eat, drink & be vegan

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2013-03-17T10:13:00.000-07:00

It's been almost a year since I posted here! Why?

Well, I definitely wasn't taking a blogging vacation. No, I've been blogging at Plant-Powered Kitchen. I'm there - but you aren't! I realized recently that 1000s of you are missing my posts.

I have been posting new recipes, hosting giveaways, and talking all about leafy greens and ditching dairy - and more!

So, jump over and subscribe to Plant-Powered Kitchen. I will be hosting new giveaways, launching an ebook, and announcing NEW book news very soon - you don't want to miss all that, right?

Subscribe now!

New Website: Plant-Powered Kitchen!

2012-04-09T09:08:00.005-07:00

Hi guys! I am thrilled to announce my new online home, Plant-Powered Kitchen! (www.plantpoweredkitchen.com)

Please link through to my FIRST blog post from my new site.

And, change your bookmarks and other thingamajigs to my NEW blog:

plantpoweredkitchen.com/blog

Goodbye little blog... hello plant-powered kitchen! xo

Easter Menu: Avocado & Pinto Bean Enchiladas + Apple Cherry Crisp

2012-04-05T11:09:00.001-07:00

Have you planned your Easter menu yet? If not, don't fret. You see, this mama just realized Easter was approaching this weekend.

Yep, I learned when our middle daughter said earlier this week: "Sarah told me that the Easter Bunny comes in 6 days".
I replied: "oh. yes. that's right."...

But my mind was saying: "whaaat, eek!"

After my brief moment of panic, I got a few ideas together for our Easter weekend. And though I haven't entirely planned my own menu, I thought I'd offer up some lesa-traditional recipes for your own Easter dinner (and possibly my own)!

Why not try my "Avocado & Pinto Bean Enchildas" from eat, drink & be vegan, as a main dish:

Photo credit: kitchenambition.blogspot.ca

For sides, you could make a simple batch of brown rice or roasted potatoes (or sweet potatoes), along with a salad dressed with "Cumin-Cinnamon Vinaigrette" (also from ed&bv).

For dessert, something easy and light, such as my "Apple-Cherry Crisp" from The Everyday Vegan:

photo credit: vegfamily.ca

I recently made this crisp with an "Apple-Mango-Pear" adaptation, and it was wonderful:

Pair the crisp with a non-dairy vanilla ice cream, and you have a dessert fit to please your crew!

I have posted the recipes for the enchiladas and crisp for you to enjoy this Easter - or anytime.

So, tell me, have you planned your Easter dinner yet?

(p.s. Update on posting the list of edits for LTEV, I will do so and update it in my earlier post. Check back in a day or two for the link. Thanks.)

UPDATE! Let Them Eat Vegan - Release Date!

2012-04-04T15:31:00.001-07:00

Update: Errata now published.

Hello my friends, thank you for hanging in with me for news on the revised printing of Let Them Eat Vegan.

At last, I can tell you that the official release date is May 1st! Hurrah!

Any one that currently has a copy of LTEV, if you would like to exchange it for the new printing, you will have that option. You can return it to the place of purchase, as accounts have been made aware and should honor return/replacement requests.

I will be back to announce a new "Buy-On" promotion program and date - if you can just hold on a little longer.

Thank you, and I truly hope to make the wait well worth it.

The Making Of DJ's Hummus Salad Dressing

2012-03-31T12:46:00.002-07:00

Last summer I shared a recipe with you for "DJ's Hummus Salad Dressing". The recipe made its way into Let Them Eat Vegan, and today I decided to remind to make this scrumptious salad dressing through a video:

One note: I did forget to mention adding dijon mustard to the blend, but as you can see in the recipe, it's there!
p.s. This recipe was originally titled simply "Hummus Salad Dressing". I figured since the recipe was inspired by Trader Joe's (TJ's), I would modify the name. Can you guess what the "J" stands for? :)

Meeting Dr. Neal Barnard!

2012-03-26T10:59:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was pretty special for me. I met and talked with Dr. Barnard for the first time! Let's set the scene, shall we?...

I knew he was coming to town to do a couple of talks, one at Whole Foods. In fact, I learned about it through my contact (Jill Eckart) with PCRM since I was working on recipes for the April Kickstart program. As the weekend approached I e-mailed Jill asking if I might be able to grab a few minutes to meet Dr. Barnard before his talk. I had no idea how busy it might be, and feared I might not get to talk with him at all. She forwarded my message on to the good doctor. Later that day I received a note directly from Dr. Barnard saying he would be happy to meet and thanking me for my work on the Kickstart! (oh happy day!)

So, the whole family got ready to head into the city Sunday after lunch. We don't live downtown, so it's a bit of a trek with the three kiddos. But, I wanted everyone there to see his talk, and also - I needed someone to take a picture, ha!

