Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Grilled Jerk Tofu and Too Much More

Sunday was a beautiful day, perfect for testing out the new grill. I know we’re all disappointed in John Mackey at the moment, but I selected three recipes from the Whole Foods Market cookbook. First, Jamaican Jerk Sauce for marinating 2 pounds of tofu. The sauce has hot peppers and pineapple juice in it and it is wonderful. It is rather thick, but the tofu soaked up almost all of it. I’m so excited about my new grill, so there are several pictures to endure of what a great job Chase and the new grill did.

Here’s the tofu on the grill. See how shiny the new grill is? And see how sunny it is? (I don’t know if you’ve heard about all the rain we’ve had, but we’ve already hit our annual total.)





On the table.


Also from the Whole Foods cookbook, I made Havana Black Beans. This recipe was quick to make using canned beans and was so flavorful with chipotles, cumin, and lime juice. I should have doubled this because we couldn’t get enough.




So this totally doesn’t go with the meal, but Monica K made such great looking summer rolls, I had to make some too. Mine were filled with broccoli slaw, carrots, red bell pepper, mango, leaf lettuce, cilantro, scallions, and peanuts. I made the Creamy Peanut Sauce from the Whole Foods cookbook. I don’t know exactly why, but these were super fab delicious even plain. They are just so fresh tasting and fun to eat.






I've got a new rollup technique to try out on the next batch.


Anticipating a need to soak up the yummy jerk sauce, I decided to bake bread. Chase gets leftovers, so I needed a loaf that would work for tofu or peanut butter sandwiches. I love my Bread Machine Magic cookbook and found a recipe for Crunchy Carrot Bread. It’s mostly whole wheat with finely chopped carrots and poppy seeds, but I subbed hemp seeds. It is de-vine!







One more shot of the dinner plate, aglow with sunshine.





I went overboard on dessert, but I couldn’t bear to cook or mash my fresh fruit anymore. I fixed a big bowl of organic strawberries, farmers market peaches, and leftover mango from the summer rolls and put it in the fridge. I haven’t made a single thing from Damn Tasty and feeling left out, but not wanting to be too decadent, made the Banana Bread.





Bazu made it and raved. Well, we raved too! It’s a simple, nothing unusual recipe, but man, it’s damn tasty! Chase said he was dreaming of peanut butter and banana bread sandwiches.





I really did go overboard because I made ice cream too. Coconut Pistachio Ice Cream. I made up my own recipe, and it turned out creamy and coconutty, but I wavered on whether I liked grated coconut in it. The kids liked it; I thought it almost interfered with the creamy goodness. But it was great with the banana bread and fresh fruit, and it’s really pretty with pistachios in it.



And finally, have any of you seen the article in Food & Wine “Why Vegetarians Are Eating Meat”? Molly Katzen now eats meat?!! Help me out. I can see how it might make meat eaters feel better, but I’ve read the article twice and I still don’t get it. My first reaction was that vegetarians were represented as unhealthy eaters, and admittedly, some are. And secondly, I read about how great the animals were treated during their lives, but nothing about their slaughter. If you want to read the article, it’s online here.

32 comments:

KleoPatra said...

Wow, that article is confusing and disturbing. Thank you for the link to that. i'm in a state of shock about Mollie Katzen! Really shocked, Diann...

"Recently, when responding to the invitation to her high-school reunion, Katzen had to make a choice between the vegetarian and the conventional meal. She checked the nonvegetarian box.

'The people who requested the vegetarian meal got fettuccine Alfredo,' she says. 'It's a bowl full of flour and butterfat. I'd much rather have vegetables and grains and a few bites of chicken.' "

Maybe if she was vegan she would not have been so quick to judge nor not voice her displeasure at the choice given for the veggie dish - fettuccine in some fatty sauce!

Oh but i digress...

A sunny day, hooray hooray!! i didn't know it was still raining like crazy out there in Texas... That final shot of the plate (which is such a cool plate, by the way!) is gorgeous with the sun shining in on it all, including that bread. Mmmmmm... homemade bread. Life is good...

