Cruelty-Free: Gabriel and Zuzu Luxe cosmetics
I confess that, for all my talk about taking gradual steps, I’m not exactly a “gradual” kind of girl. I woke up one morning with it in my head that I wanted to replace everything in my home with products that didn’t test on animals, and I hit the ground running. Household products, leather products, and cosmetics — it was a whirlwind around my home in those days! I was researching as much as possible as quickly as possible. I realized many of the cosmetics I’d been using for years didn’t meet my new criterion, so I immediately headed to the Whole Foods Market to find some cruelty-free alternatives. Thus began what continues to be an ongoing adventure in search of new and terrific make-up products.
During that first Whole Foods visit, I became acquainted with two cosmetics lines, Gabriel and Zuzu Luxe. They got my attention simply because both had elaborate displays and “testers” in the cosmetics aisle. Zuzu, as it turns out, is owned by Gabriel. Since my first cruelty-free cosmetics shopping venture, I’ve learned about so many other brands that don’t test on animals and don’t use animal ingredients, but today I put Gabriel and Zuzu in the spotlight, as the ones who started me out. Although I’ve incorporated other make-up brands into my “pretty up” collection, some of their products remain true cruelty-free favorites:
- Gabriel
Lip Gloss: The “Mocha” and the “Venus” by Gabriel were the first lip glosses I bought. They’re a little bit heavier than the lip balm or gloss I wear during the day, perfect for evening events. Not only are they cruelty-free, their also gluten and lead free. - Zuzu Luxe
Mascara: Natural mascaras are sometimes a little tricky… well, actually messy. Many people I know complain that ones they’ve tried get flaky on them or smear easily. I’ve also suffered the smudged-look as I’ve tried some other brands. However, the Zuzu Luxe mascara in Onyx was the first cruelty-free mascara I bought, and I think I got pretty lucky that day. - Powder blush: I still use the same “Bella Donna” shade by Zuzu that I purchased during my first cruelty-free cosmetics outing. It matches my natural complexion and works really well whenever I’m going with earthier, neutral shades on my face… or I’m wearing dark or neutral-colored clothes.
- Lip Gloss/Lipstick: Lately, I’ve been using the “Crystal” (as in clear) lip gloss. It’s lighter than the Gabriel glosses, perfect for everyday. Another great option for the lips, for daytime or nighttime — I recently purchased a lipstick (“Obsession”) from Zuzu, also very light on the lips and moisturizing.
Bonus Tip!
If either of these product lines is new to you, try the “tester” at the market if one is available. And buy one product item at a time. My biggest mistake when I first started using cruelty-free products was buying everything new all at once: I spent the next couple of years (!) trying to figure out what I was allergic to that was making my face break out. As a matter of fact, I haven’t quite ruled out the “Rose” powder blush by Gabriel, but I love it so much that I can’t quite bring myself to hand it over to my mom (inheritor of any products that my sensitive skin gets cranky about).
Cruelty-Free: Seventh Generation
When I had to set up my apartment from scratch in Washington DC for my summer stay, I made a trip to the Whole Foods Market on 15th Street and stocked up on a bunch of Seventh Generation supplies. Here are some of my favorite Seventh Generation products, many of them staples in my home.
- Garbage bags
Plastic bags are catastrophic to the environment and animals. Miles of plastic bags are floating in our oceans and devastating marine life. See my blog entry on plastic bags from last spring (Plastic Bags – so passé!) to read in more detail. Bottom line: we need to use biodegradable when we can, and reduce our plastic use overall. SG’s Kitchen Trash Bags are made from 55% recycled plastic. Tip: the bottom of these bags tends to open up along the perforation; I just take the two ends and tie them together in a knot before placing in the trash bin - “Free & Clear” Natural Dish Liquid & Automatic Dishwasher Powder
Non-toxic & biodegradable, hypoallergenic, free of phosphates — and the dish liquid’s bottle contains 90% post-consumer recycled plastic. - “Free & Clear” Laundry Detergent & Dryer Sheets
I can’t tell you how many times people’s comment to me about eco-friendly laundry products is that they just don’t do as good a job. I think SG works well… I’ve used the both the powder and the liquid detergent. I’m a huge fan of the “Free & Clear” line: I want my laundry really clean, which to me doesn’t mean ridding my clothes of dirt and then infusing the items with a bunch of chemicals and fragrances! Ugh. The chlorine-free, unbleached dryer sheets use plant-based softening agents and are compostable after use. And the sheets are good for a couple of loads… something to weigh into your shopping decision-making when you see a less expensive box with same number of sheets by another (animal-unfriendly) brand. - Chlorine-Free Bleach
This is the cruelty-free bleach that I found works the best on whites. Since I have a penchant for white bed sheets and white towels, there’s a lot to keep looking white ‘n bright in my home. Best part: the bleach is non-toxic, free of phosphates and optical brighteners, and — like all SG products, not tested on animals.
