Food For Thought By Peter Rubi

Top 5 Plant-Based Cinco De Mayo Meat Substitutes Cinco De Mayo is quickly approaching! Looking for plant-based options to celebrate this Mexican holiday? Look no further! Here are our top 5 plant-based Cinco De Mayo meat substitutes: 1. Cauliflower Have you ever tried cauliflower tacos? Instead of making a meat-based taco, substitute roasted cauliflower instead! Cauliflower is a great option because it provides texture and can be seasoned to possess a meat-like flavor! Here is a link to a great recipe: https://minimalistbaker.com/roasted-cauliflower-tacos-with-chipotle-romesco/ Photo in courtesy from https://www.liveeatlearn.com/roasted-cauliflower-street-tacos/ 2. Plant-based Queso Dip Our queso dip is made primarily of raw, organic...

Flourishing From The Inside Out Kaitlin Soto is the owner and operator of Flourish Juice Co. in Joliet, IL. She is dedicated to educating others on how to improve their quality of life through nutrition. How Flourish Juice Started "Before I started Flourish Juice, I was not in a good place all around; I did not have a job and had a difficult time finding personal, financial, and emotional stability." Life changed for Kaitlin in May of 2016 when her son, Carson, was born. Kaitlin wanted to do what was best for her son; and knew pursuing her passion and...

A Beautiful Sunrise Morning The beauty of the morning sunrise inspires me to remember to live each day with joy. Time is precious. Often, we do not realize how precious life is until we are told we do not have much time left. I will always remember the words from the doctor's call on January 9, 2013, "John, is Maria also there?” “Yes," Maria answered. The doctor’s voice echoed the words no one ever wants to hear, "John, you have cancer. It is a high-grade, undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma - stage three.” One phone call, one diagnosis, one moment in time,...

We already miss you, Melanie. Once and awhile, God introduces a new path for some of our family members here at Peter Rubi. God has invited Melanie on a new adventure in North Carolina. After some tears, reflection, and begging from Jacqueline to potentially stay in Illinois - it is time to say goodbye to our dear friend and family member, Melanie Romel. Melanie, "You are such a joy! Thank you for sharing your life with us at Peter Rubi. Your work ethic is to be admired. Trust your heart in all that you do. We will miss you and...

A big part of what makes working for Peter Rubi a meaningful experience is owner, John Graves’ leadership & mentorship. For many here, he is our “work dad”. For Father’s Day this year, we wanted to share our stories of appreciation for our fearless leader.  Dear John,   We have been together for many years I believe 35 years now! I still feel like we are kids learning how to navigate this life together! I am so grateful that God gave me you! You are always there to hold my hand when life gets too tough and most of all...

Doesn’t it seem like stress is unavoidable? It can be overwhelming managing work and home life while dealing with financial, health, and relational challenges.     On top of that, living in a media-saturated world can also add unwanted stress to our lives. We are constantly confronted with images of what the 'good life' looks like, what others are up to, the next best vacation, people's work successes, social gatherings we are or are not a part of . . . the list goes on. Now that we face the coronavirus pandemic, it seems we cannot help but be STRESSED...

Immune Booster Series - Elderberry Did you know Elderberry boosts our immune system? Sambucus Nigra, otherwise known as Elderberry, is a shrub/small tree that produces fruit. Elderberry has been used for years in traditional herbal medicine for headaches, congestion, the common cold, and the flu. How does it work? Elderberry’s proposed role is to inhibit viral growth early in the virus’s replication process as well as act as an antimicrobial. This means it can potentially reduce the virus/bacteria from infecting more cells. It is also proposed that elderberry initiates the immune response so that the body can amp up its...

5 Must-Have Spices for Cinco de Mayo! What are you cooking for Cinco de Mayo? Our guess is that you’ll be using at least one of these spices to create your festive dishes. Did you know that conventional spices may contain “concentrated toxic pesticides, GMOs, synthetic anti-caking agents, and chemical additives”? - Vani Hari https://foodbabe.com/are-there-harmful-ingredients-lurking-in-your-spice-cabinet/ Shocking, right!? Because of this, we strongly recommend our Peter Rubi Approved organic spices from Frontier Co-Op. Here are our top five favorite organic spices that are sure to perfect any Cinco de Mayo dish! 1. Organic Coriander Fun fact: Coriander is the seed of...

