December 12, 2009January 6, 2022 by betsy

Vegan Chocolate Bundt Cake–Beautiful for Holiday Gift-Giving

Yield: 12 servings

My annual Christmas Curry & Cakes all-girls party–an almost 10-year tradition dubbed by one of the husbands as “CC&C”–was this past Wednesday evening. Though everyone is encouraged not to bring gifts, they always do. My lovely friend Susan Kaplan presented me with the “sugarplum” in the photograph. I thought she had purchased it, not because she’s not a talented cook with great decorating taste, but because it was packaged so professionally. However, inside the card was the recipe which, of course, I couldn’t wait to share with you. Enjoy!

1 3/4 cups freshly brewed coffee
2/3 cup unsweetened Dutch-processed cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/3 cup canola oil
1/3 cup applesauce
1/4 cup cornstarch
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups whole wheat pastry flour or all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons confectioners’ sugar

Preheat over to 325 degrees. Lightly grease an 8- or 10-inch bundt pan. Heat the coffee in a saucepan over medium heat until it comes to a simmer. Turn heat down and whisk in the cocoa powder until it has dissolved. Remove the saucepan from the heat and set aside to bring to room temperature. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, oil, applesauce, and cornstarch until the sugar and cornstarch dissolve, about 2 minutes. Mix in the extracts. Once the chocolate mixture has cooled a bit, stir that in as well. Sift in the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Beat until the batter is relatively smooth. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick or butter knife inserted into the cake’s center comes out clean. Remove the pan from the oven and let the cake cool for about 20 minutes. Then invert the pan onto a serving plate to remove the cake, and cool completely. Once the cake is cool, sift the confectioners’ sugar over the top and serve.

Source: Isa Chandra Moskowitz and Terry Hope Romero as published in Yoga Magazine via Susan Kaplan

December 6, 2009December 15, 2013 by betsy

Vegan “Cheese” Ball with Smoked Almonds, Scallions and Olives

Yield: 1 “cheese” ball

Born in Texas, raised in Mississippi, I am a deeply south’ren girl. I subscribe to Southern Living magazine (it’s been updated if you haven’t seen it lately), Magnolias are one of my favorite trees, and Eudora Welty is one of my favorite authors. BUT, I like my collard greens without fat back and my tea without sugar, thank you very much.

For entertaining, we southerners love our cheese balls and we make them a million different ways. However, when I became vegan, I thought I’d tasted my last. Now that the holiday season is here, I found myself craving one in the worst way, both for the taste and the festive appearance. Though there is vegan cream and block cheeses on the market, I wanted one even more low fat. So I decided to limit myself to tofu and see what I could come up with.

If the non-vegan guests at a party I took it to last night are any indication, this is a winner. I think it’s safe to say that it was “set upon.”

Smoked almonds replaced the bacon which I decided to combine with pimento-stuffed green olives both for their briny pungency and their holiday color scheme. Mixed with the sweet scallions and a few other ingredients like nutritional yeast and miso to make the tofu taste “cheesy,” the combination of flavors transported me back to all the best parts of the Deep South.

14 ounces (drained weight) firm tofu (you may use extra firm, if you want the ball stiffer)
4 tablespoons nutritional yeast
1 tablespoon miso
1 tablespoon vegan mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Amino Acids
2 teaspoons mustard
pinch paprika
coarse sea or kosher salt to taste
freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 scallions, thinly sliced
1 cup smoked almonds, finely chopped
5 ounce jar of pitted green olives (you could use black if you prefer), drained and finely chopped

Garnish: pecan halves, finely chopped pecans, finely chopped parsley, and/or paprika

Puree first nine ingredients in food processor until smooth, stopping and scraping down bowl as necessary. Transfer to a medium mixing bowl and stir in last three ingredients by hand.

Line a medium sized bowl–as half-spherical in shape as you can find–with plastic wrap. Spoon and press “cheese” mixture firmly into bowl; smooth top. Fold ends of plastic wrap over to cover. Refrigerate at least overnight. (I like to refrigerate it for a couple of days to really allow the flavors to marry.) Fold plastic wrap back from top surface of “cheese” ball, place a serving platter on top, and invert ball onto platter. You may have to tug gently on corners of plastic wrap to help it release. Remove plastic wrap, garnish as desired, and serve with crackers or small toasts.

November 24, 2009July 21, 2010 by betsy

Vegan Pumpkin Cake with Vegan Maple-Cream Cheese Frosting

Yield: 1-9 x 13″ sheet cake

I took this cake to school today as a day-before-Thanksgiving treat for my Advanced Art and AP Studio class. It was a hit. One of my students described it as having the texture of pumpkin bread but a little more cakey. I agree. It is a slightly more dense cake or a slightly less dense bread. Regardless of how you look at it, it is moist, yummy, and it slices really nicely.

