Table of Contents

Clickonanyofthetitlestotakeyoutotheappropriatepiece

Features
TheSweetSpot12
ByJillNussinow,MS,RD

ARomanticInterludefor
Two24
ByChefAngelaElliott

Semisweetchocolatecupcakes

forthosewithoutamassivesweet Prepareyourownromanticmeals
tooth.
withAngelasamazingrecipesand

advice.

EastMeetsWest:Pastry,Ice
Cream,Wine,andTea14

ByChefPhilipGelb

WhatsCooking?3

Columns

Pearandwinetartwithoolongtea
FindoutwhatsupwiththeVegan
andvanillaicecream!
CulinaryExperiencethismonth.

AnAncientLoveof
Chocolate16

CandiedCitrus27

ByChefMayra

Learnaboutthefirstculturesto
consumechocolateanduseitfor
trade.

CitrusisinseasonandLizhassome
greatpointerstoturnyourexcess
citrusintocandiedgoodies.

ByMartyDavey,MS,RD

Ideasforeffectinghealthyand
compassionatechangevialabeling.

ByLizLonetti

VeganCuisineandtheLaw:
Chocolate:FareoftheGods AnimalTreatmentLabels29
toFairTrade19
ByMindyKursban,Esq.
History,mythology,economics,
andchocolate.Whatsnotto
love?

Marketplace7

DessertwithoutRestrictions Getconnectedandfindoutabout
veganfriendlybusinessesand
22

Vegan Decadence

ByChefMadelynPryor

organizations.

Aglutenfreeguidetobakedtreats
andsweets.

RecipeIndex48

Alistingofalltherecipesfoundin
thisissue,compiledwithlinks.

seethefollowingpagefor
interviewsandreviews

March 2010|1

Table of Contents 2

Clickonanyofthetitlestotakeyoutotheappropriatepiece

Interviews

InterviewwithAuthorand
RestaurantReview:
CookingShowHostChristina NativeFoods41
ByJasonWyrick
Pirello32

Christinaisthetalentbehind
ChristinaCooks,anEmmyaward
winningcookingshow,andthe
authoroffivedifferentcookbooks.

FeaturedArtist

ActressandSingerPersia
White38

Vegan Decadence

Reviews

NativeFoodsprovidesgood,solid
veganfarewithanupscaleflare
throughoutSouthernCalifornia.

ProductReview:BobsRed
MillGlutenFreeBakingMix
43
ByMadelynPryor

BobsRedMilliswellknownfor
theirhighqualitygrainsandflours

NotonlyisPersiaatalentedartist, andtheirglutenfreebakingmixis
noexception.
shesalsoanoutstandingand

prolificactivist.
BookReview:SweetUtopia

45
ByMadelynPryor

Amazingdesserts,amazingrecipes,
andamazingphotography.

BookReview:MySweet
Vegan46
ByMadelynPryor

Awidevarietyofrecipesthat
alwaysworkandarealways
delicious.

BookReview:Sweet
Freedom47
ByMadelynPryor

Aguidetomostlyglutenfree
vegandessertsandbaking.

March 2010|2

The Vegan Culinary Experience

VeganDecadenceFebruary2010

PublisherJasonWyrick

EditorsEleanorSampson,
CarolynMullin,
MadelynPryor
NutritionAnalystEleanorSampson

WebDesignWilliamSnell&JasonWyrick
GraphicsAlexSearcy&JasonWyrick

ReviewerMadelynPryor
ContributingAuthorsJasonWyrick
MadelynPryor
JillNussinow
MayraDr.Flavor
LizLonetti
SharonValencik
PhilipGelb
EleanorSampson
MartyDavey

PhotographyCredits

CoverPageMilanValencik

RecipeImagesJasonWyrick
MadelynPryor
MilanValencikof
MilanPhotography

CandiedCitrusLizLonetti
TropicalPuddingMadelynPryor
PearTartPhilipGelb
PigsandChickens FarmSanctuary

AztecStatue,CacaoGNUFreeDocumentation
FlowersLicense

CacaoPodsPublicDomain

PersianWhiteCourtesyofPersiaWhite
ChristinaPirelloCourtesyofChristinaPirello

BobsRedMillBobsRedMillWebsite
MacysInteriorMacysWebsite

Whats Cooking?
I have alove/haterelationshipwith
dessert,fueledbymysweettoothand
thedesiretonotstopeatingwhenI
encountersomethingincrediblytasty!
Thus,dessertsareadangerousmixof
pleasureforme.Ofcourse,that
doesntmeanIdonteatthem,butI
dolimithowIoftenindulge.That
meansthatwhenIdohavedessert,itbetterbesomething
extraordinary.Thisissueisdedicatedtojustthosethings.Sweets,
treats,andgoodiesthatmakeyoureyesrollup.

Inthisissue,youllfindcakes,cookies,tarts,pies,cobblers,rolls,
brownies,andplentyofotherdecadentmorselstotemptyour
palate.Youllalsofindarangeofrecipesfromincrediblysimpleto
slightlycomplex.Havefunwiththeseandhopefullysomeofthem
willinspireyoutomakeyourownsinfulcreations.

Eathealthy,eatcompassionately,andeatwell!

Contributors

JasonWyrickChefJasonWyrickistheExecutiveChefofDevilSpice,Arizona'svegancatering
company,andthepublisherofTheVeganCulinaryExperience.ChefWyrickhasbeenregularly
featuredonmajortelevisionnetworksandinthepress.Hehasdonedemoswithseveral
doctors,includingDr.NealBarnardofthePCRM,Dr.JohnMcDougall,andDr.Gabriel
Cousens.ChefWyrickwasalsoaguestinstructorintheLeCordonBleuprogram.Hehas
cateredforPETA,FarmSanctuary,FrankLloydWright,andGoogle.VisitChefJasonWyrickat
www.devilspice.comandwww.veganculinaryexperience.com.

MadelynPryorMadelynisaloverofdessert,whichshecelebratesonherblog,
http://badkittybakery.blogspot.com/.Shehasbeenmakingherowntastydessertsforover
16years,andeatingdessertforlongerthanshecarestoadmit.Whensheisntinthe
kitchencreatingnewwondersofsugarygoodness,sheischasingafterherbadkitties,or
reviewingproductsforvariouswebsitesandpublications.Shecanbecontactedat
thebadkittybakery@gmail.comormadelyn@veganculinaryexperience.com.

JillNussinow,MS,RD,TheVeggieQueenJillisaRegisteredDietitianandhasaMasters
DegreeinDieteticsandNutritionfromFloridaInternationalUniversity.Aftergraduating,she
migratedtoCaliforniaandbeganaprivatenutritionpracticeprovidingindividualconsultations
andworkshops,specializinginnutritionforpregnancy,newmothers,andchildren.Youcan
findoutmoreaboutTheVeggieQueenatwww.theveggiequeen.com.

SharonValencikSharonValencikistheauthorofSweetUtopia:SimplyStunningVegan
Desserts.Sheisraisingtwovibrantyoungvegansonsandrescuedanimals,currentlyarabbit
andadog.Shecomesfromalineageofartisticchefmatriarchsandhasbeenbakingsince
agefive.Sheisworkingonhernextbook,WorldUtopia:DeliciousandHealthy
InternationalVeganCuisine.Pleasevisitwww.sweetutopia.comformoreinformation,toask
questions,ortoprovidefeedback.

EleanorSampsonEleanoristheeditorforTheVeganCulinaryExperience,author,andan
expertveganbakerwithaspecialtyindeliciousvegansweets(particularlycinnamonrolls!)
YoucanreachEleanoratEleanor@veganculinaryexperience.com.

Vegan Decadence

March 2010|4

Contributors
MayraDr.Flavor - ChefMayrahasbeeninthehealthyeatingandcookingindustryfor
over11yearsandhascertificationsinsportsnutrition,macrobioticcooking,veganand
vegetarian,holistic,andfengshuicuisine.Shestartedhercareerasacookbylearningand
experimentingwithFrench,Caribbean,Southern,Cajun,andWestAfricancuisine.
ChefMayraisachefinstructorandconductsavarietyofclassesanddemonstrationsgeared
towardsveganathletes,personaltrainers,andanyonewhowouldliketoliveahealthierlife.
Dr.Flavorcanmakehealthycookingeasierbybecomingyourpersonalchef!
VisitChefMayraatwww.mychefmayra.comorcallherat7023724709.

LizLonettiAsaprofessionalurbandesigner,LizLonettiispassionateaboutbuilding
community,bothphysicallyandsocially.ShegraduatedfromtheUofMNwithaBAin
Architecturein1998.ShealsoservesastheExecutiveDirectorforthePhoenixPermaculture
Guild,anonprofitorganizationwhosemissionistoinspiresustainablelivingthrough
education,communitybuildingandcreativecooperation(www.phoenixpermaculture.org).
Alongtimeadvocateforbuildinggreenerandmoreinterconnectedcommunities,Liz
volunteershertimeandtalentforotherlocalgreencauses.Inhersparetime,Lizenjoys
cookingwiththeveggiesfromhergardens,sharinggreatfoodwithfriendsandneighbors,
learningfromandteachingothers.TocontactLiz,pleasevisitherblogsite
www.phoenixpermaculture.org/profile/LizDan.

ChefPhilipGelbPhilipGelbwasbornandraisedinBrooklynNY.HeendedupinFlorida
wherehereceivedaBAinculturalanthropologyanddidgraduatestudiesin
ethnomusicology.ForthelastdecadehehaslivedintheSanFranciscoBayAreawherehe
worksasaprofessionalmusicianandmusicteacheraswellasaveganchef.Asamusicianhe
hasperformedallovertheUnitedStatesandinJapan,EuropeandCanada.5yearsagohe
startedIntheMoodforFood,avegetarianpersonalchefandcateringcompany.Hehas
beenvegetariansince17andafterbecomingvegan4yearsago,hechangedhisbusinessto
strictlyvegancuisine.Althoughtotallyselftaughtasachef,heisaverypopularvegan
cookingteacher,hostingmonthlyclasses.Hisotherinterestsincludehiking,travelling,and
heisanavidfilmbuff.Ofcourse,helovescooking,especiallyforfriendsaswellasprofessionally.VisitPhilat
www.philipgelb.blogspot.com.

MartyDaveyMartyDaveyisaRegisteredDietitianandhasaMastersdegreeinFoodand
NutritionfromMarywoodUniversity.Shebecameavegetarianin1980whenshediscovered
thatthechemicalsinAmericanmeatmadethemunsellabletoEuropeans.Sheandher
husbandhaveraisedtheirsonasavegan.Sheteachesnutritionandhasaprivatepractice
specializinginassistingclientstransitioningtoaplantbasedregimestepbystep.Her
websiteiswww.martydavey.com.

Vegan Decadence

March 2010|5

About the VCE

TheVeganCulinaryExperienceisaneducationalveganculinary
magazinedesignedbyprofessionalveganchefstohelpmake
vegancuisinemoreaccessible.PublishedbyChefJasonWyrick,
themagazineutilizestheelectronicformatofthewebtogo
beyondthetraditionalcontentofaprintmagazinetooffer
classes,podcasts,aninteractivelearningcommunity,andlinksto
articles,recipes,andsitesembeddedthroughoutthemagazineto
makeretrievinginformationmoreconvenientforthereader.

TheVCEisalsodesignedtobringveganchefs,instructors,
medicalprofessionals,authors,andbusinessestogetherwiththe
growingnumberofpeopleinterestedinvegancuisine.

Eathealthy,eatcompassionately,andeatwell.

Become a Subscriber
SubscribingtotheVCEisFREE!SubscribershaveaccesstoourLearningCommunity,backissues,recipe
database,andextraeducationalmaterials.

Visithttp://veganculinaryexperience.com/VCESubscribe.htmtosubscribe.

*PRIVACYPOLICYContactinformationisnever,evergivenorsoldtoanotherindividualorcompany

Not Just a Magazine

MealService
TheVeganCulinaryExperiencealsoprovidesweeklymealsthatcoincidewiththerecipesfromthemagazine.
ShippingisavailableacrosstheUnitedStates.Raw,glutenfree,andlowfatdiabeticfriendlyoptionsare
available.Visithttp://veganculinaryexperience.com/VCEMealService.htmformoreinformation.

CulinaryInstruction
ChefJasonWyrickandmanyofthecontributorstothemagazineareavailableforprivateculinaryinstruction,
seminars,interviews,andothereducationalbasedactivities.Forinformationandpricing,contactusat
http://veganculinaryexperience.com/VCEContact.htm.

An Educational and Inspirational Journey of Taste, Health, and Compassion

Vegan Decadence

March 2010|6

Marketplace
WelcometotheMarketplace,ournewspotfor
findingvegetarianfriendlycompanies,chefs,authors,
bloggers,cookbooks,products,andmore!Oneofthe
goalsofTheVeganCulinaryExperienceistoconnect
ourreaderswithorganizationsthatproviderelevant
productsandservicesforvegans,sowehopeyou
enjoythisnewfeature!

ClickontheAdsEachadislinkedtotheappropriate
organizationswebsite.Allyouneedtodoisclickon
theadtotakeyouthere.

BecomeaMarketplaceMemberBecomeconnected
byjoiningtheVeganCulinaryExperience
Marketplace.Membershipisavailabletothosewho
financiallysupportthemagazine,tothosewho
promotethemagazine,andtothosewhocontribute
tothemagazine.ContactChefJasonWyrickat
chefjason@veganculinaryexperience.comfordetails!

CurrentMembers

RationalAnimal
(www.rationalanimal.org)
FarmSanctuary
(www.farmsanctuary.com)
GoDairyFree.organdMySweetVegan
(www.godairyfree.org)
JillNussinow,MS,RD,TheVeggieQueen
(www.theveggiequeen.com)
ChefMayraDr.Flavor
(www.mychefmayra.com)
SweetUtopia
(www.sweetutopia.com)
InTheMoodforFood
(www.philipgelb.blogspot.com)
ThePhoenixPermactultureGuild
(www.phoneixpermaculture.org)
MilanPhotography
(www.milanphotography.com)

Vegan Decadence

March 2010|7

Marketplace

Vegan Decadence

March 2010|8

Marketplace

Vegan Decadence

March 2010|9

Marketplace

Vegan Decadence

March 2010|10

Marketplace

Vegan Decadence

March 2010|11

The Sweet Spot

By Jill Nussinow, MS, RD, The Veggie Queen

WhileIlovesomethingsweetattheendofthe
meal,itseemsthatasmyeatinghasevolvedtoa
morewholefoodsdietmydesireforonceloved
dessertshas,too.Myfavoritedessertisoften
basedonanykindofinseasonfreshfruit,right
nowitscitrus,apples,pearsandkiwis,alone,
mixedinafruitsaladorbakedwithasimplegrain
topping.(Citrusdoesntbakewell,though.)My
ideaofdecadencewontbequiteasdecadentas

someothers.
Earlierinmylife,Ioftenmadethesecupcakes
(whicharenowextremelypopular),formysons
classpartiesandschoolbakesales.Anythingwith
chocolateappealstoachocolateloverssensibility.
(IoughttoknowasInowjusteatasquareoffair
tradeorganicorrawchocolateinsteadofbaking.
CheckoutGnosisChocolate
http://www.gnosischocolate.com/.)

Chocolate Cupcakes or Cake

Makes1dozencupcakesor1bundtcake

Youcanmakethisabitricherandmoremoistbyaddingatablespoonortwoofaneutraloilsuchassunflower,
safflowerorcanolabutittastesgreatwithnoaddedoil,too.

11/3cupsunbleachedwhiteflour

1teaspoonbakingpowder
1teaspoonbakingsoda

teaspoonsalt
3tablespoonsflaxseeds

cupwater
1cupsugarorSucanat

packagefirmorextrafirmsilkenlitetofu
3tablespoonscoffeeor13teaspoonscoffeesubstitutesuchasInkaorPeroandmixedwith3T.water
1tablespoonwhitevinegar

6tablespoonscocoapowder
1teaspoonvanillaextract
1/3cupchocolatechipsoryourfavoritechocolatebarchoppedtoequalthesame

Preheatovento325degreesF.Lightlyoilmuffintinsorbundtpan.Inamediumsizebowl,combineflour,
bakingpowder,bakingsodaandsalt.Stirwell.Grindflaxseedsinablenderuntilveryfine.Addwaterandblend
oncemore.Addthetofuandblenduntilthetofuiscreamy.Addtheremainingingredientsexceptchocolate
chipsandblend.Quicklycombineblendedmixturewiththeflourmixture.Stirinthechocolatechips.
Fillmuffintinshalfwaywithbatterorpourmixtureintobundtorangelfoodcakepan.Thisdoesnotworkina
regularcakepan.Bakefor20to25minutesforcupcakesor45minutesforcake,untilatoothpickcomesout
clean.Coolonarack.Servefrostedornot,ordustedwithorganicpowderedsugarwithastrawberrygarnish.
2010TheVeggieQueen,http://www.theveggiequeen.com

Vegan Decadence

March 2010|12

Thesecupcakesarenotespeciallysweetsoalight
drizzleofmeltedchocolateoradustingoforganic
powderedsugarmakesthemseemsweeter.The
smallamountofchocolatechipsmakesthemseem
richer,andnooneneedstoknowabouttheflax
andtofu.Herestoyourhearthealthonspecial
occasions.

Withgratitude,Jill,TheVeggieQueen

TheAuthor
JillNussinow,MS,RD,TheVeggie
QueenJillisaRegisteredDietitian
andhasaMastersDegreeinDietetics
andNutritionfromFlorida
InternationalUniversity.After
graduating,shemigratedtoCalifornia
andbeganaprivatenutritionpractice
providingindividualconsultationsand
workshops,specializinginnutritionforpregnancy,new
mothers,andchildren.YoucanfindoutmoreaboutThe
VeggieQueenatwww.theveggiequeen.com.

Vegan Decadence

March 2010|13

East Meets West:

Pastry, Ice Cream, Wine, and Tea
with Chef Philip Gelb

Mmmmmm,desserts!Whodoesnotenjoy
somethingsweettotopoffagreatmeal?Desserts
havealwaysbeenachallengeforme.Forone,
beingapastrychefisadifferentworldthanbeinga
chef.Andsecond,Icametotheconclusionalong
timeagothatsugaristotallyevilandthushasno
placeinmykitchen,whatsoever!Nonetheless,
makingdessertswithoutsugarisveryeasy,
especiallyifyouuseveryripe,seasonalfruit.Here
areacoupleofbasicideasIhavebeenplayingwith
recentlythatIhopeyouenjoy.

PearPecanTart
thefilling
1bottleredwine(IhavegreatresultsusingWild
Hog2005dolcetto)
1wholestaranise
6pears,halvedandcored
cupagave

Placetheaboveinasaucepan
andbringtosimmer,coverand
letsimmerfor30minutes.
Removefromheatand
refrigerateforatleast6hours.
Afterremovingthepears,peel
themandslicethem.

thecrust
3cupspecans
6dates
cupcacaonibs
tsp.salt
Innardsof1vanillabean,splitanddeseeded

Placetheaboveingredientsinafoodprocessor
andgrinduntilcoarse.Patintoatartpan.Place
pearsinconcentriccirclesinthecrustandbakeat
350for12minutes.

Vegan Decadence

VanillaOolongIceCream
1cupunsweetenedsoymilk
cuprawcashews
2tbsp.kuzu
Dashofsalt
2tbsp.highmountainTaiwaneseoolongleaves
2cupsofsoymilk
1tbsp.vanillaextract
cupofagavesyrup

Inahighspeedblender,placethe1cupofsoymilk,
cashews,kuzu,andsaltandblendonhighfor34
minutes,untiltheingredientsbecomestotally
pureedandthemixtureheatsupandthickens.

Meanwhile,bringtosimmerina
saucepan2morecupsofsoymilk.
Afteritcomestosimmer,remove
fromheatandadd2tbsp.high
mountainTaiwaneseoolong
leaves.IamusingtheDongDing
variety.Coverandletsteepfor4
minutesandthendraintheleaves
outofthesoymilk.

Placethisoolongsoymilkinthe
blender,addingittothefirstmix
thatisnowthickened.Add1tbsp.
vanillaextractandcupagave
syrup.Blenduntilthoroughly
incorporated.

Placethismixtureinanicecreammakerandfreeze
it.

TheAuthor

Forthelastdecade,PhilhaslivedintheSanFrancisco
BayAreawhereheworksasaprofessionalmusicianand
musicteacheraswellasaveganchef.Asamusicianhe

March 2010|14

hasperformedallovertheUnited
StatesandinJapan,Europeand
Canada.FiveyearsagohestartedIn
theMoodforFood,avegetarian
personalchefandcatering
company.Hehasbeenvegetarian
since17andafterbecomingvegan4
yearsago,hechangedhisbusiness
tostrictlyvegancuisine.Although
totallyselftaughtasachef,heisaverypopularvegan
cookingteacher,hostingmonthlyclasses.Hisother
interestsincludehiking,travelling,andheisanavidfilm
buff.Ofcourse,helovescooking,especiallyforfriends
aswellasprofessionally.YoucanreachChefPhilipGelb
athttp://philipgelb.blogspot.com.

Vegan Decadence

March 2010|15

An Ancient Love of Chocolate

by Chef Mayra

Chocolateismadefromplantsourceswithahost
ofhealthbenefits.Thesebenefitscomefrom
flavanoids,whichactasantioxidants.Antioxidants
protectthebodyfromagingcausedbyfree
radicals,whichcancausedamagethatleadsto
heartdisease.Darkchocolatecontainsalarge
numberofantioxidants(nearly8timesthenumber
foundinstrawberries)withflavanoidsthatalso
helprelaxbloodpressurethroughtheproduction
ofnitricoxide,andbalancecertainhormonesinthe
body.
Nowthatisgoodnews!
Monkeys,Olmecs,andCacao
Monkeyswerethefirsttofindthecacaoplant
edibleanddelectable,notman.Inthehottestparts
ofancientMesoamerica,thesebrightlycolored,
rugbyballshapedpodshungofftrees,beggingto
bepicked.Monkeyslearnedofthesweet,
refreshingpulpconcealedwithinthethickpod.
Ancientmanfollowedtheirexample,pickingthe
fruitofftreesastheywalkedpast.
Thesweetpulpofthecacaopodtastedlike
apricotsormelons.Butthebeansorseedsin
thecoreofthepulpwerebitterandseemingly
inedible.Themonkeyswouldeatthepulpandspit
outthebeans.Ancientpeoplefollowedthe
monkeysexample,andonlyatethedeliciouspulp.
ThiswasprobablywhatMotherNaturehadin
mind:theseedsweredisseminatedthroughout
Mesoamerica,makingcacaotreesplentifulin
SouthandCentralAmericaandguaranteeing
cacaosevolution.
AnancienttribecalledtheOlmecs(1200to300
B.C.)fromthetropicallowlandsofSouthCentral
Mexicowerethefirsttodomesticatetheplantand
usethebeans.Theyhadanameforthesebitter
seedsthatheldthesecretstohealthandpower:
kakawa,orcacao.Accordingtorecent
archaeologistsfindings,thebeanswereanintegral
Vegan Decadence

partofthisancientcivilizationsdietandculture
fromasearlyas600B.C.

TheRealChocolateLovers

TheMayansareconsideredthemostculturally
advancedamongtheMesoamericancivilizations.
DuringtheMayanClassicAge(300900A.D.),they
hadcitieswithmajesticpyramidtemplesand
palaces,acalendarcalculatedtoendinthe21st
century,andacomplexwrittenlanguagethatfilled
thousandsofbooks.Theyalsowerethefirsttrue
chocolateaficionados,treasuringcacaoasa
restorative,moodenhancingcureall.Itbecamean
integralpartoftheirsociety,usedinceremonies,
givenasgiftsandincorporatedintotheir
mythologies.

Burialtombshavebeenfoundthatcontain
offerings,includingancientpotteriesthatbear
witnesstocacaosimportance.Thevasesare
coveredwithpaintingsshowingMayangods
fightingoverbeansandkingswaitingtobeserved
cacaocreations.

ChocolateplayedalargepartinMayanreligion.
TheMayanssacredbook,thePopulVuh,contains
theirstoryofcreation,andinsteadofDantesapple
tree,theresacacaotree.Inthismyth,immortal
ballplayingtwinsarebeheadedbythegodsof
death.Onehashisheadhungonacacaotree.The
magicalheadmanagestomatewithawomanwho
becomesthemotheroftwingods.Thesetwo
defeatthegodsofdeathandthenendupinthe
skyasthesunandthemoon.

Thesefirstchocolateloversdidnotmakechocolate
barsasweknowthemtoday.Instead,thebeans
weregroundintoacoarsepasteandmixedwith
spices,waterandchiliestocreateavarietyofhot
andcoldfrothy,bitterdrinks.Orthebeanswere
mixedwithcornandflavoringstomakean

March 2010|16

assortmentofporridgelikemealsthatvariedin
thicknessfromverythinandwaterytothickand
solid.Thesedisheswerehighinnutrientsandvery
healthy.Theyalsowereinediblebyourstandards
andafarcryfromthechocolateweeattoday.

AnEmpireofChocolate

TheOlmecswerenttheonlyMesoamerican
societytovaluechocolate.TheAztecsledan
empireofalmost15millionpeoplebetweenthe
14thand16thcenturies.Theirswasanaristocratic
society,andchocolatewasreservedfortherich
andthenobles.Infact,theAztecsprizedthecacao
beansohighlythatitwastheirformofcurrency.
ThebeanalsowasusedasmoneyinCentral
AmericanmarketslongaftertheAztecsweregone,
aslateas1858.

Thebeanswerethenatives'"coins."AlistofAztec
tradingpriceslookedsomethinglikethis:

1smallrabbit=30cacaobeans
1turkeyegg=3cacaobeans
1largetomato=1cacaobean

Theroyalstorehouseshadvaultsfullofthis
currency.Oneestimatelistedtheyearly
expenditureofdriedbeansat11,680,000.Someof
thesebeanswenttopaythekingsattendants.
Otherswentintothekingschocolatedrinksand
hedrankalotofchocolate.Montezumawas
rumoredtoenjoy50cupsaday.
TheAztecsconsumedchocolateinliquidform,as
didtheMayans.Itwasservedcoldandfrothy.The
foamwasbelievedtoholdchocolates
fundamentalessence,andtheritualofcreatingthe
foamisseeninAztecartwork.Theydpourthe
chocolatemixtureverticallyfromonevesselto
another,backandforthtomakeitfroth.Today,
manyMexicancommunitiesstillvaluethefoamso
muchtheylettheircacaobeanscalcifyandturn
whitebeforegrindingtoensureaheadymugof
chocolate.

Atthispoint,chocolatewasstillabittertasting
brewandcontainedamishmashofcorn,
flavoringsandspices,butthiswouldchangeafter
theSpanisharrivedintheNewWorld.
Vegan Decadence

AuthenticCentralMexicanBlackMole:ASexy
MIXfortheVEGANloverinyou!(buyorganic
and/orlocal)

2oz.chihuaclenegrochiles(orderfrom
CMCFoods),ormulattos(easiertofind,but
youdon'tgetthataniselikeflavorthat
distinguishestheblackmolfromthe
others)
5oz.mullatochiles
2oz.pasillachiles
1pasilladeOaxacachile,orchipotlemeco
(tan,dried,notcannedinadobo)
2tortillas,tornup
2slicesoftoastedbread
smallonion,peeledandcutintothick
slices
4unpeeledgarliccloves
oil
cupsesameseeds
cupeach:sunflowerseeds,peanuts,
almonds
3quartsveggiestock(freshwouldbe
better)
8plumtomatoes,chopped
4oz.tomatillos,husked,rinsed,and
chopped
2wholecloves
1stickcanella(truecinnamon)
1tsp.oregano(preferablyMexican)
tsp.driedthyme
1ripebanana
3oz.Mexicanchocolate70%ormorecacao
salt
sugar

Directions
1. First,stemthechiles,thentearthemopen
andseparatetheseedsandreservethem.
Heatapanoverhighheat,andaddthe
seedsandtortilla(turnonyourexhaustfan
andopenawindow).Whenthey'requite
black,dumptheminastrainerandrinse
underrunningwaterforaminute,untilthe
waterrunsclear.Transfertoyourblender
andclean,rinse,anddrythepan.Addthe
toastedbreadtotheblender.
2. Putthepanonhighheat,andaddtheonion
slicesandgarliccloves.Roastuntilsoft,and
March 2010|17

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

removetoabowl.Squishthegarlicoutof
thepeelsanddiscardthepeels.
Roastthenutsina350degreeovenuntil
fragrantandremove.Heatthepanover
highheatandaddahalfinchofoilorlard.
Be.Very.Careful.Frythechilesacoupleat
atime.Theywillgetfragrant,andwhen
theybegintolighten,removethemitonly
takesafewsecondsoneachside.Becareful
nottoburnthechilesandyoustillhave
theexhaustfanonandthewindowopen,
right?Removethemastheyaredonetoa
papertowelanddrain.Puttheminalarge
bowl,coverwithboilingwater,andletthem
soakforthirtyminutes.Drain.
Reserveaboutcupofthetoastedsesame
seedsforgarnish,andputtheremaining
seedsandnutsintotheblender.Addabout
2cupsofthestock,andpureeuntilsmooth.
Removetoabowl.(Thereisnoneedto
rinsetheblenderuntilyou'recompletely
donewithit.)
Pureethetomatoes,tomatillos,onion,
garlic,andaboutcupofthestockuntil
smooth.Removetoabowl.
Grindtheclovesandcinnamon.Addthe
spicestotheblenderwiththeonionand
garlic,oregano,thyme,banana,andabout
cupofthestock.Pureeuntilsmoothand
removetoabowl.
Pureethechilesintwobatches,eachwith2
c.ofthestock,andremovetoabowl.Now,
youcanwashtheblender.
Inalarge,heavy,preferablynonstickpot,
heat3tbsp.ofoiloverhighheatuntilvery
hot.Addthetomatotomatillopuree,and
cook,stirringconstantly,untilverydarkand
thick.Addtheseed/nutmixture,and
repeat,stirringuntilagain,verythick.Add
thebananamixtureandrepeat,againuntil
verythick.Addthechilemixture,turnthe
heatdowntolow,andletitcookuntilvery
thickanddark,stirringeveryfewminutes.
Addthestockandchocolatemixwell,pour
intoaslowcookerandsimmerslowlyon
thelowsettingforfivetosixhours(youcan
dothisontopofthestove,butbecareful
becausethenutsfalltothebottomand

Vegan Decadence

tendtoburn,andifthathappens,youhave
tothrowitallout).
9. Addsaltandsugartotaste(driedchiles
containalargeamountoftannin,andyou
mayneedtoaddsomesugartooffsetthe
bittertannintaste,thoughmostofitshould
havecookedaway,andyoudoNOTwant
sweetmole).TheMexicansstrain
everythingateveryopportunity.Itwouldbe
consideredmandatorytheretostrainthe
molewhendone.Don'tfeelobligated.
Really.It'samazinglygoodwhetheryou
strainitornot.
10. Moleisasauce.Youcantuckafewslicesof
tofu(bakesorfried)ortempehinsomeof
themole(freezetherest)andsimmerthem
untildone,thensprinklethemwithsesame
seeds.Youcanhavesomeveggiesoryour
favoriteveganprotein,andmoistenwith
moleasatacoortamalefilling.Youcando
anythingyoulike.

TillNextTime
KeepitLEAN,GreenandSEXY
withAnimalFreeCuisine
VeganChefMayraYourDr.Flavor
TheAuthor
ChefMayrahasbeeninthe
healthyeatingandcooking
industryforover11yearsandhas
certificationsinsportsnutrition,
macrobioticcooking,veganand
vegetarian,holistic,andfengshui
cuisine.Shestartedhercareerasacookbylearning
andexperimentingwithFrench,Caribbean,
Southern,Cajun,andWestAfricancuisine.
ChefMayraisachefinstructorandconductsa
varietyofclassesanddemonstrationsgeared
towardsveganathletes,personaltrainers,and
anyonewhowouldliketoliveahealthierlife.Dr.
Flavorcanmakehealthycookingeasierby
becomingyourpersonalchef!VisitchefMayraat
www.mychefmayra.comorcallherat7023724709
andmakesuretowatchherlivestreamingshowsat
www.chefmayra.com/show.htmland
www.livestream.com/chefmayra.
March 2010|18

Chocolate: Fare of the Gods to Fair Trade

By Marty Davey, RD, MS

Mmmm,chocolatemurmursoneofmyfavorite
characters,HomerSimpson,sometimeswithalittle
drool.Ooh,heissoright.Therearearticlesgalore
ontheantioxidantpropertiesofthismeltinyour
mouthtreat.Millionsofrecipeshavebeen
developedusingchocolatefromappetizersto
desserts,addingittoeverythingfromchilibeansto
avocadopuddings.Whocanavoidthechocolate
adsforthelatestspinonthisancientfood?I
recentlyreadthatthelargestproducerofcocoais
theIvoryCoastinAfrica.Howdidthisnative
CentralAmericanbitterbeanchangelocaleand
becomeoneofthetopexportsofanother
continentandthedailyindulgenceofpeople
aroundtheglobe?Itsallinthename,theobroma
cacao.

Theobromacacaoisthe
scientificnameof
chocolate.Inchemistry,
youreadnames
backwards.So,broma
[orbrosi,tobereally
picky],referstofoodand
theoisgodorgods.
Theobromameansfoodof
thegod[s].Veryaptlyput
sincelegendhasitthata
deitygavehumansthe
cocoabean.

Thefirstpeoplebelieved
tohavekakaw[thefirst
Aztec with cacao pod
knownmonikerofthe
cacaoplant]werethe
OlmecsoftheMexicanGulfCoastaround1000
B.C.iTheMayans,thenextculturetoingestit,had
alegendthatthePlumedSerpentbestowedthe
plantonmankindaftertheywereformedfrom

Vegan Decadence

maizebythe
goddess,Xmucane.ii
WhileMayanswere
sacrificingdogsof
cocoacolorstotheir
god,EkChuah,the
Mexicansmade
offeringsoflanced
earlobestotheir
headhoncho,
Quetzacoatlwhosupposedlydiscovered,
cachuatl,akabitterwater.Duringthistime
cocoawasmixedwithallsortsofotherflavorssuch
asvanilla,chilies,honeyandpeanutsshowingus
thatReesesisjustmakingsomethingoldnew
again.Inatotalreversalofcurrenttrends,only
mencouldintakethecocoa.Itwasconsidered
toxictowomenandchildren.Imagineno
afternoonchocolatebreak,ladies.Idontthinkso.

Aroundtheyear900,cocoawasuseasacurrency
andwaseatenwhenitwaswornout.Thatdefines
recycle.1502broughtChristopherColumbusto
Guanajaandtheoldworlddiscoveryofthesenew
typeofalmonds.HoweveritwasHermanCorts,
whogotxocalatlintroducedonthecontinentin
SpainiiibyMayannoblesbroughtbyDominican
friarslookingtoimpressPrincePhilip.

Duringthenextcenturycocoabeanimportsreally
tookoff.Itwasseenasamedicinalplantaswellas
culinary,andbecamethebeverageofthe
Europeanelite.ThetraditionalMexicanbeverage
ofTejate,whichisamixtureofmaizeandcacao,
wasmadepalatabletoEuropeanpalateswiththe
additionofsugar.TheSpanishkeptthesecretof
makingcocoaforover100yearswhichmeans
Shakespearecomesandgoesbeforecommon
cacao flowers

March 2010|19

knowledgeofcocoaisdisseminatedamongthe
masses.

Itisalsoduringthistimethatthecocoaplantis
introducedtothePhilippinesandotherAsianhot
spots,aswellasAfrica.Theneedforheattocure
theplantscurtailsthebestgrowingclimateto
anywherebetween1020degreesfromthe
equator.Todealwithblights,differenthybridsare
developed,CriollofromCentralAmerica,Forastero
whichiscenteredintheAmazonbasinand
TrinitariowhichoriginatesfromTrinidadandis
currentlythemaintreeinAfrica.

Cocoacontinuestogrowitsworldwidemarketin
the1700s.ThefirstchocolatehouseinLondon
opensin1657,by1720moreintellectualdebateis
happeningatthechocolatehousethanattheale
house.TheFrenchbeginplantationsinAfricaand
CentralAmerica.TheSwedishbiologist,Carolus
Linnaeuscoinsthescientificname,Theobroma
cacao.Amilltogrindcocoabeansisopenedin
Massachusetts.ConradvanHooten,aDutch
scientistdiscovershowtoextractmostofthefator
cocoabutterfromthebean.Thisextraction
processmakesiteasiertodigestandwithuse
alkalinesaltsallowsforcheapproductionofcocoa
powder.EventodayweuseDutchprocessed
cocoa.iv

Duetothisinnovativeprocess,everyonecangetin
ontheactandtheydo.In1847,thefirstmass
producedchocolatebariscreatedbyJ.S.Fryand
Sons.TheCadburyfamilychangesfrombeingatea
andcoffeeshop,in1853,tobeingthepurveyorof
chocolatetoQueenVictoria.HenriNestl,aSwiss
chemistworkswiththechocolatemanufacturer,
DanielPeter,andin1879devisesamethodof
mixingchocolatewithmilk.Itmayseemlikea
naturalfit,butplainmilkistoothintocreatea
confectionary.Nestlinventedcondensedmilk
andthatdidthetrick.Itisthecreationofmilk
chocolate.RudolpheLindt,achocolate
manufacturerdesignsamethodtorefine
chocolateintosmallerparticlescalled,conching.It
replacesothergrindingmethodsthroughoutthe
business.

Vegan Decadence

Chocolatehasitsupsanddownsthroughthe
beginningofthe20thcentury,butdoesnthavea
realchangeuntil1987whenFoodTek,afood
chemistryfirminNewJersey,synthesizesthefirst
edibleheatresistantchocolate.Thisislookedatas
agreatproducttoopenupmarketsintropicaland
hotterclimates.SoundslikeFrankenfoodtome.

Thelatesttrendinchocolateistoexaltits
medicinalpropertiesandbringtolightlaborissues
surroundingtheproductionofcacaobeansin
developingcountries.Reportsandvideoshave
cometolightshowingtheinhumanetreatment
andslaveryconditionsofworkersonlargecocoa
plantations.ThispromptedthecreationofFair
Tradecocoa.BelowaresomefactsaboutFair
Tradeprincipalsandcriteriaforinclusionfromthe
FairTradeFederation.

cacao pod cut in half

FairTrademeansanequitableandfair
partnershipbetweenglobalmarketersand
producersinAsia,Africa,LatinAmericaandother
partsoftheworld.Afairtradepartnershipworks
toprovidelowincomeartisansandfarmerswitha
livingwagefortheirwork.