When Neal said to come a little early, I think he meant 5-10 minutes early. We showed up 45 minutes early! But that's me. I freak out if I'm a little late for things, so err on the side of very early. His talk was at 3pm, and I was pushing us out the door at 1:15. Well, we used the time to pick up some much-needed groceries. But, my word, Whole Foods was insanely busy at 2pm! What you might not know about me is that I greatly dislike shopping (of any kind) at peak times of the day. Clothes shopping, grocery shopping - anything... I like to get out before noon while it is peaceful. I enjoy the calm and clarity of open aisles and quiet areas. Probably because I am so naturally hyped-up that it is too much stimulation to shop when stores and busy and crowded.

We start shopping, but I also zipped off to scout out where Neal would be talking. What I didn't know was that our 2 1/2 year old was wailing while I was off. She is a 'mama's girl', so even though hubby and the girls were with her, she bawled. So, I hung with the family and shopped more until it got closer to 3pm. But not too close. (Remember, I must be early.) So, by 2:40 I was back at the location where Dr. Barnard would be talking. They were still setting up chairs. Yes, I was early.

Finally, around 2:50, I see Dr. Barnard making his way through the doors. Now, I did not know how much time he would have before and after his talk. So, once he got within a foot of the speaking area, I pounced! Oh dear, I jumped right in front of him and introduced myself. I think I might have scared him a little. I mean, I was just so overexcited! (And now realizing I had a similar reaction seeing Platinum Blonde go into Hotel Newfoundland after their concert when I was 14. "Crying Over You"!) This time I'm not (as) embarrassed by my reaction.

Anyhow, we talked very briefly and then I asked for a picture. Our eldest (who has also been doing my recent YouTube cooking videos) ran up and started snapping. I think Neal might have felt like he was on the red carpet! She snapped away. This one is from her ipod, so a little grainy:

And then, I said "can I get you to sign your book before your talk?". Again, I didn't know how much time I'd get with him, so I grabbed my well-worn copy of Food for Life for him to sign.

I also brought a new copy of eat, drink & be vegan, since he wrote the foreword to that book. Again, my little photographer snapped away!

Dr. Barnard looked confused at first when I gave him my cookbook to sign. But I said "well, it might be my book, but it's your foreword, and I want this one for the vault". Greedy me. :)

We enjoyed his talk. He connects with the crowd and relates with personal stories. One of my favorite stories was him discussing his mother's journey to eating vegan. He explained how she wasn't making any dietary changes for years, even after he had written 15 books! He'd talk to her about her cholesterol, and switching to plant-based foods - but nothing. Until, her own doctor saw some improvements in her cholesterol after she experimented for a few weeks. And THEN, she was convinced and made permanent changes. He joked about being the 3rd born child, and so it didn't matter what he said, the message had to come from someone else. My husband looked at me after and said "Dreena, you only need to write 11 more books to get your mom on board". Funny. But, it's true what Dr. Barnard said - sometimes the message has to come from an 'unbiased' source, and usually in a time of personal health crisis.

Just before wrapping up his talk, Dr. Barnard introduced me to the audience. O.M.G. But, here's the best part: He said "I want to introduce you all to Dreena Burton. Dreena has some incredible recipes - Dreena, do you have one of your cookbooks there?" (he DID sign ed&bv after all). But, hubby had taken all our things down to the car, so I didn't have it to show the crowd! argh! Never mind, it was such a proud moment for me, I was so overwhelmed I didn't really care about showcasing my books.

I said a brief good-bye to Dr. Barnard, and then allowed other people to talk to him. ;)

What a memorable experience. I feel so fortunate to connect with him personally after so many years following his work and what PCRM does to promote healthy vegan eating. For those of you in Vancouver, Dr. Barnard will also be speaking at the Roundhouse Community Centre tonight. Don't miss your chance to hear him, meet him - and bring out your inner goof!

News! PCRM's 21-Day Kickstart!

2012-03-19T08:17:00.002-07:00

I haven't posted for a while, because I thought I'd be ready to launch my new website. With Let Them Eat Vegan in reprint (details soon), I've decided to continue developing the new site.

For now, I'm hanging in with my little blog for just a while longer, and have some exciting news today!

I am now a recipe contributor for PCRM’s 21-Day Kickstart! My recipes will appear in the Spring Kickstart program, which - kicks off! - on April 2nd.

I am so excited about this opportunity. From my very early days as a vegan and writing cookbooks I followed PCRM and referred people to their site. And, Dr. Barnard wrote the foreword to eat, drink & be vegan, for which I will always be grateful. So, it is an absolute honor and privilege to contribute recipes to their program. If you aren't familiar with PCRM's Kickstart, link to find out more.

