One Mint Julep Was the Cause of it All

Sarah Vaughan and Quincy Jones, One Mint Julep

I used to listen to this song over and over again.  Now I'm a California girl, and I've been told that a mint julep is a decidedly Southern beverage.  I remember getting them at Disneyland, from a little place in New Orleans Square.  But I have since learned that those were not proper juleps.  They were just mint flavored lemonade.  Tasty, but not a julep.

Last night I had a proper julep. 

In fact, I think it was one of the most amazing cocktails I've ever had...ever.  I got it at The Sweet Hereafter, The Bye and Bye's new little brother over on Belmont.  Listed on the menu as a Gin Julep (traditionally juleps are made with bourbon, so I guess I still haven't really had a "proper" julep!) this little baby packed a wollop of a punch.  So tasty.  So fresh.  Mottled mint leaves floating in a tasty mix of gin and other incidentals...just a little spot of soul, now.  The absolute perfect end to my day yesterday.

Speaking of my day yesterday...It started out quite lovely with a nice walk along the river with Kittee and Vee.  We then headed over to the mini mall to visit with Emiko from Food Fight and Michelle from Herbivore.  I stocked up on tshirts and stickers and buttons and even got a new handbag!  From there Kittee and I headed over to Los Gorditos for breakfast.  She got a couple of xgfx tacos with soycurls.  I opted for a breakfast burrito with tofu, soy curls, beans, rice and salsa.  That burrito was ginormous.  I could only finish half of it. 

From there, Kittee and I said our goodbye-for-nows and I headed over to June and Kurt's to visit and play with their foster kitten.  Too cute for words.  The 3 of us headed out and we got ourselves some lunch at Pho Jasmine.  Great veggie pho.  Big bowls for super cheap. 

After a late lunch, we headed over to the Bye and Bye for an afternoon cocktail.  Of course I had the signature "Bye and Bye" served up in a big old mason jar.  So awesome.  Like pink lemonade on a hot sunny afternoon. 

I headed back to my hotel room for a bit to refresh myself and then June and Kurt picked me up and we headed downtown.  I was on a quest for a heavy metal bar that I swore I saw the day before.  Couldn't find it again, so we headed over to The Sweet Hereafter.

So, we've come full circle.  And one mint julep, was the cause of it all.

I'm here! Let's get the party started!

I usually drive up, but thought I'd fly this time.  And I usually stay with my sister, but thought I'd stay in a hotel this time since I was  going to be here for nine whole days. 

Sheesh. 

I had to stop in Seattle on the way here, and when I went to board the plane my boarding pass didn't scan, and then some dude walked up to the counter, "Are you Joni Marie Newman? I have your ticket."  "What?" I said.  But it was true.  He had a layover in Vancouver and they gave him my ticket.  Very strange.  But I guess even computers aren't perfect.  The flight agent figured it all out and we were all able to board.  YAY!  Only an hour to Portland now! 

We landed, My luggage arrived safely, and I boarded the MAX to go to my hotel.  "Lucky me! It drops me off right in front of my hotel."  Ginormous suitcase in tow, I go to check in. 

"Oh, I am so sorry.  We don't have any more rooms."  "What?" I said.  (Seems that this is my go to answer when I am delivered unexpected news.)  "Yeah...we're overbooked for the night, and we had 8 guests stayover."  Now, I understand that things happen.   I am a flexible, reasonable, generally easygoing kind of person.  I just expect people to handle things in a proper manner.  At 4 pm I called the Hotel and let them know that I would be arriving at around 10 pm.  No one told me anything at that time.  "Thank you, Miss Newman, your room will be ready!"  They had my phone number, they could have called me and let me know, you know? 

Anyhow, I'm on foot with all of my things...what am I supposed to do?  So they call around town to other hotels to put me up.  They finally find me a room at the University Place Hotel.  Fine.  "Can I get bus directions?"  "Um...Just take anything that goes downtown then find the 17."  It's a good thing I am not afraid of public transportation...late at night...in a city I am only somewhat familiar with...with all of my luggage.

