Don't Know Where To Start

I feel like I have dozens of things to blog about, from recipes and photos, to guest posts, to testing, to momma business.  Most of my days are so non-stop that despite having plenty of ideas and inspiration to write about, it's often a challenge to plunk my butt down to type out my thoughts!

With all that, today I'll start with appreciation.  Gratitude to you kind people that left encouraging comments on my last post, and also on facebook, to keep my spirits up about my place in this world of vegan cookery.  Reading your heartfelt sentiments helped me put perspective on the matter.  And, in my heart of hearts, I fully realize that in these moments of disappointment, it is very much my 'ego' speaking (those of you that have read Eckhart Tolle's A New Earth will immediately understand).  At the center of what I do is my love of making good vegan food, my curiosity and quest to develop new and exciting recipes, and to share these creations with my family, friends, and you.  So, to those of you that expressed support, both through written notes and/or also with votes for me as an 'other' in the VegNews survey... thank you.

Okay, on to some food!  Not knowing where to begin, I'll start with the most recent photo I have, of a 'Kaleslaw' with Curried Almond Dressing.  The slaw is a combination of julienned kale leaves, grated carrot, julienned fennel and apple, and a sprinkling of raisins and chopped almonds.  The dressing is a raw dressing that I came up with months and months ago.  When designing this slaw I realized it was the perfect slaw dressing - bonus!  I have never been fond of traditional coleslaw.  Never been partial to green or red cabbage, raw or cooked.  With this, I'm meeting coleslaw halfway... we are now playing nice.

Regular consumption of nutrient-dense whole foods supports cellular regeneration, which rebuilds new body tissue.  This process is vital for every aspect of health and vitality.  (Source: The Thrive Diet, Brendan Brazier)

Creamy Basil Dressing and Raw Corn Salad

Colorful, hey?! This salad I made back in the summer, when fresh organic corn was plentiful. Maybe, just maybe, you can score some raw corn in your area and mix up this delicious, satisfying raw salad yourself.
But, even if you don't make the salad, make the dressing! It's the Creamy Basil Dressing from ED&BV, and I posted about it once before. The recipe gives two versions, the original and a 'raw' version. Both are incredibly delicious, and very creamy, so you can choose! You only need 1/2 cup of fresh basil leaves, so you can still make this even though summer has passed... just get one or two of those little herb packs in your grocery store. I know, I know - they are pricey - but imo, fresh basil is worth the price!

Use this dressing as you normally would on salads, or also try it drizzled on other foods like sandwiches or pasta... or keep it quite thick and use it as a dip! If you do want to try out this raw corn salad, here's the rough recipe:

3/4 cup raw corn kernels (just cut away from cob)
1/4 cup red peppers, diced
1 cup fresh tomatoes, chopped
1/3 cup avocado, chopped
1/8 cup green onions, finely sliced
2-3 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped (optional)
1/4 - 1/3 cup Creamy Basil Dressing

Simply toss all ingredients together in a bowl, using as much dressing as you like. (or, toss all ingredients except avocado, and garnish finished salad with the chopped avocado). Serve immediately! (If not serving immediately, prep all ingredients except avocado and don't toss with dressing. Before serving, add in chopped avocado and dressing). You can garnish salad with a few extra basil leaves and/or avocado chunks if you like.

This salad is almost a meal in itself. With the almonds in the dressing along with the corn and avocado, it's quite filling. Maybe pair with a light soup or light grain dish to complete your meal.

Before I run off, I want to thank those of you that have posted reviews on amazon. There are some super lovely ones there! :) These reviews are one of the best ways you can support my book and my work in general. I sure could use more reviews from those of you enjoying my book... so please add a line or two if ED&BV has hit a sweet spot with you!