Category Archives: Giveaway

May 17, 2013 · 12:02 am

Summer Berry Cheesecake Recipe from Nut Butter Universe, plus Review and Giveaway!

Summer Berry CheesecakePage 110, Photo used with permission, courtesy of Vegan Heritage Press. Keep reading for the recipe!

So, Dianne Wenz, from Vegan Heritage Press (aka Veggie Girl and fellow Vegan Temptivist) emailed me and asked me if I’d review Robin Robertson’s Nut Butter Universe. Of course I said YES! I mean, every single recipe in this book features nuts, seeds, or nut butters (or all 3). Robin gives simple instructions on how to make your own nut and seed butters at home. No more paying $10 a jar for Tahini! Plus, I was super excited after seeing Kristy’s review and the Fantasy Brownies (woah…) Basically, I all ready knew this cookbook would be right up my alley.

I’ve tested more than 10 recipes out of the book and each one turned out every bit as delicious as the last. This is definitely MY KIND of cookbook!

Here’s several of the things I made out of Nut Butter Universe:

Nutty Buddypg. 90, one of the top vegan burgers I’ve ever tried, though I may use a flax egg to get it to bind better next round (and there will be a next round).

Too Easypg. 132 OMGosh, this fudge literally comes together in minutes and is ridiculously delicious.

Doggie Treatspg. 133, yup, something for your LUCKY four legged friend too, my friendly tester definitely approved!

Asian Spring RollsPage 32, Photo used with permission, courtesy of Vegan Heritage Press. I made these tasty bad boys, but my family gobbled them up before I could get a photo shoot, they were that good! Thank goodness Vegan Heritage Press had my back on this one and had a photo for me to share with you.

Almond Romescopg. 52, I have a feeling this will be our “go-to” grilling recipe this summer. SO in love with the Almond Romesco Sauce.

Grilled Vegetables…A closer look

Pineapple CoconutThis is honestly the most realistic vegan cheesecake that I’ve ever eaten.  Look at the cheesecake in relation to the size of the fork in front of it! I quartered the recipe and made it baby sized for portion control (4 inch springform!)

Pineapple Coconut CheesecakeTopped with raspberry sauce for color contrast.

I’ve also made (but not photographed) the following:

Orange Decadence Chocolate-Almond Truffles pg. 126 (like a Christmas Present melting in your mouth). Cold Noodle Salad with Spicy Peanut Sauce pg, 42, I’ve made a lot of Peanut Noodle salads, but this one had the perfect balance of flavors and textures. I used rice noodles and made it gluten-free, most if not all recipes in the book can be made gluten-free! Peanut Butter Cups pg. 127 Even better than the real thing…and last but not least, the Crunchy Coleslaw with Creamy Cashew Dressing pg. 46. Yes, it’s simple and amazing.

Now, for that Cheesecake recipe you’ve been waiting for…

Summer Berry Cheesecake

Summer Berry Cheesecake

This light and luscious cheesecake features your favorite berries of summer. The creamy goodness comes from cashews blended into a rich butter and combined with vegan cream cheese. Be sure your berries are well-drained and blotted dry to remove any liquid.

Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup almonds, soaked overnight, then drained and blotted dry
  • 3/4 cup soft pitted dates
  • 1 cup raw cashews, soaked overnight, then drained and blotted dry
  • 1/2 cup natural sugar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2  (8-ounce) containers vegan 
cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh or thawed frozen 
strawberries, blackberries, or raspberries, well drained and blotted dry
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • Fresh berries and mint leaves, for garnish

Preparation: 

  • Grease an 8-inch springform pan and set aside. In a food processor, combine the drained soaked almonds and the dates and process until finely ground. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Set aside. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  1. In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine the soaked and drained cashews, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla, and process to a paste. Add the cream cheese, berries, and cornstarch, and blend until smooth and very creamy.
  2. Pour the filling into the prepared crust and bake for 45 minutes. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for another 10 minutes.
  3. Remove the cake from the oven and cool at room temperature, then refrigerate at least 4 hours before serving. Carefully remove the sides of the springform pan before slicing. (You may need to run a knife around the edge of the cake to separate it from the pan.) Serve garnished with fresh berries and mint. Cover and refrigerate any leftovers.

From Nut Butter Universe by Robin Robertson. ©2013 Robin Robertson. Used by permission from Vegan Heritage Press.

Nut Butter Universe Cover

For a chance to win a copy of this amazing cookbook from Vegan Heritage Press, Click on the link below to enter the Giveaway! This contest is open to entrants in the USA only. You must also follow this blog by email or RSS feed to qualify. You have until Friday the 24th of May to enter!  I will notify the winner by email on Monday the 27th. GO!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

40 Comments

Filed under Books, Desserts, Giveaway, Gluten Free, Reviews, Vegan, Vegan Dog

May 8, 2013 · 3:55 pm

Celebrating 100 Posts!

It’s a good day all around, this post marks my 100th post since I started this blog in September 2012. I’m feeling all kinds of love and support! Thanks to all of you. Today I got twitter follows from Forks Over Knives, Dr. McDougall and a Hospital!?! I also got featured on the brand new site, Choose Veg. Feeling happy and blessed. Here’s a look back at 99 posts, in no particular order.