Immune Booster Series: Vitamin C We’ve all heard before that vitamin C is essential for boosting the immune system, especially during cold and flu season. But why exactly? Vitamin C is proven to decrease the severity and duration of common cold symptoms. However, it has been shown that it only does this for those who were taking vitamin C prophylactically. That means you need to have been taking Vitamin C before actually catching the virus. Consuming fruits and vegetables that are high in vitamin C or investing in a quality supplement is beneficial to keep vitamin C levels where they...

Immune Booster Series: Vitamin D Have you ever wondered why we need vitamin D and where we get it? If yes, you are in the right place. Vitamin D is VITAL for IMMUNE HEALTH. It’s known to have important roles with immune cells, and deficiency has been associated with increased autoimmunity and increased susceptibility to infection. In fact… Studies have shown that vitamin D can strengthen the ability to control infection. Many studies have also shown that individuals with lower vitamin D levels are more likely to experience upper respiratory tract infections than those with sufficient vitamin D levels. So...

The History and Health Benefits of Spices Did you know that spices are health-boosting powerhouses? We use them to add incredible flavors to our food but many also have fascinating historical stories! A Bite-Sized Spicy History “Spices are the flowers, fruit, seeds, bark, and roots typically of tropical plants and range from brown to black to red in color.” - PennState Extension According to the University of York’s archeologist Hayley Saul, the earliest known use of spices dates back to 6,000 years ago - right before farming was well-established in northern Europe. These Stone Age chefs used spices for flavor,...

Healthier Living: Tea as Medicine The first sip of a perfect cup of tea: is there anything better? 'A cup of tea' means something different wherever you are in the world. In most of England, it's not the high tea with cucumber sandwiches you might picture. English tea is a strong black tea (occasionally referred to as builder’s tea) brewed from a tea bag and served with milk. Across the pond in India, they're most likely to refer to tea as Chai (which means tea in Hindi). Here, every household makes their own variety of the spiced black tea with...

Immune Booster Series #2: Zinc & the Immune System Zinc: What’s the big deal? Zinc is a vital nutrient to consider for boosting the immune system. Zinc benefits helps in: 1. Bone Formation 2. Skin Integrity 3. Immunity 4. Gut health 5. Approximately 300 other processes in the body Incredible, right? Gut health is extremely important when talking about immune health considering 70-80% of our immune system is located right under the gut lining! Over the last forty years, Zinc has been studied extensively. These studies are finding the important role of zinc and its ability to repair the gut...

Taking care of our immune system and setting it up for success is more important now than ever and these positive effects can help aid in that goal. Exercise aids in our body’s circulation of blood to transfer all the vitamins and minerals that we have in our bodies to the places they belong. Our cardiovascular system plays an important role in the function of our blood pressure as well. Engaging in cardio work-outs keeps this system working how it should. You don't need a gym or a treadmill to do this! Going out for a walk, jog, or even...

Glutathione| Why is it so Important for our Health? What is glutathione? Glutathione is involved in the natural detoxification process of the body. It is found in the highest concentration in the liver and the brain; however, it is also found in every organ. Glutathione is the most important and powerful antioxidant in our body. What is an antioxidant? An antioxidant is a molecule that helps repair cellular damage from free radicals. Our body makes normal amounts of free radicals from essential living processes such as breathing and eating. It is of concern when there is an excess amount of...

You just want to do what’s right for you and your family. But between fad diets, hidden ingredients, overly processed food, and individual nutritional needs, figuring out what is “right” isn’t easy. It’s no wonder that so many people become overwhelmed and discouraged when they attempt to live a healthier lifestyle; nearly all the information out there is conflicting!  When Peter Rubi owner, John Graves, was diagnosed with Pleomorphic High-Grade Undifferentiated Sarcoma in 2013, his wife Maria did everything she could to support John in the fight for his life. She read every piece of literature she could find, desperately...

It’s true what they say! Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. What your family eats for breakfast will set the tone for the rest of the day. These fun and versatile breakfast ideas will nourish your kids bodies without the sugar crash.  Gluten-Free Mix-and-Match Oatmeal With 7 grams of protein in just one serving, our certified gluten-free, non-GMO oatmeal from GF Harvest is a powerhouse all by itself! Three generations of their family have had Celiac’s disease, so they personally walk the oat fields to pluck out any wheat, barley, or rye that may have snuck...

