Virtually Vegan Mama http://virtuallyveganmama.com Creating A Healthy Lifestyle for My Family & Yours Sat, 11 May 2013 15:48:03 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1 VirtuallyVeganMamahttp://feedburner.google.com Christy Morgan’s Blissful Bites Cookbook Review and Giveaway! http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/VirtuallyVeganMama/~3/EEhiQVZsVNs/christy-morgans-blissful-bites-cookbook-review-and-giveaway.html http://virtuallyveganmama.com/2013/05/christy-morgans-blissful-bites-cookbook-review-and-giveaway.html#comments Sat, 11 May 2013 15:48:03 +0000 Jennifer http://virtuallyveganmama.com/?p=2117 And Christy’s recipe for Coconut Bliss Granola with Key-Lime Soy Yogurt Parfaits – just in time for your Mother’s Day Brunch.

Let me first introduce you to Christy Morgan - The Blissful Chef - Vegan Macrobiotic Chef , Author,  Educator, Recipe Creator and Speaker. She will show you how [...]]]> And Christy’s recipe for Coconut Bliss Granola with Key-Lime Soy Yogurt Parfaits – just in time for your Mother’s Day Brunch.

BlissfulBites_frontcover-796x1024

Let me first introduce you to Christy Morgan - The Blissful Chef - Vegan Macrobiotic Chef , Author,  Educator, Recipe Creator and Speaker. She will show you how to access your bliss with tasty recipes that are free of processed foods, totally plant-based and good for you.

Blissful Bites: Vegan Meals That Nourish Mind, Body, and Planet (BenBella) is Christy’s  first full-length cookbook and I had the pleasure of getting a copy to try out and offer to one lucky reader for a giveaway. You are not going to want to miss entering for your chance to win a copy; it’s an incredible cookbook.

There is something for everyone in this cookbook. Almost all of the recipes are gluten-free and she uses very limited amounts of oil, if any. The recipes are easy to follow, take less than 45 minutes to prepare, and contain ingredients that you can find in your local supermarket and/or health food store. The recipes are categorized by seasons, which will help you plan and eat accordingly. There’s also a great section detailing items that you should have in your pantry and cooking tools, so you can be well on your way to eating the blissful way. =)

I tried out several of Christy’s recipes in her cookbook and all were effortless to make, as well as incredibly fresh tasting and delicious. I chose to share her recipes for Coconut Bliss Granola and Key-Lime Soy Yogurt. Combined this makes a beautiful breakfast parfait to enjoy any day, but is also perfect for brunch with friends or family. For us, it will be on our menu for our Mother’s Day Brunch this Sunday.

Beautiful, isn’t it? And oh, so delicious…

DSC_0075

Print
Coconut Bliss Granola
Author: 
Recipe type: Spring Recipe
Serves: 8
 

Store-bought Granola is usually full of oil and sugar. Yet it’s so easy to make yourself for half the cost – and half the guilt. You’ll fall in love with this granola recipe, which you can serve with nondairy milk or with key-lime soy yogurt.
Ingredients
  • 3 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup raw sunflower seeds
  • 1 cup shredded dried coconut, unsweetened
  • 1 cup brown rice crispy cereal
  • ¾ cup sliced almonds
  • ½ cup walnuts, chopped if whole
  • ¼ cup sesame seeds
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • Dash nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons grapeseed oil
  • ½ cup maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla flavoring
  • Pinch sea salt
  • 1 cup raisins (optional)

Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 250 degrees F.
  2. Mix all dry ingredients, except raisins, in a large bowl.
  3. In a smaller bowl, whisk together wet ingredients.
  4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and combine thoroughly.
  5. Transfer to a 9×13 glass casserole dish and evenly smooth across the top.
  6. Bake for 45 minutes.
  7. Remove from oven and stir in raisins.
  8. Bake for another 10 minutes.
  9. Remove from oven and cool.

Notes
Store in an airtight container and it will last for weeks.

