tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66215560084597613542012-01-26T09:57:49.881-08:00Where vegan cooking and writing as therapy collide.Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.comBlogger2871100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-2820828912081897172012-01-23T17:53:00.000-08:002012-01-23T17:53:14.249-08:00

When former plans to make gyoza fell through, I made my own generically-Asian-inspired dumplings. The impromptu jiaozi/gyoza/mandu/momo/potsticker/dumpling-making session ended up being a delectable way to use up a bit of leftover tofu and wilting bundle of watercress. Also stuffed with shiitake mushroom and some aromatics, these little bundles were bursting with savory deliciousness, no dipping

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-11385563770921224802012-01-22T18:41:00.000-08:002012-01-22T18:41:00.023-08:00

Inspired by the myriad treats people are making to celebrate the lunar new year and relishing a chance to spend some time in the kitchen, I cooked up a few nibbles this afternoon. Yakbap (Korean sticky rice cake, also known as "medicine rice"), made from this recipe and pressed into mini-muffin molds. Clementine cookies that resulted from a citrusy adaptation of my Matcha Coin recipe.

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-6586113589492435482012-01-14T20:18:00.000-08:002012-01-14T20:18:10.745-08:00

Winter squash has been a regular part of my food rotation since October. I can't seem to get enough of kabocha (my favorite variety) in particular and happen to have two small ones on my counter as I write this blog post. But when I found out that squash was the secret ingredient for this month's Iron Chef Challenge, my reaction was torn. As much as I enjoy eating winter squash, I hardly prepare

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-19394795076581765782012-01-09T17:20:00.000-08:002012-01-09T17:20:31.354-08:00

Although I don't set new year's resolutions--if anything, the renewed, 12-month cycle on the Gregorian calendar serves as a convenient reminder to work toward long-term, personal improvement--I do like the idea of trying to make lasting, healthy changes. It happens that my mind and body need just that right now. For months, I haven't been taking care of myself in a proper way; too much indulgence

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-25724185219120109122012-01-04T14:29:00.000-08:002012-01-04T14:29:09.671-08:00

Here are just a few odds and ends I cooked up before the 2011 calendar became obsolete. Cosmo's Apple Pie, adapted ever-so-slightly (in the form of organic apples I refused to peel and reduced sugar content) from Vegan Pie in the Sky. Black Bean Pupusas, (again) adapted ever-so-slightly (i.e., made spicier and smokier with a hit of diced chipotle in adobo sauce) from Fat Free Vegan

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-61022726918860747902011-12-31T00:13:00.000-08:002011-12-31T09:31:01.784-08:00

Besides apparently being an acceptable time for all major retailers to begin reminding the consumer world about the imminent arrival of Valentine's Day, the end of December is also customarily a time for reflection on the year that is about to end. With that in mind, I thought it appropriate to revisit the Vegan 100 list I posted around this time last year. I didn't make any deliberate attempts

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-38888900087706782782011-12-28T10:13:00.000-08:002011-12-28T10:13:09.058-08:00

I hope those who celebrated enjoyed a merry Christmas and wish everyone a joyous holiday season. After returning from my brief trip to the Bay Area (always a bittersweet event) just prior to Christmas, I found a few shots of that holiday-related baking I mentioned in the last post to share with you all. Although they are neither novel nor particularly exciting, these Cinnamon Roses were

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-47853486651075641132011-12-22T21:37:00.000-08:002011-12-22T21:37:57.170-08:00

There hasn't been much cooking happening around here lately. I have been in the Bay Area all week as a guest at my gracious sister's house yet again, so my food routine is abnormal (in good and bad ways). I did actually tote a colossal haul of baked goods with me to my northern California "home away from home"--specifically, panettone, cinnamon brioche roses, walnut maple biscotti, and Danish

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-35312372830796065372011-12-22T17:00:00.000-08:002011-12-22T17:00:16.789-08:00

[This post is courtesy of J$ and Nate of Love Drop.] Help give a Love Drop this season! This Christmas the team's coming together for Diomi and her son Nallee, who are going into the cold Milwaukee winter with very little food, clothes, and other necessities. Diomi has been through so much, including the loss of her father, the loss of her job, and clinical depression. But even through

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-60963128276606429252011-12-14T18:09:00.000-08:002011-12-14T18:50:13.344-08:00

I finally made some seasonally-appropriate cookies. These delicious lovelies went to a dear friend who happens to have a gluten sensitivity and adores homemade baked goods. Thanks to a few adaptations to this already- vegan and gluten-free recipe for Gluten-Free Gingersnaps, I'm slowly slipping back into my baking groove. We'll have to see how the situation progresses. On a related

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-14261713670168358922011-12-11T09:08:00.001-08:002011-12-11T09:43:02.732-08:00

The Iron Chef Challenge strikes again. The secret ingredient for December is mint--an herb that features ever so nicely in the sweets of the season. I initially warmed to the idea of finally getting some holiday baking going with this month's challenge, but have been strangely lacking the motivation to bake that I so often indulge during this time of year. I've also fallen into a bit of a

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-51907590864968263752011-12-05T15:48:00.001-08:002011-12-05T17:04:31.996-08:00

My food routine lately has included very little of my typical kitchen experimentation, but with good reason. As a recipe tester for Terry Hope Romero's forthcoming cookbook, I'm enjoying the opportunity to cook up and give feedback on Terry's creations. The focus on global cuisine makes for a wonderful variety of dishes. I'm excited to see how the final cookbook turns out, which I'm sure will be