Healthied Up Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars: http://vedgedout.com/2012/10/05/healthied-up-oatmeal-chocolate-chip-cookie-bars/
Quinoa Tabbouleh: http://vedgedout.com/2012/09/25/simplest-quinoa-tabbouleh-salad/
Insane Chocolate Layer Cake: http://vedgedout.com/2012/09/21/insane-chocolate-layer-cake/
Vedged Out Lasagna: http://vedgedout.com/2012/09/19/a-very-vedged-out-lasagna/
African Peanut Stew: http://vedgedout.com/2012/09/17/the-ultimate-ratbag/
Happiness in a Cookie Bite: http://vedgedout.com/2012/09/17/the-ultimate-ratbag/
20 Reasons Why Going Vegan Sucks: http://vedgedout.com/2012/09/11/20reasonswhygoingvegansucks/
Super Soft and Snappy Ginger Cookies: http://vedgedout.com/2012/09/27/woohoo-mofo-plus-extra-snappy-and-soft-ginger-cookies/
The Bear 100, Curtis: http://vedgedout.com/2012/09/28/the-bear-100-curtis-823/
Black Bean Veggie Burger: http://vedgedout.com/2012/10/01/black-bean-veggie-burger-with-guac-on-a-pretzel-bun/
Pretzel Rolls: http://vedgedout.com/2012/10/02/whole-grain-pretzel-buns-or-rolls/
Somer & Erika
Forks over Knives publishes my testimonial: http://vedgedout.com/2012/10/02/holy-freaking-crap/
Vegan French Toast: http://vedgedout.com/2012/10/09/vegan-french-toast/
Dad’s Cowboy Beans: http://vedgedout.com/2012/10/08/dads-cowboy-beans/
Sriracha and Olive Salsa Fresca: http://vedgedout.com/2012/10/12/sriracha-and-olive-salsa-fresca/
Forks Over Knives Cookbook: http://www.amazon.com/Forks-Over-Knives-Cookbook-Plant-Based/dp/1615190619/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1368043207&sr=8-1&keywords=forks+over+knives
Plum Tart with Apricot Crumble: http://vedgedout.com/2012/10/16/layered-plum-tart-with-apricot-crumble/
Vegan BBQ Sandwich: http://vedgedout.com/2012/10/17/vegan-bbq-sandwich/
Smoked Coconut Gouda: http://vedgedout.com/2012/10/22/smoked-coconut-gouda/
Pomona’s Pectin, vegan cheese’s best friend : http://www.pomonapectin.com/
George Monroy!
Vedged Out Calzone: http://vedgedout.com/2012/10/23/vedged-out-calzone-and-a-welcome-party-for-george-monroy/
Cozy Roasted Butternut Soup: http://vedgedout.com/?s=cozy+roasted+butternut+soup
Not Beef Stew: http://vedgedout.com/2012/10/10/not-beef-stew/
Vegan Monte Cristo Sandwich: http://vedgedout.com/2012/10/28/vegan-monte-cristo-sandwich-vegan-mofo-iron-chef-challenge/
Vegan Aebleskivers: http://vedgedout.com/2012/10/29/vegan-aebleskivers/
Macadamia Nut Brie En Croute: http://vedgedout.com/2012/10/31/virtual-vegan-potluck-spooky-vegan-macadamia-nut-brie-en-croute/
Virtual Vegan Potluck Baby: http://virtualveganpotluck.com/
Double Dark Chocolate Coconut Pecan Cookies: http://vedgedout.com/2012/11/09/double-dark-chocolate-coconut-pecan-cookies/
Buttery Vegan Pan Rolls: http://vedgedout.com/2012/11/14/butterypanrolls/
Moroccan Lentil Soup: http://vedgedout.com/2012/12/03/moroccan-lentil-soup/
Happy Herbivore test session: http://vedgedout.com/?s=happy+herbivore
Oil Free Banana Muffins: http://vedgedout.com/2012/12/07/oil-free-banana-muffins/
Mini Vegan “Meat” Loaves: http://vedgedout.com/2012/12/10/mini-meat-loaves/
Vegan Dog? http://vedgedout.com/2012/12/18/v-dog-review-and-sample-giveaway/
V-Dog! http://v-dog.com/
Truck Stop Jo Jo Potatoes & Vegan Ranch Dressing: http://vedgedout.com/2012/12/14/truck-stop-jo-jo-potatoes-with-vegan-ranch-dressing/
Mom’s 9 grain granola: http://vedgedout.com/2012/12/21/moms-9-grain-granola/
Creamy Satay Soup with Tasty Baked Tofu: http://vedgedout.com/2012/12/30/creamy-satay-soup-with-tasty-baked-tofu/
Toasted Sesame Tahini: http://vedgedout.com/2013/01/02/toasted-sesame-tahini-pictorial/
Green Smoothie Challenge: http://vedgedout.com/green-smoothie-challenge-2/
Traditional Green Smoothie: http://vedgedout.com/2013/01/07/vedged-out-2013-green-smoothie-challenge-day-1/
Green Julius: http://vedgedout.com/2013/01/08/vedged-out-2013-green-smoothie-challenge-day-2/
Razzleberry Lemonade Green Smoothie: http://vedgedout.com/2013/01/07/vedged-out-2013-green-smoothie-challenge-day-1/
60 minutes of torture!
Apple Pie Green Smoothie: http://vedgedout.com/2013/01/10/vedged-out-2013-green-smoothie-challenge-day-4/
Cauliflower or Parsnip Tabbouleh: http://vedgedout.com/2013/01/10/vedged-out-2013-green-smoothie-challenge-day-4/
Cheesy Smoky Spicy Black Bean Soup: http://vedgedout.com/2013/01/10/vedged-out-2013-green-smoothie-challenge-day-4/
Veggie Stir Fry: http://vedgedout.com/2013/01/11/vedged-out-green-smoothie-challenge-day-5/
Endless Winter
Vegan Hot and Sour Soup: http://vedgedout.com/2013/01/12/vedged-out-green-smoothie-day-6/
Abe’s Hearty Lentil Soup: http://vedgedout.com/2013/01/13/vedged-out-2013-green-smoothie-challenge-day-7/
Vegan Laksa: http://vedgedout.com/2013/01/31/vegan-laksa/
Vegan Pani Po’ Po: http://vedgedout.com/2013/01/29/vegan-pani-po-po/
