All posts by allyson

Bhindi Masala

By On October 5, 2011 In Dinner, Gluten-Free, Veggies With 13 Comments Permanent Link to Bhindi MasalaPermalink

Tonight’s Dinner. It’s also my favorite dish to order at pretty much any Indian restaurant I end up at. I love the variations I’ve had of this dish, which simply translates to spiced okra. Although, I’m admitting right now, this doesn’t taste exactly like authentic Indian cuisine–because, ya know, I’m much better at Polish/German/Irish/American cooking.

But! It’s delicious, and pretty spicy in a mild kinda way. Feel free to add more chili powder to jazz it up. Before attempting to make my own Bhindi Masala,  I learned some important tips from Manjula about okra cooking that I never knew the hundred other times I’ve made it. First, after you rinse your okra, be sure to pat them very dry, lest your okra get slimy while cooking. Also, you don’t have to cut your okra into cute little ferris wheels to make this dish. Hers looked pretty kickin’ with the pods cut lengthwise.

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Cinnamon Swirl Pumpkin Bread

By On October 4, 2011 In Baked Goods, Bread, Desserts, Gluten-Free With 34 Comments Permanent Link to Cinnamon Swirl Pumpkin BreadPermalink

Let the pumpkin mayhem begin on MV.

I admit, I created this recipe purely because of a selfish craving I was having for something sticky sweet and pumpkiny. I was going to try and pass it off as a treat my kids would enjoy for breakfast, but I became pretty possessive over it once it came out of the oven. The kids still got some, but I ended up having more than my fair share. :\

I’m not usually one to fall head over heels for a simple quick loaf, but the spicy cinnamon trail that runs through this sweet pumpkin bread is enough to make my heart sing a different tune.

It’s even more delectable with a slather of your favorite vegan cream cheese on top!

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It’s a MoFo’in kinda Monday…

By On October 3, 2011 In Brownies, Gluten-Free, Vegan Community With 19 Comments Permanent Link to It’s a MoFo’in kinda Monday…Permalink

 

Happy Monday, Friends! Today is my very first day posting for veganMoFo 5!

This year is my third year in, and I’ll be posting each weekday in October… starting today! I don’t know about you all, but I am psyched! And since it’s MoFo time and I’ve noticed a nice influx of new readers (hi, new readers!) I went ahead and updated my “about page”. Have a looksy if you’re curious about why I write this blog. ♥

I’m really looking forward to this month, because a whole slew of amazingly dedicated bloggers will be posting their hearts out almost every single day. Talk about inspiration! It’s definitely one of my favorite times of the year. You guys, I hit up Wegman’s HARD this weekend in preparation for this big event. A grocery store so glamorous, it would make me seriously consider moving a wee bit outside of Philly. Okay maybe it’s not quite that glamorous (have I mentioned how much I adore living in Philly?! So many bicycles, so many shops, so many hellos, so much good FOOD!), but it is definitely worth the 20 mile drive to get there.

This MoFo I’m doing the same thing I do every year: posting lotsa recipes, and I’ll be highlighting a few of my favorite author’s cookbooks, and maybe some other random funstuff strewn about. And you can absolutely count on tons of pumpkin showing up around here. I love October MoFos!

Also, my macadamia coconut blondies were posted on One Green Planet today… worth a gander if you’ve got a bit of a sweet tooth.

See you all tomorrow!

Apple Pie Cheesecake

By On September 24, 2011 In Baked Goods, Desserts, Gluten-Free, Pies, Uncategorized With 61 Comments Permanent Link to Apple Pie CheesecakePermalink

Fall is officially here. And with the coming of Fall, also comes an abundance of apples and pumpkins. Even though I loathe the impending cold temperatures, I relish the slight chill of autumn weather and the plethora of comfort foods that accompany it. Especially comfort food that include apples–whether it be a nice mug of cider (preferably the adult versions) or a hefty slice of cheesecake with the addictive flavor of apple pie strewn throughout. Apples are a staple in my house come the end of September… and they remain there all the way until December.

I used honeycrisp in this cheesecake only because my default baking apple, the granny smith, is nowhere to be found in any grocery store or market I’ve perused in Philly. Is this a problem in other parts of the world… or are our friendly grocery-teers mocking me and my east coast relocation?

