Pink Vegan Recipe #132 Potato Leek Soup

Hello everyone, we're back!  Took a BIG break, but my husband (of 33 years) said we have people waiting for more recipes, so let's start with soup!  Bernie has very fond memories of potato leek soup! This recipe is for him...

-Vegan Mama Jodi

3 T Earth Balance buttery spread or sticks (melted)
1 pound (16 oz) cleaned and chopped leeks (we use Trader Joe's frozen, it's just easier)
3 cloves garlic, crushed

In a stock pot, simmer Earth Balance, leeks and garlic 15-20 minutes or until soft (do not brown)

Add 4-6 peeled potatoes, cut into 1 inch cubes
1-32 oz tetra pack vegetable broth
2 bay leaves (discard before blending, do not eat the bay leaves)
1 t dried thyme
1/4 t fresh cracked black pepper
1/2 of a fresh squeezed lemon (tricks your taste buds into believing it's salt)

Bring back to a boil, turn down heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until potatoes are soft

Turn off the heat.  Discard the bay leaves and blend the soup in your Vitamix, regular blender or you can use an immersion blender (I love using my original Vitamix from the 70's!)

Pour the hot soup back into the stock pot and slowly stir in 1 cup milk of choice (cream, whole milk, almond, soy, coconut)

Delish!

Pink Vegan Recipe #131 Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts

It is tradition in our family to have these every Christmas Eve.  Christmas Eve would not be the same if these were not passed around as an appetizer.

1 can whole water chestnuts, drained

1 package Vegan  "Smart Bacon"

Wrap smart bacon around each water chestnut, over lapping, secure with a toothpick.  Place on a greased wire rack over a baking sheet or use a greased broiler pan.  Bake in a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes.  
1 c Vegan ketchup

1/3 c Vegan brown sugar

While they are baking, combine ketchup and brown sugar in a saucepan and simmer until the sugar dissolves.  Remove the water chestnuts from the oven.  Dip each chestnut in the sauce and place back on the rack or pan and bake for another 20 minutes.  Serve warm.

Pink Vegan Recipe #130 Dal Soup

I love soup, any kind of soup!  This one is hot and spicy! Again, any soup can be modified.  Don't be afraid if you are missing an ingredient, improvise and throw something else in the pot!  Become familiar with your spices...

-Vegan Mama Jodi

7 oz lentils OR split peas (you choose the color), rinsed

7 c vegetable stock (we use low sodium)

1 can diced tomatoes OR 2 fresh tomatoes, peeled and chopped

1 carrot, peeled and chopped

1 fresh red or green chili pepper, chopped

1 t ground turmeric

1 fresh squeezed lime OR lemon

1 T fresh coriander, chopped OR 1 t ground coriander

2 T oil (your choice)

1 medium onion, chopped

1 T garlic, chopped

1 t ground garam masala

1 t ground curry powder

1 bay leaf (do not eat)

Fresh cracked black pepper to taste

In a large saucepan or Dutch oven over high heat combine the lentils, the stock, tomato, carrot, chili pepper, turmeric  lime or lemon juice and coriander.  Turn heat down, cover and simmer until lentils are tender.

In another saucepan over low heat add the oil, onion, garlic, garam masala, curry and bay leaf.  Cook until onions are soft.  Add onion mixture to the pot of soup.  Once the lentils are soft, turn off the heat and serve.

Serve with Naan, an Indian flat-bread.

Pink Vegan Recipe # 129 Etta's cookies

Mom Pittman got this recipe from a good friend on a fishing trip.  Her friend made them ahead of time and shared them with everyone on the trip.  This recipe calls for many ingredients!  They are one of Amy's favorite cookies!  Amy will leave me a  note saying Etta's cookies please mom!

-Vegan Mama Jodi

In a large mixing bowl, using a mixer, cream sugars, Earth Balance, egg substitute, oil and vanilla.

1 c Vegan cane sugar

1 c Vegan brown sugar

1 c Earth Balance spread OR sticks

1 egg substitute = 1/4 c (your choice: use applesauce, banana puree, pureed soft tofu, 1 T ground flax seed in 3 T water OR Ener-G egg replacer)

1 c canola oil

1 t vanilla

Add flour and baking soda to creamed mixture, using a mixer, mix well.  Add coconut, nuts and oatmeal, using a mixer, mix well.  Stir in Rice Krispies by hand.

