Food

Food for Life – Melty Cheese

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“Cheese should never be introduced into the stomach.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 68. “Cheese is still more objectionable [than butter]; it is wholly unfit for food.” The Ministry of Healing, 302.

“The question whether we shall eat butter, meat, or cheese, is not to be presented to anyone as a test, but we are to educate and to show the evils of the things that are objectionable. Those who gather up these things and drive them upon others, do not know what work they are doing. The Word of God has given tests to His people. The keeping of God’s holy law, the Sabbath, is a test, a sign between God and His people throughout their generations forever. Forever this is the burden of the third angel’s message—the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.

“Tea, coffee, tobacco, and alcohol we must present as sinful indulgences. We cannot place on the same ground, meat, eggs, butter, cheese and such articles placed upon the table. These are not to be borne in front, as the burden of our work. The former—tea, coffee, tobacco, beer, wine, and all spirituous liquors—are not to be taken moderately, but discarded. The poisonous narcotics are not to be treated in the same way as the subject of eggs, butter, and cheese. In the beginning animal food was not designed to be the diet of man. We have every evidence that the flesh of dead animals is dangerous because of disease that is fast becoming universal, because of the curse resting more heavily in consequence of the habits and crimes of man. We are to present the truth. We are to be guarded how to use reason and select those articles of food that will make the very best blood and keep the blood in an unfevered condition.—Manuscript 5, 1881. . . .” Manuscript Releases, vol. 2, 107.

Recipe – Melty Cheese

2 cups water

1/4 cup raw cashews

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon garlic

2 Tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot powder

dash of cayenne (optional)

1/4 cup Brewers yeast or nutritional yeast flakes

2 teaspoons lemon juice

1 to 4 Tablespoons pimientos, canned (for coloring; adjust to your preference)

Place all ingredients in blender, and blend extremely well for at least 2 minutes. Pour into saucepan and cook on moderate heat, stirring until thickened. Yummy for nachos, enchiladas, macaroni and cheese, scalloped potatoes—anywhere you need a cheese sauce.

Food for Life – Potato Waffles and Tofu Omelet

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It is the custom and order of society to take a slight breakfast. But this is not the best way to treat the stomach. At breakfast time the stomach is in a better condition to take care of more food than at the second or third meal of the day. The habit of eating a sparing breakfast and a large dinner is wrong. Make your breakfast correspond more nearly to the heartiest meal of the day.” ounsels on Diet and Foods, 173.

“In every family there should be order, and regular habits. There should be a fixed time to rise in the morning, a time for breakfast, and a time for prayer, either directly before or directly after the morning meal. How appropriate it is for parents to gather their children about them before their fast is broken, and direct their young minds to our heavenly Father, who bestows upon us the bounties of his providence. Let them thank God for protecting them during the night, and ask for help and grace and the watchcare of angels through the day.” The Signs of the Times, August 7, 1884.

“In many families, there is no positive rudeness among the members, only a lack of those simple, affectionate attentions which awaken a spontaneous return; a want of that consideration and gentleness of demeanor which are well-springs of comfort in every household. The well-bred host does not fail to bid his guest ‘Good night,’ and ‘Good morning;’ why should not this simple expression of good feeling be always exchanged between parents and children? The kindly morning greeting will often nip in the bud some rising fretfulness; and the pleasant ‘Good-by,’ from old and young, when leaving the house for office, shop, or school, is a fragrant memory through the day of separation. When the family gather alone around breakfast or dinner table, the same courtesy should prevail as if guests were present. Reproof, complaint, unpleasant discussion, and scandal, no less than moody silence, should be banished. Let the conversation be genial, and suited to the little folks as far as possible.” The Health Reformer, February 1, 1874.

Potato Waffles or Pancakes

6–8 potatoes, grated

1/2 onion, grated

1 Tablespoon flour

1 teaspoon salt

Equivalent substitute for 2 eggs

Squeeze the water out of the potatoes. Add all other ingredients and mix thoroughly. Place in a prepared waffle iron and bake until done, or cook as pancakes. Serve with lots of applesauce.

