Veggie Teens

Celebrate Earth Day by Eating Vegetarian

One of the best ways you can help celebrate Earth Day is by eating vegetarian! 

• It takes up to 2,500 gallons of water to produce one pound of meat
• It only takes 25 gallons of water to produce one pound of wheat   
• A large amount of fossil fuels are needed in the production of meat: from the fuels used to grow the animals food to the gas used to transport the food across the country
• About a gallon of fuel goes into producing one pound of meat
• 20 pounds of soybeans are used to feed cows to produce one pound of meat; those soybeans could be used to feed many people

Celebrate Earth Day with this Oriental Salad!

Oriental Salad with Mandarin, Edamame, and Almonds

This colorful, delicious, and nutritious salad is easy to make with whatever ingredients you have on hand!

Ingredients

Red leaf lettuce
Red pepper, sliced (see Culinary Techniques:How to Cut a Red Pepper)
Carrots, sliced
Cucumbers, cut in matchsticks
Green onions, sliced
Snow peas, chopped
Edamame, shelled
Mandarin oranges, drained
Slivered almonds (or peanuts)
Seasame dressing (bottled or homemade from Veggie Teens: A Cookbook and Guide for Vegetarian Teenagers)

Assemble the ingredients on a plate or create a salad bar and let each person assemble their own. 

 

Meatless Monday: Baked Pasta

For more vegetarian recipes for teens, check out Veggie Teens: A Cookbook and Guide for Vegetarian Teenagers by Elyse May (aka Veggie Teen).

Baked Pasta Recipe

Ingredients 

1 box penna pasta
1/3 cup olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cans diced tomatoes
1 10 ounce package of frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a large casserole dish.
2. Cook pasta according to box directions for al denta  pasta (which means the texture is "firm to the tooth").
3. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 15 seconds.
4. Add tomatoes, spinach, and Italian seasoning to the pan.
5. Season with salt and pepper and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Add pasta and stir.
7. Pour into greased casserole dish and sprinkle with cheeses.
8. Bake 20-30 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and melted.