eat, drink & be vegan

Muffin Recipe, Granola Bars, and more!

2009-11-07T18:37:00.000-08:00

At last, I've posted the Oatbran Applesauce 'n Raisin Muffins. Go get the recipe.

And, on the trend of wholesome snacks, I'm just finishing up this Proper Healthy Granola Bar recipe - it's very satisfying, and chewy and just sweet enough!

Finally, I want to share a cookbook project that Nava Atlas has completed. Nava has generously taken the effort to compile recipes from a variety of vegan cooks and chefs to create A Bountiful Vegan Thanksgiving. This is an e-book, that is only $8.95, and profits will be donated to humanitarian charities. Please link through to read more and purchase your copy in time for the holidays! And, thank you Nava for selflessly devoting your time to help others with this project.

Trick or Stealers

2009-11-02T16:39:00.001-08:00

Click through for a story about some rotten trick or treating behavior... and, to catch a glimpse of my smokin' hot Halloween costume!

And, I promise, I'll get that muffin recipe posted in the next few days. I wanted to retest something with it, and ran out of muffin liners. It took me so long to pick some up and get the recipe retested - seriously!

Raw Talk

2009-10-30T15:31:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting to do a post about some raw food topics for some time now. I really enjoy eating raw foods, and experimenting and developing raw recipes. I talk about more about my raw diet feelings in my new True/Slant post, and offer up a raw Chocolate Cherry Brownie recipe. Go get it!

In my article, I mention that I order raw ingredients from a local company. That company is Real Raw Food. I've been wanting to share their link with your for a while, because they supply wonderful raw raw nuts, dried fruits, and more. I buy raw cashews, brazil nuts, walnuts, goji berries, vanilla beans, coconut sugar - and more - from Real Raw Food. I have noticed a marked difference in the taste of their raw, organic nuts and raw nuts from a grocery store. Recently, I ran out of brazil nuts and picked some up at my local health food store. When I tasted them, I noticed a slightly rancid flavor coming through. Never with these raw nuts. They taste fresh and clean. The coconut sugar is my new favorite unrefined sugar. It has a caramel color and flavor, and is simply a beautiful sugar. I buy in bulk, and it is no more expensive than unrefined sugars at my health food store (in fact, it's often cheaper). Their goji berries and vanilla beans are also very reasonably priced, and both are softer and fresher than others I've tried. They also carry these pitted herbed olives which are freaking amazing! They are like a Moroccan dry olive - but far better. Very intense and pungent, and just a few chopped go a long, long way in a dish... if you like olives, you'll love these! Finally, their trail mix is a current obsession of mine. The walnuts in the mix taste particularly delicious, and with bitty pieces of mango, dried banana, and other fruits and nuts, it is not only healthy but entirely delicious. I don't know if orders will be economical if you live in the US, but if you are Canadian you should definitely check out Real Raw Food and stock up on some goodies.

And, the final bit of raw business I have is about a cookbook. I received a review copy of Raw for Desserts by Jennifer Cornbleet. Since raw desserts are particularly enticing to me, I was well chuffed to receive this cookbook! I don't have a full review to share with you, as I have only tried one recipe (and it was lovely). But, I can tell you that this is a tidy, appealing book that offers recipes that are not overly complex. At times, raw recipes can appear intimidating and laborious with required soaking, dehydrating, etc. Jennifer has a collection of sweet treats in this book that allow home cooks to dabble in raw cookery without feeling overwhelmed. Most recipes use just a handful of ingredients, many of which are quite common. Only a small number of recipes use less commonly known and used ingredients such as young coconut. These are raw recipes that can be prepared fairly quickly and without too much advanced preparation (apart from some soaking of dates and nuts in certain recipes). So, if you'd like to try out some healthful, simple, raw sweets, look into Jennifer's Raw for Dessert.

ta for now! :)

Extreme(ly Stupid) Cuisine

2009-10-21T10:08:00.000-07:00

After seeing a video link about 'Extreme Cuisine' on my msn home page the other day, I couldn't resist writing about it in my new T/S article... have a read (and watch the video - if you dare) .

As If I Didn't Already Love Ellen...

2009-10-17T07:07:00.001-07:00

a friend on facebook points me to this link (scroll down)...