also:
Diapers
Though I don’t have any little ones of my own to buy for, the SG diapers still make my fave list. “Dark green” mamas have made the choice to use cloth diapers. But if you’re more of a light- or medium-green kind of mom, choosing SG’s disposable diapers is a good option: they are wood-pulp processed without chemicals, chlorine-free, fragrance free, and latex free. I know many of you think eco-friendly diapers are just too expensive: “You know how many diapers I go through in just one week?” To which I say: exactly. I know it’s a lot of freakin’ diapers. Which means making a better choice when it comes to which diapers you’re loading into the shopping cart can make a pretty significant difference. SG makes chlorine-free baby wipes and training pants, too.
Seven Acts of Seventh Generation
A good way for a company to gain almost instant loyalty from me is to practice corporate responsibility by supporting efforts that go alongside its mission statement and quality products. SG supports the following efforts by working with other organizations; you can read more about each of them on the Seventh Generation web site page.
- Toxic Chemical Policy Reform (Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families Coalition)
- Women’s Action To Gain Economic Security (WAGES)
- Sustainable Palm Oil (Rainforest Action Network)
- Rethinking Laundry (Project Laundry List)
- Sustainability Education (Sustainability Institute)
- Household Care Product Ingredient Disclosure (Breast Cancer Fund)
- Save the Poles (Save the Poles for Global Climate Change)
Community & Coupons
Join the Nation for semi-monthly e-newsletters and specials, and printable coupons. Also, the Seventh Generation Blog is a great resource for tips and news. Nice!
Cruelty-Free: Elephant Dung Paper
elephant-dung pages!
It was back in July 2009, when I first looked into cruelty-free alternatives for the home office, that I came across this idea of making paper out of elephant dung. Sounds crazy, huh? It sounded intriguing to me but, admittedly, a little “out there.” Well, my second great discovery at the TAFA conference last month was, more than a year after my initial office-supplies search, finally getting to meet Mr. Ellie Pooh, maker of elephant dung paper: I got to actually see the paper up close, hold it, feel it. And I have to say… it really is the shizzle. The sheets have a wonderful texture — an all-natural feel, with visible fibers running though it. A soft, papyrus-like paper. Does it look like something that came from poop? Not at all! It looks like something I picked up from a high-end stationery store on the Upper West Side.
So what’s the story with this paper? It originates from Sri Lanka, home to a tenth of the total population (40,000) of Asian elephants. In Sri Lanka, the elephants have been in peril because they wreak havoc on farmers’ lands: elephants roam… and they also eat a lot! So a creative approach to helping these animals has been to find a way to make them contribute something to the farmers’ lives, rather than being solely a detriment. Now, the elephants are living, breathing paper mills — a resource for money (and jobs) for many of the people in Sri Lanka. Now, if someone looks like he’s about to shoot an elephant, it’s more likely a neighbor will say, “hey, wait a second… that elephant produces up to 500 pounds of dung each day for us…”
So how exactly does dung become paper? Because elephants are vegetarians, their waste is essentially raw cellulose. The farmers dry the dung in the sunshine for a full day, then boil it to remove any bacteria. Afterwards, they create a pulp and press the pulp into sheets. It’s acid-free and — I promise you — stinky-free! Another great thing about this paper: Did you notice there weren’t any trees cut down and added into the process? The paper consists of 75% elephant dung and 25% post-consumer paper. The web site informs: “Compared to using virgin wood, paper made with 100% recycled content uses 44% less energy, produces 38% less greenhouse gas emissions… 50% less wastewater.” Mother Nature is very happy about this “pachyderm paper” idea, too!