CriteriatobeconsideredaFairTradeproduct:

1. Payingafairwageinthelocalcontext
2. Offeringemployeesopportunitiesfor
advancement

March 2010|20

3.

Engaginginenvironmentallysustainable
practices
4. Beingopentopublicaccountability
5. Buildinglongtermtraderelationships
6. Providinghealthyandsafeworking
conditionswithinthelocalcontext
7. Providingfinancialandtechnicalassistance
toproducerswheneverpossible
8. Ensuringthatthereisnoabuseofchild
labor

ThereareanumberofcompaniessellingFairTrade
chocolatesinamultitudeofflavors,evenwithones
withchilipeppers.Soevenifyouaremore
discerningthanHomerSimpson,findingonethat
fitsyourconscienceandyourpalateshouldbeeasy
andoh,sodelicious.

TheAuthor

iv

Ecom Dutch Cocoa. The history of Cocoa. Retrieved

from

http://www.dutchcocoa.com/index.php?id=1
4 on January 13, 2019

Marty Davey is a
Registered Dietitian and
has a Masters degree in
Food and Nutrition from
Marywood University. She
became a vegetarian in
1980 when she discovered
that the chemicals in
American meat made them
unsellable to Europeans. She and her husband have
raised their son as a vegan. She teaches nutrition
and has a private practice specializing in assisting
clients transitioning to a plant-based regime step by
step. Her website is www.martydavey.com.

Bright, C. 2001. Chocolate Could Bring the Forest

Back, Worldwide Magazine. Nov/Dec. Retrieved
from http://www.oardc.ohiostate.edu/cocoa/chronology.htm on January 13,
2010
ii

Wikipedia, [nd], Theobroma cacao. Retrieved from

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theobroma_cacao on
January 13, 2010
iii
Yachana Gourmet. [nd]. A brief history of chocolate.
Retrieved from

http://www.yachanagourmet.com/about_chocol
ate.htm on January 13, 2010.

Vegan Decadence

March 2010|21

Dessert without Restrictions!

by Chef Madelyn Pryor

Itwasnotuntilthenextmorningthatmy
Whatisdessert?Formost,dessertisthesweet
wonderfulnowhusbandgentledme,andsaid,
endingtoamealthatmakesyourtastebudsdance
Honey,youreapastry
andyoureyessquint
chef.Allyouhavetodois
aspleasurecourses
TropicalPudding
throughyourbody.
comeupwithdesserts

Forsome,however,
thatdontusegluten.
cupfreshlysqueezedorangejuice
dessertisan
Bobsmakesaglutenfree
cupfreshlysqueezedlemonjuice
emotionalminefield
bakingmix.Startwith
2teaspoonsofagarpowder,or2tablespoonsof
because,foravariety
that.(Itwasalotmorein
agarflakes
depthandinspiringthan
ofreasons,dessertis
cupagavenectar
that,whatIwroteismy
forbidden.Maybeitis
8ozcanofcrushedpineapple
simpleparaphrase).So,I
becauseyouareona
8ozcanofdicedpineapple
wentandboughtsome
diet.Maybeitis
14ozcanofcoconutmilk
becauseyouhave
GFBM(asIthinkofgluten

somethingelsegoing
freebakingmixnow)and
Squeezethelemonsandoranges,untilyouhave
on.Thatiswhat
startedexperimenting.
therequiredamountofjuice.Heatthejuiceina
happenedtome,until
Ourweddingcupcakes
heavybottomedskilleduntilboiling.Addtheagar
Iovercameit.Nothing
werelightanddelicious.
andwhiskuntilcompletelydissolved.Immediately
wasgoingtocome
Oneofourguestswas
addthecoconutmilk,thepineapple,andthe
betweenmeand
glutenfree,too.Shedid
agave.Whiskalltheingredientstogetheruntil
dessertforlong.
notknowwenowwere
boiling,thenremovefromheatimmediately.

and,despiteour
Lightlygreaseyourdesiredmolds,either410oz
Mythenfianc,now
assurances,shewas
ramekins,or85ozramekins(PKUsurvivorsI
husbandandIwere
concernedbecauseshe
recommendusingthesmallermolds,thenone
notwell.Hewas
hadnevertastedagluten
servingwillhave1gramofprotein).Chillseveral
havingmusclepain,
freecupcakethatwasso
hoursorovernight.Unmoldandenjoy!
especiallyinhiswrist,
normal.Nowallmy

headaches,general
bakingisglutenfree,even
soreness,andfatigue.
mylemonBundtcake(the
Iwashavingmigraines,fatigue,anddizzyspells.
recipeisonmyblog)andmycookies.
Then,onesadday,werealizedthatweweregluten

intolerant.Hetookitinstride,butIcriedmyeyes
Thisexperienceinspiredme.Whataboutpeople
out,convincedthatlifeasIknewitwasover.How
withotherdietrestrictions?Peoplewhohave
couldIgoonwithoutsteaming
cancerhavetorestricttheirintakeofrefinedsugar

andfatsbecausethesesubstancesareunhealthy
biscuitsslatheredwithjam?Whataboutmy
andhelpcancertogrow.Diabeticsalsohaveto
famouschocolatechipcookies,orpeanutbutter
askewrefinedsugarasitspikedbloodsugarlevels.
cookies?Ialsocouldntlivewithoutginger
PKU(Phenylketonuria)isaninheriteddiseasethat
macadamianutbiscotti,MomslemonBundtcake,
characterizedbyadeficiencyinthehepaticenzyme
andeventhecoconutlimecupcakesIwasgoingto
phenylalaninehydroxylase(PAH)(Wikipedia,
makeforourupcomingwedding!Imournedthe
2010).Peoplewiththisconditionmustnot
deathofdessertinmylife,cryinguntilIlookedlike
consumemorethan2gramsofproteininanyone
IhadbeenbatteredbyMikeTysoninhisbrutal
meal.Peoplewithexcessweightmustalsorestrict
youth.
fat,sugarandcalories.Itcanmakeyourheadspin!
Vegan Decadence

March 2010|22

Forallofusouttherethathaveoneormoreof
theserestrictions,Iknowitallseemshelplessand
hopeless,butitisnot.Iamheretosavetheday
andgiveyoudessert,too!Thefollowingrecipeisa
basethatisglutenfree,andsuitableforPKU
survivors,cancersurvivors,anddiabetics.Sograb
yourspoonsandenjoylife,onesweetbiteata
time!

(Letmesayaquicknoteaboutafewofmy
ingredients.Agarisapowderedseaweedextract
thathasbeenusedinJapanasajellingagentfor
centuries,andisnowgainingpopularityinAmerica.
Itisagreatalternativetonastyanimalgelatin.It
canmostoftenbefoundinpowderedorflake
form.Ifyouhaveachoice,buythepowderedform
asitismucheasiertouse,buteitherformwill
work.Coconutmilkhasfat,however,thereissome
researchsayingthatthefatincoconutmilkmay
actuallyhelpdissolvestoredhumanfat.Byall
means,doNOTgodrinkingcansofthestuff,buta
littleinmoderationisacceptable.Agaveisthe
syrupmadeoftheagaveplant,andintherawform
itishighinnutrients,andthesweetenerhasalow
glycemicindex,whichmakesitmoreacceptableto
diabeticsandcancersurvivors.Again,donotdrink
agavenectarbythebottle,butinmoderationitis
ok)

Vegan Decadence

TheAuthor

Madelynisaloverofdessert,whichshecelebrates
onherblog,http://badkittybakery.blogspot.com/.
Shehasbeenmakingherown
tastydessertsforover16
years,andeatingdessertfor
longerthanshecarestoadmit.
Whensheisntinthekitchen
creatingnewwondersof
sugarygoodness,sheis
chasingafterherbadkitties,or
reviewingproductsforvarious
websitesandpublications.She
canbecontactedat
thebadkittybakery@gmail.com
or
madelyn@veganculinaryexperience.com.

March 2010|23

A Romantic Interlude for Two

By Angela Elliott
Whileeveryoneisoutrunningaroundinamad
frenzy,herearesomewaystoanightwithyour
significantotherabitmoreromanticallyand
creatively.EveryyearforValentinesDay,Imake
mysonandhusbandeachaboxofchocolate
truffles.Idecoratedanoldcigarboxwithhearts
andIloveyous,andontheinsideIputcandy
paperwrappersfilledwithtruffles.Iencloseda
handmadecardthattoldeachonehowmuchI
lovedthem,myfavoritethingsaboutthem,andI

Angelas Top Secret Chocolate Truffles!

1cuprawwalnuts
2tablespoonsagavesyrup
1tablespoonvanillaflavorbyFrontier
cuppittedsoftdates
cupcoconutwater
2tablespoonsofrawcarob
2tablespoonsrawcacaonibs

Blendalltheaboveingredientsexceptforthe
rawcacaonibsinafoodprocessoruntilsmooth.
Mixintherawcacaonibsbyhand.Shapethe
mixtureintotruffleshapes,sortoflikeanegg
shape.Dipeachtruffleinamixtureof1/4cup
powderedrawcacao,1tablespoonraw
Rapadurabrandsugar,1tablespoonrawcarob
and1tablespoonrawcoconutflakes.Grindthe
cacao,withthesugar,carobandcoconutina
coffeemillorspicemilluntilitbecomesafine
powder.Placeeachtruffleintoapapercandy
wrapperandletsitinthefridgeuntilreadyto
packinabox.Thesekeepwellinthefridgeor
freezer,butcanbeleftoutinitiallyforafew
hourstogiveasagift.

Vegan Decadence

includedafavoritephotoortwoofushavinga
wonderfultimetogether.Iwrappedeverythingup
inarecycledgiftbag,placedtissuepaperinside
andthentieditupwithribbon.Herestherecipe,
soyoutoo,cangiveyourlovedoneagift,theyare
notlikelytoforget!

Iloveromance!Everyyear,Ipickrosesfrommy
gardenoraskaneighborifIcanpicktheirs.I
spreadrosepetalsallovermylivingroom,thenI
lightcandlesandplacethemallovertheliving
roomandthekitchen.Iwillusuallybuyasmall
bunchofdaffodilsortulipsforthekitchentable.I
loveFrankSinatraforeveryromanticoccasion
becauseletsfaceit,noonedoesromancelike
Frank!Dontforgettheimportanceofabathfor
two.Onlyifyourkidsareoutofthehouseof
course.

The Bath for TWO

Bathsalts
cupbakingsoda
cupEpsomsalts
10dropscinnamonessentialoil
10dropsYlangYlangessentialoil

PutbakingsodaandEpsomsaltsina
foodprocessorandgrindintoafine
powder.Transferpowdertoabowl
andaddtheessentialoilsandstirwell.
Spoonmixtureintoaglassjar.

March 2010|24

Dinnerisusuallyathreecourseeventstartingwith
asalad,themainevententreeandfinallyfinishing
withdessert.

SaladStarter
ThinkGreen(withatouchofhotpink!)
6cupsofyourfavoritemixedsaladgreens
1avocado,cubed
headofradicchio,chopped
Edibleorchids
1tomato,diced

Arrangethesaladgreensoneachpersonsplate,
thenplacetheradicchioandavocadooneach
personsplate.Surroundthesaladwithedible
flowers.

Dressing
2cupsalmonds,soakedanddrained
1cloveofgarlic
1cupofcilantro
Himalayansalttotaste
Cayennetotaste
cupwater

Blendeverythinginablenderuntilsmoothand
drizzleoverindividualsalads.Forathinner
dressing,addmorewater

TheMainEvent
RavioliwithAlfredo
2cupsalmonds,soakedanddrained
2cupszucchini
2teaspoonsHimalayansalt
1clovefreshgarlic
2teaspoonsoregano

Processtheaboveingredientsinafoodprocessor
untilcreamy.Transfercreamymixturetoabowl
andaddcupmincedsweetonionandcup
mincedbellpepperbyhandtothemixture.Leave
largebutterlettuceoutlongenoughtowilt,
removetheheavycentervein.Place1tablespoon
ofmixtureintoeachlettuceleafandrolltowrap
uptightly.

Vegan Decadence

SauceIngredients
2teaspoonsmellowunpasteurizedmiso
2tablespoonsofoliveoil
cuprawpinenuts
cupcashewssoakedatleastonehourand
drained
1clovefreshgarlic
1teaspoondriedoregano
Himalayansalttotaste
Blackpeppertotaste
cupnutmilk
cupzucchini,peeledandchoppedfine
Nutritionalyeasttotaste
Parsleyforgarnish

Blendeverythingexcepttheparsleyinablender
andblenduntilsmooth.Placefourraviolisoneach
plateandtopwithAlfredosauce.Garnishall
aroundtheplatewithparsleyandserve.

TheFinale
StrawberriesandWhippedCream(fromthebest
sellingbook,AliveinFive)
1cupmacadamianuts,soakedanddrained
cupwater
5pittedsoftdates
1teaspoonagavesyrup
1teaspoonvanillaflavorbyFrontier
1tablespooncoldpressedNutivabrandcoconutoil

Blendalltheaboveingredientsinablenderand
blenduntilsmooth.Dipstrawberriesinthe
decadentwhippedcreamandsmileatyourloved
ones.

TheAuthor

AngelaElliottistheauthorofAlivein
Five,HolidayFarewithAngela,The
SimpleGourmet,andmorebookson
theway!AngelaistheinventorofFive
MinuteGourmetMeals,RawNut
FreeCuisine,RawVeganDog
Cuisine,andTheCelestialwich,
andtheownerandoperatorofShe
ZenCuisine.www.shezencuisine.com.Angelahas
contributedtovariouspublications,includingVegnews
Magazine,VegetarianBabyandChildMagazine,and

March 2010|25

hastaughtgourmetclasses,holisticclasses,lectured,
andonoccasiontouredwithLouCorona,anationally
recognizedproponentoflivingfood.

Vegan Decadence

March 2010|26

Candied Citrus
By Liz Lonetti
Thistimeofyearthereisstillabountyoffresh
citrusavailableandmybackyardorangetreesare
coveredinhundredsofpoundsofthefruit.Ive
juiced,cookedandjusteatenthefruitslicedand
givenbagsawayandstillthereismore!Allmy
neighborshavecitrustreesandatthistimeofyear
anorangeislikeazucchiniattheendofsummer
youmightfindbagsleftanonymouslyatyour
door

SoeachyearItrytofindnewwaystouseallthis
citrusandthisyearIvediscoveredthejoysof
candyingthefruit.Ivebeenusingoranges,but
youcoulduseanycitrusthatsoundsappealingto
you,limes,lemons,grapefruitorwhateverother
varietiesyoucanfind!

Sugarisaveryoldmethodofpreservation,when
usedinquantity,itwillpreventbacterialgrowth.
Theprincipleofmakingjamsandjelliesisvery
similartocandying,butperhapscandyingiseven
simpler.Createawatertosugarratioof1:1,
meaningequalpartswatertosugar.Slowlycook
downtheliquidtosyrupandintheprocessyouwill
saturatethecellwallsoftheslicedcitruswithinthe
liquidbathwiththesugarysyrup.Anotherwise
pithyandbitterrindwilldeveloparichflavorwith
bothsweetandsourqualitiesandmakesa
fantastictoppingtoicecreams,cakesandother
desertsaswellasaspecialtreattobeeatenasis.

Candiedslicescanbestoredinjarswiththesyrup
andshouldkeepforayearormorerefrigerated
andmonthsunrefrigerated.Theslicescanalsobe
driedonracksanddippedinsugartominimize
stickinessandlayeredbetweenwaxpapertostore
inacooldryplace.

Vegan Decadence

Candied Citrus

612citrusfruits,preferablyseedlesswith
thinnerrind.Iusedoranges.
Equalpartswaterandsugar(Iusedabout4cups
Waterand4cupsSugar)

Combinethewaterandsugarinlargecrockpot
orstovetoppan,heattomediumandstirto
dissolvesugarintothewater.Sliceoranges
inchinthicknessandremoveanyseeds.
Addslicestopotandsimmeroverlowheat
stirringoccasionally.
After34hoursthecitrusshouldbegintoturn
translucentandthewatermixturewillturnto
caramelcoloredsyrup.
Youcanremovethecitrusafteronlyafewhours
orleaveonlowovernightinacrockpotwiththe
lidpartiallyopentoachievearichcaramel
coloring.

March 2010|27


TheAuthor

Vegan Decadence

LizLonettiAsaprofessional
urbandesigner,LizLonettiis
passionateaboutbuilding
community,bothphysicallyand
socially.Shegraduatedfromthe
UofMNwithaBAin
Architecturein1998.Shealso
servesastheExecutiveDirector
forthePhoenixPermaculture
Guild,anonprofitorganizationwhosemissionisto
inspiresustainablelivingthrougheducation,
communitybuildingandcreativecooperation
(www.phoenixpermaculture.org).Alongtime
advocateforbuildinggreenerandmoreinter
connectedcommunities,Lizvolunteershertimeand
talentforotherlocalgreencauses.Inherspare
time,Lizenjoyscookingwiththeveggiesfromher
gardens,sharinggreatfoodwithfriendsand
neighbors,learningfromandteachingothers.To
contactLiz,pleasevisitherblogsite
www.phoenixpermaculture.org/profile/LizDan.

Resources
www.urbanfarm.org
www.phoenixpermaculture.org

March 2010|28

Vegan Cuisine and the Law

Animal Treatment Labels: A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words
By Mindy Kursban, Esq.

Ifslaughterhouseshadglasswalls,everyone
wouldbevegetarian.PaulMcCartney

Animalprotectionadvocateshavedemanded
Congressmandatetheseglasswallsbyrequiring
videosurveillanceinallslaughterhouses.Butthis
leavesfactoryfarmswheretheanimalsareraised
beforetheyaresenttoslaughterandwheremost
animalcrueltyoccursoffthehook.Andwhilelive
videostreamingfromfactoryfarmsand
slaughterhouseswouldpersuademanytoeat
loweronthefoodchain,itstillrequiresthat
consumersactivelyseekoutthisinformation.Its
timetogivetruthfulinformationaboutanimal
treatmenttoconsumersatthepointofpurchase
sotheycanmakeinformedchoices.
Whenconsumersbuychickenbreastsneatly
wrappedinplasticororderamilkshakeina
restaurant,theyknowitcomesfromananimal,but
theytypicallydonotconsiderhowtheanimalwho
hasjustbecometheirfoodlivedanddied.Keeping
consumersinthedarkaboutthehorrorsoffactory
farmingisAnimalAgribusinesssstrongestally.
Oncepeopleseewhathappens,theytendtonot
wantanypartofit.Butconsumerscannotmake
informedchoices,becausecurrentfoodlabeling
regardinganimaltreatmentisfalse,misleading,or
nonexistent.

TheCaliforniaMilkAdvisoryBoardsHappyCows
adcampaignshowscowsgrazingcontentedlywith
theirherdinbucolicgreenpastures,endingwith
thetagline,GreatCheeseComesfromHappy
Cows.HappyCowsComefromCalifornia.PETA
filedafalseadvertisinglawsuitbecausethecows
actualconditionsareinstarkcontrasttowhatis
portrayedintheads.TheSuperiorCourtof
CaliforniadeniedPETAsclaimonthegroundsthat
Vegan Decadence

theCaliforniaMilkAdvisoryBoard,amarketing
armoftheCaliforniaDepartmentofAgriculture,is
exemptfromthestatesfalseadvertisinglaws!
Otherfalseclaimsaboutfarmanimalwelfare
includeKFCspromiseofcommitmenttoanimal
welfare,PerdueChickensastoundingclaimsthat
theirchickensareallnaturalandraisedwiththe
bestofcareinstateofthearthousing,andthe
UnitedEggProducersAnimalCareCertifiedlabeling
program,whichwasdiscontinuedbecauseoffalse
advertisingchallengesbytheanimaladvocacy
nonprofitCompassionOverKilling.

Labelsclaimingcagefree,natural,orfree
rangeareexamplesofmisleadingclaimsabout
animaltreatment.Forexample,theUSDApermits
eggstobelabeledcagefreeifthehensare
uncagedinsidebarnsorwarehouses.Consumers
believethatthebirdswholaidthoseeggshada
decentlife.Butthehensneverwentoutsideand
werecrowdedinsideanindustrialscaleshedwith
thousandsofotherbirdsliterallywalkingontopof
oneanother.Toreducetheaggressivepeckingthat
resultsfromtheextremeconfinement,these
cagefreehenshadthetipsoftheirbeaksseared
offwithahotbladewithoutpainkiller.

Freerangelabelssimplyrequirethattheanimal
hadaccesstotheoutside.AccordingtoFarm
Sanctuary,anationalanimaladvocacynonprofit
thathasthoroughlyinvestigatedhumanelabeling
claims,freerangebirdsareoftencrowdedbythe
thousandsintofactorylikewarehouseswithno
flocksizelimits,andtheoutdoorareamaybelittle
morethanabarrendirtlotthatisdifficultforthem
toaccess.

Labelingmeat,dairy,oreggsasnaturalmeans
theyarefreeofartificialingredientsoraddedcolor
March 2010|29

andonlyminimallyprocessed.Aconsumerwould
reasonablyassumenaturalmeanssomething
verydifferent,perhapsthattheanimalwasraised
inanaturalenvironment.

Theonlyhonestwaytoinformconsumersisnot
withmisleadingwords,butwithpicturesthatshow
theactuallivingconditionsoftheanimals.Animal
TreatmentLabelscanbemodeledafterthe
mandatorywarningimagesrequiredoncigarette
packagesinseveralnationsaroundtheworld,
amongthemCanada,Australia,andtheEuropean
Union.Theimagesoncigarettepackagesarequite
graphic,accuratelydepictingtheresultsofsmoking
tobacco.Toseeexamplesoftheselabels,goto
www.smokefree.ca/warnings/laws/australia
warnings.pdf.

Similarly,theAnimalTreatmentLabelwouldshow
anaccurateandlikelygraphicpictureinsidethe
animalslivingenvironmentalongwithasimple
descriptionoftheimage.Thelabelwouldalso
includeawebsitewhereinterestedconsumerscan
readmore,seemorepictures,andwatchrealtime
streamingvideoofthefactoryfarms,aquaculture
fishfarms,commercialfisheriesoperations,and
slaughteroftheanimalsusedtocreatethat
companysproducts.

LetssayyoureatRubyTuesdaysabouttoorder
thebabybackribs.Besidethemenuitemwouldbe
somethinglikethefollowing:

Vegan Decadence

Oryoureatthegrocerystorebuyingacartonof
eggs.Youmightseethis:

EgglayingHens
Hensusedtoproducetheseeggslive
theirentirelivesincagesstackedontop
ofeachother.Therearesixhenstoa
cage,andeachhenisgiven67sq.inches
offloorspace,about3/4ofasheetof
notebookpaper.Formoreinformation,
visit
www.Kroger.com/animaltreatment/eggl
ayinghens

Themosteffectivewaytostopsupportingcruelty
toanimalsistochooseahumanevegandiet.
Thoughincreasingnumbersofpeoplearemaking
thischoice,10billionlandanimalsandmany
billionsmoremarineanimalsarekilledforfood
eachyearintheUnitedStatesalone.Theanimals
cannotspeakforthemselves,butwecanbetheir
voice.Companiesthatproduceorsellanimal
derivedfoodsmustbeheldtoaccountforhowthe
animalsweretreated.GettingAnimalTreatment
Labelsonanimalderivedproductsisnotgoingto
happenovernightand
Pigs
wouldbeaprotracted
Pigsusedforbreedingliveingestation
uphillbattle,ifitisto
crateslikethesepicturedhereduring
happenatall,butthe
theirnearlyfourmonthpregnancies.For
viabilityandpracticalities
moreinformation,visit
ofthisideaareworth
www.RubyTuesdays.com/animaltreatme
exploring.Creatinga
nt/pigs
wellinformedpublicis

thegreatesthopefor
change.

March 2010|30

TheAuthor

MindyKursbanisa
practicingattorneywhois
passionateaboutanimals,
food,andhealth.She
gainedherexperienceand
knowledgeaboutvegan
cuisineandthelawwhile
workingfortenyearsasgeneralcounselandthen
executivedirectorofthePhysiciansCommitteefor
ResponsibleMedicine.SinceleavingPCRMin2007,
Mindyhasbeenwritingandspeakingtohelpothers
maketheswitchtoaplantbaseddiet.Contact
Mindynowatmkursban@aol.com.

Vegan Decadence

March 2010|31

An Interview with
Author and Cooking
Show Host Christina
Pirello!

Whatstartedyouonthepathtobecominga
vegancookbookauthorandinstructor?

Well,thatissomestory,soIwillgiveyoutheshort
version.Ihadnointentionofdoingthiswithmy
life,butwhenIwasdiagnosedwithcancerat26
yearsold,Itookapaththatopenedthewhole
worldtome.Adoptingaveganmacrobioticdiet
healedmyhealthandshowedmethepathIwas
meanttobeontoteachpeopletohaveabetter,
healthierrelationshipwithfood;thateatingreal
food,unprocessedplantbasedfoodcanhavean
immediateanddramaticimpactontheirdaytoday
healthandwellness.

Televisioncaughtmebysurprise,tobesure.Iwas
goingalonginlife,quitecontentedwithteaching
cookingclasses(whichwerepacked!)andworking
locally,butmyhusbandhadotherplans.Hehad
thegeniusideathatIshouldhaveacookingshow
and3yearsafterhesharedhisideawithme,we
wereontheaironnationalpublictelevision,witha
cookingshowaboutvegancookingin200markets
intheU.S.Whowouldhavethought?

Vegan Decadence

Withtelevisioncametherequirementofa
cookbooktogowiththeshow,soIwrotemyfirst
one,whichwasachallengebecauseIamavery
freeanduninhibitedcook;nomeasuringforme.So
towriteabookhelpedmedevelopthatdiscipline.I
stilldontmeasureinmydaytodaycooking,butI
doformybooksanditsagooddisciplinetohave
fordevelopingrecipes.Everythinghasafrontanda
back.

Wereyoualwaysinterestedintheculinaryartsas
aprofessionordiditcatchyoubysurprise?

Ihavealwayslovedcooking.Growingupinan
Italianhousehold,Iwasinthekitchenwithmy
motherallthetime,learningandcooking.Ilovedit
fromanearlyage,butIalsoamanartist,soI
imaginedmylifeasasculptorandpainter.Igotmy
firstcookingjobwhenIwas16.(Cookingalways
seemedtobethewayIsupportedmyarthabit.)
Actually,Iwassupposedtobeworkingasa
waitressthatnight(itwasasederbeingcateredby
afriendofthefamily),butIwassobadatitthat
theguestsdemandedthatIberemovedfromthe
floor,soIwassenttothekitchenandmylove

March 2010|32

affairwithallthingscookingwasinfullblush.Ithas
neverdimmedforme.Everysinglemeal,every
ingredient,everyexperiencestillexcitesme.

Bynow,youreaveterancookingshowstar!How
didyourshow,ChristinaCooks,comeaboutand
whathasbeenthemostexcitingpartofthat
journeyforyou?

AsIsaidearlier,televisionwasneverapartofmy
bigplaninlife.Ihadnointentionofeverdoing
anythingsopublic,sooutthere.Andtelevision
hasbeenchallengingformebecauseofthat.Its
notnaturalformetobeinfrontofbigcrowds,big
audiences,butIhavelearnedtodoitandto
channelmynervousnessintotheenergyIneedto
dothejob.

Butthisjob,thislevelofdoingwhatIdohas
affordedmeopportunitiesthatIcouldnotimagine.
Travel,appearances,bookstowriteallhavecome
asadirectresultofthetelevisionshow.Most
importantforme,though,isthattelevisiongetsmy
footinthedoorwhereImightnototherwisehave
thechance:becauseoftheshow,Igettoworkwith
someofthemostamazingpeople,doingthemost
amazingworkintheworld,makingadifferencein
livesespeciallyforourkids.BecauseIamaTV
chef,Ihavethechancetoworkwithkidsin
schools,parents,teachers,nonprofitsall
dedicatedtomakingourchildren(ourwhole
society)healthierandmorevital.Toworkwith
someofthesepeopleandtoseesystemicchange
happenasaresultofacookingclassorseminaris
thebestpartofmyjob.

Whatchallengesdidyoufacegettingtheshow
goingandhowdidyouovercomethem?

Thebiggestchallengewefacedwasbecausewe
wereveryclearthatwewantedcontrolofour
content,ourbooks,ourworkschedule.Andwe

Vegan Decadence

wantedtoeducatepeople,notjuststandupand
showthemhowtosaut,butgivethem
informationthatwouldhelpthemmakepositive
changesforthemselves.Soweoptedfornational
publictelevision.Withthatnetwork,wehadtotal
control.Aslongaswemettheproduction
standards,kepttheinformationeducationaland
followedtherulesthatguidepublictelevisionto
thisday,wehadahomeonthenetwork.

Butthatmeantthatwehadtoraiseallour
productionmoney,everysinglepenny,which
meansfindingsponsorswhosharedourphilosophy
(avegan,plantbaseddiet)andhadthevisionto
getinvolved.Whentheshowwasnewandnoton
theairyet,thatwasachallenge,butthenwemet
MichaelPotter,thegeniusbehindEdenFoodswho
sharedmyviewoffoodandputhismoneywhere
hismouthwasandgotusoffthegroundandon
theair.Edenholdsaspecialplaceinmyheartfor
somanyreasons:theirquality,theircommitment
totheenvironmentforhelpingmydreamcometo
fruition.

Yourealsoanaccomplishedcookbookauthor.
Whatistheguidingphilosophybehindyourbooks
andhowdidyouapproachputtingthem
together?

Well,mylifeasanauthorhasbeendreamy.Itwas
anotherthingthatwasnotonmylistofthingsto
dointhislifewriting,butwell,ifyouwantto
makeGodlaugh,justtellhimyourplansforthe
future.

IsignedwithPenguinUSAbackin1997andit
wouldtake1000crowbarstoprymeawayfrom
them!IhaveworkedwithJohnDuff,mypublisher
fromthebeginningandhehasalwaysinspiredand
guidedmeinmywork.Iamcommittedtohelping
peoplehaveabetterrelationshipwithfoodandI
havenointerestinlecturing,posturingorbeing

March 2010|33

holierthanthou.Myjobistoprovidegood,solid
Whatarethestaplefoodsyoukeepstockedin
informationandthenletpeoplemaketheir
yourkitchen?

choices.

Italianextravirginoliveoil,seasalt,whole
Astheyearsandtitles
peppercorns,
piledup,Penguinhas
traditionalbalsamic

givenmealotof
vinegar,redwine
freedomtochoosemy
vinegar,brownrice
topics,butJohnis
syrup,maplesyrup
Extra virgin olive oil
alwaystheretoguide
granules,wholewheat
3 cloves fresh garlic, smashed
meandworkwithme
pastryflour,semolina
1 red onion, diced
tomakethematerial
flour,canned
Sea salt
appealingtothe
tomatoes(thatwecan
Cracked
black
pepper
mainstreamwhomay
inthesummer),whole
Generous
pinch
crushed
red
pepper
flakes
notbesointoeatinga
grains(brownrice,
2 stalks celery, diced
plantbaseddiet.I
millet,quinoa,barley,
1 medium carrot, diced
wanttomakeitfun,
amaranth),beans
accessible,easyand
(lentilsallkinds,
1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh in season, otherwise, canned diced
sexyforpeopleand
chickpeas,black
tomatoes)
withmypublishers
beans,pintobeans,
1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed well
guidanceandsupport,
splitpeas,cannellini
Grated zest of 1 fresh lemon (organic, if possible)
Ithinkhavedoneokay
beans),darkchocolate
1 bay leaf
withthat.
(forbakingand
4
cups
spring
or
filtered
water

snacking),whole
2-3
sprigs
fresh
basil,
leaves
removed,
left
whole
Whatisyourabsolute
wheatflourforbread,
favoriterecipethat
nuts,seeds,onions
Place a small amount of oil in a soup pot with garlic and onion. Turn
youvedonethatyou
(redandwhite),
findyourselfcooking
shallots,garlic,ginger.
heat to medium and when the onions begin to sizzle, add a pinch of
athome?(Please
Thefridgeisalways
salt, pepper and the chili flakes and saut for 2 minutes. Stir in
sharetherecipe!)
stockedwithgreens,
celery, a pinch of salt and saut for 1 minute. Stir in carrot, a pinch

saladingredients,root
of salt and saut for 1 minute. Stir in tomatoes, lentils, lemon zest,
Oh,thatstough.It
veggies(carrots,
bay
leaf
and
water.
Bring
to
a
boil,
uncovered.
Reduce
heat
to
low
dependsontheday.
turnips,rutabaga),
and cook, covered until the lentils are quite soft, 45 minutes to an
cabbage,celery,tofu,
ButIwillsaythat
hour. Remove bay leaf and discard. Season to taste with salt and
thereisonedishI
tempeh,
seitanwhateveris
makeonceaweek,so
pepper and simmer soup 5 minutes more before serving. Garnish
freshandinseasonat
itsuptherewithour
each bowl with fresh basil. Makes 4-6 servings.
themarketisinmy
favoritesasimple,
fridge.Andwekeep
yummylentilsoup.I
fruitaroundforsnacking,whateverisinseasonand
havemadethisrecipemywholelife,itseemsand
freshandlocalandorganiconalltheingredients
itsalwaysawinner.
possible.Whew!

My Mothers Lentil Soup

Vegan Decadence

March 2010|34

Whatisthemostamusingkitchenincidentyouve
had?

Well,itsagreatstory.Ihadarelativewhoisa
fabulousperson,butnotsogreatinthekitchen.
Youcanthaveeverything.Sooneday,shecalled
andaskedmehowtomakealemonmeringuepie
forhermotherinlaw.Itriedtotalkheroutofit,
butshewantedtomakethatparticularpie.I
convincedhertobuythelemoncurdandtalked
herthroughthecrust,butwell,shehadtohandle
themeringueonherown.Afewhourspassedand
shecalledinapanic.Igottoherplaceandtriedto
figureoutwhathadgoneawry.Hermeringuewas
lumpy.NowIhaveseenmeringuetoostiff,too
runny,butlumpy???SoIaskedhertotellmewhat
exactlyshehaddonetomakeit.Well,shesaid,
firstIhardboiledtheeggs.HowelsewouldI
separatethewhitesfromtheyolksasyou
instructed.SomehowIkeptastraightfaceandgot
herthroughtherecipe.Ihavetoldthisstoryfor
years,butonlywiththepromisetoneverreveal
hername!

Whatadvicecanyouofferforpeoplenewto
eatingahealthyvegandiet?Whatareyourkeys
tosuccess?

Thekeytosuccessinanyhealthylifestyleisto
makethecommitmentanddoit.Beinghealthyis
ourbirthright,notsomethingreservedforthe
wealthyandelite.Butwehavetowantit.Welive
inasocietythatdoesallitcanwithmarketingto
encourageustoeatmorejunkfoodanddoless
thatishealthyforus.Pharmaceuticalcompanies
haveastrangleholdonourcultureandonlya
changeinlifestylecanbreakthathold.

Tobeginyourjourneytohealth,makesmall
changes.Inthebeginning,justaddmoreveggiesto
yourdiet.Fromthereswitchuptowholegrains
andthenaddbeans.Trysomethingnew,liketofu.

Vegan Decadence

Theworstthingthatcanhappenisyouwontlike
somethingandyoulltrysomethingelse.

Andstopbuyingprocessedfoods,evenveganones.
Asmuchasyoucan,strivetousewhole,
unprocessedfoodsandcookmealsforyourselfand
yourfamily.Yes,itstimeconsumingandabitof
work.Butcookingissosexy,sonourishing,so
wonderful.Giveitago.Dustoffthepotsandpans
andhaveatit.Youwillloveit.

Beingfit,cookinghealthyplantbasedfoods,living
agreenlifeneedtobecomenonnegotiable,like
brushingourteetheveryday.Weliveinaworld
thatstealsourhealthwithoverscheduledlives,
junkfoodandpollution.Itsuptoustofightback.
Wegettovotethreetimesaday,withourforks.
Wedecide,forthemostpart,whatourhealthwill
bewithourlifestylechoices.Choosewellnessand
vitality.

Whatexcitingprojectsdoyouhavecomingup?
Whatsonthehorizon?

Well,IambeginninganewbookwithPenguin.We
areinthedevelopmentstages,sothisoneisabout
ayearandahalfaway.Iamexcitedthough;I
alwaysamwhenIbeginanewbook.

Wehavealsodevelopedandareproducingfor
publictelevisionakidsshowcalledIPlaywithMy
Food.WithayounghostfromMississippi,(Chef
DavidLeathers),theshowwillstrivetohelpkids
haveabetterrelationshipwiththeirfood,froman
earlyage.Withsegmentsonfitness,kidshealth,
theplanet,howfoodsgrowandofcourse,cooking,
thisshowisveryexcitingandhasagreatdealof
potential.Wehopetolaunchitinthefallof2010.

AndthentherestheChristinaPirelloHealth
EducationInitiative,thenonprofitIfoundedto
workwithschools,teachersandcommunitiesto

March 2010|35

educatepeopleonmakinghealthierdietand
lifestylechoices,especiallyinthemore
underservedinourcommunities.

Andfinally,Ifoundedacookingschoolthispast
year.Itsa6monthprogramdesignedtotake
peoplefromthebasicsofcookingtohomechef.
Wemeetoneweekendamonthandguest
teachersandexpertscomeinandsharetheir
expertiseabouthealth,wellnessandfoodandwe
cookalot.Fromthere,peoplecangoontostudy
tobecomeinstructorsfortheprogramsinmynon
profitornot.

ThanksChristina!

MoreAboutChristina

ChristinaPirelloisabright,freespirited,vivacious
redheadwhoisoneofAmericaspreeminent
authoritiesonnaturalandwholefoodswitha
radiantpersonalitythatonlyservestomakeher
messagemorepowerful.Shesmadeitherpurpose
inlifetoshowAmericansthattheycanlooktheir
bestandfeelgreattoo,bylearningtoeatnatural,
organicfood.