I check in at the University Place Hotel...which is where the Vida Vegan Convention is going to be held anyways, so I am kind of excited...Same price as the Inn at the Convention Center, because of the mix up, they made up the difference, but like 10 times as nice.  "So, no charge, ma'am.  The Inn is taking care of it."  "Oh, cool."  "So, just check out with us in the morning."  "What?"  Apparently I have to go back to the Inn tomorrow.  

Sheesh.

Dropped off my suitcase in my room.  By now it's almost midnight.  First night in Portland is a bust. Called the Inn to find out what time I could come back in the morning.  "Anytime after 8am."  "Are you sure?  Because checkout here is 11, and checkout there is 12."  "Yes, anytime after 8am." 

I walked across the street, got a bottle of wine.  Poured myself some.  Plopped down on the bed, and passed out before I ever finished the first glass.

Woke up at 7.  Took a shower, got dressed, packed up my things, checked out, boarded the train back to the Inn.  Got there at 9:45am.  "What was your name?"  "Joni Newman."  "Hmmm...I don't see anything here for you."  "What?"  I showed him my confirmation letter, blah, blah, blah.  10:15am I get my room key.  Made my way up to my room.  Dropped off my stuff.  (A quick word about this hotel.  It's less than half the price of most of the other Hotels in the area.  But it is in a great location.  The building is really ugly and dirty on the outside.  The lobby is a mess.  But the room is actually pretty cool.  Now that I am settled in, I really like it.  It's big, with a little kitchen area.  No stove, but microwave, coffee maker, fridge, bar with 2 barstools, and a sink!  The train picks up right out front, and it's centrally located to everything.  I even have a decent view out the window.)

The phone rings.  It's June and Kurt, they are downstairs waiting for me.  Thank goodness.  They whisk me off to Blossoming Lotus for brunch and all is well with the world.  I enjoyed the brunch special which was a special tofu scramble with cashew cheese, home fries and a big old pile of steamed kale.  I was a happy girl.

After brunch I decided I was going to have an "alone adventure."  I like to spend time alone.  Besides, I am going to be here for nine days.  I would like to walk about town, pick up a few necessities, and go back to the hotel and get unpacked and settled in.

So I started walking.  My target?  Food Fight Grocery.  I needed to get some stuff to stock my little hotel kitchen for the week.  Score.  I got snacks, drinks, coconut creamer for my morning cup, a copy of Kittee's Papa Tofu Loves Ethiopian Food and a new "What kind of asshole would eat a lamb?" tote!  I also noticed that they were carrying  two of my cookbooks.  Very cool.  Thanks Food Fight. 

I walked back to my hotel to drop off my loot.  Unpack my suitcase, take a shower, and see what else I could see with the remainder of the night.  I decide to go downtown and check out some of the food carts.  I am distracted by the Saturday Market, which apparently does it's thing on Sundays too.  I wander through aisle after aisle of hippie goodness, grab a coconut boba, some incense, enjoy some street performers, and keep walking. 

So sad.  Most of the carts are closed by now.  I make a note of where they are so I can come back again later in the week, and once again head back to my hotel to make my next plans.

Pizza is what I need for dinner!  So I get on the bus and head down to Mississippi Pizza Pub for a vegan pie.  While I am waiting I enjoy a fresh fruit cocktail in the lounge, and some live music.  Pizza in tow, I head back to my hotel once again.  This time for the night.  I throw on my jammies, turn on the boobtube, and nosh on my pizza in the middle of the king sized bed.

Not a bad first day.

2 Southern California businesses I support with my consumer dollar

I've been working a lot lately.  And I have to commute pretty far, so I really appreciate every dollar I earn.  So it's that much more important to me where I spend my dollars.  I want to make sure that I am supporting companies that have a passion and a goal to not only sell a cool, useful, or tasty product, but to make the world a better place in the process.  I also want to try to support local business whenever possible, so I am excited to pimp out these 2 local SoCal upstarts, who do just that.



