VeganMoFo 2011 #18: 'Vegan'

Vegan
Tony Weston and Yvonne Bishop, Hamlyn, 2004




I had my eye on this book for a long time before I finally bought it - there were some recipes in there that I was fascinated by! The book was produced in association with The Vegan Society (it is a UK book). Despite that, it is not something I have made a great deal from, though I have made some lovely things. The book is paperback and about an A4 size. There are lots of lovely colour pictures all the way through, though not one for every recipe. The first part of the book includes an Introduction, What is Veganism, Are You Getting Enough? , Useful Ingredients, Basic Recipes (including stock, yoghurt, cream cheese, dressings, mayo and pizza bases) and Quick Food Fixes. It them moves onto the recipes, which are divided into Breakfasts, Light Meals, Main Meals and Desserts.

Because I haven't made so much from this book, instead of just showing my favourites I'll show you what I've cooked and tell you what I thought about it, and then also talk about what I am keen to make as well.

Pizza Muffins


I have made these so many times because they are so tasty and easy and quick. Take muffin and top with tomato sauce (or ketchup if you are me and that is what you have open in the fridge). The topping is then a mix of mayo, Dijon and Vegemite (yeast extract) all blended up. It is not exactly cheesy, but there is something very delicious about it. Add your toppings - this photo shows mushrooms and olives, as suggested in the book, but I have made all sorts of toppings (ham and pineapple - yeah!) then bake. Delicious. 5 stars!

Crispy Duckless Pancakes


These were pretty much the reason I wanted this cookbook for so long, and they didn't disappoint. You know those tins of mock duck you can buy? I was never a fan until this recipe showed me what to do with them. Delicious! I couldn't find any of the rice pancakes they were talking about, so I had to make them rice paper rolls instead. But they were still so yummy! 5 stars!

Butter Bean and Pumpkin Seed Dip


This is a really nice dip that is packed full of protein and other good things. 4 stars.

Seaweed Quinoa Kedgeree


This is super tasty. The seaweed gives that nice sea-like flavour, and there is smoked tofu as well, which is always a good thing! Avocado too, amongst others. It is a bit of an odd ingredient list when you read it, but all works really well together. 4 stars.

Cauliflower and Asparagus Tart


A lovely tart. The pastry comes together quite easily. Also the filling is very delicious. I doubled the amount of shiitake mushrooms in it, because that's the way I roll. 4 stars.

Mushroom Stew with Herb Dumplings


Cold night food! I found the dumplings a little dense, but I made them by hand rather than with the food processor so that may be why. The stew also has carob powder, molasses, yeast extract and sherry in it for great flavour! 4 stars.

Chocolate Mousse with Banana Cake Hearts


The mousse here is easy to make and ridiculously delicious. It involves chocolate, coconut oil, OK, dates and Cointreau along with other ingredients. The banana cake is nice and sweet and a good counterpoint to the rich mousse. I served with cashew cream, and it was amazing. 5 stars.

Things with no photos:
Spicy Avocado Toast - a little bland. 3 stars.
Pasta Leeky - quite bland. 2 stars.
Mild Coconut Curry - definitely very mild. 3 stars.

Things I am keen to make:
Croissants
Creamy Mushrooms on Toast
Smoky Tofu Nuggets on Toast
Asparagus Pancakes
Smoked Tofu and Horseradish Pate
Chestnut Cottage Pies
Enchiladas with Mushroom and Sweetcorn Filling
Black Forest Chocolate Cake
Creme Caramel
Banoffee and Quinoa Custard Pie
Sticky Pudding with Quinoa Coconut Ice Cream

This book also calls for ackee, which is something I cannot get here but which I am really keen to try out.

What cookbook have you had your eye on for a while?

Cute Kitty Photo of the Post


It's my Sahara again! What can she see outside the door?