Christinasloveaffairwithfoodbeganatayoung
agewhenshespentmanyhappyhourscooking
withhermother,whocenteredfamilylifeinher
Italiankitchen.Mymomwasalwayssohappy
whileshewascooking.Itwastheplacewherethe
wholefamilygathered,anditwasaplaceIknew
greatjoycamefrom,sheremembers.

Thatjoymighthavebeentheverythingthat
preparedChristinatobeopenmindedaboutthe
healingpoweroffood,becauseshewouldneedit.
Atage26,shewasdiagnosedwithterminal
leukemia.Bythetimeherillnesswasidentified,the
cancerhadalreadyadvancedtoanacutestage.
Herdoctorsgaveherlittlereasontohavehopefor
theeffectivenessofconventionalmedicaltherapies
Vegan Decadence

andtoldhershehadonlymonthstolive.Initially,
shewasdiscouragedanduncertain.Thenaco
workerintroducedhertoRobertPirello,awhole
foodsadvocatewhohelpedheradaptherlifestyle
anddietbasedonwhole,unprocessedfood.With
love,dedicationanddeathdefyingdiscipline,
Christinaovercametheodds,andintheprocess
developedanexpertiseincookingwithwhole
foods.Afterjusttwomonthsofeatingbeans,grains
andvegetables,herdoctorsnoticedasignificant
improvementinhercondition.Infourteenmonths,
hercancerwasgone.Fromthattime,shewas
utterlyconvincedofthecloserelationshipbetween
dietandhealth.Sheknewherlifescallingwasto
helpothersdiscovertheimportanceofthis
relationshipintheirownlives.Tothatend,she
studiedandbecameanexpertinTraditional
ChineseMedicine,Ayurveda,acupunctureand
earnedaMastersDegreeinNutrition.Today,
almost26yearslater,Christinaisaglowing
exampleandinspirationonthepowerthatourfood
choiceshaveonouroverallhealthandwellbeing.

Since1988,Christinahasbeenteachingwhole
foodscookingclasses,conductinglifestyleseminars
andlecturingallovertheUnitedStatesaboutthe
powerfulrolefoodplaysinourlives.Shehas
sharedherdeepandclearknowledgeinavarietyof
settingsfromnaturalfoodstorestocorporate
boardroomsandnotonelifeisleftunchanged
whensheleavestheroom.Evenifheraudienceis
skepticalabouthermessagethatourfoodchoices
aredirectlylinkedtonationalepidemicssuchas
obesity,diabetes,heartdiseaseandcancer,theyll
neverthinkoffoodinthesamewayagainwhichis
preciselythepoint.

ChristinaistheEmmyAwardwinninghostofthe
televisionseriesChristinaCooks!,whichairsweekly
onover150nationalpublictelevisionstations
nationwideandin50foreigncountriesonDiscovery
Health.SheandherhusbandRobertpublishabi

March 2010|36

monthlynewsletterandtogethertheyalsooperate
ChristinaTrips,atravelcompanyspecializingin
healthyvacationstoexoticdestinations.

Christinahaswrittenfivecookbooks,thebestselling
CookingtheWholeFoodsWay,plusCookYour
WaytotheLifeYouWant,Glow,APrescriptionfor
RadiantHealthandBeautyandChristinaCooks:
EverythingYouAlwaysWantedtoKnowAbout
WholeFoods,ButWereAfraidtoAsk.Herlatest
book,ThisCrazyVeganLifewaspublishedin
January,2009andsheiscurrentlyatworkonher
sixthbook.InJanuaryof2010,CookingtheWhole
FoodsWaywasnamedthehealthiestcookbookof
thedecadebyPhysiciansCommitteefor
ResponsibleMedicine.

In2008,ChristinafoundedTheChristinaPirello
HealthEducationInitiative,anonprofit
organizationdedicatedtochangingAmericas
relationshipwithfood,withcommunityoutreach,
mediaprogramsandseveralinschoolprograms
designedtoteachourkidstomakehealthier
choicesbeforeitstoolate.Sheworkscloselywith
thecityofPhiladelphiaonvariousschoolandfarm
marketprogramsundertheumbrellaofThe
Initiative.

InJanuary,2009,Christina,alongwithother
nutritionexperts,offeredtestimonytotheU.S.
Senatesubcommitteeworkingtorevisethefood
pyramidguidelinesforhealthyeating.

ChristinaholdsafacultypositionatDrexel
University,whereshelecturesasaprofessorof
culinaryarts.ShealsoservesontheboardofThe
FarmMarketTrust,TheGreenCouncilof
Philadelphia,TheGreenCityYouthCouncilof
Philadelphia,The9thStreetItalianMarketBusiness
Association,TheChefsforHumanityChefsCouncil
andisamemberofIACP(InternationalAssociation
ofCulinaryProfessionals)andWomenChefsand

Vegan Decadence

Restaurateurs.ChristinaearnedbothherBachelors
andMastersDegreesinFineArtsfromthe
UniversityofMiami,andwasawardedaMasters
DegreeinNutritionin2003.

ViewChristinasworkatwww.christinacooks.com.

March 2010|37

Featured Artist:
Persia White

Whatpromptedyoutobecomeveganandhow
didyoumakethetransition?

Iwasalwaysananimalloverandatage12,Imade
theconnectionbetweenmyfamilycompanion
animals,andtheanimalsraisedforfood.Irealized
thatpeopleeatdogsandcatsindifferentpartsof
theworld.Thedifferencebetweenfarmanimals
anddomesticanimalsisonlyinthewayweVIEW
them.Icouldnevereatmydog,orcatsohow
couldIeatanyanimal?OnceImadethe
connectionbetweenthetwo,vegetarianismand
eventuallybeingveganwasthepathIknewIhad
totravel.

Yourebothasuccessfulmusicianandactress.
Howdoesbeingveganexpressitselfinyourart?

Beingveganhasbeenahugepartofmypathasan
artist.Inordertoconnectwithart,Ineedto
connectwithtruth.Beinghonestwithmyselfhas
broughtmeclosertonatureandthebeautyoflife.
Mostpeopledontrealizetheamountofenergyit
takestobenumb.Beingveganopenedupmy
energyandcreativity.

Doyoufindyouareabletoinfluenceothersinthe
entertainmentindustrytobringupcompassion
issuesandifso,howdoyougoaboutdoingthat?

Vegan Decadence

WantingbyPersiaWhite

VisitPersiaatwww.persiawhite.com

ClickonthenotetolistentoPersiassong

IdohavetheopportunitytoinfluenceothersandI
doitbyofferingmaterialsthatcaninformand
reachpeople.Books,andfilmsarethemost
powerfulwaytoconnectwithpeopleandopen
thereeyestoaworldtheyhavebeenshielded
from.Iwasluckyenoughtohelpproducethefilm
EARTHLINGS,andithasbeenmymostpowerful
waytoreachpeopleyet.Icantcounthowmany
peoplehaveturnedveganorvegetariantheday
theywatchedEARTHLINGS!(www.earthlings.com)

Iwasalwaysattractedtothearts.Ilovedhowit
couldtransformenergy.Makeasadpersonsmile,
orlaugh.Mymotherwasateacherandawriter.
Sheconstantlyexposedmetodifferentmusic,art,
andwaysofthinking.DianaRoss,StevieWonder,
Hendrix,PinkFloyd,andBillieHolidaywerebig
influences.

Whatwasyour
inspirationforyour
album,Mecca?

Mecca,mylove,anda
journey.Iseesoundin
March 2010|38

color,soImveryvisualwhencreatingmusic.
MeccawasinfluencedbyfeelingsIwantedtopaint
intosound.Ihaveaseriesofpaintingsthatgowith
thealbum.

Whatsimilaritiesdoyouseebetweenactingand
music?

Theyarebothaformofcommunicationbetween
theviewerandtheartist.Theybothrequirethe
performertobehonestandopeninamoment
withthepurposeofgivingandallowinganotherto
receive.IlikethatyouaskedwhatssimilarIm
alwaysbeingaskedwhatsdifferent

Notonlyareyouinvolvedinthearts,butyouare
alsoarenownedactivist.Whatprojectsareyou
involvedwithandwhatsortofworkdoyoudo?

ImaboardmemberfortheHumaneSocietyofThe
UnitedStates,andaBoardmemberoftheSea
ShepherdsConservationSociety.Bothgroupsare
doingsomanywonderfulthingstoraise
compassionandawarenessitsastounding!Please
visitwww.hsus.org,andwww.seashepherd.orgfor
ormoreinformationandwaysyoucanhelp.

Howdidyougetinvolvedandhowhasthis
changedyouonapersonallevel?

BeinganactivistwasoneofthebestthingsIve
everdone.Iwanttohelpotherpeoplebecome
aware,thesamewayIbecameaware.Because
someactivistputhimorherselfonthelineand
exposedcrimesIwouldntbelievepossible.I
changed.Ilearnedthethingsthatledmeto
becomethepersonIamtoday.ThemoreIlearned,
themoreIneededtoodosomethingtohelp,and
bepartofthesolution,inaworldfacedwithso
manyproblems.

Vegan Decadence

Whatnew,excitingprojectsdoyouhavecoming
upinthenearfuture?

IjustreleasedmysoloCDMECCA,soIllbedoing
someliveshowstopromotemymusic.Imalsoa
painter,soImworkingonmyfirstgalleryshowing.
Illbedonatingaportionoftheprofitstoanimal
welfarecharities.
ImreallyexcitedaboutanewdocumentaryImin
andapartof,calledIntelligentLife.
www.intelligentlifefilm.comItsawonderfuland
thoughtprovokingfilmdirectedbyBrianMalone.

Whatadvicecanyougivenewartistswhowantto
effectivelyraisetheirvoicesforothercreatures?

FollowyourHEART!Thebeautyistruthandwe
havethatonourside.Neverbesilenced,artissuch
apowerfulwaytocommunicateamessage.
Rememberthatwearethevoiceforthevoiceless.

Doyouhaveafavoritedishthatyouliketomake?
(pleasesharetherecipe!)

IvecreatedanArtichokeFieldRoast(wheatfree)
Persiasyummyummdelight!!!

Lightly glaze a pan with organic oil.

On low heat, grill minced onions and several

cloves of crushed garlic.

In a separate pan -simmer slices of field roast.
(Artisan Mexican Chipotle: www.fieldroast.com)

*field roast is a soy-free vegan grain meat like

product
Add grilled artichokes, diced sundried

tomatoes, sliced organic cherry tomatoes.

After about 15 min, combine the onion and
garlic with the filed roast mix.
Add a dash of freshly squeezed lemon juiceabout 1 wedge per serving.

March 2010|39

 This can be served on a bed of brown rice or

wrapped in a lightly toasted spelt tortilla

And if youre in the mood or a hardy meal put
rice and mix in the tortilla together to create a
Yumm Yumm burrito.

ThanksPersia!

Contact
YoucanfindPersiaatwww.persiawhite.com.

MoreAboutPersia

Persiaisananimalwelfareandenvironmental
activistandisaBoardmemberofTheHumane
SocietyOfTheUnitedStates,andTheSea
ShepherdsConservationSociety.Persiaisatrusted
spokespersononbehalfofanimalwelfareforover
10years.In2005shewashonoredbyPETAas
Humanitarianoftheyear,aswellasFarm
Sanctuaryin2006.Persiaalsomanagedtomerge
heractivismintohercharacterfornineyearsonher
TVshowGirlfriends,bymakinghercharactera
veganandanimalactivist,leavingmillionsoffans
globallyawareofanimalwelfareissues.Girlfriends
wasthe#1TVshowinAfricanAmericanhomesfor
9yearsaswellasaleadingshowforallwomen
ages1442.Persiaproducedtheawardwinning
documentaryEARTHLINGSnarratedbyJoaquin
Phoenix.InFebruary2010shecompletedworkin
thedocumentaryINTELLIGENTLIFE,andwillbe
participatinginfestivalsandscreeningsof
IntelligentLifeacrossthecountry.
www.intelligentlifefilm.com.

After9seasonsonthehitTVcomedyGIRLFRIENDS
Persiaisbranchingoutintotheworldoffilm,music
andvisualart.In2008Persiacompletedfilming
SpokenWord,withRubenBlades,andKunoBecker
andin2009PersiastarredinStandOff,opposite
DarrinHensonandReganGomez.InOctober2009
shereleasedherfirstsoloCDMECCA.

Vegan Decadence

MECCAisacompilationofPersiassolomusicand
collaborativeworkwithrecordingartistsuchas
TrickyandSaulWilliams.Persiahasworkedwith
greatartistssuchasGaryWallisofPinkFloyd,
DominiqueMillerofSting,RandyJacksonandBig
BioofOutcast.Persiahaswrittensoundtrackmusic
forthreeIndependentfilms,aswellastheseason5
and6finalesongforGirlfriends.In2010Persia
willbeginaseriesoflivemusicartperformances
thatincorporatehermusic,paintingsand
photography.

March 2010|40

Restaurant Review: Native Foods

NativeFoods
www.nativefoods.com

LocationsinAlisoViejo,PalmSprings,
Tustin,PalmDesert,andWestwood

Seewebsiteforhours,phonenumbers,
andaddresses

IfinallyhadthepleasureofdiningatNativeFoods
onmywaythroughPalmSpringsrecentlyandit
waswellworththestop.NotonlywasIstarving,
butIhadbeenlookingforwardtomyNativeFoods
visitforseveralweeks!Ok,severalmonths!

Atmosphere

IlovedtherelaxedatmosphereIfoundatNative
Foods.Theinterioroftherestaurantwasntthat
large,buttherewasaniceshadedpatiojust
outsidethefrontdoorsthatmadeforaquiet,
warm,andcomfortableafternoon.Infact,
comfortableisanaptwordtodescribemostof
whatIfeltattherestaurant.Thefeeloftheplace
wasveryinviting,thestafffriendly,andeventhe
foodfeltlikeafriendlyhug.

Service

Ivisitedtherestaurantatanoddhouroftheday,
sothestaffdidnthavemuchtodobesideswaiton
mywifeandme.Sufficeittosay,wereceived
impeccableservice!

Vegan Decadence

Reviewer: Jason Wyrick

Presentation

ThestyleoffoodservedatNativeFoodsissimilar
toanupscalesandwich/burgerrestaurantandthe
presentationmatchesthatstyleoffood.Its
nothingfancy,butifitwas,Ithinkitwouldhave
takenawayfromtheaforementionedallaround
comfortablefeeloftheNativeFoodsexperience.I
thoughtthepresentationworkedjustfine.

Food

SinceIwasntsurewhenIwasgoingtobeableto
visitagain,mywifeandIsplurgedonthefood
whilewewerethere.Itwasforareview,soitmust
beok,right?Wetriedthechilicheesefries,the
tacosalad,acupofchili,theportobelloand
sausageburger,theveggiemightyvitaburger,and
thecheesecake.Everythingwaswonderfuland
filling,incrediblyflavorful,andthemealleftme
wonderingwhenIwasgoingtocomebackandtry
outsomedifferentmenuitems.Iparticularlyliked
theveggiemightyvitaburger,whichwasa
surprise.Itreadlikestandardveggieburgerfare
onthemenu,butitwassowelldone,itendedup
beingafavorite.Alltheflavorswerewellbalanced
anditwasheartywithoutfeelingheavy.The
portobelloandsausageburgerwereaclearsecond
March 2010|41

favorite,thoughthatwasatoughdecisionbetween
thatandthechilicheesefries.

IfyoucanttellbytheitemsIlisted,NativeFoods
serveswhatisbasicallyvegancomfortfood,kicked
upanotch,ortwoinsomecases.

FinalThoughts

Thiswasagreatdiningexperienceandallaround
enjoyabletime.Thefoodwasdeliciousandfiling,
theatmosphererelaxed,andIleftfeelingsatisfied,
butnotweigheddown.Ihighlyrecommendthis
restaurant!

Vegan Decadence

TheReviewer
ChefJasonWyrickis
anawardwinning
veganchefandthe
ownerofArizona's
onlyvegancatering
company,DevilSpice.
Servingthestate
since2004asbotha
catererandaprolificveganculinaryinstructor,Chef
Jasonhasgarneredlocalandnationalattention.Hewas
chosenasvegcooking.com'sOctober,2005Chefofthe
MonthandhasbeenfeaturedintheArizonaRepublic
andonABC'slocalmorningshow,SonoranLivingLive.
Formerlyadiabetic,ChefJasonapproachesvegan
cuisinefrombothahealthandethicalstandpointwith
aneyefortasteandsimplicity.

March 2010|42

Product Review:

Bobs Red Mill: Gluten Free Baking Mix

Reviewer: Madelyn Pryor

BobsRedMill
http://www.bobsredmill.com/
Milwaukie,OR
Canbepurchasedat:Sprouts,
WholeFoods,Amazon.com
andBobsRedMillwebsiteand
mostgrocerystores
Price:$3.505.99average
dependingonthestoresizeof
flour
SpecialInformation:gluten
free

WhenIfoundoutthatIneededtobakegluten
free,Ipanicked.Atfirst,Itriedvariousglutenfree
floursbythemselves,andmyinitialresultswere
dismal.Ihadriceflourcookiesthatweregrittyand
cornflourcookiesthatwerecrumbly.Finally,I
decidedtotryBobsRedMillGlutenFreeBaking
Mix(GFBMasIrefertoitathome).Ithasfast
becomeindispensibleinourhomeforavarietyof
reasons.Butbeforeyoudotheglutenfreehappy
dance,bewarnedthatthisculinarywonderdoes
comewithafewwarnings,butthebonusesdo
makeupforthepotentialrisks.

BobsGFBMisacombinationofflours,including
potato,sorghum(atypeofgrassseed),tapioca,
garbanzo,andfavabean.Thisisaradical
combination,andnotoneIwouldhavethoughtto
assembleonmyown.Itprovidesaflourthatisthe
sameincaloriesasmostflours(100caloriesfor
cup),andithasadecentamountofbothfiberand
protein(3gramsofeachforcups).Thismakesit
anattractivealternativeforsomewhoarenteven
glutenfree,butthereisadownside.Thefirstfew
timesItriedtousethisproduct,Itriedto
substituteitcupforcupforwheatflour.Thatwas
semidisastrous.Itimpartedalargebeanyflavor

Vegan Decadence

tomybakingthatIdidnotenjoy.Italsocrumbled
easily,whichwasfrustrating.ThenIreadtheback
ofthepackageandsawIneededtoaddxanthan
gum.Theygiveachartonthebackofthepackage
astohowmuchaddpercupofGFBMbasedon
whatproductyouaretryingtomake.Youwillwant
tostartoffwiththisguide,andthenexperimenta
bittofindtheconsistencythatyouenjoy.Ihave
alsofoundthatifIaddabitmoresweetenerthan
iscalledfornormally,itwillcounteractthebeany
flavorandmakeabeautifulendproduct.

Allinall,Irecommendthisproducthighlytoall,not
justthosewhoareglutenfree.Bakingglutenfree
meansthatovermixingisnotaworry,andallyour
friendscaneatitwithoutwarning,whichisagood
andhappything.Grabyourselfsomegoodole
BobsRedMillGFBMandget
baking!

TheAuthor

Madelynisaloverofdessert,
whichshecelebratesonherblog,

March 2010|43

http://badkittybakery.blogspot.com/.Shehasbeen
makingherowntastydessertsforover16years,
andeatingdessertforlongerthanshecaresto
admit.Whensheisntinthekitchencreatingnew
wondersofsugarygoodness,sheischasingafter
herbadkitties,orreviewingproductsforvarious
websitesandpublications.Shecanbecontactedat
thebadkittybakery@gmail.comor
madelyn@veganculinaryexperience.com.

Vegan Decadence

March 2010|44

BookReview:SweetUtopia
Author:SharonValencik
Reviewer: Madelyn Pryor

SweetUtopiaisthewonderfuldesserttome
writtenbyoneofVeganCulinaryExperiencesown
contributors,SharonValencik.Withincomparable
styleandgrace,shedeliversavarietyofdelectable
dessertstoyoufromaroundtheglobe,andmany
thatarequitefamiliartoAmericans.Thisreflects
Sharonsownlife,anAmericanwithstrong
internationalties(herhusbandMilanis
Czechoslovakian andhe tookthewonderful
picturesforthebook.Sharonisalsothemotherof
two,sothereisvarietyinhowcomplicatedthe
dessertsareandhoweasytheyaretomake.)

Thisisoneoftherarebooksthatishardto
describe.Itismucheasiertoseeandenjoy.Ithasa
beautifullayout,andmanyfullcolorphotosthat
canbestbedescribedasdessertporn.Thisisnot
abookthatyouwanttolookatwhenyouareona
diet,becauseitlookslikeyoucanreachthrough
andjustpickupandenjoythesedesserts.It
inspiresyoutogetinthekitchenandgetbaking.

Andyoullwanttobakethelovelydessertsthat
Sharonhastooffer.ThereisVanillaagaveCustard
forwhenyouwantsomethingcreamy,RumBalls
forwhenyouwantsomethingalittlenaughty,and
PeanutButterMinicheesecakesforwhenyou
wanttoimpress(talkaboutagreatdatedessert!
Thosewillhaveyounewinterestcomingbackfora
seconddate!)Thereisactuallyawholesectionon
cheesecakeinherethathadmyeyesbuggingout
ofmyheadandmymouthwatering.Dittoforthe
cakesection.Icantwaittotrytheultimatepeanut
Vegan Decadence

Author:SharonValencik
Publisher:BookPublishing
Company
Copyright:2009
ISBN:9781570672330
Price:$19.95

buttercupcake(itsnotacupcakebutafullsized
cakethatispeanutbutter,chocolate,andbliss).

Ifyouarenewtobaking,orveganbaking,thereis
alsoalargesectioninthebeginningthattalks
aboutalltheingredientsinthebook,about
equipment,andbakingingeneral.

Soifyouarejuststartingout,oranaccomplished
pastrychef,Iknowthatyouwillbepleasedwith
thiswonderfultome.

HighestRecommendations!

TheAuthor

Madelynisaloverofdessert,whichshecelebrates
onherblog,http://badkittybakery.blogspot.com/.
Shehasbeenmakingherowntastydessertsfor
over16years,andeatingdessert
forlongerthanshecaresto
admit.Whensheisntinthe
kitchencreatingnewwondersof
sugarygoodness,sheischasing
afterherbadkitties,orreviewing
productsforvariouswebsites
andpublications.Shecanbe
contactedat
thebadkittybakery@gmail.comor
madelyn@veganculinaryexperience.com.

March 2010|45

BookReview:MySweetVegan
Author:HannahKaminsky
Reviewer: Madelyn Pryor

IamabakerandIhavebeenforover16years.I
havebeenaveganfor5years,andwhenIfirst
convertedIwasleftwithahugeamountof
vegetariandessertbooks,butnonethatwere
vegan.Atfirst,Ijustconvertedmyoldrecipes,but
thenIreceivedacopyofMySweetVegan.This
bookisrevelation.HannahKaminskyhascreateda
collectionofrecipesthataredeliciousand
beautiful.Toooften,withabook,youhearthe
phrasethereissomethinghereforeveryone.In
thiscase,itiscompletelytrue.Ifyouhaveasweet
tooth,orknowanyonewhodoes,youwillbe
delightedwiththisbook.Thereareseveralreasons
whyIsaythis,butIwillgiveyouafew.

Hannahgivesseveralcategoriesofsweets.There
areSweetStarts,ortreatsthatcandoubleas
breakfast,CookiesandBars,CakesandCupcakes,
PiesandTarts,andMiscellaneousMorselsand
Desserts.Withinthosecategories,hertastesare
diverse.Forthosewhoarecravingsomethinga
littlemoretraditional,thereareBananaNut
Muffins,LemonLimeSunshineBundtCake,and
BlackandWhiteCookies.Ifyouarelookingfor
somethingmoreadventurous,thereareWasabi
ChocolateCupcakes,ChaiCheeseCakes,and
GreenTeaFreezerPops.Ifyoufallsomewherein
betweenordinaryandadventurousyouwillstill
findplentytomakeandenjoy.

Imyselfhaveusedthisbookmanytimes,andI
havegottengreatresults.Thedirectionsareclear
andeasytofollow.Mostoftherecipescanbe

Vegan Decadence

Author:HannahKaminsky
Publisher:FlemingInk
Copyright:2007
ISBN:9780979128615
Price:$22.95

madewithingredientsthatveganswouldhaveina
wellstockedpantry.Therearephotosofmany
recipes,infullcolor.

Thisbookisavisualtreat,andonceyoudoabitof
bakingwithit,itmakesgreattreatstoo.Thisbook
hasmyhighestrecommendations,andat$22.95,it
makesareasonablypricedpresentforanyonewho
lovestobake,veganornot.Sograbacopy,jump
intothekitchen,andthengettoeating!

TheAuthor

Madelynisaloverofdessert,whichshecelebrates
onherblog,http://badkittybakery.blogspot.com/.
Shehasbeenmakingherowntastydessertsfor
over16years,andeating
dessertforlongerthanshe
carestoadmit.Whenshe
isntinthekitchencreating
newwondersofsugary
goodness,sheischasing
afterherbadkitties,or
reviewingproductsfor
variouswebsitesand
publications.Shecanbe
contactedat
thebadkittybakery@gmail.comor
madelyn@veganculinaryexperience.com.

March 2010|46

BookReview:SweetFreedom
Author:RickiHeller
Reviewer: Madelyn Pryor

Everyonewhoisveganknowsthatitcanbetricky
beingveganandtryingtoeatout.Itismuchmore
difficulttotryandeatoutataplacethathasvegan
dessert.Ifyouarealsoallergictoacommonbaking
elementsuchaswheat,orrefinedsugar,then
eatingoutisalmostimpossible.Luckily,RickiHeller
makesitsimpleforyoutobakesomedelicious
dessertsandeatin.

Rickiwasabakerwhowastoldthatforhealth
reasonsshehadtoavoidwheat,eggs,dairy,and
refinedsugar.Thegoodnewsforusisnotonlyare
herrecipesvegan,butthelackofrefinedsugar
makesthedessertsalotmorediabeticfriendly
thanothervegandessertbookofferings.Despite
thelackofwheatorrefinedsugar,thedessertsare
oftenlight,fluffy,andarealwaysquitedelicious.If
youarehorrifiedattryingtobakewithoutwheat,
justrememberhowyoumighthavefeltwhenyou
firstbecameveganandyouthoughtHowwillI
everbakewithoutmilkandeggs?Youllfindthat
wheatisjustasreplaceable.Ifyouhaveafood
allergybesideswheatorrefinedsugarthenlook
throughthebook,becauseshecarefullymarks
whichrecipesarefreeofotherallergens.

Anotherplusisthattheindexofthisbookis
amazing!Anotherreviewercommentedonthisas
well,butthisindexisnotshortreviewofrecipe
titles.Youcanalsolookupitemsbyingredient,
whichiswonderfulwhenyouhaveanexcessof
raisinsorsuchandyoucantdecidewhattodo
withthem.

Vegan Decadence

Author:RickiHeller
Publisher:Trafford
Publishing
Copyright:2009
ISBN:9781425176938
Price:$27.95

Ithinktheonlydownfallofthebookisthatwhile
therearesomeglutenfreerecipes,manyofthe
recipesusespeltandbarleyflour,whichdohave
gluten.Glutenallergiesareoneofthemost
commonfoodallergies,andifyouarebuyingthis
bookjustforthose,thenbeslightlycautious.

Still,thereareawealthoftasty,lovelydessertsin
here,anditwillmakeagreatadditiontoyour
vegancookbookcollection.

Highlyrecommended.

TheAuthor

Madelynisaloverofdessert,whichshecelebrates
onherblog,http://badkittybakery.blogspot.com/.
Shehasbeenmakingherown
tastydessertsforover16years,
andeatingdessertforlonger
thanshecarestoadmit.When
sheisntinthekitchencreating
newwondersofsugary
goodness,sheischasingafter
herbadkitties,orreviewing
productsforvariouswebsites
andpublications.Shecanbecontactedat
thebadkittybakery@gmail.comor
madelyn@veganculinaryexperience.com.

March 2010|47

Recipe Index

Clickonanyoftherecipesintheindextotakeyoutotherelevantrecipe.Somerecipeswill
havelargewhitesectionsaftertheinstructionalportionofthem.Thisissoyouneedonlyprint
outtheingredientandinstructionalsectionsforeaseofkitchenuse.

Recipe
Cookies
BlueMoonCookies
CinnamonAlmondCookies
GingerbreadCookies
Haystacks
MolassesSpiceCookies
PeanutButterChocolateChip
Cookies
PeppermintCookies
Rugelach
SwedishShortbreads
ThaiPeanutLimeCookies
ThumbprintCookies

Breads
BananaBread
DessertFocaccia
TropicalCoffeeCake

Pies&Tarts
AppleCobbler
CheesecakewithShavedChocolate
CoconutLimePie
HeirloomTomatoTart
IceboxPumpkinPie
RawStrawberryPie
PearPecanTart

Page

Recipe

50
55
60
64
68
72

76
80
85
88
93

97
100
105

110
115
119
123
128
132
14

Cakes,Cupcakes,&Brownies
CreamCheeseBrownies
ChocolateCupcakes
ChocolateRaspberryCake
DatePecanCake
ChocolateCupcakes/Cake

Puddings&Parfaits
AlmondDecadence
BananaPudding
ChocolateMousse
Fruit&GranolaParfait
Potato&ApplePudding
TropicalPudding

IceCreams,Sorbets,&Gelato
BasilLimeChocolateChipIce
Cream
BloodOrangeSorbet
Cookies&CreamIceCream
IcedOrange
KeyLimePieIceCream
PoblanoGelato
VanillaOolongIceCream

Continuedonnextpage

Page

136
140
145
149
12

151
155
159
163
167
22

171

174
177
180
184
187
14

Recipe Index

Clickonanyoftherecipesintheindextotakeyoutotherelevantrecipe.Somerecipeswill
havelargewhitesectionsaftertheinstructionalportionofthem.Thisissoyouneedonlyprint
outtheingredientandinstructionalsectionsforeaseofkitchenuse.

Recipe
Miscellaneous
AnchoCannoli
AlmondButterAppleBoats
BakedApplesinPhyllo
Beignets
ChestnutBeignets
BlackCherryChocolateBar
DessertRisotto
FigsinMisoGlaze
FigsStuffedwithCashewCream
FruitKebabs
GlazedAlmonds
GrilledRumPeachesinPhyllo
MacchaLatte
PeanutButterChocolateBalls
SesameBalls
StrawberryMilkshake
StrawberrySpears
SweetBananaswithRaspberries
Truffles
TwistedLemonBars
AngelasTopSecretChocolate
Truffles
StrawberriesandWhippedCream
CandiedCitrus

Page

Recipe

191
198
202
206
211
215
219
223
227
231
235
239
243
247
251
256
260
264
268
273
24

25
27

Nondesserts
Mole
BathforTwo!
GreenswithAlmondCilantro
Dressing
RawRavioliwithAlfredo
MomsLentilSoup
PersiasArtichokeFieldRoast

Page

17
24
25

25
34
39

Blue Moons
Type:

Dessert - Cookie

Makes:

about 2 dozen

Time to Prepare: 15 minutes prep, about 30 minutes bake time

Ingredients
For the cookies:

1 cups granulated sugar

2/3 cup shortening
2 tablespoons warm water
1 teaspoons Ener-G egg replacer powder
6 tablespoons Blue Curacao liquor
6 tablespoons Coconut Rum liquor
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 cup Gluten-Free baking mix (I used Bobs Red Mill)
2 teaspoons xanthan gum
For the frosting:
2 cups powdered sugar

2tablespoons Blue Curacao liquor

2 tablespoons Coconut Rum liquor

Instructions
For cookies:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

Cream the shortening and sugar.

Mix the warm water with the egg replacer in a separate container, until creamy, then add to the
shortening and sugar.
Add the liquors.
The Vegan Culinary Experience Education, Inspiration, Quality * www.veganculinaryexperience.com
Recipe by Chef Madelyn Pryor

Vegan Decadence

March 2010|50

Zest fresh lemons, then use the juice until you have the appropriate amounts.
Add the lemon juice and zest to the cookie mix, and mix thoroughly until you have one dough.

Mix the baking soda , baking powder, salt, xananth gum and baking mix until they are blended.
Add the dry mix to the wet, about cup at a time until they are all one mix.
Line the baking sheets with parchment paper.
Place two tablespoons of mix per cookie on the sheet, and bake the sheets for 13 minutes.
The tops should be slightly golden brown.

Allow the cookies to rest about 5 minutes before removing them from their sheets.
Cool Completely!

For Frosting:

Mix the powdered sugar, and liquors until incorporated.

Spoon about 1 teaspoon over completely cooled cookies.
Allow to harden.

The Vegan Culinary Experience Education, Inspiration, Quality * www.veganculinaryexperience.com

Recipe by Chef Madelyn Pryor

Vegan Decadence

March 2010|51

Low-fat Version
This is not a cookie that you eat if youre counting fat grams.

Kitchen Equipment
A mixer, bowls, cookie sheets, a glass, measuring cups and spoons.

Presentation

These cookies look best against a white plate and need no

adornment, but they would go well with a shot of blue curacao
served alongside them.

Time Management
You could make the frosting while the cookies are baking. If a crust forms on the top of the frosting
from sitting, then just mix.

Complementary Food and Drinks

Since these have a nice alcoholic flavor, they would be great at a cocktail party with finger foods,
and retro cocktails .

Where to Shop
These ingredients should be available at any well stocked supermarket.

How It Works
The liquor balances out some of the sweetness of the cookie, and also dissipates as the cookies
The Vegan Culinary Experience Education, Inspiration, Quality * www.veganculinaryexperience.com
Recipe by Chef Madelyn Pryor

Vegan Decadence

March 2010|52

are baked, which is why the outside, which is exposed most directly to the heat is crisp, and the
inside is soft.

Chefs Notes
This cookie is alcoholic and a few can give a small body a buzz, so they are for adults only, and
dont eat a lot if you plan on driving!

Nutritional Facts (individual servings in parentheses, does not include any options)
Calories 6109.0 (254.5)
Calories from Fat 3469.5 (144.6)
Fat 385.5g (16.1g)

Total Carbohydrates 519.9g (21.7g)

Dietary Fiber 30.0g (1.3g)
Sugars 548.9g (22.9g)
Protein 30.0g (1.3g)

Salt 1163mg (48mg)

Vitamin A 0% (0%)
Vitamin B6 0% (0%)

Vitamin C 30% (1.3%)

Calcium 0% (0%)
Iron 1% (0.04%)
Thiamin 2% (0.1%)

Riboflavin 3% (0.1%)
Niacin 0% (0%)
Folate 0% (0%)
Phosphorous 0% (0%)
Potassium 0% (0%)
Zinc 0% (0%)
Magnesium 0% (0%)
Copper 0% (0%)

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Recipe by Chef Madelyn Pryor

Vegan Decadence

March 2010|53

Interesting Facts
Curacao liqueur is named after the island from which it originated.

Curacao is flavored from laraha citrus, a relative of the Valencia orange.

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Recipe by Chef Madelyn Pryor

Vegan Decadence

March 2010|54

Cinnamon Almond Cookies

Type: Dessert

Serves: 24

Time to Prepare: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Ingredients

2 cups unbleached white flour

1 tsp baking soda

tsp baking powder

1 cup margarine, softened at room temperature
1 cups white sugar
1 tsp Ener-G Egg Replacer
2 tbsp water

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp almond extract
1 tsp cinnamon

cup slivered almonds

3 tbsp sugar
1 tsp cinnamon

Instructions

Sift together flour, baking soda and baking powder into a large bowl and set aside.

Cream the margarine and sugar together with an electric mixer or wooden spoon until light.
Whisk the Ener-G Egg Replacer with the water and beat into the margarine mixture.
Beat in both the vanilla and the almond extracts.
Beat in the first teaspoon of cinnamon.
Turn the mixer to medium low and slowly add the flour mixture just until it is uniformly incorporated.
Using a large wooden spoon, fold the slivered almonds into the dough, being careful not to over
mix.

Cover or wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least one hour.

Preheat oven to 350.
Combine the 3 tablespoon of sugar with the second teaspoon of cinnamon in a small bowl.
Divide dough in half, leaving one half in refrigerator.

Divide that half of dough into 12 equal portions and roll into approximately 1-inch round balls.
Space evenly on a baking sheet, leaving about an inch and a half between each ball.
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Recipe by Eleanor Sampson

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Using the bottom of a glass, press the balls down until slightly flattened.
Sprinkle the individual cookies with cinnamon sugar.

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.

Allow to cool for a couple minutes on the cookie sheet before moving to a wire rack to cool
completely.

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Recipe by Eleanor Sampson

Vegan Decadence

March 2010|56

Kitchen Equipment
Electric mixer

Large wooden spoon

Sieve
2 large mixing bowls
1 small mixing bowl

Measuring cups and spoons

Baking sheets
Plastic wrap
Flat-bottomed glass
Spatula

Presentation
If you are not plating these up with other cookies, place them on a
white plate and then sprinkle a bit of extra cinnamon around the
edge of the plate for additional color.

Time Management
This dough can be refrigerated, wrapped in plastic, for up to three days or frozen for a month.

Make up the second pan of cookies while the first is baking to save some time.

Complementary Food and Drinks

These cookies go very well with hot coffee or a tall glass of soymilk.

Where to Shop
Most of the ingredients are available at a regular grocery store. You may have to go to a store like
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Recipe by Eleanor Sampson

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Whole Foods or Sprouts for vegan margarine and the egg replacer.

How It Works
The egg replacer helps bind the cookie together, while the fat makes it tender. Chilling the dough
allows the gluten to rest, which yields a more tender cookie as well. The almond extract gives the
entire cookie a subtle nutty taste.

Chefs Notes
These cookies have a very nice texture with a deep nutty flavor contrasted with the height of the
cinnamon. They are also incredibly easy to make, and thats always a good thing.