Lemon Chickpea Lentil Soup
photo credit: Nora Kuby

And, speaking of recipes, I just recently added some to my recipes page. Link through to find Rawesome Nut Dip, Spicoli Burgers, and Lemon Chickpea Lentil Soup.

All plant-powered, all delicious!

Ever Have a Friend...

2012-03-03T10:40:00.002-08:00

I think I am getting sentimental as I say goodbye to my little blog. I'll be switching over to my new domain soon (details coming). As I wind down this chapter, I am feeling reflective - and appreciative.

This may be the last signifcant-content post on my blog, and I want to talk about friendship. Told you I'm feeling sentimental. "Talk amongst yourselves"! ;)

I have two long-time, close buddies, Tanya and Vicki. Many of you know have heard Vicki's name - I've mentioned her a few times on my blog, and we chat on fb (a lot)! You know she's a friend, but what you don't know is how much she is there for me.

She is not just a mommy gal-pal. That she is. We share experiences about motherhood and trials and tribulations (read: we vent almost daily)! She is also vegan and her children are vegan, so we have plenty of food discussions. I have known her for quite a few years now. We met a long time ago in pregnancy yoga! We were having our first babes together, my first babe just a few months older than hers.

Our friendship developed as new moms, and she has also has three children. What most of you don't know is that Vicki was also my doula for two of my pregnancies and births. She helped me bring two of my daughters into our family. Yep, she has seen my highs. And lows. And everything in between. Even my nether regions. lol and tmi! And, like any true friend we have had our sticky times. Only makes us stronger for it.

These past couple of months have been strange and trying. Here I am about to launch a cookbook that has been almost four years in the making. I should be entirely excited and full of joy. But, my enthusiasm has been tempered with the fact that my mom in Newfoundland has been in awful pain and lacking mobility for the last few months (and just had surgery this past week), and one of my sisters (also living away) is going through a difficult time. So, while I want to be all silly happy... I am preoccupied and worried. Hubby can only take so much of my emotional soup! That's when friends step in to help simmer that pot about to boil over. Two friends have really helped me through these months - as usual, Vicki has been a star.

And, what is crazy about this gal is she seems to be just as interested and excited in my books and career projects as I am! Always interested in book and career developments - and always wants to help. And, she does... she is clev-ah!

So, today I am thanking my buddy Vicki. It's not enough to just tell you on the phone or in a card, V. I am shouting it from my blog! For all the lovely people reading - and the trolls too! Thank you for being there these past months - and always.

Ever have a friend that is always there for you? I give you my blog to share your thanks and shout your love! Leave your sappy comment - I shouldn't be alone in this! :)

♥ to you Vicki. Thank you.

Why I Don't Blog My Children

2012-03-01T06:58:00.000-08:00

I've been thinking about this post for a long time. Probably as long as I've been blogging (which is a long time now). After being part of the "Circle of Moms" contest last month, it really hit home how much I talk about my girls - but never show you who they are. Well, there's a reason.

We hadn't yet started a family with the release of my first cookbook (The Everyday Vegan) - but had our first baby shortly after. By the time my second cookbook (Vive le Vegan) was published, our daughter was 2 1/2. As many of you know, she is on the cover of that book and inside in some family photos. So, it might seem odd that I haven't shared other photos of our girls since.

Once I started blogging and my profile as an author increased, hubby and I talked about this issue. I decided that I didn't want to continue to show photos of our girls (as our family was expanding). It's not that I don't want to share them with you. I'd love to. And, I'm not critical of other bloggers that do share their family moments. It's just not right for me, for a few reasons....

First, and this is most unusual to say, but when I was a child we had a voyeur (or what we called a 'peeping tom') at our house, for many years. While we joke about it at times as adults, as a kid it was no joke. I won't go into details but it's enough to say that an experience like that doesn't ever leave you. I never assume that a house is safe because of a particular neighbourhood, or that a blog is friendly because of the people you know reading it. Because there are many you don't know. Sounds paranoid, I get that. But, it's part of the reason I keep my children largely anonymous on my blog - at least until they have grown and gained more maturity and independence.

Second, I guess I have felt that this is my journey, not theirs. I am a cookbook author, they are kids. I don't want their lives to be about "being on mommy's blog", or "being on the internet"... children don't understand the depth and breadth of the internet. I know for my own daughters - they think that if they are on the internet, they are "famous". I don't want their self-worth to be attached to my work. And, I also want to separate my girls from my work so that my recipes stand on their own. I started writing recipes before having children, and though I've evolved greatly due to my role as a mother, I still want my recipes to be about healthy food (whether for adults, kids, or both) that is damn delicious!

