6 Friday, February 3, 2017 brooklintowncrier.com Plant-Based Eating by Sheree Nicholson Where's the beef? Meat and men! There's a strong, and perhaps, primitive connection. Historically, men were hunters then farmers, providing meat for the family or tribe. Over time, as hunting evolved from spears to the gro- cery aisle, putting meat on the table (or cave floor) was what men did. For some, it was also a source of pride. I remember as a child, my father proudly talking about being able to do just that, put meat on the table. Men often resist the thought of eating plant-based foods as anything but a side dish. My partner Tom loves meat and I cook it for him as I'm not a fan of trying to change people. I've found the best way to introduce healthy plant-based alternatives is to have a meatless Monday or a meatless meal here and there. Cutting back on meat is much more realistic than giving up meat entirely. If you're introducing plant-based meals to the man in your life, I suggest stir fries and chili. Avoid those fake soy hot dogs and burgers, which taste awful and just confirm to most people that giving up meat means tasteless meals. I found the below recipe in the book "Eat & Run" by ultra-marathoner Scott Jurek. He writes that eating this chili convinced him he could give up meat. More and more endurance athletes are giving up animal products because they find getting rid of meat in their diet reduces the inflammation in their body, making their recovery time shorter. A whole food, plant-based chili is easy to make and very hearty. This is one of the best chilis I've ever eaten. The bulgur wheat gives it a "meat-like" texture that can provide a satisfying chewy feel. The recipe makes a lot and freezes well. I've served it to many of my friends and family - to rave reviews. I've also used it as a base for burritos and served it over a bed of leafy greens. Minnesota Winter Chili 1 tbsp coconut or olive oil 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 cup finely chopped onion 8 to 10 medium mushrooms, chopped ½ cup finely chopped green bell pepper ½ cup finely chopped red bell pepper ½ cup finely chopped carrots 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (optional) 1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels 1 tsp ground cumin ½ tsp ground coriander 2 tbls chili powder 2 tsp sea salt, or more to taste ½ tsp black pepper 1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes 1 15-ounce can of tomato puree 1 15-ounce can kidney beans, drained 1 15-ounce can black beans drained 1 15-ounce can red beans drained 2 ½ cups water ½ cup dry bulgur wheat Hot sauce or cayenne pepper (optional) ¼ cup minced fresh cilantro for garnish (optional) Add oil to a large pot. Sauté the vegetables and spices in the oil over medium to medium-low heat for 10 minutes or until tender. Add a few tablespoons of water if the veggies begin sticking to the pot. Add the remaining ingredients except the cilantro and simmer over medium-low heat, covered for 30 minutes. Stir and simmer for an additional 30 minutes until veggies are cooked through. Season with salt and additional spice if desired. Hot sauce or cayenne pepper can be added to taste. Serve, sprinkled with the cilantro, if desired. Brooklin Hosting World Day of Prayer Event On March 3, 2017, Christians in more than 170 countries and in 2,000 communities across Canada will gather to learn about, pray, and celebrate in solidarity with the women of The Philippines through the World Day of Prayer. In Canada, the World Day of Prayer is coordinated by the Women's Inter-Church Council of Canada The services will take place at: Hebron Christian Reformed Church - 2:00 pm - 4240 Anderson St., Whitby L1R 2W1 St. John's Anglican Church - Port Whitby - 7:30 pm - 150 Victoria St E Whitby L1N 9L8 Before the internet, there was the World Day of Prayer, an international event that has been connecting people in a meaningful way for almost a century. It has its roots in an ecumenical day of prayer organized by women in Canada and the United States in 1920. This event became the international World Day of Prayer in 1922, and Christians around the world began celebrating this event on the first Friday of March. The secret to the depth and insight is the women who plan and write each World Day of Prayer service. What might Canadians learn from women of the Philippines, a country on the front lines of climate change, foreign mining and resources interests, a regional insurgency and social upheaval due to migration? How will we answer the question, "Am I being unfair to you?" To learn more, please visit our website or contact us: Women's Inter-Church Council of Canada, 47 Queen's Park Crescent East, Toronto, ON M5S 2C3 Tel: (416) 929-5184; Fax (416) 929-4064; E-mail: wicc@wicc.org ; Website: www.wicc.org ; www.facebook/WICCanada Mayor's Fund Donates Two $25,000 Grants The Mayor's Community Development Fund (MCDF) has given two $25,000 grants, one to each of the Lakeridge Health Foundation and to the Grandview Children's Foundation to help children with special needs and their families access services sooner. The grant to Lakeridge will support the purchase of a dialysis machine at the Lakeridge Health Whitby site. This modern equipment administers the most efficient kidney replacement therapy available today - allowing patients to experience a more comfortable treatment than previously available. In total, MCDF has contributed $115,000 to the Whitby site's in-hospital dialysis since 2011. Lakeridge Health Foundation is one of two 2017 lead causes supported by the Mayor's Fundraiser Event. Lakeridge Health Foundation secures donations and raises awareness for Lakeridge Health to fund capital projects, the acquisition of equipment, education and research. Lakeridge Health's regional dialysis program provides 40,000 life-saving treatments each year. The Whitby site has been providing dialysis since 2000. At the Grandview Children's Centre, as of last March, there were 2,571 children on a waitlist for services. Of these, at least 520 are Whitby residents. The $25,000 grant will help the Centre deliver its services sooner. The Centre is an independently operated not-for-profit organization. It is the only children's treatment centre in Durham Region providing specialized programs, out-patient clinical treatment and support to thousands of children and youth with special needs and their families. The MCDF uses net proceeds from the Mayor's Golf Tournament and Fundraiser Event to support local causes, charities and organizations that benefit Whitby residents. Visit whitby.ca/mcdf for more information. Advertise With Us... yeswomanbrooklin@gmail.com