Nutritional Facts (individual servings in parentheses, does not include any options)
Calories 3997.4 (166.6)
Calories from Fat 1406.4 (58.6)
Fat 156.3g (6.5g)

Total Carbohydrates 605.1g (25.2g)

Dietary Fiber 12.5g (0.5g)
Sugars 337.5g (14.1g)
Protein 42.6g (1.8g)

Salt 3535mg (147.3mg)

Vitamin A 164% (6.8%)
Vitamin B6 11% (0.5%)
Vitamin C 0% (0%)

Calcium 17% (0.7%)

Iron 96% (4%)
Thiamin 136% (5.7%)

Riboflavin 75% (3.1%)

Niacin 106% (4.4%)
Folate 135% (5.6%)
Phosphorous 55% (2.3%)

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Recipe by Eleanor Sampson

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Potassium 19% (0.8%)

Zinc 23% (1.0%)

Magnesium 39% (1.6%)

Copper 47% (2.0%)

Interesting Facts
Cinnamon was imported to Egypt from China as early as 2000 BCE.

Almonds are actually a seed, not a nut, and is a close cousin to peaches.

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Recipe by Eleanor Sampson

Vegan Decadence

March 2010|59

Gingerbread Cookies
Type: Dessert

Serves: 24

Time to Prepare: 2 hours (including 1 hours chill time)

Ingredients

3 cups unbleached white flour

tsp baking soda

1 tsp ground cinnamon

tsp freshly grated nutmeg
tsp ground cloves
1 tsp Ener-G Egg Replacer

cup margarine, softened at room temperature

cup sugar
2/3 cup blackstrap molasses
3 tbsp freshly grated ginger

Instructions

Sift together the flour, baking soda, all the spices (except the ginger), and the egg replacer.
Cream margarine and sugar in an electric mixer or with a large wooden spoon until light. Beat in
the molasses and the fresh ginger.

Turn the mixer to medium low and add the flour mixture slowly, beating just until the dough is
uniformly smooth.
Cover or wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for one hour.
Preheat oven to 350.

Divide dough in half, leaving one half in the refrigerator.

Spray cookie sheet with non-stick spray, then place a piece of parchment paper on sheet. Place
dough in the middle of the parchment paper, and flatten a little with your hands.

Cover with a second sheet of parchment paper, then roll out with a rolling pin until dough is
approximately inch.
Cover rolled dough and return to the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.
Cut gingerbread shapes with cookie cutters, and peel away excess dough. Try to get as many
shapes out of one pan as possible. If desired, decorate cookies with raisins or candies.

Bake for 8-10 minutes (dough will be very dark when raw but lightens as it bakes). They are done
when cookies are still soft and the edges are just beginning to brown.
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Recipe by Eleanor Sampson

Vegan Decadence

March 2010|60

Low-fat Version
You can replace half the fat in this recipe with a like amount of apple sauce for a lower fat cookie,
though it will be denser than a regular gingerbread cookie.

Kitchen Equipment
Electric mixer

Wooden spoon
Two 11x17 inch baking sheets
Non-stick spray
Grater for the ginger and nutmeg
Non-stick cooking spray
Parchment paper
Rolling pin
Cookie cutters

Presentation
The gingerbread men pictured here are decorated simply with a
few raisins. However, you can go crazy with icing and candies.
You can make full shirts of icing, chocolate dips for shoes,

peppermint candy buttons, etc. Go wherever your imagination

takes you!

Time Management
This dough can be kept three days in the refrigerator and up to a month in the freezer. Make sure
it is in a fully sealed plastic bag so it does not pick up any other scents.

Complementary Food and Drinks

I like to have these with a spicy glass of chai tea with just a bit of soy creamer added into the drink.
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Recipe by Eleanor Sampson

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March 2010|61

Where to Shop
Earth Balance and Willow Run are both great vegan margarines to use for baking, both of which

can usually be found at Sprouts and often Trader Joes. When choosing the ginger, do not
choose ginger with hard, shriveled ends. Look for a crisp, plump look and a crisp smell.

How It Works
Most gingerbread recipes call for ground ginger, which is spicier and more bitter than fresh ginger.
Using fresh ginger in this cookie gives it an almost floral bouquet, and the taste is quite different
(and better!) than traditional gingerbread. The blackstrap molasses in this recipe is what gives the
gingerbread men their dark appearance and deep flavor. The baking soda and fat is what makes
them nice and fluffy! The dough can be soft and sticky, so that's why you use the parchment
paper and chill it before cutting.

Chefs Notes
The flavor of these gingerbread men is softer and more floral than the harder, spicier gingerbread
men that are more commonly sold. That made for an incredible cookie experience!

Nutritional Facts (individual servings in parentheses, does not include any options)
Calories 2905.7 (121.1)

Calories from Fat 659.8 (27.5)

Fat 73.3g (3.1g)

Total Carbohydrates 521.7g (21.7g)
Dietary Fiber 10.5g (0.4g)
Sugars 197.8g (8.2g)
Protein 39.7g (1.7g)
Salt 2213mg (92.2mg)
Vitamin A 82% (3.4%)
Vitamin B6 86% (3.6%)
Vitamin C 3% (0.1%)
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Recipe by Eleanor Sampson

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Calcium 199% (8.3%)

Iron 315% (13.1%)

Thiamin 151% (6.3%)

Riboflavin 101% (4.2%)
Niacin 124% (5.2%)
Folate 146% (6.1%)

Phosphorous 52% (2.2%)

Potassium 170% (7.1%)
Zinc 33% (1.4%)
Magnesium 142% (5.9%)
Copper 254% (10.6%)

Interesting Facts
China produces about 25% of the worlds ginger.
Ginger root is actually a rhizome, which is a stem that grows underground.

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Recipe by Eleanor Sampson

Vegan Decadence

March 2010|63

Butterscotch Haystacks
Type: Dessert

Serves: 24

Time to Prepare: 20 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup brown sugar, packed

1

/3 cup soy creamer

3 tbsp margarine

2 tbsp dark corn syrup

2 tbsp scotch
1 tsp vanilla

3 cups chow mien noodles

Optional: flaked coconut (to make snow covered haystacks)

Instructions

Melt the margarine in a medium saucepan over medium heat, then add the sugar, corn syrup and

creamer, and stir gently until the sugar melts. Bring to a slow boil.
Lower heat and boil gently, stirring often, until sauce thickens and coats the back of a wooden
spoon, about 7-10 minutes, or until a candy thermometer reads 270-290 F.
Remove from heat and stir in scotch and vanilla.

Immediately add the chow mien noodles and stir until coated.
Using two spoons, dish out the coated chow mien noodles onto baking sheets, working as quickly
as possible (this sets up fairly fast).

Try not to make the haystacks bigger than a bite or two, or the cookies will be too unwieldy to eat.
Let the haystacks cool to room temperature before moving to an airtight container.

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Recipe by Chef Jason Wyrick

Vegan Decadence

March 2010|64

Kitchen Equipment
Saucepan

Large wooden spoon

Two regular spoons
Baking sheets
Candy thermometer

Presentation
I call the version you see in this picture Snow Covered
Haystacks. Once they cooled, I plated them and then sprinkled
them with lots of shredded coconut.

Time Management
This recipe is fairly quick, partly because you have to work quickly once the sauce is ready.
Although there is some stovetop cooking, these are no-bake cookies that dont require the use of
an oven. These can be made up to three days in advance, if stored in an airtight container.

Complementary Food and Drinks

These cookies are sweet and fun to eat, and go perfectly with a tall glass of icy cold soymilk.

Where to Shop
All of the ingredients should be available at your local grocery store, though you may have to visit
a liquor store to get scotch.

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Recipe by Chef Jason Wyrick

Vegan Decadence

March 2010|65

How It Works
The butterscotch sauce absorbs into the noodles and holds everything together. The sauce is

cooked to the soft crack stage, so it hardens nicely as it cools, though the soy creamer keeps it
from turning into hard candy.

Chefs Notes
If you dont have scotch handy, any type of whiskey will do. Bourbon has a complex flavor that
would be delicious in this recipe. Alternatively, you could use dark rum, or omit the alcohol
altogether.

Nutritional Facts (individual servings in parentheses, does not include any options)
Calories 2083.2 (86.8)
Calories from Fat 656.2 (27.3)
Fat 72.9g (3.0g)

Total Carbohydrates 327.7g (13.7g)

Dietary Fiber 5.3g (0.2g)
Sugars 247.7g (10.3g)
Protein 11.6g (0.5g)

Salt 1105mg (46.0mg)

Vitamin A 33% (1.4%)
Vitamin B6 10% (0.4%)
Vitamin C 0% (0%)
Calcium 24% (1%)
Iron 59% (2.5%)
Thiamin 40% (1.7%)

Riboflavin 30% (1.3%)

Niacin 41% (1.7%)
Folate 31% (1.3%)
Phosphorous 28% (1.2%)

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Recipe by Chef Jason Wyrick

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Potassium 28% (1.2%)

Zinc 16% (0.7%)

Magnesium 35% (1.5%)

Copper 45% (1.9%)

Interesting Facts
Though there isnt actually any scotch in traditional butterscotch, we sure do like it in this recipe!
Instead, the scotch is likely derived from scorch, referring to the way the sugar is cooked.
4,000 year old noodles have been excavated from an archeological site in Qinghai, China.

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Recipe by Chef Jason Wyrick

Vegan Decadence

March 2010|67

Molasses Spice Cookies

Type:

Dessert - Cookie

Makes:

about 45

Time to Prepare: 15 minutes prep, about 30 minutes bake time

Ingredients
For the cookies:

cup vegan margarine (I used Earth Balance)

cup shortening
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons warm water

1 teaspoons Ener-G egg replacer powder

cup molasses
teaspoon salt
2 teaspoon xanthan gum
2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1 teaspoon cinnamon
teaspoon allspice

teaspoon ground nutmeg

teaspoons ground cloves
2 cup gluten free baking mix (I used Bobs Red Mill)
For the coating:
Granulated sugar

Instructions
For cookies:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

Cream the shortening , margarine, and brown sugar.

Mix the water and Ener-G powder in a separate container until creamy, then add to the
shortening/sugar mixture.
Add the molasses to the wet mixture and incorporate thoroughly.
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Recipe by Chef Madelyn Pryor

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Mix the xanthan gum, ginger, allspice, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, baking mix and salt in
a separate bowl. This makes the dry mix.

Add the dry mix to the wet mix, one cup at a time until thoroughly combined.
The dough should be a cohesive ball.
Shape into 1 inch balls and roll in granulated sugar.
Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.

Place the cookies on the sheet and bake for 10 minutes.

Dry on the cookie sheets for 5 minutes before moving.

For Frosting:

Mix the powdered sugar, and liquors until incorporated.

Spoon about 1 teaspoon over completely cooled cookies.
Allow to harden.

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Recipe by Chef Madelyn Pryor

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March 2010|69

Low-fat Version
This is not a cookie that you eat if youre counting fat grams.

Kitchen Equipment
A mixer, bowls, cookie sheets, a glass, measuring cups and spoons.

Presentation

Leave these as is or garnish the plate with whole versions of the

spices found in the cookies.

Time Management
While the first batch is in the oven, keep making cookie balls! That way, the rest of the dough is
ready when you need it.

Complementary Food and Drinks

These warm, homey cookies are perfect with a cup of tea or coffee.

Where to Shop
These ingredients should be available at any well stocked supermarket.

How It Works
The outside coating of sugar on the cookie caramelizes slightly in the oven, making a slight crunch.
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Recipe by Chef Madelyn Pryor

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Chefs Notes
This cookie is perfect for the fall and the winter. Through a few of these in your next Christmas
cookie exchange, or make any time of the year for snacks!

Nutritional Facts (individual servings in parentheses, does not include any options)
Calories 3110.7 (69.1)
Calories from Fat 1005.1 (22.3)

Fat 111.7 (2.5g)

Total Carbohydrates 495.4g (11.0g)

Dietary Fiber 30.0g (0.7g)
Sugars 270.9g (6.0g)
Protein 31.0g (0.7g)

Salt 1960mg (44mg)

Vitamin A 123% (2.7%)
Vitamin B6 % (0.09%)
Vitamin C 0% (0%)
Calcium 40% (0.9%)
Iron 45% (1%)

Thiamin 4% (0.09%)
Riboflavin 4% (0.09%)
Niacin 5% (0.1%)
Folate 0% (0%)

Phosphorous 11% (0.2%)

Potassium 57% (1.3%)
Zinc 18% (0.4%)
Magnesium 24% (0.5%)
Copper 0% (0%)

Interesting Facts
Molasses is the byproduct of processing sugar.

Most molasses comes from sugar cane, but some comes from beets.
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Recipe by Chef Madelyn Pryor

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March 2010|71

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Type: Dessert

Serves: 36

Time to Prepare: 30 minutes (includes time to cool)

Ingredients

1 cup of peanut butter

1 cup of vegan margarine, at room temperature
2 cups packed brown sugar

EnerG Egg Replacer for 2 eggs

2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
3 cups of unbleached white flour
tsp salt

1 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda
1 cup of vegan chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350.

In an electric mixer, whip the peanut butter, margarine, and brown sugar until it is light and well
blended.

Mix the Egg Replacer solution and vanilla together.

Mix thoroughly the Egg Replacer and vanilla into the ingredients in the mixer.
Sift the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda together in a metal bowl.

Turn the mixer on low and add the dry ingredients in four batches, allowing each batch to combine
before adding the next one.
Fold in the chocolate chips.
Take about 1 tbsp. of dough and form a ball about 2 inches in diameter.
Place these on an oiled cookie sheet about 2 inches apart.

Press each dough ball down with a fork, making criss-cross lines.
Bake these for 16 minutes.
Immediately transfer to a rack to cool.

Optional Method: Instead of using an electric mixer, you can whisk together the peanut butter,

margarine, and sugar by whisking them quickly until they get light. You can then whisk in the other
ingredients.
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Recipe by Chef Jason Wyrick

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March 2010|72

Kitchen Equipment
Baking Sheet
Metal Bowl

Electric Mixer or a Second Metal Bowl and Whisk

Measuring Cup
Measuring Spoons
Rack for Cooling

Spatula to Remove the Cookies from the Cookie Sheet

Presentation

This looks really nice as part of a dessert. Put the cookie in

the bottom of a mug, top it with Soy Delicious vanilla ice
cream, top that with chocolate syrup, and top that with some
vegan whip cream.

Time Management
Start by putting out the vegan margarine well ahead of time so it can get to room temperature.
Since these are best just after theyve cooled down and theyre a bit soft, its nice if you can make
these just before you serve them. If you cant, try making them the morning of the day you serve
them, instead.

Complimentary Food and Drinks

A nice glass of vanilla soy milk is perfect with these cookies!

Where to Shop
All of the basic ingredients can be purchased at the local supermarket. The best place to get the
chocolate chips, though, is Whole Foods. Their 365 brand works the best with these cookies.
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Recipe by Chef Jason Wyrick

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How It Works
The baking powder reacts when it is put in a liquid, becoming a solution that releases carbon

dioxide bubbles which helps the cookies to rise. The Egg Replacer helps bind everything
together. The margarine helps keep the cookie moist while it bakes, making it tender.

Chefs Notes
If you have an oven light, use it so you dont have to open the door to check on the cookies. Just
an extra minute or two longer than necessary is all the difference between a firm cookie and a burnt
cookie. Realize that these will be extremely soft when they come out of the oven, so be careful
when you transfer them to the cooling rack. Use a big, fat spatula when you do it. If you have
trouble doing it, just leave them on the cookie sheet for about ten minutes before working with

them.

Nutritional Facts (individual servings in parentheses)

Calories 6675 (185)
Calories from Fat 3011(84)
Fat 340g (9.4g)
Total Carbohydrates 806g (22.4g)
Dietary Fiber 24g (.66g)
Sugars 440g (12.2g)
Protein 111g (3.1g)
Salt 5020mg (139mg)
Vitamin A 160% (4.4%)
Vitamin B6 n/a
Vitamin C n/a

Calcium 26% (.72%)

Iron 56% (1.56%)
Thiamin n/a
Riboflavin n/a
Niacin n/a

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Potassium n/a
Folate n/a

Phosphorous n/a
Zinc n/a
Magnesium n/a
Copper n/a

Interesting Facts
Cookies are thought to have been invented in the Persian Empire around 700 A.D.
During the Renaissance, cookie recipes were found in a plethora of cookbooks.
Alexander the Great discovered the sugar we are familiar with today while he was in Asia. After
he brought it back with him to Europe, its use quickly spread throughout the Mediterranean.
The first chocolate chip cookie was served in 1937 at the Toll House Restaurant.

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Type: Dessert

Peppermint Sugar Cookies

Serves: 24

Time to Prepare: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Ingredients

2 cups unbleached white flour

1 tsp baking soda
tsp baking powder

1 cup margarine, softened at room temperature

1 cups white sugar
1 tsp Ener-G Egg Replacer
2 tbsp water

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp peppermint extract
24 peppermint candies

Instructions

Sift together flour, baking soda and baking powder into a large bowl and set aside.
Cream the margarine and sugar together with an electric mixer or wooden spoon until light.
Whisk the Ener-G Egg Replacer with the water and beat into the margarine mixture.
Beat in both the vanilla and the peppermint extracts.

Crush the peppermint candies in a zip top baggie with a rolling pin until they are in small pieces.
Turn the mixer to medium low and slowly add the flour mixture just until it is uniformly incorporated.
Using a large wooden spoon, fold the peppermint pieces into the dough, careful not to over mix.
Cover or wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least one hour.
Preheat oven to 350.
Divide dough in half, leaving one half in the refrigerator.
Lightly spray a baking sheet with non-stick spray.

Divide unrefrigerated dough into 12 equal portions, and roll each portion into a 1-inch ball.
Space dough balls evenly on a baking sheet, leaving an inch and a half of room around each one.
Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden.

Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving to a wire rack to finish cooling.
While first sheet of cookies is baking, use refrigerated dough to prepare a second sheet.
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Recipe by Chef Jason Wyrick

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March 2010|76

Low-fat Version
You can reduce the fat content in by substituting 1 1/8 cups of applesauce for a like amount of
the margarine. The texture will definitely not be the same, but then neither will the calories! If you
use this option, make sure to use pastry flour instead of regular unbleached.

Kitchen Equipment
Electric mixer
Wooden spoon

Two 11x17 inch baking sheets

Non-stick spray
Baggie in which to crush the peppermint

Presentation
These cookies are perfect for imprinting before they go in the
oven. The cookie in this picture has a slight pinwheel pattern, but
any pattern can be added. Just lightly imprint the cookies before
they go into the oven.

Time Management
The dough can be made up to three days in advance and refrigerated. Alternatively, freeze the
dough for up to one month. To save a bit of time, you can sift the flour while the butter and sugar
are creaming together. And, since this is a sugar cookie, you can use some of the dough to make
other types of cookies by taking off a few pieces before you mix in the peppermints!

Complementary Food and Drinks

A glass of soy milk!

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Recipe by Chef Jason Wyrick

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Where to Shop
All of the ingredients can be found at your local grocery store, though you may need to go to a

store like Whole Foods or Sprouts to find vegan margarine. You will find a good range of
peppermints at a candy store.

How It Works
The EngerG Egg Replacer binds the ingredients together while the fat makes the cookies
tender. Allowing the dough to rest for an hour relaxes the gluten in the cookie, keeping them
tender. Peppermint extract is used to give an overall tincture of flavor while the crushed candies
give shots of flavor in each bite.

Chefs Notes
Dont let these cookies bake too long. They are very easy to overcook, so it is better to pull them
a minute too early than a minute too late.

Nutritional Facts (individual servings in parentheses, does not include any options)
Calories 4127.0 (172.0)
Calories from Fat 1283.4 (53.5)
Fat 142.6g (5.9g)

Total Carbohydrates 674.0g (28.1g)

Dietary Fiber 9.3g (0.4g)
Sugars 403.7g (16.8g)
Protein 36.9g (1.5g)

Salt 3575mg (149.0mg)

Vitamin A 164% (6.8%)
Vitamin B6 9% (0.4%)
Vitamin C 0% (0%)

Calcium 10% (0.4%)

Iron 90% (3.8%)
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Thiamin 133% (5.5%)

Riboflavin 64% (2.7%)
Niacin 101% (4.2%)

Folate 133% (5.5%)

Phosphorous 42% (1.8%)
Potassium 13% (0.5%)
Zinc 17% (0.7%)

Magnesium 20% (0.8%)

Copper 31% (1.3%)

Interesting Facts
Archeological evidence shows mint being used as a medicine at least 10,000 years ago.
Compounds in peppermint have a wide variety of uses, including as a topical anesthetic, to reduce
nausea, as a decongestant, and as a pesticide against tracheal mites infesting honey bees.

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Recipe by Chef Jason Wyrick

Vegan Decadence

March 2010|79

Rugelach
Type: Dessert

Serves: 24

Time to Prepare: 2 hours

Ingredients

1 cup unbleached flour, sifted

cup margarine, softened at room temperature

4 ounces Better Than Cream Cheese, softened at room temperature

cup Sour Supreme
tsp vanilla extract
cup sugar
Soy milk
Sugar
Filling:

2 tsp ground cinnamon

cup finely chopped walnuts
cup raisins
2 tbsp packed brown sugar

cup raspberry or apricot preserves

Instructions

Cream the margarine, Better Than Cream Cheese, and sugar in a mixer at medium speed, or by
hand with a large wooden spoon until light.

Beat in the Sour Supreme and vanilla extract.

Turn the mixer to low and slowly add the flour, mixing just until uniformly smooth.
Cover or wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for an hour.
Preheat oven to 350.

Combine all the filling ingredients except the fruit preserves in a bowl and mix thoroughly.
Spoon the preserves into a second bowl and stir until easily spread.
Divide the dough into two, leaving one half in the refrigerator.

Dust the counter with flour, and roll the dough into about a 9-inch round.
Spread two tablespoons of the fruit preserves onto the dough, going almost to the edge. Then,
sprinkle half of the filling over the dough, again going close to the edge.
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Recipe by Eleanor Sampson

Vegan Decadence

March 2010|80

Cut the dough round in half, then in quarters. Cut each quarter into thirds, so that you have 12
pie wedge shaped pieces.

Starting at the wide end, roll up cookies and place them on a baking sheet, seam side down.
Return baking sheet to the refrigerator and chill for 30 minutes, until firm.
Brush the tops of the cookies with soy milk, and sprinkle lightly with sugar.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden.

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Recipe by Eleanor Sampson

Vegan Decadence

March 2010|81

Kitchen Equipment
Electric mixer

Large wooden spoon

Three mixing bowls
Spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Plastic wrap
Rolling pin
Sharp knife or pizza cutter
Pastry brush

Presentation
These can be served as part of a cookie spread or on their own. If
serving them on their own, sprinkle them with a dash of cinnamon
and a few cuts of mint for extra color on the plate.

Time Management
The dough can be stored, covered or wrapped, for up to three days in the refrigerator or for a
month in the freezer. The filling ingredients are all nonperishable, and can be put together up to a
week in advance. Or, you can make the filling while creaming the sugar, Better That Cream

Cheese, and margarine. If possible, make the second pan of cookies when you have returned the
first to the refrigerator to chill again; that way, the second pan should be done chilling at about the
time the first comes out of the oven.

Complementary Food and Drinks

This is a fairly sturdy cookie that holds up to other strong flavors, and goes wonderfully with a hot
cup of coffee.
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Recipe by Eleanor Sampson

Vegan Decadence

March 2010|82

Where to Shop
Almost all of the ingredients can be found at your local grocery store. A store like Whole Foods

or Sprouts should carry both the Better Than Cream Cheese and Sour Supreme, as well as
vegan margarine.

How It Works
The Better Than Cream Cheese, margarine and Sour Supreme make a rich and decadent
dough that is not too sweet. The real sweetness comes from the filling. The fruit preserves help
the filling stick to the dough, as well as keep the cookie moist. When rolling the dough out, make
sure there is plenty of flour on the counter, and rub flour on your rolling pin as well to keep it from
sticking.

Chefs Notes
When cutting the dough into wedges, use either a very sharp knife or (my favorite) a pizza cutter.

Apricot preserves are probably the most traditional, though raspberry preserves are also very
nice. Consider substituting different combinations of preserves, dried fruit and nuts, such as

pistachios with dried cranberries and orange marmalade, or almonds with dried cherries and cherry
preserves.

Nutritional Facts (individual servings in parentheses, does not include any options)
Calories 2106.4 (87.8)
Calories from Fat 909.1 (37.9)
Fat 101.0g (4.2g)

Total Carbohydrates 277.7g (11.6g)

Dietary Fiber 4.3g (0.2g)
Sugars 140.8g (5.9g)
Protein 21.6g (0.9g)

Salt 2153mg (89.7mg)

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Recipe by Eleanor Sampson

Vegan Decadence

March 2010|83

Vitamin A 85% (3.5%)

Vitamin B6 4% (0.2%)

Vitamin C 14% (0.6%)

Calcium 9% (0.4%)
Iron 34% (1.4%)
Thiamin 49% (2.0%)

Riboflavin 33% (1.4%)

Niacin 37% (1.5%)
Folate 55% (2.3%)
Phosphorous 18% (0.8%)
Potassium 10% (0.4%)
Zinc 6% (0.3%)
Magnesium 11% (0.5%)
Copper 18% (0.8%)

Interesting Facts
Rugelach comes from the Yiddish word for creeping vine.
Rugelach is of Ashkenazic origin. Famous Ashkenazic Jews include Albert Einstein, Anne
Frank, and Groucho Marx.

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Recipe by Eleanor Sampson

Vegan Decadence

March 2010|84

Swedish Shortbreads
Type:

Dessert - Cookie

Makes:

about 2 dozen

Time to Prepare: 15 minutes prep, about 45 minutes bake time

Ingredients

For the cookies:

cup shortening

vegan margarine (I used Earth Balance)

2 cups powdered sugar
teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons water

1 teaspoons almond extract

1 teaspoon ground cardamom
1 cup ground almonds
2 cups gluten free baking mix (I used Bobs Red Mill)
For the coating:
About 1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.

Cream the shortening, margarine, and powdered sugar.
Add the water, and extract, then mix again until incorporated.

Mix the almonds, cardamom, salt, and baking mix in a separate bowl.
Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, about cup at a time until thoroughly incorporated.
The dough should cling to itself in a solid ball.
Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Make balls of dough, about of an inch in diameter.

Bake for about 15 minutes.
Wait for 5 minutes before removing the cookies from the baking sheets, then roll in powdered
sugar.

Remove excess powdered sugar.

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Recipe by Chef Madelyn Pryor

Vegan Decadence

March 2010|85

Low-fat Version
This is not a cookie that you eat if youre counting fat grams.

Kitchen Equipment
A mixer, bowls, cookie sheets, a glass, measuring cups and spoons.

Presentation

A dark backdrop shows off the lightness of the cookies. Even a

light, but colored dish will do fine. Just avoid a white dish.

Time Management
This cookie goes fast! While the second batch is in the oven you can be rolling the first in
powdered sugar.

Complementary Food and Drinks

Make some nice vegan Swedish Meatballs, or add them to a Smrgsbord.

Where to Shop
These ingredients should be available at any well stocked supermarket.

How It Works
Since there are no leavening agents, like baking powder or baking soda, these cookies do not rise
as much as others. They are smaller and more tender than some of their cookie brethren.
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Recipe by Chef Madelyn Pryor

Vegan Decadence

March 2010|86

Chefs Notes
This is a fun, delicate cookie, so be careful when traveling with it!

Nutritional Facts (individual servings in parentheses, does not include any options)
Calories 6250.2 (260.4)
Calories from Fat 2478.6 (103.3)
Fat 275.4g (11.5g)

Total Carbohydrates 861.5g (35.9g)

Dietary Fiber 54.7g (2.3g)
Sugars 609.9g (25.4g)
Protein 81.4g (3.4g)

Salt 3759mg (157mg)

Vitamin A 164% (6.8%)
Vitamin B6 1% (0.04%)
Vitamin C 5% (0.2%)
Calcium 70% (2.9%)
Iron 48% (2%)
Thiamin 15% (0.6%)

Riboflavin 119% (5%)

Niacin 43% (1.8%)
Folate 0% (0%)
Phosphorous 114% (4.8%)
Potassium 49% (2.0%)
Zinc 48% (2%)
Magnesium 162% (6.8%)
Copper 112% (4.7%)

Interesting Facts
Shortbreads are basically sweet biscuits.
Shortbreads are typically cooked at low temperatures to keep the color and taste even.

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Recipe by Chef Madelyn Pryor

Vegan Decadence

March 2010|87

Thai Peanut Lime Bites

Type:

Dessert - Cookie

Makes:

about 2 dozen

Time to Prepare: 15 minutes prep, about 20 minutes cook time

Ingredients
cup smooth peanut butter
cup shortening

cup brown sugar

1 tablespoon molasses
1 tablespoon Ener-g egg replacer
4 tablespoons warm water

cup gluten free baking mix (I used Bobs Red Mill)

1 teaspoon xanthan gum
teaspoon baking powder
teaspoon baking soda
teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons mild chili powder
cup chopped roasted peanuts (unsalted)
cup granulated sugar
3 cups powdered sugar
The zest from 1 lime

cup fresh lime juice

Instructions
For cookies:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Cream the peanut butter, shortening, and brown sugar.
Add the molasses, and mix it until incorporated.

Beat the water and Ener-g in a separate glass until whites and frothy, then add to the peanut
butter mixture, mixing until incorporated.
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Recipe by Chef Madelyn Pryor

Vegan Decadence

March 2010|88

Mix in a separate bowl the baking mix, xanthan gum, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and chili
powder.

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients about cup at a time, until all the wet and dry
ingredients have been incorporated.
Add the chopped peanuts until they are part of the cookie mix.
Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.

Roll the dough into balls about of an inch in diameter.

Roll the balls in the granulated sugar until coated.
Place on the baking sheet, then flatten with the bottom of a glass.
Bake for 8-10 minutes at 350 degrees.
Cool completely.

For Frosting:

Mix the powdered sugar, zest, and lime juice until creamy.
Spread over completely cooled cookies.
Allow to harden.

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Recipe by Chef Madelyn Pryor

Vegan Decadence

March 2010|89

Low-fat Version
This is not a cookie that you eat if youre counting fat grams.

Kitchen Equipment
A mixer, bowls, cookie sheets, a glass, measuring cups and spoons.

Presentation

Liberally garnish the plate with chopped peanuts, sprinkling them

between the cookies.

Time Management
Chop the peanuts while the other ingredients are mixing together.

Complementary Food and Drinks

This would make a great dessert after a meal that showcases peanuts or coconut milk.

Where to Shop
These ingredients should be available at any well stocked supermarket.

How It Works
Magic.

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Recipe by Chef Madelyn Pryor

Vegan Decadence

March 2010|90

Chefs Notes
This cookie is fun because you dont taste the chili powder at first, but after you have finished the

cookie, the spice lingers in your mouth.

Nutritional Facts (individual servings in parentheses, does not include any options)
Calories 4766.9 (198.6)

Calories from Fat 1447.9 (60.3)

Fat 160.9g (6.7g)

Total Carbohydrates 751.6g (31.3g)
Dietary Fiber 33.0g (1.4g)
Sugars 604.9g (25.2g)
Protein 78.2g (3.3g)
Salt 2200mg (92mg)
Vitamin A 42% (1.8%)
Vitamin B6 0% (0%)
Vitamin C 33% (1.4%)
Calcium 15% (0.6%)
Iron 23% (1%)

Thiamin 13% (0.5%)

Riboflavin 23% (1%)
Niacin 162% (6.8%)
Folate 45% (1.9%)

Phosphorous 91% (3.8%)

Potassium 49% (2.0%)
Zinc 49% (2.0%)

Magnesium 98% (4.1%)

Copper 60% (2.5%)

The Vegan Culinary Experience Education, Inspiration, Quality * www.veganculinaryexperience.com

Recipe by Chef Madelyn Pryor

Vegan Decadence

March 2010|91

Interesting Facts
Thai flavors typically combine sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and spicy, only one of which is commonly
found in desserts!

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Recipe by Chef Madelyn Pryor

Vegan Decadence

March 2010|92

Thumbprint Cookies
Type: Dessert

Serves: 24

Time to Prepare: 1 hour 30 minutes (includes 1 hour for the dough to rest)

Ingredients

1 cup margarine, softened at room temperature

1 cup sugar

1 tbsp. vanilla extract

1 tbsp. Ener-G Egg Replacer
3 cups unbleached white flour
Filling options:
cup chocolate chips, melted with 2 tbsp. soy milk
cup Better than Cream Cheese, mixed with 2 tbsp. sugar
cup of your favorite jam or jelly

Instructions

Sift together the flour and Ener-G Egg Replacer.

Cream the margarine and sugar until light in an electric mixer or by hand with a wooden spoon.
Beat in the vanilla.

Turn mixer to medium low speed, slowly add the flour mixture, and beat just until uniformly smooth.
Cover or wrap in plastic wrap and chill at least 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 350.

Divide dough in half, leaving one half in the refrigerator.

Lightly spray a baking sheet with non-stick spray.

Divide unrefrigerated dough into 12 equal portions, and roll each portion into a 1-inch ball.
Space dough balls evenly on a baking sheet, leaving an inch and a half of room around each one.

Make an indentation in the center of each cookie with your thumb or fingertips, and fill to the top
with one of the fillings.
Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden.
Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving to a wire rack to finish cooling.
While first sheet of cookies is baking, use refrigerated dough to prepare a second sheet.

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Recipe by Eleanor Sampson

Vegan Decadence

March 2010|93

Low-fat Version
You can reduce the fat content in by substituting 1 1/8 cups of applesauce or mashed bananas
for a like amount of the margarine. The texture will definitely not be the same, but then neither will
the calories! If you use this option, make sure to use pastry flour instead of regular unbleached.

Kitchen Equipment
Electric mixer
Wooden spoon
Two 11x17 inch baking sheets
Non-stick spray

Presentation
You can arrange these with other cookies or make a platter of
them by themselves. Try not to stack them when they are too

warm, though, or the warm chocolate will smear on the cookies.

Time Management
The dough can be made up to three days in advance and refrigerated. Alternatively, freeze the
dough for up to one month.

Complementary Food and Drinks

These cookies are rich, buttery, not too sweet, and go very nicely with hot tea.

Where to Shop
All of the ingredients can be found at your local grocery store, though you may need to go to a
store like Whole Foods or Sprouts to find vegan margarine.
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Recipe by Eleanor Sampson

Vegan Decadence

March 2010|94

How It Works
The EngerG Egg Replacer binds the ingredients together while the fat makes the cookies

tender. Allowing the dough to rest for an hour relaxes the gluten in the cookie. Agitated gluten
molecules make for a tough cookie or bread! The cookies are baked at 350 so they do not heat
too fast, which would result in the outside being crisp and the inside being underdone.

Chefs Notes
Cook times are different because each oven is different, so you will have to pay attention to how
rapidly your oven cooks baked goods. I prefer to err on the safe side and take them out earlier
rather than later if I am not sure about the oven. A cookie can always be baked longer, but if it
bakes too long, it will be hard and that cant be undone.

Nutritional Facts (individual servings in parentheses, does not include any options)
Calories 4380.3 (182.5)

Calories from Fat 2257.0 (94.0)

Fat 250.8g (10.4g)

Total Carbohydrates 489.0g (20.4g)
Dietary Fiber 10.1g (0.4g)
Sugars 199.8g (8.3g)
Protein 41.8g (1.7g)
Salt 3218mg (134.1mg)
Vitamin A 243% (10.1%)
Vitamin B6 10% (0.4%)
Vitamin C 1% (0.04%)
Calcium 16% (0.7%)
Iron 99% (4.1%)

Thiamin 149% (6.2%)

Riboflavin 101% (4.2%)
Niacin 111% (4.6%)

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Recipe by Eleanor Sampson

Vegan Decadence

March 2010|95

Folate 145% (6.0%)

Phosphorous 49% (2.0%)
Potassium 15% (0.6%)
Zinc 18% (0.8%)
Magnesium 24% (1%)
Copper 31% (1.3%)

Interesting Facts
Cookies are thought to have originated in Persia around the 5th century.

The word cookie comes from the Dutch word koekje, which means little cake.

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Recipe by Eleanor Sampson

Vegan Decadence

March 2010|96

Banana Bread
Type:

Dessert

Serves:

8-16 depending on size of slices

Time to Prepare: about 10 minutes, plus 55 minutes baking time

Ingredients

3 ripe bananas
cups packed brown sugar

cup vegan margarine (I used Earth Balance sticks)

1/3 cup milk (I used soy milk)
1 tablespoon vanilla
1 cup chopped walnuts

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons xanthan gum
1 tablespoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground allspice

2 cups gluten free baking mix (I used Bobs Red Mill)
salt

Instructions

Heat the oven to 350 degrees.

Add the bananas to a mixer, and beat on high for 1-2 minutes, until pureed.
Add the sugar, and softened butter, and cream together.
Add the milk and vanilla, mixing until all combined.

Combine in a new bowl all the dry ingredients: baking powder, baking soda, xanthan gum, cinnamon,
allspice, baking mix and whisk until all ingredients are distributed equally.
Chop the walnuts into recognizable but small bits, about 1/8 inches.

Add to the dry mixture, and toss them through, so the nuts are coated with the dry mix.
Add to the wet mix, about cup at a time, until thoroughly combined.
Place the combined mix into a lightly greased loaf pan (about 8 X 4) and bake for 55 minutes, or
until a skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean.
Allow to cool about 10 minutes and remove from pan.
Slice and serve.
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Recipe by Chef Madelyn Pryor

Vegan Decadence

March 2010|97

Low-fat Version
You can reduce the amount of nuts in the recipe by half.

Kitchen Equipment
Bowls, mixing cups and spoon, zester, mixer (optional), loaf pan.

Presentation

Serve 1-2 slices and garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar,

and sprinkle of chopped nuts.

Time Management
Always wash your dishes while your loaf is baking in the oven. That way, when your dish is done
you can enjoy it with everyone else.

Complementary Food and Drinks

I love the decadence of serving a scoop of vanilla ice cream with slices of warm banana bread. It is
one of the ultimate desserts.

Where to Shop
You should be able to find these ingredients at any major supermarket. However, since brown
bananas are best with this recipe, you have to buy those ahead and let them brown on the counter.

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Recipe by Chef Madelyn Pryor

Vegan Decadence

March 2010|98

How It Works
As bananas ripen, the sugars develop and intensify, so when you make your bread with old

bananas, you get a more intense flavor.

Chefs Notes
Though most people think that banana bread is a simple dish, this dish incorporate spice, a light

sweetness, and an intense nuttiness to elevate it to a gourmet status. Serve it warm for a special
treat.