Creamy White Bean Potato and Kale Soup: http://vedgedout.com/2013/02/22/creamy-white-bean-potato-and-kale-soup-with-vegan-sausage/
Vegan Stock Powder: http://vedgedout.com/2013/02/19/vegan-stock-powder/
Vegan Peanut Butter Cup, made with Annie’s Chocolate: http://vedgedout.com/2013/02/15/blogging-and-friendship/
Pepita Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars: http://vedgedout.com/2013/02/13/pepita-oatmeal-raisin-cookie-bars/
Chocolate Ginger Ice Cream: http://vedgedout.com/2013/02/04/chocolate-ginger-ice-cream/
Annie’s Miso Soup: http://vedgedout.com/2013/02/15/blogging-and-friendship/
Frugal’s Apple, Walnut and Black Treacle Cake: http://vedgedout.com/2013/02/27/featuring-frugal/
Chow Down Film Review: http://vedgedout.com/2013/03/04/chow-down/
Vegan Cream of Mushroom Soup: http://vedgedout.com/2013/03/06/vegan-cream-of-mushroom-soup/
Vegan Cheez-It’s: http://vedgedout.com/2013/03/08/vegan-cheez-it-crackers/
Foxy Moxy Debut: http://vedgedout.com/2013/03/11/individual-vegan-margherita-pizzas-with-homemade-fresh-moxarella-cheese/
Sesame Orange Seitan: http://vedgedout.com/2013/03/14/meaty-cravings/
Almond and Pistachio Ice Cream: http://vedgedout.com/2013/03/16/vegan-almond-and-pistachio-ice-cream/
Celebrating with Morgan: http://vedgedout.com/2013/03/19/death-by-double-dark-chocolate-killer-fudge-pie/
Death by Double Dark Chocolate Killer Fudge Pie: http://vedgedout.com/2013/03/19/death-by-double-dark-chocolate-killer-fudge-pie/
Kittee’s Vegan Pudla: http://vedgedout.com/2013/03/21/vegan-pudla-omelet-thingy/
Scott Jurek’s eat and Run Review: http://vedgedout.com/2013/04/17/scott-jureks-eat-run-review-and-giveaway/
Sunwarrior’s Liquid Vitamin Mineral Rush Review: http://vedgedout.com/2013/03/29/sun-warrior-liquid-vitamin-mineral-rush-review-and-five-bottle-giveaway/
Doterra Love: http://vedgedout.com/2013/04/30/doterra-essential-oil-giveaway-lemon-lavender-and-peppermint-intro-gift-set/
Vegan Cherry Garcia: http://vedgedout.com/2013/04/01/vegan-cherry-garcia/
Heart Healthy Pizza’s Spanakopizza: http://vedgedout.com/2013/04/03/heart-healthy-pizza-review-recipes-interview-giveaway/
Heart Healthy Pizza’s Mad Cowboy Pizza:http://vedgedout.com/2013/04/05/heart-healthy-pizza-review-recipes-interview-giveaway-part-2/
Frosted Minty Stawberry Lemonade: http://vedgedout.com/2013/04/11/frosty-strawberry-lemonade-with-mint-and-a-virtual-vegan-potluck-crash-course/
Vegan Caprese Grilled Cheese Sandwich:http://vedgedout.com/2013/04/12/caprese-vegan-grilled-cheese-sandwiches-with-vegan-tomato-basil-bisque/
Tomato Basil Bisque: http://vedgedout.com/2013/04/12/caprese-vegan-grilled-cheese-sandwiches-with-vegan-tomato-basil-bisque/
Juice Feast + Ultra Green Juice Recipe: http://vedgedout.com/2013/04/22/juice-feast-basics-ultra-juice-recipe/
Savory Spicy 8 Juice: http://vedgedout.com/2013/04/24/savory-spicy-8-juice/
Curried Brown Rice and Ultimate Lentil Salads: http://vedgedout.com/2013/05/02/myfootisadesert/
My Foot is a Desert MFA exhibition: http://vedgedout.com/2013/05/02/myfootisadesert/
Fluffiest Maple Buttermilk Pancakes: http://vedgedout.com/2013/05/06/fluffiest-maple-buttermilk-pancakes/
Food Bloggers against Hunger: Simplest Chickpea Salad: http://vedgedout.com/2013/04/08/food-bloggers-against-hunger-simplest-chickpea-salad/
Somer Goes Raw for 30 days: http://vedgedout.com/2013/03/27/somer-goes-raw-month-of-giveaways/
Frugal’s Hasselback Potatoes: http://vedgedout.com/2013/02/27/featuring-frugal/
Frugal’s Roasted Sweet Potato and Parsnip Soup: http://vedgedout.com/2013/02/27/featuring-frugal/
Frugal’s Mushroom Orzotto: http://vedgedout.com/2013/02/27/featuring-frugal/
Brookie Grasshopper Squares: http://vedgedout.com/2012/11/27/keepin-it-kind-holiday-cookie-exchange-brookie-grasshopper-squares/
Quinoa Minestrone: http://vedgedout.com/2012/11/26/breaking-a-fast-quinoa-minestrone/
Vegan Thanksgiving: http://vedgedout.com/2012/11/19/vedged-out-thanksgiving-menu/
Dad’s Holiday Stuffing: http://vedgedout.com/2012/11/19/vedged-out-thanksgiving-menu/
Vegan MOFO! http://www.veganmofo.com/
Smoky Vegan Split Pea Soup: http://vedgedout.com/2012/10/04/smoky-vegan-split-pea-soup/
Cashew Horchata: http://vedgedout.com/2013/04/19/raw-vegan-lite-cashew-horchata/
Pepita Maple Butter Dressing with Carrot Ribbon Salad: http://vedgedout.com/2013/02/25/pepita-maple-butter-salad-dressing-with-carrot-ribbon-salad/
VaPOOrize: http://vedgedout.com/2012/12/05/vapoorize/
Tofu Feta: http://vedgedout.com/2013/01/08/vedged-out-2013-green-smoothie-challenge-day-2/
Tropical Colada Green Smoothie: http://vedgedout.com/2013/01/09/vedged-out-2013-green-smoothie-challenge-day-3/
Pepperjack Cashew Cheese: http://vedgedout.com/2012/10/23/updated-pepper-jack-cashew-cheez/
Frosty Strawberry Lemonade with Mint: http://vedgedout.com/2013/04/11/frosty-strawberry-lemonade-with-mint-and-a-virtual-vegan-potluck-crash-course/