Tofu Omelet

1 brick of firm tofu

1 small clove garlic, pressed

1 Tablespoon minced green onion

1/8 teaspoon turmeric

Salt to taste fillings of choice.

Grate the tofu and then very gently mix in the seasonings (garlic, onion, turmeric, and salt). The long strands of tofu create a lattice that gives the omelet structural integrity. Once the tofu is mixed, pour off any water that has collected in the bottom of the bowl, and then arrange the mixture in two omelet-shaped patties on a heated, oiled nonstick or well-seasoned skillet. Cook the omelets at a medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes, until much of the moisture is evaporated and the edges look a bit dry. Add your choice of filling, fold and serve.

Food for Life – Tofu Tacos

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“Some are called to what are looked upon as humble duties—it may be, to cook. But the science of cooking is not a small matter. The skillful preparation of food is one of the most essential arts, standing above music teaching or dressmaking. By this I do not mean to discount music teaching or dressmaking, for they are essential. But more important still is the art of preparing food so that it is both healthful and appetizing. This art should be regarded as the most valuable of all the arts, because it is so closely connected with life. It should receive more attention; for in order to make good blood, the system requires good food. The foundation of that which keeps people in health is the medical missionary work of good cooking.

“Often health reform is made health deform by the unpalatable preparation of food. The lack of knowledge regarding healthful cookery must be remedied before health reform is a success.

“Good cooks are few. Many, many mothers need to take lessons in cooking, that they may set before the family well-prepared, neatly served food.

“Before children take lessons on the organ or the piano they should be given lessons in cooking. The work of learning to cook need not exclude music, but to learn music is of less importance than to learn how to prepare food that is wholesome and appetizing.

“Your daughters may love music, and this may be all right; it may add to the happiness of the family; but the knowledge of music without the knowledge of cookery, is not worth much. When your daughters have families of their own, an understanding of music and fancywork will not provide for the table a well-cooked dinner, prepared with nicety, so that they will not blush to place it before their most esteemed friends. Mothers, yours is a sacred work. May God help you to take it up with His glory in view, and work earnestly, patiently, and lovingly, for the present and future good of your children, having an eye single to the glory of God.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 263, 264.

Tofu Tacos

1 pound firm or very firm tofu, cubed

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced

1/3 cup Bragg Liquid Aminos or soy sauce

1/3 cup nutritional yeast

1/2 teaspoon turmeric

1 Tablespoon chicken-like seasoning

olive oil

Cook all together on a Teflon griddle.

Serve with corn tortilla shells, salsa and soy sour cream. You may also add fresh tomatoes, olives, green onions and chopped lettuce.

Food for Life – Olive Spread

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Nuts and nut foods are coming largely into use to take the place of flesh meats. With nuts may be combined grains, fruits, and some roots, to make foods that are healthful and nourishing. Care should be taken, however, not to use too large a proportion of nuts. Those who realize ill effects from the use of nut foods may find the difficulty removed by attending to this precaution. It should be remembered, too, that some nuts are not so wholesome as others. Almonds are preferable to peanuts, but peanuts in limited quantities, used in connection with grains, are nourishing and digestible.

“When properly prepared, olives, like nuts, supply the place of butter and flesh meats. The oil, as eaten in the olive, is far preferable to animal oil or fat. It serves as a laxative. Its use will be found beneficial to consumptives, and it is healing to an inflamed, irritated stomach.” The Ministry of Healing, 298.

Olive Spread

1 cup olives, chopped

1/4 cup sunflower seeds, chopped

1 cup walnuts, chopped

1 Tablespoon celery, chopped (optional)

1/4 cup almonds, chopped

1 Tablespoon chicken-style seasoning

Mix all ingredients together. Stir in enough mayonnaise to make a spread.