3 1/2 c flour

1 t baking soda

1 c shredded coconut

1 c walnuts OR pecans, chopped

1 c quick OR old fashioned oatmeal

1 c Rice Krispies (they are Vegan)

Roll into 1 inch balls, flatten with a fork dipped in four.  Flatten until quite thin.

Bake 350 degrees for approximately 10-15 minutes.

Pink Vegan Recipe #128 Grandma P's Navy Baked Beans

My mom has been making these beans for every family event since the 1960's.  This recipe is great for a large group or gathering.  I finally watched her make them from beginning to end for the first time.  Get your protein!

-Vegan Mama Jodi

*Rinse and sort the beans well using a colander!

2 - 1 pound bags of dry navy beans (rinsed and sorted, this is a tedious job, but sometimes there are bad beans, stones or twigs in the bags)

In a large Dutch oven or roaster pan, cover sorted beans with water.  Bring to a boil, turn the heat down and simmer until the skins start separating.  You will know when the beans are ready by scooping up a spoonful and blowing on them, the skins will separate from the beans. 

1 T baking soda

Remove the beans from the heat, carry the pot over to the sink and pour 1 T baking soda into the pot.  The soda will make the beans foam and the water will turn green.  Using a colander, rinse and drain the beans thoroughly.

Spray oil

1 medium onion, chopped

6-8 slices Smart bacon, chopped

Spray oil a Dutch oven or roaster pan (my mom uses a blue enamel roaster pan with a lid), add the chopped onion and chopped bacon.  Pour the drained beans into the onion and bacon mixture and toss lightly.  Add the molasses, catsup, brown sugar, liquid aminos, pepper, salt and water.

3/4 c to 1 c molasses (to taste)

3/4 c to 1 c catsup (to taste)

1 c Vegan brown sugar

2 T liquid aminos

1/2 t liquid smoke (optional)

Fresh cracked black pepper to taste

Salt if desired

Add enough water to cover the beans in a Dutch oven or roaster pan.  At this point taste the broth and make adjustments, like more molasses or catsup to taste?

Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 2-3 hours or until beans are no longer chewy.  Check the beans half way through the cooking process to make sure there is enough liquid.  Don't let your beans get too dry.

If there are any leftovers, make "bean sandwiches" the next day or the day after that...mmm beans on a bun!

*They also freeze well, store in an airtight container.

Pink Vegan Recipe #127 Summer Strawberry Shortcake

Strawberry shortcake is always a great dessert, but for some reason it even tastes better in the summer!

Mix dry:

2 T Vegan cane sugar

1 c flour

1/4 t cream of tartar

1/4 t baking soda

Add wet:

4 T Earth Balance spread OR sticks

1/2 c soy, almond OR rice milk

3/4 T fresh squeezed lemon juice

Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl.  Add wet ingredients and stir just until it comes together.  Do not over mix.  Drop tablespoonfuls  onto a greased baking sheet.  Bake 450 degrees for approximately 10-12 minutes.

Serve with fresh sliced strawberries (or berries of choice) and Vegan whipped cream.

*If you can't find Vegan whipped cream, make your own:

1 c soy milk powder

1 c cold water

1 T fresh squeezed lemon juice

1/2 c Vegan cane sugar

1/2 t vanilla

Gradually add the soy milk powder into the cold water. Add lemon juice, sugar and vanilla. Whip until stiff. Chill and whip again before using.

Makes approximately 2 cups

Pink Vegan Recipe #126 Grandma Pittman's Sour Cream Vegetable Dip

Grandma Pittman makes this dip all the time, delicious with a variety of cut up raw veggies!

1/2 c Vegan sour cream

1/2 c Vegan mayonnaise

1 T minced dry onion

1 T dried parsley flakes

1 t dried dill

1 t Beau Monde seasoning

Mix all ingredients well and serve with your favorite cut up raw veggies or choice of chips.

Some suggestions:
Red, yellow, orange or green pepper strips
Carrots sticks
Celery sticks
Cherry or grape tomatoes
Broccoli florets
Cauliflower florets
Sliced cucumber
Sliced zucchini
Green beans
Snow peas

Pink Vegan Recipe #125 Wild Rice Soup

There are several variations of this soup.  Most wild rice soup recipes call for chicken, ham or bacon!  We have substituted liquid smoke to get the flavor.  We think you will fall in love with this recipe and the wild rice and almonds give such an "earthy" chewy delight!