The original recipe calls for chocolate chips and nuts with no frosting, but I’m not a big pumpkin and chocolate fan, so I omitted the chips and I sprinkled the nuts on top in case a “picky” student wanted to pick them off. The recipe also calls only for cinnamon, but I use pumpkin pie spice and much more of it than the 1/2 teaspoon specified. And, finally, I used brown and turbinado sugars instead of the white called for.

You can bake the batter in loaf or Bundt pans, but sheet cakes are so easy to transport and don’t require as much cooking time as the others. However, sheet cakes seem to need frosting, so I just made one of my favorite go-to recipes and added maple extract.

Vegan Pumpkin Cake:
3 cups flour
2 cups brown sugar (I actually used 1 cup brown and 1 cup turbinado sugar)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1-15 ounce can pumpkin puree
1 cup canola oil

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9 x 13″ pan with nonstick cooking spray. In a large bowl, mix together all dry ingredients. Add oil and pumpkin. Mix well by hand or on low-medium speed of an electric mixer just until combined and no lumps remain. Scrape into prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. Frost with Vegan Maple-cream Cheese Frosting and garnish with walnuts or pecans.

Vegan Maple-Cream Cheese Frosting:
1/4 cup vegan butter (I like Earth Balance), softened
1/4 cup vegan cream cheese, softened
approximately 2-3 cups powdered sugar
approximately 2-3 tablespoons unsweetened soy milk (or plain, vanilla or vanilla lite)
1/2 teaspoon maple flavoring

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together first two ingredients on high speed. Add powdered sugar and soy milk with mixer turned off and then slowly bring the speed up to high to completely incorporate it, adding approximately 1 cup of powdered sugar and 1-2 tablespoons of milk at a time until desired consistency is reached. If too thin, add more powdered sugar; if too thick, add more soy milk. Beat in maple extract.

Garnish:
Approximately 1/2 cup walnut or pecan pieces

Cake Source: Adapted from Aliciasrecipes.com

November 22, 2009February 10, 2011 by betsy

Vegan Caramlized Onion and Butternut Squash Fettuccine–A Nice Addition to the Thanksgiving Tradition

Yield: 4 servings

Though pasta may not be traditional Thanksgiving fare unless you are of Mediterranean decent, you’ll be happy to bunk tradition with the creamy golden goodness of this earthy dish. But you won’t want to save it only for holiday feasting. And if you don’t live in America and/or don’t celebrate Thanksgiving, enjoy this dish whenever butternut squash are at their prime.

I think pasta can be a bit heavy, so I use half the normal 2 ounce-per-person recommended serving which is just enough pasta to hold the dish together. Whole wheat pasta is highly recommended, as its inherent nuttiness contributes significantly to the distinctive flavor profile of this dish.

For this recipe and some 170+ more,
I invite you to purchase my first cookbook:

The Blooming Platter:
A Harvest of Seasonal Vegan Recipes

Vegan Heritage Press
Spring 2011

November 21, 2009July 21, 2010 by betsy

Vegan Crostini with Cream Cheese and Caramelized Onion-Cranberry Chutney

Yield: 4 small servings (the onions cook down considerably)

You’ve probably been seeing versions of this ‘in” appetizer in the fall culinary magazines. And there’s good reason! Besides being pretty and festive, there is nothing not to love about it.

My version is similar to all of the others, but uses vegan cream cheese or my vegan goat “cheese” as the first layer. Folks who don’t care for onion will change their minds once they take the first bite of these onions’ rich, golden-brown and earthy sweetness offset by sweet-tart cranberries and a hint of mellow pungency from balsamic vinegar.

Spooning the onion mixture atop a layer of luscious white “cheese” that has been smoothed over crunchy grilled bread or a whole grain cracker (in a pinch) makes for one scrumptious appetizer.

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 medium yellow onions, halved, peeled, and cut crosswise into thin slices
coarse sea or kosher salt to taste
freshly ground black pepper
2 medium-large cloves of garlic, peeled and thinly sliced
4 tablespoons dried cranberries
4 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
optional: 1/4 teaspoon or so of dried thyme or minced rosemary (use about 3 times more if using fresh herbs)
vegan cream cheese (purchased) or vegan goat “cheese” (see my recipe below)
small piece of good bread, like ciabatta, grilled or toasted or sturdy whole grain crackers

In a large cast iron skillet over medium-high, heat olive oil to shimmering. Add onion, salt and pepper and saute, stirring frequently, until soft and beginning to turn golden. Add garlic and continue sauteing and stirring frequently until onion is golden-brown. You may add a little splash of water during the cooking process to speed it along if desired. Stir in cranberries, balsamic vinegar and optional thyme or rosemary, and cook just another minute or until cranberries are slightly softened. Remove from heat and serve atop small toasts or crackers spread with vegan cream cheese.