Tofu Mayonnaise

1 cup tofu

2 Tablespoons lemon juice

2 teaspoons onion powder

1 teaspoon honey

1/4 cup water

1 Tablespoon tahini

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

Blend all ingredients together until smooth. Chill and serve.

Chicken-style Seasoning

1 1/2 cups nutritional yeast flakes

2 teaspoons paprika

3 Tablespoons onion powder

1 teaspoon sage

1 1/2 Tablespoons garlic powder

1 teaspoon rosemary

2 1/2 Tablespoons salt

2 teaspoons fructose

2 1/2 Tablespoons Italian seasoning

2 Tablespoons dried parsley

Blend all ingredients together to a powder. Store in airtight container.

Patricia Evans is a LandMarks reader from Polk City, Florida. She actively shares her enthusiasm for a vegetarian lifestyle through cooking schools and through nutrition presentations given at local public schools. These recipes are selected from her recently published cookbook, Abundant Life. For more information you may contact Pat at jaerrol@aol.com.

Food for Life – Bit-O-Honey

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Favorite Recipes from Staff and Friends of Steps to Life

“How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” Psalm 119:103.

God has given us His Word as a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Its teachings have a vital bearing on our prosperity in all the relations of life. Even in our temporal affairs it will be a wiser guide than any other counselor. . . .

The appreciation of the Bible grows with its study. Whichever way the student may turn he will find displayed the infinite wisdom and love of God. To him who is truly converted the Word of God is the joy and consolation of the life. The Spirit of God speaks to him, and his heart becomes like a watered garden.

There is nothing more calculated to strengthen the intellect than a study of the Bible. No other book is so potent to elevate the thoughts, to give vigor to the faculties, as the broad, ennobling truths of the Bible. If God’s Word were studied as it should be, men would have a breadth of mind, a nobility of character, that is rarely seen in these times.

No knowledge is so firm, so consistent, so far reaching, as that obtained from a study of the Word of God. If there were not another book in the wide world, the Word of God, lived out through the grace of Christ, would make man perfect in this world, with a character fitted for the future, immortal life. Those who study the Word, taking it in faith as the truth and receiving it into the character, will be complete in Him who is all in all. Thank God for the possibilities set before humanity. . . .

The time devoted to a study of God’s Word and to prayer will bring a hundredfold return. In Heavenly Places, 135.

Recipe – Bit-O-Honey

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup molasses

1/2 cup peanut butter

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1 cup + 2 Tablespoons soy milk powder

Stir together first 4 ingredients, then add milk powder, mixing well. Flatten the mixture into an 8″ x 8″ dish. Sprinkle top with sesame seeds, pressing them lightly into the dough. Cut into squares. Freeze. Serve slightly thawed.

Submitted by Ann Meeker, a LandMarks reader, who lives near Rago, Kansas, with her husband, Craig.

Recipe – Banana Blueberry Bars

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Ingredients

1 cup medjool dates, pitted and diced

1½ cups apple juice (or water)

1 cup oat flour (oats ground fine in blender)

2 cups rolled oats

½ tsp. cardamom

3 medium ripe bananas, diced

1 tsp. vanilla extract

¾ cup blueberries, frozen or fresh

½ cup walnuts

Process

  • Soak dates with apple juice in small bowl for at least 20 minutes.
  • Line bottom and sides of a 9×9 baking dish with parchment paper.
  • Combine oat flour, oats, and cardamom in large bowl; set aside.
  • In blender place bananas, vanilla extract, apple juice and dates; blend until creamy.
  • Pour banana mixture into dry ingredient bowl; mix with fork. Fold in blueberries and walnuts.
  • Pour batter into lined baking dish; smooth top.
  • Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes or until light brown. Use toothpick to test for doneness.
  • Let cool 5–10 minutes. Serve.

Food – Cardamom, the Next Turmeric?