Sugar Beets Bakery, in Chino, is a gluten free vegan bakery that is outta this world.  Gina is a master in the kitchen and bakes up gf goodies that are so moist and gooey and delicious you would never guess they were wheat free.  She has recently opened up her doors for walk in business on Thursdays an Sundays.  I was there this morning and got 2 boxes full of ahhhh-mazing goodies.  Donuts, cookies, cupcakes and brownies to be exact.  (I foresee many extra miles to be run this week to make up for it, too!) Visit her website for hours, menus, and more information.



Arm the Animals, out of Long Beach is a T-shirt company with a simple mission.  Provide financial support to struggling no-kill animal shelters.  The shirts are really cute too.  Lots of colors and fun designs that make a statement.  Check out their website for more info or to check out where they'll be setting up shop next.

Veggie Awards!

Celine and I have been nominated for a Veggie Award in the Favorite Cookbook Author category!  It is such an honor to be nominated, but could you imagine if we actually won?

The coolest thing is, if you vote, you could win too!  So click on the vote button below, and vote for us!

It's County Fair Season!

And that means, it's time to get some deep fried deliciousness.  Thank goodness for Hearty Vegan Meals for Monster Appetites because that book is full of deep fried goodness.  But nothing says county fair like funnel cake, so here is one straight from the book with a simple and fun recipe for some home made and VEGAN funnel cake!

Home made funnel cake topped with jam and powdered sugar.

These are easier than you might think to whip up in less than 20 minutes! Unless you have mad skills with a real funnel, I suggest you use a plastic bag, and snipping the corner off. A deep fat fryer works well here, but if you don’t have one, a pot filled with about 3 inches (7.5 cm) of oil will do the trick nicely.

Funnel Cake
oil for frying
1 1/4 cups (156 g) all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons (25 g) sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup (235 ml) soymilk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
powdered sugar for sprinkling
jam, optional

Preheat oil to 350°F (180°C).
While oil is heating whisk together remaining ingredients until smooth in a medium mixing bowl. It should be the consistency of a thin pancake batter. Transfer batter to a resealable plastic bag.
Snip a corner of the plastic bag and quickly swirl about 1/4 of the batter into the oil.
Allow to fry for about 1 to 2 minutes then carefully flip using a slotted spoon.
Continue to fry another 1 to 2 minutes until golden and crispy.
Carefully transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Repeat with remaining batter.
While stil warm, sprinkle with powdered sugar and jam, and serve.

Yield: 4 (4-inch, or 10 cm) funnel cakes

Hearty Vegan Meals for Monster Appetites, French Toast, and a GIVEAWAY!

Hearty Vegan Meals for Monster Appetites by Celine Steen and Joni Marie Newman

Hearty Vegan Meals for Monster Appetites...It's out!  Yeah, I know...already?  I could hardly believe it myself!  But it's true, and this hefty tome full of lip smacking, belly filling, home-style recipes, guaranteed to keep everyone (even the meat eaters) fantastically full, is now available through all the regular channels, like Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and of course, my favorite, HERBIVORE!

A little bit about this book...besides the fact that Celine has totally outdone herself with some of the most amazing photos you'll ever see...it's totally full of comfort foods.  Lots of deep fried deliciousness, lots of heavy sauces, lots of foods you might find yourself noshing on at a state fair.  We've never claimed that this was a health food book, only that it is full of cruelty free recipes that are sure to please even the pickiest of carnivores.  This is the book you can turn to when you are cooking for your in-laws for the first time to prove that you aren't starving your spouse by feeding them only twigs and berries.  This is the book you can turn to when you are craving that doughnut, and aren't anywhere near Voodoo!  This is the book you can turn to when you want a vegan version some crazy fast food concoction (read: the KFC Double Down).  You know, the stuff you know you shouldn't, couldn't, or wouldn't eat everyday, but know that it's important to indulge every now and again.

And because I know times are tough...how about I give a couple away?  Just leave a comment letting me know what your favorite pig-out food is, and I will pick out 2 at random on Saturday night (July 9, 2011 at 9 pm PST) to send a free copy.  (YES, I will ship internationally.  I only ask that those of you who enter the giveaway, please check back to see if you have won, because otherwise I have no way of getting in touch with you to send you your book!) 

