It’s fennel season! Look for this cousin of parsley, carrots, dill and coriander in your local market. Fennel, the main ingredient in black licorice, is good source of fiber, potassium, and excellent source of vitamin C. Its unique combination of nutrients make it a strong antioxidant. Fennel has long been noted for it’s anti-inflammatory and cancer prevention properties.

Ingredients:

1 Tbs. fennel seeds, ground
1 Tbs. olive oil
2 fennel bulbs, quartered, cored & coarsely chopped
2 celery ribs, coarsely chopped
1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup dry white wine
5 cups vegetable stock
6 cloves garlic, peeled
1 medium celery root, peeled & coarsely chopped
1 medium potato, peeled and coarsely chopped
fresh parsley, chopped
2 fresh thyme sprigs
Bouquet of 5 flat-leaf parsley stems, 2 fresh thyme sprigs and 1 bay leaf, tied with string
smoked tofu, cubed (to taste - optional)
salt & pepper (to taste)

Directions:

1. Set aside the feathery fronds from 1 fennel bulb to use as a garnish for each plate.
2. In large pot, heat oil over medium heat; add chopped fennel bulb, celery and onion, and cook, stirring often, until vegetables are softened (about 7 minutes).
3. Add wine, increase heat to high and boil until most liquid has evaporated (about 5 minutes); add the vegetable stock, celery root, potato and garlic and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat; add bouquet and ground fennel seeds.
4. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until vegetables are very soft (about 45 minutes).
5. Discard bouquet, puree soup in food processor or blender, and return to pot and garnish.

For more great veg recipes, visit www.IVU.org!

SoyBoy’s Smoked Tofu is made from organic tofu that's been baked, seasoned and smoked. It’s ready-to-eat right out of the package or it can make a great addition to sandwiches, soups, salads, and more! SoyBoy’s line of healthy, smart seasoned tofu also includes Tofu Lin (oriental marinated), Italian Tofu (with Italian flavorings), and Caribbean Tofu (prepared with a special Jamaican recipe).

Northern SoyBoy’s founders, Andy and Norman, have been vegetarian for many years. In 1976, they started their tiny enterprise to promote a vegetarian lifestyle and now they’ve grown into an environmentally friendly company. Nowadays the company remains independently owned, and Norman and Andy still manage the daily operations. They are staunch supporters of veg causes and are one of the main sponsors of this year’s Great American Meatout!

For more nutritional information and other products, visit www.SoyBoy.com!

Eating tofu regularly can reduce a woman's chances of developing ovarian cancer by almost half, according to researchers. Scientists from the Northern California Cancer Centre studied data from 100,000 active and retired teachers. Results indicate that a daily portion of 10gm of tofu cut the cancer risk by 44%. This level of consumption releases around 3mg or more of isoflavones, the plant hormones in soy believed to protect against some forms of cancer and heart disease. Researchers note that a small tofu-based meal or a drink of soymilk can provide 3mg of isoflavones.

To read the full article, click here!

Michelle LaFleur works to promote compassion. She is the co-founder of the Pasco Vegetarian/Vegan Society and Food for Life. After being vegetarian for thirteen years and vegan for six, Michelle and her husband, Roger, decided to take action on behalf of the animals. The couple started several programs to educate others about the connection between food choices and animal suffering.

Pasco Vegetarian/Vegan Society and Food for Life hosts various events throughout the year including Gentle Thanksgiving and The Great American Meatout coming this March. Their website has links to local groups, veg restaurants, and provides information about events and other veg-related activities in their area.

To read more about Michelle LaFleur, visit www.FoodForLifeNow.com!

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