tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15540645827694391042024-03-12T23:49:54.899-04:00It Must Suck Being VeganA Vegan Recipe Blog - Updated Thursdays. Subscribe to never miss it!Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01704127072835179483noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1554064582769439104.post-29148071257050955182012-11-05T14:45:00.001-05:002012-11-05T14:45:40.144-05:00Libre Nachos!Free your nachos from the enslavement of meat.
<br />Revolutionize your snackage with toppings of the thoughtful man.<br />
Eat like you mean it. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE_JieNI6QJO4gcFhpjyCIYkPzEv01JCdC2OWGRHQuaMIZ6D_lzK4wj2BwoIOQ0CvU2LzyqTS81vI5DqSgg0tLRtjWv6hdbztlrdoGbnRgUKgVdVMDk9MJUvju3LvJhY7ViYCnInq1gpsK/s1600/1104121917-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE_JieNI6QJO4gcFhpjyCIYkPzEv01JCdC2OWGRHQuaMIZ6D_lzK4wj2BwoIOQ0CvU2LzyqTS81vI5DqSgg0tLRtjWv6hdbztlrdoGbnRgUKgVdVMDk9MJUvju3LvJhY7ViYCnInq1gpsK/s400/1104121917-01.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nachos, you can do it. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<br />
Okay, I don't think I really need to post a recipe for this one. It's more of a reminder that it is actually possible to eat good old fashion "bad for you" food without killing anything (except yourself I suppose) in the process. <br /><br />In case you need a recipe...well.. I'm a nice guy here you go:<br /><br />Yves Veggie Ground Round, OR T.V.P<br />
Taco Seasoning (available in the "Mexican" aisle of your grocer)<br />Tomatos, Lettuce, Green or Red (or both) Peppers<br />
Salsa (choose your demon)<br />Daiya Cheddar "Cheese"<br />
Tortilla Chips. (find vegan ones, you know you can)<br /><br />Prepare the "meat" per the package. <br />Line your OVEN SAFE plate with tortilla chips.<br />
Place meat on chips, top with fake cheese.<br />
Throw in your oven on BROIL. Keep an eye on it. Till the cheese melts. <br />Top with salsa, vegetables, and whatever else you can imagine. <br />Watch the election. <br />If you're in the U.S.A. do all this AFTER you go vote. <br />If you're American and you didn't vote...no nachos for you. <br /><br />I have eaten this for 2 meals in a row. I'm sure my co-workers are wishing I didn't. <br /><br />LIBRE NACHO! Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01704127072835179483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1554064582769439104.post-20568364043517749882012-11-01T00:00:00.000-04:002012-11-01T10:50:32.849-04:00VVP - Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes!It's Virtual Vegan Potluck time! <br />
This time around I have connected with the fine folks at Virtual Vegan Potluck who are putting on a fantastic recipe share. There's everything imaginable, from all over the world. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB85RihdLZfs0aE3Lry4sAhLhUlISHK5UmuX6JLBYHxUq17nEHKOncGOi4pLtUxCXVJami8q8R5X30geGXyXLNa-yDhz4Nmxdtr5TCfwbvxuoMxH-3lxE9y4yp1VeSXfj_PI8d_U09jFUr/s1600/1031122201-00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB85RihdLZfs0aE3Lry4sAhLhUlISHK5UmuX6JLBYHxUq17nEHKOncGOi4pLtUxCXVJami8q8R5X30geGXyXLNa-yDhz4Nmxdtr5TCfwbvxuoMxH-3lxE9y4yp1VeSXfj_PI8d_U09jFUr/s400/1031122201-00.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished product. </td></tr>
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I decided to try a completely new-to-me recipe. Now to warn you, it's Hallowe'en when I'm writing this (to meet my cross-world time zone deadline) so since I usually try to help you "set the mood", well this time it's a little weird. <br />
<br />
1. Grab a smoke machine.<!--I tried a fog recipe, ready this one is easy. Mix 1 part glycerin with 3 parts distilled water. Mix well. Heat something that you don't care about, like an old frying pan, tinfoil pie liner, old metal spoon, over a hot burner. Add a few drops of your fog mixture.--> <br />
2. Dim the lights.<br />
3. Here's your music link, Bauhaus (of course, it's Hallowe'en) <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKRJfIPiJGY" target="_blank">Bela Lugosi's Dead</a><br />
4. Your drink of choice is a CC & G. (in canada) otherwise, whiskey & gingerale. The ginger helps set the tone of this fall recipe. <br />
<br />
Enough rambling, get your stuff out of the cupboards, here we go. <br />
1 1/2 Cup All-purpose Flour (no, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gukTnUSSHNs " target="_blank">ALL</a>!)<br />
1 Tsp Baking Powder<br />
1/2 Tsp Baking Soda<br />
1 Tsp Cinnamon<br />
1/2 Tsp <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIoNaAs-KGg" target="_blank">All</a>-spice (or 1/8tsp ginger, 1/8 tsp nutmeg, 1/4tsp cinnamon)<br />
1/2 Tsp Salt<br />
1 Cup White Sugar<br />
1/2 Cup Vegan Margarine (I use becel)<br />
1/2 Cup Soy Milk<br />
1 Tsp Vanilla Extract<br />
1 Ripe Banana, mashed very well<br />
1 Can Pumpkin Puree<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTorKZ_cY2-OMdLCu6SvR9PFc6yv0N63rWgqFgJkAF8ZqbO86Pymu-E759kkgYO3EN7wdcoWgstQjCAKOkPilBSUG4tqO6_QhsWFm-xD6eYxqrr3akU5_ASyZxCezq_7wyge5pAm3rbatC/s1600/1031122059-00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTorKZ_cY2-OMdLCu6SvR9PFc6yv0N63rWgqFgJkAF8ZqbO86Pymu-E759kkgYO3EN7wdcoWgstQjCAKOkPilBSUG4tqO6_QhsWFm-xD6eYxqrr3akU5_ASyZxCezq_7wyge5pAm3rbatC/s320/1031122059-00.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Organize your stuff. Yes that's a smoke detector. </td></tr>
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Preheat your oven to 425º<br />
Combine all dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl and mix well.<br />