Love the new BBQ and how you (and your son!) made that tofu on there SHINE and ROCK!

The black beans look chock full of terrific foods and filled with flavour. i smiled when i read about the summer rolls... maybe they don't "go" with the BBQ vibe but spring rolls with peanut sauce SCREAM fun and outdoors and summer to me...

so i'm glad you made them. i'm relatively new to spring rolls and order them out at veg-friendly joints whenever i can!

And just so you know, i personally don't believe there is such a thing as going overboard on vegan food... especially not desserts! And especially not what you made. Banana bread and that fruit on the side... woah. Chase is dreamin' my dream, by the way... PB and 'nana bread sandwiches. Toasted, preferably...

Groovy ice cream too. It *IS* pretty, there is no denying that fact.

Kayla said...

Your meal looks amazing. I have been wanting to make Jerk tofu/seitan/tempeh for a long time, but haven't gotten around to it. Now I am really tempted to try it. Also, what an amazing dessert..three of my favorite things in one bowl! I wish I could have dinner with you every night.

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Diann. You are a gorgeous woman (not old or fat as you insinuated in a past post). I hope that I look as great as you do when I'm your age. You are an inspiration my dear.

What a wonderful summer meal. I tried to get a better close up of Chase's apron. It looks really fun - please, if you think about it, post a full frontal pic (tee hee). Perfect sumer dessert. I recently got my copy of Damn Tasty and I am antsy to try something out of there. I think my first recipe is going to have to be those peanut butter bombs.

Thanks for sharing that article. It was quite disturbing. Let's see, where to start...

Mariel Hemmingway, saying she was weak when she was a vegan. Ugh! I hate it when people blame veganism. Perhaps she was a junk food vegan or she didn't eat enough protein or carbs or veggies or whatever. I hate the generalization.

Mollie Katzen's comment, "But now that cleaner, naturally fed meat is available, it's a great option for anyone who's looking to complete his diet." Complete his diet? WTF????? I cannot believe she said that. You know, I've never been very inspired or impressed by any of her recipes enough to purchase her books and now I'm so thankful. I like Kleo's comment above about the vegetarian option. So true!

I agree that vegans can rely on meat analogs too much but in my opinion, they're so much better than animal flesh. I was just on vacation with my parents and we stopped at the grocery store to pick up some food to cook together. We decided to cook "burgers" - Boca for me and Marty and regular for them. They purchased "gourmet" frozen patties with cheese in them. My Boca patties were 70 calories with .5 grams of fat. Their "gourmet" patties were 450 calories and 36 grams of fat. How is that "better for you"? You want to talk about crazy? Crazy is someone saying that the fake processed Boca is not as healthy as a so-called "whole foods" diet. Ugh!!!!

I could go on and on but it's irritating me way too much right now. I'm going to have a hard time falling asleep now because I won't be able to stop thinking about this.

Sheree' said...

This article is insane. My question is; since when is ever killing an animal done in an ethical manner? How do you care for a beautiful animal, feed them the best, exercise them the best, and then kill them humanely? I have been a vegan for nealry 10 months and the only time I was tired, not weak, was when I ate vegan junk, which you can see happen to meat eaters all the time. Our bodies were simply not meant to digest animal products. Mariel Hemmingway must have eaten pure junk all the time. It is crazy to me. I am so, ahhhhhhhh about this whole article. People are either completely ignorant or lazy. It is work to eat a healthy vegan diet, but the rewards are priceless. Off the soap box now

The grill is awesome, the food is awesome, and Chase is such an awesome son. You are truly blessed. Oh, by the way, desserts are always welcomed. I love banana bread. mmmm mmmm good!!!

One of my daughters, my sister, and my brother live in Texas. They said the rain was horrible. I am so glad you had the sun smile down on you and your new BBQ.

Anonymous said...

I love coconut ice cream, but I'm with you: shredded coconut isn't the best in it.
your food is absolutely perfect! when can I move in?

Unknown said...

