Vegan Jelly, Jello

Agar-Agar comes from cooked and pressed seaweed, it is available in powder form. This gelling agent doesn't require refrigeration to gel. This powder can be used in equal amounts as gelatin (non vegan gelling agent).Set 2 cups of liquid using 2 tsp agar-agar powder. Found in most health food stores as well as Asian grocery stores. Keep in mind not to add any acidic fruits or liquids to the mixture as it will cause the gelling agent to break down.

Health Benefits

Agar-Agar is flavorless and odorless, it is also a good source of calcium and iron. It has no calories, no carbohydrates, no sugar and no fat, and is 80-percent fiber. It absorbs sugar in the stomach, passes through the digestive system quickly and eliminates the body from retaining and storing excess fat. Its water absorbing properties also aids in waste elimination. It is known for its ability to aid in digestion and weight loss. It carries toxic waste out of the body.

Other benefits associated with agar are its ability to reduce inflammation, calm the liver, and bring relief to the lungs. It is also considered a mild laxative.

Reference Material: www.fitday.com, www.ehow.com

Here are some recipes that I enjoy using Agar Agar as a gelatin substitute in:

April Fools Berry Soda

Self Layering Jello Dessert 

Instead of cool whip use coconut cream as a substitute.

Homemade Citrus Jello 

What to Do with Day Old Sushi

Have you ever wondered what you could do with day old sushi? Obviously the rice is hard and the nori is all soggy. I wouldn't want to eat it anymore. But with a few simple ingredients you can turn this leftover into Sushi Fried Rice. Keep on reading to find out how.

Ingredients:

day old sushi (minimum 12 pieces are required) 

2 sprigs of green onion (sliced thinly)

2 eggs (whisked)

soy sauce

fresh cracked pepper

lemon zest

vegetable oil

In a wok or a deep frying pan heat up 2tbsps of vegetable oil on medium high heat. Place nigiri sushi fish side down. Let the fish sear a bit and then use a wooden spoon and mash the rice till it breaks apart. We're trying to get the lumps out of the rice, as the rice heats up it will be harder to break apart. As sushi rice is sticky when heated. As the fish cooks you will be able to mash the fish into smaller bits too. Add the 2 eggs and keep stirring, eggs will stick to the pan so keep stirring. Once the egg is no longer liquid and you should have little bits of scrambled egg amongst your fried rice. Add soy sauce, lemon zest, fresh cracked pepper and green onions as desired. 

Enjoy your Sushi Fried Rice!