CLEVELAND Many of us go out of our way to avoid working with family members. But for those who can do it successfully, the reward can be extra special.

That seems to be the case for restaurateur Steve Schimoler, who has been helping out as his daughter, Kirsten Sutaria, and her husband, Karl, launch their Wonderlab's Doozy Pots vegan gelato right here in Cleveland.

In this latest addition of our "Home with Hollie" series, 3News' Hollie Strano met up with the duo to learn more about the recipe for success for their popular vegan gelato.

And it all starts with founder and "Innovator in Chief" Kirsten, who knows her way around ice cream. She immersed herself in the science of ice cream for the last 10 years and used to work at Ben & Jerrys, where she led the development of their vegan line. When it came time to creating her own product, Doozy Pots was born right here in Cleveland.

So what is a Doozy Pot exactly? Steve and Kirsten explained that the phrase originated from the Italian saying tu sei pazza which translates to thou art crazy!

RELATED: Blue Bell releases 'Christmas Cookies' ice cream flavor ahead of the holiday season

And what's in a Doozy Pot? It's delicious plant-based gelato, completely free of dairy, suitable for vegans, and has the added bonus of being lower in sugar and fat.

Hollie had the rare opportunity to create her very own flavor. Watch the video to check out "Hollie's Morning Mocha" and you can even make your very own "magic shell" using the recipe below.

Magical Chocolate Shell

-3 oz. vegan dark chocolate (we love Raaka Chocolate)

-2 oz. coconut oil

In a small sauce pan, melt 2 oz of coconut oil on low heat

Once the coconut oil is liquid, add in your chocolate pieces and remove from heat. Stir with a whisk until the chocolate is melted and blended well.

Store in a squeeze bottle or small container. If the shell gets firm, run container under warm water to re-melt.

Drizzle over ice cream and watch the magic!

RELATED: Home with Hollie: Hilarious chaos hits the kitchen as Hollie Strano bakes with actress Monica Potter

Read the original here:

Home with Hollie: Father-daughter duo bonds over Doozy Pots vegan gelato - WKYC.com

Do you dream of going to Thailand but dont have anyone to travel with? Or, do you want to travel to Thailand and not have to deal with organizing the details of the trip but know the trip will be everything you could want and more? Or, do you simply need a reason to head to the Land of Smiles? Regardless of what your reason is, the Vegans, Baby vegan tour of Thailand is going to treat you to some magical (and possibly life-changing) experiences! This 10 day/11 night tour in four-star luxury properties includes 20 vegan meals and visits to three locations in Thailand.

From exploring a jungle in the heart of Bangkok to learning how to cook plant-based food from a renowned chef at one of the best plant-based cooking schools in the world (located at a lush resort where you will stay), to experiencing Songkran (Thai New Year, which also happens to be the worlds biggest water fight) to eating delectable vegan cuisine every step of the way, Vegans, Babys Vegan World Tour: Thailand is the tour youve been waiting for.

This Vegan World Tour happens only once-a-year, so reserve your spot today and save $200 with code EARLYBIRD when you sign-up. All you need to sign up is a deposit!

Reserve your spot today!

This tour is curated by Vegans, Babys Diana Edelman, who spent nearly three years living in the country and returns each year to devour all of the amazing vegan food, indulge in inexpensive massages (under $10 for an hour!), relax on tropical islands and experience the beauty and charm of Thailand.

Dianas no stranger to tours, she co-hosted a vegan tour of Thailand October 2019, and her local Las Vegas tour was named one of the top nine tours in the world by Travel + Leisure.

This tour treats you not only to amazing experiences you wont find on any other tour, but also to some of the best vegan food in the country and a local tour guide to share information and history about Thailand and its gorgeous culture. Unique to this tour is experiencing Songkran in the heart of the action Chiang Mai. Held every April, Songkran is an incredible and fun experience youll be talking about forever.

April 7 // Day One // Bangkok

Welcome to the Big Mango, what the locals call Bangkok Krung Thep the City of Angels. The vibrant capital of Thailand is bustling and full of life, offering a glimpse into Thai culture tucked down the sois (narrow lanes) and behind the busy streets and tall buildings. Check-in to the hotel after 2 p.m. and then the afternoon is yours to take a nap, swim in the salt water pool, get a massage, or go explore the Bangkok neighborhood before a meet and greet at 6:30 p.m. in the hotel lobby. After that, the night is yours to explore the heart of the Sukhumvit neighborhood lined with restaurants and nightlife, hit up the craft cocktail bar next to the hotel (their drinks are amazing) or get some rest.

April 8 // Day Two // Bangkok // Exploring Famous Thai Markets

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before we step back in time on half-day tour of the famous and vibrant Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and the Talad Rom Hoop Market.