Add wet ingredients, combine until thoroughly mixed and there's <b>no chunks of banana!</b> Honestly, I screwed that up on my first batch, not so awesome.<br />
Once everything is thoroughly mixed, line your cupcake pan with liners. You can also use margarine & flour, but I have no luck with that. If you do...you're awesome. <br />
Fill pan and toss in oven. Bake for about 18 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. <br />
<br />
In the meantime that drink won't drink itself and your song ended. Here's another song, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQSpJfpVHmg&feature=related" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQSpJfpVHmg&feature=related</a><br />
<br />
While the cupcakes cool, like make a glaze. I wish I could make icing, my wife can make icing, me, I'm lucky to make a glaze, here we go:<br />
2 Cups Icing Sugar<br />
1/4 Cup Soy milk<br />
1/4 Cup Vegan Margarine<br />
1 Tsp Cinnamon<br />
1/2 Tsp Vanilla<br />
In a small mixing bowl, mix dry, then carefully add wet ingredients. Cool in the fridge to achieve some firmness. <br />
<br />
Once the cupcakes have fully cooled, dip them in the glaze, or drizzle some on top. <br />
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Garnish (optional) with some shredded dark chocolate...just because you can and frankly you want to.<br />
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My wife isn't a huge pumpkin fan, and she liked these, they are pretty awesome, I hope you like!<br />
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***As soon as I can get my phone to connect to my computer, I will upload pics!***<br />
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Now, feel free to click "Go Forward" or "Go Back" to see the other awesome offerings on the potluck table!<br />
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<a href="http://cupcakesandshowtunes.com/2012/10/31/virtual-vegan-potluck-raspberry-pistachio-chocolate-cupcakes/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="100" src="http://virtualveganpotluck.com/vvp/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/go_forward.jpg" width="140" /></a><a href="http://veggiev.wordpress.com/2012/11/01/virtual-vegan-potluck-raw-pumpkin-custard/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="100" src="http://virtualveganpotluck.com/vvp/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/go_bck.jpg" width="140" /></a>
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Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01704127072835179483noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1554064582769439104.post-61256020420991489112012-09-27T17:59:00.000-04:002012-09-27T18:03:34.174-04:00Tomatillo CalzonesThese are good. Now, in the spirit of "full transparency", I'm wearing cling wrap as I write this. <br />
Also, this recipe was inspired by Meg over at Spark People. Now the problem I faced was 1) The recipe THEY had wasn't vegan, and 2) my kids won't try this. They would probably love it if they did, but sometimes you need to make two meals to make people happy. <br />
<br />
Below is the Vegan Calzone recipe, for the kids, I just put in pizza sauce, cheese, and a deli meat of their choice. Boom, they are happy. <br />
<br />
Calzone's and Empanada's are very similar, in fact, I'm a little unsure of where this one really should be categorized. So I'm calling it a calzone, because it's less "weird" sounding to those who are a little afraid to try something different. <br />
<br />
For cooking music, I dunno about you, but it's time to turn up your speakers. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVFOAKREWAA">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVFOAKREWAA</a><br />
<br />
As much as I like cooking things from scratch, I had to make this dish in under 30 minutes...so I bought a lot of this pre-made. Also, I'm trying to be at least a little bit healthy here, so you'll notice..no oil.<br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
1 bag of pizza dough: you can usually buy pre-made pizza dough in the bakery section of your local grocery store, or you can make your own. I bought the pre-made. It was vegan, it was cheap, and it was already done. <br />
Equivelent of 1 lbs veggie crumbles or "yves" veggie ground round<br />
3/4 cup Salsa Verde : super important, this is made from tomatillos. <i>(which are not green tomatoes)</i><br />
1 tsp cumin<br />
1.5 tsp chili powder<br />
one small or half a large onion, diced<br />
3 cloves garlic, minced<br />
half red bell pepper, diced<br />
salt n pepper are here, and they are in effect<br />
1 tomato diced (optional, I opted out...I should have opted in you win some, you lose some)<br />
Daiya Vegan Cheese<br />
Corn flour<br />
1/4 of water<br />
<br />
Method:<br />
1. Turn up speakers<br />
1. B. Now my bag of dough said preheat the oven to 425º... so I did what I was told!<br />
2. Open your pizza dough and let it "breathe" for 20 - 30 minutes at room temperature<br />
3. In your non-stick pan (essential) toss in your onions and garlic, cook till onions soften<br />
4. Add in your veggie crumbles (hydrated of course) tomatoes water cumin and chili powder cook over pretty high heat, you want the water to make a bit of a gravy with the spices, and evaporate off<br />
5. Reduce heat to medium, and add in your salsa verde, stir and simmer for a few minutes<br />
6. Turn off the heat and toss your peppers in, stir. Let the residual heat cook the peppers.<br />