Third, I don't have everything figured out as a mother - or an individual. I am learning along the way, like everyone else. Yes, I'd LOVE to show you photos of my toddler in her cute pj's and mussy hair, and our middle girls with the biggest smile imaginable eating chocolate pudding, and our eldest with the biggest smile ever eating strawberries, and all the beautiful moments of joy, love, play, excitement, innocence, pure beauty in between. How I would LOVE to share that. But - I wouldn't also be sharing the sucky, painful, and frustrating moments. The times I am completely and utterly overwhelmed as a mother - or feel like I am messing everything up. The fights between the girls, the times I've shouted and screamed, or sobbed or felt enraged. The postpartum days and months to follow that are gruelling and lonely and sometimes depressing... and for me led to lengthy bouts of insomnia. The endless cleaning and mess - and seemingly endless bickering! The times I think I'm royally messing everything up as a mother and screwing up my children. The individual challenges we have with each child, and with ourselves in parenting these children. The parts of my life as a mom that are far from perfect. Yes, I realize we want to see the perfect, the beautiful, the fantasized family moments. But, any mom will tell you that just isn't real life. Yet when we look at those images elsewhere we have brief thoughts that "oh they have it figured out". None of us do, it's only part of the picture. I feel blessed in my life. Blessed to have my family, my husband, and our children. I am grateful for them everyday. Yet, life with children isn't one-dimensional, and I don't want to present it as such.

So, there. If you've wondered 'why doesn't Dreena show photos of her kidlets?' - there's your answer. It's a very personal feeling; I am not judging or criticizing other moms blogging their children - just doesn't sit right for me.

If you are a mom and reading, I'd love to hear from you. Or, if you're not a mom and reading and have thoughts on this, would love to hear form you too.

With that I hit 'publish' (with some trepidation). Thanks for understanding, and for being part of my readership. xx's

Baked Better Bread Mixes (win!)

2012-02-28T10:11:00.007-08:00

Baked Better is a young Brooklyn-based company that makes bread mixes. Not like the ones you've seen collecting dust in the grocery store. These bread mixes are special, because they are vegan, organic, preservative-free, sugar-free and whole-grain.

The company began with two friends who shared a passion for baking and eating healthy. After years of baking homemade bread for their friends and family in New York, they wanted to bring bread-baking back to the home cook's kitchen - by making it easy. And they have, because all you have to add is water - and some loving stirring!

It's that simple! And still healthy. Their custom mixes include Cobble Hill Crave, Park Slope Staple, and Dumbo Delicious.

So, let's add this up. Baked Better makes bread mixes that are:
1) easy for YOU to make
2) are organic, vegan, and whole-grain (think this gets three points!)
5) it easy for you to try...

because, yes, Baked Better has joined my 'countdown to LTEV giveaways'! They are offering one of you the chance to win a "Baker's Pack" that includes one of each variety of their organic bread mixes and a Cuisinart nonstick loaf pan. Wow!

Contest is open to residents of US and Canada! Entries accepted until 8pm PST. To enter:
- "Like"my fb page (if you haven't already).
- Then comment on my fb page post reading "Baked Better Giveaway!".

- For a SECOND entry, follow me on twitter (if you haven't already) and then retweet this post. Then, you can comment on fb a second time with the word "tweet".

Also, be sure to visit Baked Better's fb page. They are having a "creative loaf contest" between now and March 31st for the person who comes up with the most creative loaf using a Baked Better organic bread mix. The winner gets a baker's pack! So 2 chances for you to win! Plus their fb page has photos of each step of the baking process so you can see these mixes in action!

Working Mom Images vs Real Life! (and brief blogging break)

2012-02-20T18:24:00.110-08:00

I have been logging a lot of computer hours lately. For good reason, as I'm working on my new website as well as some marketing details for the release of Let Them Eat Vegan. (reminder, if you haven't picked up a copy, if you can hold off and mark your calendars for March 13th - please buy then... details very soon!)

But funny, when I had a quick search for images of moms on computers and working from home, I came up with this:

and even THIS!

Really?! Look how tidy their work spaces are! And these ladies - so fresh, perky, relaxed, yep they've got it all figured out.. I'm not even going to comment on the mother pumping her breast milk. Come on! This is not how moms at home work!!

THESE more accurately represent how moms work...

and, some of us have even been here:

but, most days it's something like this...

Anyone relate?! Anyhow, this 'momputer' is taking a short pause from blogging to focus on these book and website details, but will be back asap with news and more giveaways!

So tell me, fellow mamas - what photos are a glimpse of your day?!

Amy's Giveaway!

2012-02-17T11:15:00.001-08:00

Update: Contest now closed, thank you.

I've said it before. I'll say it again. The folks at Amy's are great - in fact they're Amy-zing!

When they heard about my giveaway fun leading up to the launch of Let Them Eat Vegan, they offered another giveaway (third time)!