CONTEST NOW OVER!  CONGRATS TO THE WINNERS:
 #47 that would be fries. Although i'm very into choclate cake at the moment. By Katharina H.  on 7/7/11
and#12  Oh, this is weird: in theory, I always want scalloped potatoes, and then I make them and don't love them so much. I think this would change if I had your cookbook and the scalloped potato pie which I am dying to try. Until then, the other thing I really love to pig out on is tacos! By celyn  on 7/6/11

KATHARINA H. and CELYN:  Please send me an email to joni@justthefood.com with your snail mail address so I can send you your books!


And just to give you a taste of the hearty goodness you'll find inside, here is a freebie from the book:

The Captain's French Toast (page 23 in HVMFMA)

The Captains French Toast

As far as actual Cap'n Crunch goes, you do not need the real thing...although it does appear to be vegan, it does contain an insane amount of weird things in the ingredients, so try using a natural variety such as GORILLA MUNCH, if for no other reason then it has such a cool name!

2 cups (72 g) sweet corn cereal such as Cap'n Crunch, crushed into a powder
1/2 cup (62 g) all purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup (235 ml) vanilla flavored nondairy milk
6 slices of stale fench bread about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) thick
3 tablespoons (42 g) nondairy butter for frying

Mix together crushed cereal, flour, baking soda, and baking powder in a shallow dish. Mix in milk to make a thick batter.
Preheat a frying pan on high heat. Melt some butter in the pan, use about 1 tablespoon (14 g) for every 2 slices of french toast.
Coat each piece of bread with the batter. Since the batter is thick, you may need to help to smear it on the bread with your fingers.
Pan fry for about 2 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy.
Serve hot with pure maple syrup.

Yield: 6 slices

Treehuggers and Seabirds

Last night I released my inner hippie and spent the evening at the Treehugger's Ball. in Silverado Canyon.  It's not often that there are events in my neck of the woods, let alone an event that has a message that I can really get behind!  The event is a fundraiser and outreach for the Canyon Land Conservation Fund, an organization dedicated to preserving the last remaining wild lands on the western edge of the Cleveland National Forest in Orange County, California. They also work to protect the wildlife and endangered species native to the area.

The evening was full of music (bluegrass, blues, even a Grateful Dead cover band!), food, guest speakers, and eco-friendly companies spreading the word.  One of the highlights was the Seabirds Food Truck.  I was super stoked to get my hands on their Beer Battered Avocado Tacos, and a side of sweet potato fries.  SO YUMMY! 

Seabirds Vegan Foodtruck...the first and possiblky ONLY vegan food truck in the OC.

 The featured guest speaker of the evening was Daryl Hannah.  And since it was such an intimate event, I was able to meet her (and give her a copy of The Best Veggie Burgers on the Planet!)  She is such an awesome woman.  So nice, so friendly, and so passionate about what she believes in.

Me and Daryl Hannah at the Treehugger's Ball

Visit Daryl Hannah's website DHlovelife, to view lot's of videos and learn about her passions and activism with regards to all types of eco related issues.

Happy Mother's Day (and congrats to the winners!)

Happy Mother's Day to all of the moms out there.  Keep doing what you do, because we all need great moms!

And congratulations to the winners of the cookbook and Tshirt giveaway Friday night:

#23, Sarah

and #37, DJ

I need your mailing addresses and for you to tell me what color and size tsirts you want!  Woo-hoo!

Viva La Revolucion! (a cookbook an t-shirt giveaway)

I am so excited.  I literally started working on this book over 4 years ago.  It is very satisfying to actually see it finally make its way into this big bad world.  So, I made some t-shirts to celebrate.

Want one?  How about a copy of the book?  Leave a comment telling me your favorite burger eating memory, and on Friday, May 6, at 7 pm (PST) I will choose 2 winners to receive a free copy of the book, and a t-shirt!    Contest now over.  Congrats to DJ and Sarah!

