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All Mixed-Up, in Bend, Oregon

All Mixed-Up, in Bend, Oregon

I’m visiting my family in Bend, Oregon.

Ever since my niece and nephew were little, my sister has used the words “treat land” to describe dessert.

Last evening, after our dinner of homemade veggie burgers, roasted cauliflower, and baked beans, the 9 year old said she knew exactly what she wanted for “T.L.”

She suggested we all take a stroll to the frozen yogurt shop, where they offer non-dairy sorbets.  Who could say no to that, on a pretty spring evening?  All Mixed-Up is located in Northwest Crossing.

All Mixed-Up Business Card

All Mixed-Up Business Card

Lucky for vegans, All Mixed-Up has a section for non-dairy sorbets.  You can pick between two flavors or swirl the two together.  Last night they had coconut and strawberry lemonade flavors.  The selection changes from time to time.  You can also pick some toppings.  The fresh fruit, chopped nuts and a few other items are vegan.  The price for your treat is determined by weight.

Non-Dairy Sorbet at All Mixed-Up

Non-Dairy Sorbet at All Mixed-Up

I hid some strawberries and blackberries in the bottom of my bowl and I opted for a little of each yogurt flavor.  I sprinkled the coconut side with some chopped peanuts, mochi cubes and an Oreo style cookie half.  Delicious!

Strawberry Lemonade & Coconut Non-Dairy Sorbets with Strawberries, Blackberries, Peanuts, Mochi, and Oreo Style Chocolate Cookie

My bowl

Final tip:

All Mixed-Up also has vegan soups.

I’ll have to go back for the soup at another time.

I created this dish as a healthier alternative to the packaged vegan taco meats that I’ve used in the past (like Yves Meatless Ground Taco Stuffers and Soyrizo).  For sure,  they are delicious (YUM!), but they’re also highly processed (BOO!).  I’m striving to use more whole foods.

Tempeh is a fermented, whole soy food.  My favorite brand is Turtle Island Foods.  The Organic Five Grain flavor contains (organic) non-GMO soybeans, millet, brown rice, sesame seeds, apple cider vinegar, and rhizopus oligosporus starter culture.

Tempeh can have a bitter edge, so it’s best to cut and steam the pieces of tempeh for about 10 minutes before using.  I like tempeh best when it has a chance to soak up flavors from a liquid-based marinade or sauce.  The black spots are molds that are supposed to be there.

Steaming the tempeh.

Steaming the tempeh.

Chopped steamed tempeh.

Chopped steamed tempeh.

INGREDIENTS

1- 8 0z “block” or “cake” tempeh, thawed, steamed and chopped

20 crimini mushrooms, chopped or sliced

6 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 onion, chopped
1-2 carrots, chopped
1 jalapeno pepper, seeds removed and minced
1/2 red pepper, chopped

Dash garlic powder
1/2 t salt
1/2-1 t chili powder
1 t oregano
1 t cumin
1 1/2 t salt-free fajita seasoning blend (contains paprika, onion, garlic, black pepper, oregano & cumin)

2 T apple cider vinegar
1 T tamari
1/4 C tomato paste
3/4 C water

Chopped Crimini Mushrooms

Chopped Crimini Mushrooms

ASSEMBLY

While you’re steaming the tempeh, chop the veggies.  Keep the mushrooms separate, but you can combine the garlic, onion, carrots, jalapeno, and red pepper in a bowl.  Combine the spices.  Combine the wet ingredients (vinegar, tamari, tomato paste & water.)  After the steamed tempeh cools, chop it.

I used 2 large saute pans, each on medium heat with a little coconut oil.

In the first pan, saute about half of the veggies, half of the spices and all of the mushrooms.

Sauteed crimini mushrooms, veggies & spices.

Sauteed crimini mushrooms, veggies & spices.

In the second pan, cook the other half of the veggies and spices with the chopped tempeh and wet ingredients.  The liquid marinade will soak into the tempeh.  Cook down some of the liquid, but not all.