55 Comments

Filed under Appetizers, Beans, Beverages, Books, Bread, Breakfast, Cheez, Desserts, Essential Oils, Films, Forks Over Knives, Friendship, Giveaway, Gluten Free, Green Smoothie Challenge, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Juice Feast, Main Dishes, Movies, Nut & Seed Butters, Nuts and Seeds, Organic, Raw, Reviews, Running, Salad Dressings, Salads, Sandwiches, Side Dishes, Snackage, Soups and Stews, Stock Powder, Sunwarrior, Ulcerative Colitis, Vegan, Vegan Dog, Vegan Household, Virtual Vegan Potluck

April 30, 2013 · 11:19 am

Doterra Essential Oil Giveaway! Lemon Lavender and Peppermint Intro Gift Set

IntroKit (1)Doterra Intro Kit with Lemon, Lavender and Peppermint


I’m letting the cat out of the bag, I love Doterra Essential Oils. I use them for healing, around the house for cleaning and disinfecting and for aromatherapy. I’ve used a lot of different brands of essential oils and I think the quality that Doterra offers is unparalleled. Beware of store brand essential oils, as they’re often labeled “for aromatherapy use only“. It makes sense to me that since I’m eating a very natural diet, I should be using natural products in my home and on my body as much as possible. Don’t know where to begin? Here’s a list of 101 uses for the oils in this kit.

VaPOOrize1VaPOOrize, my cleaning solution made with Doterra Lemon Essential Oil

Click on the link below to enter the Giveaway! This contest is open to entrants WORLDWIDE. You must also follow this blog by email or RSS feed to qualify. You have until Monday the 6th of May to enter!  I will notify the winner by email on Wednesday the 8th. GO!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Contest ended! Thanks for all who entered!

50 Comments

Filed under Essential Oils, Giveaway, Vegan

April 17, 2013 · 11:09 am

Scott Jurek’s Eat & Run. Review and Giveaway

eat and run 1

I don’t do a whole lot of hero worship, but ever since I started running I’ve been completely fascinated with Scott Jurek. Back then I couldn’t understand how anyone, let alone someone who eats an entirely plant-based diet could run 100 miles or more, and run it fast…  Here are just a few of his winning feats:

Hardrock 100 victory, a brutal mountain race with close to 68,000 feet in elevation change. The local Silverton, Colorado E.R. Room is usually full to the brim following the race.