Anyways, even with honeycrisps–which I truly hate to bake with, as they are a superior snacking apple straight to the core–this cheesecake takes apple pie to a whole new level. Or maybe this apple pie takes cheesecake to a whole new level? Whichever it is, be sure to chill this dessert in the fridge for at least 24 hours after baking for maximum enjoyment.

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Apple, Pear and Onion Tarte Salée

By On September 16, 2011 In Baked Goods, Dinner, Gluten-Free, Pies With 10 Comments Permanent Link to Apple, Pear and Onion Tarte SaléePermalink

This savory tart is hearty enough to call a pie and delicious enough to star as a fantastic main course. I’ve always loved the combination of apples, onions and cheeze and decided to incorporate all three in this special entrée. The addition of unripened Bartlett pears gives it an extra touch of sweetness and unexpected flavor.

Inspired by my ongoing obsession with French everything, this tart is excellent for impressing house guests, or even just your favorite people who sit alongside you at the dinner table.

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Quinoa Salad Stuffed Grape Leaves

By On September 9, 2011 In Appetizers/Hors d'oeuvre, Dinner, Gluten-Free, Sauces With 21 Comments Permanent Link to Quinoa Salad Stuffed Grape LeavesPermalink

Hi everyone! First, I have to thank you all for the wonderful comments and congrats on the book, the move to Philly and the VegNews mentions. Your kind words mean a lot to me and I just loved reading all the comments! ♥

Also, I’ll be announcing the winner of the decorating kit giveaway at the end of this post, so bear with me–or just scroll down to get to the good content. ;)

Now, onto the stuffed grape leaves. Stuffed grape leaves are from the cuisines influenced by the Ottoman Empire, including but not limited to Turkish, Greek and Middle Eastern cuisine. These little nuggets of deliciousness are most typically known as dolmades. Dolma is from the Turkish verb dolmak, ‘to be stuffed’, and simply means “stuffed thing”. Neat, eh?

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Philly lovin’, Mass Productivity, and a Giveaway!

By On September 2, 2011 In Philly With 148 Comments Permanent Link to Philly lovin’, Mass Productivity, and a Giveaway!Permalink

Hello my long lost friends! This week has been pretty incredible and I feel like I have a lotta catching up to do. I’m not sure how or why all these life changing events got shuffled into one single month, but it’s been pretty wonderful, despite the deadlines and time constraints. But, happily because all these things are now checked off on my giant “to do” list, I’ll have a lot more time to dedicate to this here blog. Which I feel incredibly psyched about, as I have missed you all dearly.

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Chocolate Chip Cherry Brownies

By On August 19, 2011 In Baked Goods, Brownies, Chocolate, Desserts, Gluten-Free With 30 Comments Permanent Link to Chocolate Chip Cherry BrowniesPermalink

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

By On August 2, 2011 In Chocolate, Gluten-Free, Pudding/Mousse With 31 Comments Permanent Link to Chocolate Berry ParfaitsPermalink

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!!!!

By On August 1, 2011 In Uncategorized, Vegan Community With 16 Comments Permanent Link to 2011 VegNews Veggie Awards!!!!Permalink

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P7SBnSAVaj4/TjchP76YigI/AAAAAAAAeKM/yJaz-b5fzc4/VegNewsLogo-Awards-2011.jpg

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

 

 

Summer Pasta-less Salad

By On July 20, 2011 In Dinner, Gluten-Free, Pasta, Salads, Veggies With 31 Comments Permanent Link to Summer Pasta-less SaladPermalink

Since the weather outside has been too hot for even this heat junkie to handle — with temperatures reaching close to 100 °F — I’ve been avoiding my oven and stove-top and instead looking to water-packed raw fruits and veggies to get me through these sweltering days of summer.

This light summer salad is reminiscent of the pasta salad I used to enjoy as a wee one… except I left out the heavy pasta and replaced it with my fave go-to summer staple: zucchini “noodles”. If you don’t have a spiralizer, a vegetable peeler works great too.

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Loaded Blueberry Muffins

By On July 11, 2011 In Baked Goods, Breakfast, Gluten-Free, Muffins With 33 Comments Permanent Link to Loaded Blueberry MuffinsPermalink

 

As you guys can probably tell by now, I am a huge advocate of muffin making. I bake them often, and many times I like to feature them here on the blog. This is because, in my eyes, muffins may be the world’s most perfect food.