WordPress Recipe Plugin by EasyRecipe

Print
Key-Lime Soy Yogurt
Author: 
Recipe type: Spring
Serves: 4-6
 

This is tastier than store-bought vegan yogurt, but it’s missing the acidophilus. No worries – you won’t miss it, because it’s still healthy and actually has no refined sugar like store brands.
Ingredients
  • 2 packages Mori-Nu silken tofu
  • ½ cup maple syrup or brown rice syrup
  • 2 limes, zested and juiced
  • 1 small lemon, juiced
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla flavoring

Instructions
  1. Blend all ingredients in a food processor. Be sure to scrape the edges of the bowl a few times to incorporate all the tofu. Blend until smooth.
  2. Layer with Coconut Bliss Granola and fresh berries for a parfait.

WordPress Recipe Plugin by EasyRecipe

 

Now for the Giveaway…

To enter the contest, leave a comment telling me what’s your favorite vegan brunch recipe. Don’t forget to leave your contact information so I can let you know if you win. =)

BONUS ENTRIES

You MUST leave each entry as a separate comment or only one comment will count.

All entries must be completed no later than Saturday, May 18th 2013,  at 11:59 p.m. EST.

Winner will be announced on Sunday, May 19th 2013, on my blog, and the winner will also be notified via the email address they provided in the comments section.

Giveaway open to U.S. and Canada residents only. =)

Good Luck!

xoxo,

Jen

]]> http://virtuallyveganmama.com/2013/05/christy-morgans-blissful-bites-cookbook-review-and-giveaway.html/feed 75 http://virtuallyveganmama.com/2013/05/christy-morgans-blissful-bites-cookbook-review-and-giveaway.html The Winner of the Let Them Eat Vegan! Giveaway is… http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/VirtuallyVeganMama/~3/rrafYLMFtqM/the-winner-of-the-let-them-eat-vegan-giveaway-is.html http://virtuallyveganmama.com/2013/04/the-winner-of-the-let-them-eat-vegan-giveaway-is.html#comments Mon, 15 Apr 2013 11:55:16 +0000 Jennifer http://virtuallyveganmama.com/?p=2101

Sarah! Congratulations and you should receive an email from me today, so I can get this awesome cookbook out in the mail to you!

Don’t be sad you didn’t win this one, =) you can still buy this amazing cookbook here.

Thanks to all who entered and look for the [...]]]> winner

Sarah! Congratulations and you should receive an email from me today, so I can get this awesome cookbook out in the mail to you!

let-them-eat-vegan-cover

Don’t be sad you didn’t win this one, =) you can still buy this amazing cookbook here.

Thanks to all who entered and look for the next giveaway this week. I have four weeks until baby #3 comes, so I have lots to do and offer you all! =)

xoxo,

Jen

]]> http://virtuallyveganmama.com/2013/04/the-winner-of-the-let-them-eat-vegan-giveaway-is.html/feed 0 http://virtuallyveganmama.com/2013/04/the-winner-of-the-let-them-eat-vegan-giveaway-is.html Let Them Eat Vegan! Review and Giveaway http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/VirtuallyVeganMama/~3/OIlyJGFvslo/let-them-eat-vegan-review-and-giveaway.html http://virtuallyveganmama.com/2013/04/let-them-eat-vegan-review-and-giveaway.html#comments Fri, 05 Apr 2013 10:53:45 +0000 Jennifer http://virtuallyveganmama.com/?p=2062

Dreena Burton is the author of four amazing vegan cookbooks and an at-home mom to three girls. Dreena has been creating vegan recipes for almost twenty years and has a tremendous selection of world-class vegan recipes. Let Them Eat Vegan! is her latest cookbook and sure to become a staple in [...]]]> let-them-eat-vegan-cover

Dreena Burton is the author of four amazing vegan cookbooks and an at-home mom to three girls. Dreena has been creating vegan recipes for almost twenty years and has a tremendous selection of world-class vegan recipes. Let Them Eat Vegan! is her latest cookbook and sure to become a staple in every vegan kitchen – just like her earlier cookbooks.

