Monday, October 29, 2012

vegan mofo :: "vegan sandwiches save the day!" contest and review

Out of Tuna Sandwich from Vegan Sandwiches Save the Day! Kelp-infused chickpeas with crunchy green beans.

Hurricane Sandy is headed straight for Philadelphia. Winds are kicking up – 47 mph gusts, 2 inches of rain and 20-foot-high waves already. The worst is set to hit us around in just a few hours by 8-10 pm: 80-100 mph winds and likely power outages for several days. Imminent flooding, damage and destruction: you know the drill. It's getting scary; I hope my windows don't get blown out! This said, I wanted to get my Vegan Sandwiches Save the Day! tour post and contest up before I lose power. [If you don't hear from me for a few days, you'll know why...]
First, I'm honored to be your trusty tour guide for today. I've followed Celine's blog forever, salivating at her tasty creations and scrumptious photos. Tami was a fabulous tester for my first cookbook and I wrote a back-cover blurb for her first cookbook, American Vegan Kitchen. It's one big vegan lovefest! Let's get started with the tour, then I'll tell you about the giveaway contest.


Layout and photos: You eat with your eyes first, and thanks to Celine's gorgeous photos, this colorful, eye-pleasing cookbook will have you licking the pages. Its layout is clean, well-indexed and easy to scan, which in my eyes, is always a plus.

The Chazwich was my favorite: a spicy tofu spread "glue," studded with marinated artichoke hearts and roasted red peppers.
Recipes: This cookbook features 101 sandwich recipes, from new takes on old favorites [eg, Muffaletta, Pan Bagnat] to revolutionary delights [eg, Peanut Butter Banana Bacon, Mac-shroom]. I tested 3 recipes for my tour. I listed them below in my order of preference. Because of the storm though, please note I wasn't able to use the exact breads specified.

1. Chazwich [named for Celine's hubby, Chaz. There's also a Jim-wich for Tami's husband]
2. Out of Tuna Sandwich
3. Unfishwich

When most of us make sandwiches, they usually consist of bread, a store-bought condiment and a store-bought filling. These creative ladies have catapulted the humble sandwich to new levels of flavor complexity by giving us recipes for all 3 components: fresh breads, DIY dressings, and hand-made fillers like Gobbler Slices and No-Cluck Cutlets. Although created specifically for sandwiches, the usefulness of the individual components reaches well beyond said 'wich recipes. For example, I ate leftover tempeh "unfish" sticks with ketchup for lunch one day, and I dressed my salads with the umami-yummy leftover Miso Dressing I had used for the Unfishwish and Out of Tuna Sandwich. 

The Unfishwich: Breaded tempeh sticks slathered in an Old Bay/kelp flavored tartar sauce. Mercury and cruelty-free! 
Sandwiches are usually something we quickly and mindlessly throw together when we are hungry and lazy. Celine and Tami have slowed ... sandwiches ... down... and have elevated them to works of art, with several levels of well-thought-out flavors.

The only real issue I have with the book is the Pittsburgh Steak Sandwich. Pittsburgh? Nothing against the Steel City, but Philly is THE home of the vegan cheesesteak. Obviously, Pittsburgh was a typo.

Unfish sticks, made with tempeh, all ready for baking. I used panko
Authors: Instead of serving up the usual vegan biographical fare, I thought it would be fun to ask Celine and Tami a question: "If they were a sandwich, what kind would they be and why?"

Celine: "I would be a crispy whole grain panini filled with pesto, melting homemade cheese (Miyoko to the rescue!), and well-seasoned, grilled veggies. Because it's simple, wholesome, and delicious and I'm...not?" 

Tami: "Oven-toasted french bread (pull some of the insides out to make room for lots of goodies inside) barbecue sauced seitan (the apple butter bbq sauce from the Mac-shroom is one of my favorites), fried pickles (check out the Jimwich for these), and if I have it, crumbled vegan blue cheese. If not, a smear of mayo on the bun. I’d also add some pico de gallo. I just had that with a bbq sandwich at Melt in Cincinnati and the two of them together was bliss.