If you would like to make your own vegan goat “cheese,” here is a version I created that is a hit among vegans and non-vegans alike (it makes about 1 1/2 cups). If you use this recipe, here is a crowd-pleasing alternative preparation: spread the “cheese” about 1/4-1/3″ thick on a serving platter. Double the recipe for the chutney above and spoon over the top of the “cheese.” Serve with toasts or crackers.

Vegan Goat “Cheese”

14 ounces regular firm tofu (not silken)
2 garlic cloves or roasted garlic cloves
2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional, but it makes the “cheese” extra yummy)
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon Amino Acids
1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
freshly ground black pepper to taste
pinch granulated sugar or raw sugar (optional, but I like it for balance)
zest of 1/2 a lemon

Place all ingredients in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a metal blade and process until smooth and creamy. Store in refrigerator in an airtight container.

November 21, 2009July 21, 2010 by betsy

Vegan Spaghetti Squash with Caramelized Onions, Greens and Cranberries and Curried Croutons–Perfect for the Winter Holidays

Yield: 8 servings (easily halves; just use second half of squash for another recipe)

This healthy and colorful dish of yellow, green and red is full of the flavors of the season and is a beautiful addition to the holiday table. The slight bitterness of spaghetti squash is tempered with a bare hint of olive oil and maple syrup. And, similarly, any bitterness associated with kale is offset by the sweetness of caramelized onions and dried cranberries, with a tiny bit of tang provided by balsamic vinegar, and earthiness from nutritional yeast and marjoram. A mere two tablespoons of soy creamer gives the greens a texture that contrasts nicely with the al dente spaghetti squash, while crunchy curried croutons and a sprinkling of a few more dried cranberries are the perfect finishing touch for a perfectly delicious dish.

Spaghetti Squash:
1 spaghetti squash, halved, seeds and pulp removed
2 teaspoons olive oil
2 teaspoons maple syrup
coarse sea or kosher salt to taste

Oven Method: Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place squash, cut side down, in an oiled baking dish and roast for 45 minutes. Microwave Method: Cook one half at a time by placing squash, cut side down, in a microwave safe dish with 1/4 inch water. Cook for 7-10 minutes. Repeat with other half. When cool enough to handle, use a fork to scoop out squash threads, working from the shell to the center. Toss with olive oil and maple syrup and season to taste with salt.

While squash cooks, make greens:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium-large yellow onion, halved, peeled, and cut crosswise into thin slices
3 medium-large garlic cloves
coarse sea or kosher salt to taste
8 ounces chopped kale (you can use other greens; adjust cooking time accordingly)
freshly ground black pepper to taste
4 tablespoons dried cranberries
1 tablspoon unbleached all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
1/2-1 teaspoon dried marjoram
2 tablespoons plain soy creamer
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar

In a large pot or wok over medium-high, heat olive oil to shimmering. Add onion and saute, stirring frequently, until it starts to turn golden, adding a little splash of water to speed the process. Add salt to taste. Add garlic and more water, if necessary, and continue sauteeing until golden brown. Add kale and toss until it wilts down; add salt and pepper to taste. Cook, stirring occasionally until tender, about 10 minutes. After about 7 minutes, stir in cranberries. Sprinkle with flour, nutritional yeast and marjoram, and stir well. Stir in soy creamer and cook a couple of minutes. Stir in balsamic vinegar and cook for remaining minute. Remove from heat.

While greens cook, make croutons:
2 tablespoon vegan butter (I like Earth Balance) or olive oil
1 teaspoon curry powder
2 whole wheat pita pockets, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In preheating oven, melt butter in a medium-sized pan. Remove from oven and stir in curry powder. Add bread cubes and toss well. Toast in oven for about 10 minutes or until crunchy.

Garnish: a few dried cranberries

To serve dish, make a bed of spaghetti squash on a serving platter. Spoon greens into center. Top with croutons and dried cranberries.

October 21, 2009February 10, 2011 by betsy

Vegan Sausages with Braised Onions, Cabbage, Apples and Potatoes Topped with Vegan Sour Cream-Horseradish Sauce and Red Apple Sauerkraut

Yield 6-8 servings

A vegan Oktoberfest may sound like an oxymoron. And it’s true, wienerschintzel and bratwurst aren’t typically meat-free fare. But this autumn, thanks to a simple vegan sausage recipe (for those who love to cook)—or prepared vegan brats (for those who don’t)—everyone, regardless of their dietary preferences, can take part in the merrymaking.

