Lemons are citrus fruits known for their high vitamin C content. They’re also good sources of vitamin B6, calcium, potassium, copper, iron and magnesium. By adding tart lemon juice to recipes you can reduce the amount of salt needed to enhance flavors, without adding any fat. Another benefit is that it can increase iron absorption. Great for indoor and outdoor cooking, this Ratatouille recipe can be customized with your favorite veggies.

Ingredients:

1/3 cup olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tsp. lemon thyme
Salt and pepper (to taste)
1 medium eggplant, cut into ½” slices
2 medium onions, cut in half
1 medium zucchini, cut in half lengthwise
1 large red bell pepper
1 large ripe tomato, diced
1/4 cup black olives, chopped
2 tsp. basil
2 tsp. parsley
1 1/2 Tbs. olive oil
1 Tbs. wine vinegar

Directions:

1. Prepare Olive Oil-Lemon Marinade by combining the first four ingredients in a small bowl.
2. Steam or microwave onions until just tender.
3. Brush with Olive Oil-Lemon Marinade and grill (or sauté) the eggplant, zucchini, and onions on both sides until just tender (about 15 minutes).
4. Place bell pepper directly on grill and turn frequently, allowing all sides to get charred; remove and place in a paper bag to steam.
5. When the vegetables are cool, slip skin off the pepper, then remove the core and seeds; cut into small squares; chop the other veggies into large chunks and combine in a serving bowl.
6. Stir in tomato, olives, herbs, olive oil, and vinegar and toss well; season to taste with salt and pepper and serve warm or at room temperature.

For this and other great veg recipes, visit www.VegKitchen.com!

Veggies on the Road is a new valuable online resource for vegetarians looking for a convenient place to eat. With reviews of restaurants from around the world, vegetarians can find exceptional meat-free meals close to home or while traveling abroad. The featured restaurants range from a minimum of three vegetarian main courses to 100% vegetarian menus.

In addition to restaurant information, Veggies on the Road offers standard sentences in several languages to express diet preferences. You can also share your experiences with other visitors by adding your favorite restaurants to the website and posting reviews and comments about your preferred dishes.

For information, visit www.VeggiesOnTheRoad.com!

Several studies have already shown that eating five cups of raw fruit a day can help prevent cancer, heart disease, diabetes and osteoporosis. A current study published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry now announces that many of the health benefits of citrus fruits result from pectin. Pectin is a complex carbohydrate found in many plants. It is most abundant in citrus fruits, such as lemons, limes, grapefruits, and oranges. Pectin has already been shown to reduce cholesterol and blood sugar. This study revealed that pectin worked against cancer cells and held promise as a dietary preventative for disease.

To read the full article, click here!

Calvin College in Grand Rapids, MI has inspired a group of energetic students to open the minds and hearts of their peers. Students for Compassionate Living formed after a one-month course on animal kingdom stewardship. On and off campus, these advocates work hard to inform others about the impact of daily choices. Through educational workshops, films, speakers, dinners, a food cooperative, and weekly meetings, they raise awareness about the ways in which people use animals.

With a dedicated volunteer base, Students for Compassionate Living has built effective partnerships outside the Calvin community, organizing and sponsoring events with other pro-veg groups in the Grand Rapids area. On January 19-20 they will participate in an Alternative Eating Weekend, complete with workshops, films, a vegan chili cook-off, and much more.

To read more about Students for Compassionate Living, click here!

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