A yummy vegan Christmas

I hope that everyone is having a wonderful holiday season. This was my second Christmas as a vegan and the food went over very well. I made many side dishes from years past only veganized. I was happy to hear some of my vegan dishes were liked the best by a family member. Because there were some non- vegan dishes there as well (I am the only vegan) I said to my family now you can do a taste test to see if they can tell a difference for example between vegan and non-vegan sweet potatoes. I was happy when a family member preferred my vegan sweet potatoes over the non-vegan ones. :) Some of the things I made were broccoli with browned garlic and oil, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, stuffing, orzo pilaf, pumpkin pie, chocolate pudding pie and sugar cookies. The pumpkin pie is the one I posted last year and this year again. I have been wanting to try it and I can now say it was very good. I could not tell the difference from a non- vegan version. It did take longer to cook then the recipe said but it was still worth it..I do not have pictures of the food except for the cookies which I will post. All I did with the cookies is what I said in my cookie post by veganizing a recipe I had. I used vegan sour cream, vegan sugar and egg replacer as substitutes for some of the ingredients in the recipe. And they were enjoyed as they were last year.



Have a Happy New Year.

Thank you for coming to my blog and please come back again soon.
Gnewvegan

Post from 2007 on making cookies.

Monday, November 12, 2007
It is cookie time :)

I was not going to talk about sugar so soon in the blog but being that the cookie season is approaching I thought it would be a good idea. Recently I learned that sugar is not vegan. I did research and here is a website I found about this topic. It also lists brands of sugar that are non-vegan and vegan. I thought the information may be of interest especially around the holidays when sugar cookies are popular. And do not worry about finding the sugar because it is out there. I found it at an organic /whole food store and the local supermarket.
http://www.vegfamily.com/articles/sugar.htm
When I looked into colored vegan sugar I did not find that. But I did find vegan sprinkles that one uses on ice cream on one of the web sites I listed in my previous blog for vegan groceries. I thought to myself you could probably make your own colored sugar with vegan sugar and food coloring. Well I researched it and others had the same idea. This website has a recipe for making your own colored sugar. http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Colored-Sugar/Detail.aspx


I also noticed that some other recipes use cinnamon plus sugar for coating. Here are some web sites I found with sugar cookie recipes that seem worth trying.


http://www.vegfamily.com/vegan-recipes/desserts/holiday-sugar-cookies.htm
http://www.vegout.info/recipe_show.php?title=Vegan%20Sugar%20Cookie&ID=43
http://www.johnandkristie.com/archives/2005/10/perfect_sugar_c.html
http://www.recipezaar.com/202592 ( this person uses applesauce instead of margarine. I saw someone mention that on a website. Thought I would plug it in here for more options)


If you have your own sugar cookie recipe you use either from a book or your family recipe, read through the ingredients and see what really needs to be substituted. I compared a recipe I use from a cook book to the ones in the web sites I mentioned above and it was very similar. I would only need to replace sugar with vegan sugar, the egg with an egg replacer ( see note following this paragraph), and the sour cream with tofutti’s sour supreme. I have not tried the latter product yet so I can not comment. ( 12/08- addendum- I used the tofutti sour cream last year for cookies and they tasted good) In one of the above recipes someone uses tofutti cream cheese. And if you are not really comfortable changing things around yet then try one of the above recipes. I suggest doing a trial run before the holiday. Cut the recipe in half and then in half again if you want (depending on the yield of the original recipe) and give it a test try. You do not even have to decorate if you do not want for the trial run, just make the cookie and see if you like the dough. And then you will be on your way to a vegan holiday.
Note: I bought the Ener- G egg replacer in an organic food store. It is in a box and I think it was in the baking section. You can not make scrambled eggs with it because it is for baking purposes. It is a powder that is mixed with water. I have used it in some recipes which called for egg and it worked fine. I have also seen the other products I have in bold in the organic food store/ whole food store.
A note on margarine: Butter is dairy so it is not vegan. (12/08- addendum- I use the brand earth balance which I found in my local organic store. They have a few variations from margarine spread to buttery spread. I find it works well with cookie recipes and every day purposes.

Last year I made quite a bit of cookies and they were enjoyed by even the non-vegans. I did what I stated above using vegan substitutes and the finished product worked out well. I made my own sugar sprinkles. One recipe I had called for jello so I used vegan jello. The brand is by "natural desserts" and it is called jel dessert. Orginally I found it online (I have the sites listed on my very first post) and then I found it in my local organic store. I hope this information helps and that you enjoy your cookie time. :)

Happy Holidays

Gnewvegan

Thanksgiving will soon be here.

