tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19150019.post115634203158244360..comments2023-11-02T05:14:19.243-07:00Comments on eat, drink & be vegan: You Still There? I'm Back!...Dreenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16551890320761504899noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19150019.post-3061617321040303372006-09-06T10:12:00.000-07:002006-09-06T10:12:00.000-07:00i really like it when you comment on our blogs, an...i really like it when you comment on our blogs, and i know it wouldn't stop me from saying that a dish is less-than-spectualar to my family's taste buds. i think it's so cool that we get to sort of "chat" with the author of the book, and to ask your advice or opinions when we need help :)Michellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02572397449405195846noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19150019.post-68099026225317928422006-09-05T08:30:00.000-07:002006-09-05T08:30:00.000-07:00yup. I'm still catching up! Sorry! :)
Great pi...yup. I'm still catching up! Sorry! :)<br /><br />Great pictures! Very nice! Sorry to hear about the flight complications with soy milk. They should REALLY have soy milk as an option even if they don't support veg*n diets...for the allegies, you know, but why not for the veg*ns? I'm with you on that.<br /><br />I have been sliding backwards on weekends with the vegan aspirations...but cotninue to try...the only excuse...products not available to me and I'm still learning. I really like being about to BREATHE and not eat dairy (i.e. cheese & cream) but it's in almost everything when I travel and eat out and I'm the only veg*n. Sheesh! I just really need to put my foot down! Sorry needed to vent.<br /><br />:)Harmoniahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09005561900381062963noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19150019.post-1156981611509061402006-08-30T16:46:00.000-07:002006-08-30T16:46:00.000-07:00beautiful family photos -- georgous sistahs! as fa...beautiful family photos -- georgous sistahs! as far the the color coordination goes -- they look oceanic & you look earthy -- perfectly complimenting eachother.Vicki's Vegan Vicehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00786229426003858902noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19150019.post-1156778851803471242006-08-28T08:27:00.000-07:002006-08-28T08:27:00.000-07:00welcome back! it sounds like a lovely trip, well,...welcome back! it sounds like a lovely trip, well, minus the whole 'no vegan food on flights' thing. that always worries me when i fly (thankfully not very often), but the new 'no liquids' rule scares me even more! thank goodness they let you keep the soy milk and food you brought!!<BR/><BR/>gen<BR/>p.s. i love how colour-coordinated your family is, hehee. :DAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19150019.post-1156746477938738872006-08-27T23:27:00.000-07:002006-08-27T23:27:00.000-07:00We're here! WELCOME BACK!We're here! WELCOME BACK!KleoPatrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15870163086087701279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19150019.post-1156704732518748122006-08-27T11:52:00.000-07:002006-08-27T11:52:00.000-07:00Glad to hear you had a good trip down east, Dreena...Glad to hear you had a good trip down east, Dreena! <BR/><BR/>I recently flew down east as well and was also thinking that these airlines are going to have to figure out how to accomodate other dietary needs better. Maybe we should all write letters to Air Canada, etc so they might start thinking about things....Bookphiliahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05155882653615842141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19150019.post-1156689555047748842006-08-27T07:39:00.000-07:002006-08-27T07:39:00.000-07:00Cherie, or we can be very sharp-witted and really ...Cherie, or we can be very sharp-witted and really drive the point home! That's what *I* need to remember!!<BR/><BR/>Hi Raylon... welcome aboard, and thanks for all of your compliments!! :) I visited your blog, it looks like you have some excellent vegan events and eating/shopping in Sarasota! Lucky you!! I really appreciate your good words, and if I can help your vegsarasota group in some way such as a recipe reprint for your members' mailing list, let me know!