All posts tagged vegan

Fruity Spinach Salad & Happy News!

By On June 10, 2011 In Gluten-Free, Salad dressing, Salads, Vegan Community With 41 Comments Permanent Link to Fruity Spinach Salad & Happy News!Permalink

 

It’s been a buuuuuuusy week around the Kramer household. I’ve been putting in some major overtime trying to get this cookbook wrapped up. Sleeping has been replaced with early morning recipe testing and late night writing, my refrigerator is jam-packed with WAY too much food for a family of three and a half to deal with, and there are regularly just enough dirty dishes in my sink to keep me from filling my coffee pot with water so I can function throughout the day. :\

But, despite the busyness, I am loving life right now. The weather outside has been a blissful 90 degrees (yeah, I’m a heat junkie), and my garden is in full bloom even though I haven’t been able to tend to it this year. I guess it wanted to grow so badly that it just took care of itself. Pretty rad! We have kale, scallions, chamomile, rosemary, parsley, cilantro, mint, oregano, sage, berries, roses, and even purslane! So, it’s really a great time to be cooking up a storm. Ah, yes… life is good.

And, you guys… I have good news! Well, great news! I’ve been sitting on this exciting announcement for a while until it became “official”. And now it is. I’m super happy to say that my cookbook is getting published by Fair Winds Press… one of my all time favorite publishers of beautiful reads! So with that, comes an emphatic thank you to all of you. There’s no way in heck I would have ever had this opportunity if it wasn’t for you glorious readers out there, subscribing to my culinary rants, making my recipes, and keeping me motivated. You guys are the best.

The book’ll be hitting shelves Spring of 2012, and the [tentative] title is Great Gluten-Free Vegan Eats. Keep an eye out for it! Unless of course you’re a regular follower of my blog, in which case I’ll be sure to remind you. :)

My testers have been hard at work too! Check out what a few of them have been up to:

The Vegan Chickpea

Forest Raven

Tiffany’s (of Bread Without Butter) flickr photostream Check out her blog too!

And, last but not least, Tofu’s Mobile Me Gallery

They’ve been busy helping me out, and I couldn’t be more appreciative of all their hard work. ♥

With a schedule like I have these days, one thing that’s keeping me fueled up is salads. Yep… I’ve been thriving on simple, colorful, nutritious bowls of yum. They always include some of my garden bounty in ‘em, which makes me especially proud to be noshing them. They’re good for your mind and body, and they are super easy to prepare. Oh, and they require very little cleanup!

This recipe is one of my faves. It’s filling enough to count as a full meal, yet simple enough to whip up last minute before heading out the door for some summertime fun (if you happen to have some cooked brown rice on hand, which is a frequent occurrence in my refrigerator). Feel free to adjust all seasonings and ingredients to your taste! This is, after all, a salad… mix it up!

Continue Reading →

Coconut Basil Ice Cream

By On June 3, 2011 In Desserts, Frozen Treats, Gluten-Free With 20 Comments Permanent Link to Coconut Basil Ice CreamPermalink

If you like basil… and you like coconut, try this ice cream. Since I’m from the sticks, I very rarely get the treat of eating “gourmet” vegan ice cream.  So, I realize that this flavor may very well be played out… but this is some tasty stuff!

Yesterday I was thinking how a mango/basil sorbet would be killergood for lunch (yeah, it’s been one of those weeks), and it clicked. Basil ice cream! No frills, just pure and delicious basil-y goodness hyped up with a little coconut milk. Then I googled it and saw that a few other folks had thought of that one already. But, it’s a really good idea! Maybe even classic? I think it’s my new favorite flavor.

Or not. Nothing will replace vanilla bean in this gal’s heart… but a close second? Yeah, I’ll give it that.

This ice cream has just the right amount of oomph from the peppery and minty basil, and a dash of coconut flair to make it shine. Perfected with a drizzle of chocolate on top.

Continue Reading →

Pineapple Walnut Muffins

By On May 27, 2011 In Baked Goods, Breakfast, Gluten-Free, Muffins With 14 Comments Permanent Link to Pineapple Walnut MuffinsPermalink

I’ve been on a major muffin kick lately; during the warmer months I truly appreciate having portable and easy snacks around. Makes life just a wee bit easier. I’ve also been raiding my pantry trying to use up some of the goodies I’ve had tucked away, and today I found a can of pineapples and a ton of walnuts. Perfect for muffin makin’!