By the way, there are lots of colors and styles (both men's and women's) of the t-shirst.  Check 'em out HERE!

And of course, if you are interested in The Best Veggie Burgers on the Planet, well then, you can click HERE!

And if you just want a really tasty burger, just keep reading!

Bacon Cheeseburgers



Okay, this delves into the little bit crazy category. But you know what? These babies taste so good and they are extremely hearty and thick, so they hold together very, very well. One really amazing thing about these is that my very-much-not-a-vegetarian husband took a bite and said, and I quote, “You have a winner here!” Oh my gosh, I almost fell over. I also had a few open-minded omni friends over one night and they agreed. The consensus was that they taste almost exactly like a Carl’s Jr. Western Bacon Cheeseburger.


Serving Suggestion: I suggest these be served with a dollop of barbecue sauce and a few onion rings, with some baked beans on the side.

1 cup (100 g) TVP granules
1 scant cup (225 ml) vegetable broth
1/4 cup (25 g) imitation bacon bits, store-bought or homemade (page XX)
1 cup (144 g) vital wheat gluten flour
1/4 teaspoon liquid smoke
1/2 cup (60 g) nutritional yeast
1 tablespoon (8 g) garlic powder
1 tablespoon (8 g) onion powder
1/4 cup (64 g) peanut butter
1/4 cup (60 ml) pure maple syrup
1/4 cup (60 ml) vegetable oil
1/4 cup (68 g) barbecue sauce, store-bought or homemade (see below)
Salt and pepper
Oil, for frying (optional)

In a large microwave-safe bowl, mix together the TVP granules and the broth, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and cook in the microwave oven for 5 to 6 minutes. Alternatively, bring the broth to a boil, pour over the TVP granules, cover, and let sit for 10 minutes. Let cool.
Add the bacon bits, flour, liquid smoke, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, peanut butter, maple syrup, oil, barbecue sauce, and salt and pepper to taste to the bowl. Knead together for at least 5 minutes, then let sit for a few minutes to thicken up.
Form into 4 patties. Refrigerate or freeze until ready to use.
Use your method of choice for cooking: Panfry in oil for 3 to 5 minutes per side over medium high heat, or until a nice crispy crust forms. Or bake them at 350 (180 C, or gas mark 4) on a baking sheet lined with parchment or a silicone baking mat, uncovered, for 30 minutes, flipping half way through. Also, these are very sturdy and hold up just fine on the grill.

Yield: 4 burgers

Imitation Bacon Bits
*Wheat-free
I love a challenge, so when asked about the hydrogenated fats in imitation bacon bits, I started on a quest. I normally don’t buy premade meat analogs anyway, so why not figure out how to make these little bits of bacon-y goodness on my own? Of course, buying a jar of Bac-Os is still the easiest. But, if you are a smidge adventurous, try this.

2 tablespoons (30 ml) liquid smoke
1 scant cup (205 ml) water
1 cup (100 g) TVP granules
1/4 teaspoon salt
A few drops vegan red food coloring (optional)
3 tablespoons (45 ml) canola or other vegetable oil

To a measuring cup, add the liquid smoke, then fill with the water to get 1 cup (235 ml).
In a microwave-safe dish, combine the liquid smoke mixture, TVP granules, salt, and food coloring, if using. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and cook in the microwave oven for 5 to 6 minutes. Alternatively, bring the water to a boil, pour over the TVP granules mixed with the salt, mix in the liquid smoke, and red food coloring if using, cover, and let sit for 10 minutes.
Preheat a frying pan with the oil.
Add the reconstituted TVP to the pan and toss to make sure it all gets coated with oil.
Panfry until desired crispness. Stir often. You don’t necessarily want to brown them, but rather dry them out, about 10 minutes.
Allow to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator. Should last at least a week, but probably much longer.

Yield: About 1 cup (100 g)

And the winner is...

#65
JoAnn!

JoAnn said...

"Rice krispie treats!!! Random but deeeelish!"

Congrats JoAnn, I hope you love the book as much as I do!  Please send me an email with your mailing address so I can send you your book right away!