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-22357149150335237242011-11-26T11:20:00.001-08:002011-11-27T11:22:50.327-08:00

By virtue of my position as sole vegan of the family, I'm essentially in charge of making sure there is something animal product-free on the table at family gatherings (including the obligatory holiday meals) if I expect to eat. Thanksgiving is the perfect example of the family food dynamic at work. My family is perfectly content to practice the enduring tradition of preparing the same, dairy-

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-60381516833539103232011-11-23T17:23:00.001-08:002011-11-27T11:23:06.429-08:00

I came close to not bothering to cook up anything at all special for tomorrow's holiday, but alas, could not resist the cooking urge. Taking advantage of an idle kitchen at my disposal today, I earned a head-start on preparing my contribution to the obligatory family gathering, hopefully reducing some of the competition for oven usage and countertop space with my family tomorrow. In case you

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-91867991305874677582011-11-21T18:42:00.001-08:002011-11-21T20:08:46.348-08:00

To say that the oven is in constant operation is actually an exaggeration. I've said over and over that I prefer stove-top cooking over baking (still true), but baking has apparently become my "thing." That love of fresh bread is to blame, as is my compulsion to stuff my friends with gift-worthy baked sweets whenever the opportunity arises. Cooking and baking are constants for me, despite my lack

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-8337486098034734052011-11-16T17:55:00.001-08:002011-11-16T18:13:46.417-08:00

I intended to craft a Danish pastry-brioche-strudel hybrid this past weekend. Forgotten breadcrumbs and broken concentration fated me to instead make a large, braided, pear-filled bun. Edible mishaps are perhaps the best kind, although the unforeseen fact that it would invite more to follow was mildly frustrating, to say the least.

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-27896119335348903492011-11-13T12:55:00.001-08:002011-11-13T14:20:03.214-08:00

The Iron Chef Challenge returns! This time, the secret ingredient was breadcrumbs. One could use them to devise endless variations of bean and veggie patties, balls, and loaves. Oven-, pan-, or deep-fried fritters are so delectably crisp with their crumb-coated exteriors. The savory possibilities seemed not only obvious, but wise routes to take, considering the almost comedic errors that plagued

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-54191696413354659032011-11-12T19:52:00.000-08:002011-12-02T20:09:09.432-08:00

The day of triple 11s (11 November 2011, or 11.11.11) has long passed in all global time zones, so it's safe to say we won't be seeing the likes of such a "singular" event in our lifetime (ha). North America honored its veterans. People the world over made epic wishes. Although I am not one to believe in wishing, I did spend 11:11 trying to turn my incessant moodiness into positivity--namely,

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-36171680406221752902011-11-09T17:18:00.000-08:002011-11-09T17:18:53.310-08:00

It seems I have effectively slumped back into more-cooking-than-writing-about-it mode. Truth be told, a multifaceted exhaustion of sorts is having its way with me, as is my shameless weakness for bread. Danish pastries with almond paste. Steamed pumpkin muffins. Pumpkin cranberry upside-down cake. Multi-grain bread with roasted garlic pumpkin mash. I shall try to return to decent

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-79686876828384663242011-11-03T18:54:00.000-07:002011-11-04T15:23:54.290-07:00

Miso soup is my go-to, anytime meal. I usually have a bowl for breakfast, but it is not uncommon for me to make a quick bowl for lunch or dinner, especially on cooler days. It's my primary reason for stocking up on dried kombu (for making dashi) and merely one reason for eating my way through ridiculous amounts of fresh spinach in any given week. To prevent burnout as well as make use of whatever

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-35841983281498581332011-11-01T18:11:00.000-07:002011-11-01T18:12:00.419-07:00

Happy World Vegan Day! According to The Vegan Society, today (1 November) "marks the start of World Vegan Month every year, commemorating the coining of the term 'vegan' and the founding of The Vegan Society in November 1944." While many people seem burned out by the amazing energy of Vegan MoFo, I appreciate having yet another month dedicated to all things vegan to keep the communal spirit

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-9716058612358648492011-10-31T13:36:00.000-07:002011-11-02T14:34:32.331-07:00

October has been a month of so much cooking inspiration. There are too many wonderful examples to name here, so I won't even try. I was, however, so inspired by the perfect melonpan posted yesterday at Smooch Panda's Sweet Creations, that I felt compelled to revisit this tasty, Japanese-style, cookie-covered bread. Jun posted a follow-up today, which features an adorably festive jack-o-lantern

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-77320415710993242472011-10-30T11:03:00.000-07:002011-10-30T11:14:27.911-07:00

Posting my entry to the final Iron Chef Challenge for this year's Vegan MoFo is a bittersweet event, but at least the outcome was tasty. I had fun participating in the challenges (save for the first, which I missed); they provided a much-needed sparks of creativity on my part. In keeping with my apparent tendency toward creating savory dishes for each challenge, for this round, I put an

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-61372068970878212052011-10-29T17:20:00.000-07:002011-10-29T17:20:21.014-07:00

I made a batch of homemade vegan candy corn this afternoon. I'm not much of a candy maker, but felt a certain festive inclination to try this recipe. It's easy to follow, but takes quite awhile to make what seems like a million of these wee nuggets. My batch is a little speckled, likely due to the soymilk powder not becoming fully incorporated. The texture is slightly gritty, but the chewiness

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-14099428970572493142011-10-28T20:03:00.000-07:002011-10-28T20:05:16.661-07:00