Interesting Facts
Bananas originated in Southeast Asia and were first domesticated in New Guinea.
Bananas arent just for eating. Banana plants are sometimes grown for the use of their fiber in
clothing and other textiles!

The Vegan Culinary Experience Education, Inspiration, Quality * www.veganculinaryexperience.com

Recipe by Chef Madelyn Pryor

Vegan Decadence

March 2010|99

Dessert Focaccia
Type: Dessert, Bread

Serves: 6

Time to Prepare: 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients

1 tsp. of sugar
1 package active dry yeast

cup of warm water (110 degrees F)

2 tbsp. of olive oil
2 to 3 cups of all-purpose flour
1/3 cup of sugar
tsp. of salt

1 tsp. of cinnamon
tsp. of allspice
tsp of cloves

cup of pistachios
cup of golden raisins
1 tsp. of olive oil
Additional cinnamon and sugar

Instructions

Dissolve 1 tsp. of sugar and yeast in warm water in a small bowl.

Let stand until bubbling and frothy, about 10 minutes.
In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, allspice and cloves.
Whisk oil into yeast mixture.

Pour yeast mixture into flour mixture and stir well with a wooden spoon.
When the dough has formed a rough ball, turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until

satiny and smooth, about 10 minutes.

Lightly oil a large bowl and place dough inside.

Cover with plastic wrap or a clean tea towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume,
about 40 minutes.

Punch dough down and turn onto a lightly floured surface.

Knead pistachios into dough.
Once incorporated, gently knead raisins into dough, working the dough as little as possible.
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Vegan Decadence

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Stretch and pat dough into a lightly greased baking sheet.

Using knuckles or tips of fingers, press dough down until covered with divots.
Brush top with additional oil, then sprinkle lightly with sugar and cinnamon.

Cover focaccia with plastic wrap or a clean tea towel and let rise in a warm place for about thirty
minutes.
Preheat oven to 475 degrees F.

Bake focaccia in preheated oven for 15 minutes, until golden and crisp around the edges.
Cut into wedges, squares, or slender rectangles and serve.

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Recipe by Eleanor Sampson

Vegan Decadence

March 2010|101

Kitchen Equipment
Small bowl
Large bowl

Wooden spoon
Baking sheet

Presentation
Slice this along the width and lay the pieces at an angle
against each other. This allows the diner to see what is
inside the dessert focaccia, whetting the appetite, and it also
makes the slices easy to grab off of the plate.

Time Management
When baking, there tends to be a lot of downtime and this recipe is no exception. That makes it
the perfect opportunity to complete some of your other recipes.

Complementary Food and Drinks

This recipe goes nicely with a sparkling apple cider and as the finisher to a spicy dish like the

chipotle aioli potatoes.

Where to Shop
All of these ingredients are readily available at your local supermarket, although, if you do not
have some of the ingredients on hand, go to a store like Sprouts that has a bulk spice section so
you dont have to pay for an entire jar of spice just to get tsp. of it.

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Recipe by Eleanor Sampson

Vegan Decadence

March 2010|102

How It Works
The yeast creates bubbles in the dough when it interacts with the water, making the dough fluffy.

Kneading the dough develops the gluten in it which binds together and traps the bubbles the yeast
makes inside the focaccia. Pistachios go very well with raisins and add a nice color contrast to the
focaccia while the cinnamon provides a nice, dessert touch to the bread.

Chefs Notes
This focaccia is not as sweet as it first appears, but it is no less delicious. It can be served as a
dessert or as an appetizer! If you want to make it more decadent, mix up some vegan margarine,
sugar, and cinnamon to pour on top of it.

Nutritional Facts (individual servings in parentheses, does not include any options)
Calories 1908.4 (318.1)
Calories from Fat 427.9 (71.3)

Fat 47.5 g (7.9g)

Total Carbohydrates 335.7g (55.9g)

Dietary Fiber 12.6g (2.1g)
Sugars 122.1g (20.4g)
Protein 34.5g (5.7g)

Salt 598mg (100.0mg)

Vitamin A 4% (0.6%)

Vitamin B6 44% (7.3%)

Vitamin C 5% (0.8%)
Calcium 18% (3%)
Iron 87% (14.5%)

Thiamin 110% (18.3%)

Riboflavin 74% (12.3%)
Niacin 80% (13.3%)
Folate 101% (16.8%)

Phosphorous 50% (8.3%)

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Recipe by Eleanor Sampson

Vegan Decadence

March 2010|103

Potassium 38% (6.3%)

Zinc 19% (3.2%)

Magnesium 35% (5.8%)

Copper 62% (10.3%)

Interesting Facts
In Spanish, this recipe is called bogaza.

The recipe for focaccia is at least 3,000 years old.

Focaccia is also spelled foccacia.

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Recipe by Eleanor Sampson

Vegan Decadence

March 2010|104

Tropical Coffee Cake

Type:

Dessert - Cake

Makes:

about 18 slices

Time to Prepare: 20 minutes prep, about 60 minutes total bake time

Ingredients

1 cups gluten free baking mix (I used Bobs Red Mill)

1 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon nutmeg

2 teaspoons xananth gum

teaspoons salt
2 oz dried mango
2 oz dried papaya

4 oz dried pineapple
8 oz vanilla flavored coconut yogurt or other non-dairy yogurt
cup oil
1 tablespoon Ener-G powder
4 tablespoons water

1teaspoon almond extract

Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Dice the dried fruit, if not already diced.
Place to the side.
Mix the Ener-G powder with the water in a separate cup until frothy, then set the side.
Mix the almond extract, oil, and sugar in a mixing bowl until combined.

Add all other wet ingredients, including the combined Ener-G and yogurt until completely
combined.
Mix all the dry ingredients together in a separate bowl, including the baking mix, baking powder,
xananth gum, nutmeg and dried fruit.

Add the dry ingredients to the wet, about cup at a time, mixing between additions, until
combined.
Oil a 13 X 5 loaf pan, or the largest loaf pan you have.
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Recipe by Chef Madelyn Pryor

Vegan Decadence

March 2010|105

Pour the batter into the oiled pan and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until a skewer placed in the middle
of the cake comes out clean.

Remove from the oven and allow to cool for about 10 to 15 minutes, then unpan the cake.
Slice into 1/2 slices and enjoy.

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Recipe by Chef Madelyn Pryor

Vegan Decadence

March 2010|106

Low-fat Version
This is not a cookie that you eat if youre counting fat grams.

Kitchen Equipment
A mixer, bowls, 13 X5 loaf pan, measuring cups and spoons

Presentation

This looks just fine as is, but you can also sprinkle pistachios
around the cake, or garnish it with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Time Management
There are not many time management tricks for this one, but it goes together quickly and is super
soft and sweet!

Complementary Food and Drinks

Because this cake is sweet, it would be delicious with some dark coffee or warm tea.

Where to Shop
These ingredients should be available at any well stocked supermarket.

How It Works
The coconut yogurt bakes this a very moist cake. Also, coating the dried fruit in the dry
ingredients allows them to be suspended throughout the cake instead of all sinking to the bottom.
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Chefs Notes
I just got a new coffee maker that makes me love home coffee more than Starbucks. I said it! Plus,

Starbucks always made me sad when I saw their tasty pastries in the case, and I knew I couldnt eat
any of them. With a treat like this, and my new coffee, I have no urge to buy Starbucks ever again!
FREEDOM!

Nutritional Facts (individual servings in parentheses, does not include any options)
Calories 3312.9 (184.0)
Calories from Fat 1086.8 (60.4)
Fat 120.8g (6.7g)

Total Carbohydrates 524.4g (29.1g)

Dietary Fiber 36.4g (2.0g)
Sugars 333.1g (18.5g)
Protein 32.1g (1.8g)

Salt 1232mg (70mg)

Vitamin A 58% (3.2%)
Vitamin B6 2% (0.1%)

Vitamin C 171% (9.5%)

Calcium 47% (2.6%)
Iron 25% (1.4%)
Thiamin 39% (2.2%)

Riboflavin 30% (1.7%)

Niacin 26% (1.4%)
Folate 16% (0.9%)
Phosphorous 18% (1%)
Potassium 57% (3.2%)
Zinc 11% (0.6%)
Magnesium 53% (2.9%)
Copper 50% (2.8%)

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Recipe by Chef Madelyn Pryor

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Interesting Facts
Coffee cakes originally received that moniker because they were slices of cake eaten with coffee.
Now, many coffee cakes are actually made with coffee.

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Recipe by Chef Madelyn Pryor

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March 2010|109

Apple Ginger Cobbler

Type: Dessert

Serves: 8

Time to Prepare: 60 minutes

Ingredients

5 Granny Smith apples, cored and diced

1 tsp. freshly grated ginger

cup of finely ground sugar

1 cup of flour
1cup of finely ground sugar
1/8 tsp. of salt

6 tbsp. of margarine
tsp. of ground cinnamon
tsp. of freshly ground nutmeg
2 tsp. of EnerG Egg Replacer powder
tsp. of vanilla extract
1 tbsp. of water
tsp. of lemon juice

Instructions

Core the apples and dice them into about bits.

Toss them with cup of sugar and the grated ginger, place them in the refrigerator, and cover
them.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

In a metal bowl, combine the flour, 1 cup of sugar, and salt.
Set aside approximately cup of this.
Add the cinnamon and nutmeg to this reserved mix.

With the remaining mixture, cut in the margarine, working it with a fork or by hand until it is crumbly.
In a small bowl, combine the Egg Replacer, vanilla, and water.
Add this to the main flour and sugar mix and work it by hand until a dry dough is formed.
Gently roll the dough out until it is the shape of your baking dish.
Add tsp. of lemon juice to the apples.
Place them in the baking dish.
Top the apples with the rolled out dough.
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Bake this on 400 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes.

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Kitchen Equipment

Medium Depth Baking Dish

Large Metal Bowl

Medium Metal Bowl

Dish Towel
Measuring Cup
Measuring Spoon
Apple Corer
Knife
Nutmeg Grater

Presentation

There are two ways to do this. You can roll out the dough
and get a uniform presentation or you can form the dough
into small discs and overlap the discs as the cover. This
picture uses the disc method. Finally, if you want a little
something extra, you can place coarsely ground sugar on top
of the cobbler during the last five minutes of cooking so the
sugar browns and presents a nice contrast against the
dough.

Time Management
All the work in this recipe is up front and will take you about 15 minutes. The rest of the time, the
cobbler will sit in the oven. This can be made the same morning that you plan on serving it and then
warmed up later. I wouldnt let it sit more than a day, though, as it will get gummy.

Complimentary Food and Drinks

This is perfect after a traditional Southern meal. Consider serving it after a set of something
spicy, like chili.
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Where to Shop
You will find the best apples at a farmers market, but all of the ingredients are common enough,
you can get them at your local grocery market. If you want to use the coarsely ground sugar, look

for a package of Sugar in the Raw. It comes in a plain brown package and is most often located in
either the baking aisle or in a healthy living section.

How It Works
Coating the apples with sugar when you set them aside allows them to slowly release their juices
and create a semi-syrup. Coating them with the flour mix helps that syrup gel and stick to the
apples when it bakes, which is a trademark of a cobbler. The apples will release more water as they
cook, which will finalize that process of turning the flour and sugar into a gel-like syrup. Gently

working the margarine into the flour will help keep the crust just a tiny bit flaky, but not to the point
where it is like a pastry.

Chefs Notes
The addition of the ginger to this recipe is my contribution to the traditional Southern cobbler.
When working with the flour, do not be alarmed if it seems a bit dry for a dough. The apples will
release water as they bake which will mingle with the crust. My favorite way to do this is with the
disc method, as I think it adds a whole new texture to the cobbler and adds to the presentation.

Nutritional Facts (individual servings in parentheses, does not include any options)
Calories 2666 (333)
Calories from Fat 666 (83)
Fat 74g (9g)

Total Carbohydrates 486g (61g)

Dietary Fiber 15g (2g)
Sugars 370g (42g)
Protein 14g (2g)

Salt 255mg (32g)

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Vitamin A 5% (1%)
Vitamin B6 31% (4%)

Vitamin C 68% (8.5%)

Calcium 4% (.5%)
Iron 25% (3%)
Thiamin 40% (5%)

Riboflavin 28% (3.5%)

Niacin 38% (5%)
Folate 18% (2%)
Phosphorous 46% (6%)
Potassium 50% (6%)
Zinc 23% (3%)
Magnesium 46% (6%)
Copper 27% (3%)

Interesting Facts
Some cobblers are enclosed in a crust while others have a crumbly top.

The apple cobbler is a descendant of apple pies from 15th century England.
It is likely that the Romans brought cultivated apples with them when they conquered England and
thus brought apples to England.

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Cheesecake with Shaved Chocolate

Type: Dessert

Serves: 4 individual servings or 1 small cake

Time to Prepare: 35 minutes + time to cool

Ingredients

12 oz. of Better than Cream Cheese

3 tbsp. of Sour Supreme

3 tbsp. of lemon juice

2 tsp. of agar agar powder

4 tbsp. of arrowroot
8 oz. of granulated sugar

4 cinnamon graham cracker rectangles

2 tbsp. of oil or melted margarine
1 oz. of unsweetened chocolate
Option: 1 tbsp. of Sour Supreme, 1 tsp. of lemon juice instead of the above amounts if you do
not have arrowroot or agar agar

Instructions
The crust

Crumble the graham crackers until they are coarse.

Put them in the bottom of the spring form pan or ramekins.
Add the oil or margarine and combine that with the cracker crumbs.
Press the mix down until it is firm on the bottom.

The filling

Blend together the Better than Cream Cheese, Sour Supreme, lemon juice, agar agar,
arrowroot, and sugar until they are well combined.
Making the cheese cake

Line the side of the pan with wax paper and lightly oil it (do this before the crust goes in).
Pour the filling into the pan or ramekins and shake gently to get rid of lumps, bubbles, and

ridges.
Bake on 325 degrees for about 20 minutes.

Let the cake(s) chill in the refrigerator for at least three hours.
Take a knife and gently shave bits of chocolate onto the cake.
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Kitchen Equipment

Blender

Small Spring Form Pan or Ramekins

Small Knife

Metal Bowl to Hold Graham Cracker Crumbs

Measuring Cups
Measuring Spoons
Oven

Wax Paper (if you use the spring form pan)

Presentation
I like serving these in small ramekins because each person gets
their own mini cheesecake. Make sure that the cheesecake is
thoroughly cooled before you shave the chocolate onto it as
the chocolate will melt if it is not. If you have an extremely thin
blade, you can make a long curled shave to place right in the
middle of the cake. You can also decorate this with fresh
strawberries, raspberries, etc.

Time Management
The cheesecake is best if it can sit overnight, so make it the night before if you have the
opportunity. Still, three hours of chilling should be sufficient for the cake to completely set. Plan
on starting this early afternoon if you are going to serve it for dinner.

Complimentary Food and Drinks

This goes very well with a red dessert wine.

Where to Shop
Wild Oats and Whole Foods are safe bets for finding Tofuttis Better than Cream Cheese and

Sour Supreme. Many markets are also adding health/eco-friendly sections, so theres a good
chance you can find those products there. Agar agar can also most easily be purchased at the
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above stores as well as the arrowroot. They will be difficult to find other places, but fortunately,
these stores are common now. The rest of the ingredients can be found at your local supermarket.
Just make sure to look at the ingredients on the graham crackers to make sure they dont contain
honey, whey, milk, etc.

How It Works
Mixing the agar agar and the arrowroot helps the cake congeal without turning rubbery, which it

may be prone to do if you only use the agar agar. Adding the lemon juice gives it a slightly tart

taste common in a lot of cheesecakes and the Sour Supreme gives it an extra, slightly aromatic
richness. Baking it helps everything blend together and activates the agar agar/arrowroot.
Letting it cool brings the cake to a rest and allows it to firm up. Finally, using unsweetened
chocolate adds a nice, contrasting bitterness to the cheesecake.

If you do not have the agar agar and arrowroot, you can still make the cheesecake by using the
substitution as it reduces the water content and therefore the need for the congealants.

Chefs Notes
This is just the very basic cheesecake and a whole lot can be added to it. For example, lime juice
can be used in place of lemon juice to make a key lime cheesecake. A layer of jam can be placed

between the crust and cheesecake or swirled into the filling once its in the pan. Experiment and
have fun!

Nutritional Facts (individual servings in parentheses, does not include any options)
Calories 2737 (684)
Calories from Fat 1053 (263)
Fat 117g (29g)
Total Carbohydrates 400g (100g)
Dietary Fiber 4g (1g)
Sugars 174g (44g)
Protein 21g (5g)
Salt 2480mg (820mg)

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Vitamin A 2% (1%)
Vitamin B6 3% (1%)

Vitamin C 40% (10%)

Calcium 5% (1%)
Iron 16% (4%)
Thiamin 30% (8%)

Riboflavin 32% (8%)

Niacin 24% (6%)
Folate 27% (7%)
Phosphorous 9% (2%)
Potassium 3% (1%)
Zinc 3% (1%)
Magnesium 3% (1%)
Copper 6% (2%)

Interesting Facts
Cheesecake was a popular dish in ancient Greece.
Small cheesecakes were served to the first Olympic athletes in 776 B. C.
Cato, a Roman politician, gave cheesecake as his libum (temple offering).

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Coconut Lime Pie

Type: Dessert

Serves: Makes a 6 pie or two 4 ramekin pies

Time to Prepare: 75 minutes plus 12 hours to set

Ingredients

4 cinnamon graham cracker rectangles

2 tbsp. of oil or melted margarine
12 oz. of extra firm silken tofu

8 oz. of Better than Cream Cheese

cup of sugar
cup of lime juice
1 tsp. of lime zest

1 tsp. of vanilla extract

3 tbsp. of arrowroot powder
2 tsp. of agar agar powder

1/3 cup of shredded coconut

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees.

Mash the graham crackers.

Melt the margarine and add it to the graham crackers.

Smash the graham cracker mix into the bottom of the ramekins or the pie tin.
Bake the crust for 10 minutes on 300 degrees.

While the crust is baking, blend the tofu, lime zest, Better than Cream Cheese, sugar, lime juice,

vanilla extract, arrowroot, and agar agar.

When the crust is done, pour the filling into the ramekins or pie tin and bake the pie for another 60
minutes.

While it is baking, toast the coconut in a dry pan.

Once the pie is done, top it with the coconut.
Let the pie sit in the refrigerator for 12 hours before serving it.

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Kitchen Equipment
Blender

Measuring Cup
Measuring Spoon
Pie Tin or Ramekins
Oven

Saut Pan

Presentation
I like serving these in ramekins because you can set out
an individual portion for those people who are dessert

fiends or set out one ramekin for a couple that wants to

share. Also, do not coat the entire pie with the
coconut. Leave enough of the filling showing so there is
a contrast between the topping and the rest of the pie.

Time Management
Make sure to preheat the oven when you start so the crust can cook as soon as its ready. Once
the completed pie goes in the oven, you have some time to move on to another recipe, clean up, etc.
You can also make this well in advance and it will keep for four days. If you do that, just cover the
pie so it does not dry out.

Complimentary Food and Drinks

This pie goes very well with a fresh mango and coconut blended drink. Get a fresh mango, some
ice, and some coconut milk, blend those together, and serve that with the dessert.

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Where to Shop
You can either use fresh limes or a bottle of lime juice. If you use the bottle, get an organic variety

as the taste is far, far superior to a non-organic version. If you go for the bottle, you can find that
at Whole Foods and similar places. The same is true for the Better than Cream Cheese,

although that is more common and can be found at most stores that have a healthy living section. If
you cannot find the agar agar, which can be difficult, add in 1.5 more tbsp. of arrowroot, which can
be found at most places that have a healthy living section. The rest of the ingredients should be
easy to find.

How It Works
The lime juice is the feature of the pie, with a nice, citric tartness. The Better than Cream
Cheese helps smooth that out while the tofu adds structure to the filling without adding any taste.
The agar agar and arrowroot help the filling firm up while the pie cooks.

Chefs Notes
Key lime pies are a popular pie and Ive wanted to make a vegan version for a while. When I started
to make this, I thought the addition of the coconut would be a very nice add-on as the limes and
coconut are both tropical flavors. It ended up working out very well! When you make this, make

sure to use the extra firm silken tofu, not the extra firm water packed tofu. Also, be aware that this
pie will rise, so do not fill the ramekin or pie tin to the brim as it will spill over the sides.

Nutritional Facts (this is for an entire pie)

Calories 1,456

Calories from Fat 612

Fat 68g
Total Carbohydrates 136g
Dietary Fiber 1g
Sugars 105g
Protein 75g
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Salt 1,049mg
Vitamin A 1%
Vitamin B6 3%
Vitamin C 62%
Calcium 23%
Iron 20%

Thiamin 20%
Riboflavin 14%
Niacin 10%

Folate 16%
Phosphorous 7%
Potassium 2%
Zinc 4%

Magnesium 6%
Copper 8%

Interesting Facts
There is great debate amongst key lime pie aficionados about whether the graham cracker crust or
the pastry crust is better!

The first key lime pie is attributed to Aunt Sally, the cook of William Curry, Floridas first
millionaire, in the late 1800s.
Limes were brought to the Southeastern U.S. in the 1500s by the Spanish.

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Sweet Heirloom Tomato Tart

Type: Dessert

Serves: 4 small tarts

Time to Prepare: 60 minutes

Ingredients

cup of whole wheat pastry flour

1/8 tsp. salt

2 tbsp. turbinado sugar

cup of margarine
1.5 tsp. EnerG Egg Replacer (with 1.5 tbsp. water)
Flour for dusting

cup of Better than Cream Cheese

tsp. almond extract
tsp. lemon juice
1 medium Heirloom tomato
2tbsp. water

4 tbsp. sugar

Option: 1 tbsp. sweet agave nectar instead of the water and sugar
1 tsp. poppy seeds
1 sprig of mint

Instructions
The crust

Combine the salt and flour in a metal bowl.

In the small mixer, combine the margarine and sugar.

Once those are combined, slowly add in the EnerG Egg Replacer.
After that is combined, add in the flour all at once.

Mix until they are just combined into a ball, but no more.
Flatten the dough into four disks and refrigerate them for about 20 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
Lightly flour a flat surface on which to roll out the dough.

Take the dough disks and gently roll them out until they are about 1/8 of an inch thick.
The end dough disks should be about of an inch bigger than the tart tin.
Gently lay the dough disks in the tart tins.
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Flour a finger and use that to lightly press the dough to the sides of the tins.
Bake the crusts for about 20 minutes.

The tomatoes

Slice the Heirloom tomato into 1/6 inch slices.

In a small pan, heat the sugar and water on a medium heat until it combines and browns.
Reduce the heat to medium low and add the tomato slices.
Cook them until the tomatoes just start to soften.
Remove them from the heat.
Back to the crust
At this point, the crust should be done.

Remove it from the oven and let it cool while you make the filling.
The filling
Whip the Better than Cream Cheese, almond extract, and lemon juice together.
Assembling the tart

When the tart crust is cool, gently flip it over onto the plate.
Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese filling in the middle and slightly up the sides.
Add enough tomato slices to fill the tart, lightly pressing on them as needed.
Top this with a sprinkle of poppy seeds.

Pull off a few leaves from the sprig of mint and place that in the middle.
This can be served warm or chilled.

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Kitchen Equipment

Small mixer

Tart tin (preferably with a removable bottom)

Rolling pin

Measuring cup
Measuring spoons
Knife

Fork to combine margarine and flour

Metal bowl
Small pan
Oven

Presentation
Once the tart is done, sprinkle the poppy seeds on top
and then place a couple mint leaves in the center. Make

sure that the dough does not go over the tart tin so that
the top is even. Also, if you want the tart crust to glisten,
you can melt a tiny bit of margarine and brush either that
or almond oil on the crust.

Time Management
Make sure to preheat the oven when you refrigerate the dough so that you can place the tart in
oven as soon as you are done finishing with the dough. While the crust is baking, start on the
tomatoes so that the crust and tomatoes are done at about the same time. Finish by assembling
the tart.

Complimentary Food and Drinks

This would go best as part of a full meal where each part featured Heirloom tomatoes, showcasing
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the versatility of these amazing fruits! For example, try a roasted Heirloom tomato spread on
crostini for an appetizer, a salad with an Heirloom vinaigrette, a spicy Heirloom soup, baked
Heirlooms stuffed with risotto, and the Heirloom tart.

Where to Shop
Heirlooms are usually found at gourmet stores and places like Wild Oats and Whole Foods.
EnerG Egg Replacer can be found at the latter two stores and often veg-friendly co-ops. The

rest of the ingredients can be purchased on the baking aisle at the local grocery market.

How It Works
Barely working the dough enough to get it to stick together and then chilling it keeps the crust

flaky. Too much overworking will activate the gluten and the dough will become heavy. Adding the
almond extract to the filling gives it a deep taste and the lemon juice gives it just a slight hint of
sourness to contrast the sweetness of the rest of the dessert. Lightly cooking the tomatoes in the
syrup causes the tomatoes to soften enough so that they can be gently pressed into the tart so
they dont stick up too far over the top and also infuses the tomato with sweetness and coats it.
Finally, the poppy seeds and mint add two aromatics to the dessert to round it out.

Chefs Notes
Heirloom tomatoes have an incredibly rich flavor without being overpowering, making them perfect
for this dessert.

Nutritional Facts (individual servings in parentheses, does not include any options)
Calories 1082 (291)

Calories from Fat 450 (113)

Fat 50g (13g)

Total Carbohydrates 143g (36g)
Dietary Fiber 13g (3g)
Sugars 54g (14g)
Protein 15g (4g)
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Salt 506mg (127mg)

Vitamin A 20% (5%)
Vitamin B6 19% (5%)
Vitamin C 20% (5%)
Calcium 4% (1%)
Iron 21% (5%)

Thiamin 29% (7%)

Riboflavin 13% (3%)
Niacin 30% (8%)

Folate 14% (4%)

Phosphorous 32% (8%)
Potassium 27% (7%)
Zinc 18% (5%)

Magnesium 33% (8%)

Copper 20% (5%)

Interesting Facts
Tomatoes belong to the family Solanacea, which is the same family to which potatoes belong.
The most popular thought on the subject is that wild tomatoes originated in Peru and became
domesticated eventually in Central America.
There is quite a bit of debate over what constitutes an Heirloom tomato, with some saying the
cultivar must be at least 100 years old, some say 50 years, and some say before 1945.

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Fluffy Icebox Pumpkin Pie

Type: Desserts

Serves: 12

Time to Prepare: 20 minutes + 12 hours to set

Ingredients

1 cup of pureed pumpkin

1 cup of Sour Supreme (sour cream substitute)
2 cups of vanilla icing

16 oz. of extra firm silken tofu (the kind that comes in a box)
1 tsp. of cinnamon
tsp. of freshly grated ginger
tsp. of cloves

tsp. of nutmeg
Soyatoo whipped topping to top the pie
1 graham cracker crust

Instructions

Grate the ginger and nutmeg.

Whip together the pumpkin, Sour Supreme, vanilla icing, tofu, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and

nutmeg until it is thoroughly combined.

Pour this into the crust.

Allow it to refrigerate for at least 12 hours.

Top with the whipped topping just before serving.

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Kitchen Equipment
Food Processor or Blender
Spatula

Measuring Cup
Measuring Spoon
Grater

Presentation
You can cover the top of the pie with the whipped topping or you
can put star shaped dots of the
topping across the pie. Make sure
to let it sit the full time so that the

pie can solidify. If not, it will drupe

down on the plate. If you cover it
completely and you have some

graham crackers, crush them and sprinkle them on top.

Time Management
The longer you let this pie sit, the better it will cut. If you can let it sit for a full day, it will stay
together even better!

Complementary Food and Drinks

To keep the pumpkin theme going, try this after a meal of pumpkin ravioli with a sauce tinged with
nutmeg.

Where to Shop
Mori Nu makes the most common silken tofu, which should be available in most stores. The Sour
Supreme can be purchased at places like Whole Foods, Sprouts, Central Market, and even

many supermarkets. When purchasing the icing, make sure to check the ingredients to make sure it
doesnt have any cream.
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How It Works
The tofu gives the pie structure without adding any taste to it as the silken tofu is rather bland.

The icing makes the pie fluffy while the Sour Supreme mellows out the intense flavors of the pie
while giving it taste that contrasts its sweetness. Allowing it to sit for so long gives everything a
chance to stick together, allowing it to retain its shape when cut.

Chefs Notes
My mom used to make this pie for Thanksgiving when I was young and Ive always wanted to do a
vegan version of it. However, upon finding out just how decadent it is, I cut the serving size down!
It is a very powerful, luscious dessert, definitely worth having in small amounts.

Nutritional Facts (individual servings in parentheses, does not include any options)
Calories 4182.1 (348.5)
Calories from Fat 1692.5 (141.0)

Fat 188.1g (15.7g)

Total Carbohydrates 576.6g (48.1g)

Dietary Fiber 11.2g (0.9g)
Sugars 413.0g (34.4g)
Protein 45.8g (3.8g)

Salt 3197mg (266.4mg)

Vitamin A 1188% (99%)
Vitamin B6 11% (0.9%)
Vitamin C 17% (1.4%)
Calcium 20% (1.7%)
Iron 67% (5.6%)

Thiamin 15% (1.3%)

Riboflavin 29% (2.4%)
Niacin 30% (2.5%)
Folate 29% (2.4%)

Phosphorous 43% (3.6%)

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Potassium 25% (2.1%)

Zinc 10% (0.8%)

Magnesium 26% (2.2%)

Copper 30% (2.5%)

Interesting Facts
Sour Supreme is sometimes called Better than Sour Cream.

The vanilla bean is actually part of an orchid indigenous to Central America.

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Fresh Strawberry Pie

Type: Dessert

Serves: 8

Time to Prepare: 15 minutes + 2 hours to set

Ingredients

cup of soaked almonds

cup of soaked Brazil nuts
1 cup of dates

1 tbsp. orange juice

1 cups of strawberries, de-stemmed
1 tbsp. sweet agave nectar

1 cup of sliced strawberries

tsp. cardamom
Option: Banana Cashew Cream
cup of raw cashews soaked for at least six hours.
of a banana

2 tbsp. of water

Instructions

Pulse the almonds and Brazil nuts a couple times until they are very coarsely broken up.
Combine the nuts, dates, and orange juice in a food processor.
Finish mashing the crust ingredients together with your hands to fully combine them.
Pat the crust mixture down in a glass pie dish.

Blend together the 3 tbsp. of sweet agave nectar, 1 cups of berries, and cardamom.
Mix in the sliced strawberries.
Spread this in the pie dish and refrigerate for 2 hours.

Option: Blend the banana, cashews, and water until creamy.

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Kitchen Equipment
Food Processor
Cutting Board
Knife
Glass Pie Dish

Presentation
Make sure that the pie has completely set. Otherwise, it will fall
apart as you slice it. Put a dab of cashew banana cream towards
the top of the pie or you can put a few bits of crushed nuts on

top. On the side of the plate, you can drizzle some sweet agave
nectar and put a few fresh green herbs and whole nuts.

Time Management
The longer this pie sets, the better, so if you can make it the morning of the day you plan on
serving it, you should do so.

Complimentary Food and Drinks

This goes well with a blended coconut dessert drink and is particularly good during the hot summer
months.

Where to Shop
You should be able to purchase the nuts and sweet agave nectar at stores that promote organics,
as they often have bulk bins from which to choose the nuts and usually sell sweet agave nectar.
The other ingredients can also be purchased at those types of stores. Whole Foods is usually a
safe bet. If you cant find sweet agave nectar, you can purchase it online at
www.sweetcactusfarms.com or www.eatraw.com.

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How It Works
The sweet agave nectar is sticky enough that it holds the blended berries together for the pie
filling. Cardamom goes with most red berries, so it adds an aromatic compliment. The dates act as
a sweet binder for the nuts, which creates a multi-textured crust with a variety of nutty flavors.
Soaking the nuts makes them more easily digestible.

Chefs Notes
It is imperative to let the pie fully set before serving it. While it will be tasty at any stage, it will fall
apart if it is not refrigerated long enough. The time it takes to set also varies depending on the
water content of the strawberries. If it is still too thin, try mixing it with a few left over dates to give it
some extra firmness. Make sure to use raw agave nectar for a truly living foods dessert.

Nutritional Facts (individual portions in parentheses)

Calories 1532 (192)
Calories from Fat 412 (502)

Fat 46g (6g)

Total Carbohydrates 233g (33g)

Dietary Fiber 43g (5g)
Sugars 184g (23g)
Protein 28g (4g)
Salt 2mg (n/a)
Vitamin A n/a
Vitamin B6 37% (5%)
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Vitamin C 350% (44%)

Calcium 38% (5%)
Iron 37% (5%)

Thiamin 44% (6%)

Riboflavin 38% (5%)
Niacin 20% (3%)

Folate 28% (4%)

Phosphorous 106% (13%)
Potassium 84% (11%)
Zinc 37% (5%)

Magnesium 154% (19%)

Copper 149% (18%)

Interesting Facts
Brazil nuts grow in tropical South America inside hard, woody coconut-sized shells that weigh
about 5 pounds each and contain 15 to 25 nuts.

Sweet agave nectar has a low glycemic index, making it a great sweetener for diabetics.
Strawberries are thought to have been cultivated in ancient Rome.
Strawberry plants are part of the rose family.

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Vegan Decadence

March 2010|135

Cream Cheese Brownies

Type: Dessert

Serves: 8

Time to Prepare: 1 hour 15 minutes (includes bake time and cool down time)

Ingredients

1 cup of unbleached all-purpose flour

cup of sugar

cup of unsweetened cocoa powder

tsp. of baking powder
1/8 tsp. of salt
cup of soymilk

cup of vegetable oil

cup of applesauce
1 tsp. of vanilla extract
cup of Better than Cream Cheese
2-3 tbsp. of soymilk

Option: cup toasted walnuts

Option: cup chocolate chips
Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt.
In another bowl, whisk together cup soymilk, the oil, the applesauce, and the vanilla extract.
Add wet ingredients to dry and mix until well blended.
Spread evenly in an 8x8 inch baking pan.
Whisk together Better than Cream Cheese with enough soymilk to make a thick, but pourable
consistency.

Drizzle in a pretty pattern over the top of the brownie batter.

Drag a clean knife through the cream cheese and batter to make a marble pattern, making sure not
to over mix the two layers.
Bake for 20 to 35 minutes in the preheated oven, or until set.

Let cool for at least 10 minutes before cutting into 1x1 inch squares.

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Recipe by Eleanor Sampson

Vegan Decadence

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Kitchen Equipment
2 Mixing Bowls
Whisk

Spatula
Measuring Cup
Measuring Spoon
Baking Dish

Presentation
Make sure to allow these to thoroughly cool before you cut them.
Otherwise, you will end up with gummed up cut lines. I like to put
them on a platter and sprinkle them with chocolate nibs!

Time Management
Make sure to preheat the oven before you start anything so that the brownies can go immediately
in it. If you want to make these ahead of time, make sure to cover them in plastic wrap. Allow the

plastic wrap to drape down onto the brownies after they cool. This minimizes their exposure to the
air and keeps the top moist.

Complementary Food and Drinks

Try these as part of a dessert with the brownie, a bit of French vanilla soy ice cream, a dash of
chocolate mousse, and a chocolate wafer. Decadence!

Where to Shop
All of these ingredients should be fairly common, though Trader Joes will have the best price on

the Better than Cream Cheese. Dagoba makes an excellent vegan cocoa powder, though
Hersheys is also vegan and more commonly available (not as tasty, though.)

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Recipe by Eleanor Sampson

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How It Works
The applesauce adds sweetness and also cuts down on the oil. Not only that, it allows the flour to
bind with all of the other ingredients. The Better than Cream Cheese is mixed with the soy milk

to thin it just enough to swirl into the batter, but not so much so that it blends with the batter. Note
that, generally, when making a batter, wet ingredients are added to dry ingredients to keep the
batter from clumping. If the dry is dropped into wet, nodules of dry ingredients become sealed by a
wet casing.

Chefs Notes
I dont like super sweet brownies, but if you would like this a bit sweeter, do one cup of sugar

instead of cup. Im not sure what I like better about these; the way they look or the way they
taste!
Nutritional Facts (individual servings in parentheses, does not include any options)
Calories 1937.2 (242.2)

Calories from Fat 888.8 (111.1)

Fat 98.8g (12.3g)

Total Carbohydrates 239.8g (30.0g)
Dietary Fiber 4.9g (0.6g)
Sugars 123.6g (15.5g)
Protein 22.3g (2.8g)
Salt 1016mg (126.9mg)
Vitamin A 8% (1%)
Vitamin B6 5% (0.6%)
Vitamin C 1% (0.1%)
Calcium 47% (5.9%)
Iron 47% (5.9%)

Thiamin 49% (6.1%)

Riboflavin 55% (6.9%)
Niacin 38% (2.8%)
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Folate 52% (6.5%)

Phosphorous 21% (2.6%)
Potassium 21% (2.6%)
Zinc 10% (1.3%)
Magnesium 21% (2.6%)
Copper 25% (3.1%)

Interesting Facts
Stories differ on the details, but most agree that brownies were invented in America in the late
1800s.
The original brownie did not use baking powder, making a thick chocolate cake.

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Recipe by Eleanor Sampson

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Chocolate Cupcakes
Type: Dessert

Serves: 8

Time to Prepare: 35 minutes

Ingredients

1 cups of flour
1/3 cup of cocoa powder
1 cup of turbinado sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
tsp. salt
1 1/8 cup of water

tsp. vanilla extract

1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
3 tbsp. apple sauce
4 oz. of Better than Cream Cheese
1/3 cup of powdered sugar
2 tbsp. toasted walnuts

Options: 2/3 cup of powdered sugar for a sticky batter, 1 cup of powdered sugar for a stiff

batter, substitute the powdered sugar with corn starch to reduce the amount of sugar but keep
the stiffness.

Instructions
Making the batter

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

In a bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, combine the water, vanilla, vinegar, and apple sauce.
Pour of the liquid into the bowl with the dry ingredients.
Stir together until it is smooth.
Repeat this process.

Baking the cupcakes

Line a cupcake tin with cupcake wrappers.

Pour the batter into the wrappers until it is at the top of the tin, but no higher.
Bake the cupcakes on 375 degrees for 25 minutes.