Kids build up quite an appetite after a full day of learning! Rather than chips, crackers, and cookies - stock the kitchen with nutrient-dense snack foods that will fill their bellies and fuel their brain! That’s It Bars Strawberries, blueberries, bananas, oh my! With eight different flavors, there is a That’s It Bar for everyone. With no added sugar these dried-fruit bars are the perfect boost of vitamins and are made from real fruit -  that’s it!  Smooze Popsicles Even though the first day of school is right around the corner, we still have 4-8 weeks of warm-weather before the...

The corn stalks have officially outgrown even the tallest kids which is the midwestern sign for one thing - the lazy days of summer are coming to an end. The humming of school bus engines is almost audible as we prepare for another school year with colorful new clothes and supplies. Getting back into a routine can be a challenge for everyone, especially when it comes to packing school lunches. Get a jumpstart on your lunch menu with these fun, easy, and nutrient-packed ideas that are sure to keep your kiddo’s fueled and ready to ace the day!  Veggie Wrap...

What’s the buzz about this fizzy new Kombucha drink people keep talking about?  According to Jayme Henderson at Kitchn.com, "Kombucha is effervescent, tart, and slightly sweet. Depending on the added flavors, it can even taste fruity, floral, spicy, or herbaceous. It has a flavor profile similar to sparkling apple cider but with a more pronounced sour taste. After the tea is fermented, the finished drink actually doesn’t taste like brewed tea anymore." Kombucha’s bubbles come from fermentation, an act of combining yeast, sugar, tea and time. Healthy bacteria thrive in this environment, getting happier the longer they spend with their...

Getting Creative in the Kitchen When I first discovered Peter Rubi, thanks to my daughter-in-law Lindsay, I was impressed with the great selection and deals! The amazing basket deals found their way into my cart with every trip and I could usually find any fruit or vegetable I needed for a recipe. Being a plant-based cook and eater, this store spoke to me! I find myself spending a lot of time in that area of the store, staring at the offerings and thinking, “Hmm, I wonder how I could use this.” Initially, I didn’t pay much attention to the items...

Humans have been using activated charcoal for hundreds of years because of its ability to detoxify the body. In addition to general detoxification, doctors have used activated charcoal to treat conditions, like drug overdose and poisoning, and alleviate symptoms of the stomach flu. It’s no surprise that activated charcoal is making a powerful comeback in 2021. Get all the benefits of Activated Charcoal while still enjoying Hot Chocolate this winter season. 3 Cups Elmhurst Almond Milk 1 Teaspoon Activated Charcoal 2 Theo Organic Peanut Butter/Almond Butter Cups 1 Date 1. Carefully warm your Almond Milk. 2. Add your Date in (be sure...

These warm and inviting Oat Flour biscuits pair well with any of our delicious Frontier Soup Mixes. 2 Cups GF Harvest Oat Flour  ½ Teaspoon Frontier Co-Op Pink Salt ½ Teaspoon baking soda ¼ Cup Wildly Organic Coconut Oil [Melted] 4 1/2 Tablespoons Papa's Original Creamed Honey 2 Flax Eggs* 1 Teaspoon freshly squeezed Lemon Juice*Mix 1/2 Cup Warm Water and 2 tbs of raw flax seed. Allow the mixture to thicken at room temperature into a egg white substance. It should thicken within 30 minutes.   Preheat your oven to 350* Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk...

We scream for dairy-free Ice-Cream here at Peter Rubi. This Chocolate Banana Nut Ice-Cream is the perfect solution for the frozen banana's currently sitting in your freezer.  8 Frozen Banana's 3/4 Cup Elmhurst Milked Hazelnuts Milk 1 Cup Salted Almond Smart Bark 1 Cup Wildly Organic Cacao Nibs Blend your ingredients and enjoy. This mixture can be shaped into ice-cream bars, or scooped directly onto a homemade ice-cream cone. 

Here at Peter Rubi, we love a good party. But what we truly love is to provide our party guests with Peter Rubi Approved food and drinks to celebrate with. We often get asked how our customers can use our Kombuchade as a mixer. We personally l o v e  this simple and delicious mixed drink. 1 part Coconut Water 3 parts Kombuchade [Ginger Peach or Super Berry]  ½ Lime [Juiced] Mix your ingredients and enjoy! Feel free to decorate your glass with an assortment of festive berries. We prefer beautiful cranberries around the holiday season.   