Tempeh, veggies, spices and liquid marinade.

Tempeh, veggies, spices and liquid marinade.

Finally, combine the two.  Portion in 1 cup sized wide mouth freezer jars.  Makes 6- 1 cup servings.

Tempeh Mushroom Taco Filling

Tempeh Mushroom Taco Filling

Eat this filling with your favorite taco fixings, in tortillas or as a salad.

Don’t forget the Pinto Bean Dip!

Bird-Friendly White Bean Burger (GF) with barbecue sauce.

Bird-Friendly White Bean Burger (GF) with barbecue sauce.

Well, this is #3 in my bean burger series.  When I discover a formula that works, I go with it!

Burger #1 had a Mexican flavor.  Burger #2 had an Italian quality.

Now, burger #3 has seasonings that most people associate with poultry (i.e. dead chickens and dead turkeys.)

In December 2008, I was newly vegan but the rest of my family was still eating animals.  My niece was 4 years old.  While preparing dinner for Christmas, my sister made a comment about the “bird” in the oven.  A few hours later, my little niece sat down to eat and said,

“But mommy, I don’t want to eat a bird.”

I’ll never forget that.  Fortunately, that was the last turkey that my niece had to eat.  My family no longer cooks birds.  We have Vegan Holiday Meals

Here is a savory burger that you can enjoy without causing chickens and turkeys to die.

I’d like to stop seeing the chicken trucks regularly, when I drive to work.

Bird-Friendly White Bean Burgers (GF)

Bird-Friendly White Bean Burgers (GF)

WET INGREDIENTS

2 C (or 1- 15 oz can) white beans (Cannellini (white kidney) or Great Northern beans)
1 large clove garlic, minced
1/3 C chopped onion
1/3 C chopped celery
2 T tahini
1 T tamari (GF)

DRY INGREDIENTS

1/2 C oat flour (GF)
1/4 C ground sunflower seeds
1 T nutritional yeast
1 t EACH:  dried parsley, thyme & sage
1/2 t paprika
1/4 t EACH:  ground *rosemary, celery salt & black pepper
dash garlic powder

(*I grind dried rosemary to a fine powder using a coffee grinder)

ASSEMBLY

Use a small food processor to puree the wet ingredients.

In a large bowl, combine the wet puree with the dry ingredients.

Divide the burger “dough” into 4 balls or 4 portions.  You can do this right in the bowl using a spoon, or you can pour a drop of olive oil on your hands to handle the balls manually.

The burger dough will be very sticky and soft- don’t panic!  Create 4 patties (see the other burger recipes for pictures of this phase).  If you want to keep your hands clean, just spoon the dough balls right onto parchment paper and flatten them there.

Refrigerate the patties on parchment for at least 30-60 minutes before cooking.  The time will allow the excess moisture to soak into the oats, which will bind the burgers.    Trust me!

Cook the patties on medium heat in a saute pan using the oil of your choice (I use coconut oil).  It should take about 10 minutes per side.  Shake the pan periodically to make sure they aren’t sticking.

Try these with some barbecue sauce or mushroom gravy.

Thank YOU for caring about birds of all kinds.

Kauai Chicken - May 8, 2011

Kauai Chicken – May 8, 2011

Chinese 5 Spice Gingerbread (GF)

Chinese 5 Spice Gingerbread (GF)

This gingerbread is delicious and “just sweet enough.”

For this, I started with my Sunflower Butter Energy Bar (GF) recipe.  My original goal was to create a gingerbread-flavored version.  However, I decreased the seed butter by quite a bit, and I added some baking soda and vinegar.  This resulted in a fluffy “cake,” rather than a dense “bar.”  The tofu and molasses create a moist sponginess.

I also wanted to use some Chinese 5 Spice that I’d been neglecting.  It contains a blend of star anise, cinnamon, clove, fennel, and pepper.  It smells heavenly!

Don't use it for meat and poultry!

Don’t use it for meat and poultry!