I KNOW! Exciting! Before I explain, I must share how much I adore Ellen. I watch her show while making lunches during the day, and record it for days that I'm running around with the kids. When I was pregnant last year and feeling sick and miserable... and then big and uncomfortable... she brought me laughter and also just an uplifted feeling with the spirit she has and gives to others. I enjoy her chemistry with her staff (especially Tony), her generous nature with her audience and fans, and her clever interaction with her guests. I used to love her Ellen sitcom many years ago as well!

I have contacted Ellen's show quite a few times - in fact, they may have started 'flagging' my e-mails! First off, I sent a mailing of ed&bv soon after it was published. Then, I noticed she was featuring more guests about plant-based/vegan diets, and every time one of those spots aired I fired off an e-mail of gratitude... and also gushed that I would love to be on her show to cook some treats for her and her guests. And, I mailed another copy of ed&bv (along with Vive if my mama memory serves me correctly)!

Now that she is vegan, she is continuing to show more segments about vegan cooking/foods, etc. This past week she had a cooking segment with Wolfgang Puck making veggie pizzas. One of my fb friends, Alison, mentioned this segment in a comment. I noted that I "liked" it on fb... and then Alison replied to me how cool it was to see ed&bv on Ellen's web page. ???!!! I had no idea! Though there's no additional info on ed&bv when you link through to see the list of books in more details, I am stoked to see that ed&bv has somehow reached Ellen.

Let's just say my birthday came a little early this year. :)

Cashew Cheese Filled Pasta

2009-10-15T07:06:00.000-07:00

In my last T/S piece, I published a recipe for Truffled Cashew Cheese. Here I've used it to fill pasta shells in a casserole. I simply tucked a spoonful of cheese into each of the cooked pasta shells (can you see it peeking through that shell in the centre of the photo?). The shells are placed in a lightly oiled casserole dish, with some pasta sauce layered around the shells. I also distributed about a tablespoon of capers into the casserole for an added punch of flavor. (You could also add olives, fresh herbs, chopped roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, sauteed mushrooms, or other veggies.) Cover the dish with foil, and bake at about 375 for about 15-20 minutes (or longer if you have chilled the casserole before baking).

Though this "cheese" is raw, I use it in many non-raw ways, including as a spread for sandwiches, as a spread for cooked potatoes and sweet potatoes, as a spread and 'binder' for wraps (holds veggies, beans, and other ingredients very well and makes filling and wrapping effortless), and in pasta dishes like this one and also as a cheese to layer in lasagnas. Of course, you can be purist with it and keep it raw, using it as a dip for veggies, to wrap in lettuce leaves, or thinned out with more water to toss with raw vegetable 'noodles'. However you use it, it's easy to make and super delicious!

Recently, I've been making the version with half cashews/half brazil nuts (as mentioned in the recipe). Also, I often double the batch, then freeze half the cheese in one or more containers. It thaws beautifully! Also, when you soak the nuts, if you have extra after making this dip, drain and rinse them and pop in the freezer in airtight containers. You can make more cheese at a later date, and will have some or all of the nuts already ready in the freezer.

Before I sign off, a brief note to you all about the frequency of my posts. It's been crazy busy keeping up with three kidlets... I cannot even fully explain how hectic most days are! So, while I'm not posting as often as I have in the past, I still want to communicate with you as much as possible. So, I trust that I'm still hanging on to my readers here and that you'll have patience with my busy-momma schedule! I'll post here and on true/slant as much as I can. So, hang in with me, okay? :)

Turkey Shmurkey

2009-10-10T14:05:00.000-07:00

Canadian Thanksgiving is this weekend, and my new T/S piece has my thoughts on turkey dinners... and some links to recipes so you can make a truly tasty, memorable, healthy and compassionate Thanksgiving. (The article includes one of my new recipes - Truffled Cashew Cheese).

And, my apologies for getting this Thanksgiving post out so late in the weekend. I wanted to get it finished for Friday, but boy, it's been a witch of a week!

Happy Thanksgiving... eat up, vegan style!

Muffins and Babe Magnets

2009-10-04T06:17:00.000-07:00

Two entirely unrelated topics, muffins and babe magnets. What's the connection?

Well, there isn't one, other than I wanted to share that I will be posting the recipe for the Oat Bran Applesauce 'n Raisin Muffins soon... and, that hubby and I are babe magnets.

Back with more soon...! :)

Stop! Don't Eat That Muffin!

2009-09-27T07:26:00.000-07:00

These are two new muffin recipes I've been working on. To the left we have Olive Oil Almond Muffins, which have a barley flour/almond meal batter, and are lightly seasoned with zests of orange and lemon.