Fall down seven times, get up eight -Japanese Proverb. After nearly keeling over halfway through the race at mile 70 with vomiting, dehydration and exhaustion induced visions, Scott picked himself up to win the 135 mile Badwater Ultramarathon. Badwater is run in the one of the world’s hottest and most desolate places, the aptly named Death Valley.  Temperatures can reach over 130° F (54° C) even in the shade. Rumor has it you have to run on the white painted line on the side of the road just so your shoes don’t melt off during the race.

He’s also won the 153 mile Greek Spartathalon 3 times, and the Western States 100 mile, 7 years in a row (an unbroken record), he hold’s the US 24 hour record, and that’s just a short list of his accomplishments. Runner’s World lists him near the top of the greatest runners of all time.

scott jurek

I own the hardcover of Eat & Run so when the publisher offered to send me a paperback copy to review, I asked if they would send the paperback copy to one of my readers instead. They agreed! So instead of just a review today, you get a giveaway too. The book is more than just Scott running races fueled by a vegan diet, though there certainly is a lot of that, it’s also a heartfelt and personal glimpse into Scott’s failed marriage, the stark health decline and eventual death of his mother, the disapproval of his father and the loss of a great friendship. I read the book cover to cover in less than 3 days and was riveted. Perhaps one of my favorite things in the book is how Scott busts the blood type diet (a diet with no scientific evidence behind it). He’s type O, which is supposed to be a full on Carnivore according the the blood type diet peeps, but when he went vegan, his health and running performance shot through the roof, he even experienced far faster and better recovery times. Radical.

There’s also some of Scott’s favorite recipes scattered throughout, I’ve made most and haven’t been disappointed. I’m still enjoying the hemp milk and Scott’s Smoky Chipotle Refried Beans are literally the best I’ve ever had, but you’ve really got to try Scott’s Lentil Mushroom Burger, the link to the recipe is here, and it’s nothing short of fantastic.

scott & jennyScott and his partner, Jenny, cooking up Veggie Burgers

You can read the full Runner’s World article regarding Eat & Run here. It’s the reason I ended up buying the book for myself. For more Jurek awesomeness, check out Born to Run by Christopher McDougall, one of my favorite books of all time.

Here’s his most recent thoughts on the Boston Marathon tragedy:

ScottJurek ”You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.” –Anonymous#run4boston today.

ScottJurek Looking forward to running in honor of Boston victims with all you @Garmin @OzMarathonon Sat. Also at expo & dinner: http://t.co/SSOTpoAvfK

I’m running for Boston today too.

Click on the link below to enter the Giveaway! Sorry, only open only to entrants in the USA. You must also follow this blog by email or RSS feed to qualify. You have until Sunday the  21st to enter!  I will notify the winner by email on Monday the 22nd. GO!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

scott runningScott Jurek and Arnulfo Quimare of the Tarahumara. Christopher McDougall said watching them run was like watching a couple of graceful gazelles.

Oh, and let Scott teach you how to finally beat blisters while running once and for all.

90 Comments

Filed under Books, Giveaway, Reviews, Runner's Wold, Running, Vegan

Tagged as ,

April 8, 2013 · 9:22 am

Winners of the Sunwarrior Brand New RAW VEGAN Liquid Vitamin Mineral Rush FIVE BOTTLE Giveaway

SunWarrior+Blogger+Banner (1)

And the winners are…..

Canned Time

Marcia Schmidt

Courtney

Tiffany

Ana Goldseker

I’ll also be notifying the winners by email. Congratulations!!!

Desktop

1 Comment

Filed under Giveaway, Sunwarrior, Vegan

April 5, 2013 · 12:01 am

Heart Healthy Pizza: Review, Recipes, Interview, Giveaway Part 2!

portraitThe Official Mad Cowboy Pizza, inspired and co-created by the Mad Cowboy himself, Howard Lyman. Keep reading for the recipe!

Mad Cowboy Pizza

My interview with Mark Sutton, Author of the book “Heart Healthy Pizza“

Somer: How long have you been vegan?

Mark: I’ve been vegan 11 years and vegetarian for 20 years before becoming a vegan. It all started in the 1980′s when I was living in Dallas, Texas (a horrible place at the time to go vegetarian!) I had been studying different schools of yoga, thinking about how food affects energies and perspective and reading materials from philosophers like Ghandi and George Bernard Shaw. When I went vegetarian, the first month I cut out beef. The next month I cut out chicken and the third month I cut out fish. I felt fantastic, and had an amazing increase in my senses and my perceptions in general. Although it was primarily a spiritual experiment, there was also a nascent health affect to foods and our bodies that I was beginning to understand. Back then, we didn’t have all the information about the strong health component of vegan and vegetarian diets and we didn’t have the info about Factory Farming and animal abuse that we do now.

