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Newborn VegSpinz
Published on 2012-04-10 19:37:54
Well I took a nice long break to look after myself and the baby, who was born four days early, due to an unexpected C-Section. > read more
Sacramento VegFest 2012
Published on 2012-02-07 15:41:19
(Photos by Mark Storm Photography)I was excited to go to the Sacramento VegFest this past weekend for my birthday. Yes, it was small, but very well attended. Chef AJ (above) demonstrates how to make easy raw chocolate peanut butter date bon-bons to an entertained crowd. Ending her demo with a special rendition of "Love Will Keep Us Together," her comedic energy kept everyone laughing and energized until the very end. The bon-bons were very rich and yummy too.Chef Brooke Preston of Green Bohe [..] > read more
The Groundhog's Shadow
Published on 2012-02-01 16:16:40
When Groundhog Phil felt a cold winter chill, he venturedout from his hole.Slowly with care, sniffing ground and the air, he emergedfrom the crumbly knoll.Every year he would pose with a quivering nose, to feel forwinter’s harsh sting. For if it were true, it was a groundhog’s cue, to fall intoa deep sleep ‘til Spring.“Are those snowflakes up there, dancing on air?” asked Philin a state of confusion.He crept further to see if it truly could be, a sign ofwinter or just an illusion.The s [..] > read more
FoodBuzz 24: A Vegan Year of The Dragon
Published on 2012-01-02 22:52:35
The Dragon and the Rainbow Goblinby DJ KarmaOnce upon atime, a baby dragon hatched from a very large speckled egg. He was named Zephyr, after the warm west winds that whistled past his family's largecavern on the day he was born.Zephyr grewincredibly fast, to become a gigantic and beautiful water dragon. He had a long undulating body, punctuated byhundreds of pointy, multi-colored scales that poked out of the water when heswam. His colorful armor reflected the rays of sunlight that shone down [..] > read more
Vegan Christmas Tree Pastries
Published on 2011-12-16 14:07:04
These tree-shaped pastries are easy and fun to make, and inspired by a post that has stuck in my head for a couple of years from VeganLovlie. She used homemade pie crust pastry, but I went the quick route and used store-bought puff pastry. Each package makes four 4-6" trees (more if you try making smaller ones), and you can fill them with anything you like- savory or sweet.Start with your sheet of puff pastry and cut in half. Then make two 1 to 1 1/2" cuts on the middle bottom for your tree t [..] > read more
Turkeys on My Vegan Table!
Published on 2011-11-24 15:50:43
Turkey Apple, made of green apple, carrots, celery, and raisins (for eyes) Parts held together with toothpicksWho says vegans don't have turkey on Thanksgiving? Turkey Bread Bowl with Spinach Dip (eyes made of black peppercorns)Since I've been pregnant and battling bronchitis for the past week and a half, I am seriously late to the game! But I thought I'd have a little fun anyway...Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!Gobble, Gobble! > read more
A Bun in the Oven
Published on 2011-11-24 02:19:09
Yes, it's true. I have one- in my oven, so to speak! Surprise! Although this baby was completely unplanned, and such a mystery as to how it happened, we are all thrilled. Admittedly, the idea of a child did give my husband and I a freak-out moment or two when we first saw the plus sign on the, count 'em- THREE pregnancy tests, but I knew that this had to be destiny. Only a month or so earlier, quite an unusual thought entered my mind, which I shared with Mike. You see, I had never really l [..] > read more
Halloween 2011: Alien Invasion!
