Moo Shoes, New York. Vegan Shoes, Boots, Belts, Bags, and Bling in the Lower East Side.

A trip to New York is not complete until I have hit Moo Shoes.  Hemp Hats, Matt & Nat Bags, Combat Boots, Vegan Cookbooks, Herbivore Clothes.....All Cruelty Free.  And they have resident cats.

MooShoes

78 Orchard St

New York, NY  10002

212.254.6512

In a favorite part of New York.  The Lower East Side.  Within a block is TienGarden, BlueStockings, Babycakes, and Gus's Pickles used to be across the street (Think movie "Crossing Delancy") but is now gone.  So basically Vegan Heaven in a city block.

MooShoes was opened in 2001 by sisters Erica & Sara Kubersky.  

Resident Cat.

I think this is the one that sometimes gets shaved like a lion!

Love all the bags, Wallets (both men's and women's), and tennis shoes.

My hubby had to pry me away from this wall last time.  Usually I try to make one stop "husband free"  just so I am not "reminded" that I already "have a bag that looks like that".  Hubby has gotten some goods from here as well.  Some Earth Sandals and a few wallets.

He can't remember the password to the store account.  He wanted to order more cat treats.

Some great heels but whenever I am in New York heels are the last thing on my mind.  Not for a walking city!   

Pleather Jackets from Vegetarian Shoes and lots of veggie shirts and belts.

They also usually have the latest "Vegan Guide to New York" and other vegan information both local & national.

Made out of recycled bottles.

This store is so casual and welcoming, that even your other half will endure your pursuit of pretty feet.  Even if you already do have bags or shoes that "look like that".

www.gatewaypets.com

East St. Louis, Illinois Rescues

Some of the kids on our East St. Louis Feeding/Rescue Route.  Savvy on left is super pregnant and has been rescued!!  She is due anyday now.  Then Knuckles has a hurt "elbow".  Horton is the beautiful Brindle dog and the father to Savvy's kids.  And shy Fingers is on the end.

This Siamese kitty has also been rescued and is up for adoption at www.gatewaypets.com !! East St. Louis.

 RaRa is stilllllll waiting for a foster home.  She has lived her entire life on the streets of East St. Louis and just wants to retire in a warm home.

 This is kind of sad.  Washington Park, Illinois, is a new part of the route and seems even more blighted than East St. Louis.  Except the homes are newer and abandoned.  This poor dog has an embedded chain but would not let Pj close enough to do anything about it.  She has been keeping an eye on it and trying to earn trust so she & GPG can rectify the situation and get this poor guy the medical attention he needs.

 So many chained dogs in this area.  It is not illegal.  However, if the animal does not have shelter or the chain is "too short" (but there is no length requirement), then they may get a knock on the door.  Pj has not seen this dog again.  Very strange.

Mr. Tux is still out there.  The Siamese and Tommy used to be at this house as well but they were rescued.  Maybe Mr. Tux will be next.

Poor Savvy!!!!  This is when she was ready to burst with babies.  We were so lucky that Ms. U agreed to foster her and actually went that evening and by some miracle Savvy was still at the house and let Ms. U take her in the car.  Now Savvy is resting comfortably, just waiting.  Like every other pregnant mom to be!

So happy that we were able to save her!!  I would not have wanted to go into this home to try to get the puppies.  It is half collapsed so not really sturdy enough to stand and still enough to fall on ya.....not good.  February 23, 2012

Here is Pj talking to Savvy. 

The gal on the left is an adorable German Shepard puppy that Pj rescued February 25, 2012.  Super sweet and full of energy.  She is up for adoption.

And Blondie, my current running buddy.  Another East St. Louis Rescue.  She is still waiting for a forever home.

And 30 seconds with RaRa who is still waiting for a foster....
www.gatewaypets.com

Vegan Black Forest Burger Recipe from "Vegan Indian Cooking: Fifty Simple and Healthy Vegan Recipes" from Anupy Singla

Kala Chana-Mega Protein Packed Pellets.  Black Chickpeas.  Getting prepped to make "Black Forest Burgers", a delightful "Indian Burger" from Anupy Singla's upcoming book "Vegan Indian Cooking". And Anupy said to go ahead and post the recipe!  So you guys can make out of this world Indian Burgers too!!  The new book is available for pre-order as well-link below!

Buy The Indian Slow Cooker Book
A "must have" for any Vegan that loves Indian food. 
This is Anupy's first book.  Nearly ALL vegan and can be made with zero oil!