And, to the right... Oat Bran Raisin 'n Applesauce Muffin. This one I created after receiving a request for a bran muffin, so I decided to focus on oat bran rather than wheat bran. It's very tender and moist despite being a 'bran' muffin!

These are very healthy muffins. Unlike some other muffins... Stop! Don't eat! (but really, truly, I promise those are healthy too!)

(p.s. I'll post one of these new muffin recipes soon... which do you want?)

New Winner

2009-09-24T06:46:00.001-07:00

Okay, I had to draw another winner for the cookbook giveaway, and it's Meems. (Comment was "In winter, you love to be in front of your fireplace with a cup of herbal tea...that sounds wonderful! I don't have a fireplace but snuggle up in my favorite chair with my blanket, tea and some yummy treat!") Please e-mail me in the next few days - dreena@everydayvegan.com.

Scrap the Crap in the Lunchbox!

2009-09-19T15:33:00.000-07:00

Yep, that's the topic of my latest True/Slant post. Full of lots of lunchbox and snack ideas, preparation tips, and just a touch of sarcasm. ;)

Also, you'll get the recipe for my "Goddess Garbanzos" sandwich filling! Go read!

Cookbook Winner & Eats

2009-09-15T06:28:00.001-07:00

Update: Crazy Vegan Mom, please e-mail soon or I will need to choose another winner (if anyone knows our crazy vegan mom, pls let her know!)

The back-to-school blues giveaway winner is Crazy Vegan Mom! (ha, that could be my blog name as well!) Congrats! :) Please e-mail me at dreena@everydayvegan.com so I can get your mailing details.

And, thought I'd show you a couple of pics of what I'm up to with new recipes...

Berry Patch Brownies. Made wheat-free with spelt flour. Very fudgy. Very tempting. Very delicious! Now I feel like making more...

Quinoa Nicoise. Elements of the classic Nicoise salad (green beans, tomatoes, potatoes, olives but obviously without the tuna, eggs, and anchovies) worked into a quinoa salad tossed with a tangy caper-tarragon vinaigrette. I love this salad, and it makes a terrific potluck item.

Back with more soon... have a sweet day and some bake up something to make your house smell divine!

Back-to-School Blues Giveaway

2009-09-07T11:04:00.000-07:00

I got the back-to-school blues, and am singin' my woes in my latest T/S piece. I don't know if other parents out there feel like I do. I realize I'm in the minority with this sentiment, but hey, I'm not really 'in the norm' anyhow!

So, I thought I'd try to lift spirits with a cookbook giveaway (you choose which cookbook)! It's been a while since I've thrown a book your way, and now's a good time! Even if you already have my books, you can always score a copy to give to a friend, or relative... maybe help with your Christmas gift list?!

Comment on this post to enter, and with the answer to this question: when the winter weather hits, where will you likely find Dreena? (hint: click through to find the answer). Also, the standard rules of my giveaways apply, found here.

Be sure to leave your comment on this blog post, not on the True/Slant article (of course you're always welcome to comment on t/s, but that comment will not be eligible for the contest).

Go read, and good luck!

Alive Magazine, Raspberry Almond Torte, & Q4U!

2009-09-05T14:15:00.001-07:00

Thought I'd let you all know that I have a cooking feature in the September issue of alive magazine. The article is "Mushroom Mania", and includes my recipes for Sesame Lime Soba Noodles with Shiitake Mushrooms and Snow Peas (pictured), and Seared Portobello Mushrooms.

And, this luscious, gluten-free Raspberry Almond Torte (new recipe!) will be featured in an upcoming Alive issue (December I believe), so stay tuned for that one... it's a goody!

Now, I have a question that perhaps a few of you might be able to help with. I'm looking for software for recipe analysis. Most of the programs I have looked into so far have very few, if any, alternative and vegan ingredients. Things like brown rice flour, spelt flour, nutritional yeast, silken tofu, etc, just aren't included in these programs. I'm willing to input the information, if needed, and if it's an otherwise excellent program. So, I'm wondering if any of you have recommendations for a very good program (that's not too expensive)? Especially if you work with the program, perhaps in nutritional counselling, but maybe otherwise, even for personal use. Any feedback would be useful!

Dessert Defender!

2009-08-31T16:14:00.001-07:00

I've loved sweets since I was a kidlet, and in my current True/Slant post, I'm all about defending desserts! (Well, the good kind, that is - no dairy, eggs, white sugar, etc.)

