I’ve made a traditional chocolate pudding before (see link here) but lately I’ve been noticing a lot of non traditional recipes. For example, puddings that are vegan and involve an avocado!!

Please keep reading…LOL .

The best part of this recipe is that it involves FOUR ingredients and requires no cooking. Seriously it could not get easier.  The first time I made it, I didn’t measure anything (typical Vicky move) but the second time around I took the time to measure the ingredients so I could blog about it (hooray).

So here’s what you need:

Chocolate Avocado Pudding (original recipe by momwhoruns however very much inspired by recipes seen on Pinterest).

1 Avocado

1/3 cup of coconut milk

3 tablespoons cocoa powder

1/4 of a banana

Directions

1. Please all ingredients in a blender and blend till smooth. (serves 3).  Thats all you need to do!!

I must admit that I was excited to try this recipe so I could bring out my new Braun MultiQuick 9 Hand Blender. The beauty of this appliance is that it can do everything – blend, chop, whip, and more.

I simply clicked on the attachment that I needed and before I knew it my chocolate pudding was lovely and smooth.

See what I mean? Just 4 ingredients went into the bowl and then the blender attachment did all the work in no time at all.

My avocado chocolate pudding was smooth, creamy and HEALTHY too. #score

For more information about Braun products, please click here. (note: there’s a 20 percent discount and free shipping)

Disclosure: I was provided a Braun MultiQuick 9 Hand Blender, however all opinions are my own

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

As much as I like to cook, I must admit that I also like to eat out. There’s always a new restaurant that I want to check out, or a a restaurant that I pass by a gazillion times but I’ve never stepped inside.

Lately I’ve managed to check out the following restaurants/cafes. If I’m blogging about it – then this means that I will be going back.

1 .Tiffin Box (938 Bathurst St)  This restaurant has been around for a few years and is in that category of “I pass by it a gazillion times but I’ve never been in”. I ordered a vegetarian Thali platter for $9.95 and loved every mouthful. Plus it’s owned by the loveliest couple that have been in the restaurant industry for decades. Please note; closed Monday and Tuesday

The platter consisted of a choice of 2 vegetable dishes with dhal, basmati rice, raita and salad. YUM.

2. Almond Butterfly Cafe and BakeShop  (100 Harbord St.) Again, this is in the same category as Tiffin Box. I pass by it ALL the time but have never gone in. This cinnamon bun was gluten free (but there’s plenty of vegan options too) and it was delicious. Really delicious. 3. Pi Co – This is the type of place where you can get a “good pizza’ but don’t want to sit down and be served. Know what I mean? (FYI – otherwise knows as QSR – Quick Service Restaurant). I liked this pizza so much that I went back a week later.  Not to mention I liked the price point too! PS. there’s two locations: 1200 Bay St and 2177 Bay St. According to their websites there’s more locations opening soon!!4. The Drake Commissary: (128a Sterling Rd, Toronto) I’ve been for a quick coffee but finally made it back for brunch. We were so impressed that once again, we went back a week later  for dinner!

This smoked cured and potted fish platter is described as: House cured fish, octopus terrine with nori moroccan olive tapenade, smoked mackerel, roast beet and horseradish dill crema, smoked salmon and caper cream cheese. Served with amazing sourdough bread.

5. Craque de Creme (1360 Bathurst St). This lovely cafe serves unbelievable creme brûlée, waffles (that aren’t your typical waffles) and ice cream too. What a great concept and what a skilled chef!

There’s a few more restaurants that are on my radar too! So stay tuned. In the meantime, I will be eating at home and have every intention of trying some new recipes too!

As a sales rep for St. Albert Cheese Co-op,  I often myself walking along the streets of Toronto looking for prospective customers. One day I walked into a very cool hip restaurant only to find out that it was a vegan restaurant. Oops!!

However the menu really intrigued me, as did their cocktail list so I went back as a customer!!

I went back on a Sunday night at 630 pm and the place was packed. (always a good sign). However we did manage to get a table at the back for our party of four people. I should mention that no one was a vegan but everyone was open minded to check out a new restaurant!

We immediately ordered the (vegan) nachos and then immediately devoured the nachos!!

I ordered the fried chicken and waffles but only managed to eat half of it as it was a massive portion. I happily ate the leftovers for breakfast the next day.

It was positively delicious and I want to order it the next time I visit. It was that good.

The rest of the gang ate veggie burgers and everyone seemed pleased.