These guys are moist, spongy, and laced with the tropical tang of pineapples and the earthy crunch of walnuts.

Continue Reading →

Orange Sesame Yuba Rolls

By On May 20, 2011 In Gluten-Free, Sauces With 23 Comments Permanent Link to Orange Sesame Yuba RollsPermalink


 

A while back I learned about yuba, or tofu skin. If you’ve never heard of it, it’s basically the film that coagulates on the top of a boiled pan of soymilk.

Hungry yet?

But here’s the thing… this stuff is really good, but in kind of a strange way.

You see, I finally tried it, and it turns out that I love this stuff. I can imagine doing so much with it. Yuba is my friend!

With that said, I can see how it might be an acquired… um, texture to get used to. Pre-fried it looks a lot like a deflated balloon. It also has sort of a funny smell when you cook it the first time through (hey, just being honest). But, other than that…it’s great! It has a peculiar chewy and crispy texture when pan fried. It can also be used in a variety of other ways: as a dumpling wrap, vegan sausage casing, or just eatin’ fresh with some simple seasoning. Just like tofu, it soaks up any and every flavor you let it. And if you buy the dried, frozen or fresh varieties, it is super easy to prepare. Like, easier than tofu. For serious!

Now are you more interested? I hope so.

Continue Reading →

Lemon Poppyseed Waffles

By On May 10, 2011 In Breakfast, Gluten-Free, Pancakes/crepes With 29 Comments Permanent Link to Lemon Poppyseed WafflesPermalink

I am absolutely infatuated with lemons. I mean, what’s not to love? They have the fresh fragrance of a warm summer day, and their daisy yellow hue can make just about anyone smile. Not to mention, lemons pretty much get along with any flavor. Well, almost; I guess they don’t really mesh too well with chocolate. But since chocolate is another one of my flames, I’d prefer to keep a nice distance between the two. Lest I cause any jealousy and lose affection for either (the horror!).

But back to lemons…. aren’t they just the dreamiest?

<<Sigh>>

These waffles combine the crisp flavor of lemons with the fun crunch of poppyseeds… a timeless pair that never ceases to amaze me. Oh dear lemons, is there anything you guys can’t do?

Continue Reading →

Raspberry Pecan Tart

By On May 4, 2011 In Baked Goods, Desserts, Gluten-Free, Pies With 29 Comments Permanent Link to Raspberry Pecan TartPermalink

This humble little dessert turned out to be quite a big hit with my family. There’s just something about toasted pecans and tangy raspberry jam that make for a delectable combo. My husband likened it to an extremely delicious (and much more appealing) nutra-grain bar. Yeah, I can get behind that.

It’s easy to toss together, and even easier to eat much more than intended. This is some addictive stuff; serve with caution.

By the way, there are some incredible double milled GF flours available from Authentic Foods. I was first introduced to the ‘superfine brown rice flour’ by the wonderful Julie Hasson (accompanied by raving reviews of the stuff by miss Kittee). But you guys, guess what? The fine folks at Authentic Foods also make a superfine sorghum flour (oh yes, my dreams have come true!)… and it’s the bees knees. For serious. I have been using it in everything lately, and I really enjoyed the results when I used it in this tart. I highly recommend trying it out if you’re up for a superfine splurge. Otherwise, just stick to regular sorghum flour for this recipe–it won’t hurt anything.

Continue Reading →

Simple Rolled Sugar Cookies

By On April 25, 2011 In Baked Goods, Cookies, Gluten-Free With 11 Comments Permanent Link to Simple Rolled Sugar CookiesPermalink

I adore Spring, and I am always so excited when the official “first day of Spring” comes around, especially after a gruelingly cold winter. Yet, I never feel like I can fully appreciate the season during the first few weeks as it’s usually still quite cold in my part of the world.

But near the beginning of May, everything is budding and blooming and full of life. It’s a wonderful time of year! This warm spring weather puts me in the bestest of moods, even if it’s raining. And, when I’m in a good mood, I like to make cookies. And then I like to cover them in pastel colors!

