Veganville

SNL's Bring It On Down To Veganville feat. Justin Timberlake
Just reminiscing and thinking about this funny video I saw on SNL last year.  Still hilarious and relevant. Love every word he sings, so witty, so clever!  Vegans unite! :)

VegFest Seattle 2014

By Sarah Hubbard

Sarah Hubbard and Claudine Erlandson at Vegfest Seattle 2014

Last year when I attended Vegfest, it was purely for the joy of trying new foods and meeting like-minded people.  This year, I decided to take it a step further and volunteer as a Food Demonstrator.  On my first day, I served pita bread and naan for IndianLife.  Many of their products were vegan, but some of the meal-type items contained dairy.  I noticed that most of the attendees were very impressed with the naan being free of animal products, as I know so well that naan is difficult to find without dairy (varied recipes use milk, butter or yogurt).

On my second day volunteering, I got placed next to the WholeSoy & Co Yogurt table.  I have to give a quick background on why this made me so happy... Last year this product, which I'd been blissfully making my smoothies with, completely disappeared from the grocery store!  Upon further research, I learned that they had a production issue and were building a new facility.  So when I saw that they were back and at Vegfest with their delicious yogurt (vanilla is my fave), I knew I'd be back on my smoothie kick in no time!  Hehe...

Cooking injury - ow!

So back to the products I was actually preparing: Sunshine's Organic Burgers.  I cooked the Falafel Burger and the Garden Herb Burger, with my cooking assistant preparing Shitake Mushroom and Black Bean South West Burgers.  Many people were excited to try the Falafel Burger, some even waiting in line for the next batch to finish cooking. When we'd completed Sunshine's product demonstration, we were given SortaSausage Hemp Burgers and Breakfast SortaSausage to prepare.  Many people enjoyed these products because they are gluten-free and soy-free in addition to being vegan.  I also served chunks of a Slim Jim-like product called Viana Veggie Snack Sausage To Go, which many people ate more than one sample of, including children.

Earth Balance's new product!

In conclusion, I enjoyed my experience at this event, the people I met, and even running into the lovely and very passionate Animal Rights Advocate, Claudine Erlandson (whom you might remember from my brother's first protest).  I would highly recommend attending events such as these for those who are a bit hesitant on trying new products or for the transitioning vegan who needs more ideals for meals and such.

Bon appétit!

Local Yum: Wayward Vegan Cafe

By Sarah Hubbard

My brothers and I visited the Wayward Vegan Cafe recently and ordered a mini smorgasbord of items from the menu.  My very favorite thing here (not pictured) is the French toast!!  LOVE it!  On this particular day, we enjoyed (clockwise from top):

DIXIE FRIED which is "Crispy Fried Chiggen smothered with country gravy, broccoli-slaw, garlic-steamed greens,and deep fried herb biscuit wedges."

HILLBILLY OMELET described as "Sausage, hashbrowns, and grilled peppers and onions, topped with country gravy and cheddar cheese." Served with homefries.

HASHBROWNS WITH CHEESE (Daiya Cheddar)

GARLIC TOAST, which was "Garlic-seasoned grilled French bread slices lightly dusted with Parmesan"

Another favorite of mine is the Farmer's Hash which includes a super delicious gravy over scrambled curry tofu with faux-sausage- the first thing I ever tried when I first moved to Washington three years ago. 

Definitely check this place out if you're in the U district in Seattle, then cross the street and visit the ALL VEGAN grocery market, Vegan Haven!
Bon appétit!

Local Yum: PB Joy

Oh my goodness!  I didn't make this, but I wish I did!  It's from the Flying Apron Bakery (Vegan & Gluten-free) here in Seattle.  A peanut butter ball! 

Ingredients: Organic peanut butter, organic maple syrup, organic shredded coconut, organic sunflower seeds, organic gluten-free oats, organic raisins, organic brown rice syrup, organic dark chocolate chips (cacao mass, soy lecithin), organic vanilla, organic palm oil, organic cinnamon, sea salt

I see some recipe experimentation in my future!  I bought this treat in particular at the Issaquah Coffee Company in Issaquah, WA, who sell a small variety of sweets from the Flying Apron.  And on a side note, ICC also has a hemp, rice, soy and almond milk option for those who are dairy-free!  100% recommend their vanilla hemp milk latte!