Saturday, November 13, 2010

vegan mish-mash

Sorry for the delay in putting up this post. I've been dealing with a slightly scary medical problem [not fun] – and preparing for my cooking demonstration at Paris Vegan Day [loads of fun!]. Isa Chandra Moskowitz, Terri Hope Romero, Virginie Péan of Absolutely Green, The Urban Housewife, and many other cool herbivores will also be giving talks/doing demos. Oh là là! More on both later. Until then, I hope these shots of what I've been consuming and doing lately will tide you over. 

First, the doing...
I met one of my favorite food writers, Nigella Lawson, at a book signing. I gave her a copy of my cookbook, and she seemed genuinely touched.  She's even more gorgeous in person, if you can believe that.


Here's what Nigella wrote inside her new book, Nigella Kitchen...  It's impeccably written, as you would expect nothing less from Nigella. I love how she approaches food on such a visceral, sensual level. Yes, many recipes are meaty. But yes, everything translates quite nicely to vegan. 



Melisser Elliot, the lovely Urban Housewife, was also in town, promoting her fab new book, The Vegan Girl's Guide to Life. We caught up at the Grindcore House, South Philadelphia's newest vegan café.  See you in Paris, Melisser!


Next, the consuming...

 CSA share watermelon radishes...


That quickly became...


Sauteed radishes. When you saute radishes, it tempers their bite, making them taste ever-so-slightly like mushrooms.


Chickpeas with chard and turnip greens...a classic beans-n-greens combo.


New recipe! Pumpkin-Maple Muffins. WIth coffee, these are heavenly: light as feathers and just sweet enough.


From heavenly to devilish. Tis the season, after all! Try Silk Nog with just a tiny splash of rum, and a dusting of nutmeg. Serve it to your non-vegan friends and believe me, they won't ask any questions.


The more virtuous side of me used the bunch of spearmint from my CSA share to make nana, or mint tea.  I love this simple-but-elegant tea pot that Jeff and Amy, my nephew and his wife, gave me for Christmas last year.


Virtuous yet utterly hedonistic, I threw together this dessert smoothie using almond milk, raw coconut,  medjool dates, vanilla and a pinch of cinnamon. Seriously addictive.


Finally, I was too tired to cook last night, so I  whipped up this chef's salad using arugula, lettuce, tomatoes, jicama, seitan,  and toasted walnuts, tossed with a basic vinaigrette dressing. Until next time, bon appétit!


20 comments:

Tami said...

You never fail to eat well and do exciting things! Love the teapot! Hope your health situation takes care of itself pronto.

Unknown said...

Oh wow, where is the recipe for those muffins! :)

Anonymous said...

Umm, you met Nigella?! Awesome!!

MeloMeals said...

Have fun in Paris!! I wish I was going to Paris! It sounds like so much fun.

.. and so freaken cool you got to meet Nigella!.

I hope your health issues are taken care of. That stuff is no fun.

Jenn said...

All that food looks amazing!

Chef Amber Shea said...

That dessert smoothie sounds like a raw horchata of sorts. Seriously YUM.

KleoPatra said...

AMAZING!! i love the food, i love your positive attitude and how the health issue is going to resolve itself in no time, i love Nigella L., i love your going to Paris!! i love you!

Marieta said...

I am thrilled to hear you will be at Paris Vegan day. Only a couple months ago I discovered your blog, admiring your stylish and stunning recipes. I am commenting here for the first time, and looking forward to your demo in Paris - perusing the schedule it seems this will be at 1pm correct ? a bientot

Jenni (aka Vegyogini) said...

I am sending healing energy your way, Dynise!

Theresa said...

Cool radishes! Everything looks great. Good luck with your health issues!

Anonymous said...

39416 частные косметологи :-(

Monique a.k.a. Mo said...

Sorry to hear about the medical problem. Wishing you well!

That's so frickin' awesome that you met Nigella!

Virginie said...

I can't wait to meet you in Paris... And discover your demo! I hope your medical problems are gone away now.

mamapasta said...

I am pretty pleased to know that you will be in front of my eyes next Sunday in Paris !

Tapping Therapy said...

These are all great and exciting dishes! I can eat and try anything in here guilt-free!

Anonymous said...

Valuable info. Lucky me I found your site by accident, I bookmarked it.

staub cookware said...

I love sauteening radishes! They are one of my favorite dishes these days. And the dessert smoothie seems a wonderful idea that is worth trying!

London Mabel said...

Thanks for the Virginie Péan reference. I've been looking for a vegan cookbook in French (I live in Montreal).

:-)

Katie said...

Oh wow, that salad looks really good! I might have to try it.

Unknown said...

Please everyone watch earthlings and gary yourofsky on youtube please and please go vegan it's better for us it's better for the animals and it's better for the planet that we live on and be careful sugar is not vegan because of the bone char just search online for vegan sugar brands or just call the company or e mail them and ask them if they use bone char and be careful with the products that contain sugar just read the ingredients btw evaporated cane juice is vegan