Hi Friends!
It's been quite some time! I am going to try to start again. I've just been busy looking for work and enjoying the scenery here in North Carolina.
Best Wishes and thanks for your continued support!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Food Network Friday: Ravioli Caprese
It's Saturday but I saw it and copied it Friday. That's all that counts!
It's from Giada. Her pasta almost always has eggs in it but this week she did a really veganizeable dish. Her pasta consists of flour and hot water- easy enough.
Sub vegan ricotta (I like pressed tofu, vegenaise, Italian seasoning, olive oil in food processor) and vegan chik'n strips sauteed and also processed in food processor. The rest is vegan anyway. We really liked it, but I am in love with ravioli so it was an easy sell. I love the fresh basil and lemon zest. Try it! I like to freeze ravioli for a quick and yummy meal. Don't forget- use a pepper grinder! It's the best easy thing you can change about your cooking.
It's from Giada. Her pasta almost always has eggs in it but this week she did a really veganizeable dish. Her pasta consists of flour and hot water- easy enough.
Sub vegan ricotta (I like pressed tofu, vegenaise, Italian seasoning, olive oil in food processor) and vegan chik'n strips sauteed and also processed in food processor. The rest is vegan anyway. We really liked it, but I am in love with ravioli so it was an easy sell. I love the fresh basil and lemon zest. Try it! I like to freeze ravioli for a quick and yummy meal. Don't forget- use a pepper grinder! It's the best easy thing you can change about your cooking.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Breakfast Burritos!
My honey has been asking for this for years. Don't know why I never got around to it because these are really good! He used to enjoy the Sonic breakfast burrito. This is an homage to fast food burritos, but without as much fat, and without the animals. The recipe has a couple components, but you can make several burritos, so you get a lot out of your effort.
-Use your favorite tofu scramble that uses one block/1 lb tofu(I used VWAV), adding Follow Your Heart Jack cheese/other vegan cheese if you want.
-Bake some tater tots.
-Saute 1/2 tube Gimme Lean sausage style. I fry up fennel seed first, add the sausage and smash with a spoon. I also add a tiny bit of liquid smoke and about 1-2 tsp. brown sugar
-For a bit of a greasy factor, saute onion and pepper in some Earth Balance.
Put it all together in a burrito:
Microwave or put over the burner the tortilla. It makes it pliable. Fill with tofu scramble, onions/peppers, sausage, and tots and roll up- sides first, then roll up.
I like salsa and vegan sour cream. Don't forget..you can add jalapenos, olives, hot sauce, whatever you want.
-Use your favorite tofu scramble that uses one block/1 lb tofu(I used VWAV), adding Follow Your Heart Jack cheese/other vegan cheese if you want.
-Bake some tater tots.
-Saute 1/2 tube Gimme Lean sausage style. I fry up fennel seed first, add the sausage and smash with a spoon. I also add a tiny bit of liquid smoke and about 1-2 tsp. brown sugar
-For a bit of a greasy factor, saute onion and pepper in some Earth Balance.
Put it all together in a burrito:
Microwave or put over the burner the tortilla. It makes it pliable. Fill with tofu scramble, onions/peppers, sausage, and tots and roll up- sides first, then roll up.
I like salsa and vegan sour cream. Don't forget..you can add jalapenos, olives, hot sauce, whatever you want.
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
White Gloves Chicken Salad
I wanted to make a sweet southern-inspired "chicken" salad sandwich. I opted shredded over chopped dice for a more delicate side dish. This is not the savory type that most are used to (which I also really like). This is for a tea party or something equally silly. White gloves and all that. I used Morningstar Farms strips, but who knows, in a year or less, these might not be vegan, either. They recently unnecessarily messed up changed their Crumbles recipe to add milk and eggs. BOO. Tell them that's no good , if you are so inclined.
Note- This is a SWEET salad. If you want less sweetness, cut back the grapes or cranberries. I think the balance is nice, but you may want to add more mayo or heat.