Published on 2011-11-05 03:53:59
As some of you may know, Halloween is the biggest holiday at my house. As an owner of a DJ company, it's a perfect fit for our equipment, and it gives us the opportunity to connect with all the trick-or-treating families in our neighborhood (more than a hundred kids usually stop by). They always look forward to our "getup" every year, and cars passing by during the day will often linger to check out our progress and ask us what movie we'll be showing.Over the years, we've continued to outdo ou [..] > read more
Vegan Bahn Mi (Vietnamese Sandwich) with Spicy Cashew Spread
Published on 2011-09-06 19:48:43
I've always loved these Asian-French fusion sandwiches. I usually use vegan mayo, but I thought I'd get a little fancy with a jalapeno cashew spread, that has the consistency of hummus. If you've never tried one of these, they're savory, sweet, sour, and spicy, with a fresh crunch from the veggies. These disappeared quickly! Ingredients:For the mushrooms:3-4 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil1/2 pound portabello mushrooms (two large caps)3 Tbsp. soy sauce1 Tbsp. brown sugar1 Tbsp. Mirin or Sweet Ri [..] > read more
FoodBuzz 24 x 24: Incredible Edible Bowls
Published on 2011-08-01 01:11:23
Put away those utensils and leave your bowls in the cupboard! If you ever wished you could lick your bowl clean, well... here's your chance to EAT it! Martha Stewart wouldn't raise an eyebrow on these babies.Cucumber Sailboats Tip: Make sure to cut the bottoms so they'll stand up.Tip#2: Nothing better than fresh fried tortilla chip sails! Fry up scraps for tortilla soup or add to salads. These were filled with guacamole and accented with red bell pepper.Carrot Straws & Apple or Bell Pepper [..] > read more
Vegan Salami, Using Tapioca Pearls
Published on 2011-07-27 14:59:00
I read somewhere that a chef used tapioca pearls in a dish to mimic fat. Intrigued, I delved a little deeper into the subject, and found that vegans were already using them in seitan to improve texture. I also found that you must use instant tapioca, so that it would actually cook through properly. The tiny beads are barely recognizable in this, but I think it does add more softness and a little "bounce" to the texture. Also, it does mimic the fat left on the tongue after eating salami.This [..] > read more
A Vegan Fourth- Foods Invented in California, USA!
Published on 2011-07-04 18:00:53
Are you tired of seeing red, white, and blue foods yet? (lol) Well, this patriotic post is about foods invented in the United States... more specifically, in California.Pisco Punch: San Francisco, CA This fruity punch, named after the Peru > read more
Quick Vegan Meatballs
Published on 2011-07-03 02:30:03
These little babies hold together well, and are deliciously easy to make. And on the plus side for me, it feeds up to 10 people!Saturdays are often "Semi-Homemade Saturdays," because I usually need to throw something together quick for the guys > read more
Vegan Spelt Hawaiian Bread
Published on 2011-06-25 19:47:57
Soft, pillowy, and slightly sweet, this Hawaiian bread has a hint of pineapple and ginger. It's definitely something I miss eating since going vegan, and has been on my husband's wish list since he found out about his mild wheat intolerance. &n > read more
Vegan BLT Salad
Published on 2011-06-22 22:08:17
When it comes to salad, everyone has their favorite combos, and it seems like the perfect dish to express one's own unique flair. If you're getting bored, why not change up the presentation a little? This is a fun play on the great Americ > read more
Japanese Potato Salad, Potato Totoros, and Vegan Kewpie Mayo
Published on 2011-06-11 20:57:10
A long time ago, when my host daughter Emiko made Japanese potato salad for us, I was dubious. Unlike the American version, it was extremely simple: potatoes, cooked carrots, peas, mayo, and salt. Then I tasted it, and thought it was geni > read more
DJ Party! Electrolux "Are You Party Ready?" Event
Published on 2011-06-09 19:30:26
Scenario: I'm at home in my jammies, watching pre-recorded episodes of reality shows I'd rather not disclose, fast becoming one with the couch, and there's a knock at my door. Jack, the Jack Russell Terrorist, flies off the couch and with > read more
Vegan New York Style Cheesecake
Published on 2011-05-25 14:32:18
Disclaimer: This WILL make you fat. I think you might ingest some calories just by breathing the air around it. Of course, it isn't as bad as the non-vegan version, that has six eggs, heavy cream, and full-fat sour cream added, but > read more
Vegan Cheesecake Panna Cotta and Fruit Roses
Published on 2011-05-09 01:24:42
This is in honor of our mothers. Both my mother and mother-in-law have passed, but they will always be a part of who we are. Our sensibilities, our tastes, and our quirks, have all been influenced to some degree by Mom. Wherever the > read more
Vegan Scotch Eggs
Published on 2011-04-30 20:55:27
These took some time to prep, but they were fun to assemble. Crunchy and savory on the outside, and quite eggy on the inside, they were worth the work- and I must say, very satisfying to cut open! For the "White," I drained and pressed firm tofu > read more
Melon Bunny
Published on 2011-04-23 18:00:27
Vegan Ham and Yam Cracklins
Published on 2011-04-17 01:54:35