I love this restaurant as they don’t have one single salad on the menu. As much as I like salads, I love eating creative food that I can’t make at  home i.e. fried vegan chicken.

Next restaurant review: another vegan restaurant called Planta. Stay tuned!!

For more info:

Doomie’s 1263 Queen St W Toronto

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

Twitter/Instagram: @DoomiesToronto

I wanted to take advantage of the long weekend so I booked a quick trip to New York City. I was originally going to drive and then went on Travelocity and decided to fly. It felt like a smart move till our flight got delayed for a few hours. Ouch.

Sadly this meant that our lovely afternoon on the Go NY Tours –  Hop On and Off Double Decker  Bus Tour was reduced to two hours. However we were so glad we went regardless. We had a great overview of the city while enjoying the double decker bus. I can’t imagine not doing these tours. I really do think they offer tremendous value.

For dinner, it was recommended that we go to a Kosher Certified and Vegan restaurant called By Chloe.  (185 Bleeker St).  I was SO glad we went. The restaurant was hopping but scored a cute table outside to enjoy this super tasty kale salad.

After dinner, I was able to nip into Murrays Cheese  (284 Bleeker St) where I quickly bought three items: Vermont Butter (which I havent found for years), some unique crackers and this beer that had me buzzed in no time at all. (can you say, 13% alcohol). Sadly no time to even look at the cheese counter. ARGHHH.

Rushed back to the Residence Inn NY Manhattan/Central Park for a wonderful nights sleep in our beautiful corner suite that had an incredible view! (Blog post to foll0w).

On Saturday, my day included two critical elements of any visit to NYC – Shopping and Eating. (not in that order).

I started my day off at Smorgasburg in Brooklyn. (90 Kent St) What a great decision. It was my 3rd time visiting this fabulous outdoor food market since it started in 2011 and it keeps getting better and better. What I like best is the opportunity to see so many creative food vendors.

I saw a few of my favourite vendors from my previous visits: Bon Chovie (which I get on each and every visit) and Kelvin Slushie plus the Ramen Burger vendor.

 

I was in foodie heaven.

Late afternoon on Saturday included a walk thru Central Park where we stumbled upon a huge gathering of people and then figured it out: POKEMON GO!!

We also did some shopping on 5th Avenue and did some damage at the insanely huge UNIQLO (89,000 sqf).  Pretty grateful that there were no line ups at the cashier but as you can see from this photo. ..they are prepared.

Can’t wait for UNIQLO to open in Yorkdale Shopping Centre sometime in the fall. Seriously.

On Sunday morning, I scrambled to the US Open. I was only there from 1030 to 1230 but it was worth it. I’ve been watching the US Open for decades on TV and it was great to experience being there even though I wasn’t there to watch a match.

Just like that – it was time to head to Newark to catch our flight. I wish we had time to visit MOMA or the Whitney Museum or Washington Square or Chelsea Market but it just means I will have to go back, right?

Hope you had a wonderful weekend too.

For more information:

Go NY Tours Website: https://www.gonytours.nyc/double-decker-tours

Address: 2 E 42nd St, New York, NY, Phone: 1 212-664-0300

Website:  Residence Inn NY Manhattan/Central Park

Address: 1717 Broadway, New York, NY Phone: +1 212-324-3774

 

 

 

 

Please Welcome YamChops.

What is YamChops? Well..they are positioning themselves as a vegetarian butcher!! Kind of a cool concept if you ask me. They believe that this is exactly the type of store that the vegetarian/ vegan /and flexitarian community is looking for. A store that offers great service, convenience, flavourful food and value.

All I know is I’m sold on their concept, marketing and what I saw when I visited!

Here’s what the store looks like (minus the paper – as they are now open for business)

Inside the store,…you will find prepared foods, cold pressed juices, refrigerated items, and plenty of shelf stable items that one does not usually see in a retail store. Plus there’s a small area where you can eat your lunch.

I had the opportunity to sample  Coconut Ba-Con and all I can say is “WOW”. I had no idea that coconut could ever taste THIS GOOD. There is no question that I will back to sample their Carrot Lox, No Pork Pulled Pork and to try their cold press juices as well. There is one juice in particular that has caught my attention..it’s called “Divine Blush – Carrot, Beet, Turmeric, Ginger, Nutmeg”.  Not sure I’ve ever had a juice with tumeric in it but I’m eager to try it.

Wishing Michael and his team..only the very best with their new adventure. I have no doubt that YamChops is going to be a welcome addition to the food scene in Toronto.