One of you will receive these prizes:

a t-shirt!, and...

this adorable magnet set... and

a lunch bag with...

cutlery set! and...

a pedometer! PLUS...

PRODUCT COUPONS! Wow!

Contest is open to residents of the US and Canada. To enter...

1) "Like"my fb page (if you haven't already).

2) Then comment on my fb page post reading "Amy's Giveaway".

3) For a SECOND entry, follow me on twitter (if you haven't already) and then retweet this post. Then, you can comment on fb a second time with the word "tweet".

Thank you Amy's Kitchen! Good luck guys!

Recipe: Sesame Lime Soba Noodles with Snow Peas and Shiitake Mushrooms

2012-02-15T11:28:00.000-08:00

After a day indulging in chocolate and other Valentine's treats, perhaps you're looking for a dinner that is bright, lively, energizing, and 'clean'.

These Sesame Lime Soba Noodles are just what this vegan mama ordered!

Sesame Lime Soba Noodles with Shiitake Mushrooms and Snow Peas (photo credit: alive magazine)

(Well, I wish I could order them - today of all days... I'll spare you the mama details.)

Soba noodles are made from buckwheat flour, but are sometimes combined with other flours like kamut, or wheat. The noodles are tender and not gummy, and usually very digestible. Here, they are tossed with a quick saute of shiitake mushrooms and fresh snow peas in a light, Asian-inspired sauce with a good dose of sprightly, fresh lime juice.

It is an easy meal to prepare, will liven up your palate, and give you a boost - at a time of the year when we really need it.

This recipe is from eat, drink & be vegan, but I have just posted it for you. Enjoy!

Are YOU cooking anything special today to reinvigorate your body and senses?

I ♥ You: Valentine's Snack Plate

2012-02-14T10:19:00.000-08:00

Before I talk Valentines, this is the last time I ask for your votes in the Circle of Moms contest. Thank heavens says you - and me! Too bad this vegan mama of three didn't pull up, but I would have needed some 'divine ~~inter~~ellenvention' to do so. For those of you that were sharing and retweeting and trying to bring in more votes, you know I'm appreciative, and just sorry I couldn't do more.
-------------------------------------------
Now on to Valentine's...

Valentine's isn't just a day for romantic love. And for me, it's the personal days between couples that are most significant - anniversaries, birthdays, and for mothers - mother's day. Those are the days to show your darling that they are treasured.

For me, Valentine's is more playful. It's about showing love to anyone we want. And I wanted to show our girls how much I love them with this.

It's a Valentine's Snack Plate. This would be so much fun for a children's party. Healthy finger-food snacking that is as delicious as it is pretty - and just so easy! Popcorn surrounding Cocoa Cookie Dough Balls, with goji berries in the centre. I wanted something red or pink for the middle, and because I had no fresh berries (and organic strawberries and raspberries are either hard to find or prohibitively expensive), I opted for goji berries. But, you could use cranberries, or dried strawberries, or fresh grapes, or even clementines.

These Cocoa Cookie Dough Balls are quickly catching on with my family and friends. They take minutes to make, and have no added sweeteners - AND they can be made for school lunches with a nut-free option.

They can be found in my new book, Let Them Eat Vegan. If you are planning to purchase LTEV, please do so on March 13th - details to follow.

For another Valentine's dessert, try my recipe for "Three's Company Pie". What are YOU doing or making for Valentine's?

Recipe Post: 3-Bean Curry Tomato Soup

2012-02-12T08:19:00.000-08:00

This is a soup I have loved for a long time, since I first created it for Vive le Vegan! 3-Bean Curry Tomato Soup.

Why the love? Well, it's full o' beans. Just like me. :) With all those beans and veggies and spices, you know it is good for you! And, you feel good after eating it. Plus, it comes together in a snap, and you'll have enough to freeze for dinner another night.

As much as I love this soup, it's not always a 'first-choice' soup in our house. Why? My picky-poo's love to pluck out every visible piece of onion and mustard seed and tomato. I mean, they are good eaters, but they despise onions and whole spices, and find a way to eat the soup and leave the tomato behind. :-(

Are your kiddos the same? I know change will come, but by that time they'll have been through teenage years and I'll be too knackered for cooking!!

Just 2 more days to vote! Thank you for supporting me. And, if I don't make it to the tippy-top, that's cool. Cool with me, not gram and poppy. They'll be PISSED! ;)
But seriously, thank you... and *also* thanks for those of you that threw in some votes for WholeFoodsVeganMomma, she's jumped up a couple of spots... keep her in the 25! Link.

Happy Sunday! Go make some soup, the recipe is now posted!

Silver Hills Winner IS... (+please vote!)