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Move over to your pizza dough, my bag of dough had enough to make 6 calzones! Awesome. Cut your dough into 6 as best you can. Now this was the extremely clumsy part for me. Pizza dough and I don't get along. Dust your 1/6th dough in corn flour and stretch into a circle of sorts, clickity click barba split. To make a 10" circle(ish) I grabbed a dinner plate and turned it upside down. I then stretched the dough across the flour dusted plate in a "tuning a drum" fashion, by stretching to opposing sides of the plate. <br />
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Spoon your filling onto the stretched dough and toss on some cheese. NOT A LOT OF CHEESE. This isn't pizza folks, you don't want to dominate the flavour with cheese. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg96gFcQp_p02N_QO1mrHyURWX_Q6jqp7nolY09Og9GWAxNaCtTxoxJ3D31I21haZLmHAYBMD6TJvLtyN_T5m1z7-EBpTn2OsxV7zxwwWzvO7LhH9J_Pnea_lcr3KxRAVtdQguxppptar_t/s1600/0926122045-00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg96gFcQp_p02N_QO1mrHyURWX_Q6jqp7nolY09Og9GWAxNaCtTxoxJ3D31I21haZLmHAYBMD6TJvLtyN_T5m1z7-EBpTn2OsxV7zxwwWzvO7LhH9J_Pnea_lcr3KxRAVtdQguxppptar_t/s320/0926122045-00.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It will look a little bit like this!</td></tr>
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Now fold over the dough and pinch along the edges. If you went a little crazy with the corn flour, it might be hard to seal it, use a little water if necessary.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1yttbylH1jbZfgLjaUlb8mw3mJ-vJK0zBKljIsjPmnyhMtC_rQ1_kr2rLlptVe8zF7Z-cmPaQMHPf6ADq88E9KyLvcWSTRuVlfUul6p_AzG6_xmmwheQzOEg3wB86N0RN-dDw1fnvlLIQ/s1600/0926122112-00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1yttbylH1jbZfgLjaUlb8mw3mJ-vJK0zBKljIsjPmnyhMtC_rQ1_kr2rLlptVe8zF7Z-cmPaQMHPf6ADq88E9KyLvcWSTRuVlfUul6p_AzG6_xmmwheQzOEg3wB86N0RN-dDw1fnvlLIQ/s320/0926122112-00.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "v" means "vegan", the piece of fake ham means "fake ham"</td></tr>
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Place on a baking sheet dusted with corn flour, and cook until golden brown. This doesn't take long, around 10-15 minutes tops, so keep an eye on things!<br />
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Once cooked, remove from oven, serve with some extra salsa verde on the side and enjoy!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXzyoApQnS9u2Bif8RrMLYuFyIUm9A8jA_n89LJUC9X9Xzf53diVmYobWtLOWBJTlQIn8cwPSf-2aHDpwGXq45NfY9qEZ6GVu4QgPMaWvIOK6IMeXsQULNdBYKhYs1RnoDormrC-rM5N_G/s1600/0926122132-00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXzyoApQnS9u2Bif8RrMLYuFyIUm9A8jA_n89LJUC9X9Xzf53diVmYobWtLOWBJTlQIn8cwPSf-2aHDpwGXq45NfY9qEZ6GVu4QgPMaWvIOK6IMeXsQULNdBYKhYs1RnoDormrC-rM5N_G/s320/0926122132-00.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01704127072835179483noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1554064582769439104.post-25143618116781726742012-09-20T13:01:00.000-04:002012-09-20T13:07:48.943-04:00Tofu Scramble, and apologies. I'm sorry I haven't been around updating this for a while. In the past year, I've gotten hella-busy, and that business distracted me. So there's the apology. Now onto FOOD.<br />
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This vegan scramble is kind of kick-ass for a couple of reasons, 1) it's vegan 2) it's tasty 3) it should be a "superfood" as it's all good with nothing bad...well except some salt. But you're here for meatless recipe's not salt-free recipe's so shhhhhhhhh. <br />
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I made this while listening to George Thorogood. I'm not a George Thorogood fan, so I'm not suggesting you listen to that while you're cooking this, but that's what was on, so if you want to set the mood, find some decent rock music and there you go. <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7TudCJ1tHUT0vu63WMFovR6uKcc2zEayY-mTkGIgdyOZnc4fb9CjdZpSG_SgWOGSR7kxcHsaeO3RCOAOfE8LAFjt-c4gtOp2TGG3ZZB86QUzCUbUsEIRn4c16z0YganstHZLsZHEnexIy/s1600/0919121337-00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7TudCJ1tHUT0vu63WMFovR6uKcc2zEayY-mTkGIgdyOZnc4fb9CjdZpSG_SgWOGSR7kxcHsaeO3RCOAOfE8LAFjt-c4gtOp2TGG3ZZB86QUzCUbUsEIRn4c16z0YganstHZLsZHEnexIy/s320/0919121337-00.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For lunch I had scramble and mashed cauliflower/potatoes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Ingredients. This is so simple, I love it. <br />
1 package of FIRM tofu. Move past that soft mushy stuff.<br />
1/2 cup of kale, approximately, actually, a "handful of finely diced kale" is more accurate.<br />
1 large tomato, diced<br />
1 small/med onion, diced finely <br />
1 tsp olive oil (honestly, I use a bit more..shhh)<br />
1 1/2 tbsp curry powder<br />
1/2 tsp cumin<br />
1/2 red pepper diced<br />
1/2 green pepper diced<br />
3 cloves garlic<br />
Salt to taste <br />
<br />
Put a large skillet on medium heat, toss in your onions, olive oil, and garlic.<br />
While that cooks for a minute, 'till the onions "clear" you want to "crumble" the tofu. Wash your hands, and crumble that tofu. You want a scrambled egg like texture.<br />
When the onions have clarified, add the peppers, tomatoes, 1/2 tbsp Curry Powder, and stir. <br />
Cook that for about a minute, then toss in your tofu crumbles. Add in the remaining 1tbsp of curry powder and cumin, mix all of that goodness together until everything is covered in yellow curry madness. Now let it sit, don't touch it, don't stir it, look away, for a few minutes. <br />
<br />
In this time, grab a leaf or so of kale and dice it finely. You want a good handful, but not so much as to be over powering. <br />
<br />