How does this relate to me? As an old school punk, (looks can be deceiving), I don’t like boundaries, authority, or the word “no”. Combining elements that aren’t typically paired together to create a knock-out sandwich was one of our goals of the book. We want you to pick your favorite parts from a bunch of recipes and put them together in your own way. Oh, and I can be saucy, spicy, and sometimes cheezy."  

The contest: To enter to win a free copy of Vegan Sandwiches Save the Day! please leave a comment and tell us if you were a sandwich, what kind would you be and why? I will choose a winner in the next few days [Caveat: power-permitting...it may be longer depending on the whim of Hurricane Sandy.] US and Canadian residents only, please. And be sure to include a way we can contact you. Good luck!

The hurricane: To everyone in Sandy's path: be safe, be sensible and prepared, and please make sure you have a disaster plan in place for your pets. Heaven forbid, but if you see pets who are kept outdoors [eg, canines in doghouses] speak up and take action, if needed.
Nothing like 5 Weather Channel warnings



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57 comments:

Ruth said...

Cashew nut butter, mixed with a shake of cinnamon and with sliced banana and apple on toasted raisin bread 'cause I'm a tad on the nutty side. Slightly toasting the bread makes it warm enough to melt the nut butter just enough.

vegan.in.brighton said...

Yum! I love sandwiches and I can't wait to get this book.

Laura said...

I'd be a peanut butter & jelly, because I come across at first as quiet and unassuming, but the jelly would be jalapeno jam, because I'm actually pretty sassy.

Vegan Fazool said...

Sweet post, Dynise! And I'm glad to see the comments button back at the bottom of posts, yeay, now I can bother you on your blog. I already have this awesome book, but another one wouldn't hurt anybody (gift time!).

My husband says I would be a spicy pumpkin marinated tofu sandwich with heirloom tomatoes and organic arugula, on home made bread--I don't know why :-) He did say there HAS to be arugula on it, since I put arugula on everything (particularly sandwiches!). I tend a bit on the spicy side, and need that kick of arugula (and often hot sauce as well) on many things I eat!

XOXO. Stay safe! Just saw an ambulance fly down my street...

Anonymous said...

Dynise,

Saying a prayer for your safety and for all those in Sandy's path. May you find peace in the midst of the storm.

Beth said...

I'd be the grilled cheese sandwich of my dreams -- on homemade sourdough with lots of vegan cheddar, a spicy tomato-chipotle spread, thin slices of red onion and tomato, and lots of fresh cilantro. And I would be delicious! :)

Bethany said...

I'd be an almond butter and banana sandwich - a little nutty and a little sweet! :)

Tina. said...

I'd be version of Reuben: rye bread, Vegenaise, tempeh "bacon," and sauerkraut. Yum!

kmm22 said...

i'd be a wrap - tempeh bacon, shredded carrots, avocado, and mustard. idk why... maybe because eating too many of these has made me a little too round? :)

Andrea said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Andrea said...

I think I'd be a toasted whole wheat pita stuffed with chickpeas and Greek roasted veggies.

Take care Dynise. I have lots of relatives in Philly and am watching the storm news — sending positive thoughts your way.

Anonymous said...

oh my gosh that look absolutely fabulous! stay safe!!!!

Chef Amber Shea said...

I'd be a curried-chickpeas-and-cauliflower sandwich (made with naan, of course). Is there such a thing? If not, there needs to be...

mooxinator said...

Grilled 'cheese' in one of those sandwich clamp thingies over a camp fire. Home made pickles on the side please.

Karen L. said...

I'd be a mean, green open-faced spinach melt with daiya on top.

Anonymous said...

I'd be a PB&J sammich....the perfect combo of sweet and salty!

radioactivegan said...

Be safe during this time!