They are simple to prepare, they taste kinda like cake, and there are endless variations to be thought up. I could probably make muffins every single day and never repeat a flavor combo even once… at least for a year or so. And I’d relish every single minute of it. ♥

You know what else I love about muffins?  My picky two year old will eat them for breakfast. She has a hard time agreeing to putting anything in her mouth that’s not a “leaf” (kale salads, raw spinach, etc.) or a cookie. Yet, every single muffin I’ve ever fed her has been happily gobbled up–mostly by her, sometimes by the dog. She’s also into sharing.

When I make muffins these days, I like to jam them full of mix-ins to balance out all those leaves. ;) These are typical blueberry muffins with a few extras–buckwheat, zucchini, and banana–added in for good measure.

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Jalapeño Cheddar Bagel

By On June 30, 2011 In Baked Goods, Bread, Gluten-Free With 31 Comments Permanent Link to Jalapeño Cheddar BagelPermalink

Hey, lovely readers! Happy Thursday! I bring you this bagel as part of a group blogging challenge entitled, “Gluten-Free Dream Day at Panera Bread“.

What’s a Gluten-Free Dream Day at Panera Bread?

Well, basically a bunch of us bloggers came together and we each re-created our favorite Panera Bread bakery treat into a gluten-free vegan version. Pretty cool, huh? Some very talented folks are participating, and I’m excited to be part of it.

When I was invited to work on this idea with Marly, of Namely Marly, the same genius who brought us Top Ten Sandwiches: Veganized , I was all about it. But, I have to admit…. I haven’t been to a Panera Bread chain in a very, very, very long time. In fact, I think the last time I was in one was about 4 years ago, and that was only to pick up some grub for my office friends’ lunches. I did however get myself a soy latte, and from what I remember, it was pretty tasty.

Once I finally took a looksy at Panera’s menu and realized they had a Jalapeño Cheddar Bagel, I decided I wanted to recreate it in my own gluten-free and animal friendly kitchen. I love bagels… so I thought this would be right up my alley. Even though I had never had the actual Panera bagel, it sounded like something I would totally be into. And, man, was I right.

Chewy, crunchy (once toasted), spicy, and cheesy, this is definitely my kinda bagel. I’ve always been much more of a savory breakfast kinda gal, and I could get used to waking up to this deliciousness each morning with a piping hot cuppa joe… couldn’t you?

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White Chocolate, Raspberry & Sage Tart

By On June 26, 2011 In Baked Goods, Desserts, Gluten-Free, Pies, Sauces With 33 Comments Permanent Link to White Chocolate, Raspberry & Sage TartPermalink

Homemade white chocolate, berries from the backyard, and fresh sage from the garden all add up to a ridiculously easy, yet sophisticated, tart.

As I was making this tart (at this point, I had only finished baking the crust) my husband kept begging me to let him try it. So, by the time the whole thing was said and done and photos had been shot, he managed to eat HALF of said tart in about 10 minutes. And he’s not even a white chocolate fanatic like moi. My son and I were equally impressed with how much he liked this recipe; but, given its delectable and slightly minty flavor from the sage, neither of us were surprised. This is a really great tart.

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Lemon Olive Oil Cookies

By On June 17, 2011 In Baked Goods, Cookies, Desserts, Gluten-Free With 19 Comments Permanent Link to Lemon Olive Oil CookiesPermalink

Friends, today I set out to share a delicious new cashew cream truffle recipe with you, while trying to juggle a multitude of other tasks. And I failed. Miserably. :\ I won’t go into details, but let’s just say my kitchen was definitely a pathetic sight to see.

But! Then I remembered I had this bag of lemons kickin’ around, and the fresh smell of lemon always pulls me out of a funk. So I cheered myself up by baking a batch of these citrusy morsels. And man, am I ever glad I screwed up those truffles; these cookies are really good.

Soft, tangy, and similar to a snickerdoodle in texture, these cookies are a nice treat on a warm summer day — especially alongside a refreshing scoop of lemon sorbet. If you don’t like the flavor of olive oil and would prefer a milder cookie, feel free to sub it out with melted margarine or coconut oil.

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