We munched on these sugar cookies this past weekend– I think they helped put a little “spring” in everyone’s step!

So, even though it’s slightly belated….

Happy Spring, dear readers!

Continue Reading →

Brand New 100% Vegan & Gluten Free Site!

By On April 17, 2011 In Gluten-Free, Vegan Community With 23 Comments Permanent Link to Brand New 100% Vegan & Gluten Free Site!Permalink

Hey everyone!

Remember how I briefly mentioned way back in the day that my pals Jessy, Kittee and I were working on a giant resource for vegans who are also gluten free?

It’s finally done! Hooray! We launched today, and I am oh so very excited. There’s even a community recipe hub… check it out! ♥

Spring Chickenless Salad

By On April 13, 2011 In Dinner, Gluten-Free, Salads With 17 Comments Permanent Link to Spring Chickenless SaladPermalink

Sometimes it just feels good to splurge, ya know?

Continue Reading →

Lavender Vanilla Bean Scones

By On April 7, 2011 In Baked Goods, Breakfast, Gluten-Free, Scones With 34 Comments Permanent Link to Lavender Vanilla Bean SconesPermalink

Have you ever tasted a lavender scone?

One of the fondest food memories from my childhood was my first encounter with this fragrant breakfast treat. My mother had brought a box home from work one day–a client of hers had made them for her as a gift. Luckily, she shared them with me. I had never experienced anything like them before and will never forget their wonderfully unique flavor.

I’ve yet to see any lavender scones in the bakeshops around my hometown–especially vegan and gluten free versions. Sigh.

To enjoy such a scone, I must make it myself. But, please don’t get me wrong; I am not complaining. Baking these things in my own oven is pretty much the best type of aroma-therapy a girl can ask for. ♥

Continue Reading →

Besan Fries

By On March 31, 2011 In Dinner, Gluten-Free, Side dishes With 46 Comments Permanent Link to Besan FriesPermalink

Besan flour–otherwise known as chickpea flour, gram flour or garbanzo bean flour–has become a coveted staple in my household. Almost every single day I make a quick meal using this versatile flour. Somehow, though, I missed the buzz about chickpea fries that seemed to be happening a couple of years ago… from folks like Mark Bittman, Martha Stewart, and even Oprah. Where have I been? I’m not sure either, but I promise I am never going back to that isolated place. Not after getting a taste of these crispy gems.

I admit, I’m not big on fried foods… really much at all. I have to eat fried stuff in extreme moderation because it jives badly with all the nutritious stuff (like raw veggies!) that my belly loves the most. But, if I ever have the craving for a few greasy french fries… I’ll probably reach for my bag of besan rather than my basket of potatoes.

These guys brings back memories of restaurant fries from my childhood: flavorful and crunchy with no need for dipping sauce. However, they do pair nicely with a blend of spicy mustard, a little Vegenaise and chili garlic sauce. Very nicely.

They are slightly more involved than your average fry, though. First you have to cook the batter and let it chill in the fridge until it firms up, almost like polenta. But after that, it’s smooth sailing. That is, if you’re not terrified of hot grease. In which case, it may be a tad more difficult for ya.

It’s great to make the batter and have it chilling in the fridge the night before so that you’ll have them ready to fry up the next day.

Continue Reading →

Carrot Cilantro Soup

By On March 25, 2011 In Appetizers/Hors d'oeuvre, Gluten-Free, Soups, Veggies With 24 Comments Permanent Link to Carrot Cilantro SoupPermalink

The simplicity of this soup is what makes it so darn delightful.  The cilantro imparts a wonderful citrus flavor and pairs well with the dense sweetness of the carrots.

The carrot soup alone is extremely flavorful, so if you have an aversion to cilantro, it’s not essential to add it at the end.

But, of course, if you LOVE cilantro… then by all means, add twice the recommended amount.

Continue Reading →

Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Tartlets

By On March 23, 2011 In Baked Goods, Chocolate, Desserts, Gluten-Free With 47 Comments Permanent Link to Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel TartletsPermalink

If you peruse the archives of Manifest Vegan, chances are you will find a ton of recipes calling for chocolate and peanut butter. That’s because both chocolate and peanut butter are easy winners in my book. The combo of the two makes for an undefeated champ; add pretzels and you have yourself a legendary dessert.