If an Oktoberfest celebration is not your style, this meal nonetheless makes a tasty, healthy and hearty—but not heavy—cool weather supper. Spicy white bean-based sausages are nestled into a braise of onions, cabbage, potatoes and apples before being topped with a dollop of sour “cream”-horseradish sauce and a tangle of red apple sauerkraut, my twist on the traditional red cabbage variety.

There is nothing purist about my take on traditional German fare, yet I pay homage to the cuisine through my combinations of ingredients. Take the sausages for instance. They are vegan cookbook author Isa Chandra Moskowitz’s recipe made with my own spice mixture inspired by bratwurst and thüringer rostbratwurst.

By repeating some of the customary spices and ingredients, like coriander seeds and apples, from one component of the dish to another, I tie the flavors together while still offering plenty of harmonious contrast between tastes and textures.

Follow each recipe as-is for a satisfying four-part, one-dish Deutsch-inspired meal, or take some creative liberties of your own.

Prost!

For this recipe and some 170+ more,
I invite you to purchase my first cookbook:

The Blooming Platter:
A Harvest of Seasonal Vegan Recipes

Vegan Heritage Press
Spring 2011

July 2, 2009July 21, 2010 by betsy

Vegan Fancy Franks–Perfect for the Fourth of July

Yield: 8 hot dogs

You’ll love my “twist” on the traditional hot dog just in time for Independence Day in the U.S. Think “Pigs in a Blanket” kicked up a notch with the help of puff pastry dough. Once baked, they look really cute served upright in a wine glass, but they didn’t photograph too well like that. Regardless of how you serve them, guests of all ages will salute you. For adults only, I recommend accompanying them with Margarita Mayo and Pina Colada Catsup. It’s true that mayonnaise isn’t a traditional condiment for dogz, but something about the buttery “bun” contrasting with the tart lime makes for a delicious combination in this case. I also tried a Mojito Mustard, but lime, never mind mint, isn’t too tasty with mustard. A Mango Mustard, however, sounds marvelous. If you experiment with sauces, please share your results. Happy Fourth of July!

8 vegan hot dogs
1 sheet Pepperidge Farm puff pastry, thawed according to package directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with a Silpat sheet or apply nonstick spray sparingly. Slice puff pastry into 8 equal strips. Working with one dog at a time, wind and spiral the dough down the length of the frank making sure to gently press the ends of the strip of dough against the underside of the dog at both ends. You may need to slice about an inch off of each piece of dough, depending on the size of your hot dogs. Place the dog on the baking sheet and repeat with remaining franks and dough, leaving a couple of inches between each one. Bake for approximately 22 minutes or until golden, but start checking after about 15. Serve warm or at room temperature with the condiments of your choice. I particularly like the following:

Pina Colada Catsup

1/4 cup catsup
2 teaspoons Cream of Coconut
2 teaspoons pineapple juice
2 teaspoons rum (I used a golden variety)

Whisk all ingredients together and serve or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Margarita Mayo

1/4 cup vegan mayonnaise
2 teaspoon fresh lime juice
2 teaspoons tequila
2 teaspoons VERY loosely packed lime zest (approximately the zest of one small lime)
pinch salt

Whisk all ingredients together and serve or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Note: for a pretty and authentic Margarita presentation, you can dip the rim of a small glass or glass bowl in fresh lime juice and then in salt before filling with the mayo.

July 2, 2009February 8, 2011 by betsy

Vegan Beet Muhammara (Middle Eastern Spread)

Yield: approximately 4 cups

If you think you hate beets, that’s all about to change. If you actually like beets, this recipe will deepen your relationship with this most misunderstood of root vegetables. My stunning and addicting spread is perfect for a number of festive occasions or any regular day or night of the week. It is based on Muhammara, a Turkish spread typically made from red peppers and walnuts that happens to be on my “best seller” list. Here in Virginia Beach one of our favorite restaurants, Garrison’s, serves a beet and walnut spread that I find mesmerizing on their Mediterranean Plate. I wondered if I could come close to it by substituting raw red beets for the red peppers in my Muhammara recipe and playing around fairly significantly with the proportions of the other ingredients. The answer is a resounding “Yes!” My concoction is to die for and even prettier than its inspiration. If you’re thinking, “Beets? Ick.” Please think again. True confession: I am not a huge beet fan. I have tried to love them; really I have. But they can be tricky. I think they are lovely and appealingly earthy. And, while I have roasted them and really liked them–provided I used enough acid to dress them–for the most part, as my father would say, “I don’t wake up screaming for them.” That is until I tried Garrison’s spread and, now, my own version which is a bit different but dare I say it, maybe even better??? Thinking of substituting canned ones? Don’t do it! Have you ever read the label? They have NO nutrition nor, to my way of thinking, anything else to recommend them. Make this spread with raw ones and you will be a fan for life.