Go back to your pan, stir it, pat it down, and let it sit again. Put your kale on top of the mix, and let it steam up there. Put a lid over the pan and go do something unrelated for a few minutes. Maybe you can read a chapter of 50 Shades of Grey, or listen to a couple Take Drugs songs. <br />
<br />
After about 3 minutes come back to your pan and you can mix in that kale. <br />
<br />
Add a dash of salt, and you're ready to serve.<br />
<br />
Why do I like this recipe so much? Because it's all things I usually have in the fridge! No peppers? No worries, grab some frozen corn. No kale? Grab some spinach. Now here's the real kicker, you get a lot of nutrients for relatively few calories. <br />
<br />
If you divide this recipe in 2 (it should serve 4, but let's face it, you're having seconds.) here's the deets:<br />
437 calories<br />
30 g fat<br />
54 g carbs<br />
56 g protien<br />
75% of your daily iron<br />
60% of your daily B6<br />
230% of your daily calcium<br />
302% of your daily vitamin A<br />
and much much more. <br />
<br />Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01704127072835179483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1554064582769439104.post-49738104924483794112011-12-22T12:28:00.000-05:002011-12-22T12:28:52.094-05:00SUGAR COOKIES!!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHOnce in a while you come across a recipe that brings back memories of your childhood. <br />
<br />
A while back Heather The Wife found a recipe for Sugar Cookies that is exactly that.<br />
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The best part about this recipe is that Heather will whip these out when she's bored, or when she's looking for a snack, or whenever, they are just that dang easy. I think the last time she made them it was about midnight and we had a couple of friends over, mid sentence she stops and says "HEY! Who wants cookies?!", moments later, we had cookies.<br />
<br />
And so here we go, Sugar Cookies. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://food.chatelaine.com/Content/recipe-images/Sugar-cookies-1-l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://food.chatelaine.com/Content/recipe-images/Sugar-cookies-1-l.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not my pic, if you're not sure what a sugar cookie looks like...this is it.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>You'll Need:<br />
1/2 Cup Sugar<br />
1/2 Cup Vegan Margarine (Becel makes the best I've had)<br />
2 TBSP Soy Milk - Full Fat, leave that "light" stuff on the shelf where it belongs.<br />
2 TSP Vanilla<br />
1 Cup Flour<br />
1 1/2 TSP Baking Powder<br />
LOTS OF SPRINKES! (Those classic translucent, coloured, sugar crystals are the best, really)<br />
MORE SPRINKLES!<br />
<br />
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.<br />
<br />
Mix the flour, sugar, and baking powder together. In a separate bowl combine the margarine, vanilla and soy milk. Cut the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. You should get something that resembles a bowl full of pebbles.<br />
<br />
Now bam bam those pebbles into a ball of dough, but don't over mix it.<br />
<br />
Dust your ball with some flour to make it easier to work with, roll out onto a flat surface and cut into shapes.<br />
<br />
OR go with the classic shape, round. Put balls of dough on a cookie sheet and press them with a fork, there you go, it's a shape.<br />
<br />
Dust with your fancy sprinkles. If in doubt, add more sprinkles.<br />
<br />
Bake at 350 till just getting golden.<br />
<br />
NOW GO, MAKE COOKIES.<br />
Santa is expecting cookies.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AkFf9su6X7Q/TvNoaPBoP3I/AAAAAAAAAHw/fs0jmil66cs/s1600/IMG00521-20111222-0826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AkFf9su6X7Q/TvNoaPBoP3I/AAAAAAAAAHw/fs0jmil66cs/s320/IMG00521-20111222-0826.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our recipe is so worn it's getting translucent from the margarine fingers.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01704127072835179483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1554064582769439104.post-42769134261237588232011-12-20T13:30:00.004-05:002011-12-21T09:12:40.791-05:00Another Christmas Treat - Jack's Cranberry SauceAs much as possible, I plan to post daily leading up to Christmas. Equipping you with fun recipes to share with your vegan and non-vegan friends over the holidays.<br />
<br />
So here we go, I'm a fan of cranberry sauce. I'll eat it straight, I'll put it on toast, I'll put it on mashed potatoes and when I ate meat, I couldn't see what I was eating because of the amount of cranberry sauce.<br />
<br />
A co-worker kindly gave me a bottle of Jack Daniels, which in all honestly I probably enjoy just as much, if not more than, cranberries. This got me to thinking, what if I combined the two things I love.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7wLxaYBU0j9NtyN6OgoeOGBuxaVZ1DCbr-4hyphenhyphenREWT7oc8clJf4bjIlnDBVHzt82RfPf9OySn_cYAQAR1tyUh7dN2k3ERCh8_3M1iIupg_sD8vuH9KjlqlF_BTuMCQKwE-V66sBRMlCRn2/s1600/JD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7wLxaYBU0j9NtyN6OgoeOGBuxaVZ1DCbr-4hyphenhyphenREWT7oc8clJf4bjIlnDBVHzt82RfPf9OySn_cYAQAR1tyUh7dN2k3ERCh8_3M1iIupg_sD8vuH9KjlqlF_BTuMCQKwE-V66sBRMlCRn2/s400/JD.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
But first, I blame part of my love of cranberries on my summers spent up north in Bala, which happens to have a Cranberry Festival. If you love cranberries half as much as I do, the cranberry festival is pretty cool...in a food nerd kind of a way. <a href="http://www.balacranberryfestival.on.ca/" target="_blank">http://www.balacranberryfestival.on.ca</a><br />
<br />
