Recipe Round-Up: Eat, Drink and Be Vegan

I've rounded up quite a bit from this book before, and it is definitely my favourite book from Dreena Burton.

Zucchini Chickpea Tomato Curry with Cucumber Mint Raita: This curry is full of vegetables (sweet potato, zucchini, tomatoes, green beans) and gives four hefty servings over baby spinach and rice. The recipe calls for whole seeds for some of the spices, but I subbed powdered for fenugreek and coriander because I didn't have the seeds and the flavour was still good. For the raita I used the Kingland Soy Yoghurt, which is the only natural unsweetened yoghurt I can find that isn't coconut based. It is strained overnight and then has stuff mixed into it and was a pleasant addition.
Rating: Curry :), Raita :)



Black Bean and Orange Hummus: Dreena is the master of hummus (or other bean based hummus-inspired dips, as in this case), there is a whole hummus chapter in the book! This is great, fresh dip based on black beans entirely (no chickpeas) and with a fresh orange kick.
Rating: :)



Rawsome Nut Dip: Almonds, pistachios, walnuts and pine nuts are in this tasty dip, that is great with veggies or in sandwiches. It does call for 1/2 cup of fresh capsicum, I used under 1/4 cup of roast capsicum that was kicking around and it did not have an overpowering flavour.
Rating: :)



Tamari-Roasted Chickpeas: This is one of my favourite recipes ever from any book in the history of all time. So simple, but so amazingly tasty. Have it with a meal (great with mac and cheese) or as a snack (take it to the movies instead of popcorn!), have it all the time.
Rating: :D :D :D (yes, three!)



Warm & Cheesy White Bean Dip: White beans and cashews are the base of this cozy dip. I found the end result to be quite lemony, which was fine, but I wanted a bit more cheesy so next time I would increase the nooch.
Rating: :)



Monkey Minestrone: This comes together quickly, is tasty and will give you five big bowls worth. I had some leftover tiny assorted pasta shapes, which were fun. The book suggests serving with polenta croutons, which I have made before and are amazing, but I served with some sourdough toast.
Rating: :)



Thai Coconut Corn Stew: Corn-based stews often look a little less than appealing, but generally make up for it in taste. This has a host of different herbs and spices, and I used light coconut milk so as not to over-coconut-fat myself. Served over brown rice.
Rating: :)



Nice Krispie Squares: Faced with a slightly stale bag of Dandies (hot tip, they never go off even if they get hard!), this was the obvious choice. it took a bit of stirring to get them to all melt together, but then I was blessed with these beautiful, sweet, sticky squares that were a big hit at the party I made them for.
Rating: :)



"You Got Peanut Butter in my Chocolate" Cookies: Dreena is also a cookie queen. These tasty morsels have barley flour and raw sugar in them, so they are practically a health food... right? Hee. The baking time was spot on, and I got 12 yummy cookies (the recipe says it will make 10 to 14).
Rating: :)



Cute Kitty Photo of the Post



Eve is a girl who lives at the clinic now after her person developed health issues. She isn't a clinic cat that hangs around the front counter talking to people, she is shy and most clients will never ever know we have her, but she is happy hanging out up the back in the kitchen.