'FIRST POST' SYNDROME

Oh, the dreaded first post - Anyone who's ever started a blog knows that weight of this moment. Me (Kristin)? I've had my fair share of 'first posts' having started a couple of blogs in my time and they don't get easier - keep in relevant and engaging, capture readers attention, make sure you sound interesting... 

We decided on today as 'first post' day because I tend to be a bit 'Type A' (something Danny is not known for - He's the Ying to my Yang) and I wanted the 'neatness' of starting at the beginning of a month so, here's to the 1st of September! 

Another first!

All of these 'beginnings' got me thinking about another important 'first time' in my life (minds out of the gutter folks!) which was one of the biggest turning points in my life - My First (Intentionally) Plant-Based Meal

You can read the nitty-gritty about our switch to a plant-based diet on our About page and for sure it will be the topic of many future posts but way back in 2008 I put on my chefs hat and busted out our very first plant-based dinner. I was still only dipping my toe in the waters and thought Danny would think I was going a little coco-loco so I didn't tell him my plans or that the meal contained no meat, dairy or other animal products... I was also curious to see if he would even notice!!

It was no surprise that the first plant-based recipe I made was Mexican (a firm favourite in the PBP house) and it's also no surprise that I followed a recipe - it took a good, long time of strict recipe following before I got comfortable with plant-based experimenting in the kitchen! 

The recipe came from the label of a tin of Sanitarium Casserole Mince and I was obviously so amazed by the results that I diligently filed the little label away for safe keeping - A fact that Danny finds very humurous and truly highlights my ability to hoard almost anything!

This recipe makes for an amazing introduction to the world of plant-based eating, although it's a little heavier on the processed ingredients than we prefer these days. I would suggest adding a cheesy flavour by sprinkling on some nutritional yeast or plant-based cheese (Cheezly is a favourite for us!)

For the record - Danny didn't realise that this recipe was sans meat! Even better? When I told him he didn't even bat an eyelid - he was open, willing and excited to give plant-based eating a go (albeit at home only to start with) especially if it was going to help improve my health! He's a keeper alright!

TEXAN TACOS

Recipe from Sanitarium

- Makes : 12 - Time : 30 Minutes (That's it!)

What You Need:

415g can of Sanitarium Casserole Mince (or other veggie mince/lentils/TVP)

1tbs oil

1 onion, chopped

35g packet taco seasoning (or homemade!)

300g can kidney beans, drained and rinsed

425g can diced tomatoes

12 taco shells

2 tomatoes, diced

1 avocado, diced

1 cup lettuce, shredded

Nutritional Yeast or plant-based cheese (optional)

How To:

• Heat the oil over medium-high heat in a medium saucepan. Add the onion and saute until softened.
• Add the seasoning mix, Casserole Mince, beans and tomatoes and simmer on low for 15 minutes.
• Heat the taco shells as per the package instructions and then spoon in the Casserole Mince before topping with tomato, avocado, lettuce and nutritional yeast/Cheezly (if using)

HAPPY MUNCHING!