<BR/><BR/>Hi Aimee, and a huge kudos to you! Wooo hoooo! After 17 years of eating vegetarian, to recently have made the leap to eating vegan... WOOT!! for you!! :) I am flattered that you think some of my blog work and recipes have helped you with this transition. Jennifer has helped people tremendously with vlb, both in making the shift to veganism and also just bringing understanding about the diet and how healthy and fabulous it can be! Thanks for your input, and pls let me know if I can answer any questions for you! :)<BR/><BR/>Hi Catherine... Wow, haven't 'chatted' with you for a while!! The flight WAS very long, and required MUCH patience, believe me!! The thirst thing - I have heard that you need something like 2-3x more water than normal when flying, because of the dehydration. I find I drink a ton right after landing and into the next day to make up for how dehydrated I feel!! ...and it's good to be back - thanks. :)Dreenahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16551890320761504899noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19150019.post-1156622698605899462006-08-26T13:04:00.000-07:002006-08-26T13:04:00.000-07:00Dreena, I feel your travel pain -- I recently had ...Dreena, I feel your travel pain -- I recently had a long flight back from Wyoming to Minnesota, (not as much time in the air as you . . . but due to a major engine repair delay where they did NOT deplane us, I missed my connecting flight in Denver and was very fortunate to scoot on a slightly later one . . . putting me home at midnight!), and it was the thirstiest flight of my life. Fortunately, they do have bottled and sparkling waters, and I brought tons of snacks, which helped. I applaud you for making it through in one piece with two small children!<BR/><BR/>Welcome back!Catherine Weberhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05840408638057727714noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19150019.post-1156615284424794922006-08-26T11:01:00.000-07:002006-08-26T11:01:00.000-07:00Hi Dreena! I've been reading your blog since Nove...Hi Dreena! I've been reading your blog since November (when I was turned-on to it by the Vegan Lunch Box blog) and just love it! I've been a "casual" vegetarian for 17 years (meaning on very rare occasions I ate chicken-like a few times a year) but became a vegan in February [thanks in large part to you and Jennifer (at VLB)]! I bought both of your cookbooks and have been slowly making my way through them. Your recipes are fantastic. I especially like all of your wonderful salad dressing recipes which have inspired me to experiment with some of my own. I really appreciate your Wheat-free options, also! I finally found some Hemp seed nuts at my local Health food store and made the Apple Hemp Muffins! Delish! Keep posting and I'll definitely keep reading! Thank You!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19150019.post-1156595041496456712006-08-26T05:24:00.000-07:002006-08-26T05:24:00.000-07:00Hey Dreena (& crew), having recently started a blo...Hey Dreena (& crew), having recently started a blog I went hunting for other cool, hip veggie peoples that do the blog thing and I hit the motherload with you! This is a great one so we linked to you from ours. This is basically an easy way for me to get to your blog so I can drool over your latest creation hehe<BR/><BR/>You have a great writing style and we really appreciate the work you're doing through food activism and have nothing but good things to say about your cookbooks and recipes!<BR/><BR/>My fav parts of this post was the sister's quote and the "freaky vegan" thing - that's perfect!Raylonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16368676771528230343noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19150019.post-1156555315043505272006-08-25T18:21:00.000-07:002006-08-25T18:21:00.000-07:00We just need to say it with a smile or laugh! I n...We just need to say it with a smile or laugh! I need to remember that. :)Cherie Andersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16522315416017835015noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19150019.post-1156545023124767032006-08-25T15:30:00.000-07:002006-08-25T15:30:00.000-07:00Welcome Cherios! Thanks so much. :) Well, that wa...Welcome Cherios! Thanks so much. :) Well, that was the veggie wrap that was on the 'menu' on our flights. We thought about checking it out, but assumed it probably had mayo or cheese. Though we know from prior experience with Air Canada, that their definition of vegetarian is the "strict" definition, and so if things are listed as vegetarian then that usually means vegan. Good to know for next time - but that's a looong time away!! :)<BR/><BR/>Carrie, we are now in bizarro world like that Seinfeld episode! I used to take walks on Waterloo Row all the time. We lived near the campus, first on Forest Hill Road I think and then on Biggs Street (I think, it's been A WHILE now)!! We really did love our time there. I don't think I ever went in that health food store, unfortunately. Those were my "cheese" and "frozen yogurt" days. I used to get cheese potatoes at Wendy's all the time - and ice-cream at this shop... oh, I can't remember the name - when I do, I'll come back with it! :) Very funny, hey? We were there for just two years, but it was a very memorable time, and I always praise the campus there and the faculty in the Commerce program - they were incredible - and the people I met there too!!