I am on the quest to make a reasonable cookie for the hubby who is craving sweets. He ate a boat load of vegan girl scout cookies this morning and has been begging me for vegan cookies since he had one of anna B's gluten free vegan cookies (which ended up being 8 after a few days). Anna B's and my schedule aren't the same, heck, I never really have a schedule, it's just make, make, make and deliver. I like it this way.
I had a few things that I wanted to try out, making something sweet out of quinoa, using organic coconut oil (which is a renewable resource), Shebang! of course, and ground flaxseed. I love when everything just works out perfectly, oh, and it had to be gluten free too. I just prefer it that way. No allergy here, but I just like it since I started cooking gluten-free for Pelham about 3 years ago, full time, before that it was during the holidays to impress my Aunt Robie, who has been gluten free FOR-EV-VER. I just loved the challenge.
So get out your mixer and your coffee grinder and let's make some cookies.
Shebang! Quinoa Cookies
Ingredients:
1 c. Shebang! spiced sugar blend
6 oz. coconut oil, I get the refined organic Spectrum brand
1 Tbsp. vanilla
1/4 c. almond, coconut or soymilk
2 tsp. baking powder, aluminum free, of course
1 c. ground sprouted quinoa, I get mine in the bulk section at Whole Foods Market
1 c. rice flour
1/2 c. ground flaxseed
extra Shebang for rollling
Directions:
In an electric mixer, or mix by hand, the Shebang! spiced sugar with coconut oil until well creamed. Add vanilla and baking powder till well combined. Add soymilk, and continue to beat. Add ground quinoa, rice flour and ground flaxseed and beat till combined.
Place on parchment paper and or in a bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Shape dough into walnut sized balls and roll into the extra Shebang! until well coated. Place on a baking sheet, two inches from the next. Using the bottom of a cup, flatten to 1/2 inch. Continue with the rest.
Bake 10- 12 minutes and remove from oven. Let cool a few minutes before transferring to a wrack to cool.
These are absolutely delicious!
I used a coffee grinder to grind up my sprouted quinoa (it comes sprouted) and flaxseed, then measured. I just loved the smell and the texture.
Chris ate a lot of dough, and has had at least 5 cookies since I baked them. I enjoyed one a few minutes out the oven. That's my favorite time, well, that and breakfast.
Oh, and on a personal note, I've been listening to bluegrass all day, and feel like a worker bee. My favorite has been Mumford and Sons' Sigh No More. His voice reminds me of how I picture Ireland, the people, the heart of it all, Ireland. I hope I go one day.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Coconut Tofu and Thai Red Curry
My husband has decided to go vegan. He says he's doing it for me because it makes me so happy. It is a very selfless endeavor for him because he is a full-time farmer who burns loads of calories a day chopping firewood, clearing land, driving machinery and all of that jazz. He needs a rib-sticking supper.
Trying to feed him three hearty meals a day and snacks has become a part-time job and I am loving it. I get to be totally creative in the kitch again, but I only have a limited amount of time because of my work, the kids, Pelham's school schedule and laundry. ;)
Here's last night's vegan, gluten free 30-minute meal.
I started with preparing Coconut Tofu and cooked the rice at the same time. Then moved on to chopping up the veggies and sauteing in a pan and then adding the coconut milk and spices. Then heated the oil in the fryer and fried up the Coconut Tofu. By that time, all elements of the meal where piping hot and ready to be plated.
Rice
Go ahead and start cooking your rice, in the amount you need, according to package directions.
Coconut Tofu
Ingredients:
1 Tbsp. flaxseed, ground mixed with 3 Tbsp. water
1/2 c. rice flour
2/3 c. grape juice (you can use beer too)
1 block of Twin Oaks Tofu, cut into 1/2 inch thich triangles
1 bowl filled with 1/4 c. rice flour
1 bowl filled with 2 c. coconut flakes
Directions:
In a large bowl, whisk together the ground flaxseed and water. Let stand for 2 - 3 minutes to thicken. Add rice flour and grape juice and whisk until smooth.
Cut Tofu into triangles and coat with plain rice flour. Shake off access flour. Pick up tofu by one corner and dredge in your flaxseed mixture. Tap access off. While still holding corner, coat all sides of rectangle in coconut flakes. Place on a cookie sheet.