Let Them Eat Vegan! is packed with 200 plant-powered recipes for the entire family. Dreena offers notes on how to modify her recipes for those with allergies or common substitution questions – which I find extremely helpful for when I am cooking for friends and family with dietary restrictions. I’m quickly discovering that Dreena really knows how to deliver wholesome, delicious and foolproof recipes. I haven’t tried a recipe in this cookbook that I wouldn’t make again. I could just throw in the towel with my recipe development and stock my pantry with Dreena’s cookbooks. I would never have to worry about serving up delicious vegan food again – her recipes are that outstanding! =)

The first recipe I tried was her – now famous – “No-fu Love Loaf”. This is hands-down the BEST vegan version of a “meat” loaf I have tried or attempted myself. Look no further than this recipe folks – this is “it”. My kids absolutely loved this and my husband couldn’t wait to make a No-fu Loaf Sandwich the next day – the perfect hearty meal for an “almost” vegan dad!

nofuloveloaf-500x333

No-Fu Love Loaf with Smashing Sweet Spuds, Rosemary Gravy, and Lemon Dijon Green Beans from Let The Eat Vegan!

(Photo Credit: Let Them Eat Vegan! Dreena Burton)

Print
No-fu Love Loaf from Let Them Eat Vegan
Author: 
 

Many vegan versions of meatloaf are made with tofu, veggie ground round, tvp, or even seitan. Those tofu-averse will be happy to know there is no tofu or veggie meats in this loaf. This savory version uses only lentils, cracked wheat, oats, and chia seed, along with a mix of seasonings to make it all magically come together!
Ingredients
  • Ingredients
  • ½ cup brown (green) lentils
  • 1 cup vegetable stock
  • ⅓ cup water
  • 1 dried bay leaf
  • ¾ cup bulgur (toasted cracked wheat) (for gluten-free version, use certified gf steel cut oats)
  • 1 cup water, boiled
  • ¼ cup natural ketchup
  • 1 cup rolled or quick oats (ensure gf certified for gluten-free)
  • 3 tablespoons tamari (use wheat-free for wheat/gluten-free version)
  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
  • 2 tablespoons ground white chia (or can use flax meal)
  • 2 tablespoons vegan Worcestershire sauce (see note for gf version)
  • 2 tablespoons tahini or sunflower seed butter
  • 2 teaspoons blackstrap molasses
  • ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ¼ – ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground fennel (optional)
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Topping:
  • 3 – 4 tablespoon natural ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon vegan Worcestershire sauce (optional) OR 2 tsp vegan bbq sauce (optional)

Instructions
  1. Combine the lentils, vegetable stock, 1⁄3 cup of water, and bay leaf in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 25 to 30 minutes, until just about tender. Once done, add the bulgur and boiling water, cover, and cook on medium-low heat for another 8 to 9 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly oil an oven-proof glass loaf pan and line the bottom of the pan with a strip of parchment paper to cover (place it in to protrude along the short ends of the pan; this helps for easier removal of the veggie loaf from the pan).
  3. Combine the topping ingredients in a small bowl.
  4. Once the bulgur is cooked, remove the bay leaf and add all the remaining ingredients (except topping). Stir very well. Transfer the mixture to prepared pan and pack it in. Spread the topping mixture over the top.
  5. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 to 28 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 7 to 8 minutes. Remove from the oven and let stand for 10 to 15 minutes or so, before cutting to slice and serve. Serves 5-6.

Notes
Dreena’s Notes: Allergy-Free or Bust! Despite its not having any tofu, tempeh, or TVP, I cannot technically categorize this recipe as “soy free” because of the inclusion of tamari and vegan Worcestershire sauce. These are important seasonings in the loaf. That said, to replace the Worcestershire for a gluten-free version, use instead an extra 1⁄2 tablespoon of wheat-free tamari, along with an extra 1⁄2 teaspoon of molasses, and 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar. Savvy Subs and Adds: If you’d like to add some veggies to the loaf, try adding 1⁄2 cup of seeded and finely chopped green pepper, or 1⁄4 cup of finely chopped celery (stir into the mixture with the seasonings).

