Fresh Florida Citrus

Fresh Florida Citrus

This was a roadside citrus stand in Florida I visited on Friday. The fruit was so ripe, and there was a nice man by the name of Ron who helped me with my "Tangelo" purchase. I also picked up a sack of Ruby Reds. Needless to say - I am juicing away here in New England - fondly recalling the warm FL breezes; all the while anticipating Spring as my daffodil and crocus bulbs force their way through the soil.

Persistent as ever - unfazed by the piles of leaves and icy soil, I feel that I have much in common with these resolute globes. Very Good Vegan will be on sale at the Cranston RI Whole Foods Market starting this Saturday February 21. I will be there cooking up samples from 12 - 2pm. See www.VeryGoodVegan.com for details.

What Makes It All Better

What Makes It All Better
I snapped this photo on the beach today. Yes I am finally on vacation, and have some simple thoughts to share. No matter what is going on around you - no matter how unkind or unfriendly people may sometimes treat you. No matter how difficult our daily lives have become, will become, have always been. No matter what, the simplest of things can make it all better. These sea shells made me so incredibly happy - just to look at them, feel them in my hands. Simply to sit in one place and be grateful for my friends and loved ones and the support they seem to have an un-ending supply of - that is what makes it all better for me.

In other news our DVD Very Good Vegan (http://www.verygoodvegan.com/) has been picked up by several new privately owned shops this week - and we will be posting their info on our site over the next week. We at AnnaVeda Kitchen wish to thank everyone who is buying the DVD - wholesale and retail - and thanks to everyone who has been supportive of this project. It can be very challenging to go out there and sell yourself on a DVD talking for 60 minutes about any topic. Even more intmidating - walking into, or calling a store, then attempting to get someone - anyone to chat with you about said DVD. So again - thanks to everyone who is taking a moment to meet with me, chat and email. You guys rock!

Ayurvedic Tip Of The Week
Use a Neti Pot - Look up how to use a Neti Pot on You Tube and you will see how it is done. You may purchase them at most yoga studios and health food stores. Take the time to research how to properly use one - your nose will thank you!

Vegan Chocolate Pudding Pie w. Vegan Graham Cracker Crust

Vegan Chocolate Pudding Pie w. Vegan Graham Cracker Crust

I have been feeling a bit under the weather (ice storms, snow storms, hectic schedule, trade show in a chilly facility...) and yet - I cannot stay away from the kitchen. I have no decent bakery to frequent locally (within a 15 minute car ride), certainly not one that would offer any Vegan goodies - so as you see I must be self-sufficient. The local grocery store baked goods make me cringe.

So last night I whipped up this new version of my Chocolate Mousse/Pudding, and poured it into (ahhhh - heavens to Betsy!) a store bought Vegan Graham Cracker Crust. Shocking, I know, but I must share that it was really very good! The crust was from a company called Wholly Wholesome - the packaging indicates that it includes only "Natural Ingredients, Contains No Animal Products - Suitable for Vegans". Lovely.

I do a lot of approximate measuring when I cook for myself so I will attempt to share what went into this pie filling in short:

6 ounces Vegan Dark Chocolate (Melted - Double boiler Do NOT use a Microwave)

10 ounces Silken Tofu

1/8 Cup Soy Milk (My Own HomeMade)

1 tsp Bourbon Vanilla

2 Tbsp Turbinado Sugar

I melted the chocolate in my double boiler - then added the sugar and stirred to combine off heat. The tofu was pulsed in my food processer for just a moment - I added the chocolate mixture and all remaining ingredients and pulsed again; poured it into the ready to go crust and chilled for about 1 hour. It was fabulous. So even though I was under the weather -I was able to throw together a nice little chocolatey treat. Tonight I have plans to attempt my new version of Vegan Lemon Bars - so stay tuned!