Continue with all of the tofu. Place cookie sheet in fridge until fry time.
Heat the oil in your fryer or pan to 360 degrees. Fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden. Remove from oil and place on a plate with paper towels to cool.
For a dip I used equal parts teriyaki sauce and Graves Mountain hot pepper jelly. Mixed them together and put into a small dipping bowl. But you can always use orange marmalade mixed with mustard and horseradish, Thai peanut sauce or whatever combination of flavors you like.
Thai Red Curry
Ingredients:
1 Tbsp. coconut oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbsp. chopped ginger root
1/2 c. yellow onion, sliced thick
1/2 c. bell pepper, sliced thick
1/2 c. thick sliced portabella mushrooms
1/2 c. eggplant, sliced and quartered
1/2 c. broccoli florets
1/2 c. carrots, cut into small slivers
1 can (14 oz.) coconut milk
1 Tbsp. prepared Thai Red Curry
1/2 tsp. Bang! Bang! Bangarang!
2 Tbsp. Shebang! spiced sugar blend
Fresh basil and cilantro, chopped
Directions:
In a large skillet, heat the oil to medium heat. Saute garlic and ginger. Add onions and peppers. Add eggplant and shrooms. Saute for about 5 minutes more.
In a large bowl to the side, whisk together the coconut milk, red curry, and Bang! spices. Pour milk into pan. Add broccoli and carrots. Bring to a low boil and then set to simmer for 10 minutes. Right before you serve toss in the fresh herbs and stir.
Serve hot over rice.
So, I made this feast last night and it was SO filling. Chris couldn't believe that he was completely satisfied and stayed satiated for the whole evening! I was very happy too because I love Thai food and any excuse to use coconut milk in any dish. It had a whole lot of flavor and the kids even loved it. But, they didn't like the coconut tofu, but in all fairness, I didn't ask them to try it, like I usually do. I was so hungry from working outside that I was just so happy they enjoyed the rest.
I hope you do too.
 |
| Thai Red Curry with Coconut Tofu |
Here's last night's vegan, gluten free 30-minute meal.
I started with preparing Coconut Tofu and cooked the rice at the same time. Then moved on to chopping up the veggies and sauteing in a pan and then adding the coconut milk and spices. Then heated the oil in the fryer and fried up the Coconut Tofu. By that time, all elements of the meal where piping hot and ready to be plated.
Rice
Go ahead and start cooking your rice, in the amount you need, according to package directions.
Coconut Tofu
Ingredients:
1 Tbsp. flaxseed, ground mixed with 3 Tbsp. water
1/2 c. rice flour
2/3 c. grape juice (you can use beer too)
1 block of Twin Oaks Tofu, cut into 1/2 inch thich triangles
1 bowl filled with 1/4 c. rice flour
1 bowl filled with 2 c. coconut flakes
Directions:
In a large bowl, whisk together the ground flaxseed and water. Let stand for 2 - 3 minutes to thicken. Add rice flour and grape juice and whisk until smooth.
 |
| Coconut Tofu |
Continue with all of the tofu. Place cookie sheet in fridge until fry time.
Heat the oil in your fryer or pan to 360 degrees. Fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden. Remove from oil and place on a plate with paper towels to cool.
For a dip I used equal parts teriyaki sauce and Graves Mountain hot pepper jelly. Mixed them together and put into a small dipping bowl. But you can always use orange marmalade mixed with mustard and horseradish, Thai peanut sauce or whatever combination of flavors you like.
Thai Red Curry
Ingredients:
1 Tbsp. coconut oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbsp. chopped ginger root
1/2 c. yellow onion, sliced thick
1/2 c. bell pepper, sliced thick
1/2 c. thick sliced portabella mushrooms
1/2 c. eggplant, sliced and quartered
1/2 c. broccoli florets
1/2 c. carrots, cut into small slivers
1 can (14 oz.) coconut milk
1 Tbsp. prepared Thai Red Curry
1/2 tsp. Bang! Bang! Bangarang!
2 Tbsp. Shebang! spiced sugar blend
Fresh basil and cilantro, chopped
Directions:
In a large skillet, heat the oil to medium heat. Saute garlic and ginger. Add onions and peppers. Add eggplant and shrooms. Saute for about 5 minutes more.