<BR/><BR/>Hey Laura! Hmmm, maybe I should go on vacation again and see if a few other people go vegan during my time away - sounds like a plan! Glad to have you here and commenting. :)<BR/><BR/>Hi Cherie!! Good to hear from you and yeah, I'm back in the blogging world!! (so sweet that you checked almost every day to see if I had a post up) :) Funny about the flight attendant - I'm not usually even as bold as THAT! I'm typically too 'nice' about things. I would love to have a sharper tongue and get a point across once in a while. Whenever I do, I then ruminate about it for far too long though! Gosh, what a sap I am!! Ah well, I'll try to convince through cooking I guess!Dreenahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16551890320761504899noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19150019.post-1156524203689505282006-08-25T09:43:00.000-07:002006-08-25T09:43:00.000-07:00Yay! You're back. I've been looking almost every...Yay! You're back. I've been looking almost every day for a new post on here, wondering what you've been up to. :)<BR/><BR/>That's funny about the flight attendant and your comment back. I probably would have said something more "smart-ass" and come off looking like a jerk, like, "Hey, do I look like I want to gain 2,000 pounds and have four stomachs?" or "I don't eat calf food." LOL <BR/><BR/>I'm losing my patience with these humans drinking non-human animal secretions and acting as if it's necessary or as if vegan cheese won't do, so they just eat cow-milk cheese and it's okay because it's "only" every once and a while (especially with all of the suffering involved).Cherie Andersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16522315416017835015noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19150019.post-1156484339334304262006-08-24T22:38:00.000-07:002006-08-24T22:38:00.000-07:00I'm glad you had a great vacation! What a bummer ...I'm glad you had a great vacation! What a bummer about the plane ride though--it amazes me that you can't get dairy-free milk. How ridiculous!<BR/><BR/>I'm Laura, by the way. I became a vegan while you were on vacation, and I've been peeking in ever since to see when you would return. I'm glad you're back now!laura khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17124236356802448254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19150019.post-1156473990841917492006-08-24T19:46:00.000-07:002006-08-24T19:46:00.000-07:00Dreena. GET OUT!! You're kidding me! A picture of ...Dreena. GET OUT!! You're kidding me! A picture of Waterloo Row?? I LIVED ON WATERLOO ROW FOR 18 YEARS!! Crap! That is just too freaky. I spent much time at the university, so maybe we did bump into each other. I also liked to walk/jog "The Green". My very first job in high school (FHS!!) was working at a health food store on Regent St. that a friend of mine owned with his mother. I made a whole whopping $3 an hour. I then worked at that convenience store on University Ave. down from the university. A lot of students came in there. Maybe you or your husband did & know the places I'm talking about. <BR/>Jim had never been to Fredericton, so we went for a vacation about 3 years ago. That was the first time I'd been home in about 5 or 6 years. I noticed a lot of things were different...but a lot the same. I took him down to the farmer's market on George St. which is where I discovered Elizabeth Demerson and her amazing pottery. OK, this is just getting too rambly and way off subject. I'm just tickled that you know the places I'm mentioning. hehe! Rest up and when you're back blogging, I have a couple of posts to put up directed to you. I've been saving them for your return.Carrie™https://www.blogger.com/profile/03326682699231189746noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19150019.post-1156461970375496472006-08-24T16:26:00.000-07:002006-08-24T16:26:00.000-07:00Hey Dayle!! (to all of you bloggers, this is my li...Hey Dayle!! (to all of you bloggers, this is my lil' sis - the one I mentioned, the baby blonde!) Well, now you know I was always the sweet sister, right? - okay, you're pretty close too but we won't talk about the rest of them - ha! Mom should read all these lovely comments about her - oh, and you do remember the vegetable man, right?! He always thought she was the best thing since turnip!! Let's hope we get her good skin genes. :) Talk soon.. xo!Dreenahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16551890320761504899noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19150019.post-1156447476610320722006-08-24T12:24:00.000-07:002006-08-24T12:24:00.000-07:00Guys, thank you again... you are all so kind and s...Guys, thank you again... you are all so kind and sweet - what a daily dose of goodness I get here! :) <BR/><BR/>Savanna, I'm