For music, my neighbour is currently listening to Janis Joplin. If you can handle that, go at 'er. Me, I'm putting on headphones to get into a holiday mood, and listening to this: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AN6mgb68Fbo&feature=fvst" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AN6mgb68Fbo&feature=fvst</a><br />
<br />
Alright, let's get into the sauce.<br />
<br />
You'll need:<br />
A bag of Cranberries, I think they are 14 oz<br />
3/4 cup of Orange Juice<br />
1 Tbsp Orange Zest (optional) <br />
1 Cup Brown Sugar (add a bit more if you like it sweet)<br />
4 Cloves<br />
1/2 TSP (or "to taste" or "dash") Cinnamon<br />
1/4 Cup Jack Daniels Old No.7 Sour Mash Whiskey.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhATU3RfQbH5edebaXf0H_46fJcWFLhFtPwJ5c9zr9JPwK08m15mR-sELY9SWsDoe35hIwgp1aO4iVQKkcrNRdQ2Kwbp8u1nbIXBqxS4dYJ3oql_NfdvCOQ2YbakR-I0PGnI5VOYZfRA6GD/s1600/asauce3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhATU3RfQbH5edebaXf0H_46fJcWFLhFtPwJ5c9zr9JPwK08m15mR-sELY9SWsDoe35hIwgp1aO4iVQKkcrNRdQ2Kwbp8u1nbIXBqxS4dYJ3oql_NfdvCOQ2YbakR-I0PGnI5VOYZfRA6GD/s400/asauce3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
In a nice strong pot combine/dissolve the sugar into the orange juice<br />
Add the Cloves, Cinnamon, and Zest<br />
Add the Cranberries and cook and stir until they pop.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Cx4_mKxlHToUhXRhASDyFfM49-tOATBd7N6e37LC1kRsC5FmUjVXuXOCw552ls8AzptHOF9Vi3WFMHBj2w3vPrfhI8PIDSB_ujvX2Ar9Vs4HLEBirOtVVaJg4cn9BZaoNrIWsufntgYX/s1600/asauce2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Cx4_mKxlHToUhXRhASDyFfM49-tOATBd7N6e37LC1kRsC5FmUjVXuXOCw552ls8AzptHOF9Vi3WFMHBj2w3vPrfhI8PIDSB_ujvX2Ar9Vs4HLEBirOtVVaJg4cn9BZaoNrIWsufntgYX/s400/asauce2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
If storing: <br />
Remove from heat and cool<br />
Once cool, stir in 1/4 Jack Daniels<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglezuGuH51vQhnJaqnd07FJ8dWam_akafLFWp_GbV4RWxr-E87xp2QFt7z3H9EVB2lNprNeUxj2ROPL2GUAjDEbjs2OXDem8jzQ6jRqQNuoVUrKsflWpDwArHsAXxbyRrCzdJ2AQxkF2oQ/s1600/sauce1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglezuGuH51vQhnJaqnd07FJ8dWam_akafLFWp_GbV4RWxr-E87xp2QFt7z3H9EVB2lNprNeUxj2ROPL2GUAjDEbjs2OXDem8jzQ6jRqQNuoVUrKsflWpDwArHsAXxbyRrCzdJ2AQxkF2oQ/s400/sauce1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
If eating today:<br />
Remove from heat and cool SLIGHTLY<br />
Once SLIGHTLY cool, stir in 1/4 Cup Jack Daniels and serve.<br />
<br />
And there you go. A simple, delicious cranberry sauce.<br />
<br />
Go easy on the sauce kid.Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01704127072835179483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1554064582769439104.post-89874695646029136652011-12-19T17:05:00.001-05:002011-12-19T17:19:28.209-05:00Banana Chocolate Chip Pancakes! - Christmas Morning Delight!Okay folks, first off, I'm sorry I didn't post a recipe last week. Things have been a bit crazy in the hooose, and it just wasn't working. Also, I like to try a recipe a couple of times before posting it, to make sure it's honestly a decent recipe. I eat everything I post. I don't post anything I wouldn't eat.<br />
<br />
That said, we are back.<br />
<br />
One of the things a lot of people fear when going Vegan is "how weird will my food get? Will I have to eat freaky stuff ALL the time". The short answer is "no". Here's a great recipe that every non-vegan I have given it to hasn't noticed that it's...*gasp*...vegan.<br />
<br />
A simple pancake recipe for Christmas morning. Who doesn't love pancakes? This one is light and fluffy, and the kids like them.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1GUjNwbN2Xyn2G5WLRN4dtx4a6-HZJddJcaP7zgu8Uy6LJIUfe4_wmtRWTbPTLn8eKdyKoRlgjSqMvCRXFGV03jWdRmAFxgZSkGVjvtlQvvNOJ0qTlbKRFO1YoOaLaf6PnyWAM3SgOrXg/s1600/pancakesinpan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1GUjNwbN2Xyn2G5WLRN4dtx4a6-HZJddJcaP7zgu8Uy6LJIUfe4_wmtRWTbPTLn8eKdyKoRlgjSqMvCRXFGV03jWdRmAFxgZSkGVjvtlQvvNOJ0qTlbKRFO1YoOaLaf6PnyWAM3SgOrXg/s400/pancakesinpan.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mmmm, pancakes. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Ingredients:<br />
2 Cups - All Purpose Flour<br />
4 tsp - Baking Powder<br />
3 tbsp - Sugar<br />
2 tsp - Salt<br />
2 tbsp - Vegetable Oil<br />
2 tsp - Vanilla Extract<br />
2 Cups - Original Soy Milk (do not use "low fat")<br />
<br />
OPTIONAL<br />
Dark Chocolate<br />
Ripe Banana<br />
<br />
<br />
In a medium bowl, combine all dry ingredients. Add Soy Milk, then Vanilla and Vegetable Oil. Mix until well combined, but don't over mix it. This is a morning meal, no one wants to break a sweat before the coffee is done. Speaking of that, turn on a pan to med-high (electric) or med (gas) and put some coffee on. If you are having chocolate & banana pancakes, chop up the chocolate and slice the banana.<br />
<br />
<br />
Hey, want a trick for testing to see if your pan is hot enough? Drip a drop of water onto the pan, it should bounce before sizzling.<br />
<br />
<br />
Now brush just a bit of oil on the hot pan, and drop your pancake batter into the pan, I use a generous tablespoon. Quickly set your banana slices into the batter and dash them with chocolate pieces, mmmm.<br />
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<br />
When the pancake starts to bubble, or if you see a hint of golden on the edges, give them the flip.<br />
<br />
<br />
Cook till golden, serve with maple syrup and it's okay to have seconds, really.<br />
<br />
<br />
Quantity: if you use the tablespoon method (like I did), I made 24 pancakes from this recipe on the weekend.<br />