I can't recall ever making a fruit crisp prior to this week. I have baked various cobblers, crumbles, pies, and tarts in my many years of milling about the kitchen, so how something so familiar and as classic as a crisp escaped my attention is beyond my comprehension. In any case, my first foray into this particular corner of the pie-like dessert realm resulted in not one, but two crisps. I've

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-7679762473745593972011-10-27T15:49:00.000-07:002011-10-27T15:49:40.613-07:00

Despite being a picky eater as a child, I actually enjoyed eating spinach. That affinity to it lives on, these days with more zeal; I have adopted a tendency to incorporate them into a variety of dishes--namely soups, smoothies, and as a side to everything else. Other leafy greens, such as kale ans Swiss chard, have entered my diet much more recently, but are also fair game for nearly anything

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-72394658776759849712011-10-26T20:03:00.000-07:002011-10-26T20:03:06.290-07:00

I love spicy, piping-hot stews. Kimchi Tofu Eggplant Stew (Jigae) really hits the spot on a cool autumn day. It's from a test recipe for Terry Hope Romero's forthcoming cookbook--a collection of worldly delights that you will definitely want to keep on your radar.

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-50541336017149828472011-10-25T19:11:00.000-07:002011-10-25T19:12:17.707-07:00

Vegan MoFo has me in a sort of food daze (in the best way possible). So I'm going to make this post quick--snack time quick, one might say. Here are a couple nibble-worthy items I cooked up from my treasure trove of bookmarked online recipes. A few days ago, I made my first batch of senbei, or Japanese rice crackers. I adapted this recipe, using roasted shiro goma, shichimi togarashi, and

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-50590993082535848862011-10-24T17:07:00.000-07:002011-10-24T17:07:26.036-07:00

Not too long ago, I only used pumpkins for their aesthetic appeal. The familiar orange spheres were good for carving, not so good for eating. Once my tastebuds decided to recognize the culinary value of winter squash, my reasons for crowding my kitchen countertop with them reversed. I now buy pumpkins in several varieties, specifically to cook, never carving them to rot on the porch or become

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-83926475475232951692011-10-23T16:09:00.000-07:002011-12-02T20:08:21.160-08:00

I didn't post this on Friday as I had intended, because it was still in the oven when the last of the natural light disappeared for the evening. Stollen is already difficult enough to see under its trademark layer of powdered sugar; photographing the loaf under horrendous indoor lighting would only add to the visual distress. I needed to wait for the bread to cool before slicing it anyway, not

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-12982379668767198432011-10-22T15:17:00.000-07:002011-10-23T08:47:15.359-07:00

It's time for another Vegan MoFo Iron Chef Challenge! This weekend's secret ingredient is coconut. After discovering the wonderful creaminess that coconut milk adds to so many dishes--a personal favorite is coconut milk-based ice cream--I seem to use that magical elixir in my food more and more. I've also begun to use coconut oil sporadically. Fresh, young coconut and its delicious juice are

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-8176893633561540082011-10-21T19:04:00.000-07:002011-10-21T19:04:01.605-07:00

Tonight's dessert is actually in the oven at the moment, so I think I'll just share it later. Fret not, friends; the sugar bomb that was (read: was) a certain pecan chocolate pie concocted mere days ago somehow did not put me off from sweets for very long. Granted, I couldn't eat much of the pie (too rich, making for generous giveaway slices). Anyway, I'll share more about what's currently

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-19104271234818137452011-10-20T18:46:00.000-07:002011-10-20T18:46:53.640-07:00

I've been craving Indian food lately. The phenomenon began a couple weekends ago with homemade baigan bharta, prepared specifically vegan by a dear friend's equally dear, generous, incredibly sweet mother. It was this friend's mother's homemade Indian food--cooked using the ingredients and methods from the woman's traditional upbringing--that first introduced me to this cuisine several years

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-19730060910058090302011-10-19T15:02:00.000-07:002011-10-19T15:02:44.211-07:00

Lunch is routinely the least complicated of any meal I eat. Today's midday meal was no exception. It was so simple that there isn't much to say about it. I can and will tell you that despite a lack of aesthetic flair, each component was actually quite good. In fact, they seemed to be just the simple yet comforting foods I craved. The main event was a bowl of Edamame Soup, from Mari Fujii's

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-55232857845832456262011-10-18T17:42:00.000-07:002011-10-18T20:27:52.807-07:00

I may be stretching the theme for today's Vegan MoFo snack post, so please excuse my inability to follow my self-imposed rules. Now let's talk pie. I don't normally eat dessert-type items as anything other than dessert, but after an experimental baking session, followed by an ever so patiently wait for the results to properly cool and set overnight, I figured that snack time was as good a

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-54176930501897448922011-10-17T17:33:00.000-07:002011-10-17T17:33:47.545-07:00

My cookbook collection is getting a little more attention this week, as I'll be making food based on recipes from those treasured, yet too often neglected tomes. There are so many recipes I have yet to attempt. Consequently, selecting which to utilize and feature this week is a difficult process. Fortunately, deciding upon what to make for breakfast was a relatively easy affair. In fact, the

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-5372329804740484632011-10-16T13:52:00.000-07:002011-10-16T13:52:32.306-07:00

Thank goodness for Vegan MoFo. Not only is it an amazing way to connect with the online vegan community, it also helped to remind me (in a roundabout way) that today is World Bread Day. Had I not made a commitment to blog daily for Vegan MoFo, my recent grouchiness may have prevented me from bothering to use the internet at all today. And I would have missed out on properly acknowledging a day

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-863572495289675242011-10-15T12:43:00.000-07:002011-10-15T19:54:51.766-07:00