The black bean salad and the rolls look great and I love the jerk tofu! Your pistachio ice cream makes me want to get an ice cream maker. :)

That "Why Vegetarians are Eating Meat" article makes me crabby. I roll my eyes when anyone even suggests eating meat. Leaving aside whether or not it's right to eat animals, destroy the environment and my personal health, vegan food just tastes better. Srsly, I pity the highly restricted diets of most omnivores.

laura k said...

Wow, that jerk tofu... yum! In fact, everything looks so gorgeous and healthy--the spring rolls, the black beans... the banana bread. Hee hee.

I will read the article when I have a few extra minutes--it sounds quite frustrating. Thanks for pointing it out.

Crystal said...

1st of all - your grill is so CLEAN! Ours is not. Despite our scrubbing and scrubbing, we give up.

2nd - I did read the first part of the article, but didn't get all the way through it yet. I have a lot of thought on this, but can't quite come up with the right way to express them, so I'll stay silent.

3rd - I'm so trying that Beet Risotto recipe in the mag that the little kid makes :)

-Crystal

A.M. said...

That ice cream looks great. How did you make it?

erica said...

What?!? Mollie Katzen?!?
I need a moment.



I forgot about jerk sauce - Good gravy! I have to make some again. I'll bet it's equally delicious raw. You know, with all the time Chase spends with you, he makes me look like a horrible, horrible daughter (if that makes sense). The tofu looks divine, and the new grill too.

erica said...

Oh, also, anyone who avoids MSG should avoid TVP and all processed soy products, because in that respect, high quality meat IS better for you, as it is not a neurotoxin. Separating the protein from the soybeans creates natural MSG. Nutritional yeast is associated with MSG reaction in those sensetive to MSG, as well.

Not that I would ever eat the meat, it's still horrific where it comes from and my body has never been keen on meat (or dairy). But if we are really concerned about our health, and not just a balanced diet, we should nix the processed soy, the microwaving, etc.

Just my two cents.

erica said...

I have to make this a comment trilogy: do you use rice paper wrappers for the salad rolls, or tapioca? I used to use rice but now have become accustomed to the tapioca ones, just wondering your opinion if you've used both.

Monika K said...

Yay - your spring rolls look awesome! I will definitely have to try a peanut sauce with mine next time. I've made them several times since the potluck - they're so easy, healthy and light (I think I'm in love). The rest of your food looks amazing as well - I'm with Celine, when can we move in? (-:

Kati said...

Ooh coconut pistashio - creative combo. Looks perfect to me!

I wanted to wish you a happy belated birthday, as well. You are one cool lady, Diann!

Anonymous said...

wow, what a series of beautiful photos! i'd really fancy trying those jerk tofu soon :)

thank you for sharing the article. to begin with, the title doesn't even make sense! i wonder how influential the article was. it was very poorly written.

Anonymous said...

I'm late but Happy Birthday, Diann !! My eldest son's birthday is the 12th so next year, I should be on time to wish you a HB ! :)

I won't read the article because it will only frustrate me... just the comments above are enough to give me an idea, I think (rolls eyes)

Every picture is making me very, very hungry. The tofy, oh my, and the summer rolls, so beautiful!

I'll check out that bread book :)

Anonymous said...

Forgot to say : you are BEAUTIFUL !!

LizNoVeggieGirl said...

the jerk tofu, spring rolls, and bread are all stunning!! my mouth always waters when I visit your blog, haha. I too was disturbed/disappointed in that article... I just don't understand the argument behind it, saying that eating "clean" meat (???) is better than eating a whole food, vegetarian/vegan diet. I was shocked to read about Mollie Katzen eating meat as well!

aTxVegn said...

Thanks for your kind and great comments everyone, and it's good to know you're not all rushing out to buy steaks!

Dr., you're so right, it really was a poorly written (and titled!) article.

And Crystal, I'm sorry it disturbed you so much. I get that frustrated knowing you just can't argue with such ridiculous statements. On an entirely different note, Chase is wearing a handmade apron a friend brought me from Germany. I'll try to remember to get a shot of it and post it.

arine, I'll also try to remember to post my ice cream recipe.

