I’ve had two vegan cookbooks for years–Vegan with a Vengeance by Isa Chandra Moskowitz and The Vegan Gourmet by Susann Geiskopf-Hadler and Mindy Toomay–but besides one botched attempt at scrambled tofu, I haven’t actually used them until two weeks ago. I’m surprised at how easy it is for me, somebody with no cooking experience beyond ramen, to cook dishes and treats that are actually good! I thought I’d share what I’ve attempted so far.
Fettucini Alfreda (from Vegan with a Vengeance)
My first attempt at an actual dish since scrambled tofu many years ago. It wasn’t that good–too much onion in the recipe. The sauce was also a bit dry, but that was my fault.
Green Tea Muffins (from The Asylum for Wayward Victorian Girls by Emilie Autumn)
Out of everything I made, these are my favorite. I love them! Besides green tea, it has almond extract, which gives them the most pleasant aroma in the world. I’ll make a third batch later this week and try something somebody recommended to bring out the green tea taste.
Scones (from Vegan with a Vengeance)
I still have no idea what a scone is. Despite the deformed look–I didn’t know what I was supposed to shape them as so I simply plopped them onto the cookie sheet–they tasted good out of the oven; they were too dry a few days later. I might make them again when I’m better at baking.
Mocha Chip Muffins (from Vegan with a Vengeance)
I’m not the biggest fan of chocolate–sometimes it gives me a headache–but these were delicious. They tasted like chocolate chip cookies and those Hostess cupcakes but without the creamy center.
Sloppy Joes (from the Christian Vegetarian Association newsletter)
These were delicious! These taste just like the real thing! and it was very easy to make: mash some tofu, blend the sauce, and mix everything in a skillet. Definitely will make these again soon!
Enchiladas (from the Christian Vegetarian Association newsletter)
These didn’t have much of a taste. Maybe I put too much spinach and not enough sauce, but I don’t think they can get much better. I doubt I’ll make these again. I’ll try something more traditional next time.
Easy Weekend Pancakes (from VeganYumYum)
I botched the first one, but the rest were delicious! The texture was different from regular pancakes, but they tasted just as good. I made sure to use lots of almond extract in these too. I love almond!
This week, I’m going to try a recipe for breaded vegan chicken and a recipe for cherry-almond muffins. Can’t wait!