Read on for the dish on sweets and get the recipes for my Berry Apple Grunt and Peanut "Better" Cookies... but please resist the temptation to call me puddin', okay?! ;)

Super Foods: Goji Berries

2009-08-26T14:02:00.000-07:00

Learn more about goji berries in my latest T/S post... plus, grab the recipe for "Hemp-anola" (with some gojis tossed in for good measure, of course)!

Maybe it's time to start saying "a goji a day keeps the doctor away"... okay, well maybe a handful of gojis a day - nah, that doesn't have the same ring. And, no, I'm not bashing the good ol' apple. As long as it's organic. Okay, I'll stop rambling. Go read!

Banana Nut Squares

2009-08-22T06:16:00.000-07:00

These Banana Nut Squares are a new raw dessert recipe that I mentioned on my recent TVA interview. Our middle daughter loves them, and they look and taste far more sinful than they really are - I love that!

Not too much more I want to say about them, mostly wanted to share some photos. Because really I need to get my butt back to editing my recipes so I can get some testers in line (I know you want to, and thank you for your e-mails and comments about testing).

Then eventually get this cookbook in order. Eventually...

Super Foods: Hemp Seeds

2009-08-17T15:10:00.000-07:00

I talk about hemp seeds in my current T/S post, and include cooking tips and two recipes using hemp seeds - one for a Hemp-anana Smoothie (a current morning fix for me!) and "Spicoli" Burgers.

Go get your hemp on!

(p.s. Millie, I haven't received an e-mail from you about the Xan Confections giveaway. If I don't get an e-mail from you by Wednesday the 19th, I'll have to draw another winner... so please e-mail soon if you're reading!)

Simple Berry Recipes

2009-08-12T06:27:00.000-07:00

I have recipes for a Banana-Berry Soft Serve, Warm Strawberry Sauce, and Fresh Strawberry Sauce in my new T/S post (all about what to do with all those summer berries we stock up on)! These three recipes are ridiculously easy, perfect for lazy summer days when you really don't feel like working too hard in the kitchen!

And... the winner of the Xan Confections giveaway is Millie (comment#3, "these are too pretty to eat"). Congrats Millie! Please send me an e-mail at dreena@everydayvegan.com so we can arrange the mailing.

Also, I just finished a podcast interview with the Toronto Vegetarian Association, and you can have a listen here. Plus, link through for my Rawesome Nut Dip recipe (and if you listen to the podcast, you'll find a whole new meaning of "double-dipping"... call it "tongue-dipping" perhaps - eww!)... AND there's a chance for you to win one of my cookbooks!

Things That Make You Go Mmmm... Xan Confections

2009-08-08T06:39:00.000-07:00

SURPRISE! After I posted this review, Xan Confections generously offered to give a 3-piece Sins AND a 3-piece Jewels to one of you, my readers! I will draw from the comments already on this post, and announce the winner in my next post. Yay!

I had the good fortune to sample Xan Confections vegan chocolates recently. While not all of their chocolates are vegan, two of their assortments are: Saintly Sins and Jewels. I received both collections to sample, a 3-piece of Saintly Sins, and a 7-piece of Jewels. These are filled dark chocolates, and not only are they exquisitely beautiful, they taste divine.

The Saintly Sins are fruit-filled dark chocolates. I am the first to say that I've never been a fan of fruit-filled types of chocolates. Why? Well, they are usually sickly sugary sweet with an oddly gooey filling that barely resembles any real fruit flavor. Not so with Saintly Sins. There are pure fruits mixed with agave nectar in the centres. I think the raspberry chocolate was my favorite with an intense, not-too sweet, full raspberry flavor oozing out of that dark-chocolate casing. And, as you can see, these chocolates are simply gorgeous to look at.

Next, the 7-piece box of Jewels. First, these were almost too beautiful to eat. Almost. Yes, I found the strength to bite through these edible pieces of art. It was a tough job, but I was up for the hard work! As many of you know, I'm a chocolate lover, but you may not know that I love caramel equally as much, and when the two are in combination it is a blissful experience for me!

