The Vegan Tipping Point?
Just five years ago, veganism was still so far from mainstream that it would require a lengthy explanation and a slew of apologies, especially when seeking out vegan foods in a restaurant. Meatless was one thing but no eggs and cheese? Fuggedahbout it, as they say in Brooklyn.How things have changed. More and more people are waking up to a diet sans animal products. According to some sources, the number of vegans in America has doubled since 2009. In fact, like probiotic and ...
The Lowly Lima Part One: Artichoke Fennel and Lima Bean Stew
This recipe makes us love the lima bean, the humble bean that many people are not even sure they actually like. Fresh bulb fennel is combined with canned or frozen artichokes, lemon juice and lima beans. Don’t like fennel? Try this and you may change your mind as the vegetable combination mellows the anise flavor and creates a fresh taste.With its lemony sauce and less common blend of vegetables, this stew is delicious and hits the spot for flavor, with the fennel melting into a ...
Personalized Cheese? Kinda Cool, Kinda Creepy – Edible Synthetic Biology
It’s no secret we’re microbe-obsessed, which is why we’re always going on about living and fermented foods like kombucha, fermented tofu, pickles and nut cheeses. Probiotics, which is what the microorganisms are called in food and health circles these days, have become a trendy health food for good reason beyond their sheer deliciousness.Now, in a just-opened exhibit in Dublin, there’s a glimpse of the future of synthetic biology, which if you haven't heard of it, you should. (Don't ...
Hot Sauce Heaven: Get the E-Book
Are you a hot head? Do you love hot sauce and take delight in spiciness? Now you can learn to make delicious, naturally fermented hot sauce at home using techniques developed over twenty five years.Our new ebook gives step-by-step instructions that anyone can follow to create custom sauce blends quickly using only a few simple ingredients. With dozens of pictures and over 40 pages of information, everyone can learn to be a hot sauce master.For a limited time, we are offering our ...
Nut Balls Not in Politics? Yes, Easy Fruity Nutty “Candies” Please
These "candies" are really just a mixture of dried fruits, seeds and nuts. Similar to the ones you can buy (but fresher), you can use any dried fruits and nuts of your choice and even add extras such as coconut shreds to suit your palate. We always start with dates, which we pre-soak unless they are super-fresh and juicy.This version also uses dried cherries, Brazil nuts, almonds, walnuts, raisins, coconut and dried blueberries but it's just a guide. Other great options include hemp ...
Fall Plums Love (Vegan) Tarts
As we say hello to Autumn, we must make our peace with the last of the summer flavors. Gone are the peaches and berries, the sweet corn and melons. Fortunately, Fall is prime time for fruits like apples, pears and those fleeting late Italian prune plums.So begins the annual Fall Plum Tart, modeled on the famous New York Times recipe. They call it torte; I call it tart. Take your pick. It's super easy and will impress every time.For years, a variation of this sweet and tangy plum ...
Simple Snacks for a Fancy Party: Gochujang Avo Bites
Our friends at Chung Jung One have a fabulous Gochujang Korean Chili Sauce that combines red peppers, cane sugar, garlic, sea salt, and other ingredients for a terrific umami flavor that's both sweet and savory. Packaged in an easy squeezy bottle, it begs to be added to sandwiches, main dishes and more. While it's a Korean flavor profile, you may quickly find it transforms lots of dishes into something special.For quick and elegant hors d'oeuvres, we started with fresh cucumber slices ...
Is the FDA So Asleep it’s Dreaming all’s OK? Nano Versus GMO
By now, everyone's heard of GMOs, genetically modified food. You may think GMOs are the frankenfood of nightmares, potentially triggering bad reactions from allergies to immune and metabolic disorders. You may also know that the U.S. Congress, blessed by the President, has enacted the DARK Act as the law of the land, officially and legally known as the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act (right?).States must follow the federal law, however effective (or not) it may turn out to be in ...
What’s Hot in Fancy Food Trends? Vegan, Gluten-Free, Herbal and More
It’s that time of year for fancy food (aka “specialty” food) at the massive 62nd Annual Summer Fancy Food Show in New York City. The weather was June’s finest and the show floor was hopping. Your humble correspondent was there, bringing you the new and fanciest trends.Delighted to report, VEGAN is making inroads, with mayos, yogurts, frozen desserts and lots of options in the chocolate and snack departments too. Even the international folks (55 countries exhibited) added some ...
Easiest Pickled Dandelion Capers
Dandelions are getting a makeover in the public eye. Sure, they're weeds marring the green lawn perfection. But the health benefits and culinary side of them have been getting increasing attention. Greens bursting with flavor and calcium, vitamins A and C, and iron, they are abundant and generally free. This recipe for naturally fermented (pickled) dandelion buds shouts gourmet but is the easiest way to preserve the ever-present weeds. No boiling, no vinegar, just easy. Bonus points ...