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Turmeric has been the go-to spice for years. This golden spice has been the focus of many headlines, stating that it fights anything from common flu to depression. However, there is another healing spice worthy of high status.

Known as the Queen of Spices, cardamom is a nutritional powerhouse, typically used in the western hemisphere to flavor food. However, it is now becoming notorious for its medicinal purposes, including combating a variety of ailments, counteracting digestive problems, reducing inflammation in the stomach lining, while calming heartburn and nausea naturally. It also contains high levels of minerals and vitamins such as calcium, magnesium, iron, riboflavin, niacin and vitamin C and can freshen your breath. https://healthprep.com/living-healthy/is-this-super-spice-the-next-turmeric/

This pungent spice clears the bronchi and lungs of mucus, thereby cleaning the respiratory tract. It helps prevent and relieve symptoms of cold, cough, flu and bronchitis and is considered to be highly beneficial for asthma patients. It also acts as a natural remedy for whooping cough and bronchitis.

Cardamom helps dispel nausea, hiccups, and relief from other involuntary muscle spasms, like stomach and intestinal cramps.

As a diuretic and fiber-rich spice, cardamom significantly lowers elevated blood pressure levels and stimulates bowel movements, thereby protecting from constipation. Cardamom prevents dangerous blood clots by preventing platelet aggregation and platelets from sticking to the artery walls.

Studies are showing promise that cardamom protects against, inhibits growth of, and even kills some cancers.

www.curejoy.com/content/26-aromatic-facts-of-the-spice-cardamom/

Kitchen royalty, this versatile spice has earned its title medicinally and culinarily.

 

Banana Blueberry Bars

Ingredients

1 cup medjool dates, pitted and diced

1½ cups apple juice (or water)

1 cup oat flour (oats ground fine in blender)

2 cups rolled oats

½ tsp. cardamom

3 medium ripe bananas, diced

1 tsp. vanilla extract

¾ cup blueberries, frozen or fresh

½ cup walnuts

Process

  • Soak dates with apple juice in small bowl for at least 20 minutes.
  • Line bottom and sides of a 9×9 baking dish with parchment paper.
  • Combine oat flour, oats, and cardamom in large bowl; set aside.
  • In blender place bananas, vanilla extract, apple juice and dates; blend until creamy.
  • Pour banana mixture into dry ingredient bowl; mix with fork. Fold in blueberries and walnuts.
  • Pour batter into lined baking dish; smooth top.
  • Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes or until light brown. Use toothpick to test for doneness.
  • Let cool 5–10 minutes. Serve.

Food for Life – Cashew Lentil Loaf and Country Style Gravy

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“And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and he [was] faint: And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red [pottage]; for I [am] faint: therefore was his name called Edom. And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright. And Esau said, Behold, I [am] at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me? And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised [his] birthright.” Genesis 25:29–34.

Cashew Lentil Loaf

1 cup lentils

3 cups water

1/2 cup onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 Tablespoon olive oil

2 Tablespoons egg replacer, mixed with 2 Tablespoons water

2/3 cup carrots, chopped

1/3 cup celery, chopped

2 Tablespoons whole wheat pastry flour

3/4 cup raw cashews, chopped

1 teaspoon dried thyme

Cook lentils in water until soft. Cool and set aside. Sauté onion and garlic until onion is translucent. Add carrots and celery, and simmer covered 10–15 minutes or until carrots are tender. Allow to cool. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Spoon into an oiled loaf pan. Bake 45 minutes or until firm. Serve with Country Style Gravy.

Country Style Gravy

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup raw cashews

1/4 cup cornstarch

1 teaspoon sea salt

1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder

2 Tablespoons chicken-style seasoning

2 Tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional)

4 cups additional water

Blend first 7 ingredients together until smooth; add more water if needed. Pour into a double-boiler pan with 3 cups of the additional water. Lightly boil until thickened (approximately 10–15 minutes). The last cup of water may be added if gravy is too thick.