Satisfy your sweet tooth and conquer your fiber goals in one simple recipe. These black brownies are delicious, plant based, and loaded with healthy soluble fiber.  These are also kid-approved! 1 1/2 cups Black Beans *You want to ensure your beans are clean and drained properly. Using canned black beans would be very beneficial here.* 2 tbsp Cacao Powder  1/2 cup GF Harvest Gluten Free Oats 1/4 tsp Pink Salt 1 cup Papa's Creamed Honey  1/4 cup Wildly Organic Coconut Oil 1/2 tsp baking powder 1/2 cup to 2/3 cup Good Stuff Cacao *GENTLY crumble into Chocolate Chip sized pieces 1 8x8 Baking Dish 1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. 2. Lightly grease your 8x8 baking dish with a teaspoon...

Ingredients 24 Medjool pitted dates 4 Yes Bars 1 Cup Georgia Grinders Maple-Caramel Nut Butter 1 Cup Walnuts    1. Cut each pitted date in half, long ways. Carefully separate them to ensure an opening large enough to stuff. 2. Crumble your Yes Bars carefully and set aside. 3. Carefully melt your nut butter in a small sauce pan. Once melted, keep the heat extremely low and set it aside. 4. Carefully chop your walnuts into small square pieces.  5. Stuff each date carefully with a small amount of yes bar first.  6. Drizzle your melted nut butter and stuff with...

Ingredients 1 lined baking dish Parchment paper 20 oz. (about 7 bars) of Good Stuff Cacao Original Dark Chocolate  4 Raw Crunch Dark Chocolate Bar 1/2 Cup Wildly Organic Dried Goji Berries 1/2 Cup Wildly Organic Cacao Nibs 1/4 Cup Pine Nuts Directions 1. Line your baking dish with parchment paper and set it aside. 2. Finely chop your Raw Crunch Bars into tiny pieces.  3. Carefully and slowly melt your dark chocolate in a saucepan over the stove. Use low heat and stir continuously.  4. Once chocolate is melted, reduce heat to the lowest setting. Add your chopped Raw...

Cahokia Rice is locally grown, arsenic free, and naturally higher in protein than most rice varieties.  1 1/2 cups Cahokia Rice 1 zucchini, grated1 summer squash, grated2 medium carrots, grated3 Tbsp Wildly Organic Coconut Oil 3 1/4 cups vegetable broth 1 Tbsp Grind to a Salt2 Tbsp fresh basil 1 green onion [chopped] 1. Rinse your rice in a fine mesh sieve to wash away some of the starch.2. Add your coconut oil to a saucepan and melt over medium heat.3. Add zucchini, carrot, and rice and stir carefully to coat.4. Add broth and your salt to the saucepan and cover.5. Bring to a boil over medium...

Wildly Organic products pack the ultimate healthy punch in our team's favorite Superfood Salad. Shop online for these staple products today. 1/2 bunch curly kale [3 cups - chopped] 3 cups fresh spinach 1 cup fresh blueberries 1/2 cup cooked sweet potato [cubed] 1/2 cup fresh Jicama [chopped] 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes  1 red bell pepper [chopped] 1/4 cup purple onion [minced] 1 cup fresh strawberries [chopped] 1/2 cup red grapes, halved 1 cup Wildly Organic Dried Mango [chopped] 1 cup Wildly Organic Goji Berries 1/2 cup Pine Nuts  1 tablespoon chia seeds 1/2 cup sunflower seeds 1/4 cup freshly...

Everybody will want to eat this casserole thanks to our fabulous Everybody Eats Crackers! 1 pound Green Beans (rinsed, trimmed and cut in half) Frontier Co-Op Magnesium Salt, Black Pepper, Onion Powder 2 Tbsp Melt Butter 2  medium shallot (minced) 1 cloves garlic (minced) 1 cup finely chopped cremini mushrooms 2 Tbsp Wildly Organic Almond Flour  3/4 cup Vegetable Broth 1 cup Elmhurst Almond Milk 2  cups ‘Crunched’ EveryBody Eat Cheese-Less Cheese Crackers Instructions 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. 2. Boil 3 cups of water until it bubbles. Add green beans and cook for 7 minutes, then drain...