In a large bowl to the side, whisk together the coconut milk, red curry, and Bang! spices. Pour milk into pan. Add broccoli and carrots. Bring to a low boil and then set to simmer for 10 minutes. Right before you serve toss in the fresh herbs and stir.
Serve hot over rice.
So, I made this feast last night and it was SO filling. Chris couldn't believe that he was completely satisfied and stayed satiated for the whole evening! I was very happy too because I love Thai food and any excuse to use coconut milk in any dish. It had a whole lot of flavor and the kids even loved it. But, they didn't like the coconut tofu, but in all fairness, I didn't ask them to try it, like I usually do. I was so hungry from working outside that I was just so happy they enjoyed the rest.
I hope you do too.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Hot Southern Mess
Hi Friends!
I know it has been a while between visits but you will have to forgive me. I've been ever so busy beating feet on the concrete. I'm trying so hard to bring my vegan vittles to a grocer near you, but boy is it difficult. Not everyone shares my passion for fabulous food. Some days I have victories and most days defeat. The 'no's' do not bother me as much anymore because when I get a 'yes, bring in a case of everything' I feel like I'm a LIVE WIRE and on FIRE!
Right now, I should be making a couple batches of Bangarang! and a couple batches of my Jengi and Punjabi lollipops, but I really, really wanted to take a moment and get back to the recipes. It's always been the cooking that interests me most. Savoring a flavor. Enjoying the meal, tremendously.
I'm working on a new cookbook at the moment that I have fondly dubbed "Hot Southern Mess". Vegan Southern Cuisine. I have enjoyed every dish that I have tried to create, with the exception of my first batch of Pimento Cheese spread. I think it would have been better if I had purchased a jar of pimentos instead of roasting an organic red pepper and chopping it up. For some odd reason, it made the whole batch taste very earthy like the scent of potting soil. As soon as I made that association, I couldn't enjoy it.
You see, smell has so much to do with the way I cook. I am SO sensitive to smells, whether it be good or bad. I was a personal trainer and aerobics instructor for over 6 years before I took to farming and the smells in a packed gym would almost floor me by the end of my work/play day. Being a personal trainer, I had to be very food/body conscious too. To this day I hate floor to ceiling mirrors. They remind me of a book that I read many years ago. It was said that the Gullah women of the Lowcountry in South Carolina believe that those mirrors bring the devil out of you. For some odd reason, I believe it.
I have lived in the South all of my life. I was born in Virginia, then moved to Texas as a child, then Oklahoma, then back to Virginia, then to Georgia, then to South Carolina, then back to Virginia, where I've been for the last 5 years on a farm in Caroline County. My family lives Culpeper, Richmond, Caroline, Reva, Mechanicsville, Warrenton (all VA), Hilton Head, SC, White Sulper Springs, WV, Oklahoma City, OK, Conway, AR and a great Uncle in Louisiana. My family is as Southern as the day is long.
And in the spirit of great Southern tradition, I am writing a cookbook on my family's food. It can also serve as a remedy for all of y'all that cooked up Paula Deen's best dishes (which she did warn from the very beginning that her food should be enjoyed only on special occasions not everyday fare), and to combat against high cholesterol, high fat, high sugar foods.
Now, everyone knows that I'm vegan AND I hold a special place in my heart for Paula Deen. I loved her memoir. I loved that she busted her butt and supported herself and her two boys. But I think she is a Shady Lady for lying to the health inspector and cooking illegally out of her home kitchen that was not certified. She lied for years! All of those people eating those bagged lunches that were supposedly made in a certified commercial kitchen and there is no consequence. She is above the food law and now it is a reflection, a funny little footnote in her Epic life.
Le sigh.
SOAP BOX (skip if you aren't into it)
I would encourage Southerners to please stop cooking your vegetables to death. Seriously, they are so little nutrients left after you have cooked your greens for 3 hours. Kale goes limp after 5 seconds of steam, seriously. I just want us all to have the very best health. We can't control our genes but we can control how we cook and eat. Every meal is a choice. Just make good choices.
Low sugar, low alcohol, low (or no if you are gluten-free) wheat, no meat (for me please and thank you). Bam! I'm sorry to shoot from the hip but I just have to keep it real and keep it simple.