WET INGREDIENTS

1 box (12.3 oz) Firm Silken Tofu (Mori Nu)
1/4 C maple syrup
1/4 C molasses
1/4 C Once Again sunflower seed butter
1/2 C non-dairy milk
1/2 t apple cider vinegar
1 t vanilla extract

DRY INGREDIENTS

1/4 C EACH:  quinoa flour, millet flour, brown rice flour, garbanzo bean flour & rolled oats (GF)
1/2 C oat flour (GF)
2 T ground flax seed
3 T fine shred unsweetened coconut
1 t baking soda
1/2 t EACH:  Chinese 5 Spice, cinnamon, ground ginger & cardamom
1/4 t EACH:  salt, coriander & nutmeg

ASSEMBLY

Puree the wet ingredients in a food processor.  Combine with the dry ingredients.  Grease a square glass pan with coconut oil.  Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees.  (You can also try baking in muffin liners for 23 minutes.  I’m going to do that next time!)  Cool on a wire rack before cutting.

Chinese 5 Spice Gingerbread - IMG_2260

Vegan Lasagna - IMG_2246

This is a quick vegan lasagna I whipped up tonight.  My goals were:

Chreese Sauce Mix - IMG_2237

Lasagna Ingredients - IMG_2238

INGREDIENTS:

6 Lasagna noodles:  Cook them partially and set aside

1 Zucchini, sliced lengthwise in 1/4″ strips
Cauliflower, sliced in 1/4″ strips
Artichoke hearts

Make 1 packet Road’s End Organics Cheddar Style GF Chreese Sauce Mix
OR use some Daiya Cheddar Style or Mozzarella Style Shreds
OR make some vegan cheese sauce from a homemade dry mix (i.e. recipes in The Ultimate Uncheese Cookbook, by Jo Stepaniak)

1- 26 oz jar pasta sauce
1 C Italian Mushroom Saute

Italian seasoning blend
Garlic powder
Crushed red pepper flakes

ASSEMBLY:

First Layer

Use a square glass pan.  Spoon some pasta sauce on the bottom.  Add 2 noodles.  Spread vegan cheese sauce (or shreds) over the noodles.

Vegan Lasagna - IMG_2239

Second Layer

Set some zucchini slices, cauliflower slices and artichoke hearts on top of the cheese.  Spoon some Italian Mushroom Saute and pasta sauce over the vegetables.

Vegan Lasagna - IMG_2241

Repeat the layering process 3 times.  Spread the remaining pasta sauce on top, then sprinkle with Italian seasoning blend, garlic powder and crushed red pepper flakes.

Vegan Lasagna - IMG_2242

Line the bottom of the oven with a piece of foil to catch any bubbly overflow.

Bake at 375 degrees, covered for 35 minutes.  Continue baking uncovered for 25 minutes, to evaporate excess moisture.  Turn off the oven, crack open the door and let it rest in the oven for another 10-15 minutes.

Makes 4 servings.

Vegan Lasagna - IMG_2245

Thank YOU– for making your lasagna without meat and dairy.

Italian Cannellini Bean Burgers - IMG_2228

WET INGREDIENTS:

1-2 cloves garlic, minced
chopped onion (~1/4 to 1/3 cup)
chopped red pepper (~1/4 to 1/3 cup)
1- 15 oz can organic Cannellini (white kidney) beans, rinsed & drained
1 T tahini
1 T balsamic vinegar
1 t capers

DRY INGREDIENTS:

1/4 C ground sunflower seeds
1/2 C oat flour (GF)
dash garlic powder
dash salt
1/8 t crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 t fennel (crushed with mortar & pestle)
1 t dried basil
1 t Italian seasoning blend
1 T nutritional yeast

ASSEMBLY:

Use a small food processor to puree the wet ingredients.

In a large bowl, combine the wet puree with the dry ingredients.

Divide the burger “dough” into 4 balls.  Pour a drop of olive oil on your hands to handle it easier.  The burger dough will be sticky and soft– don’t panic!!  Create 4 patties.  You can just drop the ball right onto parchment paper and then flatten into a patty.

