Monday, September 11, 2006

Quick blogging

I don't have much time tonight, but I wanted to share the goings-on of yesterday. First of all, we made a huge dent in our leftovers. But I wanted to try the Cannellini Bean Yam Hummus from Vive! (p. 60), because I'd seen it recently on some other blogs. So voilà! Bob and I thought it was quite tasty, and very unlike anything we've ever had before. Next time I make this, I will probably use more chipotle sauce to give it a bit more kick, and I will use lime juice (this time I used lemon). Oh, and I will try not to burn the pine nuts--those are the dark flecks you see in there. But this dish is lovely and sweet and mild, and was great on cucumbers!

We took our hummus and some leftover TVP salad yesterday evening, along with some toasted homemade bread, and went on a nice picnic. I can hardly stand to stay inside, now that the air is cooling down and it feels like fall is really here! Being outside is relaxing, and picnics are always fun!

Last night we really wanted to try some of Dreena's cookies, since they seem to be very renowned in the vegan blogging community. So we made a batch of her Double Chocolate Almond Explosion Cookies (p. 126). How shall I say... Delicious! We used whole wheat pastry flour in place of the white flour, but otherwise followed the recipe to the letter. The almonds sprinkled on top were beautiful and so tasty, and these were just so moist and chocolatey right out of the oven. We made 12 cookies, and they turned out HUGE! Well, huge to me, since I usually make cookies about the size of ginger snaps. But they're already almost gone... I gave one to a friend of mine who has some skepticism about veganism, and she thought they were tasty too. Yay!

Thanks for all your suggestions about the black bean patties. I'm going to try them again soon, probably using some quick oats to bind them. You may not hear from me for a couple of days--this is the busiest week of the semester thus far for me, so all these leftovers are really a blessing right now. But I'll be back soon! Peace.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

I was just sitting here thinking that I need some cookies and then I see cookies on your blog. Those look fantastic! I need to get that book.

urban vegan said...

I am GOING to buy that book. Your hummus and cookies look yummy. What a nice picnic.

Dr. Melissa West said...

Love eating outdoors. You are right, it is really relaxing. Looks like you are cooking up a storm with your new cook book! I haven't tried those cookies yet. I don't eat chocolate, but maybe I should try them with carob.

Anonymous said...

I KNEW you were going to love that book!!!!! I highly recommend the Adzuki bean & Rice cakes... oh and the stuffed zucchini's too... oh and... well... everything's good :)

Candi said...

Wow!!! I love your picnic foods!! What a cute idea! The hummus looks really good. I've been making so much chickpea hummus, that this one looks like a great change! I have the Vive book, so will definitely try it!! Thanks for the tips!

Oh, those cookies.... yum! I can't look at them for long though, since I am trying to stop making so many desserts!! :P They look great though!!

B said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
B said...

What is it about Dreena's books that makes us love the cookies so? :) I broke down and bought everyday vegan and vive le vegan last week and I love them... for some reason most of the recipes I have marked are in the cookie sections too! I have these cookies marked to make soon, glad to hear they are as delicious as they sound in the book!

Harmonia said...

You're killing me! I'm so munchy right now! :)

When I made the Yam Hummus it turned out very orange...good tho. Next time I think I will use a smaller yam.

Yours looks perfect!

Dori said...

I enjoyed the yam hummous too, but thought it needed a bit of a kick.

The cookies, haven't tried those yet... mmmm.

Glad to see you are enjoying your book.

Anonymous said...

looks so well im getting hungry lol!

Kate said...

Hummus with yams, did not know it was possible or that it would still be considered hummus. I have to get that book right now! I always say it everytime I see it on somone's blog, but I really need to jump on that. I love the idea of going on a picnic and would like to steal that idea before it gets too cold. I am super happy to see future recipes from Vive and any other inspiring things.

KleoPatra said...

Good stuff, Laura!!! I love a good picnic, and with hummus... that's my kinda scene.

Hope to "see" you soon!