So whether you’re looking for some new stationery or you have some invitations to order, why not be on the cutting edge of cruelty-free cool by using elephant-dung paper? If this were a Facebook post, I wouldn’t just “like” it – I’d LOVE it!
Cruelty-Free: Beijo handbags
In Vegas, with my Beijo bag. I never met Stephanie before, but she wanted to be in the picture with me!
Part of the fun at conferences is browsing around the Exhibit Hall and checking out all the vendors: I always walk away with at least a few favorite finds. At the Humane Society’s Taking Action for Animals conference in July, a cute little handbag caught my eye, Beijo’s “Over the Moon” by designer Susan Handley. I’d never heard of Beijo before and was excited to check out their full collection on the Beijo web site once the conference-weekend frenzy was over. The handbags are made with all synthetic materials, come in classic as well as more contemporary styles, and are available in a variety of colors. Whether you need a new black handbag, or want to have a little fun with a primary color or pastel — or maybe even a floral pattern — Beijo has quite some nice options for you. I was able to purchase “The Girlfriend” handbag (in red) with the help of a representative out of Phoenix. Up until now, purchases have been available via local representatives around the country and through Beijo parties in people’s homes. Currently, the web site lets you browse the different collections and then gives you a way to connect with someone locally. However, the online store, I’m told, should be up and running by the fall so that shoppers will be able to purchase directly on the web. Or, maybe you’ll want to host a party of your own.
Just a couple of weekends ago, I spied a Beijo bag in the Vegas airport — the “First Date” in red. While we waited for our luggage, Rachel from Wisconsin told me that she loved her Beijo bags — she has four of them! Rachel, I hope your Beijo was filled with winnings on your trip back home!
Cruelty-Free: Online Megastores Make It Easy!
I’ve moved around quite a bit, but it’s always been from one city to another, which means I’ve been incredibly fortunate to always have access to so much — museums, theaters, restaurants, and great shopping. While some cities have been better than others in terms of options (especially when it comes to vegetarian-friendly places), I’ve never had much of a challenge in finding places that suit my lifestyle. I remember when I was once visiting a friend in Pendleton, Oregon — a charming little town about three hours from Portland — I was struck by the fact that the only place to buy CDs in town was the Super-Walmart. Yikes. Working in the music industry at the time, this was a revelation for me: for any non-mainstream music, Pendleton’s population had to rely on the internet to hear about independent artists and buy their music. An instant new appreciation for online shopping.
The same is true when it comes to cruelty-free alternatives. I realize not everyone has a Whole Foods Market nearby, or a handful of vegetarian/vegan restaurants to choose from on a Saturday night. So maybe some of you out there are reading my posts and thinking, if only I lived in a location that made this possible… Take heart, there are a couple of online sources for you that will bring cruelty-free alternatives to your doorstep!
VeganEssentials.com
In business since early 1998, Vegan Essentials is one of the US’s oldest cruelty-free retailers, based in Wisconsin. The online store is truly a one-stop shopping destination. Just check out the sale categories that really run the gamut:
- Babies & Children
- Hair Care
- Candles Book & More
- Companion Animal Supplies
- Cosmetics
- Facial & Skin Care
- Bath & Body
- Food & Sweets
- Footwear
- Fragrances & Oil
- Outdoor Wear
- Home Products
- Personal Care
- Accessories
- Shirts & Message Items
- Vitamins & Therapeutics
VeganStore.com
Like Vegan Essentials, Pangea’s Vegan Store has a range of products to meet your day-to-day needs, as well as items for special occasions. I also like that Pangea’s products are made only in countries where there are labor laws and unions to ensure workers are protected. There’s a storefront in Maryland, open only on weekends; however, the web site makes online shopping easy and fun. Free shipping for orders more than $175, so stock up monthly! Again, a range of offerings that include vegan food items, body care, vegan vitamins, cosmetics, non-leather wallets and belts, men’s dresswear and winterwear, and dog & cat products.
