Someone's Feeling Like Santa

Ho ho ho!

Are we all scurrying about getting ready for Christmas? All you moms out there feeling tired trying to get every detail in order and, like me, probably waking in the middle of the night with 'to-do's' that trigger your brain and you're BOING! awake?! Yes, it's the 'most wonderful time of the year', after all.

Ok, sarcasm aside, I do love that this time of year we have fun sharing with each other, in whatever way that is. Like yesterday, I had a nice long chat with a friend that I hadn't talked to for a while. We joked about our stress of the holidays, and had a great time sharing our tired woes!

Plus, I am really loving the joy I see in my girls with what's beautiful about this time of year. Their fun in decorating the tree, their excitement to see other's homes decorated, and the adorable things they say about Christmas. We have been lucky so far with our girls with Christmas gifts... this year, our 6 1/2 yr old wrote a 'list'... the first time ever. It had just one thing on it - a panda bear. She really wants a stuffed panda bear (and as you moms out there know... just what you need more of in the house... stuffies, right?). Anyhow, I feel fortunate that her list wasn't '&', '&', '&'.... just one thing that is special for her. (Mind you, she's counting down the days, is bouncing off the walls, and has already hung her stocking... right at our fireplace... open at the top, saying "so Santa can fill it all the way up"!) Anyhow, she wrote a panda bear on her note and mailed it some weeks back. Recently, I think she's realized that she didn't specify with Santa what size Panda she would like. I think she's concerned that she might get a little panda figurine. So she asked "mom, does Santa know I want a big Panda". I said "I'm sure Santa will do his best to get you a special Panda". She replied "can we ask God to talk to Santa so he'll bring a big Panda?" Funny. Um, excuse me god, I don't think Santa really understands what I'm looking for... can you clear it up for me?

So, in the spirit of the season and to balance my state of sleep-deprivation meets excitement, I am sharing a few things here.

First, I have posted more recipes from ED&BV. You can find the recipes for Chocolate Mint Melties, Cashew Ginger Tofu, Thai Coconut Corn Stew, Raspberry Cornmeal Pancakes & Celestial Cream. Ahhhh yes, dig in folks! I've also reposted my Homestyle Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe, which is in the archives. (btw, if any of you get a nice photo of the Cashew Ginger Tofu, I'll use it on my recipes page)

Next, my recipes for Food Network Canada are finished! YES!! So, in late January/early February, you will be able to get your paws on 20 new recipes at foodtv.ca - whooopeee! I'll fill you in with more details once the time approaches.

Next, a few of my favorite things. If you have some last minute gifts and aren't sure what to buy, have a look at this list from last year, and also consider these ideas, that can be given in combination with each other, or as an 'extra' to a gift you have...

Kitchen Rasp - any cook would love to receive one of these handy gadgets. Even if they have one already, it won't go to waste - sometimes you want one for use in sweet recipes and one for savory uses.

Maple Butter - I use maple butter in a couple of new recipes in ED&BV, and I really love it. It's VERY concentrated, basically is pure maple syrup boiled down to a thick butter, so you get an intense maple flavor in a small amount.

Lemon Squeezer - Nifty gadget that you will actually USE! I have one, and it's very handy, and makes a great little gift.

Heat-Proof Spatulas - we all love these, and need 'em!

Any of these items pair beautifully with uh... my book, ha!

Sahale Snacks nuts. These are terrific, though note that a couple of the flavors might be spicy for some. My faves are the walnut and pecanblends. Wonderful!

Cocoa Camino chocolate bars. Dairy-free varieties - especially the mint variety, which has these little bitty sugary minty bits that make the bar OMG outstanding! Try them in the Chocolate Mint Melties!

Speaking of which, I now sport my Santa hat and will give away 2 signed copies of ED&BV! Enter your comment for a chance to win, rules are here. I will do the draw during the holidays and announce the winner in the New Year.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you all!

(p.s. if you are wondering "Dreena, what are you eating for Christmas this year? Check out this post, that's what we're having - yum, can't wait! Plus, I'm using my Classic Cranberry Sauce recipe from ed&bv, and also adding a new tofu recipe that I've submitted to foodtv.ca, you'll be able to get it soon. Not sure about dessert, have to think about what I'm doing there, but as for our main meal, it's all described here. If you're still thinking about dishes to make, this holiday tart that I created for VegNews would also be a festive dish.)

Christmas Gifties!

Today's post is all about gift-giving! (and this post is as long as Santa's list!)

First up...
I've started making making my famous Sublime Chocolate Bark to give as little gifts for friends. Go check out last year's post on this bark as well. This is tradition for me, I love making it, and have a VERY hard time not eating it (even harder for hubby). Here is a quick rundown of the process, but also check out the link from last year for more detail.