just a little evil with the contests! :) Yes, I am the only vegan in my family. My youngest sister eats mostly vegetarian but they eat fish and cheese/eggs. My sister that lives out here also eats primarily a vegan diet, but eats fish and sometimes and eggs. Thanks for those kind words... I certainly don't see myself as a super-mom or wife or anything like that, but thanks. :)<BR/><BR/>Hi Crystal! omg, I don't think I'm that much of a sharp dresser, but thanks! I was talking with my sisters about how I have everything so "practical" - t's, tanks, jeans, capris (love capris), but it works for my life with the girls! <BR/><BR/>Hey Megan... okay, you are a brave one going back there every year during the winter!! And yes, 4 seasons in a day is so accurate - even this trip we had days that were sunny then cold/cloudy, back to sunny, etc the whole day. It is very unique! Aww, you're too kind - my sisters will love to hear that (yeah, me too!) esp as we are all "gettin' older"! ha!<BR/><BR/>Hi madeinalaska, nice to see you - welcome to this incredible world of blogging! Yay that you're lovin' Vive!!! Thanks :) pls e-mail/comment if you ever need help with anything, and I appreciate your good words!<BR/><BR/>Hey pure zuke! It's good to 'be back'! Thank you for those compliments, far too kind. :) I'm sure you will come across something that isn't your 'thing', but I'm certainly pleased that you are liking everything so far!!! You have been cooking like crazy it seems, and sharing with your parents - how great! Thanks for your support and exuberance for my recipes... :)<BR/><BR/>Thanks Danielle!<BR/><BR/>Hey Amy... woohoo to tofu!! Glad you enjoyed - er - hoovered it! Yeah, the brownies may not look fully cooked when you pull them out at around 25 minutes, but they continue to cook some while cooling, and the fudginess comes partly from not baking them too long (even the edges aren't as fudgy as the centre because of that extra baking/heat around the edge). I am looking forward to more stews too - though it hasn't been too hot here that I can actually make them now!<BR/><BR/>Sweet pea, I SHOULD have been sainted after that flight, believe me!!! The 21 month old didn't nap more than 20 minutes each way, either - yikes! We did a lot of toy juggling, snack giving, talking/reading - it was totally exhausting! But, we got there and home safe and that's all that really matters. I love the story about the shades of brown! I actually love the colors of the aqua and green my family was wearing - but, I just wasn't 'with it' that day!<BR/><BR/>Hi Leonie, I hope you have received my e-mail back and the tips have helped you. :)<BR/><BR/>Kourtney, that's a great tip. I would have to test my girls on the powder first, since we've never tried it before. Certainly much lighter to tote as well!!! Thanks!<BR/><BR/>Hi Mia, gosh, that's tricky with the strawberry allergy. Sometimes they are even put on the side as a garnish. We used to order veggie meals, but now on our Air Canada flights, you can't order any meals at all, they just have on-flight snacks/sandwiches that are mostly junk. Too bad, I used to actually like their strict vegetarian meals!<BR/><BR/>Hi anonymous... thanks for the note. We used to always preorder our meals but now the major airline in Canada - Air Canada - does not provide meals and so we cannot order the vegan meals. Believe me, we would have!! I used to enjoy them, and it meant not having to pack so much stuff. Though, if our connecting flight was missed with delays, we would sometimes lose out on our meals. But now, the only things they have on their 'menu' are baby carrots with ranch dip (ugh), apple slices with caramel dip (most likely NOT vegan), and a vegetarian sub - which I can only guess has cheese or mayo on it. I'm hoping they will change their meal service again, but then, we won't be flying again for a VERY long time anyhow - too tough doing long flights with them young. But your suggestion of calling ahead just to inform them of our dietary needs and so they give less hassle with the food - never thought of that - great idea... thanks!<BR/><BR/>Hey Leslie!! It's great to be back and 'chat' with everyone again. I hope you are doing a little better, are you? I will have cookies up again soon, so watch out!! (oh, and I wish we *could* have napped on the plane - maybe if our girls napped - but they don't nap out of their beds - doh!)<BR/><BR/>Hey, thanks Michelle. :)<BR/><BR/>Hi Danielle, I know, the fizzy stuff helps a bit on planes. I go with club soda with lemon juice at times - esp if they don't have bottled water!