Howard LymanHoward Lyman, The Mad Cowboy himself, in Mark’s Kitchen creating the Official Mad Cowboy Pizza. Mark is currently the editor of the Mad Cowboy Newsletter

Somer: Mark, why did you decide to write a whole book based entirely on pizza recipes?

Mark Sutton: It hadn’t been done before! I wanted to do it for the vegan community. I heard vegan’s whining that they miss pizza and vegetarian’s that they would miss pizza, I was one of them. I think there is a real need to bust the myth that there’s no good vegan pizza out there. I wanted to make it heart healthy with the information I had learned from Dr. Esselstyn. Part of that meant creating heart healthy cheese-type sauces. The vegan cheese on the market today is pretty much nutritionally devoid, full of calories and expensive. I wanted to use ingredients that are inexpensive, easy to find and extremely healthy. Using the book you can create literally thousands of different pizza combinations. Howard Lyman was my number one encourager/one man post-graduate thesis committee in my efforts to create this book. He said “Even if it doesn’t succeed, you’ve gotta do it and you’ve gotta do it first!”

The book is a self-published effort, it took 5 1/2 years of dedicated research, I ended up not doing photos in the book as production costs would have tripled.

distance

Somer: Why was it important for you to create pizzas, sauces and toppings that were oil free?

Mark Sutton: I’ve now been oil free for 6 years after an interview I did with Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn. My father had a major heart event around that time and so it hit me hard. I believe in Dr. Esselstyn’s research. He has successfully facilitated the reversal of heart disease in around 20 patients. His research is independently peer-reviewed. There is no doubt that consuming added oils in your diet is addictive, contributes to inflammation and to plaque development within the arteries. Oil is not a real food, it’s a highly refined substance. To get one tablespoon of olive oil, you need to process around 40 olives, when you do this, you lose fiber, minerals, nutrients and more. What’s left is the highest fat food on the planet. All oils have between 120-140 calories per tablespoon with around 14 grams of fat. When I removed oil from my diet, it wasn’t easy and it took some perseverance. I had to learn some new cooking techniques. The hardest thing was learning how to create oil free salad dressings. Going to a no oil diet is a matter of faith, but if you’re willing to do it, you will lose your taste for it after 14-16 weeks depending on the person.

extreme close up

Somer: Do you plan on coming out with a Kindle version of the book? Some of my readers are interested :)

Mark Sutton: I’m hoping to do a Kindle version at some point definitely. I need to work through formatting issues and I would like it to be compatible on all devices before I move forward. Because I’m a self published author, all that is stuff I’ve got to figure out on my own, if there’s a demand, I’ll eventually do it.

Close up

The Official “Mad Cowboy”

For the crust: 

Whole wheat dough, recipe here: I used the recipe to make 4 mini pizzas.

dough

For the toppings:

this is the order I followed

  • crushed tomatoes
  • sauerkraut (drained and rinsed, then drained again)
  • red onions, diced
  • mushrooms, sliced
  • red peppers, sliced
  • eggplant, thinly sliced
  • pineapple chunks
  • broccoli florets
  • caraway seeds
  • fresh or dried rosemary
  • Cheese like sauce (recipe follows)

Assembly 2pizza assembly

Oil free Cheese like sauce, made with oats, cannellini beans and garlic

  • 1 C. rolled oats
  • 1 15 oz can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 2 T. Ener-G egg replacer dry mix OR 2 T. cornstarch
  • 2 T. nutritional yeast
  • 1 t. paprika (optional) I used smoked paprika for extra flavor
  • 1 1/4 – 1 1/2 cups water
  • salt and pepper to taste

Method: Blend all until completely smooth, adding water as needed

Assembly 3Bake at 425°-450° for 15-20 minutes

The verdict…..? Um, I guess I don’t love sauerkraut… This was my first time eating it. Sorry Mark and Howard! I made the second version without sauerkraut and it was perfect!

Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000038_00063]

Click on the link below to enter the Giveaway for the signed copy of Mark’s book! Sorry, only open only to entrants in the USA. You must also follow this blog by email or RSS feed to qualify. You have 5 days left to enter!  I will notify the winner by email.

If you all ready entered, you can still get additional entries by Liking Mark’s New Facebook Page, Heart Healthy Pizza, but you still need to let me know that you’ve done so in the Rafflecopter giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Somer’s note: for those of you who don’t know who Howard Lyman is, he’s a formerly obese cattle rancher and cancer patient gone vegan. He authored the books “The Mad Cowboy, the plain truth from the Cattle Rancher who won’t eat meat” and “No More Bull, the mad cowboy targets America’s worst enemy: our diet“. He appeared on the Oprah Winfrey show and talked about what really goes on in the cattle farming industry. His information caused Oprah to say that it “stopped her cold from eating another hamburger” (doubt she stuck to that, but still love her) After her show, both Howard Lyman and Oprah Winfrey were sued by a Texas Cattle Rancher Association for slander. I’m happy to tell you that after 6 years and millions of dollars in attorney’s fees, Howard and Oprah won the suit. Huzzah!

oprah winfrey

What made you want to ditch the meat and or dairy on your pizza?

slice

51 Comments

Filed under Books, Giveaway, Main Dishes, Vegan

Tagged as , , ,

April 3, 2013 · 12:04 am

Heart Healthy Pizza: Review, Recipes, Interview, Giveaway!