What makes the culinary side of veganism most enjoyable for me--as well as cooking in general--is the ongoing opportunity to turn seemingly ordinary food into unique (if not at least tasty) dishes. So I was a little disappointed that I didn't have time to participate in the first Iron Chef Challenge for Vegan MoFo last weekend. Assuming I had the necessary ingredients on hand for Iron Chef

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-10327656755647591452011-10-14T15:57:00.000-07:002011-10-14T15:57:24.777-07:00

Unseasonably hot weather initially made me a little grumpy these last few days. But after realizing that the baking I wanted to do was out of the question, it also occurred to me that I could use the opportunity to make something I've been meaning to try all summer: kakigori. Kakigori is a Japanese-style dessert composed of shaved ice, flavored syrup, and sweetened condensed milk. I was

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-82571908097935899422011-10-13T15:27:00.000-07:002011-10-13T15:27:21.131-07:00

One of my favorite activities during autumn is pumpkin-picking. As childish as that may sound, it's nothing like the pumpkin patch visits my family and I took when I was a kid. I no longer trawl the dusty pumpkin fields for the squat, curly-stemmed, orange spheres that were fun to carve but useless beyond their temporary roles as patio ornamentation. As an adult, I now head to the local pumpkin

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-78776369165078376702011-10-12T16:34:00.000-07:002011-10-12T16:34:43.805-07:00

Last week was a little rainy and generally cool and mild--much as one expects on the central coast during autumn. Today is a hot, sunshiny miserable. Summertime weather in the middle of October is cramping my mood. Consequently, I'm keeping this post short, lest the negativity victimizes unsuspecting readers. (Sorry, all.) Here's a positive thought: lunch was delicious. I ended up making pita

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-52704539714430582362011-10-11T15:57:00.000-07:002011-10-11T15:57:54.159-07:00

Lately, my meals have been more like drawn-out series of snacks. I have been nibbling and grazing every couple of hours, rather than sitting down to dine on an entree three times a day. My kitchen stock is looking a bit sparse, because I haven't shopped for groceries since sometime last week, so I am eating through whatever is on hand. That setup seems to work out for today's Vegan MoFo theme--

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-90206001215060118102011-10-10T12:35:00.000-07:002011-10-10T16:15:08.435-07:00

A bustling weekend has left me a bit sluggish. Meeting with very dear, long-distance friends is a rare treat we try not to waste. Coincidently, our meetings more often than not involve eating; depending on the day or evening, there is probably some amount of drinking involved, too. This weekend saw plenty of both. The blend of travel, nostalgia, and pure indulgence was fun, but it has certainly

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-68518591134600629412011-10-09T12:00:00.000-07:002011-10-09T12:00:02.095-07:00

Sundays are meant for waking up late, brunching, and relaxation...or so I've heard. My idea of sleeping in is staying in bed until 8AM at the very latest, but that rarely ever occurs. I am up and out the door for a morning jog by 6:30 every single morning, give or take a few odd days when travel, illness, or injury throw me off. As a result, I'm not much of the brunching type, by any definition

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-57834479848445861232011-10-08T10:00:00.000-07:002011-10-08T10:00:02.689-07:00

The first week of Vegan MoFo is already over! There has been an overwhelming amount of vegan goodness going around. One can sense the enthusiasm; it's quite something to behold. I'm excited to see what the blogosphere has in store for week number two. Readers seemed particularly interested in this week's musubi and inari post, so I thought it might be fun to provide a tutorial on how to

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-85013175590195255372011-10-07T11:35:00.000-07:002011-10-07T11:35:41.613-07:00

One of the food categories I immediately think of when considering Hawaiian "local" cuisine is baked goods. The association is undoubtedly due to how my mom speaks so nostalgically about the sweet and savory breads, pies, pastries, and other treats she enjoyed during her time on Oahu (she was born and raised there). It's been decades since she's lived in the islands, but her memory for the food

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-29270719766176069672011-10-06T11:58:00.000-07:002011-10-06T11:58:01.789-07:00

Manapua is basically the term Hawaiian locals use for their interpretation of what most people elsewhere know as char siu bao (Chinese steamed buns with shredded pork filling). They're also available in baked form. When I was a child, my dad would bring home loads of frozen manapua (the steamed version, which is most common) upon returning from business trips to Hawaii, courtesy of my

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-82212968074876094422011-10-05T13:57:00.000-07:002011-10-05T13:57:18.201-07:00

"Plate lunch" is a catch-all term for a casual and very filling, Hawaii-style combo meal. The concept is similar to that of Chinese take-out combos (rice or chow mein with an entree); a typical plate lunch consists of two scoops of rice, a scoop of macaroni salad, and an entree. If one is feeling particularly hungry or simply craving variety, it's not difficult to make it a two-entree situation

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-57574823887940059152011-10-04T11:50:00.000-07:002011-10-10T11:26:32.928-07:00

To say I have an affinity to carbohydrates is to put the matter lightly. Most of what I post here has to do with grains in one form or another, usually as bread or baked sweets. We've already seen a baking round-up, waffle brunch, cornbread...and that's just this year's Vegan MoFo posts. There is plenty more carbohydrate fixation to be found on this blog, which is quite a redundant thing to say

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-78937738957068192382011-10-03T15:31:00.000-07:002011-10-06T19:35:10.309-07:00

This is somewhat of a continuation of yesterday's blog post. It turns out that brunch wasn't a very popular childhood activity. I have a feeling that the assessment is primarily based on what people commonly know as brunch: a special occasion, late morning or early afternoon, sit-down meal at a restaurant, with an assortment of sweet and savory breakfast and lunch menu items. According to that

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-78486561916536526062011-10-02T12:29:00.000-07:002011-10-02T12:51:00.443-07:00

I have always thought of brunch simply as a late breakfast. During my childhood, I didn't believe that brunch necessitated an exceptional variety of items or anything remotely complicated to prepare, as I tend to expect when brunching these days. At its most basic, this once-in-awhile type of meal was just a way to have a morning meal close to midday--one reserved for late risers on lazy days.