Making the icing

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In a blender, combine the Better than Cream Cheese and powdered sugar.
Dry toast the walnuts in a saut pan on a medium heat for about three minutes.
Stir the walnuts into the Better than Cream Cheese/powdered sugar icing.

Once the cupcakes are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for at least 10 minutes,
preferably 20.
Remove them from the tin and spread the icing on top with a spoon or small spatula.

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Kitchen Equipment
Cupcake Tin

Cupcake Wrappers
Oven
2 Bowls
Whisk or Sifter to Combine the Dry Ingredients

Whisk to Combine the Wet Ingredients into the Dry Ingredients

Measuring Spoon
Measuring Cup
Blender

Saut Pan
Spoon or Small Spatula to Spread the Icing

Presentation

Keep out a walnut or some walnut pieces to sprinkle on

top of the icing. If you make a stiff icing, you can also use
a small spatula to make the icing rise on one side or in

center by spreading it upwards. Toasted coconut also

looks good on these cupcakes. Lastly, you can get a
little fancier and swirl some food coloring into a stiff icing
after you place it on the cupcake by putting some

coloring on the end of a small spatula and running the

spatula in an upward swirling motion along the outer part of the icing.

Time Management
It only takes a few minutes to mix the batter together, so preheat the oven before you start. That
way, you can immediately put the cupcakes in the oven when they tins are filled. Once the

cupcakes are in the oven, start making the icing. Whip the icing up and then toast the walnuts. Stir
the walnuts in and place the icing in the refrigerator if you want it to be even stiffer. After youre
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done with that, you can move on to making something else, visiting with friends, reading a book, etc.
Just make sure to get the cupcakes out of the oven on time. If you need to quickly cool them, put
the finished cupcakes in the refrigerator inside the tin on a dish towel.

Complimentary Food and Drinks

Fresh strawberries go really well with these as they are not too sweet and strawberries and
chocolate go well together. Try adding a few strawberry slices around the plate or putting the
cupcakes in the middle of a platter of strawberries.

Where to Shop
All of these ingredients are easy to find at the local supermarket except for, perhaps, the Better

than Cream Cheese and the turbinado sugar. If you cant the Better than Cream Cheese, try

heading over to Whole Foods, Wild Oats, and most co-ops. The same is true of the turbinado
sugar, which I prefer to get out of the bulk bins. You can also look at your local market for Sugar
in the Raw, a brand of turbinado that I have seen cropping up more and more. For those not used
to baking, the vanilla extract and cocoa powder is usually found in the spice and/or baking aisle.

How It Works
The applesauce acts as both a binder and a tenderizer in this recipe, obviating the need for eggs

and oil. As a bonus, it cant be tasted once the batter is baked, so you wont end up with chocolate
apple cupcakes. The baking powder allows the batter to become slightly fluffy and light as it
releases gasses into the mix. The vinegar, another ingredient which also loses its taste when baked
in the batter, helps keep the cupcake moist. Adding the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients,
instead of dry to wet, keeps the batter from lumping. Finally, whipping the Better than Cream

Cheese with the powdered sugar (a.k.a. confectioners sugar) lets the icing fully combine and also
puts air into the icing, making it a little bit fluffier and stiffer.

Chefs Notes
I like how easy this recipe is to make and I really like how easy it is to add variations. For example,
you can sprinkle the icing with cinnamon or nutmeg, add mint extract instead of almond extract to
the batter, add orange zest to the batter, icing, or both, dress it with a raspberry, omit the walnuts,
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etc. Whatever fits your tastes!

Nutritional Facts (individual servings in parentheses, does not include any options)
Calories 1832 (229)
Calories from Fat 252 (32)
Fat 28g (4.5g)
Total Carbohydrates 365g (43g)
Dietary Fiber 31g (4g)
Sugars 245g (31g)
Protein 30g (4g)
Salt 503mg (63mg)
Vitamin A 1% (n/a)
Vitamin B6 34% (8%)
Vitamin C 1% (n/a)
Calcium 11% (1%)
Iron 57% (7%)
Thiamin 51% (6%)
Riboflavin 27% (4%)
Niacin 51% (6%)

Folate 25% (3%)

Phosphorous 81% (10%)
Potassium 48% (6%)
Zinc 47% (6%)

Magnesium 98% (12%)

Copper 102% (12.5%)

Interesting Facts
Cupcakes are a fairly recent invention developed in North America around the 1790s.
Chocolate is derived from the cacao bean from Central America.
Chocolate was eaten unsweetened by the Central Americans, often being mixed with chili
peppers and used for medicinal purposes.

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Raspberry Chocolate Cake

Type: Dessert

Serves: 2

Time to Prepare: 35 minutes + 1 hour to set

Ingredients

cup of flour
1/8 tsp. of salt

tsp. of baking powder

1/8 tsp. of baking soda
5 tbsp. of sugar
tsp. of apple cider vinegar
1tbsp. of oil

tsp. of vanilla extract

5 tbsp. of soy milk
3 tbsp. of gran marnier

cup of chocolate sauce

cup of raspberries
1 tsp. of shaved almonds for garnish

Instructions

Combine the dry ingredients together.

In a separate bowl, combine the wet ingredients.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients.

Take a 4 mini-cake pan and fill it just below half way with the batter (you will probably have left
over batter).
Bake this on 350 degrees for 20 minutes.
Once it is done, let it cool and then remove it from the pan.

Soak it in the 3 tbsp. of gran marnier and let it sit for about 1 hour.
Place it on a plate and cover it with chocolate sauce.
Let this sit for about 15 minutes.
Top with the raspberries.

Place a small amount of shaved almonds on top.

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Kitchen Equipment
Measuring Cup
Measuring Spoons
4 Mini Cake Pan

Presentation
Make sure this is on a small plate. Otherwise, the cake will

look small and while it may not seem like a dessert for two, it is
rich enough that it will definitely suffice.

Time Management
This is something that definitely should be made early as the longer it sits the better. If you can let
it sit overnight in the gran marnier, it will taste incredibly good.

Complementary Food and Drinks

This goes very well with a glass of sweet red, sparkling wine or a sparkling Riesling.

Where to Shop
Most of the ingredients can be found in the baking aisle. For the chocolate sauce, you can go for

a quick version and get the canned Hersheys sauce. While it does not have any dairy, it is loaded

up with high fructose corn syrup. I prefer to make my own by combining vegan chocolate chips and
warm soy creamer and stirring until the chips melt.

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How It Works
The mixture of the liquid and the baking soda and powder causes the inert portions of those dry

ingredients to become active. They will release gas bubbles which causes the cake to rise as it

cooks. Soaking the cake in the gran marnier gets it moist and full of luscious flavor and covering it
with chocolate and raspberries gives this a traditional Valentines spin.

Chefs Notes
Try soaking the cake with different liqueurs or liquids. A thick coffee works very well as does
spiced rum. If you want to go even farther, you can soak the raspberries in the alcohol as well.

Nutritional Facts (individual servings in parentheses, does not include any options)
Calories 717.1 (358.5)
Calories from Fat 137.7 (68.8)
Fat 15.3g (7.7g)

Total Carbohydrates 134.8g (67.4g)

Dietary Fiber 5.9g (3.0g)
Sugars 79g (39.5g)
Protein 10.0g (5.0g)

Salt 371mg (185.5mg)

Vitamin A 1% (0.5%)
Vitamin B6 4% (2%)

Vitamin C 13% (6.5%)

Calcium 7% (3.5%)
Iron 33% (16.5%)
Thiamin 30% (15%)

Riboflavin 20% (10%)

Niacin 20% (10%)
Folate 57% (28.5%)
Phosphorous 21% (10.5%)

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Potassium 15% (7.5%)

Zinc 10% (5%)

Magnesium 23% (11.5%)

Copper 36% (18%)

Interesting Facts
Although we are used to sweet chocolate, it was originally consumed as a bitter drink.
A raspberry is actually an amalgamation of smaller berries.
Traditional raspberries are a late summer crop.

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Date Pecan Cake

Type: Cake

Serves: 9

Time to Prepare: 60 minutes

Ingredients

1 1/3 cup unbleached, all-purpose flour

1 tbsp. baking powder
tsp. baking soda

cup vegan butter substitute, at room temperature

cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp. blackstrap molasses

1 cup sweetened nondairy milk

2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. vinegar

tsp. ground nutmeg

1 cup chopped dates
2/3 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

Heat an oven to 350 degrees F and oil and flour a 9x9 pan.
Combine the flour, baking powder and baking soda in a large bowl and set aside.
Beat the vegan butter, sugar, and molasses with a wooden spoon in a large bowl.

Add the milk, cinnamon, vanilla, vinegar and nutmeg and stir to combine.
Stir in the dry ingredients until the batter is fully incorporated.
Stir in the dates and pecans.

Spoon into the pan and bake for about 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of
the cake comes out clean.

Serve plain or topped with powdered sugar or vegan cream cheese frosting.

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Recipe by Sharon Valencik, author of Sweet Utopia: Simply Stunning Desserts

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March 2010|149

Kitchen Equipment

2 large bowls

Wooden spoon
9x9 square cake pan

Presentation

The picture speaks for itself. When you cut the cake, make
sure your knife is sharp and wet so that the cake does not stick
to the blade.

Photograph by Milan Photography

Time Management
If you do the vegan cream cheese frosting, make sure the cake is thoroughly cooled before you
frost it!

Complementary Food and Drinks

Serve this with a strong coffee.

Where to Shop
All of these ingredients are relatively easy to find.

Chefs Notes
Youll love this sweet cake thats not too spicy and not too sweet. It is especially warming in the
winter.

Interesting Facts
Pecan trees are a type of hickory native to northern Mexico and the American Southwest.
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Recipe by Sharon Valencik, author of Sweet Utopia: Simply Stunning Desserts

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March 2010|150

Almond Decadence
Type: Dessert

Serves: 2

Time to Prepare: 1 hour and 15 minutes to chill + time to soak the nuts

Ingredients

cup of almonds, soaked

2 tbsp. of water

2 tbsp. of freshly squeezed orange juice

2 tbsp. of sweet agave nectar
1 banana
cup of almonds, pulsed until coarsely chopped
2 tbsp. of sweet agave nectar
tsp. of cinnamon
1/8 tsp. of salt
1/8 tsp. of freshly ground cloves
1 tbsp. of orange zest

Instructions

Soak the almonds overnight.

Drain and rinse the almonds.
Zest the orange(s).
Juice the orange(s).
Blend the almonds together with the water, 2 tbsp. of agave nectar, and orange juice until smooth.
Add in the banana and continue to blend until smooth again.
Pulse the next cup of almonds until finely chopped.
Combine these with the cinnamon, salt, cloves, and second set of agave nectar.
Place the pulsed almond mix at the bottom of a set of shallow glasses.
On top of each, add a generous scoop of the banana blend.
Top these with the orange zest.
Refrigerate for at least an hour, covered.

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Kitchen Equipment
Small Blender

Bowl to soak the nuts

Measuring Cup
Measuring Spoon
Zester

Small Mortar and Pestle

Presentation
This looks nice in a shallow, stemmed glass, but if you dont have

one of those, you can serve it in a red wine glass. The orange zest
on the top really makes the presentation.

Time Management
This dessert takes quite awhile to make, but requires little labor. I suggest planning ahead so you

can soak the nuts overnight. Once you make it, it will last about two hours refrigerated before the
mousse starts to lose potency.

Complementary Food and Drinks

This is an elegant end to an elegant dinner. Serve this with a portabella that has been marinated
overnight with some fresh thyme.

Where to Shop
All of these ingredients save for the agave nectar should be easy to find. For the raw agave, you

may have to find that online or find another raw, syrupy substitute.

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How It Works
Soaking one set of the almonds (for the mousse) allows them to become creamy, which, when
blended with the banana, gives a mousse like texture. The orange juice in the mousse keeps the
light orange theme going throughout the dessert, which melds with the sweet agave nectar and

almonds quite well. The bottom layer is there to provide a different texture and look to the dessert
and create a different sensation as the flavors are more intense and not as melded there.

Chefs Notes
The bottom of this is actually part of the filling for a raw version of baklava. Topped with an
orange flavored mousse, you cant go wrong.

Nutritional Facts (individual servings in parentheses, does not include any options)
Calories 1207.1 (603.6)
Calories from Fat 652.4 (326.2)
Fat 72.5g (36.2g)

Total Carbohydrates 107.1g (53.5g)

Dietary Fiber 19.7g (9.8g)
Sugars 64.3g (32.1g)
Protein 31.6g (15.8g)
Salt 2.3mg (1.1mg)
Vitamin A 2% (1%)
Vitamin B6 45% (22.5%)
Vitamin C 38% (19%)
Calcium 37% (18.5%)
Iron 36% (18%)
Thiamin 22% (11%)

Riboflavin 64% (32%)

Niacin 31% (15.5%)
Folate 19% (9.5%)
Phosphorous 71% (35.5%)

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Potassium 45% (22.5%)

Zinc 33% (16.5%)

Magnesium 108% (54%)

Copper 85% (42.5%)

Interesting Facts
Almonds were in common use throughout the Middle Ages.

Mousse didnt really have much popularity in the U.S. until the 60s.

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Banana Pudding
Type: Dessert

Serves: 4

Time to Prepare: 10 minutes + 1 hour to set

Ingredients

1 tbsp. of agar agar powder

cup of water

2 bananas, medium ripeness, peeled

1 tbsp. of EnerG Egg Replacer
3 tbsp. of finely ground sugar
2 tbsp. of sweet agave nectar
10 oz. of firm silken tofu

Option: tsp. of ground cinnamon

Option: 4 or 5 walnut pieces

Instructions

In a medium sized pot, combine the water and agar agar.

Let this sit for a few minutes until the agar agar is mostly dissolved.
Once that occurs, cook it on a low heat for 6 minutes, stirring occasionally.

While it is cooking, blend the bananas, Egg Replacer, sugar, and sweet agave nectar together.
When that is smooth, add the tofu and continue to blend it.
Add in the agar agar/water solution and blend it for another minute or so.
Put this in the serving dish and let it sit for about 1 hour.

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Kitchen Equipment

Measuring Cup

Measuring Spoon
Blender

Spatula
Serving Dish

Presentation

I like this sprinkled with just a hint of cinnamon on top with a

few walnuts in the middle to provide extra texture. This also

goes best when served in a lightly colored bowl. A dark bowl

will evoke the wrong mood for the pudding. Finally, if you
want to add a little touch to it, place some banana slice in the
middle first, then sprinkle the cinnamon on, and then top it

with the walnuts.

Time Management
You can serve this at room temperature or chilled. If you want to serve it chilled, place it in the
refrigerator for at least 45 minutes. You can also make this ahead of time. Keep it covered and it
will last for a day.

Complimentary Food and Drinks

This goes very well with another dessert, which is a snickerdoodle cookie! This type of cookie has
a little give to it, which compliments the texture of the pudding and its light cinnamon flavor provides
a balance against the creaminess of the pudding.

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Where to Shop
The EnerG Egg Replacer can be found in most health food sections. The agar agar is a bit

more difficult to find. If you cannot find it, make a solution of cup of water and 3 tbsp. of corn
starch. If you cannot find ripe bananas, place two of the bananas in a paper sack and store them in
your pantry. They should ripen over the course of a day or two.

How It Works
The tofu is already smooth, which is perfect for the pudding. Its also tasteless, which is good
because that allows it to provide the structure of the pudding without interfering with its flavor.
The bananas should be medium ripe so that they are sweet and soft, making them easy to blend

with the tofu, but still white, which preserves the look of the pudding. Using the more finely ground
sugar (not powdered sugar!) keeps the pudding from becoming grainy.

Chefs Notes
This pudding is like a lot of other puddings/mousses/creams, etc. that use tofu. The tofu simply
provides the bulk to the dessert while whatever the tofu is blended with provides the taste. That
makes this a much easier version to make than a dairy one. Note also that bananas are not yellow
in side, but white! That means this pudding will be white. If you want the yellow look to your

pudding, you will have to add yellow food coloring, which is how the more common version of this
pudding gets its yellow color.

Nutritional Facts (individual servings in parentheses, does not include any options)
Calories 648 (162)

Calories from Fat 108 (27)

Fat 12g (3g)

Total Carbohydrates 112g (28g)
Dietary Fiber 6g (1.5g)
Sugars 99g (25g)
Protein 23g (6g)
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Salt 26mg (6.5mg)

Vitamin A 2% (.5%)
Vitamin B6 48% (12%)
Vitamin C 34% (8.5%)
Calcium 33% (8%)
Iron 20% (5%)

Thiamin 13% (3%)

Riboflavin 16% (4%)
Niacin 12% (3%)

Folate 43% (11%)

Phosphorous 31% (8%)
Potassium 49% (12%)
Zinc 14% (3.5%)

Magnesium 32% (8%)

Copper 29% (7%)

Interesting Facts
Many older style puddings look more like cakes than what we are used to seeing now.

Boiled puddings were common on British ships in the 17th and 18th centuries (fortunately, that fell
out of fashion!)
The puddings we are more used to today are more like custards, which were being prepared by
Roman Republic cooks.

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Chocolate Mousse
Type: Dessert

Serves: 4

Time to Prepare: 10 minutes + 1 hour to chill

Ingredients

8 oz. of extra firm silken tofu (* see below)

8 oz. of sweet or semi-sweet chocolate
cup of soy creamer

Option: 1 tsp. of vanilla extract

Instructions

Place the chocolate chips in a mixing bowl.

Get the tofu ready to add.
Simmer the soy creamer.
Pour the hot soy creamer on the chocolate chips and immediately stir it until it is smooth.
Add the tofu and break it up with a spoon.

Option: Add the vanilla extract.

Using a hand blender, whip the tofu and chocolate sauce until it is smooth, pumping the hand
blender up and down as you go.

Transfer this to your serving vessels.

Allow this to chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour.

*for the tofu, you will want the version that comes in a box, not the tofu packed in water.

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Kitchen Equipment
Mixing Bowl
Small Pan

Measuring Cup
Spoon
Hand Blender

Presentation
This looks nice with a bit of chocolate bar and a few toasted
almonds served in a wine or parfait glass.

Time Management
This only take a few minutes to put together, but you must be ready to immediately stir the
chocolate as soon as the hot soy creamer is added. If you dont, the chocolate will cool down
(within seconds) to the point where you will not be able to get it smooth. Also, if you dont want to
wait the hour for this to chill, it makes a great pudding!

Complementary Food and Drinks

This is a fairly rich dessert, so dont serve it set against, say, a salad. Serve it after something
hearty like a mushroom seitan steak or do something surprising for dinner and make savory berry

pancakes with the mousse following that. You also dont need to serve one entire serving of this.
Instead, you can use it as an accent to another dessert, such as a topping for a light, cream filled
cake.

Where to Shop
Whole Foods has their 360 brand of sweet chocolate chips, which are vegan. Trader Joes also
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carries several vegan chocolates with a range of sweetness and bitterness. For the tofu, do not
buy the water packed tofu. Instead, purchase the extra firm tofu that comes in a box. It has a

texture that is more conducive to making a smooth dessert and it also has a more neutral flavor.

How It Works
The soy creamer is simmered (not boiled) so that it is hot enough to melt the chocolate and create
a thick sauce. That sauce is then whipped with a hand blender to create the fluffy texture of the
mousse. The hand blender is used because it tends to pump more air into the mousse than a

regular blender would, and that keeps it from being dense. Note that it is important to use the
boxed tofu and a strong chocolate, otherwise, you will have mousse that tastes like tofu, which is
not tasty at all!

Chefs Notes
Watch out when pumping the hand blender up and down while blending the sauce. If you bring it up
too high, the chocolate will splatter! I suggest putting the bowl in the sink and doing it there.

Nutritional Facts (individual servings in parentheses, does not include any options)
Calories 1438.4 (359.6)
Calories from Fat 768.5 (192.1)

Fat 85.4g (21.3g)

Total Carbohydrates 143.1g (35.8g)

Dietary Fiber 12.7g (3.2g)
Sugars 64.4g (16.1g)
Protein 24.4g (6.1g)

Salt 168.5mg (42.1mg)

Vitamin A 1% (0.3%)

Vitamin B6 6% (1.5%)
Vitamin C 0% (0%)
Calcium 12% (3%)
Iron 49% (12.3%)

Thiamin 10% (2.5%)

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Riboflavin 31% (7.8%)

Niacin 10% (2.5%)
Folate 2% (0.5%)

Phosphorous 54% (13.5%)

Potassium 28% (7%)
Zinc 31% (7.8%)

Magnesium 78% (19.5%)

Copper 86% (21.5%)

Interesting Facts
Traditional mousse is made with raw eggs (now theres a safe thing to eat.)

Mousse was a specialty of Spain of Belgium, though is now popular all across the West.

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Soy Yogurt Fruit and Granola Parfait

Type: Breakfast

Serves: 1

Time to Prepare: 5 minutes (unless you make your own granola)

Ingredients

cup of granola
cup of vanilla soy yogurt

tsp. of sweet agave nectar

tsp. cardamom
cup of fresh, seasonal berries
2 Brazil nuts, smashed

Instructions

In the bottom of a parfait glass, place the granola.

In a small metal bowl, mix together the soy yogurt, sweet agave nectar, and cardamom.
Place this on top of the granola in the parfait glass.
Place the fresh berries on top of the soy yogurt.
Lay your Brazil nuts on a flat surface and place your knife flat on top of them.
Quickly whack the flat of the knife, which will smash the Brazil nuts.
Dress the berries with those.

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Kitchen Equipment
Parfait Glass or Other Nice Looking Cup
Small Metal Bowl

Knife to Smash the Brazil Nuts

Presentation
Make sure the glass is clear in order to show off all the layers of the
parfait. You can also put a sprig of fresh mint on top for some extra
color.

Time Management
This recipe can be made so quickly, that there are really no time management issues to address.

Just make it is freshly made when you eat it.

Complimentary Food and Drinks

This goes well with a glass or freshly squeezed orange juice and a small plate of sliced green
apples.

Where to Shop
The fruit is best purchased at a farmers market while the granola, sweet agave nectar, and soy
yogurt can most easily be found at stores that specialize in organics and/or health food stores.

How It Works
Not only does each layer provide a different taste, it also provides a different texture, enticing the
diner to reach their spoon all the way to the bottom to experience the entire parfait. The berries
provide a nice freshness so important with breakfast and a hint of sweetness. The sweet agave
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nectar gives a moderate sweetness and helps bring out the flavors of the berries. The cardamom
imparts a nice aromatic taste to the parfait and the granola gives some crunch and bulk for the soy
yogurt to grab onto.

Chefs Notes
This is a quick, easy breakfast that looks classy, so its particularly good to serve if you are having
guests over.

Nutritional Facts
Calories 461
Calories from Fat 153

Fat 17g

Total Carbohydrates 63g

Dietary Fiber 10g
Sugars 30g
Protein 14g
Salt 26mg
Vitamin A 2%
Vitamin B6

Vitamin C 6%
Calcium 26%
Iron 21%

Thiamin 4%%
Riboflavin 1%
Niacin 1%
Folate 1%

Phosphorous 5%
Potassium 3%%
Zinc 2%
Magnesium 8%
Copper 7%

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Interesting Facts
Parfaits are traditionally desserts, but semi-sweet parfaits can also be used for breakfast.
Parfait means perfect in French.

Parfaits are now enjoyed all over the world, even in places like Japan, where the word parfait refers
to a sundae.

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Potato and Apple Pudding

Type: Dessert

Serves: 6

Time to Prepare: 3 hours (45 minutes for the potatoes + 15 minutes to cool down + 15 minutes
of labor + 2 hours of cook time)

Ingredients

2 tbsp. of vegan margarine

1 cup of flour + a little extra for flouring a flat surface

6 oz. of potatoes (1 medium potato), boiled
tsp. of salt
4 tbsp. of soy creamer

5 green apples, peeled, cored, and sliced

cup of sugar
2 whole cloves
Juice of of a lemon (about 2 tsp.)
3 tbsp. of apple cider or water

Instructions

Boil the potatoes for about 45 minutes.

Let them cool until they are warm, but not hot, and peel them.
Mix in the vegan margarine and salt and work the flour in by hand.
Add in the soy creamer and continue to work the dough until you have a slack dough (it should still
stick together.)

Lightly flour a flat surface.

Roll out the dough on this surface until it is about and a deep (preferably metal) baking dish all
the way up the sides and about over it (make sure to reserve enough of the rolled out dough to
make a lid for the bowl, as well.)

Core , peel, and slice the apples.

Mix the apples with the sugar, cloves, and lemon juice.
Place this mix in the dish.
Cut a lid out of the remaining dough.

Moisten the edges of the dough in the bowl and press the lid down onto it gently.
Cover the dish with foil.
Steam or boil the dish in a large, shallow pot for 2 hours.
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Kitchen Equipment
Measuring Cup

Measuring Spoon
Small Pot to boil the potatoes
2Mixing Bowls (one for mashing the potato, the other for mixing the filling together)
Rolling Pin

Metal Baking Dish

Steamer or Large Pot for boiling the pudding

Presentation
This should be served cut into wedges with a side of custard
or whipped soy cream.

Time Management
This recipe takes a very long time to make, so plan accordingly. You can turn it into more of a pie
by baking it, but it wont get a pudding consistency unless it is boiled or steamed. I suggest starting
this early in the day and then warming it back up in the oven on 250 degrees about 30 minutes

before you serve it. Also, if you peel and core the apples early, make sure you immediately dress
them with the lemon juice so they dont brown.

Complementary Food and Drinks

This is a great finisher to a meal. Consider pairing it with a small cup of Irish coffee. It also goes
great with a side of lemon custard.
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Where to Shop
All of the ingredients in this recipe are readily available at your local market, although I suggest
getting a high quality cider to get the best taste. For the best cider, look for a local, unpasteurized
brand.

How It Works
The potato and flour create a sticky, heavy dough which will cook down onto the apples.

Boiling/steaming it tightens the dough while keeping it moist and thats necessary for a pudding.
The lemon juice accentuates the sweetness of the apples and also keeps them from oxidizing
(browning.) The cloves add a deep, aromatic flavor to the pudding.

Chefs Notes
Despite the long cook time, this recipe has very little labor involved in it and that makes for a stress
free dessert. Note that this is a pudding in the traditional since and will be very unlike the puddings
served in the United States.

Nutritional Facts (individual servings in parentheses, does not include any options)
Calories 1611.4 (268.6)
Calories from Fat 280.9 (46.8)
Fat 31.2g (5.2g)

Total Carbohydrates 314.8g (52.5g)

Dietary Fiber 29.8g (5.0g)
Sugars 74.4g (12.4g)
Protein 17.8g (3.0g)

Salt 28.5mg (4.8mg)

Vitamin A 28% (4.7%)
Vitamin B6 49% (8.2%)

Vitamin C 103% (17.2%)

Calcium 12% (2%)
Iron 48% (8%)
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Thiamin 67% (11.2%)

Riboflavin 38% (6.3%)
Niacin 52% (8.7%)

Folate 55% (9.2%)

Phosphorous 26% (4.3%)
Potassium 62% (10.3%)
Zinc 12% (2%)

Magnesium 31% (5.2%)

Copper 48% (8%)

Interesting Facts
Pudding is also a name for dessert in many places in the British Commonwealth.
Puddings can be cooked by baking, steaming, or boiling them.
The wild ancestor of the apple can still be found in Kazakhstan.

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Basil Lime Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

Type:

Dessert

Makes:

about 1 quart

Time to Prepare: 25 minutes prep, 25 minutes in an ice cream maker, 4-5 hours in the freezer alone

Ingredients

1 cup of soy milk, divided

2 cups soy creamer

2 tablespoons arrowroot
cup mint leaves
1 cup baby spinach leaves
cup Thai basil
cup basil

tablespoon mint extract

tablespoon vanilla extract
1 85% dark chocolate bar, vegan, chopped into small pieces

Instructions

Stir the arrowroot with cup of the soy milk in a small bowl.
Chop the spinach, basils, and mint until diced, then press on them with the flat of your knife to
release more flavor.

Heat the remaining soy milk, soy creamer, and chopped spinach and herbs.
Stir until the mixture reaches a boil.
Remove from heat and strain the liquid, removing the solids (if some remain, that is ok, but remove as
much as possible).

Add the arrowroot mixture to the strained liquid, whisking until incorporated.
Add the extracts.
Cool for about 2-3 hours in the refrigerator.

Place in an ice cream maker, according to manufacturers directions.

Five minutes before it has reached the desired consistency, add the finely chopped chocolate bar.
Remove from the ice cream maker, and if you want a firmer consistency, freeze in an airtight
container for a few more hours, or overnight.

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Low-fat Version
The fat in this dish is what gives it mouth appeal, so while you could use low fat soy milk, I would
advise against it.

Raw Version
Use raw almond milk, soaking the chopped spinach and herbs overnight. Use cacao nibs instead

of the chocolate. Omit the arrowroot. Omit the extracts. Add 11/2 cups more mint, and scrape
one vanilla bean into the mixture. The texture will be different, but it will still be tasty.

Kitchen Equipment
Knife, cutting board, measuring cups and spoons, strainer, whisk, ice cream maker

Presentation
Place a scoop in a dish, and garnish with a sprig of mint and a sprig of basil.

Time Management
Most of the time in this recipe is chilling or freezing, so you can plan to be making dinner in
between, or just relaxing.

Complementary Food and Drinks

This would be a great finish to a spicy Thai curry.

Where to Shop
Your local Asian store is the best place to look for the Thai basil. If you cannot find it, regular
sweet basil can be substituted. Trader Joes has an excellent assortment of dark chocolate bars

that are vegan, at a great price. Whole Foods has a large amount of decent chocolate bars as well,
but it is more expensive.
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How It Works
The constant stirring break up the ice crystals making it creamy. That is what the ice cream

machine does, and what you have to do if you dont have one.

Chefs Notes
I love mint chocolate chip ice cream, and the basil gives it much more depth. This has become my
favorite guilty indulgence.

Interesting Facts
The basil has mint and liquorish notes, which is why it works so well with this recipe.

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Blood Orange Sorbet

Type:

Dessert

Makes:

about 1 quart

Time to Prepare: 15 minutes prep, 25 minutes in an ice cream maker, 4-5 hours in the freezer alone

Ingredients

1/3 cup agave

1 cups fresh squeezed blood orange juice (about 8-10 small blood oranges)

2 cups fresh squeezed Valencia or navel orange juice (About 4-6 large oranges)

Instructions

Cut the oranges in half.

Juice the oranges.
Add the agave.
Chill for 2-3 hours in the refrigerator, or 1 hour in the freezer.
Freeze in an ice cream maker according to manufacturers directions, or if you dont have an ice
cream maker, then place in a large glass dish, so the liquid is only 1-2 inches deep.

Scrape and mix the ice cream every 30 minutes if using this method, until you have the consistency
you desire.
Place the completed ice cream in an airtight freezer safe container and store up to 2 months.

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Raw Version
Use raw agave, and it will be raw.

Kitchen Equipment
knife, measuring cup, and either an ice cream maker or a large glass dish

Presentation
Place a scoop in a dish, and garnish with a thin slice of orange, and a sprig of mint.

Time Management
Most of the time in this recipe is chilling or freezing, so you can plan to be making dinner in
between, or just relaxing.

Complementary Food and Drinks

This would be lovely with a spicy southwest dinner.

Where to Shop
Trader Joes has the best price on Blood Oranges, but you might be able to find them at a

farmers market for an even better price!

How It Works
The constant stirring break up the ice crystals making it creamy. That is what the ice cream

machine does, and what you have to do if you dont have one.

Chefs Notes
This is light and refreshing. It is also quick to make with an ice cream machine. If you dont have one,
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an electric model is relatively affordable (about $70 dollars) and will make this much easier. Vegan
ice cream can be expensive ($5 or more per pint) and you can make your own for $3 to $5 dollars a
quart, so if youre going to make a lot, the electric model will pay for itself quickly.

Interesting Facts
Blood oranges are native to Sicily.

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Cookies N Cream Ice Cream

Type:

Dessert

Makes:

about 1 quart

Time to Prepare: 15 minutes prep, 2-3 hours in a refrigerator, 25 minutes in an ice cream maker, 45 hours in the freezer alone

Ingredients

1 cup of soy milk, divided

2 cups soy creamer
cup sugar
2 tablespoons arrowroot
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
teaspoon almond extract
1/8 teaspoon salt
12 vegan chocolate sandwich cookies (I used Newmans Os)

Instructions

Stir the arrowroot with cup of the soy milk in a small bowl.
Chop the cookies into small pieces and set to the side.
Heat the remaining soy milk, soy creamer, and sugar.
Stir until the mixture reaches a boil.
Remove from heat.
Add the arrowroot mixture to the liquid, whisking until incorporated.
Add the extracts.

Cool for about 2-3 hours in the refrigerator.

Place in an ice cream maker, according to manufacturers directions.
Five minutes before it has reached the desired consistency, add the chopped cookies.

Remove from the ice cream maker, and if you want a firmer consistency, freeze in an airtight
container for a few more hours, or overnight.

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Low-fat Version
The fat in this dish is what gives it mouth appeal, so while you could use low fat soy milk, I would
advise against it.

Raw Version
You could use raw nut milk and raw cookies. Omit the cooking, and use a vanilla bean instead of

the extract. The taste and texture will be different, but enjoyable.

Kitchen Equipment
Knife, cutting board, measuring cups and spoons,, whisk, ice cream maker

Presentation
Place a scoop in a dish and garnish with half a sandwich cookie.

Time Management
Most of the time in this recipe is chilling or freezing, so you can plan to be making dinner in

between, or just relaxing.

Complementary Food and Drinks

This is perfect for ice cream cones, or to have with a nice barbeque.

Where to Shop
You should be able to get these ingredients at any well stocked supermarket. Look for Newmans
Os by the healthy foods.

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How It Works
The constant stirring break up the ice crystals making it creamy. That is what the ice cream

machine does, and what you have to do if you dont have one.

Chefs Notes
The secret with the favor of this ice cream is the teaspoon of almond extract. Almond extract

balances out vanilla, much in the same way that the small amount of salt rounds out the sweetness of
the ice cream.

Interesting Facts
Cookies and Cream ice cream was invented in the late 70s, with several prominent ice cream
manufacturers laying claim to the first production of it.

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Iced Orange
Type: Dessert

Serves: 1

Time to Prepare: 10 minutes plus 60 minutes to freeze

Ingredients

1 orange

1 tsp. sweet agave nectar

Instructions

Cut the orange in half.

Deseed the orange.

Zest one of the halves and save the zest.

Freeze the orange for about one hour.
Remove the orange from the freezer and let it thaw for about ten minutes.
Blend the insides together with the sweet agave nectar and orange zest.
Place it back in of the orange.
Serve it immediately.

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Kitchen Equipment
Cutting Board
Chefs Knife
Spoon
Zester
Blender

Presentation
Since this is an individual serving, which is
made up of only one orange, it should be
served on a small plate so that the dessert is
not overwhelmed by empty plate space.

Time Management
Since the orange can be frozen for a long time before, you can get this dessert ready several hours
or even a day in advance. Then, once youre about to serve it, take it out of the freezer, let it thaw,
blend it, and itll be ready to eat. If you do that, just make sure to save the zest in a small container.

Complimentary Food and Drinks

This goes really well served with a meal that features fresh mint.

Where to Shop
Oranges are easy to find. However, you may have to go to Whole Foods, Wild Oats, etc. for the
sweet agave nectar. If you cant find it locally, you can order it online. Just put sweet agave
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nectar into Google and find a place to get it!

How It Works
When the orange freezes, the cellular walls break down. Once it thaws a little bit, it is soft enough
to blend while still containing the natural orange juice in ice form. This semi-iced orange can then
be turned into a thick, almost sherbet like slush with the addition of just a little bit of liquid, which
comes from the sweet agave nectar. The zest puts a little kick into the dessert.

Chefs Notes
These are an excellent dessert, especially after a hot day. You can also blend up berries to go in
the orange, too.

Nutritional Facts (individual servings in parentheses, does not include any options)
Calories
Calories from Fat

Fat

Total Carbohydrates 38g

Dietary Fiber 4g
Sugars 33g
Protein 2g
Salt
Vitamin A 8%

Vitamin B6 5%
Vitamin C 163%
Calcium 7%
Iron 1%

Thiamin 10%
Riboflavin 4%
Niacin 2%
Folate 13%

Phosphorous 2%
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Potassium 13%
Zinc 0%

Magnesium 4%
Copper 4%

Interesting Facts
The word orange is derived from the Sanskrit word narang.
It first evolved in Southeast Asia.

Oranges account for about 70% of all commercial citrus output.

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Key Lime Pie Ice Cream

Type:

Dessert

Makes:

about 1 quart

Time to Prepare: 15 minutes prep, 2-3 hours in a refrigerator, 25 minutes in an ice cream maker, 45 hours in the freezer alone

Ingredients

1 cup of soy milk, divided

2 cups soy creamer

2 tablespoons arrowroot
1 cups of fresh key lime juice (about 12-14 key limes)
2 tablespoons of key lime zest (about 12-14 key limes)
1/8 teaspoon salt

8-16 graham crackers, vegan, chopped

Optional: A few drops of organic green food color

Instructions

Stir the arrowroot with cup of the soy milk in a small bowl.
Zest all the key limes.
Juice the zested limes until you have the desired amount of juice.

Add the remaining soy milk, soy creamer, sugar, and key lime juice.
Stir until the mixture reaches a boil.
Remove from heat.
Add the arrowroot mixture to the liquid, whisking until incorporated.

Add the zest and food color, if being used.

Cool for about 2-3 hours in the refrigerator.

Place in an ice cream maker, according to manufacturers directions.
Five minutes before it has reached the desired consistency, add the chopped graham crackers.
Remove from the ice cream maker, and if you want a firmer consistency, freeze in an airtight
container for a few more hours, or overnight.

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Low-fat Version
The fat in this dish is what gives it mouth appeal, so while you could use low fat soy milk, I would
advise against it.

Kitchen Equipment
knife, cutting board, measuring cups and spoons,, whisk, ice cream maker

Presentation
Place a scoop in a dish and garnish with slice of key lime.

Time Management
Most of the time in this recipe is chilling or freezing, so you can plan to be making dinner in
between, or just relaxing.

Complementary Food and Drinks

This ice cream is perfect on a hot summer day, with some Cuban black beans, or other spicy island
food.

