Hummus

Hummus is the vegan food that non-vegans most like. No one complains, “hey, where’s the meat?” when a bowl of hummus and edible dipping aparati (pita chips, veggies, etc.) are on the table. Most people don’t even question whether or not hummus is vegan– they just scarf it down. In fact, the next time someone complains to me that vegan food is flavorless, boring or weird, I’m going to present them with a batch of homemade hummus. That’ll show ‘em.

Anyhow, here’s my favorite hummus recipe and my favorite way to eat it.

Helen’s Hummus

• 1 can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons tahini
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend. Add lemon juice as needed to get mixture to right consistency.

Helen’s Hummus Sandwich

• good bread (like French bread)
• hummus
• grilled red bell peppers (fresh or jarred)
• marinated artichoke hearts
• spinach
• veganaise (optional)
• vegan mozzarella (optional)

1. Spread/layer all ingredients on bread. Press in a panini press if you like.

Vegan Rella

In my quest to find the perfect vegan cheese, I picked up a package of Vegan Rella at Sidecar for Pig’s Peace.

Basic Coconut Rice

I had brunch at Portage Bay Cafe in the U-District over the weekend with some girls in my program. I was impressed with the number of delicious looking vegan (and non-vegan) options on the menu, though disappointed by the service, wait time, and unreasonably large portions; many people feel that big plates of food are a good thing when dining out, but I would rather pay less, eat a sensible yet filling meal, and move on. Instead, I balanced three servings’ worth of food on my lap through the entire 3-hour the post-brunch movie (Avatar). While I was grateful for the food, I ended up paying $9 plus a $5 tip (ah, the perils of eating in a group) for a dish I knew I could duplicate for a fraction of that at home.

Dennis Kucinich for President

Why? Vegan Brownies.

Quick Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon rolls are traditions for many families at Christmas. They weren’t for mine, but we wouldn’t have minded if they were- we’re suckers for anything sweet.

Vegan Snickerdoodles

Uwajimaya is this fabulous Asian market in Seattle. It started as a Japanese grocery store in 1928, and now sells products from all over the continent/subcontinent, which makes it easy to create a meal out of the dishes of multiple countries without even realizing it. I go there once every few months (it takes two buses to get there or I would go every week) to stock up on pan-Asian foods. After my recent visit, I told David everything I had bought for him: noodles, dumplings, kimchi, seaweed salad and cookies.

“Snickerdoodle cookies?” He asked.

“No, lemon wafers,” I replied.

“Oh.” He said, sounding a little disappointed. “I was hoping for snickerdoodles.”

Pie Noir: Whiskey Apple Pie

This month’s You Want Pies With That theme is “a pie with true holiday spirit – literally.” Translation: booze pie.

Berlin Beer Cake

I love beer. I love baking.  I love baking with a beer in one hand and a spoon in the other. I also love baking with beer as an ingredient.

Praline Pecan Pretzel Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin pies always call for a lot of eggs. There are recipes for pumpkin pies made with tofu, but David would never eat tofu for dessert (and he always asks what’s in my cooking), and there is no way I could eat a whole pie myself without gaining 10 pounds, which is kind of the opposite of what I’m trying to do right now. After seeing a recipe for a frozen pumpkin pie, I decided that’s what I would make. With a few twists, of course. [wink!]

Autumn Beer Bread