"Chicken" Salad Sandwich (Makes about 3 generous sandwiches, or 2 generous servings for crackers)
1 pkg vegan chicken strips (8oz)
1/4 + 1/8 c (6 Tbsp total) vegan mayo (Vegenaise)
2 Tbsp soymilk
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp dried cranberries, chopped
2 tbsp minced red bell pepper
2 tbsp (about 1/2 stalk) celery, chopped fine but not quite minced
1/4 c pecan halves
1/4 tsp dried tarragon (opt)
small pinch cumin
small pinch paprika
tiny pinch cayenne (more for more heat)
salt and fresh pepper to taste
optional: green or red seedless grapes, cut into small chinks (I used 5 big green grapes, cut into about 6 pieces each)
Gently saute chik'n strips in good quality margarine on low-med heat. I added a little sherry. You want heating all the way through but not too much browning. You don't want crispy. When heated through, remove from heat and cool completely. Shred (pull apart) by hand- go with the grain, lengthwise. It creates a delicate texture.
Heat the pan again (wiping out any oil) and roast pecans. Set aside, cool, and chop.
Whisk mayo, soymilk, and vinegar while chik'n is cooking. Add all remaining ingredients except chicken, grapes, and pecans and mix well. Fold in chik'n, grapes and pecans. Let chill for at least an hour to let flavor develop.
Toast 4 pieces for bread and add margarine to one side of each piece of bread. Add chik'n salad (you want margarine on the inside of the sandwich). You can line the sandwich with a nice lettuce and tomato. I like chips (the ones here are yummy Kettle Jalapeno chips) or salad on the side.
Note- This is a SWEET salad. If you want less sweetness, cut back the grapes or cranberries. I think the balance is nice, but you may want to add more mayo or heat.
"Chicken" Salad Sandwich (Makes about 3 generous sandwiches, or 2 generous servings for crackers)
1 pkg vegan chicken strips (8oz)
1/4 + 1/8 c (6 Tbsp total) vegan mayo (Vegenaise)
2 Tbsp soymilk
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp dried cranberries, chopped
2 tbsp minced red bell pepper
2 tbsp (about 1/2 stalk) celery, chopped fine but not quite minced
1/4 c pecan halves
1/4 tsp dried tarragon (opt)
small pinch cumin
small pinch paprika
tiny pinch cayenne (more for more heat)
salt and fresh pepper to taste
optional: green or red seedless grapes, cut into small chinks (I used 5 big green grapes, cut into about 6 pieces each)
Gently saute chik'n strips in good quality margarine on low-med heat. I added a little sherry. You want heating all the way through but not too much browning. You don't want crispy. When heated through, remove from heat and cool completely. Shred (pull apart) by hand- go with the grain, lengthwise. It creates a delicate texture.
Heat the pan again (wiping out any oil) and roast pecans. Set aside, cool, and chop.
Whisk mayo, soymilk, and vinegar while chik'n is cooking. Add all remaining ingredients except chicken, grapes, and pecans and mix well. Fold in chik'n, grapes and pecans. Let chill for at least an hour to let flavor develop.
Toast 4 pieces for bread and add margarine to one side of each piece of bread. Add chik'n salad (you want margarine on the inside of the sandwich). You can line the sandwich with a nice lettuce and tomato. I like chips (the ones here are yummy Kettle Jalapeno chips) or salad on the side.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Peppered Mexican Polenta Towers
I had this dish in my head for about a week. It came once again, from gluten-free cooking, and I really like polenta anyway! My favorite way to eat it is crispy fried on the outside. I thought it would be delicious Mexican style over beans, so here we are! I also got to take advantage of the Farmer's Market and I got heirloom tomatoes and bell peppers at a *very* reasonable price, which I am psyched about! Called "Peppered" because I have mild bell peppers, fried jalapenos, and chipotle (smoked jalapeno) powder.