6 T "Earth Balance" spread OR sticks

1 T onion, minced

1/2 c flour

3-4 c "Not-Chick'n" broth OR vegetable broth (we use low sodium)

2 c wild rice, cooked (1/2 c wild rice to 2 c water = approximately 1-1/2 c to 2 c cooked wild rice.  Simmer for 45 minutes covered)

1/2 t liquid smoke

1/2 c carrot, shredded

3 T slivered OR sliced almonds

1 c soy creamer

2 T dry sherry OR dry red OR white wine

2 T liquid aminos

Melt the "Earth Balance" in a large soup pot or Dutch oven.  Add the minced onion and simmer until softened.  Blend in the flour and stir, gradually add the broth.  Stir constantly and bring to a boil for approximately one minute.  Add the cooked wild rice with the water (do not drain the rice).  Add the liquid smoke, carrots and almonds, simmer for 5 minutes.  Slowly add the soy creamer, sherry and liquid aminos.  Heat until just heated through, do not let boil.

Pink Vegan Recipe #124 English Muffin Toasting Bread

I grew up eating English muffin toasting bread.  Mom would take us to the outlet bakery and we would load our trunk with bakery items.  One of our all time favorites was this bread.  It's crisp and satisfying and served toasted is the best way to eat it!

-Vegan Mama Jodi

5 c flour, divided

2 pkgs active dry yeast

1 T sugar

1/4 t baking soda

1/4 t ground ginger (optional)

2 c warm milk (soy, almond or rice)

1/2 c warm water

Cornmeal

In a large bowl, combine 2 c flour, yeast, sugar and baking soda.  Add warm milk and water.  Using a mixer, beat on low speed for 30 seconds, scraping the bowl occasionally.  Beat on high speed  for 3 more minutes, this creates the bubbles.

Stir in the remaining flour one cup at a time (batter will be stiff).  Do not knead.  Grease 2 bread loaf pans and sprinkle with cornmeal.  Divide the dough in half and spread the dough into the pans.  Sprinkle the tops with cornmeal.  Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, approximately 45-60 minutes.

Bake at 375 degrees for 35 minutes or until golden brown.  Remove from loaf pans immediately and cool on wire racks.  Slice and toast.

Pink Vegan Recipe #123 Seven Layer Salad

Seven Layer Salad goes well with any meal and is delicious!

Layer all ingredients in a 9 x 13 inch pan:

1 head of lettuce, finely chopped

1 onion, finely chopped

1/2 c celery, finely chopped

1/2 c green bell pepper, finely chopped

1 pkg frozen peas, softened in hot water drain before adding layer

1 pkg Vegan shredded cheddar cheese (like Daiya), sprinkled OR shredded cheddar cheese if you are lacto-vegetarian

Pour dressing over all layers:

1 c Vegan mayonnaise

1/4 c vinegar, white OR apple cider

1/3 c Vegan cane sugar

1/4 t celery seed

Vegan bacon bits, sprinkled on top

Let the dressing work it's magic, the dressing leaks through to the lettuce and makes it taste wonderful!  Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.  Can refrigerate overnight for even more flavor.

Pink Vegan Recipe #122 Dry Cream Soup Mix

Anytime a recipe calls for creamed soup, this is it!  If you just want a hot bowl of cream soup, add your favorite vegetables or meat alternatives and enjoy!  So easy!

Recipe to make 1 batch of dry cream soup mix:

1/4 c dry soy milk powder

1-1/2 T cornstarch OR arrowroot

3/4 t dried onions

Dash of fresh cracked black pepper

1/8 t dried basil

1/8 t dried thyme

1/2 t Vegan "not-chicken" bouillon powder OR cube

Combine all ingredients and mix well.  Use in recipes that call for cream of chicken soup, add mushrooms to substitute cream of mushroom soup.  In a saucepan, combine 1/3 c (1 batch), of the dry cream soup mix with 1-1/2 cups cold water.  Stir over low heat until thickened.

Pink Vegan Recipe #121 Sweet & Sour Cabbage Soup

One of our favorite restaurants offer sweet and sour cabbage soup.  This is normally a beef based recipe, so we made it Vegan!

