Veggie Bits

Enter Vegetarian Journal's Annual Student Essay Contest!

Are you 18 or younger? If so, what are your thoughts or experiences with vegetarianism? Share them with The VRG during our annual essay contest! Just write a two- to three-page essay on any aspect of vegetarianism or veganism, based on interviews, personal experience, research, and/or personal opinion. Then, enter your submission in the appropriate category: ages 14 to 18, ages 9 to 13, or ages 8 and younger. Winners will each receive a $50 savings bond.

Send entries to The Vegetarian Resource Group, P.O. Box 1463, Baltimore, MD 21203. Please make sure to include your name, age, address, phone number, and school. All entries must be postmarked by May 1, 2009, for next year's contest. You need not be vegetarian to enter. All essays become property of The VRG, and only winners will be notified.

Kitchens of India Products Bring Authentic Cuisine Home

Why go out for fresh, flavorful Indian food when Kitchens of India allows you to make it at home? Based in India, this company exports many of its products to the United States, Canada, and parts of Europe.

Among their many vegan options are 10.5-ounce jars of chutneys, condiment-like accompaniments for appetizers like samosas, in tempting Mango & Dry Fruits, Shredded Mango Chutney, and Sweet Sliced Mango varieties. Kitchens of India also offers Biryanis (rice pilaf dishes) with or without nuts and Curry Pastes to which you can add basmati rice, mixed vegetables, or other ingredients of your choice. In addition, the company produces several vegan Ready-to-Eat Meals, including a delicious Chick Peas Curry (Pindi Chana) and the hearty Red Kidney Beans Curry (Rajma Masala).

Liberty Richter handles the import and distribution of Kitchens of India products within the United States. Contact this company at 300 Broadacres Drive, Bloomfield, NJ 07003, or via phone at (973) 338-0300. More information about these products is available at <www.kitchensofindia.com>.

Raise Your Glasses!

Celebrate the holidays with tangy, refreshing beverages from First Blush. These juices are made from the grapes that are frequently used in wine production, which allows them to stay true to vino's taste without the alcoholic kick. Their Cabernet offers subtle touches of cherry and blackberry, while their Chardonnay has a light, slightly sweet appeal. Or try their Merlot, with its strong grape flavor and a hint of apple essence.

Contact First Blush, Inc., at P.O. Box 5490, Santa Barbara, CA 93150, or via phone at (805) 969-8700. Learn more at their website, <www.firstblushjuice.com>.

Dark, Decadent Delicacies

Christopher Norman Chocolates has combined innovative flavors with elegant artistic details to create their “Veganache” collection of non-dairy chocolate truffles. This 12-piece gift box features seven tempting varieties, including Chai Tea, Coconut, Framboise, and Mint. Of particular note are the citrus-hinted Blood Orange, richly flavored Espresso, and indulgent Manhattan Dark with hand-painted accents. This sophisticated offering would make a wonderful gift for any of the dark chocolate lovers in your life, vegan or not.

Call Christopher Norman Chocolates' Factory & Gallery Shop at (212) 402-1243 or stop by their lower Manhattan storefront at 60 New Street, New York, NY 10004. You can also visit the company online at <www.christophernormanchocolates.com>.

Become One With Nature

One With Nature offers an exotic line of fine, cruelty-free soaps made from deep-cleansing Dead Sea minerals. Their enticing varieties include Almond, Bing Cherry, Dead Sea Mud, and Vanilla Oatmeal, among many others. Plus, you'll feel as good as your skin does when you purchase these products, as the company supports Friends of the Earth Middle East, a non-profit environmental organization helping to preserve the Dead Sea.

One With Nature products are available at select natural foods and grocery stores. For more information, contact One With Nature at 770 Tilton Road, Sebastopol, CA 95472 or at (800) 600-1445. Also, visit their website at <www.onewithnature.com>.