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-38835003840763009032011-10-01T10:02:00.000-07:002011-10-01T10:02:31.899-07:00

It's that time of year again; the Vegan Month of Food, affectionately known by vegans the world over as Vegan MoFo, kicks off its fifth year of existence today! So begins the 31-day blog extravaganza that is sure to be as interesting, entertaining, and mouth-watering as always. Bread without Butter is taking part for a third-straight year, so please check back here daily for vegan food goodness

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-52763260379010560052011-09-28T18:38:00.000-07:002011-09-28T18:38:41.937-07:00

Cool weather is my go-to excuse to fill the house with the luscious aroma of baking bread. Making no-knead olive bread was a good decision. A little patience and almost no fuss really can yield fantastic results. Just look at the crumb. What do you like to cook when it's cold outside?

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-19564202698827990032011-09-24T11:55:00.000-07:002011-09-28T19:05:56.011-07:00

When it comes to brothy noodle dishes, I tend to prefer them steaming-hot. One of my favorite dishes from childhood, tempura udon, is just that--soupy and brimming with hot dashi, battered-and-fried veggies, and thick, chewy strands of wheat noodles. During my university years, I discovered vegetarian pho and developed an affinity toward it as well. A huge bowl of rice noodles, fried tofu, and

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-74618333276879717832011-09-19T17:36:00.000-07:002011-09-19T17:37:03.804-07:00

Whenever September arrives, my eagerness for autumn to arrive swells up yet again. I tire of silently (and sometimes vocally) cursing the summer heat. I crave dark, chilly mornings. I relish cool, coat-weather breezes. I await having excuses to wear hats and scarves each day. Oddly enough, my aversion to heat is accompanied by being prone to feeling cold--a contradiction to my "island blood," as

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-15415407164098620802011-09-16T18:36:00.000-07:002011-09-16T18:36:14.087-07:00

For those of you who happen to follow along with my food-and-then-some ramblings on Twitter, you may have heard me recently mention something about planning to make yet another care package for another friend. With "buttercream" on the brain, I sought the opinions of the Twitterverse, inquiring whether I should make whoopie pies or oatmeal creme pies; crowd-sourcing through social media is a neat

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-8488495492720197922011-09-14T16:58:00.000-07:002011-09-14T16:58:21.185-07:00

Fancy a bit of brioche? The oh-so-versatile dough can be made whatever your bread-loving heart desires, including amazing waffles. Head over to have cake, will travel for Celine's recipe for vegan brioche, make a batch, and bask in the pure, yeasted bliss.

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-10044365672457441782011-09-07T16:10:00.000-07:002011-09-07T16:10:37.131-07:00

I think some part of me is recovering from the mental toll of the last month or so; along with more-than-usual physical travel, my mind has taken to meandering (as well as fixating, then wandering again). I'll spare you details for the time being, leaving you with a few snippets of nearly-forgotten, edible life. Baked raised doughnuts (pre-healthier-eating attempts). Sinangag, Filipino-style

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-60042699636908924802011-09-07T15:34:00.000-07:002011-09-07T15:34:27.611-07:00

September has finally rolled around, which means several things: back-to-school shenanigans (not really applicable for me, but for many others); impending autumn (i.e., cooler weather, pumpkins, justification for wearing hats and scarves all the time, etc.); and, as is the case at the beginning of each month, a new Love Drop mission. I apologize for the delayed update. Unfortunately, I haven't

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-65511223650587226802011-08-28T16:07:00.000-07:002011-08-28T16:07:17.822-07:00

Despite the apparent decline of the shishito plants in my backyard garden, they are still producing more peppers than I can consume during a single harvest. The peppers' mild, delicate flavor doesn't make shishito particularly well-suited to dishes with bold seasoning, calling for simpler preparation. I've already ginger-pickled some, using this recipe (completely disregarding the accompanying

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-13901670373337826902011-08-24T17:12:00.000-07:002011-08-24T17:12:05.973-07:00

Thank you so much for the encouraging comments on last week's blog post. My no-added-sugar, whole grain, mostly-raw plan is going well. Fresh fruit and vegetables abound, summer seems as ideal a time as any to embark on such a journey. My body already feels better than when I was weighed down by excessive sweets and simple starches. The added mindfulness this cleanse (or sorts) gives me is

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-87016818242246471432011-08-19T19:37:00.000-07:002011-08-19T19:39:30.351-07:00

I alluded to a need to adopt healthier eating habits in a recent post. Frankly, I'm sick of feeling the unpleasant physical and mental effects of overindulging in refined carbohydrates, sweets, and the like. So I'm working on a massive overhaul of my dietary lifestyle, kicking it off with a cleanse or detox of sorts, which began this morning. I'm saying no to added sugar. I'm staying away from

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-37729064701361775402011-08-16T15:05:00.000-07:002011-08-16T15:05:05.824-07:00