Other cyber-hubs worth checking out: Cosmo’s Vegan Shoppe, which also has everything from food to fashion; and my newest mega-fave, Humanitaire. The web site is home to the online store for the Los Angeles vegan-fashion haven. I love that Humanitaire features local Orange County designers. And my personal pick from the online shopping selection is the Scent of Scandal soy candles, with names like “Back Seat of My Car” (vanilla), “Get Lei’d” (Hawaiian plumeria), “Hot Mama” (sugar and spice), and “Walk of Shame” (morning dew). More chic designers and brands are available at the Santa Monica storefront — you know I’ll be stopping by the next time I’m in town!
These sites aren’t just for people living outside of metropolitan areas. My friend Lisa, who lives in DC and close enough to shop at Pangea’s storefront in Maryland, still uses the online shop-op; with a law student’s hectic schedule, she takes advantage of the free shipping and convenience of shopping online… which frees up more time to spend in the library! And, as a full-time law student and business owner, wife and mom of two canine kids, I certainly can relate to that 
Cruelty-Free: Taco Night!
Long before I moved to Tucson, this New York girl learned to appreciate a good taco, thanks to my years living in Houston and Austin, Texas. In fact, my first veg taco was at Martin Brothers Cafe in Austin, which sadly isn’t around anymore (sigh). At Martin Brothers, they’d serve up tacos filled with black beans, lettuce, tomato, shredded carrots, and homemade salsa. Yummmm!
Last night, we had “taco night” at home, and I’ve gotten a little creative by adding a hint of italiano to our Mexican fiesta. Really, when it comes to fixins’ for a taco, you can get as imaginative as you want. Here’s the basic recipe, including my personal touches. But the real fun will be coming up with your own ideas about what to add — go wild!
- Trader Joe’s (Trader Jose’s) Taco Shells
TJ’s hard taco shells are made with organic stoneground yellow corn, which gives the taco a nice crunch. Similar taco shells from other stores or other brands are fine, or maybe you prefer a soft taco. - Smart Ground by Lifeline
“Mexican Style” seasoned veggie protein crumbles. These take just 5 minutes to heat up in a skillet. Low-cal and non-fat and delicious. My Italian touch, a very generous sprinkling of garlic powder. Note to my Texas friends: Smart ground also is available in “Tex Mex” style. - Tomatoes-on-the-vine, diced
- Arugula (any lettuce works, shredded)
- Jalapeno peppers, thinly sliced (optional)
- Organic Black Beans (I use Trader Joe’s)
- Tofutti Sour Supreme
Non-dairy imitation sour cream. You must try this — you’ll never look back at regular sour cream again! Lactose-free, butterfat free. A tablespoon has only 2.5 grams of fat! - Salsa
So many possibilities! I like the fruity versions especially during the summer months. One of my Facebook friends recently posted that she’d made mango-pineapple-tomato salsa. I may have to try whipping up some of that myself…
This is an inexpensive meal and super-quick to get on the table. Besides heating up the Smart Ground and the black beans, the only
preparation is chopping or shredding your “extras.” In a matter of minutes you can put together your own taco night, whether you’re dining solo or feeding a family. Enjoy!
Cruelty-Free: Kiss My Face
“A core element of our mission is having a 360 degree view of how our products… and everything it takes to get them to you… affect our planet.” The fact that the Kiss My Face guys incorporated this perspective into their mission statement makes me even more wild about their products.
What’s to like about Kiss My Face:
- They do not test on animals and do not use animal ingredients
- They use sustainable, plant-based ingredients that are gentle on us and on the planet
- They use post-consumer recycled materials for packaging, as well as for any displays and brochures
- They’re not only eco-friendly — they’re also economically friendly. Great products and prices that will fit the budget.
Kiss My Face makes soaps, shower gels, toothpaste, lip balm and lip gloss, shave cream, deodorants, moisturizers, hair shampoos and conditioners, organic facial care and sun care. They also have Kiss My Face for Kids – a line of soaps, shampoos, suncare, and toothpaste especially for the little ones — I’ll be stocking up for the next time my almost 4 year-old nephew comes to visit! So cute (the products… and my nephew Nicholas)!
My personal faves:
- Liquid Moisture Soaps
I use these pump-soaps for the bathroom at my yoga studio and also have used them in my home. The pear scent is really nice, and I’m happy to report that KMF is also making their soaps paraben-free now. In my DC apartment, I bought the “fragrance-free” for both the bathroom and kitchen sink areas. (about $6.00 each). For those of you who like bar soaps, try the Olive Oil Bar Soap ($2.99). - Organic Moisturizers (for the body)
“Almost Butter”– A combination of certified organic jojoba oil, olive oil, shea butter, and cocoa butter.
