Eggs...

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090901/ap_on_go_ot/us_egg_hatchery_investigation
(not the same article I originally read, but the same exact story)

Ok, for the first time in a while, I really don't know how I feel about this. Well, that's not entirely true. I'm horrified, disgusted, and appalled. Either way, the article did its job. I am very uncomfortable right now, and I didn't even get past the first minute of the video.

Even "cage-free" and organic eggs contribute to this massacre- possibly even small, private farms as well. I've been leaning towards going vegan, but this article (& the subsequent research, with more reliable sources...) is definitely a good push. Do what you want, but I'm grossed out (again!). So for anyone else interested in making a few changes in their life, some helpful tips for cooking:

Egg-Free Baking Tips

- Vinegar and Baking Soda: For a rising or lightening effect in cakes, cupcakes and breads, combine 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of vinegar.

- Ground Flaxseed: Rich in essential omega-3 fatty acids, 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed whisked with 3 tablespoons of water in a blender or food processor will replace one egg. Flaxseed works best in nutty, grainy items like pancakes, waffles, bran muffins and oatmeal cookies.

- Bananas: For its binding abilities, half of a potassium and magnesium rich mashed or pureed banana will generally replace one or two eggs in breads, muffins, cakes and pancakes.

- Applesauce: Full of fiber and vitamin C, unsweetened applesauce offers the binding and moisture needed in baked goods. 1/4 cup equals one egg. Applesauce works best when you want the results to be moist, as in brownies.

- Silken Tofu: Rich in protein and fiber, but without the cholesterol and little, if any, saturated fat, this soy-based ingredient works best in dense, moist cakes and brownies. One egg can be replaced with 1/4 cup of tofu whipped in a blender or food processor.

- ENER-G Egg Replacer: Available in a handy box in most food stores, this nonperishable powdered product works well in baking, but is best in cookies.

Adapted by Rhode Island Vegan Awareness from The Joy of Vegan Baking: The Compassionate Cooks’ Traditional Treats and Sinful Sweets, by Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, 2007.

Sources:
http://www.upc-online.org/freerange.html
http://www.goveg.com/organic_eggs.asp