Today is Bread without Butter's second birthday--coincidently, a Tuesday--so you'll have to bear with the inner word nerd who insisted on marking the occasion with pun. I also used the milestone as a justification for making guava cake. The flavor is very close to that of the non-vegan inspiration my family loves. Unfortunately, texture is another story entirely, so I'll have to readjust a few

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-32932209949382244112011-08-09T17:15:00.000-07:002011-08-18T16:14:22.171-07:00

Against all logic, I seem to have an affinity toward creating difficult situations for myself. Lest I get "too personal" about it, I'll just say that I tend toward roundabout ways of doing things with regard to various aspects of my life. This indeed extends to food-related matters--to which this nook in the blogosphere was initially devoted, after all--but I'm still a fan of trying to look at

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-722571732739932952011-08-04T17:18:00.000-07:002011-08-16T15:28:30.497-07:00

Thank you to everyone who has helped with the Love Drop cause. As cliche as it sounds, every bit of kindness counts--whether it involves donating money, providing goods or services, or just your attention--and begins with just a moment of your time. To see just how amazing the effect has been, visit the Love Drop website for information on past drops. This month, the Love Drop team wants to

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-47499435706228133942011-07-30T15:51:00.000-07:002011-07-30T15:51:08.988-07:00

As regular readers of this blog know, I have been fortunate enough to spend the last few months testing gluten-free, vegan recipes for Allyson Kramer's forthcoming cookbook. The variety of dishes is impressive and delicious, sure to suit anyone's tastes. Care for a little something sweet? Apple Cinnamon Blintzes Butterscotch Amaretti Lemon Biscotti Almond Butter Cups Coconut Rice with

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-47807006454991217812011-07-27T18:54:00.000-07:002011-07-27T18:54:34.509-07:00

Fresh, homemade bread has a special place in my heart (and stomach). I recently made a few adaptations to this recipe to make a batch of vegan naan. It was oh-so-good. With dough risen and board dusted, we were ready to roll. The flattened discs puffed up gorgeously on my cast iron grill pan. The aroma of fresh bread made the house smell amazing. Dinner that evening was pizza marguerite--a

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-26036094533617712982011-07-23T15:49:00.000-07:002011-07-23T15:49:16.165-07:00

It's a familiar scenario: Green bananas sit atop the kitchen counter, waiting to soften to a perfect yellow-but-slightly-green ripeness. But during the warm summer, the transition sometimes happens faster than one expects, or takes notice; before long, the green-tinge has disappeared to a vibrant yellow, quickly yielding dark speckles that escalate even more quickly into brown patches. In a

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-75470843059466089012011-07-17T13:51:00.000-07:002011-07-17T13:51:17.846-07:00

Word on the street--or in this case, the endless information stream that is Twitter--is that today (the third Sunday of July) is National Ice Cream Day. It turns out that July is National Ice Cream Month. I have always loved ice cream and will eat it (vegan versions, of course) at any time of day, anywhere, regardless of weather; the dead-of-winter chill doesn't deter me from indulging in sweet,

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-11513962161779616872011-07-13T17:21:00.000-07:002011-07-13T17:21:02.902-07:00

I wanted to grow heirloom tomatoes this summer, but the lack of success over two consecutive years discouraged what would likely become a fruitless effort. Peppers and herbs, however, are the few edibles that consistently thrive in my humble backyard plot. Accordingly, the shishito plants are producing an admirable crop so far. I plucked a dozen of the wrinkly, green peppers, which will make for

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-65593532055451234152011-07-07T17:51:00.000-07:002011-07-07T17:51:30.297-07:00

It has been a few months since I began testing recipes for Allyson Kramer's forthcoming vegan, gluten-free cookbook. Miss Manifest Vegan herself displays such prowess when it comes to creating homemade edibles, it's not surprising that I delight in being able to try out some of her original cookbook recipes. (These days in particular, cooking is one of the few activities that still manages to

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-85806936871469522242011-07-07T17:12:00.000-07:002011-07-07T17:13:29.719-07:00

[It's time for another Love Drop update, courtesy of founders J$ and Nate. Read on, and if possible, share some love! -Tiffany] The Love Drop team is at it again! Last month they gave over $5,000 worth of cash and goods to their recipient, the Aubin family, who was struggling financially after the passing of their dad, and this month they're ready to do it again and help out another person :)

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-53465333656404181292011-06-28T11:58:00.000-07:002011-11-05T19:52:08.621-07:00

After recently expressing a preference for yeast-raised, deep-fried doughnuts--notably, the Hawaiian-style (via Portuguese influence) malasadas I enjoyed during my childhood--a reader showed interest in locating a recipe. Truth be told, I have tried my hand at vegan versions of the traditionally dairy milk- and egg-enriched fritters a few times since the idea first crossed my mind a few years ago

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-83813061382396367002011-06-22T23:14:00.000-07:002011-06-22T23:15:51.106-07:00

Sometimes a lady just needs a little something sweet. "Little," of course, is a subjective term. Baked doughnuts with Irish "cream" glaze. Double-time fresh strawberry cake. Pretzel-topped, chocolate chip brownie with dulce de coco swirl. You may have noticed that most of what I have posted within the last month or so has consisted of more photos than anything else. I apologize for writing

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-6956988376819883942011-06-15T18:32:00.000-07:002011-06-15T18:32:23.273-07:00

For those of you who may not have heard, Allyson Kramer of Manifest Vegan is writing an all-vegan, -gluten-free cookbook! I've had the privilege of testing recipes for her, so you can bet that I've been eating pretty well lately. Keep your eyes peeled for this cookbook, because you will be in for a treat--many treats, actually, and of all manners of deliciousness. Want a peek at the goods? Of