We journey via private transportation 100 km from Bangkok to Thailands most well-known market. The floating market delves back to a time when the canals were the primary mode of transportation and the market was floating. Today well hop on a longtail boat to catch a glimpse of an ancient way of life, slowly skimming by narrow canals, wooden houses on stilts and more. Once were off the boat, well head to the market where there is everything from fresh fruits, flowers, clothing, art and souvenirs to check out. Youll have time to shop or grab a fresh, icy cold coconut to cool you off.

Then, its on to Talad Rom Hoop, which translates to closing umbrella or awning. This market, which runs from the early morning to evening, is located on an operating railway and a train passes through the market eight times every day. As the name implies, a few minutes before the train comes through an alert sounds and vendors selling everything from fresh fruits to clothing, quickly whisk their wares away, lift up their awnings and move from the tracks so the train can pass through and the two can co-exist. Within seconds of the train passing by, its back to business as usual. Its truly something to witness. For visitors, its exciting but for the locals, its business as usual since the market was there long before the tracks. After exploring these two markets, we will head back for a late lunch in the city at a local restaurant with both Thai and Western options. At night, well give you our top picks for where to head out and youre free to explore the energy and nightlife of the city.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch

April 9 // Day Three // Bangkok // Nature in the Heart of the City

Bangkok isnt just a bustling city; its also home to a magnificent jungle. Today, youll hop on a bike and tour the green oasis (known as the Lungs of Bangkok) with weaving canals and markets. The tour starts with a leisurely ride through Benjakiti Park, then through the local Khlong Toei market, one of the biggest fresh markets in Thailand. It continues to the river pier where you board a boat and cross the Chaya Praya River and head to the green side of the Bangkok, Bang Krajao. After the ride, we head to dinner which features Thai and Western options.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch

April 10 // Day Four // Bangkok // The Most Famous Bangkok Attractions

Prepare for a morning of amazement at one of Thailands most famous landmarks, the Royal Grand Palace. We arrive to the palace gates and then your guide will take you around the magnificent palace grounds and its expansive complex, which was home to Thai kings until the turn of the 20th century. Its still a seat of power and the spiritual hall of the Thai kingdom. The palace has throne halls, two of which are open to the public. Here, we the Temple of Emerald Buddha, Wat Phra Kaew. This revered Emerald Buddha dates back to the 14th century. The grounds also feature six-meter tall statues of colorful demons from who guard the Emerald Buddha and ward off evil spirits. After the tour, we head to lunch and then on to Hua Hin, thenext city on our tour.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

April 11 // Day Five // Hua Hin // Plant-based Cooking Experience

After a massive buffet breakfast featuring homemade vegan breads, fresh and exotic juices and savory eats, we visit Blue Lotus, a renowned plant-based cooking school that trains chefs and foodies on the art of creating exquisite plant-based cuisine. Led by experienced chefs from around the world, youll use local ingredients and prepare a meal. If youre still hungry after feasting on the dishes you create, you have a free night to dine at the propertys numerous restaurants or head out to another restaurant, wander the grounds of the hotel which grows its own herbs for its restaurants, wander along the waterfront, indulge in a Six Senses spa treatment or just unwind in your luxury room.

Meals included: breakfast, Blue Lotus meal

April 12 // Day Six // Hua Hin // Free Day

Were half-way through the tour and today you get the day to do whatever youd like, whether its hanging out at the pool, taking advantage of the free shuttle and heading to the beach, getting spa treatments or hopping on a free bike and exploring the area.

Meals included: breakfast, dinner

April 13 // Day Seven // Chiang Mai

Today is a travel day and we head from Hua Hin back to Bangkok to catch a flight to Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand. The Rose of the North, Chiang Mai is a super-relaxed city dotted with quaint coffee shops and meandering sois. After check-on at the vegetarian resort, you can take a dip in the pool, explore the winding, tiny sois and grab some food, then we head to the Night Bazaar to experience the Chiang Mai Ladyboy Cabaret.

Meals included: breakfast

April 14 // Day Eight // Chiang Mai // Exploring Thailands Highest Peak

Grab that long-sleeved shirt you brought because today youre heading to the magnificent Doi Inthanon National Park. About an hours drive away from old town Chiang Mai is the highest peak in the country, Doi Inthanon. Also known as The Roof of Thailand, this national park covers an area of 482 km, and features waterfalls, cloud forests, and spectacular views. Well stop at an ethical hill tribe village and some local temples via Jeep, then its on to the park. After that, we visit the Royal Project, a government-backed program designed to support local villages. Then, its on to waterfalls. Once back in the city, we head to a spa to unwind with a massage. After that, the night is yours to hit up food stalls or dine at the hotel.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch

April 15 // Day Nine // Chiang Mai // Celebrating Songkran

Chiang Mai isthe place to be for Songkran the Thai New Year which also happens to be the worlds biggest water fight. Head to 7-11 and buy an inexpensive water gun or bucket and get ready to get soaked on the streets of the city. Young and old, Thais and foreigners, come together for this epic water fight with the heart of the action taking place just outside the ancient walls of Chiang Mai and Thaepae Gate. Here, theres not only water fights, but stages set up with performances.