Hoff & Pepper Hot Sauce brings a bold and energetic burst of heat to any plant based dish. Enjoy this Spicy Brussel recipe as your new favorite side dish this holiday season.   INGREDIENTS 4 cups brussels sprouts chopped 3 garlic cloves minced 2 tablespoons Wildly Organic Coconut Oil 1/4 teaspoon Simply Organic Grind To A Salt 2 teaspoons Hoff & Pepper Everyday Hot Sauce 1/8 teaspoon Frontier Co-Op Smoked Paprika 1/8 teaspoon Frontier Co-Op Magnesium Salt INSTRUCTIONS Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Add brussels sprouts and garlic cloves to a baking sheet. Drizzle with Wildly Organic Coconut Oil. Season...

Busy-Schedule Super-Food Oatmeal! "I believe in the whole meal-prep movement,"Jacqueline shared via Facebook live last week on a "Monday with Maria." Despite her busy schedule, Jacqueline makes sure her health is kept a priority. How does she do that practically? She starts with meal-prepping healthy, hearty breakfasts to give her body nutrients that will sustain her energy and focus throughout the day! Last week, we shared the recipe for Maria's homemade oatmeal. What about a Version Two? Here is Jacqueline's take on what a delicious oatmeal recipe entails. Jacqueline's Super-food Oatmeal Recipe: 1/3 cup of oatmeal 2 tablespoons of sliced...

Avocado Pasta Updated: Nov 22, 2019 INGREDIENTS: 12 ounces spaghetti 2 ripe avocados, halved, seeded and peeled 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves 2 cloves garlic 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 1/3 cup avocado oil 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 1/2 cup corn kernels, rinsed DIRECTIONS: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions; drain well. To make the avocado sauce, combine avocados, basil, garlic and lemon juice in the bowl of a food processor; season with salt and pepper, to taste. With the motor running,...

3-Ingredient Honeydew Sorbet INGREDIENTS 1 Honeydew Melon 1 tbsp Lemon Juice 2 tsp Maple Syrup or Honey INSTRUCTIONS Slice the honeydew into 1″ chunks and spread out on a baking sheet. Put it in the freezer for 4-6 hours until frozen. Once frozen, put the chunks in the blender with the lemon juice and sweetener. You may need to add a couple tablespoons of water to help it to start blending. If you don’t have a high-powered blender, you can make this in a food processor. Blend until smooth. Put it back into the freezer for another 30 minutes until...

Roasted Carrots Ingredients 1 pound carrots 4 cloves of garlic, minced 2–3 tbsp avocado olive oil 1 tbsp maple syrup 1/4 tsp salt 1/8 tsp ground black pepper 1 tbsp fresh parsley (optional), chopped Instructions Preheat the oven to 430ºF. Trim ends of carrots and slice them. You can peel them or not, it’s up to you. Add the carrots and the rest of the ingredients to a baking tray (it can be lined with parchment paper or not) and mix with your hands until well combined. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until golden brown and tender. Garnish with the...

Roasted Stuffed Butternut Squash Updated: Nov 22, 2019 Ingredients VEGGIES & QUINOA 2 cups cooked quinoa (cooked from ~3/4 cups raw - see instructions) 1 Tbsp avocado or coconut oil 3 cups loosely packed sliced shiitake mushrooms 2 T coconut aminos 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cups loosely packed chopped kale 1/2 cup roughly chopped walnuts (or other nut or seed of choice) (optional) SQUASH 1 large butternut squash, halved lengthwise, seeds removed 1 Tbsp avocado or melted coconut oil 2 Tbsp coconut sugar 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional) Healthy pinch sea salt FOR SERVING 1 cup balsamic vinegar (reduced down...

Pineapple Fried Rice Ingredients 2 tablespoons coconut oil 1 small red onion , diced 3 cloves garlic , minced 1 tablespoon fresh ginger , grated 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional) 1 cup carrots , peeled & diced (or matchstick) 1 1/2 cups pineapple chunks 3 cups cooked rice , chilled for 6-8 hours if possible 1/2 cup green onion , sliced + more for topping 3 tablespoons coconut aminos 1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder 1/2 cup peas Optional Toppings 1/2 cup roasted cashews 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped Instructions Whisk the coconut aminos and curry powder together. Set aside.  Heat...

Spaghetti Squash with Chickpeas & Kale Ingredients 1 spaghetti squash 1-2 tablespoons avocado oil 1 shallot, sliced thinly 1 garlic clove ½ tablespoon minced fresh rosemary Pinch of chile flakes ½ cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed 2 (packed) cups of chopped kale leaves Juice of ½ a lemon ¼ cup chopped sun dried tomatoes (or capers or olives) ¼ cup toasted pine nuts Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper Freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional) Instructions To Cook Squash: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Slice the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and ribbing. Drizzle the...