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-11723020229018105002011-06-13T18:30:00.000-07:002011-06-14T08:47:43.168-07:00

Elisabeth of Czech Vegan (in America) recently posted her version of the "ABCs of food" on her blog. The questionnaire has apparently been bouncing around the food blogs, undoubtedly with many varied and interesting responses. I figured I may as well post some answers of my own, and have done so for you all here. A is for Avocado: How do you like yours prepared? I enjoy homemade guacamole as

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-83489148081480650022011-06-08T14:45:00.000-07:002011-06-08T14:56:07.614-07:00

While visiting loved ones is always the highlight of my return travels to the Bay, I won't lie; I do look forward to indulging in the various vegan food offerings of the area, too. Here are just a few bites from my recent trip northward, including both old favorites and newly-discovered treats: Double Chocolate Cookie - Nabolom Bakery. Gooey Brownie - Nabolom Bakery. Cinnamon roll - Great

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-16684356522271653732011-06-04T18:31:00.000-07:002011-06-04T18:31:17.511-07:00

[Ed.- This post is a message written by J$ and Nate of Love Drop that I've been permitted (and encouraged) to share with you, dear readers. Tune in around the beginning of each month to here about the newest project.] Hey guys!  The Love Drop  team is at it again! Last month they gave over $9,200 worth of cash, goods and services to their recipient, the Stalnaker family, who had been going

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-52846685322308154242011-05-29T23:50:00.000-07:002011-05-31T11:22:35.845-07:00

I was never a "cheesecake person." As a picky eater during childhood, I considered tangy flavors in dessert simply unappetizing. Although that changed during adolescence, I still disliked cream cheese in general, as well as the heaviness and richness of cheesecake. I did eventually discover that the ever popular cake-pie hybrid was not completely unwelcome to my palette--I will indulge in a vegan

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-20707321317508884272011-05-22T17:15:00.000-07:002011-05-31T19:49:36.175-07:00

Sundays are always a little peculiar. For whatever reason, that specific day of the week is one often marked by headaches and a skewed sense of time. I wouldn't necessarily call it a lazy day--the inevitable feeling of inactivity-induced stagnancy is not one I particularly relish--but somehow, it just feels different. Granted, I am not technically "at home" (although my sister's house sometimes

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-64720401786080592042011-05-18T18:50:00.000-07:002011-05-18T18:50:37.520-07:00

I'm feeling the onset of illness and am heading back to the Bay tomorrow, so I anticipate updating this blog even more sparsely this week. Whilst I try to return to state more conducive to blogging, I'll just share a few food photos from the last week or so.We've reached the halfway point of the week. As I mentioned earlier, I'll be spending the upcoming week in the Bay Area, with family time and

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-27213320482635587852011-05-13T15:07:00.000-07:002011-05-13T17:51:11.386-07:00

I go through food-related phases, during which I gravitate toward a particular type of ingredient, dish, or cuisine. Inspiration is everywhere and can strike at any moment, only making cravings for comestible goodness more salient. Usually a round or two of appetite-induced cooking experiments will yield more than satisfactory results. Occasionally, a specific not-quite-right element in a dish

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-55016630366576036292011-05-04T19:23:00.000-07:002011-05-05T11:26:15.988-07:00

I've become quite fond of Isa's delicious version of vegan mac and cheese since making a slightly-adapted version of it recently. I had to make another batch soon after the first (which was actually only a half batch, silly me); it would have been simply wasteful to not put that leftover sauerkraut to use. This time around, the resulting sauce was slightly green, likely from the serrano peppers I

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-66253859189489491022011-05-02T20:34:00.000-07:002011-05-02T20:34:21.302-07:00

I have a collection of photos that for various reasons never receive blog face time. Despite at some point deeming a given dish potentially worthy of further elaboration in this humble little space, half the time it won't make the cut. Usually it's a matter of a dish no longer seeming interesting enough for me to share, but sometimes I'm just become lazy about squeezing in even a brief mention.

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-22072938054833376002011-05-02T16:30:00.000-07:002011-05-02T16:30:43.099-07:00

[In the interest of getting the word out as soon as possible, this month's Love Drop update is a straight-up reblog of the information Love Drop's own Nate and J$ shared with the Blogger Network.] Hey guys! The Love Drop team is at it again! Last month they gave over $6,000 worth of cash and goods to their recipient, the Kahlen family, who had been going through a financially hard time due to

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-65636533555258830542011-04-28T00:04:00.000-07:002011-04-28T00:04:49.673-07:00

My three weeks without refined sugar, coffee, and alcohol have ended, but I still plan to moderate my consumption of those items. Quick-fix diets and the like don't appeal to me; the cleanse was merely a way to jump start what I intend to be a more healthy lifestyle in general, both physically and emotionally. As with so many aspects of the accepting the human condition, my journey in self-care

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-18809350552573008362011-04-25T18:33:00.000-07:002011-04-25T18:33:34.561-07:00

After itching to cook up Mac & Shews pretty much since Isa posted her recipe over at The PPK, I finally made the dish yesterday to bring to a casual family gathering. I've cooked several versions of vegan macaroni and "cheese" and tasted a few creations by other people. Despite having distinctly non-cheese "cheesy" flavor, most of the aforementioned vegan mac and cheese dishes have been good (if

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-60446583202775754282011-04-20T19:45:00.000-07:002011-04-20T19:45:52.440-07:00