Where to Shop
You should be able to get the key limes seasonally in most markets. I also have luck finding them at
farmers markets and Asian stores.

How It Works
The tartness of the key limes reacts with the soy milk making it extra creamy.

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Chefs Notes
I LOVE this ice cream! The graham crackers simulate the pie crust and the tart sweetness of the

ice cream is divine. This is one you have to try to believe. You can substitute regular limes (you will
need less) but the taste will be changed. Key limes are unique to say the least. If yours are yellow,
that is fine, key limes are yellow to green and all shades between.

Interesting Facts
The basil has mint and liquorish notes, which is why it works so well with this recipe.

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Poblano Gelato
Type: Raw, Dessert

Serves: 6

Time to Prepare: 4 hours to soak the cashews + 1 hour for the gelato to set + 10 minutes of labor

Ingredients

2 cups of soaked cashews

cup of raw agave nectar (if available)

2/3 cup of almonds, coarsely chopped

tsp. cinnamon powder
1/8 tsp. of salt
6 poblanos

Option: 2 tbsp. of green pumpkin seeds

Instructions

Soak the cashews for at least four hours.

Soak the almonds for one hour.

Cut the poblanos in half along the length, saving the sides with the stem attached and using the
other halves for blending.
Deseed and remove the membranes from the poblanos.

Blend together the cashew butter, raw agave nectar, cinnamon, almonds, salt, and one half of one
of the poblano halves.
Freeze this for at least one hour.
Load the gelato into the poblano halves.

Option: Garnish with the pumpkin seeds.

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Kitchen Equipment
2 Mixing Bowls to soak the nuts
Small Knife

Cutting Board
Measuring Cup
Blender

Presentation
Serve this on a plate with raw cocoa powder sprinkled over it and a
few dabs of sweet agave nectar. Alternatively, you can garnish it
with pumpkin seeds and/or cinnamon.

Time Management
Make sure to soak the almonds while you are soaking the cashews. If you want to forgo the
soaking, you can reduce the amount of prep time significantly. However, you will have slightly

grainy gelato. It will still taste great, but the texture wont be as nice. This is something that can be
made in a large batch and will keep frozen for a couple days before losing flavor.

Complementary Food and Drinks

This is definitely a nice, exotic dessert, so serve it with a fancy main meal. Stick with the pepper
theme, although go mild, perhaps with a red pepper coconut soup and a jicama croquette topped
with your favorite seasonal veggies.

Where to Shop
I shop at Sprouts for these ingredients because the nuts and seeds are available in bulk. If you
dont have one of those stores near you, try Whole Foods since they have the nuts in bulk, as well.
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Raw agave nectar can typically be found at both stores.

How It Works
Soaking the cashews softens them enough that they can be blended into a smooth paste and they
also add the creamy fat typically found in desserts, though this is a much better fat than say, dairy
fat. The almonds soak for a bit less time so that they add some texture to the gelato instead of
getting lost in the creaminess of the cashews. Poblano is used because peppers and sweets go well
together and it happens to make a nice boat to hold the gelato. Cinnamon is used to give an
aromatic quality to the gelato. A pinch of salt is added to the gelato because salt is the
contrasting flavor to sweetness. When a hint of it is added, it forces the sweet flavor to the
foreground.

Chefs Notes
Nut based raw gelatos are certainly decadent, but I find it worthwhile to occasionally indulge in a
treat like this.

Nutritional Facts (individual servings in parentheses, does not include any options)
Calories 2726.4 (454.4)
Calories from Fat 1648.7 (274.8)

Fat 183.2g (30.5g)

Total Carbohydrates 199.9g (33.3g)

Dietary Fiber 26.9g (4.5g)
Sugars 70.2g (11.7g)
Protein 69.6g (11.6g)
Salt 346mg (57.7mg)
Vitamin A 50% (8.3%)

Vitamin B6 91% (15.2%)

Vitamin C 573% (95.5%)
Calcium 39% (6.5%)
Iron 137% (22.8%)

Thiamin 53% (8.8%)

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Riboflavin 74% (12.3%)

Niacin 49% (8.2%)

Folate 79% (13.2%)

Phosphorous 206% (34.3%)
Potassium 68% (11.3%)
Zinc 135% (22.5%)

Magnesium 276% (46%)

Copper 380% (63.3%)

Interesting Facts
Gelato is a dense Italian ice cream.

Gelato that doesnt use dairy is called sorbetto, so perhaps this recipe should more properly be
called Poblano Sorbetto.

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Cannoli with Ancho Cream Cheese

Type: Dessert

Serves: 8

Time to Prepare: 60 minutes

Ingredients
The shells

cup soy creamer

1 tsp. maple syrup

cup + 1 tbsp. raw sugar crystals
2 tbsp. canola oil
1/8 tsp. salt

tsp. vanilla extract

1/8 tsp. EnerG Egg Replacer
1 cups of flour + more as needed
Canola oil for frying

The filling

2 anchos, rehydrated and minced

12 oz. of Better than Cream Cheese
3 tbsp. sweet agave nectar

The prickly pear cactus

4 prickly pear cactus fruits, sliced

Finishing ingredients
Sweet agave nectar

3 tbsp. toasted pine nuts

1 tbsp. powdered sugar

Instructions
Start by making the dough for the shells

In a metal bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.

In a blender, combine the rest of the ingredients.
Blend them for about 1 minute until they are well emulsified.
Add the liquid to the dry ingredients and mix well.

Once the wet and dry ingredients form a dough, you can add more flour to make the dough
tighter (it should feel like a soft bread dough.)
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Dont over knead the dough.

Let the dough sit for about 15 minutes.

On a floured surface, roll out the dough until it is about 1/16 of an inch.
Cut out 4 inch circles.
Wrap the circles around the cannoli forms.
Wet your finger and run it along the seam of the wrap and press down gently to seal the

wrap.

Set up a deep fryer or wok and fill it with oil until it will cover the shells.
Turn it up to medium high.
With a set of tongs, drop the wrapped cannoli form into the oil.
Fry it until it is a light golden color and immediately remove it.
Set it on a paper towel to drain the oil.
Repeat with the other wrapped cannoli forms.

Making the filling

Fill up a small pot with water.

Turn it to medium low.
While it is heating, deseed the anchos by removing the top stem and shaking out the seeds

through the hole that is created.

Place the anchos in the water and rehydrate them.

They should turn a lighter color and the skin should smooth out.
While they are rehydrating, place the Better than Cream Cheese and sweet agave nectar

in a blender.

Blend them on high for at least one minute.

Alternatively, you can place the Better than Cream Cheese and sweet agave nectar in a
narrow, tall, metal bowl and use an immersion blender on it.
Pump the immersion blender up and down to fluff up the filling.

Once the anchos have rehydrated, mince them very small.

Stir the mince into the filling.
Alternatively, you can blend it in.

Preparing the cactus fruit

Slice the cactus fruit so that you have slices about 1/8 of an inch.
Lightly oil a saut pan.
Heat the pan up to a medium heat.
Saut the prickly pear fruit for about two minutes or until you see the colors smooth out.
Place them on the plate, two or three per plate.

Toasting the pine nuts

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In a saut pan, toast the pine nuts on a medium heat until they start to develop light brown
spots on them.

This should only take 2 or 3 minutes.

Set them aside.

Filling the cannoli

Place the filling in a piping bag (see Chefs Notes for a cheat).

Attach a wide star-shaped tip.

Pipe the filling into the cannoli shell until it is filled.

The setup

Arrange the prickly pear fruit on the plate.

Lay the stuffed cannoli against the fruit.

Drizzle sweet agave nectar across the plate, the cannoli, and the fruit.
Sift a little bit of powdered sugar across the plate.
Sprinkle some of the pine nuts around the plate.

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Kitchen Equipment
2 or 3 Metal Bowls
Rolling Pin

A Knife or Large Ramekin to Cut the Dough

Blender
Piping Bag with Star Shaped Tip
2 Saut Pans

Spatula for the Prickly Pear Fruit

Chefs Knife
Measuring Cups

Measuring Spoons
Whisk
Wok or Deep Fryer
Sifter

Presentation
When arranging the prickly pear fruit slices, spread
them on top of each other instead of just placing them

side by side or stacked right on top of each other. Lay

the cannoli against the fruit. Take the bottle of sweet
agave nectar and quickly move it from side to side to
make the lines. This works if it has the squeeze tip. If it
doesnt, put the sweet agave nectar on a spoon and do

it that way. Put the powdered sugar on before the pine

nuts so they pine nuts give a nice contrast against the
whiteness of the sugar.

Time Management
These take awhile to make and are fairly labor intensive. However, the shells and filling can be
made ahead of time. If you make the shells ahead of time, serve this as a chilled dessert. The pine
nuts and the prickly pear fruit definitely need to be served fresh. Start with the dough. Get the
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anchos rehydrated while the dough is resting. Get the filling ready after that. Once you are done
with that, roll out the dough and make the shells. While they cool, you can toast the pine nuts and
get the fruit sauted. After that, they are quick to put together.

Complimentary Food and Drinks

This goes very well with a nice Riesling or even a lightly flavored cider like a pear cider.

Where to Shop
Anchos can sometimes be found prepackaged in gourmet food stores. However, the best place
to shop is one that has a preponderance of Mexican foods. Anchos can often be found there in
bulk bins. Note that they are often mislabeled as pasilla peppers. The pepper should be very,

very dark, dry, and the skin should be shriveled. The Better than Cream Cheese, EnerG Egg
Replacer, and sweet agave nectar are most easily found at places like Whole Foods and Wild
Oats. Pine nuts can be found at most places, including Costco. The rest of the ingredients can
easily be found at the local supermarket.

How It Works
The dough is tight enough so that it does not fall apart when it is deep fried, but soft enough so
that it creates a lightly crisped shell. Using the immersion blender on the filling fluffs it up, making it

lighter. There are several different types and levels of sweetness in the dessert. The filling is

slightly sweet and the anchos have their own sweetness to them. The shells are fairly sweet, but
not cloyingly sweet. The cactus fruit has a little bit of sweetness, but is more astringent. Putting
some of the sweet agave nectar on top of the fruit helps that. Lastly, the powdered sugar adds
sprinkles of intense sweetness to the dish. The prickly pear fruit is there to give the dessert a

beautiful color contrast and a contrast in taste with its astringency. It also gives people something
to talk about as most people have not tried it before. The anchos are there to add another flavor
most people dont associate with dessert, which is a chili flavor, making the dish even better
because of its uniqueness.

Chefs Notes
This recipe requires a lot of setup, but once everything is prepped, it goes very quickly. Thats
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why this dessert is best when made for 6 to 10 people instead of 2 or 3. This is also a particularly
fun dish to make with friends as each person can be in the kitchen with their own job (one person
can do the filling, one person prep the dough, etc.).

Nutritional Facts (individual servings in parentheses)

Calories 2268 (283)
Calories from Fat 864 (108)

Fat 96g (12g)

Total Carbohydrates 351g (44g)

Dietary Fiber 21g (2.5g)
Sugars 172g (21.5g)
Protein 29g (3.5g)

Salt 285mg (36mg)

Vitamin A 138% (17%)

Vitamin B6 60% (7.5%)

Vitamin C 70% (8.5%)
Calcium 19% (2%)
Iron 21% (2.5%)

Thiamin 106% (13%)

Riboflavin 98% (12%)
Niacin 64% (8%)
Folate 84% (10.5%)

Phosphorous 26% (3%)

Potassium 42% (5%)
Zinc 10% (1%)

Magnesium 81% (10%)

Copper 22% (2.5%)
* This recipe is by no means healthy, but it is healthier than a regular dairy-based cannoli. I also
think its important to treat ourselves to some decadence occasionally.

Interesting Facts

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Anchos are the dried form of the poblano pepper, which is the pepper used in chili rellenos.
In Spanish, ancho means wide.
The cannoli originated in Sicily.

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Almond Butter Apple Boats

Type: Quick Meal - Dessert

Serves: 2

Time to Prepare: 5 minutes

Ingredients

1 green apple
2 tbsp. of almond butter
2 tsp. toasted coconut
2 tsp. black raisins

Instructions

Cut the apple in half lengthways.

Cut a small wedge into the bottom of the apple, removing the rough part.
Core the apple.
Place 1 tsp. of raisins at the bottom of each half.
Fill each half with 1 tbsp. of almond butter.

Sprinkle 1 tsp. of toasted coconut on top of each apple boat.

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Kitchen Equipment

Cutting Board
Knife

Spoon
Measuring Spoons
Apple Corer (optionally use the spoon)

Presentation
These look nice set on a platter with some raisins and coconut
sprinkled on the platter. You can also sprinkle the platter with
chopped mint. Make sure you place them on a light colored
platter to accentuate the springy feel of the dish.

Time Management
Make these just before serving. Otherwise, they will brown. If you have to make them earlier, dip
the apple in a half-and-half water/lemon juice solution before putting the raisins and almond butter
in the boat. Then store it in the refrigerator.

Complimentary Food and Drinks

These go really with some sparkling cider and are a great summer treat.

Where to Shop
Try finding the apples at a farmers market. If you cant, you should be able to find them at a
generic supermarket, along with the raisins and coconut (which will probably be found in the baking
aisle.) The best place to get almond butter is at a store that supports organic produce and you
can get fresh almond butter in the bulk section at most Whole Foods.

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How It Works
The slight tartness of the apples makes a nice contrast with the sweetness of the raisins. Almond

butter is also just a bit sweet and the creamy texture plays off of the crisp apple. The raisins are
also a nice sweet treasure to be found when the apple is bit into. Finally, the coconut puts one
more flavor in the dish, rounding it out with another type of sweetness.

Chefs Notes
Make sure that the apples are as fresh as possible as the light springiness of them is one of the
highlights of this recipe. If you want a sweeter version of this, you can mix the almond butter with 1
tsp. of sweet agave nectar.

Nutritional Facts (individual servings in parentheses)

Calories 315 (157)
Calories from Fat 171(85)

Fat 19g (9.5g)

Total Carbohydrates 32g (16g)

Dietary Fiber 6g (3g)
Sugars 21g (10.5g)
Protein 4g (2g)

Salt 20mg (1g)

Vitamin A 1% (.5%)

Vitamin B6 2% (1%)
Vitamin C 10% (5%)
Calcium 2% (1%)
Iron 4% (2%)

Thiamin 2% (1%)
Riboflavin 7% (3.5%)
Niacin 2% (1%)
Folate 3% (1.5%)

Phosphorous 9% (4.5%)
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Potassium 11% (5.5%)

Zinc 3% (1.5%)

Magnesium 13% (6.5%)

Copper 8% (4%)

Interesting Facts
Almond butter and almond milk were used in many Elizabethan era desserts.
California is now the largest producer of almonds in the world.

Wild apples use to be bitter, but the Romans discovered they could cultivate a sweet apple,
resulting in what we have today.

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Baked Apples in Phyllo Dough

Type: Dessert

Serves: 6

Time to Prepare: 45 minutes

Ingredients

2 apples

18-20 sheets of phyllo dough

1 tsp. of cinnamon
tsp. of allspice
1 tsp. of cardamom
2 tbsp. of flame red raisins

2 tbsp. of sweet agave nectar

Instructions

Mix together the dried spices.

Core the apples.

Slice them thinly.

Toss them in the spice mix and then the agave nectar.
Mix in the raisins.

Place three phyllo sheets atop each other.

Place 1/6 of the apple mix in the middle of the phyllo sheet.
Fold the sides over the apples, starting with one side, then folding over the opposite end, then
folding the other two sides (it should make a rectangle.)
Place these in a glass baking dish.

Bake this on 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

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Kitchen Equipment
Glass Baking Dish
Knife

Apple Corer
Measuring Spoon
Small Mixing Bowl
Small Spoon

Presentation
When you serve these, sprinkle them with a bit of cinnamon so
theyve got some color. You can also get fancy and add some

curled apple slices or some rose petals to the plate. The plate
should be small if there is not garnish, but can be larger with garnish
as long as the garnish is also used to decorate the plate.

Time Management
If you are making a lot of these, place the apple slices in chilled water with a bit of lemon juice. The
cold and the acid will keep the apples crisp and fresh.

Complementary Food and Drinks

This makes a nice end to a large meal as the dessert is flavorful without being overly sweet and the
phyllo dough is flaky, making this a semi-light dessert.

Where to Shop
All of these ingredients should be available at your local market, though you can get organic phyllo
at Sprouts for a good price. For the phyllo, look in the frozen section. It may also be spelled filo
or fyllo.

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How It Works
The raisins give a contrasting texture to the apples and also provide a dark sweetness to the

dessert while the sweet agave nectar provides a honey like taste to it. The agave is also used to
keep the apples moist as it will coat the apples and keep in some of the steam released during
baking. The spices are there to provide a full bodies aromatic quality to the dessert and
cardamom, cinnamon, and allspice always go well with sweetness.

Chefs Notes
Ive been playing around with phyllo dough recently and this is the first dessert Ive created with it.

Nutritional Facts (individual servings in parentheses, does not include any options)
Calories 1068.1 (178.0)
Calories from Fat 66.1 (11.0)
Fat 7.3g (1.2g)

Total Carbohydrates 233.0g (38.8g)

Dietary Fiber 13.0g (2.2g)
Sugars 62.8g (10.5g)
Protein 17.5g (2.9g)

Salt 949.6mg (158.3mg)

Vitamin A 3% (0.5%)
Vitamin B6 10% (1.7%)
Vitamin C 2% (0.3%)
Calcium 3% (0.5%)
Iron 46% (7.7%)
Thiamin 4% (0.7%)

Riboflavin 3% (0.5%)
Niacin 3% (0.5%)
Folate 1% (0.2%)
Phosphorous 5% (0.8%)

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Potassium 13% (2.2%)

Zinc 1% (0.2%)

Magnesium 4% (0.7%)
Copper 9% (1.5%)

Interesting Facts
Phyllo dough used to be made by hand by delicately rolling out small balls of dough into paper thin
sheets that would often stretch across a kitchen table.
Apples originated in Kazakhstan.

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Beignets
Type: Side

Serves: 12

Time to Prepare: 20 minutes to prepare + 2 hours for the dough + 20 minutes at the end for frying

Ingredients

envelope active dry yeast (1 package equals 2 tsp.)

3/8 cup warm water (approx. 105)
2 tbsp. granulated sugar
tsp. of salt
EnerG Egg Replacer
cup of soy creamer, reduced to cup
1.75 cups all-purpose flour

1 tbsp. shortening, softened

Oil for deep frying
Powdered sugar

Instructions

Reduce the soy creamer on a medium heat from cup to cup.

While the soy creamer is reducing, mix the sugar and warm water together.

Add the yeast and proof it for about five minutes (check to see if it bubbles).
Allow the soy creamer to cool until it is warm to room temperature.
Mix the soy creamer into the water and add in the salt.
Mix together 1 portion of the EnerG Egg Replacer mix into the water.
Stir in approximately 2/3 of the flour, stirring until it is smooth.
Slowly fold in the rest of the flour.
Knead the dough until it no longer sticks to your fingers.
If necessary, add in a tiny amount of flour.
Form the dough into a ball.

Lightly oil a bowl and place the dough in it.

Cover it with a towel and store it in a warm place.
The dough should double in size over the next two hours.

Once it has risen, punch it down and knead it a few more times.
Lightly flour a flat surface and roll the dough out until it is about thick.
Cut the dough into 2 squares.
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Deep fry the squares in vegetable oil at 360 degrees for three to five minutes, turning the beignets
golden brown.

Place them on a paper towel to drain away the excess oil.

Plate them up and sprinkle them with powdered sugar.

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Kitchen Equipment
Measuring Cup

Measuring Spoon
Rolling Pin
Sifter
Deep Fryer, Dutch Oven, or Wok
Temperature Gauge

Bowl for letting the dough rise

Dish Towel

Presentation
I think these look nicest when stacked on a plate from which
everyone can take their beignets instead of put on small,
individual plates.

Time Management
Start off by reducing the soy creamer as that will take about ten to fifteen minutes. You can do

some of the other work on these while it reduces, such as proofing the yeast. Also, heat up the oil
before you start rolling the dough. By the time you are done rolling and cutting it, the oil should be
sufficiently hot.

Complementary Food and Drinks

This is traditionally served at Caf du Monde with chicory caf au lait, so get a coffee with a nice
French Roast, a little bit of sweetener, and some soy creamer.
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Where to Shop
All of these ingredients can be found at your local market.

How It Works
Placing the yeast in warm water with sugar tests by allowing the yeast to feed off of the sugar. If it
is active, it will release gas bubbles as it processes the sugar. If nothing happens, you know the
yeast is inactive. Those gas bubbles will do two things. One, it will help the dough rise, which will
make it fluffier. Two, it will help the dough puff up as it cooks, making for a nice, fluffy beignet.

Kneading the dough helps the glutinous molecules bind together, which will keep the dough intact
as it cooks and also create a barrier to trap the gas bubbles released by the yeast, which is how it
puffs up.

Chefs Notes
Beignets are not as sweet as I expected when I first had them. Being in New Orleans, I expected
bold flavors in everything I ate. However, these had a nice subtlety to them.

Nutritional Facts (individual servings in parentheses, does not include any options)
Calories 1107.5 (92.3)
Calories from Fat 223.9 (18.7)
Fat 24.9g (2.1g)

Total Carbohydrates 197.7g (16.4g)

Dietary Fiber 5.9g (0.5g)
Sugars 46g (3.8g)
Protein 23.2g (1.9g)
Salt 628.9mg

Vitamin A 1% (0.1%)
Vitamin B6 5% (0.4%)
Vitamin C 1% (0.1%)
Calcium 5% (0.4%)
Iron 59% (4.9%)
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Thiamin 86% (7.2%)

Riboflavin 54% (4.5%)
Niacin 65% (5.4%)
Folate 84% (7%)
Phosphorous 29% (2.4%)
Potassium 12% (1%)
Zinc 10% (0.8%)

Magnesium 14% (1.2%)

Copper 20% (1.7%)

Interesting Facts
Beignet is pronounced ben-yay.
Some beignets are also stuffed with various ingredients.
In France, beignet refers to any deep fried dough that is stuffed with veggies.

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Chestnut Beignets with Eau de Vie

Type: Dessert

Serves: 12

Time to Prepare: 1 hour

Ingredients

1 tsp. of yeast
5/8 cup of warm soy creamer

1 tbsp. of vegetable shortening

cup of turbinado sugar
1 serving of EnerG Egg Replacer (with water called for on package)
1 cups of whole wheat pastry flour
1 cup of chestnut flour
1/8 tsp. of salt
Oil for frying
cup of sweet agave nectar
2 tbsp. of Eau de Vie

Instructions

Warm the soy creamer until it is just warm to the touch.

Remove it from the heat.

Mix in the yeast, vegetable shortening, and turbinado sugar.

Perpare the EnerG Egg Replacer.
Combine the whole wheat pastry flour, chestnut flour, and salt.
Gently stir the wet ingredient mix into the dry ingredient mix.
Work this into a light dough.
Roll the dough out into a sheet.
Cut the dough into 3 squares.

Allow the squares to rise for about 20 -30 minutes.

Fill a deep pot with enough oil to cover several of the sheets of dough by 3.
Bring the oil to 360 degrees.
Drop in 2-3 squares of dough and fry them until they puff up and turn golden.

Remove them and set them on a rack or paper towel, repeating this with the rest of the squares.
Mix together the sweet agave nectar and Eau de Vie.
Dress the beignet with the Eau de Vie syrup.
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Low-fat Version
Bake the beignets after they have risen on 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes instead of frying them.

Kitchen Equipment
2 Mixing Bowls
1 Small Bowl to mix the egg replacer
Whisk

Measuring Cup
Measuring Spoon
Dutch Oven, Wok, or Fryer
Fry Basket

Presentation
If you have some fruit that matches the fruit in the eau de vie, plate
that alongside the platter of beignets. It makes for an elegant
presentation.

Time Management
The larger the fryer you have, the more beignets you can cook at one time.

Complementary Food and Drinks

These go very well after a savory meal that is not too filling as the chestnut flour in the beignets will
be filling on its own. Go for a soup with a light broth or a roasted veggie dish.

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Where to Shop
Chestnut flour is not the easiest flour to find, so you will probably have to order it online. Agave
nectar is available at Sprouts, Whole Foods, and Trader Joes. Eau de vie will be available at

higher end shops that specialize in alcohol. Eau de vie is a brandy that has been flavored with fruit,
often pear. The rest of the ingredients should be readily available. Price per serving is
approximately $1.50.

How It Works
The chestnut flour has a natural sweetness to it, but it will not bind together and keep under the
heat very well. Thats why the wheat flour is added to the chestnut flour. The yeast will create

bubbles in the dough squares, which helps make the beignets puffy. Make sure that the oil is hot
before the beignets enter it or else they will absorb too much oil and become greasy. The eau de
vie is mixed with the sweet agave nectar to create a fruit flavored brandy syrup used to top the
beignets.

Chefs Notes
Ive had beignets before, but the chestnut flour in this Corsican recipe was incredible and the eau
de vie just made these even more special.

Nutritional Facts (individual servings in parentheses, does not include any options)
Calories 1604.4 (133.8)
Calories from Fat 263.5 (22.0)
Fat 29.3g (2.4g)

Total Carbohydrates 292.3g (24.4g)

Dietary Fiber 27.5g (2.3g)
Sugars 122.5g (10.2g)
Protein 27.1g)

Salt 372mg (31mg)

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Vitamin A 0% (0%)
Vitamin B6 27% (2.3%)
Vitamin C 0% (0%)
Calcium 9% (0.8%)
Iron 37% (3.1%)
Thiamin 34% (2.8%)

Riboflavin 16% (1.3%)

Niacin 48% (4%)
Folate 17% (1.4%)
Phosphorous 53% (4.4%)
Potassium 22% (1.8%)
Zinc 30% (2.5%)
Magnesium 56% (4.7%)
Copper 36% (3%)

Interesting Facts
Beignet means bump.
Eau de vie has an alcohol content above 40%, so is typically served in 1 oz. servings.

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Black Cherry Chocolate Bar

Type: Dessert

Serves: 1

Time to Prepare: 4 hours to set + 15 minutes of labor

Ingredients

8 candied black cherries

1 tbsp. of black cherry syrup
8 oz. of dark chocolate
tsp. of cardamom

Instructions

Dice the candied black cherries.

Lightly oil a chocolate bar form and place it on a sheet of wax paper.
Melt the chocolate in the top pan of a double boiler, stirring it continuously.
Immediately add in the cardamom and black cherry syrup.

Pour the chocolate into the form until it rises just over the top of the form.
Quickly scrape along the top of the form to even out the chocolate.
Allow it to chill for at least four hours.

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Kitchen Equipment
Chocolate Bar Form
Wax Paper

Double Boiler
Knife to scrape the top of the form
Cutting Board
Knife to dice the cherries
Measuring Spoon

Presentation
Serve this as part of another dessert and drizzle a bit of extra

cherry syrup or cherry liqueur and syrup mix atop the chocolate
bar.

Time Management
This recipe requires very little work. However, you will have to move quickly because the

chocolate will immediately start to cool as it is poured out of the double boiler. That means you will
have to have the form oiled and on the wax paper and a knife ready to scrape the top of the form at
hand.

Complementary Food and Drinks

Break off a piece of this bar and serve it with another dessert, like a chocolate mousse or as part
of a parfait.

Where to Shop
The forms can be difficult to find. However, if you have a fancy kitchen store near you, you may
be able to find them there, or you can try a chocolatier. Barring that, you can cheat and use a
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shallow ice cube tray and make bite sized chocolate bars! I like to get my vegan chocolates at
Whole Foods and Trader Joes, with Trader Joes having a more affordable and sometimes

better selection without compromising on the quality. If you dont have a gourmet store at which
you can get the candied dark cherries, its ok to omit them or substitute maraschino cherries.

How It Works
Melting the chocolate in the double boiler allows it to melt gently, keeping its smoothness. Adding

in the cherry syrup increases the bars flavor and also makes the chocolate more liquid, allowing it to
pour into the form. Oiling the form will let the bar slip out easily and filling it just above the rim
allows the knife to slip along the top and make an even scrape, flattening out the bar.

Chefs Notes
This one was tough to get right and a lot of it was the viscosity of the chocolate and the quickness
with which I got the chocolate into the form. However, once those were worked out, the bar turned
out to be both delicious and easy to make.

Nutritional Facts (individual servings in parentheses, does not include any options)
Calories 1408.6
Calories from Fat 697.2

Fat 77.5g

Total Carbohydrates 168.9g

Dietary Fiber 12.8g
Sugars 147.6g
Protein 8.9g

Salt 62.3mg
Vitamin A 1%

Vitamin B6 5%
Vitamin C 2%
Calcium 9%
Iron 36%

Thiamin 2%
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Riboflavin 27%
Niacin 8%

Folate 2%
Phosphorous 34%
Potassium 21%
Zinc 23%

Magnesium 66%
Copper 72%

Interesting Facts
Chocolate was eaten in its bitter form for over 2,000 years before the Europeans added sugar to
it.

Chocolate is said to increase serotonin levels.

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Dessert Risotto
Type: Dessert

Serves: 2

Time to Prepare: 45 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup of Arborio rice

tsp. of olive oil
3 cups of water

2 cinnamon sticks
1 tbsp. of sugar
1/8 tsp. of salt

Option: cup of white wine in place of cup of veggie stock

2 tbsp. of currants or raisins
cup of pistachios
1 tbsp. of sweet agave nectar
2 tsp. of chopped mint leaves

1/8 tsp. of freshly ground nutmeg

Instructions

Simmer the water with the cinnamon sticks and sugar for 10 minutes.
While it is simmering, toast the rice in the risotto pan on a medium heat in the oil.
Once the water is done simmering, add cup to the rice.
Stir this continuously until the cinnamon water is absorbed and repeat the process until all the
cinnamon water is gone.

Stir in the currants and pistachios.

Add the sweet agave nectar next.
Garnish with the nutmeg and mint leaves.

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Kitchen Equipment
Medium sized Pot for the risotto
Medium sized Pot for the cinnamon water
Ladle

Measuring Cup
Measuring Spoon
Scissors or Knife for the mint leaves
Wooden Spoon to stir the rice

Presentation
I like to place a few extra currants and pistachios just off center

and then lay a cut of mint atop that. If you have another cinnamon
stick, you can also place that on the dish.

Time Management
The cinnamon water gets better the longer you allow it to sit with the cinnamon sticks, so if you can
start the water earlier, do so.

Complementary Food and Drinks

This is a nice ending to a semi-spicy meal. If you serve a drink with it, dont serve anything too
sweet. Otherwise it will make the risotto seem bland. Try something like a peach cider.

Where to Shop
My favorite store to purchase these ingredients is Sprouts as they have almost all of them in bulk.
You can also get them at Wild Oats and most of them at Whole Foods. Barring that, you can get

them packaged at your local market, though you may have trouble finding the sweet agave nectar
there.
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How It Works
Creating the stock with the cinnamon sticks will allow the rice to soak up all that yummy cinnamon

flavor. The pistachios are there for color and for a rich, nutty taste while the currants are there for
a darker tasting sweetness. The sweet agave nectar acts as a light syrup and the mint brightens
the risotto.

Chefs Notes
I had a bit of trepidation when I first made this because I wasnt sure how a dessert risotto would
turn out, but it ended up turning out to be one of my favorites. I taught it in a class the following
day and it was a hit there, as well. It was funny to see the students go through the same experience
I did, from trepidation to surprise, to pleasure.

Nutritional Facts (individual servings in parentheses, does not include any options)
Calories 1061.6 (530.8)

Calories from Fat 141.8 (70.9)

Fat 15.8g (7.9g)

Total Carbohydrates 209.6g (104.8g)
Dietary Fiber 10.6g (5.3g)
Sugars 42.2g (21.1g)
Protein 20.4g (10.2g)
Salt 298.1mg (149.0mg)
Vitamin A 3% (1.5%)
Vitamin B6 46% (23%)
Vitamin C 2% (1%)
Calcium 6% (3%)

Iron 57% (28.5%)

Thiamin 71% (35.5%)
Riboflavin 9% (4.5%)
Niacin 44% (22%)

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Folate 120% (60%)

Phosphorous 37% (18.5%)
Potassium 18% (9%)
Zinc 20% (10%)
Magnesium 24% (12%)
Copper 47% (23.5%)

Interesting Facts
Cinnamons unique flavor comes from an oil that makes up about 1% of the bark.
Cinnamon is a word derived from the Malaysian kayu manis, which means sweet bark.

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Figs with Sweet Miso Glaze

Type: Dessert, Raw

Serves: 4

Time to Prepare: 5 minutes

Ingredients

8 fresh figs or 12 lightly dehydrated figs

1 tbsp. of red miso

1 tbsp. of diced red bell pepper

3 tbsp. of raw sweet agave nectar
2 flares of a star anise seed

Instructions

Crush the star anise flares in a mortar and pestle until they are finely ground.
Dice the red bell pepper.
Blend together the miso, bell pepper, agave nectar, and crushed star anise.
Drizzle the glaze onto the figs or toss the figs in the glaze.

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Kitchen Equipment
Small Knife
Cutting Board
Blender

Measuring Spoon
Mortar and Pestle

Presentation
Serve these on a white plate with several pieces of star anise
spread around the plate, some drops of the glaze, or both. This
picture features some figs I dehydrated.

Time Management
While the glaze can be made well ahead of time and stored, the figs should not be covered in it
unless you want to marinade the figs in it.

Complementary Food and Drinks

This would be a nice dessert preceded by a cauliflower rice accented with freshly minced
lemongrass.

Where to Shop
Fresh figs arent always in season, but Sprouts generally carries some that are lightly dehydrated.
Whole Foods also carries them, occasionally, saving you the work of dehydrating them yourself.
Fresh figs, however, are far superior and you can be assured that they are raw. When choosing
those, make sure that they have a firm outer skin. For the miso, look for an unpasteurized miso
paste. Again, Whole Foods is a good place for this.

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How It Works
Miso gives a tangy, salty quality to the glaze which is a nice contrast the burst of fragrant freshness
from the figs. The red pepper in the glaze adds a touch of color and one more layer of sweetness
to the dish.

Chefs Notes
Fresh figs are a wonder and the first time I worked with them, I served them with cashew butter and
mint. However, I wanted to come up with a low fat fresh fig dish and thus was born the miso glaze.

Nutritional Facts (individual servings in parentheses, does not include any options)
Calories 513.3 (128.3)

Calories from Fat 20.3 (5.1)

Fat 2.3g (0.6g)

Total Carbohydrates 118.1g (29.5g)
Dietary Fiber 14.3g (3.6g)
Sugars 101.4g (25.4g)
Protein 5.1g (1.3g)
Salt 631mg (157.8mg)
Vitamin A 22% (5.5%)
Vitamin B6 26% (6.5%)
Vitamin C 42% (10.5%)
Calcium 15% (3.8%)
Iron 11% (2.8%)

Thiamin 13% (3.3%)

Riboflavin 12% (3%)
Niacin 9% (2.3%)
Folate 8% (2%)

Phosphorous 9% (2.3%)
Potassium 28% (7%)
Zinc 8% (2%)

Magnesium 19% (4.8%)

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Copper 18% (4.5%)

Interesting Facts
Although miso is a cooked food, it is considered part of the raw repertoire because of its live
enzymes.
Miso is made from fermented soybeans and there are dozens of different types of miso.

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Cashew Cream Stuffed Figs

Type: Side, Dessert

Serves: 8

Time to Prepare: 15 minutes + 6 hours to soak the cashews

Ingredients

8 fresh figs

1/3 cup of cashews, soaked

3 tbsp. of water
tsp. of salt
1 fresh nutmeg

Instructions

Blend the cashews, salt, and water together.

Score the fig on top cross ways about down or along the side of the fig.
Gently pull apart the four flaps of the fig created by the scoring and gently press to the side the

inside of the fig such that it creates a small depression in the fig.

If you made the side cut instead, gently squeeze the fig to open up a depression.
Fill this with the cashew cream.
Grate a small bit of fresh nutmeg atop the cashew cream stuffed figs.

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Kitchen Equipment
Small Knife
Spoon

Cutting Board
Blender

Presentation
These look nicest when put on a lightly colored plate or arranged on a
white plate that is sprinkled with fresh nutmeg. Place all the figs on one
plate from which your guests can grab their figs. This makes the dessert
plate look full instead of having a lone fig on a small plate. If you decide

to plate the figs up individually, you should serve another dessert or fruit
side with it to round out the plate. As a presentation option, you can drizzle the cashew cream over
the fig since the figs with the sides sliced open can sometimes look funny.

Time Management
Since the cashews require soaking, plan ahead and either soak these the morning of the day you
make the dish or the night before. Its ok if the nuts soak longer than six hours.

Complimentary Food and Drinks

This goes well if it is set with a couple other small desserts with lighter flavors. Try it with an
orange coffee cake and a sweetened min tea.

Where to Shop
Fresh figs can be hard to find and are often only available from late July to early November, when
they are in season. When they are in season, they are most easily found at gourmet stores.

How It Works
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The cashew cream adds a semi-sweet fat to the fresh fig while the salt contrasts the sweetness of
the fig and the cream. The nutmeg really brings the fig to life with a completely different flavor.

Chefs Notes
This is an easy to make, healthy dessert or refreshing summer starter dish. Feel free to experiment
adding different spices to the cashew cream. Note also that the cashew cream will taste boring
plain, but will really come to life when added to the fig.

Nutritional Facts (individual portions in parentheses)

Calories 644 (81)
Calories from Fat 212 (27)
Fat 24g (3g)

Total Carbohydrates 98g (12g)

Dietary Fiber 10g (1g)
Sugars 68g (9g)
Protein 10g (1g)

Salt 492mg (62mg)

Vitamin A 8% (1%)
Vitamin B6 26% (3%)
Vitamin C 8% (1%)
Calcium 8% (1%)
Iron 28% (3.5%)
Thiamin 16% (2%)

Riboflavin 8% (1%)
Niacin 8% (1%)
Folate n/a
Phosphorous 32% (4%)
Potassium 32% (4%)
Zinc 20% (2.5%)
Magnesium 56% (7%)
Copper 68% (8.5%)

Interesting Facts
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Fresh figs were a treasure to the Greeks and Romans.

Fig trees produce the best fruit in dry, warm climates.