STEPPED OFF THE SOAP BOX (continue reading for fun)
One of my very first recipes that I have enjoyed recently is my Jambalaya. When I was at Longwood University I was Biology major. I really don't know why, but I liked saying that I was a BI-O major when others asked. I started working on my 3rd or 4th cookbook that was French Creole Cajun Cuisine. It was packed with over 250 recipes that I cooked in the dorm kitchen. I gained about 20 lbs during the cookbook and flunked all of my classes because I was obsessed. Literally, obsessed. There was so much flavor and so much fat and everyday was Mardi Gras to me. College was like Mardi Gras and I was literally living like I was in New Orleans, hopping from place to place with a Hurricane in my hand and eating from the finest Creole kitchens. I was a mess. Needless to say, I had to leave on academic probation and go home with my cookbook in hand and black stretch pants.
A few years ago, I threw the cookbook away. It just hurt to look at it. Truly a disappointment. There were things that it meant to me, like why was in college when all I wanted to be was a chef, but I was persuaded by others that was not a good professional for a mother, if I was thinking to the future. Long hours, working nights and weekends, working holidays and so on. No, no, best to take the safe route, the unselfish route, and just have a hobby of cooking and writing cookbooks for no one else to see, or care and self-publish. I've been writing cookbooks since I was 16, almost one book a year ever since.
I want someone to see and taste the food I'm cooking up in the GreenHearts kitchen. I can't make and sell everything that I feel is a masterpiece. This is a one man show.
So here's a little taste...
I hope you enjoy. This dish takes me about 30 minutes to make, start to finish. It is great to feed my husband, a farmer who likes things to be hearty and feel satiated after supper. My kids love rice and veggies. They are not crazy about the Tofurky. But, I love all of it. Every element. I love the warmth and comfort of this dish. I love the texture of the veggies and chewiness of the Tofurky. I love the smell of the fresh thyme. I love eating with a spoon. No fork tines. The roundness of a spoon and how it's the perfect fit with no sharp edges. It's just comfort.
From my GreenHeart to yours,
Jen
I know it has been a while between visits but you will have to forgive me. I've been ever so busy beating feet on the concrete. I'm trying so hard to bring my vegan vittles to a grocer near you, but boy is it difficult. Not everyone shares my passion for fabulous food. Some days I have victories and most days defeat. The 'no's' do not bother me as much anymore because when I get a 'yes, bring in a case of everything' I feel like I'm a LIVE WIRE and on FIRE!
Right now, I should be making a couple batches of Bangarang! and a couple batches of my Jengi and Punjabi lollipops, but I really, really wanted to take a moment and get back to the recipes. It's always been the cooking that interests me most. Savoring a flavor. Enjoying the meal, tremendously.
I'm working on a new cookbook at the moment that I have fondly dubbed "Hot Southern Mess". Vegan Southern Cuisine. I have enjoyed every dish that I have tried to create, with the exception of my first batch of Pimento Cheese spread. I think it would have been better if I had purchased a jar of pimentos instead of roasting an organic red pepper and chopping it up. For some odd reason, it made the whole batch taste very earthy like the scent of potting soil. As soon as I made that association, I couldn't enjoy it.
You see, smell has so much to do with the way I cook. I am SO sensitive to smells, whether it be good or bad. I was a personal trainer and aerobics instructor for over 6 years before I took to farming and the smells in a packed gym would almost floor me by the end of my work/play day. Being a personal trainer, I had to be very food/body conscious too. To this day I hate floor to ceiling mirrors. They remind me of a book that I read many years ago. It was said that the Gullah women of the Lowcountry in South Carolina believe that those mirrors bring the devil out of you. For some odd reason, I believe it.
I have lived in the South all of my life. I was born in Virginia, then moved to Texas as a child, then Oklahoma, then back to Virginia, then to Georgia, then to South Carolina, then back to Virginia, where I've been for the last 5 years on a farm in Caroline County. My family lives Culpeper, Richmond, Caroline, Reva, Mechanicsville, Warrenton (all VA), Hilton Head, SC, White Sulper Springs, WV, Oklahoma City, OK, Conway, AR and a great Uncle in Louisiana. My family is as Southern as the day is long.
And in the spirit of great Southern tradition, I am writing a cookbook on my family's food. It can also serve as a remedy for all of y'all that cooked up Paula Deen's best dishes (which she did warn from the very beginning that her food should be enjoyed only on special occasions not everyday fare), and to combat against high cholesterol, high fat, high sugar foods.