If I were a sandwich, I'd be a sloppy joe. I doubt that needs too much explanation ;)

Rebecca said...

If I were a sandwich, I'd be a BLT. It's a pretty orderly sandwich and I'm a pretty orderly person.

Kelsey Gardner said...

I would be a maple sweet potato and pecan butter grilled sandwich

Esther said...

Peanut butter and jelly - salty, sweet, and a little crunch. On challah, because I'm Jewish.

Jody said...

I'd be a bbq seitan sandwich because I'm a bit spicy and a bit sweet.

Jerilyn said...

I know this may be boring but I'd be an ALT (avocado, lettuce, tomato) with maybe some tempeh as well :) A vegan restaurant in my city makes the best one ever... mmmm! email is ginger_girl84@hotmail.com

Cadry's Kitchen said...

Stay safe! We're all thinking about you!!

For the sandwich I'd be a toasted Peanut Butter & Banana - sweet, salty, and a classic!

Claryn said...

Barbecue seitan for me, too: because I can be sweet, sour, and salty (sometimes all at once). I can get a bit messy, too.

Stay safe!

Kimberley Dias said...

I'd be un-chicken parmesan sandwhich - cause I'm better than the original, but the similarity is uncanny ;)

Meghan said...

Overstuffed burrito, because just when you think you've reached the depths of my personality THERE'S MORE GUA--okay, maybe not exactly. Let's say it's because I'm a little busy, a little messy, and know the value of a good sturdy tortilla.

Sara said...

I'd be a Peanut Butter and Jelly...uncomplicated but delicious. Also easy to eat and make when you're constantly on the rune (which as a grad student describes me perfectly).

Sam (a.k.a. the Quantum Vegan) said...

If I was a sandwich, I'd be a toasty, cheese-free panini on sprouted bread filled with lightly grilled zucchini and mushroom slices, raw peppers, red onion, garden-fresh tomatoes and a big ol' leaf of kale. With dijon mustard.

Why? Not only is that one of my personal favorite sandwiches, but I could say it represents my no-nonsense, slightly spicy, simple-but-deep personality. ;)

~ Sam
sam (at) quantumvegan (dot) com

Desirae said...

"Cheesesteak" with delicious marinated tempeh and creamy cashew "cheese." YUM!

moonsword said...

I'd be an almond butter, wild blueberry jam, kiwi slice and cinnamon sandwich on warm toasty bread because I'm healthy, spicy, slightly exotic and just a bit wild. ;)
Cheers!

Sophie said...

I'd be a pb and banana sandwich, clearly the one I make more often. We just survived here in Delaware! holisticworksinprogress AT gmail DOT com

dreaminitvegan said...

First of all I hope you are safe during and there was no damage to your home. Give us an update soon if you can.
My fav. sandwich is grilled Portobello with avocado on French crusty bread.

TeriPDX said...

I'd be a classic veggie burger, with toasted bun and all the trimmings. Tried and true!

Laura C. said...

If I were a sandwich I'd be a big slab of smokey, baked tofu sitting high on a lightly toasted ciabatta roll with fresh green lettuce and ripe heirloom tomato picked straight from the garden, topped off with avocado wedges, pickled jalapeno,sweet onion sliced paper thin and a fat dollop of Vegannaise. In these difficult times, I just want to make everyone a little happier.

Katie said...

If I were a sandwich I'd be your classic grilled "cheese" with grilled onions, sliced tomatoes, and sliced avocados (all organic of course) accompanied with a bowl of tomato basil soup. With the weather being so crazy, it's the perfect comfort food, with a little twist. I got out of the east coast just in time and flew home to sunny southern California, however, my Mom is still in Martha's Vineyard. Everything's good there minus some street flooding, but I have friends in New Jersey with over 6 inches of water in their homes and their towns devastated... and a friend in NYC who is still without power. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone on the east coast.

janet @ the taste space said...