Refrigerate the patties on parchment paper for at least 30-60 minutes before cooking.  The time will allow the excess moisture to soak into the oats, which will bind the burgers.  Trust me!

Italian Cannellini Bean Burgers - IMG_2220

Cook the patties on medium heat in a saute pan using the oil of your choice (I use coconut oil).  It should take about 10 minutes per side.  Shake the pan periodically to make sure they aren’t sticking.

Italian Cannellini Bean Burgers - IMG_2225

Serve these burgers with a dollop of spaghetti sauce.  If you want to dress it up more, add vegan cheese, kalamata olives, and fresh basil.

THANK YOU for not eating animals.

Cows - IMG_9373

Today we passed through Kelowna on the way to Big White Ski Resort.

We’ve never been to this part of Canada before.  Of course, every trip away from home is a fun opportunity to check out new vegan/vegetarian restaurants.  That’s definitely part of the fun of being vegan!

In Kelowna, we were excited to find (on Happy Cow) a completely vegan restaurant.  Spoiled!  I have a vegan life of abundance, not deprivation.

Lake Tai - IMG_1998

Lake Tai - IMG_2002

Lake Tai - IMG_1999 Meaning of Vegetarian - IMG_2000

We ordered some pan-fried dumplings for an appetizer.

Pan-fried Dumpling - IMG_2006

Pan-Fried Dumplings - IMG_2009

For dinner, we split an order of sweet & sour veggie meat.

It was very dessert-like, actually!

Sweet & Sour Veggie Meat - IMG_2007
We also split an order of stir-fried vegetables.  I adore broccoli and cauliflower.

Stir-Fried Vegetables - IMG_2008

Along with the bill, we were served a small “pineapple donut.”  YUM!

Pineapple Donut - IMG_2011

You can find this restaurant at:
1958 Kirschner Rd., Kelowna, BC  V1Y 4N6
Telephone:  778-478-9931

Carrot Sunflower Bean Burger (GF)

Carrot Sunflower Bean Burger (GF)

I just made up this recipe today…

“WET” INGREDIENTS:

1-2 cloves garlic, minced
small wedge chopped onion (about 1/4 to 1/3 cup)
1 chopped carrot
1- 15 oz can kidney beans (rinsed and drained)
1 T tahini
2 T ketchup
1 t hot sauce
1-2 T water (only if needed to puree the other wet ingredients)

DRY INGREDIENTS:

1/4 C ground sunflower seeds
1/2 C oat flour (GF)
dash celery salt
1/2 t cumin
1/2 t fajita or taco seasoning blend
1 t dried chives
1 t dried parsley
1 T nutritional yeast

ASSEMBLY:

Use a small food processor to puree the wet ingredients.

In a large bowl, combine the wet puree with the dry ingredients.

Divide the burger “dough” into 4 balls.  Pour a drop of olive oil on your hands to handle it easier.  The burger dough will be sticky and soft– don’t panic!!  Create 4 patties.  You can just drop the ball right onto parchment paper and then flatten into a patty.

Refrigerate the patties on parchment paper for at least 30-60 minutes before cooking.  The time will allow the excess moisture to soak into the oats, which will bind the burgers.  Trust me!

Patties on parchment.

Patties on parchment.

Cook the patties on medium heat in a saute pan using the oil of your choice (I use coconut oil).  It should take about 10 minutes per side.  Shake the pan periodically to make sure they aren’t sticking.

(Eric noticed that the “raw” burger color looked a bit like pink slime…HA!)

Bean burgers cooking.

Bean burgers cooking.

Enjoy!  The fajita seasoning provides a little kick, and the carrot provides a subtle sweetness.

I ate my burger with a side of steamed cauliflower topped with Frontera Tomatillo Salsa.

Carrot sunflower bean burger and steamed cauliflower with tomatillo salsa.

Carrot sunflower bean burger and steamed cauliflower with tomatillo salsa.