If you are going to make this, then do the polenta and marinate the tofu the day before. You may even do the salsa w/o the avocado and add it last minute. Don't be intimidated by the length of the recipe, it's just several simple components, and you can do it if I can! Keep polenta and tofu warm in the oven if you need to, while preparing the plates.
Peppered Mexican Polenta Stacks (Makes 4 servings with leftover polenta)
Tofu:
1 lb tofu, cut into 8 slabs and pressed
Tofu Marinade- Wheat Free Soy sauce, brown sugar, sherry(or tequila/alcohol/lime juice), cumin, smoked paprika, chipotle powder, onion powder, water, vegetable oil. Adjust to taste. Water should be used only if marinade needs to be mellowed. Marinate an hour minimum (I like overnight). When ready to prepare, just saute in peanut or vegetable oil. Keep it simple.
Polenta-
3 1/2 c water
1 c polenta corn grits (not instant grits, y'all!)
2 tsp vegan "chicken" broth bouillon*
1 scallion, minced
1/4 c loosely-packed cilantro leaves (measure out then mince)
1 Tbsp olive oil/margarine
salt to taste (I used about 1-2 tsp)
Heat water in a medium saucepan. Whisk in bouillon while heating and heat to boiling. *You can also use premade veggie broth or any other combo bouillon/water. I make mine weak for things like this. Whisk in polenta in a steady stream. Stir often. Add water if polenta becomes really thick. I did about 1/3 cup. Cover and turn heat down, cooking 15 min. Stir often. Add scallions/cilantro and olive oil/margarine and turn heat off. Stir once or twice while polenta cools for 10 minutes in pan. Pour into container and let come to room temperature, then refrigerate until completely firm all the way through. I would say 1 hour minimum in a shallow pan. From here you can cut into desired shape and fry until crispy on each side.
Note: You can use the tubes of polenta that you find in the produce section. However, making it at home is way less expensive and the 20 min you put in can really impress because you added the cilantro and scallion flavor/color.
Beans-
I usually take refried beans (I have red refried beans, Frijoles Rojos Volteados, Natura's brand) and add stock, but I added a little extra this time. I fried up some red onions and garlic, then blended them with the stock so it would be completely smooth. General ratio is 1 c broth to 1-16oz can beans. I also add a hunk of margarine for flavor/fat since we are using lard-free. Add salt if necessary. These simmer on low for about an hour. Be careful and go slow, the mixture will blend eventually.
Tomatoes-
Thick slices of heirloom sprinkled with salt and pepper. (I was going to broil these but they are fantastic by themselves.)
Peppers-
Roast 2 red and 2 green bell peppers. Put in a paper bag or plastic container with a lid and let cool. Skin and deseed. DO NOT rinse. Cut into strips to make sure each plate gets some of each pepper.
Jalapenos-
To keep gluten free, use a GF flour like rice flour. Just chop fresh jalapeno to desired shape (I like strips because it doesn't include seeds), roll in flour, then soy buttermilk (soymilk plus a small amount apple cider vinegar), back in the rice flour and fry. These are for garnishing the top. This is optional but it's fun and pretty and quick. It also adds a punch if your peppers are hot!
Sweet Avocado Salsa-
1 ripe avocado
1 ripe mango
cilantro
small amount minced red onion (couple Tbsp)
fresh lime juice
handful fresh cut corn kernels
Do your thang! Chop those avocados and the mango, mix all ingredients except avocado. I pulsed in food processor. Fold in avocado so it keeps its structure. Corn is optional, but I like the mixture, and raw corn is really sweet and it ties into the corn in the polenta.
Plate as desired! I did it like this:
Beans on bottoms, polenta, tofu, tomato, roasted red peppers, polenta, tofu, roasted red peppers, fried jalapenos.
My presentation was a little sloppy because we had 5 hungry tummies and I didn't want it to get cold!
