Vegan Food Porn and Some Exciting News!

If you've been reading my blog for a while, you know I'm smiling my way through controlled chaos when I apologize for not posting a weekly recipe. Ladies and Gents, last week, my little sister turned 21-flippin'-years old. My family turned a real cornerstone. Want to know the saddest part of her special day? Of course you do.

It started with a call from my mom, who weeped that her children aren't barely legal anymore. I then learned that my little sister can't properly gauge her body's capacity for rum. We have not hit the saddest part yet. Read onward.

The crown jewel or tear-jerking sadness: My newly 21-year-old younger sister and I went to buy alcohol, and who's ID do they scrutinize? Not hers...mine. The shop worker looked over it, looked up at me, back to the ID for further investigation, then squinted his eyes as he glared into my soul. I guess ya can't win 'em all. 

We rang in her birthday at midnight, and I bought her her first (legal) alcoholic beverage. The next night, I drove down to the OC for the official birthday celebration, which happily coincided with me attending the Natural Products Expo courtesy of My Favorite Ingredient, Mimicreme. I wasn't even going to blog about the Expo, but there is one product I feel you all need to know about. 

I have seen the Vegan Cheese Light...and it is...DAIYA!

We have entered a new era of vegan fromagè. This is the best Vegan Cheese on the damn planet. I had a Grilled Cheese that STRETCHED when I pulled it apart. The oozing cheddar somehow found a way to intertwine itself with my hair, and I had to walk around looking like I had a dreadlock all day. I didn't one shit. I can't wait until their products hit stores. The pizza they made and sampled was the best frickin' pizza I've had in years. I haven't been able to sleep at night since I tasted it. 

Now that I've over-explained why I was too busy being a good big sister, food researcher and actor (did I explain that one?) to post a recipe, I'll satiate you with food porn. Here's a glance at what I eat when I'm not working on recipe tests. 

At the top, my Heirloom Tomato, Cucumber and Soy Feta Salad. I make it with a combination of Pineapple Tomatoes, Black Brandywines and a few of my other beloved summertime gems. Add in some fresh cucumber, soy feta/bleu, sliced red onions, fresh mint, kalamata olives, lemon juice, olive oil , vinegar, salt and pepper.

Next, we have an uncooked Artichoke Hummus, Heirloom Tomato and Fresh Herb Pita Pizza. I was way too hungry to follow up with a photo of the "cheese" melted, but if you live anywhere in the LA area, hit up the Pasadena Thursday market and buy the hummus pictured below. It is the best I've ever eaten.

Best Hummus on Earth:

When I'm feeling really devious, I make my own home made Vegan Marshmallows...

...and then I turn them into Vegan Rice Krispie Treats!

 

Sometimes, I just need a good-ass sandwich. Complete with all the fixins. Oh, and by the way, my birthday is a few, short 3 months away. Just in time for y'all to start planning. If anyone needs to get rid of a sandwich press, I accept charitable kitchen appliance donations.