Friday Musings: Favorite Plant-Based Chicken, Recommended Films, and Simple Recipe

A few things I'm watching, eating, cooking, and drinking!

Hello, fellow compassionistas! Here is this week’s note where I share a couple things I’m reading, eating, doing, and loving right now. And remember…

Also, don’t forget to check out the new series on Halloween, starting with the first—The Plant-Based Roots of Halloween—with many more to come:

• Black Cats and Halloween: History & Lore

• How to Host a Zero-Waste Halloween

• Animal-Related Halloween Films

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What I’m Eating: Plant-Based Chicken

As you’ve been hearing about over here as well as on recent podcast episodes, I’ve been really intentional about increasing my protein to over 100 grams a day, which means I’m paying closer attention to the protein content of everything I eat. One such product I have added to my almost-daily diet is Daring plant-based chicken.

Their chicken pieces come in

• Lemon & Herb

• Teriyaki

• Cajun

• Original

They also have breaded wings that include Buffalo.

I’ve tried all their flavors except Original, but it’s not the flavors that make Daring so fantastic—it’s the texture and the protein. The wings are higher in fat and lower in protein (relatively speaking), and I just toss them in the air fryer. But it’s the pieces that now make up my almost-daily rotation. They pan-fry in a little oil to a crisp outside and tender inside and can be used for anything — salads, tacos, sandwiches, stir-fries, or just on their own.

Made from soy (and gluten-free), Daring pieces boast roughly 16–18g protein per 100g! And the cost is also amazing. We consistently find them at Safeway for under $5 a package. (Yes, it’s plastic packaging, but I can at least pop it in my Ridwell bin to be properly recycled.)

I’m so curious to know if you’ve tried them and what you think!

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What I’m Watching: Polish Films

If you know me, you know I love a theme—especially when it comes to movies. David and I often pick a director, a genre, or a topic and then go all in. That’s how we ended up on a Polish-film kick.

We started with the 2023 film The Peasants, which got on my radar when it first came out because of its unique production. It was filmed as live action, but then every frame was painstakingly hand-painted in oils by a team of artists. It’s a tough watch, but a necessary one, as you see how conformity and fear take over, and how quickly a crowd can become cruel. I highly recommend it.

From there we started watching the films of the celebrated Polish director Wojciech Smarzowski. We’ve watched four of the eight films he directed; each one intense, harrowing, and often painful—but we’ve loved every one.

• The Dark House (2009): A dark and bleak story about a forensic investigation that uncovers a gruesome crime.

• Rose (Róża) (2011): Set just after World War II, this drama depicts the brutal conditions in Poland and the relationship between a soldier and a widow.

• Clergy (Kler) (2018): A highly controversial film that depicts the corruption and misconduct within the Polish Catholic Church. Its release sparked significant public debate in Poland.

• Hatred (2016): In love with a Ukrainian boy from her village, Zosia is forced to marry a wealthy widower. When World War II breaks out and ethnic tensions flare, she does what she must to survive.

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What I’m Drinking: Hibiscus-Infused Water

On a lighter note…I wanted to share my “recipe” for hibiscus water—sometimes called hibiscus tea—an infusion I drink every day!

Hibiscus is naturally rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, known to support heart health and lower blood pressure. Its tart, cranberry-like flavor is wonderfully thirst-quenching—especially when softened with a few sliced strawberries.

• Add 1 to 2 tablespoons dried hibiscus flowers (whole or cut) to a carafe or bottle.

• Add a handful of sliced strawberries to balance the tang and add natural sweetness.

• Fill with cold water. (I prefer a cold infusion, but you can also use hot water for a faster infusion.)

• Steep 1 to 2 hours for a light, floral drink or overnight/2–3 days for a deeper hue and flavor.

• Top up with fresh water a few times until the flowers lose their punch, then compost them.

• Keep chilled.

Note: After acidic drinks like hibiscus water, rinse your mouth with plain water to help protect your teeth’s enamel.

Before you go, here are some more resources for you.

👉 Work with me 1:1 – Get personalized guidance whatever you are looking for.

👉 Listen to Food for Thought – Inspiration for living compassionately, sustainably, and healthfully (18 years strong!)

👉 Travel with me! I host animal-friendly, luxury, all-inclusive vegan trips around the world, specifically curated to ensure high-quality, high-touch premium experiences. Check out our upcoming trips, and let me know if you have any questions.

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