Time: I think this took me under 30 minutes.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh30KjLlz3sFZdexUj7qHEazEGKiF3VU9hZYwqODqhtb1TcmMzc_GnBOFV6B5vJ-jDSd1QNjENcpk9HfgH80CZrpoJHFktbtzUcLqC8G4aC3PDWVbuTg6xoHYPaZHlENfCy6rb5QaLWUDNw/s1600/pancakesdone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh30KjLlz3sFZdexUj7qHEazEGKiF3VU9hZYwqODqhtb1TcmMzc_GnBOFV6B5vJ-jDSd1QNjENcpk9HfgH80CZrpoJHFktbtzUcLqC8G4aC3PDWVbuTg6xoHYPaZHlENfCy6rb5QaLWUDNw/s400/pancakesdone.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01704127072835179483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1554064582769439104.post-25954123127996399862011-12-08T18:15:00.000-05:002011-12-08T18:15:52.210-05:00It must suck being busyI apologize, I was hoping to have a wonderful recipe for you all to enjoy this evening, ready to fire.<br />
However, the day as it was, I was too busy to file a recipe today. <br />
<br />
That said, Stacey has requested our Vegan Cupcake recipe, so tomorrow, Stacey will get what Stacey wants. I'm all Christmas-y like that. Just ask SantAdam, and be on the "good" list, and you just might get what you wished for.<br />
<br />
Now, since you took the time to come all the way here to read something that isn't here, let me at least make it worth your while.<br />
<br />
Here's a fun little ditty that has nothing to do with the holidays, and everything to do with robots!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/WGoi1MSGu64?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
Oh, and remember we are starting the "12(ish) recipes of Christmas" starting this Monday.Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01704127072835179483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1554064582769439104.post-76541072469615001052011-12-01T11:52:00.002-05:002011-12-01T12:01:57.906-05:00Pakora'sIt's December 1st. Along with the cold unpredictable weather comes long line ups, irrational shoppers, and a genuine chance that you'll want to just stay home and say "screw it all" and have a bottle of wine instead. Here's a great appetizer that goes really well with a bottle of wine, or hot tea and a cold night.<br />
<br />
<b>"History" </b><br />
According to Wikipedia: The word <i>pakora</i> is derived from Sanskrit पक्ववट <i>pakvavata-</i>,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-2"></sup> a compound of <i>pakva</i> 'cooked' and <i>vata</i> 'a small lump' or its derivative <i>vataka</i> 'a round cake made of pulse fried in ghee'.<br />
And you thought you wouldn't learn anything cool today.<br />
<br />
Let's get to it, Pakoras are an easy vegan treat because you can make the foundation from just about anything. I typically use potato or carrots, sometimes spinach. You can use onion, eggplant, small pieces of bread, or even...meat. Not in my vegan recipe you won't, but you do what you want when I'm not looking.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigYP_K8SQWOHBXu83qX7lrfwcH11oAMG3m20R4z9lNZF2sH-aD3pBYKTUPGdI-pzRFJoCrpu0P5WF7NolHIm5oNYdd8WdvbNEjW6dEoI4_drfxXUbfTyslN6Mgfj1lalqNEv1SqQz_4sod/s1600/pakoras.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigYP_K8SQWOHBXu83qX7lrfwcH11oAMG3m20R4z9lNZF2sH-aD3pBYKTUPGdI-pzRFJoCrpu0P5WF7NolHIm5oNYdd8WdvbNEjW6dEoI4_drfxXUbfTyslN6Mgfj1lalqNEv1SqQz_4sod/s1600/pakoras.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I didn't take this picture. I will take one shortly and upload it. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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Now so you are warned, this recipe calls for cooking with hot oil. So go find your deep fryer, or your pot with a TIGHT fitting lid, and your fire extinguisher.<br />
<br />
Also, you may not get a chance to eat these, in my house they disappear faster than I can finish making them.<br />
<br />
<b>Indgredients:</b><br />
Oil - Lately I've been using sunflower oil in an attempt to get away from GMO Canola. Peanut oil works great, but beware of nut allergies. Nothing wrecks a party like 911.<br />
<br />
Batter: <br />
1 tsp Cumin<br />
1 tsp Ground Corriander<br />
1 tsp Tumeric<br />
1 tsp chili powder, or cayenne pepper<br />
1 hot chili diced<br />
2 cloves of garlic diced<br />
1 tsp salt<br />
1 tsp sugar<br />
1 tsp baking powder<br />
1 tsp baking soda<br />
1 cup Besan (chickpea flour. Buy it at the bulk barn, do NOT substitute normal flour)<br />
1/2 cup water<br />
<br />
Veggies:<br />
1 potato, grated and squeeze out the excess water<br />
1 onion coarsely chopped<br />
You can also add spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, experiment.<br />
<br />
Garnish:<br />
Lemon<br />
<br />
For context as I write this, I am listening to this: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oN_dy-IzAv4&feature=fvst" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oN_dy-IzAv4&feature=fvst</a>, so you too can get into the "zone" with me. <br />
<br />
- In a mixing bowl combine all of the "spice" ingredients to make sure they are evenly mixed.<br />
- Add flour, baking powder, and baking soda and dry mix everything together. <br />
- Add 1/2 cup of luke-warm water and mix with a fork to achieve a loose batter.<br />
Add more water if needed.<br />
- Add in the chili pepper and garlic<br />
- Set this batter aside for 15 minutes. Don't touch it, don't bug it, don't stir it. Leave it alone.<br />
<br />
- Grab your cutting board and coarsely chop an onion.<br />
- Grate a potato and squeeze out the excess water. We don't want more water!<br />
- If you are using spinach; coarsely, randomly chop the spinach. The crazier the better.<br />
<br />
- In your deep pot with a tight fitting lid, or your deep fryer, heat about 1.5" of oil to around 375º<br />