2 T vegetable OR canola oil

1 large onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, crushed

1/3 c Vegan brown sugar

1 head green cabbage, chopped

16 oz can crushed tomatoes

1/3 c + 2 T white OR apple cider vinegar

6 c vegetable broth (we use low sodium)

1/4 t fresh cracked black pepper

In a large soup pot or Dutch oven heat the oil on medium heat.  Add chopped onions and cook until soft.  Add garlic and cook a few minutes more.  Stir in brown sugar, then add the chopped green cabbage cook until softened.  Stir in tomatoes, vinegar and broth.  Add fresh cracked black pepper, bring to a boil and then turn down and simmer until the cabbage is tender.  Add more sugar, vinegar and fresh cracked black pepper  to taste.

Pink Vegan Recipe #120 Scalloped Potatoes Gratin

Scalloped potatoes are a delicious side to any meal.  We get so caught up in making baked, boiled, fried, mashed or hashed, that we forget about the easy creamy good scalloped!

1-1/2 c Vegan soy creamer

1 t dried thyme

2 garlic cloves, crushed

1/2 t ground nutmeg

Earth Balance buttery spread OR sticks

3-4 large potatoes, wash potatoes and leave peelings on.  Cut potatoes into 1/8 " thick slices

Fresh cracked black pepper

1/2 c grated Vegan Parmesan cheese, plus 1/2 c more before boiling

Bake at 375 degrees.  In a saucepan, heat the soy creamer, thyme, garlic and nutmeg.  While the soy creamer mixture is heating up, use Earth Balance to butter your baking dish.  Place a layer of potatoes in an overlapping pattern and season with pepper.  Remove the soy creamer mixture from the heat, then pour a little over the potatoes.  Top with some grated Vegan Parmesan cheese.  Repeat 2 more layers.  Bake uncovered for 45 minutes.  Sprinkle some more grated Vegan Parmesan cheese on top and broil until cheese browns, approximately 5 minutes.  Serves 4-6 people.

Pink Vegan Recipe #119 Canadian Maple Spinach Salad Dressing

1/3 c extra virgin olive oil OR oil of choice

3 T Balsamic vinegar

3 t Maple syrup

6 t Vegan Dijon mustard

Whisk all ingredients together, pour into a jar with a lid and refrigerate.  Oils like olive oil will gel, just let the dressing sit on the counter awhile before serving.  Pour over your favorite spinach salad.

Our favorite spinach salad:

Washed and dried baby spinach
Sliced or slivered almonds
Sliced strawberries, blueberries or raspberries
Shredded Vegan cheese (like Daiya)
Gorgonzola cheese crumbles (if you are lacto-vegetarian)

Pink Vegan Recipe #118 "Curries"

I had my first taste of a "curry" dish when I met my husbands family in Canada. His family lived in Southeast Asia for 5 years and they ate many wonderful dishes. His mom made curries with whatever she had in her pantry and fridge. Great way to get rid of leftovers!

-Vegan Mama Jodi

1 T canola oil OR oil of choice

1 T Vegan shortening

1 t ground cardamom

1 t ground cinnamon

1 T ground curry powder

1/2 t ground cumin

2 T grated fresh ginger root OR 1 t ground ginger

1/2 t crushed red pepper OR a drop of hot chili oil (optional)

Fresh cracked black pepper to taste

Over medium heat, in a large skillet add the oil and shortening. Add all the spices, stir for a minute.

Then add:

1 onion, chopped

4-5 cloves garlic, chopped

Simmer and add:

1-14.5 oz can diced tomatoes

1/2 c coconut milk, soy milk OR soy creamer

Add the juice from 1-20 oz can of pineapple chunks, if using pineapple as one of your toppings

At this point, let simmer and add any meat alternatives and vegetables you like. You can also add whole peeled hard boiled eggs to the simmering mixture if you are a lacto-ovo vegetarian.

Suggestions for simmering sauce:

Cooked potatoes, peas, corn, carrots, fresh spinach (will wilt)

Toppings include:

Pineapple, shredded coconut, cashews, peanuts

Pink Vegan Recipe #117 Cold Couscous Salad

The great thing about this dish is you can make it your own. I like it with only spinach, red onion, cucumber and fresh dill and the vinaigrette of course. The problem is, I can't stop eating it!

-Vegan Mama Jodi

1 c couscous

Cook couscous according to package directions. Let cool.

