Monday, January 28, 2008

Finally, Sunday Dinner

I can’t believe it’s the last Sunday of the month and only my second Sunday dinner. I had been looking forward to spending time with my son and being back in the kitchen, so here’s what I cooked up. I’m a little out of practice with the camera – sorry.

What’s in my favorite vintage bowl?



ED&BV’s Kid’s Dynamo Hummus

I can appreciate a hummus for kids, but this didn’t have enough flavor for me, so I added a little tamari, cumin, and AP seasoning. However, I love the cashews in this, and it made for a very rich hummus. We scooped it up with these new Popchips. These two varieties contain only vegan ingredients.


The bags say the chips are not fried and not baked – just popped. They are pretty good!


For Chase I made Cashew Ginger Tofu also from ED&BV, only I used all my cashews for the hummus so it was actually Peanut Ginger Tofu. I forgot to take a picture of it, but you can see it on Chase’s plate later in the post. This sauce is omg fantastic! It’s runny when you first make it, then thickens into perfection when it bakes.

For myself, Cauliflower Steaks with Cauliflower Puree, from this month’s Bon Appetit. They were just so pretty in the magazine and to me, this was better than roasted cauliflower. We both loved this. To make, you slice a head of cauliflower in half from top to stem, then slice off two one-inch “steaks.” You sear them 2 minutes on each side in a bit of olive oil, then bake them for 10 minutes in the oven. You make puree with the rest of the cauliflower. Here’s a steak being seared.


I didn’t like the puree recipe in the magazine, so I made my own seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic, and nooch, and I must say it was awesome. Oh please try cauliflower this way. It was fantastic! Here it is plated – yummy and fun!



Also from the magazine, the ugliest thing I’ve ever made – Raisin Vinaigrette.



But it was delicious on our broccoli. The raisins are pureed with oil, vinegar, and cumin – sort of Indian style.



Black & White Rice Pilaf



Broccoli Slaw with fresh herbs and greens.



And a delicious Oatmeal Bread from the bread machine.



Here’s Chase’s plate. See how thick and creamy the tofu sauce is?!



I made Snickerdoodles from LDV for dessert. My only change was to add a little cinnamon and vanilla to the batter. I didn’t like them warm from the oven because they tasted too much like flaxseeds, but after dinner they were delicious, no flaxy taste at all. Crispy edges and soft inside, and not too sweet. Chase said “like eating cinnamon toast.”




I also made my usual big pot of beans Sunday morning, just to have handy. These are pintos.



And some Potato Leek soup (not vegan) for my dad. He still doesn’t have much appetite, so the doctors have told us to give him whatever he will eat because he basically just needs calories. For some reason he only wants coke, juice, ice cream, shortbread cookies, and oatmeal, pretty bland stuff. I hoped he would enjoy a rather plain potato soup to get just a few nutrients in him, and to my delight he ate quite a nice bowlful! I told him I was sure everyone at my regular market was looking at me funny when I went to the checkout with chicken broth and cream. But I didn’t mind. Not one bit.

28 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a lovely vintage bowl! That cauliflower looks so delicious sliced like that, I would have never imagined it's possible.

MeloMeals said...

Everything looks awesome! I love the cauliflower steak idea..

and how awesome that your dad enjoyed your soup.. Food with love man.. that's what it's all about.

Amy said...

Wow, cauliflower steak. Who dreams up incredible stuff like this? I'll be trying that one for sure!

And your bread. It's so big and fluffy and yummy looking. Mmmmm.

Sheree' said...

First, I love your bowl. I go to yard sales and thrift stores for unique bowls and plates, but rarely find one that won't cost me both arms and legs. lol... I love the cauliflower steak. What a great idea! I am so glad that your dad was able to eat some of your soup. YOu are an awesome cook and a loving daughter when you put those two qualities together your dad surely ate a wonderful bowl of love. I am still praying for all of you. I am glad you and chase were able to have some quality time together. Hugs!

Jackie said...

Glad you are at least getting your Dad to eat something with some goodness in it. You will have to really bulk up the ice cream extra things like nuts, dried fruit and even protein like soy or whey.

Amazing broccoli done that way. I should try it as I don't really like it, so anything to take the taste away :)

Lots of other interesting meals as well.

Sorry about poor visits but we are having tons of blackouts and don't appear they will get better at any time soon.

Lori- the Pleasantly Plump Vegan said...

love love love the bowl! and as usual, yr food blows me away!

ChocolateCoveredVegan said...

The cauliflower steak looks so elegant. And I love the presentation the square plate.

LK Sisters said...

