Nashville, TN 37203 793 Bell Road, Antioch, TN 37013 AVO: AVO focuses on fresh, plant-based ingredients, with a menu that includes raw and gluten-free options. They have a very nice modern atmosphere. Location: 4 City Blvd #104, Nashville, TN 37209 The Southern V: This spot offers vegan versions of classic Southern comfort food, including "Nashville hot" options. A very popular location. Location: 1200 Buchanan St, Nashville, Tennessee 37208 The BE-Hive Deli & Market: This deli and market is known for its delicious vegan sandwiches and other plant-based creations. They also supply many other restaurants with their vegan me...

Delicious, New Orleans-Inspired Vegan Hoppin' John

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This recipe captures the soul of New Orleans with smoky flavors, aromatic vegetables, and the classic combination of black-eyed peas and rice, all made vegan! Yields: 6-8 servings Prep time: 25 minutes (plus soaking time for peas) Cook time: 1 hour 15 minutes Ingredients: 1 pound dried black-eyed peas, rinsed and soaked overnight (or quick-soaked according to package directions) 2 tablespoons olive oil or other neutral oil (Grapeseed) 1 large yellow onion, chopped 2 celery stalks, chopped 1 green bell pepper, chopped 4 cloves garlic, minced 2 teaspoons smoked paprika 1 teaspoon dried thyme ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more to taste) 1 bay leaf 4 cups vegetable broth 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained 1 cup chopped fresh or frozen collard greens or kale 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste Cooked long-grain white rice, for serving Optional garnishes: chopped green onions, fresh parsley, vegan hot sauce Instructions: Cook the Black-Eye...

52 Weeks, 52 Activities | A Year of Connection and Growth | Week 12 | Deep Dive Dialogue

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Welcome to another installment of our “52 Weeks, 52 Activities - A Year of Connection and Growth" challenge! As we journey through the year, dedicating time to nurturing your relationship is key. For week 12, we're diving into an activity designed to deepen your understanding of each other and enhance your communication, all while drawing wisdom from the Holy Scriptures. Effective communication is the bedrock of any strong relationship. This week's activity focuses on active listening and truly seeking to understand your partner's inner world, thoughts, and feelings on a deeper level. Activity: Choose a topic that has been on either of your minds, or simply select a general area of discussion (e.g., "What's something you're feeling grateful for today?" or "What challenging situation are you having trouble navigating?"). The goal is for one person to speak while the other practices active listening. The listener's role is not to interrupt...

Jewels of Wisdom: Finding Strength & Inner Peace in Stillness

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In our relentlessly busy life, finding moments of true stillness can feel like a rare and precious commodity. Yet, within the quiet, there lies a profound source of strength, clarity, and peace. The holy scriptures, a timeless wellspring of wisdom, frequently speaks to the importance of stillness – not as inactivity, but as a component of the heart and mind that allows us to connect with our inner selves and with the Most High. Let us explore some "Jewels of Wisdom" from these ancient texts that illuminate the power of stillness in our lives. Jewels of Wisdom: The Strength Found in Stillness: Stillness as a Refuge: In moments of turmoil and stress, finding a place of quiet can be a sanctuary for the soul. Psalm 46:10: "Be still, and know that I am GOD; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." This powerful verse commands stillness as a pathway to recognizing GOD’S presence and sovereignty, offering a sense of refuge and security amidst c...

Vegan New Orleans-Style Red Beans and Rice

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Picture this: the soulful sounds of a brass band drifting through the air, the scent of spices hanging heavy and sweet, and a bowl of pure comfort warming your hands. That's the spirit of New Orleans, and this vegan red beans and rice captures it perfectly. Forget any notions of blandness – this dish is a flavorful journey, where creamy, seasoned red beans embrace fluffy rice in a symphony of Southern goodness. Get ready to savor a taste of the Big Easy, plant-based style! Yields: 6-8 servings Prep time: 25 minutes (plus soaking time for beans) Cook time: 2-3 hours Ingredients: 1 pound dried kidney beans, rinsed 8 cups vegetable broth (or water) 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 large yellow onion, chopped 2 bell peppers (1 green, 1 red), chopped 3 celery stalks, chopped 4 cloves garlic, minced 2 teaspoons smoked paprika 1 teaspoon dried thyme ½ teaspoon dried oregano ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more to taste) 1 bay leaf 1 tablespoon vegan Worcestershire sauce (check label to ensure it...