Kitchen Wisdom

Warning: Your College Kid is Coming Home! (Don’t Make this Mistake)

[heart_this] · Jun 14, 2019 · Leave a Comment

As sure as the sun rises and sets with each passing day, our children will one day grow up, get their own lives, and move on. It’s the normal way of things and it’s okay. Yet it’s not always easy, is it?

When my oldest went away to college this momma was beaming with pride, thrilled about his accomplishments, and optimistic about his future. Yet there was still a part of me that was secretly devastated. All of a sudden, he was on to new adventures and a new purpose – as it should be. And I was left frankly, a little empty.

No more late night philosophical discussions in which we debated the problems of the world. No more watching him go off with friends, but knowing I’d see him safe and sound back home at the end of the night. Now that he was away at college, he was no longer living under my protective roof. How would I know he was taking care of himself? How would I know for sure he was okay?

It’s scary when your college kid is out in the big wide world.

Children all leave at some point. I promise they do, one way or another. There are good reasons to go and bad reasons to go. Leaving for college to learn who they are and how to make their way in the world is one of the best possible good reasons. But this right-of-passage, that all children take at one point or another, is still a complex one for parents to process.

How to Feed Your College Kid (and Don’t Make This Mistake!)

When he came home for that first visit, my son was just starting on his ethical vegan path and we, as a family, were also exploring plant-based eating. So that part was easy. I was pretty sure though that his vegan meals consisted of a big greasy bag of potato chips, chased by a handful of Oreo cookies, all washed down by a sugary soda. That assessment wasn’t too far off.

Determined to make up for all of his nutritional shortfalls in one quick weekend visit, I busied myself cooking healthy nutritious vegan meals; first to show my support for his new ethics, but also to make sure he was properly nourished. Because that’s what a mom does. Right?

A few days before his visit, I pulled out all my healthy vegan recipes. Determined to make up for months of bad eating, I filled the refrigerator with healthy casseroles, different kinds of pasta, tofu stir-fries, and salads.

As a family we reconnected: we talked, we laughed, and we ate. There was so much food – literally crammed into the fridge so tight that we had to adjust dishes, bowls, and pans every time we wanted to close the door.

All of it was healthy and nourishing and good-for-you-food, of course. No vegan junk food in this fridge! He appreciated it, I’m sure. He has always been an appreciative son. But on his last night, as he was packing his bags and doing that one final load of laundry, I saw him looking longingly at a lone brownie mix box, hiding high up on the top shelf in the corner of the pantry. Because in my zealous efforts to feed him well, I had forgotten one important detail: the treats.

What’s Wrong with Eating for Pleasure Once in a While? Nothing!

Of course! My college kid was longing for the taste of home, craving the good treats that mom used to make. I was so busy worrying about feeding him all the healthy food, nourishing his body, that I neglected this simple fact that we all need a little treat to nourish our soul.

So in the few hours I had left with him, I not only made my first version of my Vegan Brownie Hack with a Mix but also looked through my old recipe box and came up with a vegan version of his favorite banana cookies to send with him so that he could have a sweet treat to remind him of the good tastes of home.

Never forget that while it’s important to eat healthily – there are also times that we need to throw out our high health standards, and just have a little treat!

Some Other Awesome Dishes I like to Make and Serve When My College Kid Visits

Healthy Banana Nut Pancakes

Lasagna with Cashew Bechamel

Salsa Verde Mexican Casserole

The Best Vegan Mac and Cheese (Instant Pot)

Vegan Chili (with walnuts) It’s soooo good!

Looking for a healthier treat?

Healthy Oatmeal Cookies with Chocolate Chips

Chocolate Chip Banana Nut Bread

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13 Surprising Facts About Medjool Dates (And How to Cook with Them)

[heart_this] · May 27, 2019 · Leave a Comment

Medjool dates are soft and chewy, naturally sweet with a rich caramel-like taste. These strange looking, versatile little fruits from the date palm tree are a powerhouse of nutrients and flavor. Here are thirteen surprising facts about the Medjool date. You just might decide that you can’t live without them in your plant-based kitchen!

What is That Funny Looking Fruit?

While wandering in your produce department you might have noticed a small, brown, shriveled-looking, fruit packaged in a little plastic container and wondered what the heck these giant raisin-like things were! Well, you aren’t alone.

woman shopping in produce department — Shopping for your plant-based pantry can be confusing at first.

The first time I saw Medjool dates, I honestly thought they were some sort of dried-out version of a plum or a prune – kinda like a raisin is the dried out version of a grape. My adventurous self put the package in my cart though. Honestly, my palate wasn’t very sophisticated back then; and so the unopened package sat in the back of my cupboard for about a year until the ants invaded, the cupboard had to be cleaned out, and the package was tossed along with the ants.

