"Oven Roasted Cauliflower with Raisin Vinaigrette" Recipe For "World Vegetarian Day"

Here we are approaching the beginning of October. The months are just flying by, but I bet you didn’t know that October 1st is World Vegetarian Day? It is the annual kick-off of Vegetarian Awareness Month that is full of parties, potluck dinners, food tasting displays and lots of friendly discussions.

This holiday is an International Observance so everyone all over the world will be celebrating. World Vegetarian Day was established as an annual celebration to promote the joy, compassion and life-enhancing possibilities of Vegetarianism. This day was originated in 1977 and was endorsed by the International Vegetarian Union in 1978.

You may ask, “Who celebrates this holiday?” Mostly Vegetarians, but even those who are not vegetarians who want to be healthy or just love fruits and veggies. This special day and month serves as an enticement to give meatless meals a fare try. It brings awareness to the ethical, environmental, health, and humanitarian benefits of a vegetarian lifestyle.

It is important to note that all vegetarian diets are not alike. There are many categories to vegetarian diets, but theses are the major ones used which include:

Ovo-vegetarian: eats eggs; but no meat
Lacto-ovo vegetarians: eats dairy and egg products; but no meat
Lacto-vegetarian: eats dairy products; no eggs or meat
Vegan: eats only foods from plant sources
Semi-vegetarians: who have eliminated red meat, but may eat poultry or fish

There are many cultures and religions that require you to eat vegetarian. People that are practicing vegetarians tend to have lower body mass index, (BMI) lower levels of cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and less incidence of heart disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, renal disease, and metabolic syndrome. This also includes dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and other disorders. Non-lean red meat, in particular, has been found to be directly associated with increase risk of cancers of the esophagus, liver, colon, and the lungs.


Here is a small list of notable people who have been reported to have been on a vegetarian diet at some point during their life; Alyssa Milano, Bob Barker, Sir Paul McCartney, Russell Simmons, Carrie Underwood, Lea Michele, Kristen Wilg, Forrest Whitaker, Russell Brand, and Bill Clinton. So make a difference this October by informing others about the benefits of Vegetarianism. You will be helping to make a better world because vegetarian diets have proven health benefits, save animals’ lives and help preserve the earth.
　

This weeks recipe is one that is not only nutritious, but very tasty and it fits within the guidelines of a vegetarian diet. “Oven Roasted Cauliflower with Raisin Vinaigrette.” A slightly chunky raisin sauce dresses up roasted cauliflower florets to make this simple side dish that is special enough for a dinner party. This recipe was taken from the “Vegetarian Times”. Enjoy and don’t forget what you mother always told you to do which were, “to eat all of your fruits and veggies!”

“Oven Roasted Cauliflower with Raisin Vinaigrette”

Roasted Cauliflower

Ingredients:
1 small head of cauliflower, washed and cut into florets (1 1/2 lb)
2 Tablespoons of olive oil
2 cloves of garlic, minced (2 tsp)

Directions:
To make roasted cauliflower; preheat oven to 425° F. Toss together cauliflower, oil, and garlic on large baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Spread cauliflower in single layer on baking sheet, and roast 20 to 25 minutes or until florets are browned on the edges, turning occasionally.

Vinaigrette

Ingredients:
1/2 cup of raisins
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar

Directions:
To make Vinaigrette; place raisins in heat-proof bowl or measuring cup, and cover with 1 cup of boiling water. Let stand for 15 minutes or until the raisins are soft and plump. Drain and reserve 1/4 cup soaking liquid. Now blend raisins, soaking liquid, oil, and vinegar in blender until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste, if desired. Serve Roasted Cauliflower drizzled with the Vinaigrette. You can use this vinaigrette for other tasty veggies as well. Serves: 4 people.

Till Next Time……………….

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