A few weeks ago I attended a very cool event for the launch of a vegan cookbook called The Edgy Veg.

It was a blind taste test where we were able to taste the items being served, guess the flavours, and also guess what we were eating. It was tons of fun. I was casually late (for a change) and the only seat available was next to the cookbook author, YouTube personality, chef and comedian, Candice Hutchings. #squeal.

At the end of the lunch, we all received a signed cookbook which I flipped through on the street car. I then decided that I was going to overcome my “fear of Seitan” and attempt the recipe.

The next day I found myself at Bulk Barn and bought the necessary ingredients: 100% Vital Wheat Gluten, nutritional yeast, poultry season, onion powder and tahini.

I was pumped but nervous at the same time. In fact I was so nervous that I tried TWO recipes …”chicken breast” and “chicken burgers”.

Here’s how to Become a Master of Seitan: Chicken (which is so versatile and can be used to make so many different “meat” like recipes.) Thanks to the Edgy Veg, I’m now a master a seitan due to this recipe.

Ingredients: 

1 cup plus 1 tablespoon vital wheat gluten (divided)

1/2 tsp sea salt

2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon poultry season

3/4 vegetable broth

1/4 cup tahini

Directions:

In a large bowl combine 1 cup of wheat gluten, sea salt, nutritional yeast, onion powder and poultry seasoning. Whisk to combine. (easy non?)

2. In another large bowl, combine vegetable broth and tahini, whisk until smooth.

3. Using a spatula carefully fold wheat gluten mixture into the vegetable broth mixture until combined (tip: use your hands)

4. Sprinkle work surface with a tablespoon of vital wheat gluten and knead the dough until it is elastic but not too dry.

I then took half of the dough and made “chicken burgers” – I put them into a covered ovenproof dish (um..my beautiful Le Creuset)  and then half-way covered them in more vegetable broth. Bake for 30 minutes (and flip them after 15 minutes).

Crazy delicious results.

I took the other half and made a “chicken breast” shape and then twisted it in tin foil. I baked it for 30 minutes. More deliciousness.

Happy Vegan Cooking!!

For more information:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theedgyveg/

Twitter and Instagram: @edgyveg

Website: www.theedgyveg.com

To purchase a cookbook, click here

I’m ending 2016 with some serious splurging. Splurging is generally not a word in my vocabulary but for some reason I really needed to “splurge”.

It all started with a overnight get away to Millcroft Inn where I hung out in their heated outdoor hot tubs. What a treat. (ps there will be another blog post about my stay at the Millcroft Inn – don’t you worry!)

When I returned to Toronto I still felt like relaxing, so I went to the Korean Family Spa. It doesn’t compare to being in Mexico but I welcomed the opportunity to enjoy their 8 different saunas and their wet steam room.

Then I did some shopping at Fluevog. Can’t wait to wear these two pairs of shoes! It’s a good thing that I have a few events in January because I certainly want to wear them and not have to just look at them in my cupboard.

Oh ya – I treated myself to my very first Le Creuset. I have facebook to blame for this splurge as one of my facebook friends told me about a Le Creuset sale at the Bay!! Before you know it, I was doing some online shopping. I haven’t used it yet but I know I’m going to enjoy these dish. I just hope I don’t keep buying more!!

I didn’t splurge on a fancy dinner or fancy food because I’m perfectly content these days to cook at home plus I’m trying to eat “healthier”. Here’s my version of a healthy banana split. Basically it’s a banana, stuffed with Plain SKYR. topped with strawberries and chocolate covered quinoa puffs. If you haven’t tried SKYR yet, you should. It’s got 22 percent more protein than Greek Yogurt.

My healthy banana split looked like this:

I’m looking forward to 2017. …more travelling, more friendships, more fantastic food and more adventures. Naturally I will try to share this experiences with you via my blog, facebook and Instagram too!!

Wishing you a fabulous New Years too.