Fig trees usually produce a first, inferior crop, in the spring and then a second, main crop in the fall.
The Latin word for fig is fica.

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Summer Fruit Kebabs

Type: Main

Serves: 4

Time to Prepare: 10 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup of chopped watermelon

4 strawberries

1 white or yellow peach, quartered

4 figs
4 dates
of a ripe poblano, chopped large
cup of fresh pomegranate juice
2 tbsp. of sweet agave nectar
1 tsp. of freshly grated ginger
tsp. of unpasteurized apple cider vinegar

Instructions

Juice the pomegranates until you have cup of juice.

Grate the ginger.

Mix the agave nectar, pomegranate juice, ginger, and apple cider vinegar together.
Chop the watermelon and poblano.
Cut the peach in half, remove the stone, and cut each half in half.
On each skewer, place at least one piece of each fruit.
Roll each skewer of fruit lightly in the sauce.

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Kitchen Equipment
Cutting Board
Large Knife

Small Mixing Bowl

Stirring Spoon
Measuring Cup

Measuring Spoon
Bamboo Skewers

Presentation

I like to take a little extra sauce and spread it around the plate. Its
easiest to do if you have a squeeze bottle. Also, a sprinkle of
almonds does a nice job of adding more contrast to the dish.

Time Management
Fresh fruit is best and that means this should be served immediately as the fruit will start to lose its
potency once they are cut open.

Complementary Food and Drinks

Serve this with a side of pomegranate seeds and youll have a wonderful fruit spread at hand.

Where to Shop
Farmers markets generally have the best fruit. Just make sure the fruit was picked within a day or
two of showing up at the market for the freshest flavor. Of course, you should be able to get all of

the fruit at a conventional market. For the raw sweet agave nectar, I suggest a Google search as
companies are often adding raw agave nectar to their repertoire.
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How It Works
This is a spread of cooling fruit, perfect for summer. This flavor of the spread is deepened by the

richness of the dates and the sweetness of the fruit goes incredibly well with the fresh snap and
heat of the poblano.

Chefs Notes
I enjoyed the poblano and date combination immensely and ended up eating several poblano slices
and dates together!

Nutritional Facts (individual servings in parentheses, does not include any options)
Calories 511.2 (127.8)
Calories from Fat 19.2 (4.8)
Fat 2.1g (0.5g)
Total Carbohydrates 117.7g (29.4g)
Dietary Fiber 12.5g (3.1g)
Sugars 102.9g (25.7g)
Protein 5.3g (1.3g)
Salt 11.0mg (2.8mg)
Vitamin A 31% (7.8%)
Vitamin B6 37% (9.3%)
Vitamin C 174% (43.5%)
Calcium 9% (2.3%)
Iron 12% (3%)
Thiamin 17% (4.3%)
Riboflavin 13% (3.3%)
Niacin 15% (3.8%)
Folate 12% (3%)
Phosphorous 8% (2%)
Potassium 40% (10%)
Zinc 6% (1.5%)

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Magnesium 19% (4.8%)

Copper 20% (5%)

Interesting Facts
Dates have been cultivated in the Middle East since 6000 B.C.

Dates are known by their four stages of ripeness: kimri (unripe), khalal (full-size, crunchy), rutab

(ripe, soft), and tamr (ripe, sun-dried).

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Glazed Almonds
Type: Dessert

Serves: Varies by Use

Time to Prepare: 10 minutes

Ingredients

cup of almonds
1 tbsp. of vegan margarine
2 tbsp. of sugar

tsp. of cardamom
1 tsp. of cinnamon
tsp. cayenne pepper
1 tbsp. of sugar

Instructions

Mix the sugar, cardamom, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper together.

Melt the margarine on a medium heat.
Add the almonds to the pan.
Add the spice mix to the pan and mix until the almonds are coated.
Cook the almonds for about five minutes or until the sugars start to caramelize.
Remove from the heat.

Sprinkle on one more tbsp. of sugar.

Break up the glazed almonds into small clumps and let the almonds sit until they cool.

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Kitchen Equipment

Saut Pan

Measuring Spoon
Metal Bowl in which to Mix the Spices
Small Spoon to Mix the Spices

Presentation
Take a few of these and put them on top of
salads, on top of soy ice cream, cakes, etc.

You can also put these in a tiny dish with a

small metal spoon and let people come by and
sample them.

Time Management
These only take a few minutes to make, but will last several days and still maintain their flavor. Just
make sure to store them in a dry place. If you put them in the refrigerator to keep them longer, make
sure they are in a container so they do not absorb any residual scent in your refrigerator as sugar is
very absorbent.

Complimentary Food and Drinks

A whitish soy ice cream goes very well with this. Try French vanilla to showcase the flavor of the
almonds.

Where to Shop
I prefer getting the ingredients for this in stores that have bulk bins, such as Sprouts, Central
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Market, and Wild Oats. You can get just the amount of ingredients that you need without having
to buy a huge supply of each of the spices.

How It Works
The margarine adds flavor as well as creates a binding agent to which the spices and sugar can
stick. The cardamom makes the almonds light and aromatic instead of just sweet while the cayenne
pepper makes them jump out a little bit to grab your attention. Breaking the almonds into clumps
allows the sticky sugar mix to cool around the almonds and bind them.

Chefs Notes
These are very tasty and best used as an accent to different desserts. Eat them in moderation,

though, because they have a high sugar and fat content.

Nutritional Facts (individual servings in parentheses, does not include any options)
Calories 552

Calories from Fat 324

Fat 36g
Total Carbohydrates 41g
Dietary Fiber 8g
Sugars 28g
Protein 16g
Salt 20mg
Vitamin A 3%
Vitamin B6 8%
Vitamin C 1%
Calcium 17%
Iron 19%

Thiamin 15%
Riboflavin 10%
Niacin 24%

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Folate 13%
Phosphorous 35%
Potassium 20%
Zinc 15%
Magnesium 50%
Copper 42%

Interesting Facts

Technically, almonds are considered a stonefruit.

California is the largest producer of almonds in the world.
Almond trees were imported to Southern Europe by Iraqi traders, who missed the foods of their
homeland.

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Grilled Rum Peaches in Phyllo

Type: Dessert

Serves: 4

Time to Prepare: 40 minutes + 1 hour to soak the peaches

Ingredients

4 peaches, cut in half with stone removed

3 tbsp. of spiced rum

1 tbsp. of almond oil (olive oil can be substituted)

8 sheets of phyllo dough
cup of slivered almonds

Instructions

Draw your knife into a peach until you hit the stone.
Run your knife through the peach and around the stone to cut the peach in half.
Remove the stone (freestone peaches work best for this.)
Place the peach halves in a mixing bowl.
Toss them in the rum.
Allow them to rest for 15 minutes.
Add the almond oil and toss the peaches again, allowing this to rest for 45 minutes.

While the peaches are resting in the oil and rum, light your grill and allow the flames to die down.
Grill the peaches on both sides until they develop small browned parts (this takes about 3-5
minutes per side.)
Lay 4 sets of phyllo dough out, each set 2 sheets thick.
Lay 2 peach halves at one end of each phyllo set.
Sprinkle slivered almonds over the peaches.
Fold the phyllo over the peaches and then fold the sides over to create a phyllo pouch.
Place these on a baking sheet with the folded edges down.
Brush the top with the left over almond oil and rum mix.
Bake these on 350 degrees for 20 minutes.

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Low-fat Version
Omit the oil from the peaches and grill them that way. Instead of brushing the phyllo with the oil
and rum mix, spritz it with water.

Raw Version
Omit the rum, but add 1/8 tsp. of cinnamon and cloves to the almond oil. Allow the peaches to
soak in the almond oil for a couple hours. You will also want to slice the peaches into wedges

instead of halves. Take a tart dish and press a thin date and almond crust into it. Add the peach
wedges and then cover with one more date and almond crust. Date and almond crust can be made
by mixing a cup of fine almond meal with four or five smashed dates and a pinch of salt.

Kitchen Equipment
Mixing Bowl
Knife
Cutting Board

Measuring Spoon
Grill
Tongs
Baking Sheet
Brush

Presentation
I add a few sprinkles of slivered almonds and a touch of cinnamon
to the plate for color, but like to leave this dessert mostly
ungarnished so it can speak for itself.

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Time Management
This is something that should be served immediately. If you must prepare it ahead of time, plan on
baking it again for about ten minutes to re-crisp the phyllo dough.

Complementary Food and Drinks

This dessert gets into the gourmet realm, so plan on serving it after a fancy, grilled dinner; perhaps
a risotto with grilled oyster mushrooms and saffron or ravioli stuffed with smoked squash.

Where to Shop
I generally use Captain Morgans spiced rum in this recipe. All of the ingredients should be
readily available except for the almond oil, which you may need to head to a gourmet store or
Whole Foods to purchase. Approximate price per serving is $2.50.

How It Works
Fifteen minutes is about enough time to allow most of the rum to soak into the peaches while the
rest of the time is used to infuse them with the flavor of the almond oil. There is another reason

this amount of time is used. It allows some of the juice from the peaches to mix with the almond oil
and rum that invariably collects at the bottom of the mixing bowl. This creates a fragrant oil which
is used to brush the phyllo. Grilling the peaches softens them and also gives them a hint of
smokiness, creating a subtle balance of flavors in this dessert.

Chefs Notes
I still have some almond oil infused with the peach juice and rum left-over and ready to use for
something else. The amount of flavor the oil acquired was an incredibly nice surprise.

Nutritional Facts (individual servings in parentheses, does not include any options)
Calories 909.5 (227.4)
Calories from Fat 322.0 (80.5)

Fat 35.8g (8.9g)

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Total Carbohydrates 128.1g (32.0g)

Dietary Fiber 13.5g (3.4g)
Sugars 34.4g (8.6g)
Protein 18.8g (4.7g)
Salt 734mg (184mg)
Vitamin A 42% (10.5%)
Vitamin B6 7% (1.8%)
Vitamin C 43% (10.8%)
Calcium 9% (2.3%)
Iron 33% (8.3%)

Thiamin 45% (11.3%)

Riboflavin 41% (10.3%)
Niacin 53% (13.3%)
Folate 32% (8%)

Phosphorous 25% (6.3%)

Potassium 29% (7.3%)
Zinc 13% (3.3%)

Magnesium 26% (6.5%)

Copper 30% (7.5%)

Interesting Facts
Rum is part of a long line of sugarcane based alcoholic drinks that have been fermented for several
thousand years.

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Maccha (Green Tea) Latte

Type: Drink

Serves: 1

Time to Prepare: 10 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup of plain soy milk

2 tbsp. of maccha koicha (high quality green tea powder)

Option: 6 tbsp. of green tea leaves

Option: 1 tsp. of sugar
Instructions

Place the maccha koicha in the bottom of the cup.

Option: Grind up the 6 tbsp. of green tea leaves in a mortar and pestle and use that instead of

the maccha.

Heat the soy milk on medium heat until it starts to simmer.

Option: If you grind regular tea leaves, add 1 tsp. of sugar to the soy milk to make up for the
sweetness that maccha leaves have naturally.

Put the hot soy milk in the cup and vigorously stir until the maccha koicha is dissolved.
Let the latte sit for just a couple minutes.

Option: A bamboo stir works very well with this as the individual bamboo strands help dissolve the

green tea powder faster and more evenly.

Insert a hand held foamer into the liquid and turn it on for about 30 seconds to create the foam.

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Kitchen Equipment

Cup

Small Pot

Measuring Spoon
Stir
Foam Maker

Presentation
This should have a light green color with a thin layer of foam
over the top. I like serving this in a coffee mug as it is just the
right size for 1 cup of liquid. If you want to make it look very
nice, place the mug on a small, square, wooden platter and
place a bamboo stir next to the mug.

Time Management
This drink takes very little time to make, so plan on spending about ten minutes making it before

you drink it. You can also make a larger batch ahead of time to store in your refrigerator, but it will
lose some of its flavor after about half a day.

Complimentary Food and Drinks

This goes very nicely after a nice, gentle stir fry of Chinese straw mushrooms and other delicate

vegetables in a light garlic sauce. For the health benefits of it, consider drinking it by itself or
adding a slice of ginger to it.

Where to Shop
Maccha leaves can be hard to come by, but you should have some luck finding them at a decent
sized Asian market, where they will also be less expensive. If you do not have access to an Asian
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market, you can look online at http://www.itoen.com/index.cfm.

How It Works
Maccha is a high quality tea that is then powdered to be used to create a semi-thick tea for the
Japanese tea ceremony. Powdering the tea not only allows it to dissolve faster, it also allows it to
thicken the liquid. Using the soy milk adds an extra flavor of richness to it and also softens the
taste a bit. By pouring the hot soy milk onto the ground tea instead of pouring the ground tea into
the soy milk, you can avoid creating green tea lumps, which both look and taste bad!

Chefs Notes
The leaves from which maccha is made are nutrient dense. In fact, they are the most dense out of
all the green tea leaves, carrying with them more nutritional value than spinach. They are also
incredibly high in anti-oxidants, making this tea a very valuable healing and prevention drink.
Although it has some caffeine in it, it is thought that the theanine, a chemical also found in the
green tea, counteracts the negative effects of caffeine. The addition of the soy milk adds an easily
digestible calcium and also provides heart benefits.

Nutritional Facts (individual servings in parentheses, does not include any options)
Calories 131

Calories from Fat 27

Fat 3g
Total Carbohydrates 15g
Dietary Fiber 3g
Sugars 1g

Protein 11g
Salt 135mg
Vitamin A 40%%
Vitamin B6 11%
Vitamin B12 49%
Vitamin C 10%
Calcium 15%

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Iron 20%
Thiamin 14%

Riboflavin 27%
Niacin 13%
Folate 19%
Phosphorous 18%
Potassium 15%
Zinc 17%
Magnesium 15%
Copper 17%

Interesting Facts
In the 16th century, Sen no Rikyu declared that maccha was the official tea for the Japanese tea
ceremony.
Powdered tea was created by the Chinese, but fell out of use while it became ever more popular in
Japan.

For a host of interesting information on maccha, check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maccha.

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Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Balls

Type: Dessert

Serves: 8 (makes 15 to 20)

Time to Prepare: 10 minutes plus 15 minutes to chill

Ingredients

cup of peanut butter

cup of powdered sugar

4 tbsp. of vegan chocolate chips

2 tbsp. of soy creamer

Instructions

Thoroughly combine the peanut butter and powdered sugar.

Form the mix into 1 diameter balls.
Heat up the soy milk.
Add the chocolate chips.

Immediately stir in the chocolate chips.

Quickly dip of each peanut butter ball into the chocolate.
Place on a plate.
Let these chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.

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Kitchen Equipment
Metal Bowl or Small Blender to Combine the Sugar and Peanut Butter
Measuring Spoon

Small Pot for the Chocolate Sauce

Presentation

Dipping the peanut butter balls only halfway in the chocolate

allows the peanut butter to shine through, which looks both

appetizing and nice as it provides a nice light brown, very dark

brown contrast.

Time Management
Make the peanut butter balls first as those can sit for awhile. However, the chocolate will cool
down quickly which is why you should dip the finished peanut butter balls in it immediately.
Otherwise, youll have to reheat the chocolate.

Complimentary Food and Drinks

If you want to serve these with something else, try serving them as a garnish to a scoop of soy
French vanilla ice cream.

Where to Shop
Whole Foods 365 brand is the best vegan chocolate chip readily available. You can also try some
vegan chocolate sauces. The peanut butter and powdered sugar can be found anywhere.
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How It Works
The powdered sugar gives the dessert its sweetness and also helps hold the peanut butter
together in a ball form. The chocolate adds some moisture back in and, of course, compliments the
peanut butter.

Chefs Notes
Most people love peanut butter and most people love chocolate, so this is a good one to serve

when you are entertaining people.

Nutritional Facts (individual servings in parentheses, does not include any options)
Calories 1189 (149)

Calories from Fat 585 (73)

Fat 65g (8g)

Total Carbohydrates 119g (15g)
Dietary Fiber 11g (1g)
Sugars 90g (11g)
Protein 32g (4g)
Salt 39mg (5g)
Vitamin A 3% (n/a)
Vitamin B6 28% (4%)
Vitamin C n/a (n/a)
Calcium 7% (1%)
Iron 15% (2%)

Thiamin 10% (1%)

Riboflavin 8% (1%)
Niacin 88% (11%)
Folate 31% (4%)

Phosphorous 42% (5%)

Potassium 41% (5%)
Zinc 24% (3%)

Magnesium 53% (7%)

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Copper 39% (5%)

Interesting Facts
Peanut butter was created in 1890 by Doctor John Kellog as a health food.
Skippy brand peanut butter is the first commercially successful peanut butter.
Federal law mandates that peanut butter must contain 90% peanuts and the other 10% can be
comprised of salt, sweeteners, and stabilizers.

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Jien Duy Sweet Bean Sesame Dumplings

Type: Dessert, Chinese

Serves: 6

Time to Prepare: 40 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup of red beans, rinsed

cup of sugar
2 tbsp. of oil

cup of sesame seeds

cup of brown sugar
3 cups of sticky rice flour
1 cup of boiling water
Oil for frying

Instructions

The Dough
Bring the water to a boil.
Dissolve the cup of brown sugar in the water.
Add this to the rice flour and combine everything thoroughly.

The Red Bean Paste

Mash the beans.

Combine them with the sugar.

Saute the bean paste in the sesame oil on a medium high heat until the bean paste is dry.

Assembling the Sesame Balls

Take enough dough to form a 1 ball.

Press in on it with your thumb to form it into a cup.
Fill this with about 1 tsp. of the red bean paste.

Fold the dough over and seal it into a ball.

Repeat this until you are out of dough.

Quickly dip a ball in cold water and roll it in sesame seeds, repeating this with all the sesame
balls.

Fill a wok with enough oil to cover the sesame balls well.
Heat the oil to 350 degrees.
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Fry the sesame balls two or three at a time until the seeds turn golden (this takes about two
minutes.)

Constantly rotate the balls in the oil to ensure an even color.

With a wire basket, gently press the balls against the side of the wok until they expand to
about three times their size (if they do not expand and start to turn dark, remove them
immediately.)

Place them on a rack and allow them to drain.

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Kitchen Equipment
Mixing Bowl
Wok

Wire Frying Basket

Measuring Cup
Measuring Spoon
Small Pan

Spoon to mash the beans

Pot for boiling the water
Plate for the sesame seeds

Presentation
If you want to get fancy, you can form these into a stack with balls propped
up on bamboo skewers, laid against each other in odd arrangements.
Usually, though, I just place mine out on a platter with tongs and let
everyone come by and get their own.

Time Management
These will keep quite well in the refrigerator and since they can be labor intensive, it makes sense
to make a big batch of them and then keep them chilled and covered with plastic wrap. If you want
to save a few minutes of time, heat the oil while you are forming the sesame balls.

Complementary Food and Drinks

These are generally served during festivals, so pick other party food like BBQ on a skewer,
sticky buns, and rice flour cakes.

Where to Shop
The sticky rice flour can be purchased at Asian markets while the other ingredients are fairly
common.
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How It Works
The sticky rice flour is what holds everything together and gives the ball its spongy quality.

Boiling water is used to quickly activate the flour by exciting all of the glutinous molecules, allowing
them to stick together. The dissolved sugar also helps bind the dough as well as make it sweet.
The red bean paste is fried to infuse it with toasted sesame flavor and to dry it out so it does not
make the inside of the dough ball too moist. The ball is pressed against the wok in the middle of
the frying process so it is exposed to the direct heat of the pan, which helps the sticky rice flour
expand. This also keeps them submerged in the oil, keeping the cooking of the ball even.

Chefs Notes
I first had these at a restaurant in San Antonio called The Bean Sprout. Needless to say, they
were quite addictive.

Nutritional Facts (individual servings in parentheses, does not include any options)
Calories 3642.8 (607.1)

Calories from Fat 637.3 (106.2) * does not include the calories from frying

Fat 70.8g (11.8g)

Total Carbohydrates 695.1g (115.8g)

Dietary Fiber 37.2g (6.2g)
Sugars 259.4g (43.2g)
Protein 56.3g (9.4g)
Salt 135mg (22.5mg)
Vitamin A 1% (0.2%)
Vitamin B6 122% (20.3%)
Vitamin C 4% (0.7%)
Calcium 42% (7%)
Iron 98% (16.3%)
Thiamin 93% (15.5%)
Riboflavin 28% (4.7%)
Niacin 87% (14.5%)

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Folate 80% (13.3%)

Phosphorous 135% (22.5%)
Potassium 65% (10.8%)
Zinc 92% (15.3%)
Magnesium 145% (24.2%)
Copper 147% (24.5%)

Interesting Facts
Jien duy are served during festivals, particularly Chinese New Year.
All parts of the sesame plant are used in Chinese cuisine, including sesame leaves.

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Strawberry Milkshake
Type:

Dessert

Serves:

2 or 1 if you really want milkshake

Time to Prepare: about 10 minutes if you need to prepare the strawberries.

Ingredients
1 pint non-dairy ice cream (I use So Delicious)
16 oz of fresh strawberries, hulled
3 tablespoons agave nectar
1 cup non-dairy milk

Instructions
If not already done, take your pint of strawberries and hull them.
Add the hulled strawberries, ice cream, milk, and agave to a blender, and whip it at high speed until
creamy.

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Low-fat Version
Substitute low fat milk and ice cream.

Raw Version
Substitute raw vanilla ice cream, raw milk, and raw agave.

Kitchen Equipment
The only equipment needed is a knife for the strawberry tops and a blender for the drink. A stand
blender would work better than an immersion blender, but you could make do with one in a pinch.

Presentation
Top with a mint leaf or two, or some soy whip cream.

Time Management
This is very time friendly. There are no short cuts because it doesnt take time.

Complementary Food and Drinks

If you serve this with a nice grilled veggie burger and sweet potato French fies, your friends will
love you forever. Seriously.

Where to Shop
Fresh and Easy has cheap So Delicious ice cream. But really you be able to get the ingredients
at most places.

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How It Works
The blender whips in air, which helps make this creamy. That is why a high speed blender stand

blender works best with this.

Chefs Notes
As my husband would say, this is extra ghetto meaning hes food slumming but cant get enough. I

have had friends hold out empty cups with intense longing in their eyes. Its so simple you might
think it wont be good, but it is delicious!

Nutritional Facts (individual servings in parentheses, does not include any options)
Calories 1215.9 (608.0)
Calories from Fat 337.5 (168.8)
Fat 37.5g (18.8g)
Total Carbohydrates 210.1g (105.1g)
Dietary Fiber 35.7g (17.9g)
Sugars 141.2g (70.6g)
Protein 9.5g (4.8g)
Salt 181mg (91mg)
Vitamin A 24% (12%)
Vitamin B6 11% (5.5%)
Vitamin C 445% (222.5%)
Calcium 40% (20%)
Iron 36% (18%)
Thiamin 14% (7%)
Riboflavin 33% (16.5%)
Niacin 14% (7%)

Folate 28% (14%)

Phosphorous 32% (16%)
Potassium 27% (13.5%)
Zinc 8% (4%)

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Magnesium 26% (13%)

Copper 22% (11%)

Interesting Facts
Milkshakes, named in the late 1800s, were originally made with milk, eggs, and whiskey.

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Strawberry Rosemary Spears

Type: Dessert

Serves: 6

Time to Prepare: 10 minutes + 1 hour to set

Ingredients

15 to 20 strawberries
6 fresh rosemary spears

Instructions

Destem the strawberries.

Pierce the strawberries with the thick end of the rosemary spears, threading the spear through
successive strawberries.

Let it sit in the refrigerator for an hour.

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Kitchen Equipment

Small Knife

Presentation
These look very nice either arranged on a long wooden
platter or against a white, rectangular plate. Make sure that
each person has their own strawberry and rosemary spear.

Time Management
Make these at least an hour ahead of time so that strawberries have a chance to properly absorb

some of the fresh rosemary flavor. However, dont let them sit for more than two hours as they will
start to lose their fresh flavor.

Complementary Food and Drinks

This goes nicely with a sparkling apple cider that is not too sweet. One of my favorite brands is

Woodchuck.

Where to Shop
Fresh strawberries and fresh rosemary can be found just about anywhere, but you will generally

get the best quality at a farmers market. Look for thick rosemary stems as they will hold the
strawberries together the best.

How It Works
A good set of strawberries are both juicy and sweet, perfect for a dessert. Piercing them with the
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rosemary allows the strawberries to pick up a hint of that very aromatic herb and also creates an
interesting presentation.

Chefs Notes
This is a simple, classy dessert that really brings to life the flavor of the strawberries and there are
very few people that dont like fresh strawberries!

Nutritional Facts (individual servings in parentheses, does not include any options)
Calories 109.7 (18.3)
Calories from Fat 10.8 (1.8)
Fat 1.2g (0.2g)

Total Carbohydrates 22.7g (3.8g)

Dietary Fiber 7.5g (1.2g)
Sugars 0g (0g)
Protein 2.0g (0.5g)

Salt 3.24mg (0.54mg)

Vitamin A 2% (0.3%)
Vitamin B6 10% (1.7%)
Vitamin C 306% (51%)
Calcium 5% (0.8%)
Iron 7% (1.2%)
Thiamin 3% (0.5%)

Riboflavin 11% (1.8%)

Niacin 4% (0.7%)
Folate 14% (2.3%)
Phosphorous 6% (1%)

Potassium 15% (2.5%)

Zinc 3% (0.5%)
Magnesium 8% (1.3%)
Copper 8% (1.3%)

Interesting Facts
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There are more than 20 different varieties of strawberries throughout the world.
Strawberries have been thought to be an anti-aging food.
Rosemary was sometimes used to treat headaches.

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Sweet Bananas with Raspberries

Type: Dessert

Serves: 1

Time to Prepare: 10 minutes

Ingredients

1 banana

5 or 6 Brazil nuts

5 or 6 raspberries
1 pinch of saffron
1/8 tsp. salt
1 tsp. sweet agave nectar
2 tsp. water

Instructions

Peel the banana.

Slice it in half along the width.

Slice each half once more along the length.
Add the salt and banana to the pan.
Saut the banana in the water on a medium low heat for about five minutes.

Add in the sweet agave nectar and saut for another minute.
Place the banana slices on the plate.

In the same pan in which the bananas were cooked, add the Brazil nuts and stir them, coating them
with the remaining agave syrup.
Cook these for one minute.

Sprinkle the saffron on the bananas.

Add the Brazil nuts to the plate.
Add the raspberries to the plate.

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Kitchen Equipment
Saut Pan
Spatula
Knife
Cutting Board
Measuring Spoon

Presentation
Make sure that you put this on a smaller plate so the
bananas do not look overwhelmed by empty space. Its

also good to ensure that at least one of the raspberries is

on top of the bananas so that they look like part of the
dessert and not just something sprinkled around the
plate.

Time Management
These do not take long to make, so plan on making them just before they are served. Keep in
mind that they will not keep, so you cant make them ahead of time.

Complimentary Food and Drinks

The dessert can be a bit filling after a meal, so serve it with something light like a small portabella
sandwich. It also goes very well with just about any tropical style meal.

Where to Shop
Brazil nuts are most easily found at stores with bulk bins, like Whole Foods. Sweet agave nectar
can be found at most stores that have a health and/or eco-friendly oriented section. Stores that
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specialize in organics are a good bet. The rest can be found at your local market.

How It Works
Softening the bananas gives them a nice, melt-in-your-mouth texture while sauting them briefly in
the agave nectar coats them with a tasty syrup. The saffron is there for color and the raspberries
give a contrasting tartness. The tiny bit of salt helps showcase the sweetness of the dessert.
Finally, the Brazil nuts give a mild nutty flavor while giving the diner something to bite into.

Chefs Notes
I like this dessert because it uses only a few ingredients and still creates a nice look and a great
taste.

Nutritional Facts (individual servings in parentheses, does not include any options)
Calories 250
Calories from Fat 90

Fat 10g

Total Carbohydrates 36g

Dietary Fiber 4g
Sugars 21g
Protein 4g

Salt 246mg
Vitamin A 1%

Vitamin B6 21%
Vitamin C 21%
Calcium 2%
Iron 3%

Thiamin 8%
Riboflavin 5%
Niacin 3%
Folate 5%

Phosphorous 12%
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Potassium 21%
Zinc 5%

Magnesium 20%
Copper 16%

Interesting Facts
George Washington cultivated raspberries in his Mt. Vernon gardens.

Raspberries are ready to harvest in July and August and slightly later in warmer climates.
To find out a host of information about Brazil nuts, go here: http://www.nybg.org/bsci/braznut/

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Truffles
Type: Dessert

Serves: 12

Time to Prepare: At least 1 hour with 15 minutes of labor

Ingredients

Method 1

6 oz. of dark chocolate

1 tbsp. of coconut oil or softened margarine (Earth Balance is good)

cup of soy creamer that has been reduced to cup
2 tbsp. of cocoa powder
2 tbsp. of confectioners sugar
Method 2
5 oz. of bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1 tbsp. of softened margarine (Earth Balance is good)
1cup of soy creamer reduced to cup
1 tsp. of corn syrup
2 tbsp. of brandy
2 tbsp. of cocoa powder

1 tbsp. of confectioners sugar

Method 3
8 oz. of semisweet chocolate

1 tbsp. + 1 tsp. of softened margarine

2 tbsp. of liqueur (coffee liqueur is good)
up of pulsed almonds

Instructions
Method 1

Simmer the soy creamer until it is reduced to cup, skimming off the top film.
Break up the chocolate into small bits.

Bring water to a simmer in a double boiler, with the chocolate bits in the top pan. *
Stir the chocolate continuously until it is thoroughly melted.
Remove the top pan from the heat and immediately stir in the coconut oil and reduced soy creamer.
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This makes a sauce called a ganache.

Cover this and allow it to come down to room temperature.
Refrigerate this for at least 1 hour (until it is firm.)

While it is in the refrigerator, chill a plate and remove it just before you form the truffles.
Mix together the cocoa powder and the confectioners sugar.
Chill your hands by placing them in cold water and then wipe them off.
Immediately take portion of the chocolate and form it into a 1 ball.

Roll this ball in the cocoa and sugar mix and set it on a chilled plate.
Repeat until you have used all of the chocolate.
Method 2
Simmer the soy creamer until it is reduced to cup.
Melt the chocolate as in Method 1.
Immediately fold in the soy creamer, brandy, corn syrup, and margarine.
Chill the chocolate and form them as in Method 1.
Method 3
Melt the chocolate as in Method 1.

Immediately fold in the softened margarine and coffee liqueur (or liqueur of your choice.)
Chill the chocolate and form them as in Method 1.
Pulse the almonds.
Roll the truffles in the pulsed almonds.

Note that you can cut these truffles in half for a mini-bite sized goodie.

* Instead of using a double boiler, you can fill a deep pot with water and float a mixing bowl on the

simmering water.

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Kitchen Equipment
Double Boiler
Spatula

Towel or Plastic Wrap

Plate to hold the finished truffles
Small Shallow Mixing Bowl for the cocoa mix
Small Whisk for the cocoa mix

Small Pot to reduce the soy creamer

Measuring Cup
Measuring Spoon

Presentation
In this picture, I did a simple presentation. First, I scattered
almonds around the plate. Then, I place the truffles on it and
drizzled it with sweet agave nectar. Finally, I sprinkled one part

with cardamom, one part with chili powder, and one part with

cinnamon. You can also make a nice thick syrup to drizzle on the
plate and if you want to get real fancy, you can make several
different sauces to adorn each truffle.

Time Management
For such a luscious dessert, these truffles take a very short amount of time to make. What you
dont want to do, though, is leave the ganache (the chocolate sauce that you make after combining

everything) in the refrigerator for more than two hours or else it will get too hard to effectively work
with.

Complementary Food and Drinks

Truffles can take an large variety of flavors. Here are some ideas: orange liqueur, Kahlua, lime

zest, almonds, Macadamian nuts, chili powder, allspice, dark cherry bits, raspberry syrup, and more!
You can mix these directly into the ganache (if you use a syrup, make sure to remove a like amount
of liquid from somewhere else in the recipe,) or you can roll the truffles in them.
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Where to Shop
Vivani is a good brand of vegan dark chocolate with Dagoba coming in second, though definitely

serviceable. Whole Foods also has their 360 brand of chocolate chips (though these are

particularly sweet) and if youre desperate, you can get a bar of Hersheys dark, which happens to
be vegan. Callebaut is one of the best brands you can use if you can find it. If you cant get it at
your local Whole Foods, try a Google search as most of these companies sell their products
online.

How It Works
Using the double boiler gently softens the chocolate, which is necessary for it to maintain a lush

integrity. Folding in the other ingredients makes a sauce called a ganache, which is a semi-thick

sauce that is used to form chocolate shapes by chilling it. It is often used to coat cakes, too! The
soy creamer is reduced so that it attains the consistency of heavy cream. If it is too thin, the
ganache will be too thin and will not form into nice shapes. Chilling it allows the ganache to firm up
enough to be pliable, which is necessary for forming it into balls. Chilling your hands is important

so that you dont melt the chocolate with your body heat. The same principle applies to the chilled
plate, keeping the plate from melting the truffles with its ambient heat.

Chefs Notes
I was very surprised at how easy these were to make, especially since they were so tasty. If Im
serving them for a party, I like to get at least ten different sauces, spice mixes, and nuts ready so
that the truffles can amaze not only with their flavor, but their variety.

Nutritional Facts (individual servings in parentheses, does not include any options)
Calories 1240.2 (103.3)
Calories from Fat 685.5 (57.1)
Fat 76.2g (6.3g)

Total Carbohydrates 130.0g (10.8g)

Dietary Fiber 12.6g (1.0g)
Sugars 67.7g (5.6g)
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Protein 8.7g (0.7g)

Salt 252mg (21.0mg)
Vitamin A 11% (0.9%)
Vitamin B6 5% (0.4%)
Vitamin C 0% (0%)
Calcium 5% (0.4%)
Iron 35% (2.9%)
Thiamin 3% (0.3%)
Riboflavin 22% (1.8%)
Niacin 7% (0.6%)

Folate 2% (0.2%)
Phosphorous 33% (2.8%)
Potassium 22% (1.8%)
Zinc 22% (1.8%)

Magnesium 61% (5.1%)

Copper 68% (5.7%)

Interesting Facts
Truffles are named after the mushroom, another delicious delicacy.
The first method in this recipe is closest to a Swiss truffle, while the second is similar to the
standard European truffle (with the Swiss being an exception.)

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Twisted Lemon Bars

Type:

Dessert - Bar

Makes:

about 2 dozen

Time to Prepare: 30 minutes prep, about 60 minutes total bake time

Ingredients
For the crust:

2 cups gluten free baking mix (I use Bobs Red Mill)

cup powdered sugar
1 cup dairy-free margarine
1 teaspoon nutmeg

teaspoon almond extract

2 teaspoons xanthan gum
For the filling:

cup lemon juice

1 tablespoon lemon zest
8 oz soft silken tofu
2 cups granulated sugar

cup gluten free baking mix (I use Bobs Red Mill)

teaspoon xanthan gum
1 teaspoon baking powder
For the frosting:
3 cups powdered sugar
About cup lemon juice
Lemon zest for garnish

Instructions
For the crust:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and mix until a cohesive lump of dough.
Press the dough into a 13X9 baking sheet, making sure the dough is in an even layer.
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Place in the oven and bake for 20 minutes.

For the Filling:

While the crust is baking, take the lemon juice and tofu, and pulse in a blender or food processor
until it is completely smooth.
Quickly add the rest of the ingredients EXCEPT the baking powder, and pulse again until
combined.

Only 1 or 2 minutes before your crust is ready to come out of the oven, add the baking powder
and blend one more time until you have a thick liquid.
Pull the crust from the oven and pour the mixture over the crust.

Immediately place back in the oven, and bake for 30-40 minutes until the top is lightly golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let rest for a few hours or overnight until cool.

For the Frosting:

Wait until the bars are completely cool, then mix the lemon juice and powdered sugar.
You want a constancy that spreads easily, but isnt too runny.
It should run off your spoon, but also coat your spoon.
Spread the frosting evenly over the bars, and decorate with fresh lemon zest.
Allow the frosting to harden.

Cut into 1 inch square bars and enjoy!

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Low-fat Version
This is not a cookie that you eat if youre counting fat grams.

Kitchen Equipment
A mixer, bowls, 13 x 9 casserole dish, a glass, measuring cups and spoons

Presentation
Garnish the finished bar with a few pinches of lemon zest or lemon
strips.

Time Management
While the crust is baking, make the filling. It saves time. Also, all the ingredients but the baking

powder can be tossed in the blender and blended together for the filling at once. Make sure you
add the baking powder at the last minute or it will lose much of its fluffing powder.

Complementary Food and Drinks

These would go great with some vegan barbeque, like a hamburger and tofu hotdog and some nice
iced tea. This would make a refreshing but sweet dessert.

Where to Shop
These ingredients should be available at any well stocked supermarket.

How It Works
The tofu acts like a binder for the filling, as eggs do in the traditional recipe.
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Chefs Notes
I love these bars! The nutmeg in the crust is the twist in the title, because it is not added to other
lemon bar recipes. If you are a traditionalist, then omit the nutmeg, but if you are feeling a little

adventurous, you will be amazed at how much flavor a little spice can impart. For extra kick, grate
your own nutmeg! Its easy with a Microplane and will give you the most flavor bang for your buck.

Nutritional Facts (individual servings in parentheses, does not include any options)
Calories 5778.3 (240.8)
Calories from Fat 449.8 (18.7)
Fat 50.0g (2.1g)
Total Carbohydrates 1285.7g (53.6g)
Dietary Fiber 30.7g (1.3g)
Sugars 1063.8g (44.3g)
Protein 46.4g (1.9g)
Salt 1695mg (71mg)
Vitamin A 41% (1.7%)
Vitamin B6 0% (0%)
Vitamin C 95% (4%)
Calcium 9% (0.4%)
Iron 13% (0.5%)
Thiamin 17% (0.7%)
Riboflavin 14% (0.6%)
Niacin 4% (0.2%)

Folate 47% (2.0%)

Phosphorous 22% (0.9%)
Potassium 17% (0.7%)
Zinc 9% (0.4%)

Magnesium 17% (0.7%)

Copper 25% (1%)

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Interesting Facts
Lemons were not only cultivated for their culinary properties, but also as antiseptics.

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