“Do one thing every day that scares you.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

I’m pretty sure Ms. Roosevelt didn’t expect us to create the kind of challenges that has us quaking in freaked-out terror.

• Instead, I think the plan was to push the ol’ envelope a little.
• To not get complacent with what we know.
• To step out of the surety of our little routine that gives us that comfortable feeling of accomplishment and constancy; that lovely delusion that helps us pretend life isn’t changing every nano-second of our lives.

I will even go so far as to suggest that this esteemed quote could be applied to apples and oranges. Stick with me if you will…

Do you tend to pick up the same old tried-and-true veggies and fruits in the produce aisle? Do you toss in the proverbial bananas, apple, orange combo followed up with the 1-2-3 punch of lettuce, broccoli and onions? Do you end up making the same go-to meals?

I sure do. I may not be making exactly the same stuff every day but the variations on the theme aren’t that large…

But last night we ate dinner with some friends. They are accomplished cooks and have spent years living in fabulous places like Vietnam and Bhutan. We had an amazing meal but it was the Glory Bowl Salad Dressing that got me thinking.

I recognize that this might not be quite what Eleanor had in mind, but too bad for her. This salad dressing was delicious and nutritious and if this can get me shaking up my routine, than doesn’t it somehow meet her criteria?

And you know how one little change can start the next one? Well. I’m forthwith declaring Mondays as Meatless (and yes, I realize that I’m merely creating another routine).

So be it.

Besides, I’m beginning to think Eleanor might have been a bit of a pain to live with…always prodding for the next greatest thing and all.

And what if she really did mean that I was supposed to scare myself spitless every day?

Well, I’m saying No Way Eleanor! Get off my back already. It’s enough of a switch up to do this vegetarian challenge.

I’m starting with this …who knows what else it could inspire?

But for now, the bungee jump will just have to wait.

• 1/2 cup (125 mL) nutritional yeast flakes
• 1/3 cup (75 mL) Tamari or soy sauce
• 1/3 cup (75 mL) apple cider vinegar
• 1/3 cup (75 mL) water
• 2 tbsp (30 mL) tahini
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1-1/2 cups (375 mL) vegetable oil

In blender, purée together nutritional yeast flakes, tamari, vinegar, water, tahini and garlic. With motor running, add oil in slow, steady stream. Blend until smooth. (Make-ahead: Cover and refrigerate for up to 1 week.)

Drizzle all over fabulous greens and veggies (raw and/or cooked) toss in some toasted seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, whatever…) and serve the whole shebang over a bowl of steaming short-grain brown rice.

You can thank Eleanor.