It is that time of year again when the hustle and bustle of holiday cheer has come knocking on our doors. Family, friends, love, and food..... The time when you have an excuse to eat to the point of needing those stretch pants. :) I have not written in a while because life has been a circle of time which has not giving me the opportunity to write. Those twists and turns that halt your life and make everything but the situation at hand stand still. But I wanted to at least write and say I have not forgotten my readers and give links to recipes I posted last year for the holiday. Following this post you will see a link to two posts I wrote last year. Click on the link and scroll down to 1- Dec. 12 07 and 2- Dec. 1, o7. The December 12 post was about my first vegan Thanksgiving with recipes. The Dec. 1 post is a pumpkin pie recipe (I have not tried) and chocolate chip cookies I did try and were yummy. I hope that this will help give some recipe ideas for the holiday. I wish everyone a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving.

http://invitationfrom-gnewvegan.blogspot.com/2007_12_01_archive.html

Thank you for coming to my blog. Please come back again soon.

May the circle of life bring not only stillness of uncertainty but a fresh breeze of calm.

Gnewvegan

Brussel Sprouts and Cherry Tomatoes over Rice by Gnewvegan

Brussel Sprouts and Cherry Tomatoes over Rice

Serves 4

This is a recipe I made in my rice cooker. If you do not have a rice cooker that is ok. Simply cook the rice per package directions in a pot and steam the vegetables separately with the same seasonings per the recipe.

1 lb brussel sprouts, cut off stems, remove loose outer leaf and cut each in half
3 cups of brown rice
1 pint of cherry tomatoes, rinsed and halved
3 large or 4 regular size garlic cloves minced
2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Dash of adobo with pepper seasoning
Vegan parmesan to sprinkle


1- Mix the brussel sprouts and the tomatoes in a bowl.
2- Preheat a 7 or 8 inch skillet for one minute and then heat oil one minute on a low flame.
3- Brown garlic about one minute or until a light brown.
4- Pour garlic over vegetable mixture and mix .
5- Add the rice to the rice cooker and add appropriate amount of water per package directions.
6- Put steamer from rice cooker in place and add to it the vegetable mixture, cover, set to cook.
7- When the button pops up to warm, carefully open cover because of the steam. Add Adobo and salt and pepper to the vegetables. Fluff the rice with a fork, put on plate, top with vegetables, and sprinkle with parmesan cheese if desired.




Thank you for coming to my blog. Please come back soon.

Gnewvegan

Vegan Chit Chat and my trip to the Woodstock Farm Sanctuary

I realized I have not written a post since August. This summer has just been so busy. I am still thinking of my amazing trip to the farm sanctuary in Watkins Glen.. I am excited to walk in the NYC walk in September.. It is going to be a wonderful experience for a precious cause. I look forward to going back to Watkins Glen one day. I recently took another trip to the Woodstock farm sanctuary which was also another lovely trip. It was such a treat to be sitting down at a table outside and have goats and lambs around you. One in particular is Albie, the goat who was found in Prospect park after escaping from a Brooklyn slaughter house. Albie now wears a prosthesis after loosing part of his leg that could not be saved with medical treatment.. He does not always wear it and it is amazing to see he can walk on three legs. But what is more amazing, is that he is here and happy. I sat on the grass with him, petting him as he ate the grass. I looked around me and saw the mountains surrounding me and felt at peace. The goats were so friendly and they all just wanted to be loved. It was like my kitties when they rub up against me showing their affection. Then there was this lamb just "BAAAAAA " in away. I am not sure exactly what he/ she wanted but whomever called out to her/him this lamb would run to you with such excitement. Like a child running to their mom, so sweet. I was really impressed to see cats and dogs running around with these animals. The kitty was actually in the area where the pigs were, rolling around. I had compared the pigs liking their bellies rubbed to my kitties liking their bellies rubbed when I went to the farm in Watkins Glen. It is a wonderful thing to see these animals living together showing they are all loving beings. The pigs were so cute and had a jealous streak. I was petting one pig and all of a sudden he was making it known he did not like it when the other pig came over also. He wanted all the attention to himself. Then you had one of the pigs just rolling around in the mud and another behind him in the water.. The cows were grazing in the green pastures and the air was a crisp rainbow of peace. I wrote a poem about my experience there which I will now share.

Eyes of forgiveness,
Amazing to see,
Trust in your touch,
Now roaming so free,

Mountains surrounding,
Stories of tears,
Peace,
Serenity,

Standing in the midst,
calling out for love,
Running to reaching hands,

Many souls combined as one,
now they see
a rising sun,
others may never see this day,

The planted seeds of renewal
must continue,
surrender not,

Motionless in time,
together we breathe,
beside me,
the one that got away,
his name,
Albie,

Greener pastures,
the breeze so fresh,
an everlasting moment,
a sign of stones overturned,

The bridge of hope,
above troubled waters,
growing chains of love not sorrow,

This I hold onto,
for many more tomorrows .

Written on Sept. 1, 2008 By Gemma M. Carrara

Each experience I have touches my heart and I hope you enjoy reading about them. I will end this with a picture of Albie.. Soon I will post another recipe.

Thank you for coming to my blog. Please come back again soon.