<BR/><BR/>Thank you Amy... we had a nice time, but it is much nicer to be home again. :)<BR/><BR/>Peace,love,veganism... just picturing trying to pick meat off a salad - ewww, poor you! (ever try to pick grated cheese off??!) I agree, telling people you 'can't' eat dairy is more accepted than you choose not to. Too bad, but sometimes it's the only way to ensure your food isn't sprinkled with cheese of some sort. Oh, I'm so pleased you liked the cookies and oat bars!!! Thanks for the feedback. :)<BR/><BR/>Thanks Vivacious!! ... wow, that adaptation sounds like it has some kick! Good kick! Thanks for sharing it, I will have to give it a run sometime. I love spiced up nuts and such, and the idea of adding them to cookies is brilliant, my dear! Awesome. :)<BR/><BR/>Hiya Julie!! Thanks so much (and I think hubby's a handsome bloke too! :) You have been doing lots of cooking over the summer too it looks like!! Look forward to seeing more of your cookin' too!<BR/><BR/>Thanks Laine! I know, it surprised me with all the dairy allergies - very 'behind the times' I thought. Yes, I hope I inherit my mom's good skin genes in my later years!! oh, btw, not sucky, not at all!... :)<BR/><BR/>Yes bye, Carrie, I'm from Newfoundland! :) Born and raised in St. John's - have been in BC about 8 years now. AND, YES, I actually finished my Commerce degree at UNB in Fredericton!!! Can you believe what a small world we live in?! Hubby and I both finished our university there and we have very fond memories of Fredericton. The university is fabulous there and a lovely campus. We have a print of Waterloo Row hanging in our living room!!! We could have bumped into each other one day years ago and never have known that we would be blogging buddies now! Wow, your family is REALLY spread out. That's quite tough. At least we are all still in the same country! Flying is just brutal with little kids. We had 4 hours to TO from St. John's, then another 5 to Vancouver from TO. Yeah, like kids want to be sitting in chairs for that long! Plus, our girls didn't nap (well, unless you call 20 minutes a decent nap - not me!), and so it was just entertain and keep happy. Thankfully we brought 1 car seat, so we could buckle the 21 month old in the seat... I would have gone crazy trying to appease her otherwise. She is a mover and a shaker!!! :) <BR/><BR/>Awesome, Savanna... I'm so glad you liked those! I often interchange barley/spelt - good idea to do so! :)<BR/><BR/>Hi Tina K! Thanks, that's so nice of you! I think that's adorable that you are missing teaching so much. I bet you are an amazing teacher and the kids must miss you too! Oh, and my cooking can be quite uninspired at times too - trust me!<BR/><BR/>Thanks springsandwells... nice to be back too! :)Dreenahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16551890320761504899noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19150019.post-1156447409390853272006-08-24T12:23:00.000-07:002006-08-24T12:23:00.000-07:00That's HILARIOUS with the outfits! And then your ...That's HILARIOUS with the outfits! And then your colored font! you're too cute. and how sweet are you to reply to EVERYBODY! <BR/><BR/>and, p.s., how hot is MOM???dalygagahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14883868009070068321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19150019.post-1156441806130350472006-08-24T10:50:00.000-07:002006-08-24T10:50:00.000-07:00hoorah!welcome back... nice to see and hear about ...hoorah!<BR/>welcome back... nice to see and hear about your fun trip. <BR/>:)Ameyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00291071425858947632noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19150019.post-1156435989645742782006-08-24T09:13:00.000-07:002006-08-24T09:13:00.000-07:00YAY!! You are back!! I hope you had a relaxing ge...YAY!! You are back!! I hope you had a relaxing getaway and are feeling refreshed to get back into your groove. I am a teacher and have to admit I am ready to go back now. I miss all the kids!! I am in dire need of some Dreena inspiration as my cooking has been lazy and uninteresting!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19150019.post-1156419464284701882006-08-24T04:37:00.000-07:002006-08-24T04:37:00.000-07:00Holy doodle Dreena! I didn't realize you were from...Holy doodle Dreena! I didn't realize you were from The Rock. I grew up in Fredericton. Ever been? It's a very nice place & like it, but don't know if I could live there full-time anymore. (maybe when I retire) My mom & dad still live in F'ton and the kids have scattered (like your family). I have one sister left in Fredericton, one in Northern NB, one in BC, a brother in Halifax, a brother in Japan and me in Ontario. It's been a while since we were all home together, but when we are, what a blast. Sounds like you had a great time with your family as well. <BR/>Flying has become more of a hassle than ever! I can't believe they were giving you a hard time about pre-packaged drinks. The anonymous poster had some good advice about calling ahead. I'll do that next time. I can't imagine flying for such a long time with 2 small