PortraitSpanakopizza, named for Mark by the Prolific Vegan Cookbook Author, Robin Robertson

After I posted a photo of my Margherita Pizza with Foxy Moxy on Facebook, my friend Mark Sutton contacted me and asked if I would be interested in reviewing his book, Heart Healthy Pizza. He said Pizza… So of course I was in like Flynn. He also arranged a giveaway of an Autographed copy of his book for one of my awesome readers.

Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000038_00063]

I didn’t let him off the hitch there though, I asked if I could interview him and possibly share a recipe or two, I mean, people want to know what they’re getting into when they buy a new cookbook ;) Turns out there wasn’t much arm wrestling. Mark was more than happy to share recipes from his book as well as have me interview him.

I have to admit, when I first dug into Mark’s Book, I was a little overwhelmed. There are nearly a dozen crust recipes (including some for my GF peeps!) Close to 20 sauce recipes (for the pizza base), then more than 50 No-Nonsense  Non-Cheese Sauces. I mean, the combinations are nearly endless. It all felt a bit daunting! Thankfully, Mark knows how to help a home cook out, he devotes a whole chapter to some amazing pizza combinations (nearly 40 combos) to help you get started. All of the recipes in his book are vegan, heart healthy and very low in fat. Several of the combinations immediately caught my eye. However, this Spanakopizza recipe that Mark is sharing with you today is going to be hard to beat.

Spanakopizza

Spanakopizza

For the Crust: 

Whole Wheat Dough

  • 1 C. warm water
  • 1 T. oil (optional)
  • 1 T. sugar (or sweetener of choice)
  • 1 t. salt (optional
  • 1 C. whole wheat flour
  • 1 1/2 C. bread flour
  • 2 1/4 t. yeast (1 packet)

Method: Mark’s book has all sorts of helpful instructions in the dough chapter that I can’t fit here, so this is what I did: Dump everything into my bread-maker. Push the dough cycle. Walk away. Come back an hour and a half later. Roll out into preferred sized pizzas (I did mini’s). You can knead this by hand for 10-12 minutes, then let rise til double (about an hour), punch down and let rise again (another 30-45 minutes) then roll out.

dough

Layering Ingredients:

(Layer in order)

  • chopped raw spinach
  • diced raw mushrooms
  • fresh or dry thyme
  • thinly sliced red onions
  • Tofu Feta Cheese (recipe below)
  • black or green olives (sliced)

Tofu Feta Cheese:

  • 1/2 lb. firm or extra-firm tofu (not Mori-Nu), drained and pressed for at least 30 minutes, then cut into 1/2 inch cubes
  • 1 C. water
  • 1/4 C. red wine vinegar
  • 1 t. salt (optional)
  • 1 t. garlic powder
  • 1/4 t. ground black pepper

Method: Combine all ingredients in a lidded glass container. Refrigerate overnight to develop flavor, stirring a couple of times before use.

toppingsBake at 425° – 450° for 15-20 minutes til lightly browned and delicious

Stay tuned for another recipe from Heart Healthy Pizza and my Interview with Mark Sutton on Friday the 5th of April.

Click on the link below to enter the Giveaway! Sorry, only open only to entrants in the USA. You must also follow this blog by email or RSS feed to qualify. You have 7 days to enter!  I will notify the winner by email.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

SliceBetcha can’t eat just one slice!

p.s. Don’t forget to enter my Sunwarrior Liquid Vitamin Mineral Rush Giveaway. This is an Organic Raw Vegan Multivitamin made completely without synthetics. I have 5 bottles to giveaway to my blog readers! There are three days left to enter!

103 Comments

Filed under Books, Bread, Cheez, Giveaway, Main Dishes, Vegan

Tagged as , ,

March 29, 2013 · 12:17 am

Sun Warrior’s Brand New RAW VEGAN Liquid Vitamin Mineral Rush Review and FIVE BOTTLE Giveaway

SunWarrior+Blogger+Banner (1)Sun Warrior Liquid Vitamin Mineral Rush

Denley Fowlke was the first raw vegan I ever met. I worked two doors down from him in a Real Estate office 15 years ago. He was (and is) a radiant picture of health. Lean, tanned, perfect teeth and glowing complexion (although, we’re both a bit older now). At the time I was baffled that anyone could eat a diet consisting of raw plants, sprouted grains, nuts and seeds, ALL THE TIME. I was intrigued and he inspired my first real juice fast. I even went out and bought what was then one of the top of the line juicers (a Champion, which I still own and it still works, um, like a Champion). A year later, I had moved into a different city and because of Denley’s influence, I attempted to go raw. At the time I was fairly young, and to be honest, didn’t really get entirely what a raw vegan was, the only resource I had was this totally awesome book. To my credit I lasted a full six months on a raw vegan diet. I have to admit that after a period of time, everything started to taste like grass and I couldn’t handle it any more. So I went back to my sad Standard American Diet.

