Wheat-Free Discussion, Part 2

Some months ago I began an explanation about wheat-free baking. I continue this discussion in my current T/S post, including baking tips, the recipe for my "Gluten-Be-Gone" Homestyle Chocolate Chip Cookies, and also links to some of my other wheat-free and gluten-free recipes.

Also, if you haven't voted in the VegNews Awards survey yet... and, if you'd like to cast your votes for me in the categories of Favorite Blog and Favorite Cookbook Author, you can link through below... thanks!


(cookie photo courtesy of Mary Martin Loder)

Mamas Get Renewed!

I'm off the vegan path today with a post for mamas living in the local Lower Mainland area...

Vicki Drever of Mothering the Urban Mother will be facilitating the Mama Renew program along with her business partner, Angie Hartshorne.

Mama Renew is "a community of mothers who not only share in the joys and challenges of raising our children, but also in supporting one another as we reclaim, reconnect, & rebalance as women. Six insightful sessions with discussion, journaling, space for inner reflection, and much laughter and connection."

Vicki was my Doula for two of my births, and is also a dear friend. She and Angie will be bringing this program to the White Rock/South Surrey area. So, if you are interested in renewing your mama-self, you can register for their group (or for a group in another location in the Lower Mainland or Vancouver Island) here.

But, what DO you eat?

I should be able to answer this question, right?

Alas, it's not always as simple to explain as it is to just cook the food!

(p.s. not many days left to vote in the VegNews Awards... you can vote for me in the Favorite Blog and Favorite Cookbook Author categories following link below)

NEW Cookbook Teaser!

No, not my cookbook... but another that will have you twirling in your apron!... The Urban Vegan cookbook by Dynise Balcavage.

Many of you already know Dynise through her Urban Vegan blog. Dynise asked me to write a quote for her cookbook, and I was honored to do so. When I received the galley copy, I could hardly put it down! I love Dynise's fresh approach to this cookbook - she has a mix of popular urban fare (ex: Philly Portobello Cheese Steak, Cappucino, Classic Aioli) and also international dishes (ex: Feijoada, Classic Creme Brulee, English Muffins, Jackfruit-Banana Smoothie) that she expertly recreates in fine vegan fashion... as well as a slew of other inventive recipes (Raspberry Swirl Pound Cake with Limoncello Glaze, anyone?).

What I love about The Urban Vegan, apart from the actual recipes, is how Dynise transports us to her destinations with her recipe descriptions. As an accomplished author, she is able to tap into our senses with her writings, capturing images and delivering stories on every page. Plus, Dynise offers suggestions and options within her recipes, and - get this folks - even wine pairings for select dishes!

You'll be dog-earing page after page, and be engrossed simply reading through the recipes. Yes, this is a cookbook that you will use regularly; use for special occasions and everyday fare, and use to expand your culinary knowledge. It is a sharp, imaginative, clever and sassy cookbook... true to the author herself.

So, pop over to Dynise's blog for more, or just go pre-order your copy of The Urban Vegan straight away!

Double Carob Cashew Cookies Recipe

I've got a new post up at True/Slant, and it includes the recipe for my Double Carob Cashew Cookies... go have a read and get the recipe! (and do make the ice cream sandwiches!)

Soy-Free Veggie Meatloaf

When I took recipe requests many months ago, I had some serious pleading for meatloaf recipes. Surprising to me, because I had thought that the veggie meatloaf recipe had been done - and then done again. But, I realized that most of these veg versions included soy of some form... be it tofu, tempeh, tvp, or veggie ground round. So, I decided to concoct a very healthy, and soy-free (for soy-allergic or sensitive folks) version. This one uses lentils and bulgur as the base, and also includes seed butter and salba (or flax). Plenty of nutritional biggies in this one!

So, are others out there looking for similar recipes?... hearty dishes like "meatloaf" but not using soy products? Also, can someone please offer up a decent name for this recipe (& one that doesn't use the word "meat") ?!! :)

Dreena, the Dairy Fairy

Click through to my current True/Slant post to read more...

Veg News Awards - Wanna Vote?!

Hiya everyone! I've been nominated for this year's VegNews Veggie Awards. I have nominations in two categories...

1) Favorite Blog
2) Favorite Cookbook Author

The polls open today, July 1st at 9am PST, and when you vote, you have a chance to win prizes including a Tropical Vacation Getaway (I could use this myself right now, ha!), a His/Her Urban Goodie Bag, a Vegan Ice Cream Starter Kit, and a Chocolate Madness Gift Box.

I've been nominated other years, and with the huge competition every year, really I don't expect winning, but wow it would be super cool if I did! So, if you want to send me your votes, please do!

...thank you! :)