Although it was a soggy Fourth of July here in Houston, we still managed to enjoy our day off in the middle of the week (what a waste!). Mostly the day was spent lounging around, trying not to think about wedding details, and of course there was food. The strawberry shortcake was actually from a few days ago, but I thought it was patriotic-looking so decided to lead with that. I used the Lemon Torte recipe for the cake from Damn Tasty Vegan. Topped it with NadaMoo vanilla ice cream (thanks to aTxVegan for the tip), soy whipped cream, and of course strawberries and blueberries. The stacking style I borrowed from Fatfree Vegan Kitchen.
Last night we attended a small get-together to watch the fireworks, of course food was expected. I was especially happy to hear the host say that he knew I would bring something tasty. Of course that put the pressure on, so I relied on something I knew was a crowd pleaser. Springs rolls! I modified VWAV Mango Spring Rolls by adding some grilled tofu I got from Whole Foods. The filling included mango, cucumber, tofu, rice noodles, roasted peanuts, and plenty of cilantro.
This was the first party in awhile that I decided not to bring dessert. Usually they don't get eaten and I'm basically just bringing it to satisfy my own sweet tooth. Another guest brought brownies and a banana pudding, something I knew I wouldn't eat. So most of the party I was imagining being home eating the dessert I had made the previous night, Ooey Gooey Caramel Bars from Vive Le Vegan. If you have not tried these you simply must because they really are ooey and gooey. I added extra chocolate chips and coconut. Mmmmmm......
Finally, I'll leave you with a picture of some of the fireworks. It was an impressive show. Hope everyone enjoyed their Fourth of July holiday! Back to work now!
16 comments:
Everything looks wonderful. I love the stacked yummies. I have yet to try spring rolls. I keep meaning to and yet never by the rice paper.
No, I have never tried the ooey gooey dessert, but looks like dear hubby will love them.
Yuuuuuummmmmm.....those all look great! I made sushi for the first time ever for my 4th of July party, and everyone was so pleased - no one even complained that they were veg. only. I keep meaning to get Vive le Vegan, and after seeing the picture of those cookie bars, I know I have to!
Sarah
yum!! looks like a great 4th of July celebration
It all looked great! But I especially liked seeing the spring rolls made.
Wow, your food all looks super! Isn't NadaMoo yummy?
Our rain here let up right after dinner so we got to go watch fireworks too.
Beautiful ring! (on any finger) and BIG congrats on your engagement! hey, those maple/mustard beans are a favorite of mine too! :)
SO true about vegan desserts - I hate wasting my treats on ungrateful ppl anyway. (-: It's safer just to bring spring rolls and save yourself the calories.
oh my god...this looks so scrumptious. nice handiwork.
Oh... that layered strawberry shortcake looks great! I love the idea of using the Lemon Torte recipe in it!
I have not tried those spring rolls since I have not figured out what kind of wrappers to use and were to buy them! Are the rice wrappers from Whole Foods? If I can find the wrappers...I am SO making those spring rolls!! :)
The caramel bars look great, and I think it's the extra chocolate chips and coconut that do it!!
Glad you had a great 4th!
even tho' I am trying to eat less sugar, things like those gooey chocolate bars get me every time. good thing I can't reach them from here!
what a fun 4th! I love your red, white & blue dessert and that's so great to hear about those omnis gobbling up your quinoa salad & mango rolls- am going to have to make those myself.
Your ring is pretty-congrats again!
Spring rolls look incredible! Great choice of fillings. With strawberry season upon us, I've made my fair share of strawberry shortcakes. Aren't they the best?! I still haven't made those bars from Vive. Your picture looks so delicious I want to go to the kitchen right now. Excellent post!
Your spring rolls look great and that Nada Moo- you're so lucky!
That is a delicately balanced Napoleon! Looks awesome.
Those spring rolls look great too, where do you get the wrappers? I keep meaning to make those.
Beautiful fireworks.. I didn't get to see any. It was POURING here.
Your firework shot is beautiful. All the food looks great, especially the spring rolls. Yum. Those ooey gooey bars have me intrigued. For years, I've been looking for a good vegan version of the bars my mother-in-law makes at Christmas, involving condensed milk, coconut, chocolate and toffee chips, and this looks like the perfect thing!
Several of you asked about the spring roll wrappers, I foudn them at Whole Foods in the Asian section, but I'd bet any ethnic grocery store would carry them!
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