After I secured myself a nice bag of Glutino brand pretzels the other day (so excited as I hadn’t eaten pretzels in over a year!), I knew they would be the perfect crust for a pb & chocolate tart. If you’re gluten free and you haven’t tried these pretzels, look for them at your next grocery outing. They are so good!

If you too love a good choco-butter combo, make these tarts… your taste buds will forever thank you.

And, if you are feeling not so adventurous with the tarts, feel free to put the filling into small cups and garnish with crushed pretzels… still excellent!

Continue Reading →

Colcannon Casserole

By On March 16, 2011 In Dinner, Gluten-Free, Sauces, Side dishes With 20 Comments Permanent Link to Colcannon CasserolePermalink

With St. Patrick’s Day right around the corner, my google reader seems to be spitting out hundreds of recipes for Colcannon.

And for good reason. This Irish dish is not only easy to make, it is also quite tasty. It’s composed of two of my most favorite foods: kale and mashed potatoes. Sometimes the kale is replaced with cabbage (or is it the other way around?). It makes no difference to me… I am still smitten. Really, any cruciferous veggie mixed with mashed potatoes is sure to win my heart.

This recipe is just an elaboration on the popular dish. It’s basically colcannon topped with a whiskey marinated tofu, fragrant toasted walnuts, and a decadent mushroom gravy. Altogether, it makes a killer main course.

I’ve always been fairly indifferent to St. Patrick’s Day as celebrated here in the USA. I’ve never been much of a bar-hopper, and now that I have children, even if I had the urge to do so, I’d have to hassle with a sitter, and then we’d have a curfew–and well, it’s just much more fun for me to snuggle up next to my hubby and sip green beer in our cozy living room. Maybe watch Leprechaun or something.

:\

Anyways, the whole time I was making this, I kept thinking how wonderful this casserole would be for a holiday dinner… like Thanksgiving. Or any holiday where there’s some sort of feast involved.

St. Patty’s Day? Yep, that’ll do.

So this year, I’m declaring Colcannon Casserole as our family’s official St. Patrick’s day celebration meal… complete with a few (gluten free) green beers. Now that’s a tradition I can get behind 100%.

It takes a bit of elbow grease* and a whole lotta ingredients to get this thing put together, but it’s well worth the effort if you’re a fan of the green stuff + mashed potatoes like I am.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Continue Reading →

Irish-ish Soda Bread

By On March 8, 2011 In Baked Goods, Bread, Gluten-Free, Quick Breads With 19 Comments Permanent Link to Irish-ish Soda BreadPermalink

There’s not much difference for me these days between ”quick” bread and yeasted bread.

All bread is relatively quick. Now that I’m baking gluten free, I no longer have to incorporate kneading and long rising times into my bread baking endeavors.  I find the change liberating, as I now enjoy making a quick bread much more than I did when I was baking with gluten. Banana Bread: Meh… better with yeast. Beer bread? Only in emergencies. I just wasn’t satisfied unless my arms were about to fall off while making a loaf of bread. Even after I discovered the dough hook, I would still knead my soul into those ingredients–relishing every nuance of my aching hands squishing into the pillowy relief of the dough.

If there is one thing I miss dearly about gluten, it’s simply the kneading of the bread dough. I’ve tried kneading with many a gluten free flour combo–and let me tell ya, it just doesn’t do it for me. With gluten free bread dough, the whole process becomes slightly more clinical. I like to refer to it as the “mix and plop” method. Though, I cannot deny the lazy side of me welcoming this new, less sensual, approach to bread-making.

This loaf is made in the same vein as traditional Irish Soda Bread; the disclaimer here is that the texture is a bit off… not bad, just not quite as I remember an Irish Soda Bread to taste (hence the “Irish-ish”). I should add, in the bread’s defense, that I am actually part Irish. Yeah, I’ll take it wherever I can get it.

The texture of the loaf lends itself more to cutting into chunks rather than thin slices, and is best served slightly warm from the oven. Topped with some margarine, or soft avocado, it’s quite an addictive little snacking bread… authentic or not.

Today is also International Women’s Day! All you ladies–and men who have ladies in your lives–let’s celebrate!

Continue Reading →

← Older Entries
Newer Entries →