Well Hello "Mac 'n Cheese"!!

Since changing to a plant-based diet back in late September of 2011, eating meals with comforting cheese has been a thing of the past. I think I've mentioned before that I miss cheese most of all, even more than meat. So, a couple of months ago I decided to make a "mock" macaroni and cheese casserole and had high hopes that it would be at least tasty enough to enjoy eating. Not. No way. Big disappointment. Lots of work and high fat ingredients (like raw cashews) and the hubs and I took a couple of bites and that was it. At that point I had decided that I would never again eat mac 'n cheese unless it was one of those few times I may veer briefly from the plant-based diet.

Then came Chloe Coscarelli. I have reviewed a few of her recipes found in her new cookbook, Chloe's Kitchen, and all have been really good. I decided to give her "Best Ever Baked Macaroni and Cheese" (page 127) recipe a try. Keep in mind it doesn't have cheese, but instead uses nutritional yeast, which brings a mellow, cheesy flavor to recipes. But more than that, Chloe has combined just the right ingredients together.

I added chopped broccoli and the results were so yummy. Both the hubs and I went back for seconds, and this morning I ALMOST reheated some to eat for breakfast! The one thing my husband wished for was more moisture, and I agreed it could be a tad bit moister, but by no means was it dry. Next time I will cook 3/4 box of elbows instead of the full box, and that should result in a more moist result.

On Chloe's website there is a version of this recipe that doesn't call for baking in the oven…more of a boxed mac 'n cheese replacement. That version may appeal more to the kids in your life. Click here if you'd like to give it a try: Vegan Mac 'N Cheese.

Interestingly, this recipe includes chopped broccoli, while the baked version in the cookbook does not. So, either way, chopped broccoli is a fabulous addition and provides some veggies in an otherwise no-veggie recipe. I'm actually thinking the "cheese" sauce would be good in other recipes, or even as a sauce for side dishes of veggies.

Now I have another very worthwhile recipe for my growing binder of plant-based meals! I would prepare and serve this to any guest…and may just take it to the next pot luck we attend.

Cookbook Ramblings

I recently bought Chloe's Kitchen - 125 Easy, Delicious Recipes for Making the Food you Love the Vegan Way. The author, Chloe Coscarelli, is the first vegan cook to win "Cupcake Wars" with a vegan cupcake! This is her very first cookbook. I found her online (somehow) and had read her website, which has plenty of recipes posted there: Chef Chloe

Actually, I found out about Chloe's new cookbook through her website and promptly pre-ordered it after reading through some of the delectable recipes on her website. And the best part is, the ingredients are mostly common and easily found in any supermarket, and many are usually found in most people's pantries. There are only a few staples that she recommends buying special and having on hand for her vegan recipes, but even those I easily found at my local natural markets or even in the natural foods sections at the supermarket.

And so....I began cooking my way through Chloe's Kitchen and prepared her recipe for Vegetable Biryani (page 172). The flavors are strong and delish, and quite a change from what we are used to savoring, it being a dish popular in India. Unfortunately, I did not have a couple of the spices needed, but I decided to go ahead with it and make substitutions. So, the next time I make it, I need to be sure I have all the proper ingredients, because I know it can make a world of difference. I also added red kidney beans as an extra source of protein. There were plenty of leftovers, as well!

Vegetable Biryani

Today, I decided to make the Hot 'N' Crusty Farmers Market Panini from the recipe on Chloe's website. Again, I was missing an ingredient or two, and I don't have a stove top grill pan or a panini press, so I improvised. Even so, the panini was delicious, savory, and VERY filling. Her recipe says it serves 4-6, and I got 2 large panini sandwiches out of it, one for me one for the hubs. I am sure that anyone would love this for a meal, vegan or not!

Hot 'N' Crusty Farmers Market Panini

Next up: one of Chloe's wonderful looking vegan desserts or cakes. Not only is her "Cupcake Wars" championship cupcake recipe in her cookbook, but there are additional recipes for sweets and cakes on her website! I have a serious sweet tooth and am thrilled at the prospect of being able to bake and eat sweets occasionally and not worry about just what some of the ingredients are! I am hoping to get some cupcakes made tomorrow and will be sure to share my results.

Who said eating vegan is boring? With Chloe in my kitchen (and on my laptop), I can't imagine ever being bored with choosing to have a plant-based diet.

By the way, Ms. Coscarelli has been appearing on many TV shows, as well as holding book signings at bookstores across the US of A. If you haven't heard of her yet, you will...trust me. She is taking the vegan cooking world by storm and I cannot wait to see what her next cookbook will include!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!