I start with these big baking bars from Bernard Callebaut. Incredibly rich and smooth and the best tasting dark chocolate you can imagine. If you're buying chocolate, be sure to check out these liquor chocolates (posted here). Expensive, yes - but liquor chocolate heaven - you won't go back to other liquor chocolates.



Here are this years' pics of melting the chocolate:


adding the almonds, cranberries and crystallized ginger to the melted chocolate:

pouring onto a lined baking sheet:
and then breaking up the bark once cooled.


IMPORTANT STEP: (while bark is cooling, you must scrape out all the leftover chocolate from the bowl and lick the spatula clean)!!!


As a little gift to you all, I am posting the recipe for my Sublime Chocolate Bark again this year on my recipes page.


Next up...
Are you still looking for gift ideas for a special vegan foodie on your list. You know, one of those people (like me) that gets excited to walk through the aisles of a whole foods or specialty store?! Well, here's a few ideas for a giftie that I think he/she (me!) would love:

- quality oils, such as flavored and/or organic olive oils

- seasoned vinegars, such as herbed or fruited vinegars. Look for ones without sulfites.

- jars of vegan antipastos, chutneys, mustards, or other spreads for crackers/breads


- "pasta night" basket, with an organic tomato sauce, uncommon pasta (ex: soba or kamut), jar of olives or capers or bottle of olive oil. Pop them all in a colander as a gift!

- "sweets" bag or basket, with a few goodies like dark chocolate, vegan hot chocolate packs, vegan cookies

- "savory" bag or basket, with specialty crackers, seasoned nuts, chips, or seasoned cereal/cracker mixes (like the trail mixes, but with rice crackers and/or cereals - check if vegan when buying).

-"baking" basket, with bag of dark chocolate chips, vanilla extract or vanilla BEANS!, small bottle of agave nectar or maple syrup, small bag of spelt or barley flour, or a vegan cookie/brownie mix. Wrap in a large tea towel, or include measuring spoons as part of the gift!

- seasonings and spice jars. I like to use some of those jars of spices combined with rock sea salt that you can grind over your foods like soups or sandwiches. Different varieties out there with blends of spices, they're lovely

- selection of teas and vegan hot chocolate, along with some sweetener like agave or stevia, maybe add a beatiful mug as a gift.

- Chocolate Bark! Haven't I convinced you already?


Next up...
I want to mention gift-wrap. Last year, I decided to ban the purchase of Christmas wrap. Why? Because it's wasteful (torn in minutes and tossed), tears easily when wrapping, a nuisance to buy and schlep home, & expensive and unnecessary when we have other 'reusing' options. I know. This may be crunchy of me, and I'm not always the best 'reduce, reuse, recycle' candidate. But, I try where I can, and this is one area. Try these ideas:

1) Check out last year's post. I use the inside of printed paper bags from grocery stores and shopping stores. Or, if the bag is pretty enough, use the outside. I'm not much of a crafty person, so this year I had our older girl color pictures on that blank inside of our bags. I know her grandparents and other friends and relatives will love to see their gifts wrapped in her artwork. (Plus, it gives me an excuse for not being able to more lavishly paint or decorate the paper!!)

2) Wrap in newspaper - comics or other sections of newspapers that you might like (ex: lifestyles or entertainment). Paint or color if you like.

3) Reuse gift bags, and they don't have to be holiday gift bags. Buy plain white, red, or yellow gift bags that can be reused by your recipients ANY time of the year.

4) Flyers! How many flyers are we getting this time of year? Use ones from hardware stores for men, toy stores for kids, etc.

5) Empty food boxes. I know this may seem weird, but some of these boxes are very cute and attractive - and sturdy. Like chocolate and cookie boxes.

You guys have other gift-wrapping ideas? Add them in the comments!

Finally...
if you hung around long enough to read through this lengthy post... ho, ho, ho!
You have the chance to win a cookbook!! My Christmas gift to you.

I am giving away 2 cookbooks - one for a US resident, and one for a Canadian resident. I won't be able to ship until after Christmas. I need a break! So, a little belated gift for you or a loved one. The winners will also receive some of those Soy Delicious coupons! Not sure how I'll pick the winner, not sure when I'll announce, but you can enter through the comments - here are the rules. Ooooh, you can make cookies from my book and then make ice-cream sandwiches - the joy, the bliss!

Merry Christmas!! Ho, Ho, Ho!

Oh, and finally, finally - thank you to those of you that reviewed my books on amazon. Holiday ((hugs)) to you! :)

Now if you'll excuse me I have some chocolate to eat... and I really need a holiday break!