Raw Blueberry Cobbler

Usually when I see samples at the market, I pass them by assuming that it's probably not vegan.  Not so at Sevananda Natural Foods Market!  Chef Joi was sampling her raw, vegan blueberry cobbler recipe and it was absolutely delicious.  Another reason why I enjoy shopping at my co-op.  

I decided to bring it to a potluck and it was a huge hit, and even better when paired with some vegan ice cream.  Chef Joi, you are a genious!  Oh, and it only takes like 15 minutes tops. 

Crust topping ingredients:
3 cups dry pecans
3/4 tsp sea salt
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 tsp cinnamon
3/4 cup pitted dates

Place pecans and salt in the food processor and process until flour-like.  Then add the rest of the ingredients and process until dough-like.  (It can still be crumbly).  Place half in the bottom of your dish, then place the rest in a bowl for later.

Syrup Ingredients:
3/4 cup of pitted dates
1/2 cup blueberries (fresh of frozen-- I used a combo)
1/2 tbsp vanilla extract
1/3 cup water (or less)

No need to clean out the food processor, just add these syrup ingredients and process until smooth.  Should still be thick.

Filling:
1 1/2 Cups blueberries

Put the berries in a large mixing bowl and toss with the syrup, making sure to cover completely.  Then pour on top of crust, and cover with the rest of the crust.  No baking involved-- just enjoy!

Twice Baked Potato

Here's all you need to make a killer vegan twice-baked potato:  Earth Balance butter, Tofutti sour cream (I actually had some leftover french onion dip from a potluck last night..), Daiya cheddar shreds, unsweet almond milk, and some salt and pepper.   Gets me excited for holiday food!

QUESOOOOO

I just about passed out in the chip isle of WFM when I saw this vegan queso made by Food for Lovers!  yummmmmmm I'm in heaven.  Healthy, delicious and vegan!  It's like being reunited with an old friend :)

Vegan Sausage, part I

I am on a quest for the perfect vegan sausage.  I just started working at a (non-veg) restaurant that specializes in hot dogs and sausages, so it's only fitting that I develop my own tasty sausage recipe. In my very first attempt at home-made sausage, I modified a recipe that I saw on two of my favorite vegan food blogs, Vegan Dad and Post Punk Kitchen. The awesome thing about this recipe is that you can make tons of texture variations and flavor combos. So here's my first attempt:  

Ingredients:
1/2 Cup pinto beans (drained and rinsed)
1 Cup cold vegetable broth
1 Tbl spoon olive oil
1 Tbl spoon soy sauce
1 Tbl spoon vegan worcestershire sauce
2 Cloves garlic grated with a microplane
1 Cup vital wheat gluten
1/2 Cup soy flour
Spices: nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, cumin, red pepper flakes, ground pepper, salt

First, prepare the steamer and get water boiling.  Also prepare 6 sheets of tin foil before getting started with the dough.

Mash the pinto beans in a large bowl until no whole beans are left.  Then add each ingredient as it's listed above and mix with a fork.  When everything is mixed, separate the dough into six equal parts.  Shape it onto the foil, and then just roll it up like a tootsie roll. Then twist both ends.  It's really easy!  Place foil dogs in the steamer and steam for 40 minutes.

When they are done, you can eat immediately, grill them, saute them, refrigerate, or freeze for later.  I am very pleased at the results!  Now I'm still on a mission to try all the variations I can and perfect my recipe.  Next time I might use a different type of bean and change up the spices.  I'm also brainstorming on the best toppings and bun.  To be continued....