Having been concerned for animal welfare from an early age, Adiphen Bose also noticed the connection between the large amounts of unused land and the staggering amount of people whom were starving in Southern India. These realizations gave Bose a vision, and from it,  Ariven Planet  was born. Ariven Planet benefits both human and non-human animals by creating sustainable animal sanctuaries that provide quality food for people, with a portion of harvests being used to feed the hungry.

Operating on three main business principles, the folks at Ariven Planet focus on 1) “A purpose beyond profit” 2) “A belief that businesses should do no harm, yet benefit all” and 3) “A dedication to health-minded sustainability.” Without the use of GMOs, chemicals and pesticides, in addition to the use of recyclable and biodegradable packaging, Ariven Planet lives up to its promise (source).

Ariven Planet currently sells coffee, tea, and rice, and…

Dreamy Weenies is a wonderful restaurant in the French Quarter that specializes in hot dogs. Luckily they have several vegan options. Several! Multiple weenie choices, vegan buns, and an array of toppings and sides to choose from. Pictured above is a vegan andouille hot dog with vegan chili and guacamole with a side of vegan chili cheese fries. Vegan, vegan, vegan! They even have vegan potato salad which is delicious (try it on their Pothole hot dog.) It’s cash only but they have an ATM right inside with a .99 service charge,  probably the lowest you’ll find in the area. It was the perfect follow up after walking I’m Barkus today,  the canine Mardi Gras parade. Dog parade followed by vegan dogs. Good times!

Dreamy Weenies!

I love to make these tasty treats for hiking trips or road trips or simply with a smoothie for a light breakfast. They’ve got a subtle nutty flavor with the cinnamon and ginger giving a great little kick! The perfect amount of natural sweetness with the dates, too! Injoy!

1 ½ cups raw macadamia nuts

1 cup pitted medjool dates (about 10)

1 tsp. cinnamon

½ tsp. ground ginger

¼ tsp. ground cardamom

Pinch of sea salt

1. Place nuts into a food processor and blend with the ‘S’ blade for 60-90 seconds until finely ground.

2. Add the dates, spices and salt, and process another 60-90 seconds until incorporated.

3. Press mixture into an 8×8 inch pan and refrigerate 4-5 hours.

4. Cut into bar shapes and individually wrap in waxed paper. You can also roll the mixture into balls and then roll in shredded coconut.

…And now a…

Everyone in my house is under the weather and being that I found some energy today, I knew we needed a treat to lift our spirits.  I had way too many bananas that were very ripe (we can never get through bananas fast enough it seems), so I knew I wanted to base the recipe around those suckers.  I have a staple, go-to banana muffin recipe which I make without having to think or look at ingredients, but I wanted something more indulgent.  I decided the best way to take them to the next level was with a crumb top.  Everything is better with crumble topping, right?

I didn’t want to use up all my newfound energy, so I did not pull out the mixer, and I used only one bowl.  These muffins, I tell you, are so moist, perfectly sweet, filling, and really nicely textured.  They were made for…