Erica, I've never tried tapioca paper! I'm going to look for it at my Asian market.

Celine and Monika, you can come over, but you have to cook too!

Vicki's Vegan Vice said...

Happy Birthday, Diann! and what a georgous grill -- glad the rain slowed enough to let Chase work the magic. The food looks perfect. I've got to get crackin' with my Damn Tasty! and no, I hadn't heard about Mollie Katzen...

Vicki's Vegan Vice said...

Did I say georgous grill?! I meant to say you're a georgous girl! :)

lindurek said...

wow what a feast! i adore grilled tofu! It's one of the best parts of the summer!

Anonymous said...

happy belated birthday!!
im still wihout my computer, im using my sister computer today!

the food looks great!

bazu said...

Yay! I love seeing you put your new grill to such good and delicious use! Isn't that banana bread so good? I was surprised- no margarine, no spices, nothing out of the ordinary, but SO delicious. I've made the recipe 4 times now, today in muffin form.

Don't Get Mad, Get Vegan! said...

Happiest Belated! You are such an inspiration, always whipping up feasts of healthy AND amazingly yummy lookin vegan fare. Love it.

I especially love the look of that tofu hot off the grill, and your breads always look perfect.

As it's full-on summer now, I reeeeally gotta get back to making some rice paper wraps. they're always a good idea aren't they?

Now 'm scared to read that article as I know it'll just set me off too early in the morning. Maybe later, after some yoga. hehe

Emmy said...

Oh my goodness, that grilled tofu looks amazing. YUM!!!

Carrie™ said...

I read that article and I'm angry. It's crap like that that makes it so hard for us to convince people that eating veg*n is wonderful. I don't feel weak or deprived. I like my food choices and think I eat a healthy & varied diet. I don't need meat to "feel grounded". What the hell is that supposed to mean? Another point...how could these local farmers raise enough meat to feed everyone in the country. If they tried, they would in turn become factory farms themselves! It's not helping the problem. I've been veg for 7 years now and I cannot imagine ever eating meat again. **GAG**
Anyhow, that tofu looks AMAZING! I'd pick that over a steak any day. The beans sound so delicious too. Hell, EVERYTHING sounds & looks delicious. Well done!

Vegan_Noodle said...

That's some great looking tofu!

vko said...

That article is so upsetting. I hate when they quote former vegans & vegetarians as if those people without any true conviction about the ethical treatment of animals are actually worth quoting as some kind of proof.

That grill looks real pretty & shiny. And the food real yummy.

what a dumb article & so pointless- I can't believe these people and that line about veggies being smug? how about the idiot writer being smug that her silly spineless husband is eating meat again...I have to stop.

Anonymous said...

Wow--that article is wild. I mean, I just can't imagine eating meat after 30 years...I guess to each his or her own. Still, that seems odd. Question for you--when you did the jerk tofu, did you end up burning the sauce at all? I baked jerk tofu (so obviously it was on the heat for a lot longer) and the sauce ended up getting burned and not tasting very good at all. Just wanted to know if it worked better on the grill. Love your blog!

aTxVegn said...

Hi, Anon. No, my sauce didn't burn. The tofu only needs 2 or 3 minutes each side on the grill, and most of my sauce seemed to get soaked into the tofu. Maybe you could bake your tofu until almost done, and then add the sauce the last few minutes.

I've been veg only about two years now, and I can't imagine ever wanting or eating meat again. I totally don't get Molly.

Thanks for lovin' my blog!

Anonymous said...

I'm totally steamed. I just read the article you linked, and I can hardly speak. And the worst part is that I can't find anywhere to write a response to that author's insane blather! I don't care what Molly Katzen eats - her ethical choices redound to her soul, not mine. But using her and the author's husband (wow, there's a reliably objective source) as something akin to proof that eating meat is better than vegetarianism? What kind of journalistic standards is that?