Vegetarian | 8th Continent Soy Milk Blog

Vegan Irish Chocolate Cupcakes!

Once a year we take time to sit back, appreciate the rainbows and imagine the pot of gold at the end of them. You may not find gold, but this is a perfect recipe for you and your kids to make together on St. Patty’s Day!

My friends over at CHOW provide an amazing recipe for Vegan Chocolate Cupcakes with Vegan Green Buttercream Frosting!

INGREDIENTS (Green Frosting)

1/2 cup nonhydrogenated shortening
1/2 cup nonhydrogenated margarine
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted if clumpy
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 cup 8^th Continent Soymilk
A couple drops of Green Food Coloring

INSTRUCTIONS

Beat the shortening and margarine together until well combined and fluffy. Add the sugar and beat for about 3 more minutes.
Add the vanilla and soy milk, and beat for another 5 to 7 minutes until fluffy. Softly fold in a few drops of green food coloring until you have reached your preferred color.

INGREDIENTS (Cupcakes)

1 cup 8^th Continent Soymilk
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup canola oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract, chocolate extract, or more vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup cocoa powder, Dutch-processed or regular
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 350°F and line a muffin pan with paper or foil liners.
Whisk together the 8^th Continent Soymilk and vinegar in a large bowl, and set aside for a few minutes to curdle. Add the sugar, oil, vanilla extract, and other extract, if using, to the Soymilk mixture and beat until foamy. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add in two batches to wet ingredients and beat until no large lumps remain (a few tiny lumps are OK).
Pour into liners, filling 3/4 of the way. Bake 18 to 20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Transfer to a cooling rack and let cool completely.

Have any other recipes for St. Patty’s Day? Let us know! You can either leave a comment, hit us up on Twitter or post a recipe on our Facebook Page!

Also make sure to check out these Vegan Recipes:

And make sure to have a fun and safe St. Patty’s Day!

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The Importance of Art Education

We have all had to make sacrifices during these times of economical challenge. I make my food at home, I take fewer road trips, I clip coupons (go here for a coupon for 8^th Continent Soymilk!) But one trend I have been noticing is the cutting of the arts in education. I worry at times that maybe some people don’t understand the vitality of the arts for developing children. The following excerpt from newhorizons.org helps illustrate the importance of arts education:

“Always among the highest expression of every culture, the arts teach us much about every historical period through its literature, visual arts, music, dance, and drama. Today it is recognized that to be truly well educated one must not only learn to appreciate the arts, but must have rich opportunities to actively participate in creative work. The arts are languages that most people speak, cutting through individual differences in culture, educational background, and ability. They can bring every subject to life and turn abstractions into concrete reality. Learning through the arts often results in greater academic achievement and higher test scores.”

Not only do the arts help develop a child’s imagination, creative thinking skills and expression skills, but they also teach tolerance and expand horizons to different cultures that a child may not otherwise learn.

But why? Kinderarts.com helps us understand:

It’s been proven that early exposure to visual art, music, or drama promotes activity in the brain.
Art helps children understand other subjects much more clearly—from math and science, to language arts and geography.
Art nurtures inventiveness as it engages children in a process that aids in the development of self-esteem, self-discipline, cooperation, and self-motivation.
Participating in art activities helps children to gain the tools necessary for understanding human experience, adapting to and respecting others’ ways of working and thinking, developing creative problem-solving skills, and communicating thoughts and ideas in a variety of ways.

These are not just opinions, these are facts.
We here at 8^th Continent Soymilk recognize the importance of art education. That is why we are giving you the opportunity to give back to your favorite K-12 school and in doing so, help develop your community to become fuller, richer, and more cultured.

All you have to do is go to our site, draw a sun, and submit it. The top voted 100 suns will win their selected schools $1,000 in art supplies. We encourage kids to participate too! Also the winning art may be featured on 8^th Continent’s new packaging!

Make sure to re-post, blog and share this article, because the more suns your school has, the more chances it has to win!

Please help keep the arts in our schools!

Can you think of other reasons why the arts education is so important? Leave a comment or let us know on Twitter or Facebook.

Ready to draw? OK, ready, set, sun!

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Cupid’s 8th Continent 12 Days of Valentines- Day 4

Valentine’s Day is ALMOST HERE!!! EEK! Only 4 days left and Cupid and I have been giving you ideas, recipes, romantic outings and all!

So you probably have your gift bought, or made. Good job friend!

Did you make or buy a card? Yes? Yes! You are on top of it!

Now, you think you are finished? Oh don’t be so naive! This is one of the most important, if not THE most important part of giving a gift on Valentine’s Day. What are you going to write in that card?