“C’s the Day”– Ester C has anti-oxidant, anti-aging properties and stimulates collagen production; almond oil and jojoba oil make your skin super-soft!
*both moisturizers are just $10.95 each! - Tinted Facial Moisturizer
Tinted moisturizers are awesome! Light enough not to feel greasy or heavy. Perfect for daytime, when I just need to hydrate my skin and even out my color a bit. KMF’s tinted moisturizers are inexpensive ($9.99) and the “Sisal” shade matches my complexion perfectly. - Trial Sizes
I LOVE that KMF makes so many trial sizes of their products! First of all, it makes it so much easier for shoppers who are just starting to make the switch to cruelty-free alternatives. There are so many products out there — buying trial sizes is a good way to figure out what works best for you (especially if, like me, you have sensitive skin or allergies); and, at a little over a dollar each, trial sizes also are an inexpensive way to try new things. Second, the trial sizes are perfect for traveling, whether it’s a weekend conference trip, a family vacation, or a quick overnight to Vegas to catch a show.
Cruelty-Free: Eggs, cafes to cafeterias
As a follow-up to yesterday’s post, I wanted to write a little bit more about easy ways we can make a HUGE difference when it comes to eggs. For those of you who are still wondering what the big deal is about keeping hens in cages, consider:
- Average space provided for a caged hen: 67 squared inches (less than a piece of loose-leaf paper)
- Space need to stand up straight: 75 sq. inches
- Space needed to flap wings: 303 sq. inches.
- Caged hens never have access to sunlight during their entire lives
The happy news is that more and more establishments are switching to cage-free eggs, and this is going to reduce the suffering of the 300+ million hens that are still living in cages in the U.S. alone. “Cage-free” does not mean 100% cruelty-free; but the cage-free step is a step in the right direction, and the proof is mounting that it’s completely do-able.
Going beyond what each of us is using at home, by supporting the efforts of large-scale organizations – from corporations to cafes to campuses — we’ll be supporting the hens.
- Restaurants & Markets
Many restaurants and cafes — not just the “organic” or vegetarian havens — have made the switch to using cage-free eggs (in addition to offering more dairy-free options). Even fast-food chains are catching on, including Denny’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, Quizno’s, Sonic, IHOP, Carl’s, Jr., Hardee’s, and Red Robin. The next time you’re at one of these places, let them know you appreciate their efforts. Also, food markets such as Trader Joe’s have joined the team (TJ’s store brand is cage-free).Finally, don’t be afraid to ask some of your favorite dining destinations if they’re using cage-free, or mention cage-free options to your local market. If they’re not already on board, your asking might be just the nudge they need.
- Schools
A campus is a little universe. Whether you attend a large school like University of Texas with 50,000+ undergraduates, or a smaller school like Georgetown, with some 7000 undergrads, just think of all the eggs that are consumed on a day-to-day basis. Having gone to both of these schools (law school, the first time around; grad school), I’m proud to say both of these campuses have made the switch to cage-free. For the last year and a half, I’ve been working with the head of dining at Rice University (undergrad) to support their efforts to join the hundreds of other colleges and universities that have gone cage-free. This year, Rice made the switch to using cage-free for its shelled eggs on campus, which is a terrific first step. Yay! Yes, cage-free eggs cost more… but in light of animal welfare as well as environmental and health concerns, more and more schools are recognizing they need to make room for cage-free in the budget. Kudos to all the campuses who have made this change! Is your alma mater cage-free? If not, check out the web site Alumni For A Cage-Free Campus. When I was starting to gather support for the initiative at Rice, I created this simple web site (with the help of my computer-wizard husband Seth) so that I could have alums show their support. At the time, it seemed worthwhile to build the site so that alums at other schools could create a page of their own and do the same. There’s a home page that gives basic information about caged hens; and I’ve also provided the contact information for Josh Balk, outreach director for the Humane Society of the United States’ factory-farming campaign, which includes the HSUS’s Cage-Free Campus campaign. Josh is an amazing resource and an all-around great guy. Email or give him a call with any questions! If you’re currently a college student, it will be even easier for you to gather support on campus among your friends. Sometimes, just a phone call to Dining Services will be all it takes to make that change!