children. I get cranky when I'm stuck on a plane for hours. <BR/>Glad to have you back!!Carrie™https://www.blogger.com/profile/03326682699231189746noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19150019.post-1156390144842536762006-08-23T20:29:00.000-07:002006-08-23T20:29:00.000-07:00YAY! You're back. I have missed your posts oh so m...YAY! You're back. I have missed your posts oh so much!! Glad to hear you had a good vacation. You have such a lovely looking family, including the hubbie. :)<BR/><BR/>Well, I can't wait for more food posts and pics...and ofcourse the contest.Juliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15442480504099194624noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19150019.post-1156389022771316742006-08-23T20:10:00.001-07:002006-08-23T20:10:00.001-07:00Hooray! You're back. What a weird coincidence. ...Hooray! You're back. What a weird coincidence. I just made your Peanut Better Cookies today. I like to make them with a modified version of this spiced walnut recipe I got from the winning recipe of a cookie contest Emiril had. <BR/><BR/>1 tsp canola oil <BR/>1 Tbsp Chinese chile oil <BR/>1/2 cup finely diced walnuts <BR/>1/8 tsp cayenne pepper <BR/>1/8 tsp powdered ginger <BR/>1/8 tsp nutmeg <BR/>2 Tbsp unrefined sugar<BR/><BR/>In a small skillet; add the canola oil and chile oil, heat on the range until sizzling. Add the walnuts, and toss for a couple minutes until golden brown. Add the cayenne, ginger, and nutmeg. Continue to toss for another 1. Finally add the sugar to soak in all the goodness at the bottom of the pan. (I then put them onto paper towels to absorb any extra oil.) <BR/><BR/>Add these walnuts with one teaspoon of chili oil and 1/8 tsp cayenne to the wet ingredients before incorporating the dry.<BR/><BR/>It makes them very different and memorable.<BR/><BR/>Glad you had a wonderful time with your family. It's too bad your other sister couldn't join you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19150019.post-1156389007072702692006-08-23T20:10:00.000-07:002006-08-23T20:10:00.000-07:00Hooray! You're back. What a weird coincidence. ...Hooray! You're back. What a weird coincidence. I just made your Peanut Better Cookies today. I like to make them with a modified version of this spiced walnut recipe I got from the winning recipe of a cookie contest Emiril had. <BR/><BR/>1 tsp canola oil <BR/>1 Tbsp Chinese chile oil <BR/>1/2 cup finely diced walnuts <BR/>1/8 tsp cayenne pepper <BR/>1/8 tsp powdered ginger <BR/>1/8 tsp nutmeg <BR/>2 Tbsp unrefined sugar<BR/><BR/>In a small skillet; add the canola oil and chile oil, heat on the range until sizzling. Add the walnuts, and toss for a couple minutes until golden brown. Add the cayenne, ginger, and nutmeg. Continue to toss for another 1. Finally add the sugar to soak in all the goodness at the bottom of the pan. (I then put them onto paper towels to absorb any extra oil.) <BR/><BR/>Add these walnuts with one teaspoon of chili oil and 1/8 tsp cayenne to the wet ingredients before incorporating the dry.<BR/><BR/>It makes them very different and memorable.<BR/><BR/>Glad you had a wonderful time with your family. It's too bad your other sister couldn't join you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19150019.post-1156382211266929912006-08-23T18:16:00.000-07:002006-08-23T18:16:00.000-07:00I just had to laugh, hearing the airplane story, b...I just had to laugh, hearing the airplane story, because I too have run into the food on an airplane problem, among others. I was told I had to order it ahead of time (next time, I will know better!), of course. <BR/><BR/>Other times, I have been at conferences, and they have these great boxed meals but they are all salads with some sort of meat on top. If I could bear to scrape the meat off (which sometimes I can), all I have left is lettuce! That is NOT a meal, nevermind vegan. <BR/><BR/>I was at the beach this week and every time we ate out there were little other options than house salads (lettuce and cucumbers) and baked potatoes (are you sure you don't want sour cream or butter on that?)! What works for me (at least here in the US) is to tell them I "can't have dairy" and at least the restaurants are very, very careful. The airlines have years to go! <BR/><BR/>Another conference lunch did not have anything veggie, but they grilled up a huge sandwich of very, very greasy veggies with tons of cheese on white bread (I was only a vegetarian at that time). I had a huge stomach ache. :( <BR/><BR/>On the bright side, Dreena, I did make your Coconut Lime cookies again to more rave reviews! They are so light and perfect for summer! Your oat bars were another lifesaver for me on our road trips. So much healthier than storebought ones!Peace, Love and Veganismhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02622549146897862600noreply@blogger.com