If you are like me, and well, most everyone that exists, emotions may be the hardest thing to really express. Don’t you worry dear friend! We are not going to leave you hanging this close to the finish line. We are here for you all the way through this holiday of love! Check out the following. First we will start off with some charmingly nerdy love quotes and sayings, and then we will get into the serious tear-up, heart-beating, happy-sobbing, lovey-dovey sayings to fill your card, and hearts with that special feeling.

LOVE FOR GEEKS

You changed my world, without even needing the source code.
I know you would never <br /> my heart.
You are the dot com to my perfect domain name.
I RT you just so I can see your Twitter handle twice.
Do you understand when I say that I less than three you?
Baby, you and I go back to Beta.
Today I changed my Twitter password to your name.
www.youandi.com/forever
I don’t poke just anyone on Facebook.
On Twitter I @ you instead of DM you because I want everyone to know our love.

EYE-ROLLING LOVE

“To The World You May Be One Person But To One Person You May Be The World”
“Without you, I have nothing. But with you, I have everything.”
“I cannot show you I love you. Time will show you I love you.”
“Meeting you was fate, becoming your friend was a choice, falling in love with you was beyond my control.”
“Love doesn’t make the world go ’round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile.” Franklin P. Jones
“I love you, not for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you.” Roy Croft
“To be your friend was all I ever wanted; to be your lover was all I ever dreamed.”
“Never lie, steal, cheat, or drink. But if you must lie, lie in the arms of the one you love. If you must steal, steal away from bad company. If you must cheat, cheat death. And if you must drink, drink in the moments that take your breath away.” Irish wedding toast
“I put your name in a circle instead of a heart because hearts can be broken but circles go on forever.”
“Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon.”
“You know you’re in love when you don’t want to fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.” Dr. Seuss
“There is no land so distant, no hole so deep, no fear so great that love cannot find us there.”
“Trying to explain how much I love you is explaining how water tastes- completely impossible.”
“Do you love me because I am beautiful, or am I beautiful because you love me?” Oscar Hammerstein II, Cinderella
“Other men have seen angels, But I have seen thee, And thou art enough.” G. Moore
“If I am pressed to say why I loved him, I feel it can only be explained by replying: ‘Because it was he; because it was me.’” Montaigne
“I have said nothing because there is nothing I can say that would describe how I feel as perfectly as you deserve it.” Kyle Schmidt
“Passion makes the world go round. Love just makes it a safer place.” Ice T

Are you going to use one of these? Which one?

Have any more you want me to add to the list?

Make sure to leave your suggestions in the comment section or you can hit me up on Facebook or Twitter!

And if you have found the perfect thing to say, but still don’t know what to make/buy/do… then you obviously haven’t read the posts that I have been writing to count down the days to Valentine’s Day!

Check them out:

Day 12- Make a pop-up Valentine’s Day card!

Day 11- Make a heart-shaped Vegan Chocolate Cake!

Day 10- A DIY project to make “U Complete Me” Pillow set!

Day 9- My music picks- both a pro-love and anti-love playlist!

Day 8- The Perfect Valentine’s Day presents from Etsy!

Day 7- Perfect Vegan recipe for Penna alla Vodka!

Day 6- Forget the material things! Do something sweet with your Valentine!

Day 5- Easy and Tasty recipe for Vegan Chocolate “Ice Cream”!

Sara Lopez

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Cupid’s 8th Continent 12 Days of Valentines- Day 6

I have been teaming up with Cupid to count down the days until Valentine’s Day and provide you with great gift ideas, recipes, playlists and all! But so far I haven’t discussed my favorite thing to do on Valentine’s Day. I know you are all thinking the same thing- isn’t it obvious what two people do when they are alone, in love, and want to share something with each other? Forget the material things, the things you can eat and purchase. The most romantic thing to do on Valentine’s Day is share an experience. Here are a few ideas that will ensure this will be the most romantic Valentine’s Day that neither you or your significant other will forget!

Make a playlist that includes songs that remind you of a time you spent together and explain each one. Cuddle up and let the bands or singer/songwriters do the talking for you! A great site to use for this is Grooveshark. You can find just about any song on there and save your playlist- and it’s free!
Go get a couple’s massage together. This is a perfect way to relax. And afterward I can assure you will be in that light-headed romantic refreshed mood!
Read your Horoscopes for that day and do something based on each person’s fortune.
Do a photo shoot! There is no need to have a professional photographer when you have each other. Capture some artsy shots of your hands intertwined, or of that smile that has left you intoxicated for the other person. Or take a picture of that cute freckle she has on her shoulder blade. Or a picture of that scar he got on his knee from when you two went hiking together. Sometimes we forget to appreciate the small special things that truly matter. This is a great way to let the other person know you do not take them for granted and you appreciate them and your experiences you have shared together.
If you are where there is tons of snow- play King/Queen of the mountain! The snow plows have officially cleared the streets and there are bound to be piles near you. Let yourselves be kids again and have a cute competition on who can get to the top first, or who makes the best snow angels. After that you can make a wonderful cup of hot chocolate and giggle away reflecting on how silly you both just were.
Spend a couple hours together writing romantic ideas on separate slips of paper. After you get a total of 100 romantic ideas on 100 pieces of paper, then fill a jar with them. Every Sunday, from this day on, alternate who picks one and has to implement it by the following Sunday — at which point the other partner will pick a new romantic idea and have a week to follow through with it. (courtesy of The Fun Times Guide)
Cuddle. It is simple, cost efficient, and couples don’t do it enough.