- Progress in Legislation
This past summer there have been a couple of major milestones. California already passed its Prevention of Cruelty to Farm Animals Act (“Prop 2”) in 2008; last month, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed bill 1437, which requires that starting in 2015 all shell eggs sold in California must come from hens who were able to stand up, lie down, turn around, etc. Combined with the effects of Prop 2, the bill means that California essentially is going to become a cage-free state. Makes this New Yorker almost wish I were a California Girl! Also this summer, the state of Ohio — the nation’s second largest egg production state — agreed to impose a moratorium on new battery cages. I encourage everyone to check out the laws in your own state, and look into how you can offer support to any local legislative efforts.
By the way, if you’re an alum of Rice and haven’t signed in support of cage-free eggs yet, feel free to visit the Rice University supporters page and add your name to the list supporters now. Thanks!
Cruelty-Free: Eggs, not all they’re cracked up to be
If you have a carton of eggs in the fridge, take a look at the packaging. Does it say the eggs are cage-free? That the chickens were 100% vegetarian-fed? Humanely raised? Is there a picture of a happy-looking hen, or a quaint little farmhouse? Is there a logo that says your eggs are UEP (United Egg Producers) certified? And if it does bear the UEP-certified label, what does that really mean anyway? Wait a second… aren’t all hens vegetarians? What does “humanely” mean, and who decided what it meant? The companies who make the eggs? Aren’t all eggs, which come from animals — namely, the hens — all-natural? How would it be possible to have a 95% “natural” egg? Welcome to Confuse-the-Consumer 101…
If you’re looking to make some initial changes, choosing cage-free or free-range is commendable, but it’s important to know the facts so that you are actually buying what you think you’re buying. Here in the US, we’re a little behind the times: in the European Union, eggs are labeled on the cartons as well as the eggs themselves as “Free Range,” “Barn Eggs” (Cage Free), or “Eggs from Caged Hens.” Here, it’s a little trickier to make sure you’re not being duped. A friend of mine buys her eggs from a local farmer with a free-range setting for the hens. Difference between cage-free and free-range? Free-range hens have access to the outdoors; “cage-free” means the hens are not in battery cages but potentially are still jam-packed in poultry houses. Also, the cage-free label does not mean antibiotics-free or that the hens are given pesticide-free meals. OK, so free-range wins, right? But note that I said free-range hens have access to outside. Does that mean they actually are out there, all happy and free?
When so many people have managed to reduce, if not altogether eliminate, their consumption of eggs because of allergies or because they’re managing cholesterol levels, why not the rest of us, too? It might be difficult to ensure that a product made with eggs never passes your lips again, but I can tell you that the switches we’ve made at home were pretty easy for us, and we’re constantly discovering new dairy-free, egg-free foods that are simply delicious.
Suggestions to help break the egg habit:
For breakfast
I know plenty of people who swear by scrambled tofu. I’m just as happy with a plate of non-dairy pancakes or a waffle for breakfast. A newly-discovered fave at the house is mochi drizzled with brown rice syrup. The pups, Galileo and Otis, who once upon a time had a Sunday breakfast of scrambled cage-free egg whites and veggie bacon, now look forward to either organic O’s with rice milk or bagel pieces with Tofutti non-dairy cream cheese. (Yes, I’ve been told I spoil them. My reply: Galileo says I spoil them just right.)
For baking
Though I love to cook, I’m not a baker. When it comes to non-dairy desserts, I’ve had plenty, though, thanks to friends and some wonderful restaurants and bakeries. Even bakeries that do not “specialize” in vegan desserts often have a couple of non-dairy options. Cupcakes, cakes, cookies — you name it, there’s a scrumptious non-dairy option out there. A bakery in my neighborhood recently made a vegan wedding cake for a couple, and their guests absolutely raved about it.
