When Hannah asked me to review a cutting board from Totally
Bamboo, I was super excited to use the cutting board in my Loaded Vegetable
Soup recipe that requires quite a bit of chopping! First, I will tell you about
my experience with the cutting board, and then I will share the recipe with
you.
About Totally Bamboo
Bamboo is a great choice for cutting boards, for a number of
reasons. Bamboo is a 100% renewable (and abundant!) resource that is naturally
grown. It is a naturally hard and
dense wood, making it a perfect choice for cutting boards and other utensils.
Totally Bamboo decided to capitalize on bamboo as the new
“green” choice for cutting boards, utensils, and a variety of kitchen
supplies. After harvest, bamboo
does not need to be replanted due to its extensive root system. Instead, it
multiplies “as is,” which is one of the reasons it qualifies as a superior
“green” product!
In addition to harvesting the bamboo, Totally Bamboo
developed a top notch, non-toxic glue to be used on the cutting boards. They
also do not use any artificial dyes or stains to color their boards, so what
you see is an all-natural bamboo cutting board! With all the precautions I take
in sourcing my food (local, organic, sustainable), it is a relief to know that
the board that I prepare my food on is also toxin free!
Caring for Totally Bamboo products is simple. Hand wash only
to preserve the natural wood (although some Totally Bamboo products are
dishwasher safe, I always hand wash my cutting boards). No oiling or other special chemicals
required!
Using the Cutting Board
I have to confess that I have actually been using a Totally
Bamboo brand cutting board for almost two years! I received one as a wedding
shower gift and have been using it daily (sometimes multiple times per day)
ever since. I love its thin size, easy care, and stability.
Loaded Vegetable Soup
I am always looking for new ways to incorporate more
vegetables into my family’s diet. This Loaded Vegetable Soup does just that! Be
warned: this makes a lot of soup. About 8-10 servings (at least)! It would be
perfect for a potluck, family dinner, or to take to a new mom who just had a
baby. It freezes beautifully and is perfect for a chilly winter day.
1 T. olive oil
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 leek, white and light green parts only, sliced thin
4 carrots, peeled and sliced
2 pints of beef or chicken
stock
1 medium head broccoli
24 oz. strained tomatoes
2 medium zucchinis, sliced
8 oz. mushrooms, sliced
½ c. frozen corn
1 c. cooked brown rice (or barley or quinoa)
1-2 tsp. salt
1 T. Italian seasoning
¼ tsp. cumin
1 tsp. smoked paprika
Raw Parmesan cheese, optional
In a large stockpot, add olive oil, onion, garlic, leeks,
and carrots over medium heat. Sauté
for approximately 4-5 minutes, until onions are translucent. Add stock and
broccoli. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Add remaining
ingredients and simmer for 10 minutes more. Serve warm, garnish with Parmesan
cheese.
Jill Marks is the
editor of Modern Alternative Kitchen.
Jill has been on a
real food journey for the last year and am passionate about food. She is a Jesus-loving, Bible-reading,
kombucha-brewing, raw milk–drinking, real food–eating gal. For more information about a
real food diet and way of life, head over to the website, or find us on Facebook and Twitter.