I've heard about those Popchips, but haven't seen them anywhere around here. Where did you buy them?

The bread looks good - we made homemade bread in the bread machine too. So easy!

Liz Ranger (Bubble Tea for Dinner) said...

not baked, not fried, but popped? hee hee, I wonder what that could ever possibly mean!

cauliflower steaks are possibly the coolest thing I've EVER seen cauliflower do. I MUST try this!

your food looks wonderful as usual, you make it look easy! and I'm glad your dad loved your soup, and I'm glad you don't feel bad about cooking it non-vegan. sometimes it's just the right thing to do.

Ruby Red said...

aww, good luck getting those nutrients into your daddy! it's great that he's eating oatmeal, and that you're sneaking some veggies in. no matter how old i get, i don't think i'll ever lose my appetite. i can't bear the thought of parting with my tastebuds in old age, either. :(

ooh, i've really been wanting the make that cashew-ginger tofu. and i love the idea of a cauliflower "steak" -- i MUST MUST try it. of course i've heard of portabella "steaks," but cauliflower? even better!!

Monika K said...

Glad to hear your Dad liked the potato soup - it sounds like he's slowly but surely getting his strength back. I must say, I wish we all were lucky enough to have you cooking Sunday dinners at our house - how spoiled we would be!

LK Sisters said...

We have an HEB here, so we'll look for the Popchips this weekend.

As for the lima bean dip, you could definitely use an extra can of lima beans and just puree them till smooth. You may need to add some non-dairy milk to make it creamy.

- LK

Ashasarala said...

I had no idea they could pop potatoes into chips... or corn into chips, for that matter. Very intriguing concept...

When you mentioned the homemade hummus, I immediately started craving it. It sounds so good with the cashews.

I'm happy to hear your dad's getting at least some appetite back. Soup is definitely a hearty and filling meal. He'll be eating those snicker doodles in no time!

erica said...

I love the idea of a cauliflower steak! As usual, I gravitate towards the fresh vegis on your page :)

Carolann said...

Your bowl is so beautiful! I love the little moons and stars etched into it. Wow what a meal! Looks like it kept you buys!

LizNoVeggieGirl said...

Oh my goodness gracious, I am always in awe of the fare featured at your Sunday Dinners - TOO DELICIOUS FOR WORDS, DIANN!!

So glad that your Dad was able to have a nice bowlful of soup - still wishing him a full recovery!!

Anonymous said...

i love that vintage bowl-it's rockin' :]

i gotta try the cashew tofu!

Anonymous said...

Wow, cauliflower steak, that sound so good, cool bowl!

erica said...

by the way, I absolutely love that bowl.

Anonymous said...

I saw the recipe for cauliflower steak but wasn't sure how it'd taste -- per your pics, it looks pretty good.

I'm glad your dad eat a good bowlful of soup.I hope he keeps feeling better and better.

Do you cook your beans in the crockpot?

Carrie™ said...

I hope your dad is doing better. Nothing wrong with wanting shortbread. I want that all the time!
Everything looks and sounds yummy. With the exception of that raisin vinaigrette. It does look pretty nasty. It looked better on the broccoli and I'm sure it tasted great.

Ben Kaelan said...

My oatmeal bread has never turned out that nicely! You're totally making me want to go get a bread machine after I stop juice feasting! I think it would be nice to make my own gourmet gluten free breads! I'm getting giddy just thinking about it! :)

Put that on my to do list ok? :)

- Ben

Miss ya!! :)

Anonymous said...

If a chip is not fried or baked, then what is it? I'd be interested to know what they mean by "popped". Hmm...

Amey said...

OMG Diann!! The cauliflower steaks are awesome! I can't wait to try it. Cauliflower is one of Musty's most fave veggies, so he will be delighted. Plus he loves giant servings... so even better!

I hope your dad is doing okay.
xo

Mish said...

HI, this is the first time visiting your blog and I love it!

What book is the "ED&BV" and the "LDV" book?

Thanks ;o)

aTxVegn said...

Hi, Mish, and thanks for visiting me! LDV is La Dolce Vegan by Sarah Kramer and ED&BV is Eat, Drink & Be Vegan by Dreena Burton. Both books are great, but I esp. recommend all books by Dreena.

Anonymous said...

The raisin dressing may not be pretty on it's own but I think it looks beautiful in the broccoli photo! I really want to try the cauliflower steaks soon. What a great idea!

Mish said...

Thanks!!! I already have the LDV, just bought it a couple of weeks ago...how silly of me.

Keep it up, you inspire me to cook great meals and to vegan for life!!!