Vegan Indian Cooking: Fifty Simple and Healthy Vegan Recipes

Her next book will be all vegan.  But not all slow cooking.  Even though the slow cooker book has a couple of meat recipes in it, I would still buy it.  It is by far the most often used book in my kitchen.  Whether I am eating cooked or raw-it makes it a cinch to whip something up with ingredients I keep on my shelves and "normal produce".

These burgers use Desi Chickpea Flour-so a great gluten free option.  Obviously, if celiac you would have to check to make sure is was manufactured gluten free.  But a lovely flour to use instead of "grain" flour!

Locally grown rice?  Yep.  Okay, it's not "Authentic Indian" and actually I don't normally buy this type.  However, we were at the "local" store, and it was organic and basmati.  A bit pricer.  But if you are looking for more local options, then it's a great buy.

The colors are great.  It just LOOKS super healthy!!

Beet, Onion, Cabbage, Sweet Potato, Ginger.

Garam Masala, Turmeric, Red Chilli Powder (NOT Mexican!), Coriander, and Coursely ground salt.

Food Processor..........Love that Indian dishes are so healthy and also super economical.  Even if you buy all organic, rice, beans, cabbages, and potatoes are just really inexpensive.  It does not have to cost more to eat healthier.  Yes, if you buy packaged organic foods or you buy organic cauliflower out of season, but if you just pay attention to the prices and buy what it on sale.  And shop in the produce and bulk aisles, it really works out okay.

Vivid Burger Mix!

I think every healing spice that Dr. Oz, Chopra, or Weil ever brags about is in this bowl!  And WAY cheaper and more delicious than your standard HMO.

I didn't "overmix".  Love that there are still some chunks in there.  And the dough was pretty easy with which to work.  

Love the cast iron skillet for this kind of stuff.  If you use oil, then thicker skillets like this tend to allow you to use less.  

Browning nicely.

These got rave reviews from my hubby and both my folks.   

Black Forest Burger

Makes about 8 - 10 patties, about 3 inches in diameter

2 cups cooked black chickpeas (kala chana) or black beans 

2 cups cooked brown rice

1/8 cup oil

1 cup chickpea flour (sifted if possible)

1/2 cup chopped kale, beet greens, or other deep green leafy vegetable

1/4 cup cilantro, minced

1/2 cup uncooked yam or sweet potato, peeled and grated

1/2 cup beets, raw, peeled and grated (about 2 small)

1/2 cup red cabbage, grated

1/2 small red onion, minced

1-inch ginger, peeled and grated

1 tablespoon coarse sea salt 

1 tablespoon coriander powder

1 teaspoon turmeric powder

1 teaspoon red chile powder

2 teaspoons garam masala

oil for cooking

1. In a food processor grind together the chickpeas or beans, rice, and oil until well mixed and blended. Add the chickpea flour 1/2 cup at a time. Add the kale or other greens and process until smooth. Remove into a deep bowl. 
2. Mix in remaining fresh ingredients (it’s best done by hand).  After mixed, add in the spices and again mix until blended.   
3. Make small balls with your hands and flatten them into patties and set aside on a tray. 
4. Lightly oil a griddle or frying pan and heat patties until browned on both sides over medium heat. Cook patties about 4 - 5 minutes on both sides. It helps to put a lid on the pan and occasionally press down on the patties with a spatula to allow them to cook through. Alternatively, these veggie patties are hearty enough that you can also cook them on a grill.

And in Rescue News!  More short videos of the dogs Gateway Pet Guradians (www.gatewaypets.com) feeds in East St. Louis.  Feeds, Rescues, etc...

2 minutes with Savvy.  Super pregnant and about ready to burst!  But A wonderful Ms. U was able to get her that evening and now Savvy is being super spoiled and will be giving birth anyday now.  She was too far along to get spayed.  Horton is the father of these puppies.

I have been a miserable human person and not been remotely active at all lately!! However, Pj said Blondie needed some exercise so I felt like I should help Blondie out.  And of course, you always get more in return.  And Blondie has helped me out by getting my butt out of the house and doing some running (okay, jogging!) again!  2 minute clip.

These guys are regulars.  We basically need fosters for all of them.

2 minutes 20 seconds.

2 1/2 minutes with RaRa.  I wish RaRa could find a perfect foster.  Someone without other dogs or with a submissive male.  Also, she is going to be a shy one with a new person.  She is super sweet.

Lloyd is getting to be an old man on the streets.  Whitney Kissed Pj the other day!!

I am thrilled to tell you that Tommy, Tommy's Kitty AND the Siamese were rescued.  They will be looking for forever homes soon!  But Mr. Tux and a few of his friends are still at this house. 90 seconds of kitties.