A member of the LandMarks editorial staff, Anna Schultz enjoys cooking and trying new recipes in her home near Sedalia, Colorado. She may be contacted by e-mail at: jschu67410@aol.com.

Food for Life – Honeymoon UnFrench Toast

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Favorite Recipes from Staff and Friends of Steps to Life

“Yesterday we attended the celebration of a wedding conducted in style, worthy of imitation. . . . The hall was decorated in tasteful style, nothing superfluous or silly. . . . There was a long table arranged with food which was placed upon plates and passed around to each one. Then waiters were constantly passing around with a supply if any more was required. Grapes were passed around in abundance. Everything was liberal, yet plain. They did not even on this occasion depart from their principles of diet, which made the thing consistent and admirable. They had extras, graham pudding with dates in it, gems mixed with raisins, custard, apple pie and baked apples, a few other simple things. Nothing like fine flour was seen, even upon this extra occasion.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 5, 382.

Submitted by Connie Kent

Recipe – Honeymoon UnFrench Toast

12.3 oz. box silken tofu, extra firm

1 cup water

1/4 cup Vitamite or Better Than Milk powder

1/3 cup oil

1/3 cup honey

1/2 teaspoon cardamom

1/2 teaspoon coriander

1/2 teaspoon butter flavor

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 Tablespoon arrow root powder

1 Tablespoon egg replacer powder

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Mix all ingredients together thoroughly. Dip sliced bread into mix and place on an oiled cookie sheet. Bake 4 to 5 minutes, then turn over. Broil at 450 degrees for 2 to 5 minutes on other side, watching carefully. Sprinkle coriander lightly on second side if desired.

A LandMarks reader, Connie Kent resides with her husband in Archdale, North Carolina. She enjoys developing new recipes and conducts vegan cooking classes in her community. Honeymoon UnFrench Toast is one of her original recipes.

Food For Life – Vegetable Patties

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Favorite Recipes from Staff and Friends of Steps to Life

Those who eat flesh are but eating grains and vegetables at second hand, for the animal receives from these things the nutrition that produces growth. The life that was in the grains and vegetables passes into the eater. We receive it by eating the flesh of the animal. How much better to get it direct, by eating the food that God provided for our use!

“Flesh was never the best food; but its use is now doubly objectionable, since disease in animals is so rapidly increasing. Those who use flesh foods little know what they are eating. Often if they could see the animals when living and know the quality of the meat they eat, they would turn from it with loathing. People are continually eating flesh that is filled with tuberculous and cancerous germs. Tuberculosis, cancer, and other fatal diseases are thus communicated.

“The effects of a flesh diet may not be immediately realized, but this is no evidence that it is not harmful. Few can be made to believe that it is the meat they have eaten which has poisoned their blood and caused their suffering. Many die of diseases wholly due to meat eating, while the real cause is not suspected by themselves or by others.” Child Guidance, 382, 383.

Recipe – Vegetable Patties

1 medium to large unpeeled zucchini

1 large onion

cracker or bread crumbs

whole wheat flour

1/2 cup Frontier beef or chicken flavored seasoning

In a blender, puree the vegetables together. Transfer vegetable mixture to a large bowl. Add seasoning, and stir in enough crushed cracker or bread crumbs along with enough flour to make the consistency of cookie dough. Mix well. Drop by tablespoon onto a Pam-sprayed cookie sheet. Flatten slightly. Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 30 minutes each side. Patties may also be browned in a lightly oiled skillet. Patties may be frozen for future use.

Other types of squash and/or carrot pulp (left from carrot juicing) may be used to vary this recipe. If used alone, the carrot pulp may turn dark; it is best to mix it with squash. The blended vegetable mixture may be frozen for use later.

Submitted by Myrtle Partridge – A friend of Steps to Life and a frequent volunteer at the ministry, Myrtle Partridge’s Vegetable Patties are a favorite at the staff’s weekly potluck luncheon.