For more information:

YamChops 705 College St (3 blocks East of Ossington), Toronto  Tel: 416-645-0117

Hours: 11 am to 7 pm daily

Twitter; @YamChopsTO

Facebook: www.facebook.com/YamChopsTO

Instagram; YamChopsTO

Website: www.yamchops.com

Disclosure: YamChops is a client however all opinions are my own.

For months, I drove by a window sign that said “Fresh..Coming in the Summer”. I waited and waited and waited. Finally the day arrived (err..it was Fall but that’s OK) and it was open. I was excited to visit as I knew that this location was going to be a hit, for this popular  vegetarian/vegan restaurant. (which now boasts 4 locations).

Heading north of Bloor was a smart strategic move. This is easy for me to say – seeing as I live about a kilometre away!

I love that this particular location is paying attention to the fact that single diners might want the option to sit at a BAR  to eat, and not by themselves at a table. I think I counted THREE bars (by the window…when you first walk in ..and at the back). #ANOTHER #SMART MOVE.

What did we order?

Well I can’t seem to visit Fresh without having these epic quinoa battered onion rings . They come as an appetizer but I wish they came as a main dish!!

We also ordered:  the big salad, the soup of the day with grilled cornbread and hummus, and the picnic burger. Everything was FRESH FRESH FRESH and completely inhaled. Our waiter was also super attentive and helpful too.

For more information:

Fresh on Eglinton…90 Eglinton Ave East, Toronto 416.599.4442 PS take out is available too.

Twitter: @freshoneglinton

Facebook; www.facebook.com/freshsince1999

Instagram: freshrestaurants

Foursquare: Got a message today that if you check in before Dec 31 on Foursquare ,you could become the mayor and win!!

This company really gets social media and gets serving FRESH food. Hope you will get a chance to also visit this location soon.

Disclosure: I was given a gift certificate to visit this location however all opinions in this blog post are my own.

 

I haven’t made an interesting salad in a while and was in the mood for something refreshing. Not to mention, mint was on sale at No Frills for 99 cents and I always love a bargain!!

I was inspired to try this  recipe as it was posted today on twitter by @jenncuisine who has an amazing blog called JennCuisine. Her photos are WAY better than mine so I hope you go take a peek at her blog post too (which is a gluten free blog, by the way)

Grapefruit and Mint Salad (adapted from JennCuisine)

Ingredients:

1 grapefruit cut into small chunks

1 romaine lettuce, chopped

a few mint leaves chopped up (I use scissors for this step…so much easier)

balsamic vinaigrette (I used balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey mustard, salt and pepper)

**note the original recipe calls for sliced cucumber too.

**note 2: this recipe is gluten free and vegan too

 

Instructions

Mix all ingredients into a bowl. Toss with dressing. Serve

Results  (my apologies for the not-so-pretty-as-I would-like final photo)

I loved this salad as it was so refreshing and certainly different than any other salad I would normally make.

Hope to serve this salad along with grilled salmon and a quinoa dish. What do you think?

Happy Cooking.

I’m not in love with tofu but I know it’s a good source of protein for me. Plus I know that it will absorb any flavors I have hanging around my kitchen!! So I came up this recipe that I must say – is pretty good. Just for this occasion…I actually measured out the ingredients. You can thank me later.

This can be used as a side dish or as a main course with some rice. I even snack on it. It’s an unusual snack but don’t forget I’m on a carb free diet (still).

One more idea: you could add this sauce to a bowl of pasta. Last nite, I added it to these tofu noodles I have been buying. Needless to say – it’s a versatile sauce.

PEANUTTY  TOFU:

This is what you need:

Ingredients:

1/2 package of EXTRA FIRM tofu, cut up into small chunks

Sauce:

1 tablespoon grated garlic

1 tablespoon grated ginger (organic ..it makes a difference. Really)

1/4 cup natural peanut butter (again it makes a difference)

1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar

1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

1 tablespoon tamari sauce

1 tsp honey

2 tablespoons of water (or more..depends how thick you like your sauce)

salt and pepper, to taste

METHOD

1. Prepare the sauce by adding all the ingredients together in a small bowl – stir, stir, stir

2. Lightly sautee the ginger and the garlic in a frying pan

3. Add the chunks of tofu

4. Add the sauce – stir stir stir

FINAL RESULT:

Do you have a favorite tofu dish? Please don’t hesitate to share it with me!! (hint)