Depicted above are representatives of what has been very minimal baked goods production in this house during the course of my current refined-sugar and -flour avoidance/jump on healthier eating habits. The first two photos are of quite possibly the driest (albeit most basic) cornbread muffins on the planet. With only apple juice to both sweeten and moisten the bread and no fat, the bread--

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-59942685302261434582011-04-15T16:34:00.000-07:002011-04-15T16:34:31.641-07:00

Another week comes to a close, with the weather improving just as the weekend arrives. The sun has just begun to make its presence known around here, warming and illuminating the fragrant flora and greenery peeking from every outdoor crevice. The day has been dotted with a few serene moments, the treasured silence of the house enticing me to slip away for a brief nap. But first, I share with you,

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-58341852543737426452011-04-09T14:03:00.000-07:002011-04-09T14:03:30.826-07:00

As March rolled to a close, I began to realize that for the last few months, perhaps since the year-end holiday season, I haven't felt particularly well on the health front. Granted, I am a bit of a carb junkie--rice and bread are longtime addictions--who frequently features items of that variety on this blog. The predominant coverage of baked goods on this site doesn't quite accurately reflect

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-78843555603421077692011-04-06T09:15:00.000-07:002011-04-06T09:15:48.195-07:00

The arrival of a new month means it's time to share another Love Drop success story. Last month, the team collected $5,000 worth of cash and goods to give to Katie, the recipient for March who had overcome two brain tumors and struggles with the subsequent medical expenses. A surprise gift of 15+ friends arrived at Katie's house for the drop, culminating in an amazing, touching celebration. You

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-46370063971228868702011-03-31T17:40:00.000-07:002011-03-31T17:40:37.032-07:00

We are a week into spring, but it feels more like summer. While many fellow Californians are basking in the blazing sunshine of this apparent heatwave, I'm not quite ready to part with the cooler temperatures that have suddenly disappeared. The muggy warmth is undoubtedly making me feel just a little sluggish. Here's a no-fuss, one-pot homage to summer to complement that heat-induced tendency to

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-39616935017687876872011-03-24T16:52:00.000-07:002011-03-24T16:52:44.200-07:00

With the intensity of worldly events lately, it has been all too easy for me to feel more than a bit disconnected from my normal food enthusiasm. But I haven't lost it completely; the compulsion to engage in full-blown kitchen mode is rather sporadic, but detectable nonetheless. Developing the focus to share it in a cohesive way is another issue, but in time, inspiration will hit, and new life

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-45807097113279777202011-03-17T09:58:00.000-07:002011-03-17T17:43:06.648-07:00

For Japan With Love, a disaster relief project launched by Utterly Engaged and Ever Ours, is accepting donations to benefit the relief effort in Japan and encourages pledges for tomorrow's Bloggers Day of Silence. On this day (18 March 2011), participating bloggers pledge not to post anything on their blogs, to honor all those individuals and families affected by the ongoing crisis in Japan.

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-79854296205790602992011-03-16T17:08:00.000-07:002011-03-16T18:18:50.469-07:00

I don't normally celebrate St. Patrick's Day and am still very much feeling the intensity and weight of the current situation in Japan. However, I could some lighthearted distraction, so consider this a remotely holiday-related post. Last week, a colleague noted that our next meeting would occur on St. Patrick's Day, playfully reminding me to wear green. Indeed, St. Patrick's day is commonly

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-52389239844010560512011-03-11T18:46:00.000-08:002011-03-11T18:46:54.784-08:00

As is the case of many other people, my heart has been heavy with sadness following the news of both the earthquake-related destruction in New Zealand a few weeks ago and is heavier still from the earthquake- and tsunami-related devastation ongoing in Japan. Warm thoughts and love go out to those individuals and families affected by these catastrophic events.------ In light of the somber nature

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-33271226188980193202011-03-07T12:08:00.000-08:002011-03-07T12:08:26.777-08:00

It's official: my laptop, in which my music, photos, important documents, and at least half of my notes/lists (from which my creativity manifests into something more tangible) are stored, is ailing considerably. In other words, it's nonfunctional and requires servicing, if not replacement. Although I'm able to access the Internet through other avenues--at the moment, I'm using someone else's

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-88806584216594480362011-03-02T18:14:00.000-08:002011-03-04T12:15:59.962-08:00

Great news: the February Love Drop was a success! In a single month, the Love Drop Team raised over $13,000 (and three iPads) to help two little boys with autism receive a service dog. Thank you to everyone who helped make a positive impact for Ethan, Alex, and their family, who were so appreciative and beyond touched! The final video of the Love Drop Team's arrival at their house can be found 

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-62922487227231232532011-02-27T22:26:00.000-08:002011-02-27T22:26:18.413-08:00

Need a sugar fix? Sexy Vegan Mama's Amaretto Sugar Cookies and Kahlua Crinkle Cookies are sure to satisfy a craving for something sweet. These goodies are the latest test recipes I've attempted from Christina-Marie "Sexy Vegan Mama" Wright and William Maltese's forthcoming cookbook, Sweet and Simple Vegan Desserts, which is due to hit shelves later this year. The Amaretto Sugar Cookies are

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621556008459761354.post-91035235494684431982011-02-23T16:36:00.000-08:002011-02-23T16:39:49.783-08:00

I almost made it through the cold season without more than an allergy-induced sniffle and the normal headaches, but alas, illness finally struck. Despite crawling sneakily upon me over the span of nearly a full week, the sickness was at its worst--primarily involving a migraine, congestion, and mild cough--for only a day. Of course, soup was in order--all day, in fact, beginning and ending with

Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14649184055936458908noreply@blogger.com5