Have any more ideas that I have missed? Make sure to include them in the comments section!

And if none of the above suit you, no worries! You can take a look at some of the posts I have already put up, or you can come back here in the following days because I will be continuing the romantic countdown to Valentine’s Day!

Day 12- Make a pop-up Valentine’s Day card!

Day 11- Make a heart-shaped Vegan Chocolate Cake!

Day 10- A DIY project to make “U Complete Me” Pillow set!

Day 9- My music picks- both a pro-love and anti-love playlist!

Day 8- The Perfect Valentine’s Day presents from Etsy!

Day 7- Perfect Vegan recipe for Penna alla Vodka!

Have any ideas for future posts and gifts for Valentine’s Day? Help a chica out! Hit me up on Facebook or Twitter and let me know. In other words, spread the love.

Sara Lopez

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Cupid’s 8th Continent 12 Days of Valentines- Day 7

My friend Becky Striepe saw I was counting down the days till Valentine’s with tips, recipes, playlists and etc. and she decided she would help me out and let me borrow her amazing recipe for an awesome vegan dish: Penna alla Vodka. Enjoy!

Penna alla Vodka

Valentine’s day is just around the corner, and I’m sure you’re scheming a romantic evening with your sweetie! Never fear: we’ve got you covered with this vegan version of the Italian classic: Penne alla Vodka. Set a lovely table, pop open a bottle of your favorite wine, and you’re all set!

What You Will Need:

1 28-oz can of organic diced tomatoes (If you prefer a smoother sauce, you’ll want to whizz the tomatoes in your blender or food processor before adding them. I like it a little chunkier, so I left them as-is.)

1 pound whole wheat penne

1/4c olive oil

6 cloves of garlic, peeled and minced

your favorite hot sauce, to taste

salt, to taste

1/4c vodka

3/4c soy milk

2 to 3T fresh Italian parsley, chopped (it’s pretty important to not substitute dried here)

1/2c nutritional yeast

Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain, and set aside.

In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sautee the garlic for a few minutes, until it’s slightly browned, and then carefully add the tomatoes. Season with the salt and hot sauce, and then bring the tomatoes to a boil letting them simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Add your vodka, lower the heat, and simmer the sauce for just a few more minutes before adding the soymilk.

Now, add the pasta to the sauce and bring it back to a boil, making sure you toss it well to get all of the penne nice and coated. Add the parsley, drizzle a little extra olive oil into the pot, and simmer for a few more minutes to let the sauce reduce.

Take the pot off of the heat, stir in your nutritional yeast, and you’re ready to serve!

So spill it: do you guys have any fancy Valentine’s day plans?

A little bit about Becky Striepe

Becky Striepe is a vegan, independent crafter, and freelance blogger living in Atlanta, Georgia. Her passion is working with vintage fabric and salvaged materials. There’s just something about giving found objects a brand new life that really appeals to her. They lend their own stories to everything she makes!
Her indie business, Glue and Glitter, is all about using existing materials in products that help folks waste less without feeling deprived. She believes in the power of little changes: using cloth napkins instead of paper or a reusable bag instead of a plastic one. Things like this add up to make a big impact! Even the act of cooking is so much greener than takeout when you consider all of the packaging and whatnot involved in ordering that Chinese delivery. If a Lunch Kit would get you packing your lunch for work or school, or a cute apron encourages you to get in the kitchen and put a meal together, Becky hopes that she can make one to inspire you!

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8th Continent Soymilk & Celebrities

When I tell people I am vegetarian, I get the same question time and time again:

“But… what do you eat?!?”

Many people find it difficult to believe that you can live a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle and not starve– but it is true.

Not only that, but I find some great meals that fill me up and give me enough energy to rock out every day. And it’s not just me… let’s take a look at some of our favorite veggie celebrities!

Alicia Silverstone

The star of Clueless is most certainly a vegetarian! Not only was she in three awesome Aerosmith music videos (Crazy, Crying and Amazing), but she rounded up her music video career starring in Rob Thomas’s “Her Diamonds”.

AFI

With such songs like “Girls not Grey” and “Silver and Cold”, AFI has proved themselves to be a a force to be reckoned with on the Billboard charts, and in the vegan kitchen. All of these rockers are vegan!