If you are going to make this, then do the polenta and marinate the tofu the day before. You may even do the salsa w/o the avocado and add it last minute. Don't be intimidated by the length of the recipe, it's just several simple components, and you can do it if I can! Keep polenta and tofu warm in the oven if you need to, while preparing the plates.
Peppered Mexican Polenta Stacks (Makes 4 servings with leftover polenta)
Tofu:
1 lb tofu, cut into 8 slabs and pressed
Tofu Marinade- Wheat Free Soy sauce, brown sugar, sherry(or tequila/alcohol/lime juice), cumin, smoked paprika, chipotle powder, onion powder, water, vegetable oil. Adjust to taste. Water should be used only if marinade needs to be mellowed. Marinate an hour minimum (I like overnight). When ready to prepare, just saute in peanut or vegetable oil. Keep it simple.
Polenta-
3 1/2 c water
1 c polenta corn grits (not instant grits, y'all!)
2 tsp vegan "chicken" broth bouillon*
1 scallion, minced
1/4 c loosely-packed cilantro leaves (measure out then mince)
1 Tbsp olive oil/margarine
salt to taste (I used about 1-2 tsp)
Heat water in a medium saucepan. Whisk in bouillon while heating and heat to boiling. *You can also use premade veggie broth or any other combo bouillon/water. I make mine weak for things like this. Whisk in polenta in a steady stream. Stir often. Add water if polenta becomes really thick. I did about 1/3 cup. Cover and turn heat down, cooking 15 min. Stir often. Add scallions/cilantro and olive oil/margarine and turn heat off. Stir once or twice while polenta cools for 10 minutes in pan. Pour into container and let come to room temperature, then refrigerate until completely firm all the way through. I would say 1 hour minimum in a shallow pan. From here you can cut into desired shape and fry until crispy on each side.
Note: You can use the tubes of polenta that you find in the produce section. However, making it at home is way less expensive and the 20 min you put in can really impress because you added the cilantro and scallion flavor/color.
Beans-
I usually take refried beans (I have red refried beans, Frijoles Rojos Volteados, Natura's brand) and add stock, but I added a little extra this time. I fried up some red onions and garlic, then blended them with the stock so it would be completely smooth. General ratio is 1 c broth to 1-16oz can beans. I also add a hunk of margarine for flavor/fat since we are using lard-free. Add salt if necessary. These simmer on low for about an hour. Be careful and go slow, the mixture will blend eventually.
Tomatoes-
Thick slices of heirloom sprinkled with salt and pepper. (I was going to broil these but they are fantastic by themselves.)
Peppers-
Roast 2 red and 2 green bell peppers. Put in a paper bag or plastic container with a lid and let cool. Skin and deseed. DO NOT rinse. Cut into strips to make sure each plate gets some of each pepper.
Jalapenos-
To keep gluten free, use a GF flour like rice flour. Just chop fresh jalapeno to desired shape (I like strips because it doesn't include seeds), roll in flour, then soy buttermilk (soymilk plus a small amount apple cider vinegar), back in the rice flour and fry. These are for garnishing the top. This is optional but it's fun and pretty and quick. It also adds a punch if your peppers are hot!
Sweet Avocado Salsa-
1 ripe avocado
1 ripe mango
cilantro
small amount minced red onion (couple Tbsp)
fresh lime juice
handful fresh cut corn kernels
Do your thang! Chop those avocados and the mango, mix all ingredients except avocado. I pulsed in food processor. Fold in avocado so it keeps its structure. Corn is optional, but I like the mixture, and raw corn is really sweet and it ties into the corn in the polenta.
Plate as desired! I did it like this:
Beans on bottoms, polenta, tofu, tomato, roasted red peppers, polenta, tofu, roasted red peppers, fried jalapenos.