Gosh, I've never really thought about myself as a sandwich.. mashed beans with greens, then! My favourite foods in sandwich form. :)

Amanda @ Hungry Vegan Traveler said...

I recently had a curried-tofu wrap at Ethos Vegan Kitchen in Orlando and it was amazing. So yeah, I'd be that. :)

Jennifer said...

Hummus and veggies or BBQ tofu!

KrisB said...

I would be a fluffernutter (made with vegan marshmellow creme, if it exists)on oatmeal bread. I hope you made it throught the storm with little damage.
Krista

foodfeud said...

Peanut butter and pickles, an unsuspecting sneak take on a classic.
Hope you weathered the storm alright.

Unknown said...

I'd be a ciabatta-- a little tough on the outside but soft in the middle-- filled with lots of vibrant, zesty pesto and tons of veggies!

Samantha Genske-Condon said...

I would be a DELISH black bean burger/sandwich with ketchup, mustard, onions, lettuce, tomato, maybe a dash of vegan mayo all on a focaccia bun or bread. YUM! I hope to win this cookbook, I LOVE LOVE sandwiches! :)

Lizzie Bordello said...

Hmm...I'm gonna go with avocado on sourdough. Creamy, smooth, delicious, a little fatty, and an acquired taste! ;p

Anonymous said...

If I were a sandwich I think I'd be a vegan grilled cheese just because they're so damn good

Anne S said...

I'd be a veggie and hummus wrap! They say you are what you eat, and I've definitely had my share of those!

Abby Bean said...

I'd be a chocolate fluffer nutter: toast, peanut butter, Sweet and Sara marshmallows, and dark chocolate chips!

Anonymous said...

If I were a sandwich, I would be a portobello mushroom sandwich because I'm mature, earthy & tasty =) It would be marinated in teriyaki sauce topped with a grilled pineapple slice, melted miyoko "mozzerella" & kale leaf, on a ciabatta roll thinly dressed in veganaise.

Jennifer said...

If I were a sandwich, I would be the "other" Pittsburgh sandwich - a vegan Primanti sanwich piled high with vinegar-y cole slaw, french fries and some daiya cheddar; all toasted and melty on some soft Italian bread.

jared said...

I would be thin slices of savory vegan seitan gyro, with crisp shreds of lettuce, diced tomatoes, french fries(!!) for crunch, crumbles of vegan feta, and a cool and smooth vegan tzatziki sauce on top, all stuffed in a garlicky toasted flatbread. Mostly because I feel as though I always smell like garlic, but also because I'm zesty yet warm and satisfying.

k's mumbo jumbo said...

I think I would be any sort of sandwich with lots of avocado on it. With a creamy dreamy dressing and big slabs of bread.

Anonymous said...

I would be a wrap with bbq seitan, broccoli and radish sprouts, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, dulse and vegan mayo. Why, because the whole is better than the sum of its component parts.

Molly @mollybarry13 said...

I would be a vegan Caesar wrap with a vegan chik'n patty, pita chips, and warm basmati rice. It's like wrapping you in a food hug!

Anonymous said...

A vegan "tuna" melt with great vegan cheese and avocado slices. Put it on a soft sandwich roll, then on a panini press until everything is good and melty. I'm getting hungry just writing this comment!

Unknown said...

Let's try this again with a different username... The first one came out as goobledegook.

A vegan "tuna" melt with great vegan cheese and avocado slices. Put it on a soft sandwich roll, then on a panini press until everything is good and melty. I'm getting hungry just writing this comment!

Glo said...

I hope that ya'll made it through Sandy safely and that all is well. I would be a untuna sandwich (I mix crumbled tempeh with onion, pickle relish, vegannaise, a little mustard, celery, kelp flakes and black pepper) place on your fav bread with either lettuce, sprouts or fresh spinach and dig in. I'd love to win this cookbook to open up my sandwich options!

Glo said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Nuu said...

I would be a tomato, avocado, lettuce, seitan, Vegenaise sandwich.