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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Spring Fiddles – So Fitting
It's a rite of Spring. Bring back the green and sing a song. In our neck of the woods, it also means a hunt for some fresh fiddlehead ferns, unfurling their spiral goodness.A cross between spinach, asparagus and just plain freshness, the fiddleheads combine perfectly with garlic. We tried them here with some sliced shiitakes, amping up the protein and flavor. Simple and fresh, you could also combine with pasta for a complete and easy meal.So, celebrate Spring, break out the fiddles and ...
Stress Less Burgers: Vegan Under Pressure
The world's a stressy place, right? How about a way to create less stress? That's where a pressure cooker comes in handy, which you may have noticed we mention more and more. One source of recent inspiration is the fantastic new book by Jill Nussinow, aka The Veggie Queen, who is an extraordinary cook, long-time food expert and a full fledged RD (Registered Dietitian).Vegan Under Pressure doesn't just refer to how we feel each day. It is a compendium of recipes and more important...
Ital is Vital: Jamaican-Style Coconut Bean Stew
Mon, this stew make me feel irie. Yummy, creamy and filling, it's a great main course served with rice. Ital food is rasta, designed to increase health and vitality (what is called livity) through avoidance of "dead" (animal) food.Feel free to use whatever beans and veggies you have on hand. Don't have plantains? No problem. Try sweet potatoes, peppers, cabbage, and other types of beans. Leftovers also make awesome patties (see pie crust recipe here).Depending upon whether you ...
Healthy Hot Holiday Tamales
While some cultures definitely associate tamales with Christmas and holiday time, tamale-eating doesn't have to be limited to special times of year. In fact, we like them so much that it feels like a celebration every time we eat them.This version is vegan, natch, and they freeze well (assuming there are any left). The assembly process is easy though a bit time-consuming but well worth the trouble. Be creative on fillings - these are black bean and sweet potato but you can use virtually ...
