Tuesday, March 29, 2011

thai-centric mac-n-cheese


Mac-n-cheese for rule breakers

Warning: this is not your grandma’s mac and cheese, although it’s every bit as comforting and decadent. This vegan version is infused with subtle Thai influence. Its silky creaminess comes thanks to coconut oil and coconut creamer (Don’t worry! It’s much more figure-friendly than traditional mac and cheese.) And a sprinkle of red pepper flakes infuses the sauce with an assertive bit of heat, which balances beautifully against the sweetness. You can use any brand of regular or whole grain elbow macaroni, but I prefer Barilla’s; each piece has little ridges to help the sauce stick to the pasta. The recipe will appear in the new cookbook. 

19 comments:

ginger said...

I'm really getting into the mac and cheese mode that seems to be going on right now. Have you tried the southern pimento version? You puree the pimentos with the cheese so it's a pimento cheese sauce. It give it a great kick.

tweal said...

Oooh this looks yummy, and sounds really intriguing. I've only recently become a fan of vegan mac n cheese and I tend to stick to the 'classic', but I will try this once the new book comes out :)

Molly said...

This sounds like my type of mac & cheese! Yum!!

T said...

Thai mac and cheese? You are blowing my mind right now. Can"t wait for the new cookbook!

C.C said...

Hey! Just wanted to say that I like your blog and keep up the good work! More super vegans like us are needed in the world ;)

I run a similar blog with a bit more sarcasm to it though: fablefoods.blogspot.com

Take care!

Tamara said...

One word: YUM!

Anonymous said...

I sort of hate your blog now. I find that it comes off as one gigantic advertisement for your cookbooks. Every post seems to be little more than teaser content for a recipe that is going to appear in your next book. Bummer.

In theory, I'd like to make this for dinner tonight. I'm smart enough to wing it, but why include an actual recipe and then advertise some dishes that would pair well that will only be available in the cookbook?

Anonymous said...

Oops. "Why NOT include..."

urban vegan said...

Anonymouse:

Why not courageously include your name?

I'm sorry you "sort of hate my blog" right now. You're absolutely under no obligation to visit. Yes, I am promoting my cookbook. And I am doing so unapologetically.

In case you didn't know, there's a polite way to offer constructive criticism. I listen to politely phrased suggestions. But I won't be bullied into anything. Especially by an anonymouse who knows nothing about me and what's going on in my off-blog life. (Been working 12+ hour days between book and day job for too long. So sorry, but right now, I don't have time to throw together extra recipes!)

And by the way, scroll down, and you'll see a *recipe* for frosting that I included just a few posts ago.

Hope said...

Hi there! I have been a long time reader of your blog. (Don't think I have ever commented before...) I have your first cookbook and am eagerly awaiting the next one due to all the "sneak peaks" you have been posting. Just wanted to mention it... Your blog is inspiring, thank you for sharing!

urban vegan said...

Thank you, Hope! XO

Liz said...

Denise,

Sadly, I'd have to agree with anonymous, but as you said, maybe phrased a bit nicer. I've been thinking of commenting lately to let you know, but basically didn't want to come off like a jerk.

It isn't fun or interesting to come to a food-based blog to see pictures of food you made and you eating at restaurants, but (almost) no recipes. And that isn't intended to be bullying, or rudeness, it's just fact.

You are a great vegan cook, your first cookbook is awesome, and I'd guess your second one will be similarly great. I used to look forward to visiting this site, but I don't anymore, and that's just how it is, regardless of what's going on in your off-blog life.

urban vegan said...

Liz: thanks for your comment. And for signing your name. And for saying what you think but constructively. I hear you.

Cookbook is finally finished so maybe I will have some time to post some recipes and fun stuff. No one is gladder than me. The last 2 yrs have been a bitch. But I am officially back.

urban vegan said...

PS: it's Dynise :)

Liz said...

Dynise!

(yuck, I hate misspelling names - sorry!)
Thanks for the reply, and congrats on finishing the book - I'm sure it feels great to have it done!

Glad you're back, and the throwback picnic recipes are awesome.

Thanks!

Get Skinny, Go Vegan. said...

My hubby still loves mac & cheeze, any version! We have changed it through the years, from Indian, Thai, and with Daiya back to plain old American. Not it's Gluten Free. It ages with us. Great to have "normal" American recipes for peeps just not sure about the switch yet. You can eat what you always ate, just tweak it a bit & suck that death right out of it.

Mary from MooPig Naturals said...

I must try this!! I love mac and cheese and still did not find a replacement for the real thing. Thanks!

www.moopigvegan.com

Evan said...

Umm, Mac n' Cheese... Great thoughts on the thai-influence. I'd never think of that.

Vegetarian Diet

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