Here is the website address for the newspaper story about Albie.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/01/nyregion/01goat.html?_r=1&ref=nyregion&oref=slogin

My Trip To The Farm Sanctuary

This past month I had the privilege of visiting the farm sanctuary in Watkins Glen , NY. They had their annual yearly Hoe Down where they have guest speakers, vegan food, dancing, and the visit with the farm animals. The farm sanctuary is a non-profit organization that rescues animals that were going to be slaughtered, or in need of rescue , i.e.: the most recent Iowa floods. There many pigs were losing their lives and the farm sanctuary team went out there in horrid conditions and rescued those animals. They spend countless hours doing their best to try and help these animals reform to a healthy state. They take them for medical care and take time with them to help with the transition to learn that humans can be care takers of them instead of harm them. They place them in loving homes when they are well and keep the ones that need their constant care. Their work is remarkable and they are saviors of those animals. My favorite part of the tour was the pigs. They are so friendly and loving. All they want you to do is rub their belly and they make such cute noises.. Similar to my kitties. :) There are all kinds of animals there such as cows, goats, chickens, roosters, sheep, and of course the pigs. This experience is one I will never forget and I look forward to going back. In September there will be a “walk for the farm animals” in NY to help raise money for the farm sanctuary. I was so touched by this experience that I will be one of the walkers. I created my own personal fund raising page. If you would like to see some pictures of my trip and read a poem that I wrote after the journey please go to:

www.firstgiving.com/gemmacarrara


Thank you for coming to my blog. Please come back again soon.

Gnewvegan

Fiesta Bean Salad By Gnewvegan

It has been a while since I posted. This summer has been a busy one. So before I post my recipe I am going to write about a few things. One of my past posts was about the plants I have in my mini garden. Here is a picture of one of my first tomatoes this year in a pot. I planted the tomato last year but the pot I used was too small and I only got about two tomatoes. So far I grew three and two more are growing right now. It is great to be able to pick a tomato fresh from the vine and the other herbs I planted. I had made a sandwich with the tomato one day with fresh basil, onion and hummus. On 2/16/08 , in my post titled, "Broccoli Sprouts and my Saturday Morning" I wrote about another sandwich with hummus..

Next I am writing about a delicious vegan chocolate cake that I made for my nan's birthday. Unbelievably moist and rich.. I have found the special occasion chocolate cake and It is all because of Nava Atlas. I posted on another post about her new book "Vegan Express". This is one of the recipes in her book and I highly recommend this book. Thank you Nava for a chocolate cake that even non-vegans could love.. I can not wait to make it again. Here is a picture of the cake before it was eaten up. I had some fresh strawberries on hand so I decided to add that to the cake. Yum Yum and thanks again Nava.

Next is my recipe for the Fiesta Bean salad. I had two potluck events to go and came up with this salad to bring. I learned about using the juice from marinated artichokes from a recipe by Nava Atlas. This recipe is best made the night before so the flavors can blend together. But you can make it the day of and have it sit at least one hour or more in the refrigerator. I hope you enjoy it if you make it.


Fiesta Bean Salad

Serves 10 or more
(Yields 11 cups)

1 pound (16 oz) Red baby potatoes, scrubbed and rinsed (leave skin on)
1 15.5 oz can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 15.5 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 15.5 oz can white cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 of a one pound bag of frozen cut green beans, thawed
1 pint cherry tomatoes, rinsed, halved
4 oz red onion, peeled, sliced and cut into about 1/2 inch slices
4 oz jarred roasted red peppers, finely chopped
1 (6) oz jar (saving juice) marinated artichoke hearts, coursely chopped
4 garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon mustard powder
1 tablespoon adobo all purpose seasoning (the one with pepper)
2 1/2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar
1/2 Tablespoon cider vinegar

1- Put potatoes in a 3 to 4 quart sauce pot and fill with water to cover potatoes completely. Pot will be at least half way full. Cover and bring to a boil. When boils, uncover and simmer on a low - medium flame for 20 minutes. (set timer)

2- Put the drained beans (not green beans) in a big bowl or big pot.

3- Add to the beans the tomatoes, onion, peppers, garlic and artichokes.

4- When there is 7 minutes of cook time left to the potatoes add the green beans and stir the vegetables in the pot to mix together. Continue cooking until the twenty minutes is up.

5- To the jar of artichoke juice add the vinegars and seasonings. Close lid and shake well. Refrigerate until ready for use.

6- When the potatoes are done (should be fork tender) pour them into a collander to drain. Rinse under cool water until cool to touch. Cut the potaoes into bite size pieces. Usually cutting each potato into 4 pieces will do. If it seems to big you can cut adjust accordingly.

7- Put the potatoes and green beans with the other ingredients. Pour the dressing over the mixture and mix well but lightly. (You do not want to mix too harsh or else you could smash the beans. Mix like you are folding batter)If you have mixed in a pot transfer to a serving bowl.

8- It is best to keep this covered in the refrigerator over night but if not at least keep it in for one hour or more for flavors to blend. Mix lightly again and serve.





Thank you for coming to my blog. Please come back again soon.

Gnewvegan