Archive for August, 2011

Chocolate Chip Cherry Brownies

In an organized rush to get everything on our to-do list crossed off before we make the trek to Philly, I’ve  packed most of my beloved dishes, small appliances, pots and pans, silverware and other kitchen necessities. Already I’ve filled up about 6 large boxes aaaannnd there are probably at least 3 more to go (yes, I may have a bit of an obsession). We’re also trying to quickly plow through our remaining produce and pantry staples leaving me with a fun challenge come dinnertime each night. I’m actually kinda diggin’ it.

I’ve yet to pack my favorite brownie baking pan (because lots of brownies are an absolute must for road-tripping), and we had an excess of fresh cherries just begging to be used. And for some reason I have a ridiculous amount of chocolate chips to try and use up in 10 days time… poor me, right? ;)

So, today I decided I should bake some chocolate chip cherry brownies. These guys are easy to make and pretty darned good for you — at least compared to most other things I bake! And they have chocolate! And cherries!

Yay for brownies!

Chocolate Chip Cherry Brownies

Ingredients:

  • 12 medjool dates
  • 1/2 cup almond milk
  • 2 1/4 cup non-dairy chocolate chips, divided
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup superfine brown rice flour
  • 1/3 cup potato starch
  • 1 cup finely chopped cherries

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 °F. Lightly grease a glass  8 x 8 inch baking pan.

Combine pitted dates and non-dairy milk into food processor and puree until very smooth.

Over double boiler, melt 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips. Pour the melted chocolate into the date mixture and blend again until super smooth. Transfer to large mixing bowl and stir in vanilla extract and salt.

Add in brown rice flour and potato starch and mix until well combined. The batter will be very very very thick. Fold in cherries and remaining chocolate chips. I used clean hands to more or less knead the mix-ins into the batter.

Press batter into pan and spread as best you can to make a uniform surface on top. Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes. Cool completely and cut into small squares.

Eat!

Chocolate Berry Parfaits

Hi lovely readers. Boy, am I ever glad it’s August! I sure have one heck of a month lined up!

First, this little book I am writing is almost done. The final manuscript is due at the end of this month and I couldn’t be more giddy about it! I honestly don’t think I’ve been this excited since I discovered New Kids on the Block when I was like 9 years old. For real, I am that pumped.

Also! Because I am always up for a challenge and work best under pressure (sarcasm, indeed), this month my family and I are buttoning up a big move that will be taking us 500 miles east of Ohio. Yep, we are finally making the long anticipated trek to Philadelphia; we’ll be residents by the 1st of September! That’s so soon! I can’t even express to you all how genuinely excited we are about this relocation.

If any of you Philly readers have some tips to dole out for great places to eat, shop, or just plain be… I would love to hear from you. I mean, we know the city is chock full of awesome–that’s why we’re moving there–but getting some direct recommendations from you guys would be super swell. :D

So, to keep things short, sweet, and to the point (as well as provide a little extra time for writing, shooting photos, and packing) I whipped up this simple, but friggin’ stupendous parfait. I had mine for breakfast, but I’m pretty sure this would make an even better dessert.

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2011 VegNews Veggie Awards!!!!

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Hey guys!

I have a recipe post planned for tomorrow (Tuesday) but I just got word that Manifest Vegan was nominated for  “Favorite Blog” in the 2011 Veggie Awards–so I had to share the excitement as soon as I found out! Hooray!

I’ve been following the Veggie Awards for years, and I would be lying through my keyboard if I said I was anything but thrilled to see that Manifest Vegan made the cut.

Click here to check out the list of nominees. There’s a long list of veggie related awesomeness you can vote for… from favorite storefront to favorite cookbook author!

Thanks to all of you for making this possible. Even though I’ve said this hundreds (thousands?!) of times, I mean it: you guys are the best! Please go and vote!!! Plus, there’s some fun prizes you’ll have a chance to win if you do….

And, if you don’t wanna vote for my blog, you’ll quickly see that there is an amazing lineup of blogs who have also been nominated that I am very proud to be listed alongside. I mean, seriously, these people are my heroes. :)

Happy Voting!

<3 allyson