My presentation was a little sloppy because we had 5 hungry tummies and I didn't want it to get cold!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Mom's Egg Salad
Thanks to the internet, I have a new ingredient in my kitchen- black salt. Read more!
I've decided that "egg" salad is really subjective and it really depends on what type you had as a kid, if you had it at all. This recipe approximates my mom's egg salad. She likes green olives in it, so I grew up with that. I'm a big olive fan so that's great for me. (Funny enough, she doesn't like black olives!). The original recipe contains regular mayonnaise and a little Miracle Whip (the Miracle Whip is why there's a pinch of sugar). I subbed for Vegenaise and Spectrum vegan mayo, but I don't think it's a big deal to make it varied. If you do not like the smell/taste of eggs, do NOT make this recipe with the black salt. It will taste less eggy and more tofu salad-y if you sub regular salt for the black salt.
Ingredients-
1 lb firm water pack tofu
1/3 c vegan mayonnaise to start (Mostly veganaise, with some Spectrum vegan, OR your preference)
3/4-1 tsp prepared regular yellow mustard
1/2 tsp black salt
1/4 tsp celery seeds
kosher or sea salt to taste
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
turmeric for color (opt)
5 chopped pimento stuffed green olives (opt)
1 pinch sugar
Drain and press tofu really well. (Most of the time I press just for 5 or 10 min, but I did this for over 30 min. You want no water left at all because this can easily become watery. I always use a kitchen towel so there's no waste, and it absorbs better than paper towels)
Mash tofu in a bowl with a fork and add mayo and mustard. Mix. Sprinkle seasonings evenly over mixture and mix well. I ended up adding more mayonnaise. Make sure you crumble up the black salt. I noticed it sticks together so you don't want to bite into a chunk of it. Chill 1/2 hour at least to let flavors develop. Season extra to taste/color preference.
I always had these in a sandwich.
I've decided that "egg" salad is really subjective and it really depends on what type you had as a kid, if you had it at all. This recipe approximates my mom's egg salad. She likes green olives in it, so I grew up with that. I'm a big olive fan so that's great for me. (Funny enough, she doesn't like black olives!). The original recipe contains regular mayonnaise and a little Miracle Whip (the Miracle Whip is why there's a pinch of sugar). I subbed for Vegenaise and Spectrum vegan mayo, but I don't think it's a big deal to make it varied. If you do not like the smell/taste of eggs, do NOT make this recipe with the black salt. It will taste less eggy and more tofu salad-y if you sub regular salt for the black salt.
Ingredients-
1 lb firm water pack tofu
1/3 c vegan mayonnaise to start (Mostly veganaise, with some Spectrum vegan, OR your preference)
3/4-1 tsp prepared regular yellow mustard
1/2 tsp black salt
1/4 tsp celery seeds
kosher or sea salt to taste
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
turmeric for color (opt)
5 chopped pimento stuffed green olives (opt)
1 pinch sugar
Drain and press tofu really well. (Most of the time I press just for 5 or 10 min, but I did this for over 30 min. You want no water left at all because this can easily become watery. I always use a kitchen towel so there's no waste, and it absorbs better than paper towels)
Mash tofu in a bowl with a fork and add mayo and mustard. Mix. Sprinkle seasonings evenly over mixture and mix well. I ended up adding more mayonnaise. Make sure you crumble up the black salt. I noticed it sticks together so you don't want to bite into a chunk of it. Chill 1/2 hour at least to let flavors develop. Season extra to taste/color preference.
I always had these in a sandwich.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Gluten Free Cooking Adventures + Pie Crust Recipe
I'm going to be honest. I've never intentionally made a gluten free meal. I never "had" to. Well, we made a new friend, JL, and he is gluten-intolerant. Also lactose intolerant, which lucky for him is not an issue whatsoever in a vegan kitchen.