Here they were, jewels of chocolate covered caramels, each caramel owning and individual flavor profile. You can see the flavor options here, and I think my favorite was the Coconut Pecan Caramel (pictured sliced)... but there were close runner-ups in that race! The only flavor I didn't care for was the Ancho Chili Caramel. I realize that hitting chocolate with fiery spice is desirable for some, but not for me, and the chili was worked through the caramel filling so it was just too hot on my tongue to enjoy or to even eat. But, others might love that kind of intense heat in their chocolate. Apart from that one caramel, I savored each and every other delicious jewel in the box!

If you are shopping for Xan Chocolates, be sure to note that only their "Lifestyle Chocolates" (the Jewels and Saintly Sins) are vegan. They are also gluten-free and have a low-glycemic index (using agave nectar, not artificial sweeteners).

My only complaint with these chocolates is that I wanted more! (greedy mama, huh?) And, that I'm not able to buy them locally. Xan Chocolates are certainly more expensive than other vegan chocolates, but they are chocolate art - worth splurging on if you want to indulge in some chocolate luxury yourself, or perhaps buy exceptional chocolates for someone you love. We all deserve that kind of chocolate loving once in a while. ;)

Being a Mom in Two Generations

2009-08-03T06:38:00.000-07:00

I'm talking about parenting in my new True/Slant post. I wonder how many of you will relate to how I feel as a mom, straddling two generational styles of parenting...?

It's a bit of a lengthy one, so get your cup of tea/coffee, and piece of chocolate!

Wheat-Free Discussion, Part 2

2009-07-27T06:18:00.000-07:00

Some months ago I began an explanation about wheat-free baking. I continue this discussion in my current T/S post, including baking tips, the recipe for my "Gluten-Be-Gone" Homestyle Chocolate Chip Cookies, and also links to some of my other wheat-free and gluten-free recipes.

Also, if you haven't voted in the VegNews Awards survey yet... and, if you'd like to cast your votes for me in the categories of Favorite Blog and Favorite Cookbook Author, you can link through below... thanks!

(cookie photo courtesy of Mary Martin Loder)

Mamas Get Renewed!

2009-07-23T06:13:00.000-07:00

I'm off the vegan path today with a post for mamas living in the local Lower Mainland area...

Vicki Drever of Mothering the Urban Mother will be facilitating the Mama Renew program along with her business partner, Angie Hartshorne.

Mama Renew is "a community of mothers who not only share in the joys and challenges of raising our children, but also in supporting one another as we reclaim, reconnect, & rebalance as women. Six insightful sessions with discussion, journaling, space for inner reflection, and much laughter and connection."

Vicki was my Doula for two of my births, and is also a dear friend. She and Angie will be bringing this program to the White Rock/South Surrey area. So, if you are interested in renewing your mama-self, you can register for their group (or for a group in another location in the Lower Mainland or Vancouver Island) here.

But, what DO you eat?

2009-07-19T14:33:00.001-07:00

I should be able to answer this question, right?

Alas, it's not always as simple to explain as it is to just cook the food!

(p.s. not many days left to vote in the VegNews Awards... you can vote for me in the Favorite Blog and Favorite Cookbook Author categories following link below)

NEW Cookbook Teaser!

2009-07-15T13:59:00.000-07:00

No, not my cookbook... but another that will have you twirling in your apron!... The Urban Vegan cookbook by Dynise Balcavage.

Many of you already know Dynise through her Urban Vegan blog. Dynise asked me to write a quote for her cookbook, and I was honored to do so. When I received the galley copy, I could hardly put it down! I love Dynise's fresh approach to this cookbook - she has a mix of popular urban fare (ex: Philly Portobello Cheese Steak, Cappucino, Classic Aioli) and also international dishes (ex: Feijoada, Classic Creme Brulee, English Muffins, Jackfruit-Banana Smoothie) that she expertly recreates in fine vegan fashion... as well as a slew of other inventive recipes (Raspberry Swirl Pound Cake with Limoncello Glaze, anyone?).

What I love about The Urban Vegan, apart from the actual recipes, is how Dynise transports us to her destinations with her recipe descriptions. As an accomplished author, she is able to tap into our senses with her writings, capturing images and delivering stories on every page. Plus, Dynise offers suggestions and options within her recipes, and - get this folks - even wine pairings for select dishes!

You'll be dog-earing page after page, and be engrossed simply reading through the recipes. Yes, this is a cookbook that you will use regularly; use for special occasions and everyday fare, and use to expand your culinary knowledge. It is a sharp, imaginative, clever and sassy cookbook... true to the author herself.

So, pop over to Dynise's blog for more, or just go pre-order your copy of The Urban Vegan straight away!