Thursday, October 25, 2007

Ode to Joy

Last week I got my copy of The Joy of Vegan Baking, and that's just what it's been so far. Makes me almost want to sing Christmas Carols (almost). On Sunday, we attended a housewarming dinner and I wanted to bring something seasonal. Pumpkin! The recipe for pumpkin cheesecake is amazing. I went with the pecan crust (since I can never find vegan graham crackers here, and although I can make my own, it adds a step). The result was a creamy dessert with a delicate pumpkin flavor and a tasty crust that all of my omnivorous friends loved. This would be a perfect ending to a fancy meal, and it may make a reappearance at our Thanksgiving dinner!


Last night I wanted something to warm me up, it actually got cool here in Texas! (you northerners up there, don't peak at the temps, I'm sure it would be quite balmy to you) So I made soup, Butternut Ginger Soup from La Dolce Vegan. I was craving some cornbread on the side, so I again picked up The Joy of Vegan Baking to make this southern staple. Not only was it easy and quick to make, but I wanted to melt along with my Earth Balance as I took that first bite once it came out of the oven. Had a piece for breakfast this morning too! Oh, and the soup was delicious too (I add plenty of ginger). I added half a can of pumpkin puree that was leftover from the pie. A good use of fridge leftovers...
And finally, more baking, but this recipe comes from my mom. I remember eating cranberry bread around the holidays and after randomly purchasing fresh cranberries, I knew I wanted to attempt to veganize the recipe. It didn't go perfectly, the bread was a bit crumbly, but it tasted just as I'd remembered. Maybe I'll fool around a bit more with the recipe and post it for you, but till then, here's some eye candy...

22 comments:

ChocolateCoveredVegan said...

It was warmer in Boston and New York last week than it was in Texas!!!

That pie is perfection, especially with the whipped "cream" on top!

n/a said...

That pie looks delicious! I love pumpkin cheesecake. I never liked omni cheesecakes; I think the vegan ones taste so much more pure and flavorful.

aTxVegn said...

I finally got The Joy book too, but I haven't made anything from it yet. The pie and cornbread look perfect. I haven't seen fresh cranberries here yet, but I can't wait. Keep working on your bread so you can share the recipe.

the little one said...

Glad to hear the cornbread was good. I'll definitely be trying that. I loved the pumpkin cheesecake I made recently but it wasn't from the Joy of Vegan Baking. I'm looking forward to comparing the two recipes.

BLASe said...

Your blog is more than lovely. You have excellent photo's too. Thank you for the inspiration! :)

Vegan Meet

Anonymous said...

yum!!! great photos.

ChocolateCoveredVegan said...

Haha I AM enjoying the weather... On Wednesday night, I boarded a plane in New York wearing short-sleeves, and when I got to Texas, I threw on a sweatshirt and coat! Weird, but nice :o).

Ashasarala said...

I just purchased The Joy of Vegan Baking at the Boston Veggie Fest and I can't wait to start using it. I haven't baked in a while and after seeing this blog, I'm revving to go!

braceyourself said...

That all looks ta-ta-ta-tasty tasty. I'll be in town next weekend, hopefully I'll get to eat some of your food.

Jacqueline Meldrum said...

That all looks good, but especially the soup, it is getting cooler here at 12 degrees and wet too, so soup is perfect!
I actually have this book out from the library, but I had such a big pile to look through that I haven't picked it up. So I am off to examine it now!

Veggie Cookster said...

Tis the season for baking! Everything looks sooooo yummy! :)

Sheree' said...

I have to get this new book. Everyone is using it and I am going crazy! The pumpkin pie looks wonderful. What is yours topped with? Until I can pinch pennies for the book I will need to go make some cranberry muffins, hmmm maybe pumpkin. Oh, Brandie got her wedding pictures and is not happy with them at all. She said all the enlargments are so blurry. She is going to call and make a fuss. I asked her to let me see them soon. I will share as soon as I get them.

Kayla said...

Ooh, yummy baked goods. I have heard nothing but good reviews from this book. It's on the list! (with the millions of others) The cheesecake reminds me of the one my girlfriend is famous for making, and has been attempting to veganize. And the cornbread looks lovely. I could live off of that stuff!

LizNoVeggieGirl said...

Butternut Ginger Soup? Pumpkin Cheesecake? Veganized Cranberry Bread?? Send leftovers, please!! :0)

bazu said...

Oh, it all looks so good. I've been on a bit of a baking kick lately, too. That cranberry bread looks great, crumbliness and all! Can't wait for the recipe...

vko said...

Pie, cornbread and yummy baking with cranberries- am drooling...

Ruthie said...

yum yum, cranberry bread and pumpkin pie!!!!!!

laura k said...

Wow, I love these baked goods--so autumn-like and inspiring! Sounds like a great cookbook.

Pumpkin is one of my favorites... That cheesecake is killing me!

Pink Theory said...

What wonderful fall foods you have made! That pumpkin cheesecake looks perfect.

Anonymous said...

Hey I just realized you beat me to the Joy of Vegan Baking post too. Great book eh?

julie hasson said...

Everything looks delish! I think I must try that pumpkin cheezecake, and probably the cornbread too. Yum!

Melisser; the Urban Housewife said...

Ooh, I've been meaning to bake from JoVB! I'm glad you're enjoying things from it!