As you all know, I went fully vegan at the beginning of 2012 and I’m doing a month of mostly raw for April. This time around, I’ve got a better arsenal of rawtopia up my sleeve, plus all the tricks and tools of the trade that all the cool kids have (Blendtec, Cuisinart Food Processor, Dehydrator, etc.)

Fast forward to last month, my husband decided he wanted to start using a protein powder to fuel his workouts. I did my research and decided that Sunwarrior would be the best product for his needs. I loved that it’s vegan and raw! After buying the Chocolate Protein Powder at Whole Foods, I went online to see if I could get a better price on the Sunwarrior site. Imagine my surprise when I discovered on the site that Denley Fowlke is the Co-Founder of Sunwarrior. Now I knew that my husband was using a product I could trust, one with integrity and without any gimmicks. Well, I’ve since reconnected with Denley and Sunwarrior invited me to be one of the first to test our their BRAND NEW product, the Liquid Vitamin Mineral Rush. It’s Raw, Vegan and Organic!

I love this product! One thing we vegans always worry about is whether or not we’re getting our correct vitamin profile, I mean, plants give us nearly everything we need, but those B-12 and D vitamins can be a little elusive.

Denley_PhotoDenley Fowlke, Co-Founder Sunwarrior. Still eating a High Raw Diet

Here’s what Sunwarrior has to say about their product:

“Vitamin Mineral Rush contains no synthetics, chemicals, fillers, soy, or gluten, unlike many other multivitamins. Sunwarrior is one of the first companies to use no synthetic vitamins or minerals at all in their vitamin products.

Vitamins and minerals are crucial for good health and fitness and yet even the most health conscious people are forced to take chemical laden pills full of synthesized vitamins. We’re very happy to provide them a better option.”

Sun Warrior Liquid Vitamin Mineral Rush2Better option indeed! I’ve been using the product for two weeks now. The first thing that I love about it is that it’s a liquid, so it’s instantly absorbed by the body. There’s no worrying about whether or not it’s going to break down within your system and provide you with everything you need, (read here about some vitamins being eliminated from the system….whole). The liquid is pleasant tasting on its own, but you can also mix it with juice, water or into a smoothie. I love that you get an instant energy boost when taking the supplement as well. This product totally meets my needs!

Now, here’s the cool bit. Sunwarrior has been incredibly generous and is giving away FIVE bottles of the Liquid Vitamin Mineral Rush to FIVE of my readers.

Click on the link below to enter the Giveaway! Sorry, only open only to entrants in the USA. You must also follow this blog by email or RSS feed to qualify. You have 7 days to enter!  Winners will be announced on my blog on Monday April 8th. GO!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

68 Comments

Filed under Giveaway, Organic, Raw, Sunwarrior, Vegan

Tagged as , , , ,

March 27, 2013 · 9:58 am

Somer Goes Raw – Month of Giveaways

somer2

So it’s no secret that it’s been a very long hard winter for me. I’ve had every cold and flu. I fell on black ice, damaged a major muscle that doesn’t want to recover, I can’t even run! :(  So when I was offered a chance to do a 30 day mostly raw challenge from Sun Warrior I jumped on it. Raw food offers more nutrient content then cooked food and can facilitate healing. Even though my autoimmune disease is in remission and I feel like I eat a very clean, high-ish sorta raw diet, my system was totally ready for a reboot. warrior way

I simply think being on immune suppressant drugs for Ulcerative Colitis for so many years really damaged my body. I’ll be featuring some raw posts of my own this month, but since I’m in uncharted territory and following recipes from the 30 day Challenge  I’ll be bringing you some fun giveaways and maybe even a guest post or two! Stay tuned for these exciting giveaways….

eat and runI love this book! If you live in the Salt Lake City area, I’ll even get you details of how you can meet up with the infamous Scott Jurek in April! Hero Worship!

heart healthy pizzaFor the Pizza Lovers…A Whole Book of Oil Free Plant Based Pizza Recipes!?! 

 

IntroKit

Doterra Intro Kit with of 3 of my Favorite Essential Oils, Lavender, Lemon and Peppermint

VVPThe Worldwide Event is Happening on May 11, 2013. Even More Giveaways are coming on the Virtual Vegan Potluck’s Blog! Subscribe to Stay Tuned!

And last but not least…..

vitamin mineral rush

Make Sure you’re getting all the Vitamins and Minerals you need with Sun Warrior’s Brand New

RAW VEGAN

Liquid Vitamin Mineral Rush.

I HAVE 5 BOTTLES TO GIVEAWAY! 

This stuff rocks! You’re gonna love it! 

74 Comments

Filed under Books, Giveaway, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Raw, Ulcerative Colitis, Vegan

December 17, 2012 · 8:12 am

Winner of the Happy Herbivore Abroad Giveaway!

And the winner is…. Sharanya! I’ll be contacting you by email. Congratulations!

HHA_31DaysofGiveaways_badge

3 Comments

Filed under Giveaway