4 oz fresh baby spinach, chopped

1/2 c sun-dried tomatoes, diced (optional)

1/2 c black olives, diced (optional)

1/4 c red onion, diced or chopped

1 small cucumber, peeled and chopped (optional)

2 T fresh mint OR dill, chopped (or 1 T dried dill)

4 oz crumbled feta cheese (if you are vegetarian)

Lemon vinaigrette

1/4 c fresh squeezed lemon juice

1/4 c extra virgin olive oil

2 t fresh garlic, minced

sea salt to taste

Vegan cane sugar to taste

When the couscous is cool, toss in the spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, black olives, red onion, cucumber and mint OR dill. Toss in the lemon vinaigrette and feta last and serve.

Makes 6 servings

Pink Vegan Recipe #116 Alice's Pizza crust

A "family favorite" pizza crust!

*I have dedicated this recipe to Alice's son (my Godchild), Erik, who will be married on August 18, 2012 to Natasha! Congratulations!

Makes 2 crusts

Dissolve yeast mixture in a large bowl:

1-1/2 c warm water

2 t Vegan cane sugar

1 package fast acting OR rapid rise yeast

Mix and let foam.

*While mixing (I like to use a wooden spoon or you can use a food processor), alternate adding the flour and oil:

Add 3 c flour, 1 t salt if you like, 4 T extra virgin olive oil. When mixed, knead a few times and shape into a ball. Place in a greased bowl, cover and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.

Oil and sprinkle pizza pans with corn meal. This gives your crust a little added crunch and helps the dough from sticking to the pan. This crust can also be spread out in a large cast iron skillet for your favorite deep dish pizza.

Split dough into 2 crusts and shape into pans. Cover and let rest in a warm place while you prepare your toppings. Add toppings and bake in a pre-heated 400 degree oven for approximately 20-30 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.

Pink Vegan Recipe #115 Spanish Rice

My mom made Spanish Rice while I was growing up in Minnesota. She always fried bacon for the rice, I substitute liquid smoke for the flavor. Serve this rice by itself or alongside any entree. Enjoy!

-Vegan Mama Jodi

1 T canola OR oil of choice

1 onion, chopped

1-1/2 c short OR long grain brown rice. *If you prefer to use white rice reduce your cooking time to 20-30 minutes.

1 bell pepper, chopped (your choice of bell pepper, but green is traditional)

2 stalks of celery, chopped

1 small can chopped green chilies

2 cloves garlic, chopped

1-28 oz can diced tomatoes, reserve the liquid

3 c liquid (juice from the tomatoes and broth OR water to measure 3 cups)

1/4 to 1/2 t liquid smoke

Fresh cracked black pepper to taste

In a large skillet saute onions in oil until soft. Add the rice and cook for a minute. Add the bell pepper, celery, chilies, garlic, tomatoes and liquid. Add liquid smoke and cracked black pepper to taste. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for approximately 50 minutes.

Makes 6 yummy servings

Pink Vegan recipe #114 Old Fashioned Rice Pudding

My Great-Grandmother Anna Wendt always had a large bowl of hot white rice on the table at dinner time. Loaded with fresh cream from her farm, sugar and cinnamon. It was a family favorite! This version is baked and smells and tastes delicious!

-Vegan Mama Jodi

1/2 c short-grain white rice

1/2 c Vegan cane sugar

3 1/2 c soy milk

1 t vanilla

1/2 t ground nutmeg

1/2 t ground cinnamon

1/2 c raisins (optional)

Mix all ingredients together in a 2 1/2 quart baking dish. Bake at 300 degrees for 2 1/4 hours without stirring.

Pink Vegan Recipe #113 Creamed Corn

This is not like the "too sweet" creamed corn from a can! This is much better!

1-16 oz bag of frozen corn (place half the frozen corn in a food processor and pulse a few times)

1 c soy milk

1 t Vegan cane sugar

2 t "Earth Balance" buttery sticks OR spread

2 t unbleached flour

In a saucepan, add all the corn and soy milk. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in the sugar.

In another small saucepan, melt the "Earth Balance", then turn the heat off. Add the flour and stir well. Stir this into the corn and cook until lightly thickened.

You can serve it right out of the saucepan OR you can transfer the creamed corn into a ccovered asserole dish and keep warm until the rest of your meal is ready.