Super Simple Celery Soup Ingredients 2 tablespoons avocado oil 1 onion, diced 4 fat garlic cloves, rough chopped 6 cups celery, sliced thin (about 1 ¼–1 ½ pounds) 2 cups potatoes, sliced into ½ inch thick rounds 4 cups veggie broth 1 cup water 1 bay leaf (optional) 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon pepper ¼ – 1/2 teaspoon cayenne instructions Heat the oil in a big pot over medium high heat,  and add the onion, stirring occasionally, letting the onions get golden, about 5 minutes. While the onions are cooking, rough chop the garlic, celery and potatoes.  When the onions...

4 All-time Favorite Toastsby The Peter Rubi Family Joni's Righteous Raisin Toast - 1 slice of Berlin Natural Bakery Righteous Raisin Spelt Bread - 1 tablespoon of Georgia Grinder Cashew Butter - Dash of Frontier Co-op Organic Cinnamon - Dash of Frontier Co-op Organic AllSpice - Dash of Frontier Co-op Organic Nutmeg Ground - 1 teaspoon of Heather Valley Bee Pollen Directions: Toast a slice of bread. Spread Georgia Grinder Cashew Butter on toast. Add a dash of Frontier Co-op Organic Cinnamon, AllSpice, and Nutmeg Ground. Sprinkle on Heather Valley Bee Pollen. Woah. It's sweet, but healthy? Yes, yes indeed....

AMAZING LEMON GARLIC SPINACH INGREDIENTS 10 ounces Fresh Spinach [12 Cups Roughly] 1 Tablespoon Coconut Oil 3 cloves Garlic - Minced or Sliced zest of 1 medium Lemon 1 Tablespoon fresh Lemon Juice Sea Salt - To Taste Fresh cracked Black Pepper - To Taste (OPTIONAL) Red Chili Flakes DIRECTIONS Heat large frying pan on medium heat. Add coconut oil and garlic. Cook garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add all the spinach (it will shrink and cook down a ton). Gently stir the spinach until it’s all cooked and wilted, but not mushy. Add sea salt and pepper to taste. Add...

Baked Pears   Ingredients 2 Ripe Pears 2 Tbsp Maple Syrup 3 Tbsp Walnuts, chopped 1/2 tsp Cinnamon divided Instructions Cut pears in half, lengthwise Scoop out seeds Combine chopped walnuts, maple syrup and half the cinnamon Fill the center of each pear half with walnut mixture Bake 350º F oven for 20 minutes Just before serving, sprinkle cinnamon on top  

Easy Creamed Corn Ingredients 2 cups corn kernels 1 can (15 ounces) coconut milk 1/4 teaspoon sea salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Handful flat-leaf parsley, chopped 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1 tablespoon chopped scallions Directions Combine corn and coconut milk in a saucepan over medium heat, and bring to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until coconut milk has evaporated a bit and thickened, about 15 minutes. Once the mixture has reached the desired consistency, mix in parsley, red pepper flakes, and scallions. Recipe adapted from greatist.com

Simple and easy, you won't find a more delicious pasta recipe than our favorite Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta! All ingredients can be purchased in-store. INGREDIENTS 6 medium tomatoes, quartered 1 medium yellow onion, chopped 6 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed 2 tablespoons olive oil 1/4 teaspoon salt (or more to taste) pepper, to taste 6–8 servings of pasta 1 cup soaked cashews Fresh basil, chopped, to taste INSTRUCTIONS Preheat oven to 400ºF. Place tomatoes, onions, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper onto baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Toss, making sure everything is coated. Roast at 400ºF 20 minutes....

What tasty dessert screams summer? Sorbet! This chilling sorbet recipe will make you nostalgic for the sweet summertime! INGREDIENTS 2.5 lb green grapes 2 tsp lemon juice INSTRUCTIONS Wash and juice your grapes. Alternatively, you can blitz them in a blender until they fall apart and strain them through a sieve and discard the skin and seeds. You should be left with approximately 4 cups of juice. Pour the juice into an ice cream machine and process it. Transfer into a freezer friendly dish and freeze for another 1-3 hours before serving if you want a scoopable sorbet. NOTES If...