So, what’s the trick to baking without eggs? Some easy substitutes (each the equivalent of one egg):
- ¼ cup applesauce + 1 teaspoon. baking powder
- ½ banana, mashed
- 2 tablespoons water + 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 tablespoons corn starch
- ½ cup tofu, blended
- Ener-G Egg Replacer (directions on box)
Cruelty-Free: Pasta
I grew up in a house where every Sunday I woke up to the smell of my mother’s sauce already simmering on the stove. Tomatoes, onions, garlic… there’s nothing quite like it. Sunday dinner, which we usually eat earlier in the day, remains a Discorfano family tradition — even our pups know on Sundays we head to Grandma and Grandpa’s house. These days, I forgo the meatballs and sausage and have replaced the pecorino-romano cheese with a parmesean substitute by Galaxy. So what about the pasta itself?
Years ago, when I was living in Rome, I used to buy Barilla and DeCecco pasta at my local market; and I’ve stayed true to those brands ever since. I buy a box and, in my mind, I’m instantly transported back to my old neighborhood just a short walk away from the Vatican. These pastas are 100% semolina flour — no animal products! The fact is… any pasta you buy off the shelf at your grocery store does not usually include animal products. Only fresh pasta that you find in the refrigerated section uses eggs, and those items will say so. Va bene!
However, I’ve expanded the pasta selection in my home pantry as we’ve tried new recipes, largely because I believe having variety is the surest way to stay on track. Who wants to be bored with food? Different pastas incorporate new flavors and textures into a meal… and can even provide some protein, which is always a plus once animal-based proteins are no longer on the menu. Here are some favorites:
- Trader Joes’s Brown Rice Fusilli
A healthy option that tends to be lighter than other kinds of pasta. For a quick meal, (the pasta takes only 9 minutes to cook), toss with some olive oil and sprinkle some “parmesean” on top. Add in some broccoli florets, and you’ve got one of our favorite quick weekday dinners! This pasta is also a good alternative to steamed rice to serve with a vegetable stir-fry. Occasionally, we pair it with Tasty Bite quick ‘n spicy entrees or Trader Joe’s Indian Fare — both come in pouches you just have to boil for a few minutes. We like the Punjab Choley: the chickpeas provide the protein, and the sauce has just the right amount of “spicy.” - VitaSpelt (rotini, spaghetti)
Spelt pasta, a form of wheat, is a heartier pasta than those made from semolina or rice, and it has a slightly nutty flavor to it, which makes it a nice change from regular whole-wheat pasta. It goes perfectly with cream sauces, or if you’re planning to mix in some seitan or chunky slices of vegetables. I like to toss the rotini with a little sauteed spinach and garlic, or in summer months with some sliced up fresh zucchini and yellow squash. The spaghetti is molto delicioso (and filling) when served with a simple marinara sauce. VitaSpelt also makes lasagna noodles that, in addition to being tasty, won’t fall apart on you when you serve it up! - Ancient Harvest Spaghetti
This pasta is a quinoa-corn blend. The beauty of the grain-like quinoa (actually a seed) is that it’s a wonderful source of protein. The yellow of the spaghetti (because of the corn) can be the start of an especially pretty dish… just pile on the colorful vegetables. I like to toss the spaghetti with just a couple tablespoons of olive oil and a mix of long, thin slices of roasted red, yellow, orange, and green peppers. Top it off with a handful of roasted pine nuts. - Pasta Valente’s “Francesca’s Vegan Pasta”
From a family-owned company based in Charlottesville, these pastas use locally-milled wheat flour along with a combination of herbs, spices and dried vegetables. The “Francesca” was inspired by the founder’s granddaughter, who is vegan… and who also happens to be a friend of mine. I know — how cool is it that she has a pasta named after her?! Even more cool is that at the Fancy Food conference in NYC this summer, Francesca’s Vegan Pasta was named by Ecorazzi as one of the Top Ten Fancy Food Products of 2010. So I encourage everyone to give it a try. Right now, it’s available in stores around the east coast region, but I’m hoping it won’t be long before I see packages of Pasta Valente all the way across the country in Tucson. Fran is one of the most genuine, sweetest people I know… and that fact alone will bring a smile to my face any time I get to sit down for a Francesca-pasta dinner. Also, check out the recipe for vegan alfredo sauce on the Pasta Valente web site under “Favorite Recipes”: it uses cauliflower to make the sauce so creamy!
Mangia! For dinner tonight, we’re cooking up Seitan Piccata with angel hair pasta. Mmmmmmm…