Meat analog. Is there any less appetizing way to describe vegan meat? Just using the word "meat" doesn't seem right either, given that our diets are meat-free. I propose we come up with another name- an entirely new word, perhaps. Something that > read more
Vegan Corn Chowder, Updated
Published on 2011-03-25 02:02:43
Soup is always on the top of my list on a cold blustery day like today. It seems like Mr. Snow Miser is still battling it out with Mr. Heat Miser, and here in Northern California, it's turned into Mr. Miserably Cold Rain Miser!If you're too young to > read more
Vegan Fruit Sweetened Banana Bread
Published on 2011-03-22 03:39:32
Sometimes you just want your food to give you a nice warm hug. It's that familiar feeling of comfort, as you inhale that special aroma from your childhood, savor that distinctive combination of textures and flavors on your tongue. Perhaps it'll rem > read more
A Dream of Spring, and Vegan Cucumber Sandwiches
Published on 2011-03-18 22:13:15
All nature seems at workSlugs leave their lairThe bees are stirring--birds are on the wingAnd winter slumbering in the open air, Wears on his smiling faceA dream of Spring -Samuel Taylor Coleridge Light and refreshing, like Spring itself, these cre > read more
Vegan Crunchy Corn Dogs
Published on 2011-02-24 01:22:00
Lately, my husband has gotten somewhat obsessed with corn dogs. They weren't my favorite thing to make, since I had trouble getting the batter to stick in my first couple of attempts, but he really loved the light crispy cornbread that surround > read more
Romancing the Plate, A Valentine's Tale
Published on 2011-02-11 22:37:26
Three women became hopelessly infatuated with the same man. He was a world-class chef, and they believed him to be the most handsome, the most noble, the most intelligent, and the most sensitive man they had ever met in their whole lives (and they h > read more
Ultimate Game Day Food
Published on 2011-02-05 22:28:17
What is the Superbowl, if not Thanksgiving's loud obnoxious cousin? I know most of you probably love the sport, but since I'm a less than enthusiastic fan, I usually end up making food for my football-loving buddies. And what could be a m > read more
Vegan Lunar New Year and My 40th
Published on 2011-02-03 23:16:22
This year's lunar new year falls a day before I hit the big 4-0! The first day of the lunar new year is traditionally without meat- how perfect is that? I thought that I might as well celebrate both at the same time, and make some of my f > read more
House of Cake
Published on 2011-01-30 06:04:16
layered chocolate cake with vegan buttercream frosting in the shape of a house.I took the month of December and part of January to clean, purge, and organize my entire house of 12 years worth of junk. It was tedious. It was draining. It was therap > read more
Vegan Spelt Date-Sweetened Apple Fritters
Published on 2011-01-22 15:11:48
These are crisp on the outside, and moist and fluffy on the inside. Great smothered in maple syrup! I've been gone a long time. No excuses, except that I've been working on a project, which will be revealed in my next post. In the meantime, I've b > read more
Shortbread Jam Cookies
Published on 2011-01-11 01:35:12
Reflecting on years past, I thought I'd do a repost. Enjoy, and here's to a wonderful 2011!Warning: These must be eaten in moderation! I veganized a shortbread recipe from my old Mrs. Field's cookie book, which does not skimp on butter and sugar. > read more
Was the Night Before Christmas...
Published on 2010-12-18 20:27:18
...and all through the placenot a creature was cooked, not even a trace.The vegetables were peeled and chopped with care,in hopes that soon everyone could pull up a chair.We vegans were giddy, all warm from the rum.As non-dairy eggnog swam in our tum > read more
Super Colossal Vegan Roast
Published on 2010-11-26 19:28:16
...or more affectionately named "Tofurken." Thanksgiving. A holiday created by Americans to reflect and appreciate, to spend time with family and celebrate the coming of Autumn and all its beauty. But let's face it- the most important thing about Th > read more
Vegan Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie
Published on 2010-11-24 22:59:11
If Pumpkin Pie, loud-mouthed and full of sass married Cheesecake, narcissistic and demure, the result would be Pumpkin Cheesecake- but only if their relationship was dysfunctionally co-dependent. Now if they had a healthy complimentary relationship > read more
Tempeh Roulade en Croute
Published on 2010-11-13 20:50:38
Here's how my typical vegan Thanksgiving goes: Stuffing- check. Cranberry sauce- check. Mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, pumpkin pie- check, check, check. Vegan turkey substitute... ugh! Let's face it- sid > read more
Faux Rocks and Paper Mache
Published on 2010-11-03 00:12:14
No, this is not a post about food... BUT, since most foodies are pretty crafty (with their recipes), and love to find interesting ways to recycle (who doesn't?), I thought this would be a post of interest. It was certainly interesting to me!A while > read more
Savory Halloween Treats
Published on 2010-10-23 15:17:22
I love Halloween. Demonic worshippers and the psychotically-disturbed aside, it seems to be a holiday that is often confused with the glorification of violence and evil. On the contrary, I think it celebrates our triumph over FEAR. > read more