2012-02-11T10:50:00.000-08:00

veganmomma, comment "Their bread is THE best!"

E-mail me at dreenaburton@gmail.com to get your coupons, congrats!

Vegveeta Dip, photo by Hannah Kaminsky

A little birdy told me that some of you haven't been voting in the Circle of Moms contest. *gasp!* That chapter on hummus in ed&bv must be worth a few clicks! And, Vegveeta Dip?! Even my editor is hooked on the stuff! I know you can show a little more love.

All joking aside, if you like my recipes and books, and 'get' what I'm trying to do as a mom of three wee vegans... please VOTE, there are only a few days left.

And, if you're voting for others, you can still vote for my blog too (you can vote for more than one, I've been trying to keep Whole Foods Vegan Momma in the Top 25 - help her along too, she's hovering around the 25th spot)!
((thank you!))

Silver Hills Bakery Giveaway and "Fantastic French Toast"

2012-02-10T07:17:00.000-08:00

Hello my friends! Once upon a time we did a giveaway with Silver Hills Bakery.

We reconnected recently when they asked to use my "Fantastic French Toast" recipe in an article reprint. Silver Hills has a new line of gluten-free breads, and they paired their gf-breads with my french toast recipe in this article. Nice coupling! And, you can get the recipe in this Impact Magazine article!

Fantastic French Toast (photo credit: www.fourgreensteps.com)

But, you can't make Fantastic French Toast without the bread! To celebrate the launch of Let Them Eat Vegan, Silver Hills has agreed to give one of my readers coupons for 5 loaves of bread! Many of you already know and love this bread as I do. It's our staple bread, as it's healthier than most breads on the market and made with sprouted grains.

Wanna' win? I'm making it really easy this time. Mostly because I'm a bit zonked myself (too much going on to even explain). So, comment on this post to enter! One comment per person, contest open to residents of US and Canada. To find whether Silver Hills is sold in your area, check their store locator here.

And, I can't leave without reminding you of the Circle of Moms contest. There are only 4 days left to vote. 4! You DON'T need to register, just click for a vote. So...

Please do your thing, show me some voting bling! Once a day, everyday. Then, I promise to save the corny jokes and nagging for my kiddos. Deal?! Please, click and vote!

Valentine's Recipe: Three's Company Pie!

2012-02-08T11:55:00.000-08:00

You just knew I would post something chocolatey for Valentine's, didn't you?! :D

I ran a poll on my fb page for what NEW recipe from LTEV to post. It was a bit of a tight race, but this Three's Company Pie (aka chocolate, peanut butter, 'n banana pie) had the edge.

When I created this pie, I wanted to give you something that didn't use silken tofu or another soy product for a creamy, silky texture. Not hating on soy (at all - it's part of our diet). Rather, I wanted the recipe to be accessible for those with soy allergies. And, for those with peanut allergies, you can make this pie with a nut butter like cashew or almond.

I made this again today, just for you (ohhh my sacrifices), just to get a better photo (Hannah, come back to me!). Because it is such a glorious tasting and looking pie for not much effort (don't tell anyone that, do the whole bit of dusting cocoa powder on your face and shirt).

So, for your sweetie, for yourself, for a friend... this Valentine's Day recipe is now posted. And, for those of you that entered the Everyday Gourmet Vegan Bakery contest, the winner was posted on my fb page yesterday.

For my voting crew, the Circle of Moms contest wraps up on Feb. 14th. Just a handful of days left to vote (one vote every 24 hrs): link. What say I trade you a slice of pie for a vote? That would be bribery. Hey, works for my kids! (kiiiidding... that was for you, anonymous) ;)

Everyday Gourmet Vegan Bakery Giveaway!

2012-02-05T09:41:00.000-08:00

Have you heard of the Everyday Gourmet Vegan Bakery? Time to get sweet on them, folks! I received an e-mail from the owner, Charlene, last week. When I mentioned I was doing a series of giveaway posts to celebrate the launch of Let Them Eat Vegan, she jumped in with an offer (there are some very cool people and companies in the vegan world)!

Based out of New York, the Everyday Gourmet Vegan Bakery offers muffins, cookies, cakes, and brownies, all made with vegan, organic, and fair-traded sourced ingredients.

Check out this amazing Peanut Butter Fudge Cake...

Blueberry Muffins...

and these Diabetic-Friendly Fudge Striped Cookies!

Gorgeous, right? Bet you've forgotten all about that Super Bowl stuff going on today. I know I have!

Even better, feast your eyes on this baby, their Vanilla Raspberry Cake

Take a real good look folks, because this cake could be YOURS!