Rich, dairy-free ice cream recipes seem to be few and far between! Never fear- we've got you covered with Maria Graves Famous Banana Ice Cream recipe! INGREDIENTS Bananas (Frozen) Honey (To Taste) Maple Almond Butter Cacao Powder Cacao Nibs   INSTRUCTIONS 1. Put Bananas, Honey, Maple Almond Butter, and Cacao Powder into a blender. 2. Use as many bananas that will fill blender. Blend until desired consistency. 3. Add Cacao Nibs, pulse blend until mixed. Do not break up nibs completely. Freeze until desired consistency.   Many of these ingredients and more are available for order in our online store!...

Looking for a refreshing, guilt-free summer treat? You'll want to check out this amazing watermelon slushie recipe! INGREDIENTS 2 cups fresh watermelon 1 medium frozen banana 1 cup frozen pineapple tidbits or chunks 1/2 cup frozen strawberries 1 tablespoon unsweetened, dried coconut 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (from about 1 large lime) 5 fresh mint leaves (optional) INSTRUCTIONS Combine the watermelon, pineapple, strawberries, coconut, and lime juice in a high-speed blender and process on high until smooth. If using a regular blender, you may wish to process the watermelon first and then add the other ingredients for easier blending.Serve immediately.  ...

This recipe is a great way to have a beautiful cookout with a no meat alternative that still is delicious! (Perfect for your 4th of July parties you will be having this weekend!) INGREDIENTS 1 cup cooked brown rice 1 cup raw walnuts 1/2 Tbsp avocado oil (plus more for cooking) 1/2 medium white onion (finely diced // 1/2 onion yields ~3/4 cup) 1 Tbsp each chili powder, cumin powder, and smoked paprika 1/2 tsp each sea salt and black pepper (plus more for coating burgers) 1 Tbsp coconut sugar/honey 1 1/2 cups cooked black beans (well rinsed, drained and...

 What's an easy, creamy, and a sustainable healthy meal your family is sure to love? This delicious Zucchini Tomato Casserole of course! INGREDIENTS 3 large zucchinis, (1pound) thinly sliced 3 large tomatoes, pureed (makes 2 cups) 6 cloves garlic, mashed 1/4 cup chopped parsley 1/2 cup chopped green onions 1 lemon, squeezed 1 tablespoon vinegar 3 tablespoons olive oil 2 teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon chili powder, Mexican or another type INSTRUCTIONS Preheat oven to 350F (180C).Mix pureed tomato, garlic, parsley, green onions, lemon juice, vinegar, olive oil and spices in a medium bowl. Put zucchini slices...

What's better than a stuffed peppers recipe? A delicious vegetarian stuffed peppers recipe!   INGREDIENTS 1 cup quinoa or rice (thoroughly rinsed and drained) 2 scant cups vegetable stock 4 large orange bell peppers (halved, seeds removed) 1/2 cup salsa (plus more for serving) 1 Tbsp nutritional yeast (optional) 2 tsp cumin powder1 1/2 tsp chili powder 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder 1 15-ounce can black beans (drained // if unsalted, add 1/4 tsp sea salt per can) 1 cup whole kernel corn TOPPINGS optional 1 ripe avocado (sliced) Fresh lime juice Cilantro (chopped) Diced red onion INSTRUCTIONS Add quinoa...

The Dynamic Duo Over the past year and a half, an unbreakable friendship was created in Peter Rubi's "heart of the house". Angela Florman and Toni Smith, two of our most enthusiastic employees have been hard at work creating delicious new products. They prepare our plant-based homemade items such as mouth-watering guacamole, fruit dip, and garlic hummus that add the perfect touch to your dinner table. Both Angela and Toni attended Joliet Junior College Culinary School and love preparing food. The two have bonded over their mutual education, their interest in true crime shows, love of shopping at Old Navy...

We are John and Maria, the owners of Peter Rubi. We don't particularly like titles. We think of this place as a family that we're blessed to be part of. Our lives were full of the same messy chaos as any other family - twenty years of running our four children around to their activities, a pool full of the neighborhood kids every summer, long hours at the office, and an excess of food and parties. Each day was full speed ahead; then we'd wake up and do it all over again. We had no idea that we were on...

