Sunday, June 30, 2013

Triangle Raw Foods: Indiegogo Campaign

When you think about the exploding vegan movement, do you think of North Carolina? Probably not, considering this state has more pigs than people. You might want to start thinking about it. Compassion seems to be catching on here. There are amazing options springing up in Raleigh, Chapel Hill, and my favorite triangle location- DURHAM! 

One of my favorite places is Triangle Raw Foods (also known as TRF). They top the list as a favorite because they are all vegan and all gluten free and use local foods. TRF has been in the area for a while operating a food truck and meal delivery service. In addition, they have been hosting pop-up dinners across the triangle. The pop-up dinners introduced me to their food, but also taught me a lot about raw food consumption. 

Jane and Matt!
You might be thinking RAW, that is boring. Think again! Chef Matthew Daniels and Jane Howard Crutchfield make food that is anything BUT boring. The desserts are so decadent, you would have a hard time believing that they are raw and vegan. The blueberry tarts would most certainly challenge your thinking of how raw food tastes. And if you ever get your hands on their hazelnut chocolate cake or tarts, forget about ever wanting a cooked dessert again! Then there are the entrees! Sweet potato sushi, tacos with cashew sour cream, kale salads, tu-not, spicy Thai basil noodles, and mac and cheeze, to name a few. 

Blueberry tarts
Those of us that know and love them have been waiting for them to open a cafe. Now is the time and they need our help! They are running an Indiegogo campaign to raise funds for this dream. They only have seven days left to raise money and as of today, they need about $8,352 to help carry out their dream. I hope you will consider donating to this campaign, even if it is only $10. Any amount helps! 

Sweet potato sushi
Not interested since you don't live in the Raleigh-Durham area? No problem! TRF has an online store where you can order goods and have them shipped to you.  Please still consider donating as the kitchen will help them to bring products to your area! They are also trying to get their products in other areas of the country. They are currently selling some items in Richmond, VA at Elwood Thompson's Local Market.

I am crossing my fingers and hoping that this amazing business gets funded! Please help make that happen!!

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Coconut Bacon - Cruelty Free Deliciousness

To say it has been a while since I blogged last is an understatement. I am going to spare you the excuses and the promises and just get to my post today! :-)

So, what has brought me back to blogger you ask? Two words: COCONUT BACON! As you know, I am not a bacon-loving hipster because of the cruel factory farming practices that happen to pigs. However, this relatively new invention can make me a vegan bacon-loving hipster. What I am about to share is cruelty free, gluten free, and 100% delicious! 


I made a discovery of coconut bacon recently when I purchased an online order for products that I cannot find in the area. As I was looking in the online store Phoney Baloney's Coconut Bacon caught my eye. I ordered a package and when it arrived, I was amazed at the flavor. It tastes like crunchy pieces of bacon (with a little coconut flavor), without any meat! John and I, well ok more me, devoured the bag. When I was down to the last crumbs, I realized that I had to have more. Not wanting to purchase bags online, I decided I would give it a try on my own. I reviewed the ingredients on the bag and decided to leave some out and reduced the sodium. What I came up with is close to the purchased version and is D-E-L-I-S-I-O-U-S! 

I have topped salads, made an Elvis tortilla (peanut butter, banana, and coconut bacon), have eaten it plain, sprinkled it with tofu....and the list goes on. I would like to make a vegan, gluten free quiche and maple bacon glazed donuts next. I shared the bacon with several meat eaters, vegetarians, and vegans and got praise. It makes me think that I have stumbled on to something here. This will be in my cupboard pretty regularly. 


Coconut Bacon
  • Olive oil spray
  • 3.5 cups of shredded coconut, large flakes
  • 2.5 Tablespoons of liquid smoke
  • 1 Tablespoon and 1 Teaspoon of GF Low Sodium Tamari
  • 2.5 Teaspoons of maple syrup
  • 1 Tablespoon of water
  • .5 Teaspoon of smoked, sweet paprika (if you don't have this, regular paprika will do)
Preheat the oven to 300 degrees and spray a large baking pan with olive oil spray. In a large bowl, mix coconut flakes, liquid smoke, tamari, maple syrup, and water. Mix until the coconut flakes are thoroughly coated. Sprinkle on the paprika and mix again. 

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan and smooth out to be in one layer. Place in the over for 30-40 minutes. Check every 5-7 minutes to make flip the coconut and make sure that it is not burning. Leave in the oven until the bacon has reached desired crispiness.
Ingredients
3 1/2 cups flaked coconut
2 tablespoons liquid smoke
1 tablespoon Braggs liquid aminos or soy sauce
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional) - See more at: http://www.fettlevegan.com/4/post/2012/07/coconut-bacon.html#sthash.D6fOuUR6.dpuf
Ingredients
3 1/2 cups flaked coconut
2 tablespoons liquid smoke
1 tablespoon Braggs liquid aminos or soy sauce
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional) - See more at: http://www.fettlevegan.com/4/post/2012/07/coconut-bacon.html#sthash.D6fOuUR6.dpuf