- As your oil comes up to temperature, toss your veg into the batter to coat.<br />
- Test the oil by dropping a small bit of batter into the oil. It should golden pretty quick and float to the top.<br />
- Using a fork or a spoon..or both, drop tablespoon size lumps of battered veg into the hot oil.<br />
- If they kind of look crazy alien shapes, perfect, you can use them to fool your friends. The crazier the better.<br />
- When the bottoms gets golden brown, flip to cook them evenly on both sides.<br />
- Remove from hot oil and place on a paper towel or a cooling rack over a catch tray of some kind. <br />
- Crack a couple open to make sure the batter is fully cooked.<br />
<br />
Serve HOT with lemon wedges to squeeze over them! You can also offer them up with a side of chutney or tamarind sauce. Make sure you get one before you serve them to others as they go too fast!<br />
<br />
<b>Coming Soon!</b><br />
Since the holidays are fast approaching, I know it can be a real pain figuring out what to bring to those family dinners. So this December I will be doing a 12 Sides Of Christmas featuring 12 delicious side dishes and desserts that you can bring to your family feast!<br />
<br />
As always, visit the <b><a href="http://itmustsuckbeingvegan.blogspot.com/p/holiday-shopping-ideas.html" target="_blank">Holiday Shopping Guide</a> </b>and I love getting comments. Comment away!Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01704127072835179483noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1554064582769439104.post-57489385929428831752011-11-29T18:40:00.003-05:002011-11-30T10:57:26.065-05:00Holiday Shopping Guide? Really? Me?I've been considering this for a little while, a small shopping guide to showcase both "vegan" and local independent artists. Shopping with your heart instead of just going to futureshop and opening your wallet. This will be an ongoing list, so check back now and again!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://itmustsuckbeingvegan.blogspot.com/p/holiday-shopping-ideas.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0MnV-NhyphenhyphenqzPX01rGA5cabh30LhIPurmHievaufNXQZTUmX6GQsHFX1wuTuGoB9xF_UpqRjkIUShXy0cdnAbmDt_h_9eckp8I4whyphenhyphenGWdNzYwYcG_zuARJUukaeiUoSa3kPiO6COGjf1YmD/s1600/HolidayShoppingGuideHeader.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CLICK TO VIEW THE SHOPPING GUIDE!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01704127072835179483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1554064582769439104.post-82566322336036463602011-11-24T11:42:00.001-05:002011-11-24T12:13:16.261-05:00Thai Green Curry Ayam Thanksgiving!Grab a nice small-pox free blanket and curl up by the fire with this awesome curry dish.<br />
Let me start by saying that I'm not a fan of "faking the turkey". I'm sure there's some awesome "tofurkey" recipes out there, go find one if that's what you're after. This dish, as with most of my dishes is quick, tasty, and a little bit quirky...just like me. Here we go.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Green Curry Ayam:</b></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9VglWt406pRPcrxXcjgajStM_jQvZJeiFwbYqYZbkWlLoUIW8sLvN_h9DR8MWalPsVevU7iU5_uQ5WFSdadnjoGkAbApzL8TM7lWqUiyvHOnL11WZLS_84IiXJ6OpM3sFlrKFOnEGniuo/s1600/greentofucurry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9VglWt406pRPcrxXcjgajStM_jQvZJeiFwbYqYZbkWlLoUIW8sLvN_h9DR8MWalPsVevU7iU5_uQ5WFSdadnjoGkAbApzL8TM7lWqUiyvHOnL11WZLS_84IiXJ6OpM3sFlrKFOnEGniuo/s1600/greentofucurry.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I need to work on my photography.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><span style="font-size: small;">Shopping List:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">2 Tbsp Thai Green Curry Paste: you can call this cheating. I call it smart. $4.49 at Sobey's. And there's enough for a few dishes in there.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">1 Green Pepper (sweet)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">1 Red (or other colour) Pepper </span>(sweet)<br />
Hot chili (fresh or dried) to taste<br />
1 Tbsp Sunflower (or vegetable) oil<br />
Half a pkg of Firm Tofu. I like Sunrise tofu for it's texture.<br />
400ml Can of Coconut Milk<br />
125ml (1/2 cup) water or vegetable soup broth<br />
1 Tbsp Vegetable Oyster Sauce (there's no oysters in it...weird?) OR Vegan Fish Sauce<br />
1 Tbsp Sesame Seed Oil<br />
3 sections of a garlic clove (I'm sure there's a proper name for that) diced<br />
1/3 cup Frozen Peas<br />
1 cup Basmati Rice<br />
2 medium potatoes <br />
1 Lime<br />
2 Tbsp Brown Sugar<br />
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You will notice in most of my recipes, I try to figure out some kind of timing. You should be able to make this dish in the time it takes to make the rice.<br />
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In a medium pot, combine 1 cup rice, and 2 cups water. Bring to a boil.<br />
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In another pot put 1 tbsp Sunflower Oil, and your garlic. Hey is the rice boiling yet? No? Continue on.<br />
Once the garlic is just a little golden throw in the 2 tbsp Thai Green Curry Paste, let it warm but do not burn. Add Coconut oil and stir over medium heat. Is the rice boiling yet?<br />
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If the rice IS boiling ignore it for a second while you peel the potatoes.<br />
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Now turn down the rice to low, and put a lid on it.<br />
