Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Veggie Pride Parade Fundraiser at the Veggie Grill


Go grab some vegan eats at the Veggie Grill to help Animal Acres fund their annual Veggie Pride Parade. Yummy food and a great cause!
This event is Thursday, Oct 21st at the Veggie Grill, located at 8000 W Sunset Blvd in West Hollywood. Go between 5pm and 11pm and tell the cashier that Animal Acres sent you.
50% of total purchase will be donated.

http://www.veggiegrill.com/
http://www.animalacres.org/

Friday, October 15, 2010

Make Me Something Chocolatey


I hear this about once every other week from my dear husband. Usually, it's on the later side of the night. Typically, I go scouring the cabinets to see what's available to make something that's chocolatey, not terribly unhealthy and won't take too long. I like to keep baking staples around, but Count Chocula raids my supplies on the regular, so these late night baking sessions sometimes yield some interesting results.
Last night, this is what I came up with.

Fudgey Chocolate Cake with Almond Butter Glaze
1 1/2c whole wheat flour
1/3c cocoa powder
1tsp baking soda
1tsp salt
1/2tsp cinnamon

1/2c coconut milk
1/2c water
1/3c canola oil
1/2c sugar
1tsp vanilla extract
1/2tsp almond extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Mix first 5 ingredients together until well combined. I pass the cocoa, baking soda and salt through a sieve to be sure all the lumps are gone. Set aside.
Mix next 6 ingredients together and pour into first mixture. Mix until just combined.
Pour into oiled 9inch cake pan and bake for 15-20 minutes. Do not over bake. This cake is fudgey, so it will still be slightly soft when it's done.

Almond Butter Glaze
1tbs almond butter
1c powdered sugar
2tbs coconut milk
1/2tsp vanilla

Combine all ingredients until lumps dissolve.
If it's too thick, add a little water.
When cake is done, poke holes in it all over using a toothpick.
Pour glaze over the top while cake is still hot and let sit until cool...if you can ;)


Thursday, October 14, 2010

Walk For Hope 2010


"The Walk for Hope is a reminder of the things that matter most in life. The purpose of the entire event is to spread more love in the world. The entire 3.5 kilometer route (2.2 miles) is decorated with inspiring quotes, all of them hand-made. You can also expect to find activity stations along the walk route.

The Walk for Hope is free, there is no registration fee. The entire Walk for Hope is our gift to the community."
http://www.bethecause.org/event.php?event_id=624

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Raw Cashew and Chai Spice Ice Cream with Pineapples


Say that fast twice :)
This is by far one of the most decadent and healthiest frozen treats I have made. It is amazingly creamy and so full of flavor. The pineapples really give it something extra and takes the yumminess over the edge!
Just a small serving goes a long way.

Cashew and Chai Spice Ice Cream
3c raw soaked and drained cashews
1 1/2c milk (rice, almond, cashew, etc)
1/3c maple syrup
1tsp chai spice
1tbs maple syrup
1c frozen pineapple pieces

Blend first 5 ingredients and freeze in cubes.
Put frozen cubes, extra syrup and pineapple into high speed blender and mix until just creamy.
Enjoy straight from blender or freeze and enjoy later!

Non Dairy Frozen Yogurt


I like my frozen yogurt yogurty...if you know what I mean.
I prefer the tang as opposed to the more ice cream like fro yos.
I came up with this non dairy version and it's a keeper!
It's creamy, tart and delicious.
It was especially wonderful topped with strawberries and granola!

Non Dairy Frozen Yogurt
3c coconut milk yogurt
1/2c sugar ( Use your preference. I used a vegan white sugar)
Juice of 1 lemon

Mix everything up and freeze in cubes. Toss in a high speed blender and enjoy!
Or toss in your ice cream maker and enjoy!

Watermelon and Lime Sorbet


Whew! It has been a blazing past few days here in Cali. I found a great way to cool us all down was to mix up some icy treats.
This one can be enjoyed by the whole family. My husband, 6 month old and 2 yorkies all cooled down with this one!

Watermelon and Lime Sorbet
4c chunks of frozen watermelon
1c frozen rice milk cubes
*If using an ice cream maker, you don't have to pre freeze, just follow manufacturers instructions*
juice of 1 large lime or 2 small limes
2/3c syrup(agave, maple, brown rice, etc)

I used maple because it's what I had on hand. I would have preferred agave, because of the light flavor. Toss everything in a high speed blender(health master, vita-mix) and mix until just blended.
Enjoy straight from the blender or put in popsicle molds and enjoy later!

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Dear Jujube


Dear Jujube,
I have been waiting a year for you to return and now that you have, I am enjoying you immensely!

One of my favorite famers market vendors started harvesting their jujubes and I've been having my fill of them. Jujubes are also known as chinese or red dates. They range from cherry to plum size and can be eaten at various stages in development. I enjoy them most when they're brown to sienna colored and the skin is still crisp. At this stage, they're reminiscent of a light and airy apple, but truly have their own unique flavor and texture. As the jujube matures, the skin becomes wrinkly and the flavor becomes more date like.

The wonderful thing about growing jujubes is they don't ripen all at once, so you can pick and enjoy throughout the season, instead of harvesting all at the same time.

Jujubes are high in vitamin c, potassium, minerals and antioxidants. They have been used medicinally for many years and are often made into tea to sooth sore throats. Indulging in jujubes this time of year can boost your bodies immune system and help you avoid getting sick. Jujubes are one of natures most perfect foods!

Walk for Farm Animals


The walk in Long Beach, CA is this weekend, but there are walks happening all over the U.S, so check the listing and come on out for a great cause!

Farm Sanctuary works to protect farm animals from cruelty, inspire change in the way society views and treats farm animals, and promote compassionate vegan living.
http://www.walkforfarmanimals.org
http://www.farmsanctuary.org/