Now, everyone knows that I'm vegan AND I hold a special place in my heart for Paula Deen. I loved her memoir. I loved that she busted her butt and supported herself and her two boys. But I think she is a Shady Lady for lying to the health inspector and cooking illegally out of her home kitchen that was not certified. She lied for years! All of those people eating those bagged lunches that were supposedly made in a certified commercial kitchen and there is no consequence. She is above the food law and now it is a reflection, a funny little footnote in her Epic life.
Le sigh.
SOAP BOX (skip if you aren't into it)
I would encourage Southerners to please stop cooking your vegetables to death. Seriously, they are so little nutrients left after you have cooked your greens for 3 hours. Kale goes limp after 5 seconds of steam, seriously. I just want us all to have the very best health. We can't control our genes but we can control how we cook and eat. Every meal is a choice. Just make good choices.
Low sugar, low alcohol, low (or no if you are gluten-free) wheat, no meat (for me please and thank you). Bam! I'm sorry to shoot from the hip but I just have to keep it real and keep it simple.
STEPPED OFF THE SOAP BOX (continue reading for fun)
One of my very first recipes that I have enjoyed recently is my Jambalaya. When I was at Longwood University I was Biology major. I really don't know why, but I liked saying that I was a BI-O major when others asked. I started working on my 3rd or 4th cookbook that was French Creole Cajun Cuisine. It was packed with over 250 recipes that I cooked in the dorm kitchen. I gained about 20 lbs during the cookbook and flunked all of my classes because I was obsessed. Literally, obsessed. There was so much flavor and so much fat and everyday was Mardi Gras to me. College was like Mardi Gras and I was literally living like I was in New Orleans, hopping from place to place with a Hurricane in my hand and eating from the finest Creole kitchens. I was a mess. Needless to say, I had to leave on academic probation and go home with my cookbook in hand and black stretch pants.
A few years ago, I threw the cookbook away. It just hurt to look at it. Truly a disappointment. There were things that it meant to me, like why was in college when all I wanted to be was a chef, but I was persuaded by others that was not a good professional for a mother, if I was thinking to the future. Long hours, working nights and weekends, working holidays and so on. No, no, best to take the safe route, the unselfish route, and just have a hobby of cooking and writing cookbooks for no one else to see, or care and self-publish. I've been writing cookbooks since I was 16, almost one book a year ever since.
I want someone to see and taste the food I'm cooking up in the GreenHearts kitchen. I can't make and sell everything that I feel is a masterpiece. This is a one man show.
So here's a little taste...
Jambalaya
Ingredients
 |
| Jambalaya |
3 c. water with 1 ½vegan vegetable bouillon
(I use Rapunzel brand vegan veggie bouillon)
14 oz. Tofurky Kielbasa, sliced
1 Tbsp. Earth Balance butter
1/4 c. green bell pepper, chopped
1/4 c. yellow onion, chopped
1/4 c. celery, chopped
1/4 c. carrots, chopped
3 small tomatoes, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 bay leaves
2 tsp. Bang! Bang! Bangarang! hot and spicy signature seasoning
1 tsp. fresh picked oregano
1 tsp. fresh picked thyme
3/4 cup rice, cooked using package directions
Directions
To begin, cook rice according to the package directions. At the same time, get out a large stock pot and heat the vegan butter over medium heat. Add garlic, onion, pepper, carrot and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes. Add water and bouillon cube and bay leaves. Simmer until cube is dissolved. Add vegan kielbasa, Bang! Bang!, oregano and thyme. Stir in cooked rice. Bring to a low boil then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 5-10 minutes. Serve piping hot in soup bowls. Add more Bang! if you like.
I hope you enjoy. This dish takes me about 30 minutes to make, start to finish. It is great to feed my husband, a farmer who likes things to be hearty and feel satiated after supper. My kids love rice and veggies. They are not crazy about the Tofurky. But, I love all of it. Every element. I love the warmth and comfort of this dish. I love the texture of the veggies and chewiness of the Tofurky. I love the smell of the fresh thyme. I love eating with a spoon. No fork tines. The roundness of a spoon and how it's the perfect fit with no sharp edges. It's just comfort.
From my GreenHeart to yours,
Jen
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