Things changed when I started eating whole food plant-based. The Medjool date is now a staple in my vegan pantry. I pull these tasty little gems out to use at least once a week now. Read on to learn some things you probably didn’t know about Medjool dates, how to cook with them and get some tasty recipe ideas.

four medjool dates — These strange looking, shriveled, brown fruits are a staple in the plant-based pantry!

So Just What is a Medjool Date?

It’s no surprise that dates are the fruit that grows on date palm trees. You might be surprised to learn though that the dried up pruney looking Medjool dates you buy at the grocery store are not dried fruit at all but are fresh. That’s right! They only look like giant dried raisins. In fact, they are harvested, cleaned and packaged looking exactly the way they did growing on the palm tree. Other dates may or may not be processed or dried. But you can be sure that a Medjool date is unprocessed and fresh.
When you touch a fresh Medjool date for the first time, you might expect it to be hard when you press into it. It was surprising to me that it was soft and even a little squishy. In fact, if your date is hard to the touch, then chances are it is getting old. As long as your dates aren’t rock hard though and moldy (eww), you should be able to soften them by letting them sit in hot water for about an hour.
Medjool dates are a powerhouse of nutrition, naturally high in fiber, vitamin B-6, iron, and potassium. (Medical News Today)

Just How Long Does a Medjool Date Stay Fresh?

How long would you say most fresh fruits last on your counter-top? A few days? A week at most? Surprise! If stored in an airtight container, Medjool dates will stay fresh up to three months.
Better news! If you refrigerate your dates, you can keep them for about six months. Freeze them and you’ll get up to a year.
How will you know if your dates have passed their prime and are ready to be thrown out? Well, you might find the unpleasant surprise of mold on the surface of your fruit and the date will be quite hard to the touch -almost rock hard.
But wait! Here is a happy surprise fact: that white stuff on the outside of your dates might not be mold at all. Before throwing them out, check to see if the “mold” on your dates isn’t just a white film of crystallized sugar that Medjool dates sometimes develop. Hold it close to your nose an give it a good whiff. You should smell a light toffee or caramel scent. If they smell a little off, or like mildew or rot, toss them out!

Why Do Vegans and Whole Food Plant-Based Cooks Use Medjool Dates?

Medjool dates are often used as a processed sugar replacement in whole-food plant-based recipes. Have you ever wondered why? Medjool dates are a whole food and a natural unprocessed sweetener. The most processing they go through is when you personally put the soaked dates in a high-speed blender (affiliate links) or food processor and whir around until they turn into a smooth date paste.
You will find Medjool dates in some vegan recipes as well. Surprise! Not all sugar is vegan, and unless the sugar is organic or the source is certified vegan, you don’t always know. The Ordinary Vegan has a great article explaining why. Many vegans don’t cook with regular sugar because it is processed with bone char.
Once you know about Medjool dates, you won’t be surprised to learn that they can be used so many ways: in smoothies, sauces, puddings, and baked goods. In fact, anywhere you need a little sweetener, you can use these powerhouse fruits! I’ve even used them to cut the acidity in some of my tomato dishes like my Homemade Pasta Sauce Recipe.
Would you believe that Medjool dates are in this rich pasta sauce?

How to Use Medjool Dates in Your Everyday Cooking

Remove the pits and soak your dates in hot water. If the dates are fresh and soft, then a quick 20-30 minute soak should do. Soak dates that are old and hardened a little longer. You might need to soak for a few hours. You will know your dates are ready to use in a recipe when they are quite soft and just starting to fall apart.
These dates are almost falling apart and ready to use.
Make sure you drain and throw out the water they were soaking in. Your recipe will probably call for some type of liquid with which you will blend and process the soaked dates. If the recipe calls for water, use fresh water.
Make a date paste. Put the soaked and drained dates along with the liquid called for in the recipe in a high-speed blender or food processor and process until smooth. You will probably still see some little dark flecks in your date paste. That is normal.

Ready to give Medjool Dates a Try?

You are going to find these tasty versatile little fruits to be a staple in your pantry. These recipes are a great place to get started. They all use Medjool dates. Some just might surprise you

medjool dates soaking and on the counter — Medjool dates are so versatile! Use them in dressings and sauces or in baked goods.

Dressings and Toppings – Sweet and Savory:

Coconut Date Syrup

Healthy Homemade BBQ Sauce

Raspberry Mint Vinaigrette

Strawberry Balsamic Dressing

Pasta Sauce – Homemade and Plant-Based

Smoky Tomato Tahini Sauce

Baked Goods:

Crazy Good Salted Caramel Frosting

Vegan Pumpkin Cookies with Chocolate Chips – Just Like Grandma’s

Healthy Oatmeal Cookies with Chocolate Chips

Pumpkin Bundt Cake with Caramel Sauce

Pumpkin Bundt Cake with coffee, pumpkins, apples, and candle in background — Medjool Dates give this Pumpkin Bundt Cake a sweet caramel-like taste.

