Vegan Good Eats

Is it possible? A vegan KFC Double Down? With Seitan

Nothing says American country fare than chicken fried chicken. In this video, learn how to make basic seitan and two great variations including a vegan version of KFC’s Double Down. Think you are up to the challenge?

Yes, and it is sinfully disturbing just like the original (minus the animal of course). I was wondering embarking in a vegan donut making party just so I could use them as “bread” and be just like Paula Dean, only vegan. The experiment began [...]

Quinoa 107: A few of my favorite things – Falafel Quinoa Cakes

Sometimes it takes some sleep, and a little lack of it perhaps to come up with something brilliant.

Delicious and light, best served simply with some raw veggies, a side salad, and a little bit of tahini. Nothing else.

For quite sometime, I have been obsessed with falafel and I know I am not the only one (yes I am talking about you Shari). The quest for perfection in such a whimsical and unpredictable little folkish fritter is beyond non-sensical if [...]

Quinoa 106: Apple Quinoa Spelt Muffins

My precious. Fabulous little muffins that are actually good carbs. Yes there is such a thing.

Carbs have become evil in our society. They are the main cause of obesity, problems with the economy, the downfall of Enron, and of course, they are at the center of the ongoing healthcare debate. There are recent allegations that carbs were indeed responsible for causing Tiger Woods to have repeated faithfulness slips, caused Israel to ban the iPad as well as being directly [...]

Quinoa 105: Strawberry Red Quinoa Pancakes with Cashew Butter Syrup

Foreplay is to sex what preparing these pancakes are to eating them. After eating these, I think I need a smoke.

The enticing lucuma and the ice cream obsession of my childhood

Growing up, strawberries were seen as somewhat stick out you pinky and giggle feminine. After all, berries sparkle. In choosing ice-cream flavors, the guys chose chocolate, and the girls nibbled gently on their pink color berry treat on a stick. I was a rebel. I refused either. Choosing chocolate would [...]

Quinoa 104: American Comfort Food – Quinoa Wild Mushroom Spinach Loaf with Cashew Gravy

Nothing says American comfort food like a thick slice of meat loaf served over mashed potatoes with gravy. This incredible alternative takes advantage of the high protein content OF quinoa to create a rich version with wild mushrooms and spinach.

So you have been cooking quinoa. Quinoa with this, quinoa with that, quinoa stuffed whatever, and quinoa baked with anything. There is a somewhat high probability that indeed, you have quinoa leftovers in lovely containers lining your colorful (hopefully) refrigerator. So [...]

Quinoa 103: Wild Mushroom Quinoa Risotto with White Truffle Oil

Risotto is a delicious, labor intensive dish that unfortunately is very high in carbs. Quinoa is a wonderful substitute giving it similar texture, but lower in carbs, higher in fiber and loaded with protein. Wild mushrooms are a perfect starring partner and the white truffle oil adds an intoxicating aroma that will make you swoon.

I remember the day I fell in love with mushrooms. We were at home, I was a cute kid and my uncle was making culinary love [...]

Quinoa 102: Vegan Crab Cakes aka Black Bean Black Quinoa Croquettes

Although most recipes treat quinoa almost as rice, this is a beautiful and whimsical use of this most flexible and versatile ingredient. Coupling the rich texture, color and flavor of black beans with black quinoa is visually exotic. Cumin, cilantro and lemon juice gives these cakes a fresh and smokey aroma perfect for a light summer meal.

Made you look. Those who love crab cakes will tell you that it is their light (but fatty) texture that makes them appealing. As [...]

Quinoa 101: Red, White, and Black

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Quinoa was a sacred seed, not a grain, for the Inca’s. It is no wonder why this popular food is a major staple of South American cuisine. It is high in protein, 12-18 percent in fact, and contains a balance set of essential amino acids making it a complete protein.

They are all wrong. Seriously wrong.

Traditional White Quinoa: mild flavor, perfect for combining with other ingredients. Plays more of [...]

Foodie Breaking News: Falafel Chips and Wrights of Texas Salsa

I interrupt your regular scheduled work day to bring you breaking foodie news: the discovery of falafel chips and raw salsa.

Peggy and Rick from Wrights of Texas helping me discover that one should NEVER buy salsa from the non-refrigerated aisle. Why did it take me so long to figure that out?

At about 10 am-ish on Friday, April 9th, 2010, during a routine shopping trip to my local Whole Foods Market, I met Peggy from Wrights of Texas and had a religious [...]

Quinoa: Quin-what?

It’s funny how foods become trendy. Hummus took off from 5 million 12 years ago to about 250 million in sales last year, veganism is the new macrobiotic, raw is esoterically and confusingly sexy (I think its the word raw), and tea has blown up exponentially among western drinkers.

Red and Black Quinoa: a recent sacred acquisition at my local Whole Foods

Perhaps globalization, the internet, social media, the Food TV Network and blogs have sensationalized quinoa. Truthfully, I am surprised [...]