Everyday Gourmet Vegan Bakery is offering a 6" Vanilla Raspberry Cake to one of YOU, my lucky ducky readers!* This cake comes unassembled with instructions so customers can put it together as they like. VegNews tried this cake, and had this to say:

“We’re pretty big fans of homemade vegan cake. With icing and raspberry sauce. We’re even bigger fans of homemade vegan cake with icing and raspberry sauce when we get to put as much of the icing and raspberry sauce on top as we want (and yes, it will be the entire bag). Everyday Gourmet’s treats really sweetened up our Friday, and we can’t wait to dive in.”

Could you hope for anything more perfect for Valentine's??? But there's more!

They are also offering the winner a coupon for FREE shipping on any future order with them!

So, how can you win this gorgeous cake? No, you don't have to buy me a Valentine's gift. That would be nice, but that's hubby's job. To enter this contest:

1) "Like" my fb page (if you haven't already).

2) Then comment on my fb page post entitled "Win This Cake!".

3) For an EXTRA entry, follow me on twitter (if you haven't already) and then retweet this post. Then, you can comment on fb a second time with the word "tweet".

*note that giveaway is open to US residents only, because of customs regulations with international shipments.

Clear as frosting, right?

I know you're eager to eat cake - but check this out: We're up to 3rd place in the Circle of Moms contest! Can we do BETTER??! Circle of Moms has a readership of 6 million moms. Guys, help me get the word out about this vegan blog (not all in the running are vegan)... and my recipes and LTEV! Pls VOTE everyday - it's just a click from you pc, iphone, ipad. (and thank you again to my very loyal voters, you know who you are) xo

and hey, If you know Ellen, get her to vote too, okay. ;)

Here it is! LET THEM EAT VEGAN!

2012-02-03T06:48:00.001-08:00

Almost four years in the making...

I love this cover. It is sharp and bright and feels fresh, vibrant, and alive! Just the message I want to communicate with this book.

And, the theme of "Plant-Powered" runs throughout the book. These are nutritionally dense recipes, made with the vegan basics - whole grains and whole-grain products, beans, seeds, nuts, vegetables and fruits. Yes, there are sweets, but even these I've made with healthier options in mind, and no vegan substitutes (ie cream cheese, margarine). And, I've given you informational sections like your "Eating Your Greens", "Plant-Powered Lunchbox", and "Plant-Powered Pantry". Plus, ALL the recipes are either wheat-free or gluten-free, or have the substitutions to modify accordingly.

The back cover includes quotes from Julieanna Hever and Mark Reinfeld. Here they are:

"Dreena brilliantly delivers the perfect balance of wholesome, health-promoting nutrition with decadent and creatively extraordinary recipes, while being mindful of food allergies, picky kids, and taste preferences. This is a masterpiece of delicious ways to enjoy whole plant foods - including an entire tutorial on making green smoothies, a slew of rich optionally oil-free dressings, and a chapter of mouth-watering whole plant burgers." -Julieanna Hever, MS, RD, CPT, author of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Plant-Based Nutrition

"Dreena nailed it with this delectable and innovative selection of world-class recipe that just so happen to be vegan." - Mark Reinfeld, award-winning author of The 30-Minute Vegan series and Executive Chef of www.veganfusion.com

You can preorder LTEV now! Tell me what you think, isn't this cover adorable??!!

If you have loved my recipes before, please join me in spreading the word about Let Them Eat Vegan. Follow me on twitter, retweet this post, and join me on facebook.

P.S. Message from my daughters: "Even Gram and Poppy are voting for mommy". You heard it from them, go vote! :D

Who won the chocolate?

2012-02-02T13:42:00.000-08:00

Hey all! The chocolate winners are now posted on my fb page. If you were one of the luckies, please e-mail me, dreenaburton@gmail.com.

AND, we have finalized the new cover for LET THEM EAT VEGAN! When do you get to see it? Very soon - say tomorrow??! Hang tight!

Until then, you may wanna' vote...?
Just remember all those good times we had over some Homestyle Chocolate Chip Cookies...

and, those Frosted Brawnies...

...those were the days. Where's all the wooing gone? **sigh** Link ;)

((More giveaways to come to celebrate the launch of LTEV!))

Valentine's Fair Trade Gifts + Chocolate Giveaway!

2012-02-01T11:29:00.000-08:00

In time for Valentine's Day, Fair Trade USA has posted a Valentine's Day gift guide. Not all of the items in their guide are vegan, but there are a few, and some different options (like the "Helping Haiti" bouquet).

And, the folks at Fair Trade USA are giving away 5 Alter Eco Dark Chocolate Quinoa bars to my readers! To enter, go to my facebook page and comment on the "chocolate giveaway" post. I am encouraging you to join my new fb page as I will be phasing out the other, please know that. As part of my new website launch I am streamlining my social networking with the new site, so get on, skedaddle over and connect with me!