What can I say…I love creating new muffin flavors!

Chai Apple - IMG_1883

Chai Apple Muffins - IMG_1884

“WET” INGREDIENTS:

1 finely chopped organic apple (about 1 1/2 C)

1 mashed banana
1/3 C non dairy milk
1 Chai tea bag steeped in 1/3 C hot water
*2 cubes applesauce (about a scant 1/4 C)
1 T organic canola oil
1/3 C organic brown sugar
1/3 C evaporated cane juice (vegan sugar)
2 t vanilla extract

*So that I always have applesauce on hand for low-fat baking, I freeze unsweetened applesauce in ice cube trays, then thaw a few cubes at a time.

DRY INGREDIENTS:

1/2 C EACH:  millet flour, quinoa flour, garbanzo bean flour, and brown rice flour
2/3 C oat flour (GF)
1/3 C rolled oats (GF)
2 T ground flax
2 T finely shredded unsweetened coconut
2 t baking powder
1 t baking soda
1 t salt
1 t cinnamon
1/2 t nutmeg
1/8 t clove
1/8 t allspice

INSTRUCTIONS:

Set aside the chopped apple.  Combine the other “wet” ingredients in a bowl or on a large plate that you mash the banana on.  In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients.  Stir the wet ingredients into the dry, and fold in the apples.  Bake in muffin liners at 350 degrees for 22 minutes.  Makes 15.

When in Chicago…Eat at The Chicago Diner!  There are 2 locations.  We went to the Logan Square one…

The Chicago Diner - IMG_1760

The Chicago Diner - IMG_1762

IMG_1765

FRIDAY DINNER…

BUFFALO WINGZ

Spicy buffalo seitan "wings" with vegan ranch.

Spicy buffalo seitan “wings” with vegan ranch.

THE RADICAL REUBEN

Corned beef seitan, grilled onions, peppers, sauerkraut, vegan thousand island & cheeze, on marbled rye.

Corned beef seitan, grilled onions, peppers, sauerkraut, thousand island & cheeze, on marbled rye.

No animals in here!

No animals in here!

THE SOUL BOWL

Seasoned quinoa, black beans, charred balsamic brussels, mashed sweet potatoes, spicy blackened tofu with chimichurri sauce, and avocado slices,

Seasoned quinoa, black beans, charred balsamic brussels, mashed sweet potatoes, spicy blackened tofu with chimichurri sauce, and avocado slices.

FLAUTAS

Corn taquitos with mashed potato-cheeze-jalapeño filling, enchilada sauce, lettuce, tomato, sour cræm, guacamole, black beans & Mexican rice.

Corn taquitos with mashed potato-cheeze-jalapeño filling, enchilada sauce, lettuce, tomato, sour cræm, guacamole, black beans & Mexican rice.

NON-DAIRY MILKSHAKES

Lucky Leprechaun Mint Shake (non-dairy, of course!)

Lucky leprechaun mint shake.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Shake.

Chocolate peanut butter shake.

CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER CAKE

Chocolate peanut butter cake.

Chocolate peanut butter cake.

SUNDAY BRUNCH…

FRENCH TOAST COMBO, PANCAKE COMBO

2 French toast wedges, scrambled tofu, potato hash, seitan sausaeg, seitan bacun & fruit garnish,

2 French toast wedges, scrambled tofu, potato hash, seitan sausaeg, seitan bacun & fruit garnish.

Pancake combo

Pancake combo

MONTE CRISTO

French toast sandwich with melted cheeze, veggie bacun & creole mustard, and potato hash.

French toast sandwich with melted cheeze, veggie bacun & creole mustard, and potato hash.

CINNAMON ROLLS

Vegan cinnamon rolls.

Vegan cinnamon rolls.

Need I say more?

"There are those who are appalled because I am so vocal about injustice, yet I am equally appalled by their silence." Lujene Clark

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"My purpose is not to offend you, it is to provoke you to think." Unknown
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