WordPress Recipe Plugin by EasyRecipe

Of course I also had to try one of her fabulous dessert recipes and I let the kids choose which one we should try. Berry Patch Brownies was the winner and it is the perfect, fudgy brownie treat that is bursting with flavor- delish!

DSC_0039

Chocolate and berries – can you go wrong with that flavor combo? I’m looking forward to serving these up warm with some vanilla ice cream later!

I’m cooking my way through LTEV this week and here is another fabulous recipe of hers for Double Chocolate Chippers. These cookies come out perfect and they are not overly sweet. I will definitely be making these again!

 DSC_0056

Check out Dreena’s newest e-book, Plant-Powered 15 on her website. I am so excited to check this out because all the recipes are whole foods, vegan and oil-free!

PP15cover

Recipes include: “Mac-nificent”, “Sticky Almond Blondies”, “Umami Sun-dried Tomato and Almond Burgers”, “Creamy House Dressing”, “Wonder Spread”, “Black Bean Soup with Sweet Potatoes”, “Almond Zen Granola”… and more! YUM!

If you are new to vegan cooking and are looking for your first cookbook to try, Dreena Burton’s cookbooks are a great place to start. Even long-time vegans will benefit from adding her cookbooks to their repertoire.

This giveaway is now closed…thanks to all who participated!

Now for the Giveaway…

To enter the contest, leave a comment telling me what’s your favorite vegan dessert recipe. Don’t forget to leave your contact information so I can let you know if you win. =)

BONUS ENTRIES

You MUST leave each entry as a separate comment or only one comment will count.

  • Like Dreena Burton Facebook and leave a comment on her wall.
  • Subscribe to Virtually Vegan Mama
  • Like Virtually Vegan Mama on Facebook and leave a comment on my wall.
  • Follow Virtually Vegan Mama (@virtveganmama) on Twitter
  • Tweet about this giveaway and tell me that you tweeted in the comments section; “I just entered to win Let The Eat Vegan! @virtveganmama”
  • Share this giveaway on your Facebook Page and tell me that you did so in the comments section
  • Pin it

All entries must be completed no later than Friday, April 12th 2013,  at 11:59 p.m. EST.

Winner will be announced on Saturday, April 13th 2013, on my blog, and the winner will also be notified via the email address they provided in the comments section.

Giveaway open to U.S. and Canada residents only. =)

Good Luck!

xoxo,

Jen

Let Them Eat Vegan! by Dreena Burton. Excerpted by arrangement with Da Capo Lifelong, a member of the Perseus Books Group. Copyright © 2012. www.dacapopress.com

 

]]> http://virtuallyveganmama.com/2013/04/let-them-eat-vegan-review-and-giveaway.html/feed 135 http://virtuallyveganmama.com/2013/04/let-them-eat-vegan-review-and-giveaway.html Where have you been? http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/VirtuallyVeganMama/~3/Q87JWskYcb4/where-have-you-been.html http://virtuallyveganmama.com/2013/03/where-have-you-been.html#comments Thu, 28 Mar 2013 15:30:57 +0000 Jennifer http://virtuallyveganmama.com/?p=2043 I’ll answer your question with a picture. They do say a picture is worth a thousand words – so here it is.

That beautiful little picture up there is baby #3 and a big surprise to our family, but what a blessing indeed. However, this pregnancy rocked my world with sickness, [...]]]> I’ll answer your question with a picture. They do say a picture is worth a thousand words – so here it is.

baby

That beautiful little picture up there is baby #3 and a big surprise to our family, but what a blessing indeed. However, this pregnancy rocked my world with sickness, tiredness and just about everything that keeps you from barely making it through the day. And taking care of two other toddlers is not an easy task when you feel like this – no way, no how! But, you do it and you keep pushing on, because there is no other option is there?

The biggest loser in this whole thing was my blog and I love my blog, I do. I love creating recipes for my family and to share with the world, but I couldn’t even look at food for a while, let alone write about it!