I can still use your votes in the CIRCLE OF MOMS contest. All you have to do is click next to my entry. That's it! No registration needed. And, you can vote once every 24 hours - and use different gadgets to do so (pc, ipad, iphone, etc). Just a "click", couldn't be more simple!!

I've also announced the winner of Celebrate Vegan on my facebook page. Thank you to those of you that have already joined my fb group. You guys make the difference... more thumbs up!

Cookbook Giveaway!

2012-01-31T09:26:00.000-08:00

Giveaway time!

Dynise Balcavage has arranged a giveaway of her cookbook Celebrate Vegan for my readers! To enter, link through to "like" facebook page, and comment on my fb Celebrate Vegan giveaway post (not this blog post).*

This giveaway is JUST in time for Valentine's... and if you're lucky, you can cook from Dynise's Valentine's Day recipes, including: "Easy Framboise Spritzer", "Crostini with Avocado Mousse", "Seitan with Porcini Mushrooms and Saffron", and "Chocolate-Covered Cherries"! How elegant and romantic!

Thank you Dynise, you are a gem! Good luck guys! :)
*One comment per person eligible, and contest is open to US residents (or if you have a US mailing address).
Reminder: Keeners, throw me a vote again for the Circle of Moms contest. If you're super-keen, you can vote every day (once every 24 hours) - no registering needed, just a CLICK! Thank YOU!!!

Book Review: Celebrate Vegan

2012-01-30T09:29:00.000-08:00

Celebrate Vegan is the second cookbook by Dynise Balcavage. Many of you know and love Dynise, from her Urban Vegan blog and first book, The Urban Vegan.

Celebrate Vegan steps into just what the title suggests... party fare! It's not necessarily traditional celebrations either, like Christmas and Thanksgiving. While Dynise offers some recipes for these holidays, there is far more devoted to other less-observed religious and non-religious, international, and culturally-defined reasons to celebrate!

For instance, Dynise serves up menus for St. Patrick's Day, Mother's Day (and Father's!), Cinco De Mayo, Fourth of July, Chinese New Year, Mardi Gras, and Earth Day. Vesak, Purim, and Diwali are also covered. Don't know those holidays? Neither did I!

That's what sets Dynise and her cookbooks apart. She takes you on food journeys. In this book, you can explore different cuisines based on the holidays and feasts in which they are rooted. So, even if you aren't looking for recipes to observe a particular holiday, this book gives you the opportunity to try out new dishes from other cuisines - in pure vegan form! Plus, Dynise injects fun into this book. Ladies, you can start planning your "Girls' Night In"... or "Tailgate Party", if you prefer!

Some of the recipes that immediately caught my eye include "Hot-and-Sour Carrots and Lentils" (New Year's Day), "Chickpeas with Tomatoes, Eggplant, and Kale" (Eid Al-Fitr), "Tanzanian Curried Chickpea-Banana Soup" (Kwanzaa), and "Caponata" (Father's Day).

I decided to try out the Caponata recipe. Hubby and I always loved this caponata pizza at a wood-fired pizza joint years ago, so I suspected this recipe would be a hit for both of us....

And it WAS! For those of you unfamiliar with caponata, it is a Sicilian dish - a pickled, savory salad of sorts consisting of stewed eggplant, onions, peppers, celery, and then the irresistible sweet/sour/pungent blend of vinegar, raisins, capers, and olives.

The recipe was divine. The caponata can be eaten warm or cold, and used for pizzas, sandwiches, to accompany soups with side bread, or even to toss through quinoa. (And, it made a big enough batch that I used it for all of the aforementioned.)

Get yourself a copy of Celebrate Vegan and explore a whole new world of holidays - and cuisines - with Dynise. (And, if you're one of 'the rest of us'. Don't worry, Dynise has observed Festivus.) :)

Reminder: Get your vegan buttocks over and "like" my new facebook page. I have giveaways coming very soon, and will be posting them there. All part of the countdown to LTEV! Stay tuned!

New Website Plans and New Facebook Page!

2012-01-29T15:03:00.000-08:00

I'm doing some vegan housekeeping. Or rather, some planning and restructuring for the launch of Let Them Eat Vegan. It will be on shelves in just over a month, but you can preorder now!

With the release of the book, I will be launching a new website, which will give you more features as a reader... and me, a pretty new homepage! :)

I have also created a new facebook page. Please link through and "like" to stay up to date with my posts and news, as I will be phasing out my current friend page and networking through this new page.

AND, I will be doing a "countdown" to the launch of LTEV, complete with giveaways and contests. But, be sure to connect with my new facebook page to receive updates.

Finally, a reminder to cast your vote my way in the Circle of Moms contest. You do not need to register to vote - just a simple click, takes a second or two. You can vote every day until Feb. 14th... thanks for your support!