Cooler Fall Weather Means it's Time for Comfort Food: Country Fried Seitan Steaks with Mashed Potatoes and Pepper Gravy

One of Dan's favorite pre-veg meals was chicken fried steak and mashed potatoes.  The mashed potatoes are easy, replace the butter with Earth Balance, and the milk with Almond Milk.  But making a Dan approved chicken fried steak was a bit more challenging.

The Complete Guide to *Even More* Vegan Food Substitutions

I am pretty sure that I have already announced that Celine and I were working on a follow up to The Complete Guide to Vegan Food Substitutions, but I thought I would share a few photos and ask you to tell me which of the following recipes you would like me to share as a super sneak peak now that we have turned in our final manuscript and are working on the final edits.

Julie Hasson's Vegan Casseroles: Book Review, a Recipe, and Two Giveaways!

Vegan Casseroles: Pasta Bakes, Gratins, Pot Pies, and More by Julie Hasson

There are so many vegan cookbooks out now.  I have a 3 foot tall stack next to my desk waiting for review.  No joke.  And I am sure they all have some amazing recipes in them.  I mean, I probably wouldn't have bought them otherwise, right?  (Well, actually, I think I may have a real problem.  I buy way too many vegan cookbooks.  I just can't help myself.  I need them.  I love them. I bring them into the bathtub with me for a romantic read. I whisper sweet nothings to them every night before I go to bed.)  In all seriousness, I love supporting other vegan cookbook authors, and I want them all to be successful.

Well, Hello!

Just a quick check in now that we've all had a chance to breathe after MoFo.  Oh my, wasn't is an epic year?  So many blogs, so much good stuff.  I am still reading through posts that I missed during the month.

A few updates on what's happening in the world of JustTheFood and Joni Marie in general:

If you didn't know already, I have moved back to the city.  I had a great time in Trabuco Canyon for the past 6 years, but it was time for Dan and I to be amongst people again. So we are back home in Long Beach, right where we belong. And, oh man, do I love it.  I am close to everybody and everything...except work...but that's okay, I was used to a long commute before we moved, so no big deal.  Best thing about the new house (besides that it's ours) is that it has gas.  I know that sounds silly, but for someone who loves to cook, having to cook on an electric stove at home for the last 6 years has been awful.  Now, I have a brand new stove with gas burners.  So. Very. Stoked.

Vegan MoFo VIII, Day 29: Falafelogs with Cucumber Relish

Falafelogs with Cucumber Relish from Going Vegan (page 108)

Am I the only one who thinks falafels are the WRONG shape to put in a pita?  Screw tradition and make your falafels into wieners.  I mean, Oktoberfest, am I right?  This recipe is packed full of flavor, is soy free, nut free, and has no added oil or sugar.  If that's your jam, cool!  If not, trust me, this recipe is still yummers.  Come on guys, you think this girl was going to write an oil free, sugar free recipe that didn't pass the Joni-loves-to-add-Earth-Balance-or-Vegenaise-to-everything test?

Vegan MoFo VIII, Day 25: Garlic Orange Brussels Sprouts (and a giveaway!)

Garlic Orange Brussells Sprouts from Fusion Food in the Vegan Kitchen (page 125)

Tonight you get two recipes (from Fusion Food in the Vegan Kitchen: 125 Comfort Food Classics, Reinvented with an Ethnic Twist!) for the price of one.  A wonderfully delicious recipe for brussells sprouts that makes a great side dish, plus a kick-ass recipe for Garlic Orange Sauce that tastes great on just about anything...tofu, seitan, brussells sprouts (duh) and works great as a dipping sauce for egg rolls and other finger foods.

Vegan MoFo VIII, Day 24: Walnut and Currant Vaganzola

Walnut and Currant Veganzola Balls from 500 Vegan Recipes (page 90)

Before there was Daiya or Miyoko Schinner's Artisan Vegan Cheese many of us were busy in the kitchen creating our own cheese-like concoctions to spread on crackers.  This recipe is one of those concoctions.  Unlike many home made cheeses that require agar powder, fermentation time, or lots of specialty ingredients...this one is ready to enjoy in under 30 minutes!

Vegan MoFo VIII, Day 22: Green Castle Sliders

Green Castle Sliders from The Best Veggie Burgers on the Planet (page 87)

Today's recipe comes from The Best Veggie Burgers on the Planet: 101 Globally Inspired Vegan Creations Packed with Fresh Flavors and Exciting New Tastes.  It's a testament to the fact that great things come in small packages.  These little sliders are so cute, and they just happen to taste good too.  Dress 'em up any way you want to.

Vegan MoFo, Day 19: Cajun Red Beans and Rice

Cajun Red Beans and Rice Mix form Vegan Food Gifts (page 105)

Today's recipe is from Vegan Food Gifts: More Than 100 Inspired Recipes for Homemade Baked Goods, Preserves, and Other Edible Gifts Everyone Will Love. And while it's true that this jar of goodness makes a yummy gift, it's also true that these types of mixes also make for great pantry staples.

Vegan MoFo VII, Day 17: Curry Tofu and Arugula Salad

Curry Tofu and Arugula Salad from
The Complete Guide to Vegan Food Substitutions (page 177)

Man, I don't know about all of you, but where I live we are experiencing a late summer heat wave like we haven't had in YEARS.  Hovering around 104 since Saturday. Sheesh.  You better believe no ovens are getting turned on around here. And if I can help it, no stove either!  This recipe from The Complete Guide to Vegan Food Substitutions: Veganize It! Foolproof Methods for Transforming Any Dish into a Delicious New Vegan Favorite is quick and easy, and requires no cooking.