Andre 3000

He changed the face and sound of hip hop in arguably one of the best groups of the genre: Outkast… all while being vegan. I dare you not to dance to his smooth rhymes and amazing beats!

Toby Mguire

Spiderman is vegan, need I say more?

Billy Idol

This rocker is known for his bad attitude, rebel yell, and curled lip– but not for eating meat. That’s right, The bad boy Billy Idol is 100% vegan!

Ellen Degeneres

As the hilarious hostess of the Ellen show, we have grown to love, laugh and dance with this woman! She is a vegan!

Woody Harrelson

Woody played a natural born killer in the movies, but he is everything but! Not only is he an environmentalist, but he is also a vegan.

Who are your favorite celebrity vegetarians and vegans? Either leave a comment and let me know or post their picture on the Facebook Page!

Also if we haven’t connected on Twitter yet- let’s do that!

Sara Lopez

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Lopez’s First Time…

It was just one of those days…

I woke up and trudged down to my kitchen. I saw a plethora of amazing cereals that would have been the perfect pick-me-up I needed to get my mind active and provide me with the sustenance and energy that I needed to open my laptop and get some serious work done.

But then I thought better of it; we had dairy milk in the fridge. I wanted to eat my cereal SO bad, but I knew there would be consequences if I coated my bowl full of healthy breakfast food with milk. I had experienced it before:

The gas

The bloating

The thought that would be running through my mind for hours: “Oh man, I should NOT have eaten that.”

So I did what any sane cereal loving person would do- I poured the bowl and turned the faucet to as cold as it could be and proceeded to eat my cereal with water.

No, it was not the same. But the cereal was beckoning to be eaten- and my stomach was growling threats of hunger. I left the house that day, semi-satisfied, and spent a good part of the morning wondering if I would ever be able to indulge in the easiest any-time meal again: cereal.

I knew I wouldn’t be able to pull it off for long. The cereal/water concoction was NOT cutting it. So later that evening, after work, I went to the grocery store to find a replacement breakfast food for my beloved cereal.

At that time in my life I had no idea I was lactose intolerant… I didn’t even know what it meant. For all I knew lactose intolerance could be a contagious flu that you could catch while taking public transportation. (It is not by the way.)

So I wasn’t even aware that there were dairy milk substitutes sitting right next to the dairy milk that I had learned to steer clear of.

I also had other issues with dairy milk. The thought of drinking a liquid from another species… well honestly? It grossed me out!

Walmart wasn’t very busy and if you have gotten to know me at all- online or in RL- you know that I am not necessarily a shy chica.

I went right up to one of the blue-vested associates and asked:

“I can’t drink milk because it hurts my tummy, but I love cereal. What would you suggest to replace cereal altogether because my water and cereal diet plan is not working for me.”

“Have you ever tried soy milk?”

“Ummm… what? Isn’t soy a plant? How can it make milk? Is this a joke? You obviously are mocking me or something… that’s not very nice.”

She motioned for me to follow her.

Little did I know this short, jolly woman of not many words would show me a whole new solution to a problem I didn’t even know I had.

“Most people who are lactose intolerant drink dairy milk substitutes… like soy milk.”

She pointed to the soymilk section and disappeared like some Phantom of the Opera scene.

8^th Continent Soymilk was not the first soy milk I ever tried. And maybe that is why I was still hesitant after trying another brand.

But I refused to give up.

I went back again and with each trip I bought a different kind of soymilk:

Fat free

Light

Chocolate

Every brand you could think of and every flavor they had in stock.

The day I tried 8^th Continent Soymilk, I knew I had found the match for me. It was like coming across the perfect profile on a dating site I never knew I had signed up for.

Ever since, not only have I been able to eat my cereal, but I have been able to enjoy it.

Thank you blue-vested jolly Walmart woman of not many words- you will never know you gave me the gift of cereal chowing back, and lots of other foods for that matter.

I’d like to think this is the moment my soy-venture began.

Sara Lopez

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The Perfect Vegan Holiday Entree!

The holiday season is a time for giving, a time for appreciation, but most importantly- it’s a time to gobble down on some good eats!

Being vegetarian during this season is hard, being a vegan is practically torture… So I have put together the perfect holiday entree that even the non-vegan carnivorous crowd will love!

I made yam encrusted Portabella mushrooms, Foodswing’s Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes, and a vegan cream spinach.

Follow along with me and make it for your family! It is delish and the whole meal takes just 30 minutes to make!

Go here to check out Foodswing’s! It is an amazing Vegan restaurant in Brooklyn that made the best food I have ever tasted! Not only that- but they provided me with this awesome recipe for Foodswing’s Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes.

Make sure to join my Facebook Fan Page to keep up to date with my adventures and any new recipes and videos!!!

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