I can relate now to people who try to cook for vegans and don't know what they are doing. As a cook, I view it as a challenge and a chance to get my feet wet, not a chore. I think as a vegan, I can sympathize. (Do they really have to put whey in an otherwise vegan cracker/soup/bread? Why is there gluten in almost all soy sauce?) I think instead of lamenting, we should COOK! And once you look into it, you may find foods you never knew you liked. If any GF vegans want to post resources in the comments section, feel free!
I will share another secret. I totally made this crust up and hoped for the best. I feel it turned out well, and I would make it for a pie whether or not it was gluten free. It tasted like a mild shortbread, in my opinion. It could work for pumpkin pie, chocolate pie, etc.
Gluten Free Pie Crust (vegan)
1/2 c whole oats
1/2 c whole unpeeled raw almonds (can probably used roasted almonds)
2- 2 1/2 Tbsp sugar (I used brown sugar)
3/4 c rice flour
1/4 c potato starch
1/2 c cold vegan margarine (make sure it's gluten free. Shortening can probably work, too)
In a food processor, chop the almonds with the oats until fairly fine. I like a little texture. Add sugar and pulse. Then add flours.
Cut the margarine into chunks and add. Process until even texture throughout. Mixture should hold when pressed together. If too dry, add a TINY amount of non-dairy milk or icewater.
Bake 10-15 min in a 400 degree oven. Crust will not be very golden, so don't overcook. It's a little cake-y when hot, but when cooled it's like a crust should be. This picture is a 9-inch plate.
If anyone wants to play with this recipe and report back, I'll post your findings and link to your blog if you have one. I think it would work fine with All Purpose Flour (would NOT be gluten free) and pecans.
In case you were wondering, I made the VegNews chocolate peanut butter cup pie. If using extracts, make sure they are GF. Tones is definitely (it's on my bottle) and I am 99% sure McCormick is.
Here is JL and Rocco (and my Kirby). Rocco is the dog on the left. He's 9 years old and very active and has a lot of zest! The dogs really like him!
I can relate now to people who try to cook for vegans and don't know what they are doing. As a cook, I view it as a challenge and a chance to get my feet wet, not a chore. I think as a vegan, I can sympathize. (Do they really have to put whey in an otherwise vegan cracker/soup/bread? Why is there gluten in almost all soy sauce?) I think instead of lamenting, we should COOK! And once you look into it, you may find foods you never knew you liked. If any GF vegans want to post resources in the comments section, feel free!
I will share another secret. I totally made this crust up and hoped for the best. I feel it turned out well, and I would make it for a pie whether or not it was gluten free. It tasted like a mild shortbread, in my opinion. It could work for pumpkin pie, chocolate pie, etc.
Gluten Free Pie Crust (vegan)
1/2 c whole oats
1/2 c whole unpeeled raw almonds (can probably used roasted almonds)
2- 2 1/2 Tbsp sugar (I used brown sugar)
3/4 c rice flour
1/4 c potato starch
1/2 c cold vegan margarine (make sure it's gluten free. Shortening can probably work, too)
In a food processor, chop the almonds with the oats until fairly fine. I like a little texture. Add sugar and pulse. Then add flours.
Cut the margarine into chunks and add. Process until even texture throughout. Mixture should hold when pressed together. If too dry, add a TINY amount of non-dairy milk or icewater.
Bake 10-15 min in a 400 degree oven. Crust will not be very golden, so don't overcook. It's a little cake-y when hot, but when cooled it's like a crust should be. This picture is a 9-inch plate.
If anyone wants to play with this recipe and report back, I'll post your findings and link to your blog if you have one. I think it would work fine with All Purpose Flour (would NOT be gluten free) and pecans.
In case you were wondering, I made the VegNews chocolate peanut butter cup pie. If using extracts, make sure they are GF. Tones is definitely (it's on my bottle) and I am 99% sure McCormick is.
Here is JL and Rocco (and my Kirby). Rocco is the dog on the left. He's 9 years old and very active and has a lot of zest! The dogs really like him!
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