Our Favorite Resources to Guide Your Wellness Journey Dear Friends and Family, Are you overwhelmed with what to do next on your wellness journey? Maybe you are wondering where to start? The number of health and wellness books, journals, and videos out there is endless. It makes sense why you might feel overwhelmed. But to do whatever makes you "feel healthy" is not enough. Far too often, I hear friends of mine saying, "Maria, I just don't know where to start. It all seems too hard and I'm running in circles on what to do next. I can never do...

No Meat? Where Do You Get Your Protein? Ask anyone who eats plant-based about the number one question they get. Chances are they will roll their eyes and say, “Where do you get your protein?” As a plant-based eater, here is the short answer: Everywhere! High-quality protein without any saturated fat is available in many foods. The belief that a person needs to eat meat to be strong is rapidly changing, thanks to documentaries such as “The Game Changers” and professional athletes like Venus Williams and Olympic medalist Carl Lewis. While there are meat and dairy substitutes available at grocery...

Sick of being overweight and caffeine-dependent, Peter Rubi customer Nicole Sartori was ready to make some big changes in her lifestyle. In October of 2016, a neighbor recommended that Nicole read the book, “Eat to Live” by Dr. Joel Fuhrman. Reading this book allowed Nicole to completely reexamine the role that food was playing in her life, ultimately inspiring her to make the changes she was so ready for. Dr. Fuhrman encourages people to try the Eat to Live diet for a minimum of six weeks. The Eat to Live diet recommends folks eliminate meat, dairy, and processed foods while...

We would like to share a story about a friend of many of us here at Peter Rubi and his journey to becoming plant-based. Jim is a great person who also is the one runs the Facebook group Peter Rubi Running Club. Thanks Jim, for sharing your inspirational story! In January of 2014, I was at a very low point. For 20 years I had been taking blood pressure medicines. I was taking 4 of them a day and my pressure was generally around 140/90. I also took a cholesterol medication. For me though, the worst part was the chronic...

Top 5 Plant-Based Cinco De Mayo Meat Substitutes Cinco De Mayo is quickly approaching! Looking for plant-based options to celebrate this Mexican holiday? Look no further! Here are our top 5 plant-based Cinco De Mayo meat substitutes: 1. Cauliflower Have you ever tried cauliflower tacos? Instead of making a meat-based taco, substitute roasted cauliflower instead! Cauliflower is a great option because it provides texture and can be seasoned to possess a meat-like flavor! Here is a link to a great recipe: https://minimalistbaker.com/roasted-cauliflower-tacos-with-chipotle-romesco/ Photo in courtesy from https://www.liveeatlearn.com/roasted-cauliflower-street-tacos/ 2. Plant-based Queso Dip Our queso dip is made primarily of raw, organic...

Flourishing From The Inside Out Kaitlin Soto is the owner and operator of Flourish Juice Co. in Joliet, IL. She is dedicated to educating others on how to improve their quality of life through nutrition. How Flourish Juice Started "Before I started Flourish Juice, I was not in a good place all around; I did not have a job and had a difficult time finding personal, financial, and emotional stability." Life changed for Kaitlin in May of 2016 when her son, Carson, was born. Kaitlin wanted to do what was best for her son; and knew pursuing her passion and...

A Beautiful Sunrise Morning The beauty of the morning sunrise inspires me to remember to live each day with joy. Time is precious. Often, we do not realize how precious life is until we are told we do not have much time left. I will always remember the words from the doctor's call on January 9, 2013, "John, is Maria also there?” “Yes," Maria answered. The doctor’s voice echoed the words no one ever wants to hear, "John, you have cancer. It is a high-grade, undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma - stage three.” One phone call, one diagnosis, one moment in time,...

We already miss you, Melanie. Once and awhile, God introduces a new path for some of our family members here at Peter Rubi. God has invited Melanie on a new adventure in North Carolina. After some tears, reflection, and begging from Jacqueline to potentially stay in Illinois - it is time to say goodbye to our dear friend and family member, Melanie Romel. Melanie, "You are such a joy! Thank you for sharing your life with us at Peter Rubi. Your work ethic is to be admired. Trust your heart in all that you do. We will miss you and...

A big part of what makes working for Peter Rubi a meaningful experience is owner, John Graves’ leadership & mentorship. For many here, he is our “work dad”. For Father’s Day this year, we wanted to share our stories of appreciation for our fearless leader.  Dear John,   We have been together for many years I believe 35 years now! I still feel like we are kids learning how to navigate this life together! I am so grateful that God gave me you! You are always there to hold my hand when life gets too tough and most of all...