Well, I’m in the home stretch with this pregnancy – only 6 1/2 weeks more to go – and I’m feeling pretty good. Well, except for that annoying sciatica that cripples me after I do something minor like vacuum or mop the floor. ;)

I don’t do this often with my blog, ya know, the personal stuff. But, here are some recent pictures I had a very talented friend and professional photographer take of my family and I wanted to share a few with you.

*My belly* IMG_8043

 *My belly and me, me and my belly*IMG_8049

*My beautiful family*

IMG_8060

*love*

IMG_8121-2

Pictures courtesy of Denise Crull Photography

I will be doing some cookbook reviews/giveaways and product reviews in the next few weeks that so many nice authors and companies have given me. I have delayed these for too long, so here we go, stay tuned. =)

xoxo,

Jen

]]> http://virtuallyveganmama.com/2013/03/where-have-you-been.html/feed 10 http://virtuallyveganmama.com/2013/03/where-have-you-been.html Can you guess one of the first recipes I made with my new Vita-Mix? http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/VirtuallyVeganMama/~3/t8UXTESMMXI/can-you-guess-one-of-the-first-recipes-i-made-with-my-new-vita-mix.html http://virtuallyveganmama.com/2012/09/can-you-guess-one-of-the-first-recipes-i-made-with-my-new-vita-mix.html#comments Tue, 04 Sep 2012 18:15:58 +0000 Jennifer http://virtuallyveganmama.com/?p=1972 If your answer was Cashew Cream, you guessed correctly! =)

Of course, the first thing I made was a delicious, mouth-watering, smoothie with NO CHUNKS that made me so happy I jumped up and down in the kitchen for a few minutes! I’ve been waiting soooooooo long for a Vita-Mix. But, it [...]]]> If your answer was Cashew Cream, you guessed correctly! =)

Of course, the first thing I made was a delicious, mouth-watering, smoothie with NO CHUNKS that made me so happy I jumped up and down in the kitchen for a few minutes! I’ve been waiting soooooooo long for a Vita-Mix. But, it was definitely not in the budget and we had a perfectly good blender that did the trick most of the time. Also, my Cuisinart was very capable of getting a pretty creamy cashew cream and other nice sauces. I knew though that once I got my hands on a Vita-Mix, it would change everything. The day my blender broke, my wonderful hubby just looked at me and said, “Let’s just order a damn Vita-Mix already.” I ran straight to the computer and had my order processed before he could rethink what he just said. I’m kind of laughing at myself writing this! I must be crazy to get so excited over a kitchen tool, but I love to cook and being in the kitchen creating awesome recipes is what I love to do. Okay, I admit it, I’m pretty lame now at thirty-seven! ;)

Okay, so how did my cashew cream turn out? Well, here’s a close-up…

Cashew Cream

Print recipe
Use cashew cream as you would regular store-bought cream for sauces, soups or anything you want to add a creamy texture to

Ingredients

  • 1 cup raw cashews

Note

You can double this recipe if you want, but I’ve found that this makes plenty. I only use it sparingly or for special recipes that call for cream because the fat content.

Directions

1. Put cashews in a bowl and cover with cold water. Soak for 4 hours.
2. Drain cashews. Place in a high-powered blender or food processor. Cover with cold water and blend until smooth. Use less water for a thicker cashew cream. I’ve also used non-dairy milk instead of water for an extra creamy sauce.
Powered by GetMeCooking

Super creamy, super delicious, super awesome! The way cashew cream should be. =)

Don’t feel bad if you don’t have a Vita-Mix, I was very successful for the past couple years making a very creamy cashew cream, but this one is definitely the best when made with the right tool. It’s worth the investment.

I love my new Vita-Mix! It’s gotten me fired-up in the kitchen again.

Keep an eye on my blog for a delicious recipe for cashew creamed spinach this week. =)

Enjoy your day!

xoxo,

Jen

]]> http://virtuallyveganmama.com/2012/09/can-you-guess-one-of-the-first-recipes-i-made-with-my-new-vita-mix.html/feed 4 http://virtuallyveganmama.com/2012/09/can-you-guess-one-of-the-first-recipes-i-made-with-my-new-vita-mix.html