Cookbook Review: The Homemade Vegan Pantry

Hello everyone,

And happy long weekend! How are you spending it? Finally getting that household project done? Relaxing? Visiting with friends? I’ve been in cleaning mode, but it inspired me to rearrange my dining room and break out my sewing machine. I’m so excited to finally make something with the most adorable cat fabric I found at a small shop in Denver last fall. Wish me luck. One other thing Cory and I have been up to—making crackers! In the past we’ve made homemade pita bread and a simple crusty bread. Those are both wonderful recipes, but when you’re looking for something to go with your fresh bruschetta or faux cheese, nothing beats a crunchy cracker.

Last summer, I attended the Cleveland Vegan Festival. Not only was it an amazing day filled with food demos, vegan treats and free swag, but I also got to meet Miyoko Schinner! If this name is new to you, you are missing out. She is the queen of vegan cheese and even wrote the book on it!

I absolutely love her vegan butter and rustic “cheese” wheels. They are so good it will fool all of your non-vegan friends and family members! I was so excited to see Miyoko’s cheese demo and to meet her afterwards. Admittedly, I actually went a little speechless.

Once I snapped out of it, I purchased her classic book, The Homemade Vegan Pantry: The Art of Making Your Own Staples.” This book is the perfect “how to” guide for anyone seeking to learn how to make classic staples right at home. I know, I know. Why make pantry staples at home? Especially, when you can go to the store and buy them for reasonable prices. But I have to tell you, it just isn’t the same. Homemade food is fresher, healthier, and you know exactly what you’re eating! Plus, Miyoko’s book is proof that homemade, rustic staples don’t have to be a pain. Anyone can make them with a little time and practice.

This  book is chock full of thick, smooth paper with beautiful color photos to accompany many of the recipes which will inspire you to get ready to roll up your sleeves and cook. The Homemade Vegan Pantry: The Art of Making Your Own Staples includes everything from homemade vegan butter or mayo to pizza dough or other breads, to granola and breakfast sausage. These recipes pack a punch, but don’t require a chef’s expertise. Most ingredients are common and can be found in your local grocery store, but a handful of recipes require some more unique finds like yuba, aka tofu skin.

Cory and I have made Miyoku’s cracker recipe no less than four times the past month! It’s so simple, with just five required ingredients! Plus, you can customize it according to your own taste preference. The first batch we made was spiced with oregano and thyme. For the next batch we went with a slightly cheesy taste by using nutritional yeast. The best part—this recipe takes under an hour to make from start to finish.

Vegan Pantry

Why not check out The Homemade Vegan Pantry: The Art of Making Your Own Staples the next time you’re in the market for a cookbook? You won’t regret it!

In the mean time, what’s your favorite staple to make at home?

Cheers!

Jocelyn

* Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate and referral links. I may earn a commission or bonus if you click through to make a purchase.  All opinions are my own. I only work with companies and brands I personally support.

 

Recipe: Vegan Cinnamon Rolls

Hello friends,

Happy New Year! What better way to ring in 2018 than with a super simple recipe for Vegan Cinnamon Rolls. I just love taking a somewhat complicated dessert and making it under an hour. For years, I’ve wanted to make vegan cinnamon rolls, but honestly, the dessert intimidated me. This holiday season I purchased several Pillsbury seamless dough sheets to play with. It’s the perfect way to take this dessert from a bit of a hassle to one of the quickest and easiest dishes to make!

These vegan cinnamon rolls will make your home smell like a Cinnabon location. They are light, airy, have just the right level of sweetness. The secret is using pumpkin puree to help get the right level of gooey sweet goodness. So why not take it easy today. Go get a cup of coffee and enjoy making these quick and easy vegan cinnamon rolls with your loved ones!

Happy eating!

Jocelyn

PS – Like this recipe? Check out my recipe for Vegan Pumpkin Roll.

* Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate and referral links. I may earn a commission or bonus if you click through to make a purchase.  All opinions are my own. I only work with companies and brands I personally support.

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December Holiday Savings Round Up

Hello everyone,

Can you believe it’s the middle of December? I can’t! The time is just flying by. I’ll be heading home to West Virginia this weekend to spend some time with my family for the holidays. Even though I’m not hosting, I’ll still be helping out with the grocery list, as well as, making vegan stuffed shells. I scoured the local deals and online rebates to come up with a fool proof December Holiday Savings Round Up. Check it out below!

Also, a quick reminder for all you folks who are doing some last minute holiday shopping. Ebates is offering $10 cash back for new sign ups! Plus, many sites have increased their usual cash back on the site!

Ebates Coupons and Cash Back

Cheers and happy shopping!

Jocelyn

PS – As always, in case you missed them, check out my top ways to save and other recent savings posts.

* Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. As always, all opinions are my own!

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Recipe: Crock-pot Red Lentil Potato Soup

Hello everyone,

Ah, soup season. A time to indulge in comforting, warm stews while binge watching your favorite Netflix show! Soups are also a wonderful “make it once” and “eat it all week” solution. Throw a slow cooker/ crock pot/ pressure cooker recipe into the mix and your job just got even easier (if that was possible)! I love making a huge batch of soup in my crock-pot on Sunday evenings, and my ridiculously easy Crock-Pot Red Lentil Potato Soup does not disappoint.

The ingredient list isn’t very long, with just a handful of vegetables, garlic, lentils and then some seasoning. Don’t let it fool you. This soup packs a serious flavor punch! I really like adding a touch of cayenne to give the after taste a little bite, but even without the heat, the flavor is wonderfully bold. Plus, this recipe simply couldn’t be easier. Simply toss the ingredients in your crock-pot and go. Voila!

Cheers & happy eating!

Jocelyn

PS – Like this recipe? Check out my hearty vegan chili!

* Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate and referral links. I may earn a commission or bonus if you click through to make a purchase.  All opinions are my own. I only work with companies and brands I personally support. Continue reading “Recipe: Crock-pot Red Lentil Potato Soup”

November Savings: Go Veggie, Follow Your Heart, & Tips on Swagbucks/ Ebates.

Hello everyone,

Are you feeling refreshed after getting an extra hour of sleep last night? Say what you want about Daylight Savings Time, but I think everyone enjoys getting an extra hour of sleep once in awhile! I’m not sure it makes up for the super early evenings though… So I’m spending this rainy, gray day planning for my week and reviewing finances. What fun! I also spent some time checking on current promotions for my favorite rebate apps and savings websites. Check out the fall perks and full November Savings below!

Right now Swagbucks has a great fall promotion for new members. Simply sign up with my referral link and earn 300 points (essentially $3.00) that you can turn into a variety of gift cards, even for Amazon!

Join Swagbucks!
Why not get paid to shop, answer questions, and watch videos?

Not to be outdone, Ebates is offering $10 cash back for new sign ups! Plus, Groupon just doubled their cash back on the site from 3% to 6%!

Ebates Coupons and Cash Back

And, I am sooooooo excited that Hampton Creek’s Just Mayo is now being sold online via. Amazon.com. I was distraught when Target pulled these products earlier this year. I just orderly an embarrassing large amount of Just Mayo Light – it’s my favorite!

Alright, go get ready for holiday meals and gift giving while saving a buck or two! Cheers and happy savings!

Jocelyn

PS – As always, in case you missed them, check out my top ways to save and other recent savings posts.

* Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. As always, all opinions are my own!

Continue reading “November Savings: Go Veggie, Follow Your Heart, & Tips on Swagbucks/ Ebates.”