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The Displacement Method for Measuring

[heart_this] · Feb 22, 2019 · Leave a Comment

The Displacement method is a quick and easy way of measuring soft or semi-solid ingredients. Measuring out a semi-solid like peanut butter coconut oil, or butter (vegan of course!) can be messy – plus, when some is left in the measuring cup, I’m never sure I’m getting it all. Here is a trick my mamma taught me called “The Displacement Method”.

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You can measure the semi-solid – like peanut butter, coconut oil, or butter easily and with less mess by using the displacement method:

First, you are going to need to know the total volume of both the liquid and semi-solid. In the example below, I am measuring out 3/4 cup peanut butter a 1 cup vegetable broth. Altogether it equals 1 3/4 cup. That is what I will be filling my cup up to.
Next, get a liquid measuring cup and fill it with 1 cup of liquid. I prefer to use the liquid that will be going into my recipe if possible. If the recipe doesn’t use a liquid then you can use cold water and discard the water after using.
I’m measuring peanut butter into veggie broth. I know how much of each I need and just fill the measuring cup till it is to the correct line.
Then, scoop out the peanut butter – or other semi-solid – and put in the measuring cup until the liquid level measures up to make the total amount. Voila!
I’m putting the vegan butter into the cup with almond milk. I will know I have enough when it reaches the fill line.
Finally, pour the entire amount into your recipe if you are using both the liquid and the semi-solid.
If your recipe does not call for the liquid, then you will have used cold water. (Use cold so that your ingredients don’t melt into the water.) Drain the water from the semi-solid and put only that in the recipe.
Smile about not having to clean sticky peanut butter out of a measuring cup.
It is now to the fill line. I know I’ve measured out enough peanut butter. You are welcome!

Veggie Fun Kitchen recipes that have used the Displacement Method include:
African Peanut Stew
Mardi Gras King Cake

The Vegan Kitchen Gift Guide

[heart_this] · Nov 25, 2018 · Leave a Comment

Are you looking for a gift guide for the vegan kitchen? Or are you a vegan cook trying to build your own wish list?

Here are my favorite kitchen items that I think everyone needs when setting up their kitchen – vegan or not. As vegans though, we sometimes need a little extra because to do it right, we do a little extra. Enjoy browsing and I hope you can find something to add to your own wish list.

Discloser: I am an Amazon Affiliate. This means that if you click on an Amazon link and make a purchase, I may receive compensation at no additional cost to you.

The first must-have is a high speed blender! I can’t live without my Vitamix! I will not compromise on my Vitamix and get a lessor brand. Just isn’t going to happen…I use it to make hummus, cashew cream, dressing, vegan ricotta “cheese”, my super delicious and famous Chili Cheese Sauce, and so much more!
This one is a mid-range Vitamix. There are lessor ones and greater ones. I do have my eye on the 750 when mine wears out. It’s taking a long time though…

The next “must-have” on my list would have be an Instant Pot Pressure Cooker. Can I just say Chili Cheese Sauce and leave it at that!?! The instant pot is great for cooking dried beans with minimal soaking, chili, and soups and stews, rice, and even yogurt! I also have an awesome Thai Peanut Noodle recipe in the works. The Instant Pot Pressure cooker comes in three sizes: the 8 qt which is appropriate for a larger family, the 6 qt which works great for my family of four, and the 3 qt which would be perfect for a college student or a small family of two starting out.

The next item on my list is literally on my list! If Santa is listening, I need a new set of cookware! A good non-stick set of cookware is essential for the vegan cook who is also oil-free. No, we don’t need to cook with oil! Here is a hint: Heat your pan up first and then add the ingredients you want to saute, along with a little vegetable broth. Just watch your pan and add more broth as necessary so that it doesn’t stick. Really and truly – you don’t need to cook in oil!

I’ve researched and come up with three awesome cookware sets at three vastly different price points: Scanpan, Calphalon, and GreenLife. The one I would love love love to have is by Scanpan. Wow! Non-stick, lightweight and beautiful too! While the set would be an absolute dream come true, I’d truly make myself happy with getting this one piece at a time. The mid-range set is honestly where I’m probably going to set my sights with the Calphalon Stainless Steel cookware. It’s functional, practical, and beautiful. At the lower end of the range is a set that is functional, non-stick and comes in fun colors too! Check out the GreenLife cookware set. While I love the turquoise, I’d probably have to go with the red to match my kitchen.

Cook Books! Yes, the internet is a great source of recipes. Some of us are a little old school though and appreciate a nice set of cookbooks. Here are some of my favorite for the vegan cook:

Yes, I have all of these cookbooks! Don’t judge me!

And now for some of the little niceties that make cooking a pleasure:)

I do promise you, I have each and every one of these items!

Finally, in vegan cooking, we sometimes use some tricky, hard to find food items. Here are some that I order ALL THE TIME from Amazon:

I hope you fine some of the suggestions useful! Happy holidays! Cindy