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Cube the potatoes and put in the curry/milk mixture. You need the potatoes to cook as quick as possible, so increase the temperature to medium-high, but not hot enough to burn the milk. Stir when you remember.<br />
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Cut the tofu into a shape that doesn't look like the potato. I used wedges. People who are trying a vegan dish for the first time get scared and like to immediately recognize the weird tofu stuff. Help them out. Add to milk/potato/curry mixture.<br />
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Cut the peppers into sqaures. Everyone loves peppers right! Be heavy on the red/yellow pepper for colour. This is a very green dish otherwise. Do not add but set aside.<br />
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Add sugar, sesame seed oil, and oyster(ish) sauce to the curry/milk/tofu/potato mixture. Stir.<br />
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Taste a small sample of the sauce, if you need some heat, add chili flakes, or fresh diced chili (one at a time...) until you're up to heat.<br />
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Add frozen peas.<br />
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Take your lime and a grater or "zester" and add about a teaspoon or two (to taste) of lime zest. (Bonus points if you own a zester.)<br />
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As soon as the potatoes test to being near ready (use a fork, they're hot) add your sweet peppers. If the boiling process has caused the sauce to reduce too much, add some water to bring back the sauce. Simmer until the peppers are just approaching done-ness.<br />
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Check your rice. It's probably done. <br />
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Plating:<br />
Rice first. Make it pretty. Then add the curry around the rice. Garnish with a slice of lime.<br />
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Options:<br />
You can use different vegetables than what I've listed here. I've had this curry with broccoli, and bok choy.<br />
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Beverages:<br />
It's a good idea to serve warm/hot curry's with a fruit juice such as mango. Especially if your guests are a little "curry shy", the mango kills the heat almost instantly. Water just moves the heat around your mouth. For some extra fun, serve with red wine. Ask The Wife™ about me+red wine+hot spice=hallucination.<br />
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As usual this curry tastes even better the next day. The above recipe is enough for 4 servings. Or, in our case 2 full servings, two rounds of "seconds" and just enough for lunch the next day. <br />
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Try this recipe out. If you made any changes, or if you have any comments, let me know! Chow down!Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01704127072835179483noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1554064582769439104.post-22392180219155259522011-11-24T10:47:00.000-05:002011-11-24T11:03:22.214-05:00Welcome!Hi internets, welcome to a little recipe blog that I'm putting together. Here's a little blurb about me, about us, about what this is all about. <br />
For context, my neighbour is currently listening, and desk drumming off beat and off tempo to: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1vIQJqZjb0&feature=related">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1vIQJqZjb0&feature=related</a>, I personally would recommend playing this link while reading this so that you can, you know, "get in the zone".<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFZHBsh_yQ7cmxbyvU_ks-X_Ly1Ln-wv9KoTLJYtt7qdDEob9I44UEPWmkhUIJbZYVTA8Fbjsd_NTgVHcgpucKvfWsxaX4VNqenZChcT1eiFxMAx7P_vECDSIORPT-qPv42CRHv2S0qzy0/s1600/meandwife.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFZHBsh_yQ7cmxbyvU_ks-X_Ly1Ln-wv9KoTLJYtt7qdDEob9I44UEPWmkhUIJbZYVTA8Fbjsd_NTgVHcgpucKvfWsxaX4VNqenZChcT1eiFxMAx7P_vECDSIORPT-qPv42CRHv2S0qzy0/s320/meandwife.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
What is this all about? <br />
In January 2011 my Wife™ challenged me to try going vegan. I was a vegetarian prior, so she was challenging me to go the extra step, and go all out vegan for 30 days. I took that challenge, and am still taking the challenge 11 months later. Why? Because it's not as hard as it seems, and every bit makes a difference. This blog isn't meant to be a "vegan maker", it's a recipe blog. All the recipes are vegan (I hope, I've slipped up on ingredients in the past), all of the recipes are to show YOU what I've been eating, and to hopefully give you a chance to try some good recipes that aren't all that hard to do. If you try a recipe, take a moment to let me, and the world know. Your questions and feedback are welcome.<br />
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What am I about?<br />
I'm a late 30 something father of two teens. I graphic design by day, cook and play rock music by night. You can hear my rock music here: <a href="http://facebook.com/takedrugsband">http://facebook.com/takedrugsband</a>. I'm also a Scout Leader and a vintage VW sucker. My garage is full of tents, a VW van, snowboards, and VW parts.<br />
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So that's me, in a nutshell. The goal will be to update this blog weekly, on a Thursday. That way you can try the recipes out on the weekend and report back Monday. Today's recipe is one that I tried last night, it's Thai Green Curry Ayam. It's really good. I hope you like it.Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01704127072835179483noreply@blogger.com1