If you prefer a more local experience, head north or south and wander the sois where locals stand outside with buckets full of icy water which symbolizes cleansing and shows respect, as well as wishing luck and prosperity for the coming year.Its common to meet locals and spend time with them celebrating together.

Or, if you want to see the more religious side of Songkran, head to any temple in the early morning to give alms to the monks. Then, explore the temples during the day as Buddha statues are gently sprinkled with water and watch as colorful processions with scared Buddha statues are brought out of temples.

Meals included: breakfast, dinner

April 16 // Day Ten // Discover Chiang Mai

Discover hidden corners of Chiang Mai on this half-day bike tour. An off-the-beaten path journey, the tour takes you to the lesser known cultural highlights like local temples, schools and markets. It includes stops at the temple ruins of Wiang Ku Kam, the Ping River and a local market to learn more about the rich Lanna history. After lunch, the second half of the day is yours to explore the city.

Meals included: breakfast, dinner

April 17 // Day Eleven // Chiang Mai

After breakfast, well head to the local Warorot Market located beside the Ping River. A blend of Thai and Chinese, this massive area is packed with vendors selling local crafts, flowers, produce and more. Well navigate the landscape and then grab lunch before the vegan Thailand tour ends and we check out of the hotel.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch

Reserve your spot today and save $200

$650 supplement for private room for 11 nights

Non-refundable $500 deposit required at time of booking. Remainder of payment due no later than Feb. 15, 2020; Minimum 5 people, maximum 12; If less than 5 people, you will receive full refund on Feb. 15, 2020

IT IS MANDATORY THAT ALL TRAVELERS ON OUR TOUR ACQUIRE TRAVEL INSURANCE. WE RECOMMEND WORLD NOMADS. WE ALSO RECOMMEND THAT YOU OBTAIN EXTRA COVERAGE FOR LOSS OF LUGGAGE/PERSONAL ITEMS AND FLIGHT CANCELLATION.

Find flight deals using Vegans, Babys preferred search engines, Secret Flying or SkyScanner.

Vegans, Baby cares about the environment and is counteracting the its carbon footprint (approximately $100) using Native Energy. If youd like to offset your carbon footprint, check it out.

Diana Edelman is the founder of Vegans, Baby. She previously lived and worked in Thailand working for an elephant sanctuary and has traveled around the world speaking about the realities of elephant tourism, being a positive activist and entrepreneur at events including TBEX, SEED Food + Wine, VegFest Puerto Rico, VegFest Toronto and more. Diana is a proud partner with the James Beard Foundation and curates their Vegas Vegan Dinner series at the famous James Beard House, as well as the vegan activation, The Farm Stand, at Las Vegas Life Is Beautiful festival.

View post:

Pack your bags! It's time for a vegan tour of Thailand this April! - Vegans, Baby

The average American ate some 220 pounds of red meat and poultry in 2018, according to the US Department of Agriculture, surpassing a record set in 2004. But some politicians have joined anti-meat and climate change activists in a massive effort to restructure the American diet and to ensure ... and mandate ... that the rest of the world will be stuck with a mostly plant-based diet.

Last March, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio shocked Americas meat producers by announcing the expansion of meatless Mondays to all New York City public schools. The reason? To keep our lunch and planet green for generations to come. So now they claim eating meat also threatens the planet.

Monday Campaigns is a national organization that collaborates with the Center for a Livable Future (CLF) at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Its goal is to reduce US meat consumption by 15% for our personal health and the health of the planet.

Finnish researchers in 2012 investigated the intended and unintended effects of mandatory vegetarian days in Helsinki schools. While the compulsory restrictions increased healthy and sustainable dietary patterns, they also resulted in psychological reactance, hedonic dislike, and noncompliance. Refuseniks at a Finnish military base leave behind dumpsters of empty pizza boxes on forced-vegan day.

Liberal-progressive local governments are already looking at replicating de Blasios bold move. For example, a resolution calling for Meatless Mondays in Hawaii public schools came close to enactment in the Hawaii State Legislature in 2019, and supporters are hopeful it will become law next year.

One of the worlds leading voices condemning meat consumption is the United Nations. In 2018 it bestowed one of its Champions of the Earth awards to Patrick O. Brown of Impossible Foods and Ethan Brown of Beyond Meat. The awards follow and buttress UN Environment Programme claims that our use of animals as a food-production technology has brought us to the verge of catastrophe.

Both Browns insist that, because the destructive impact of animal agriculture on our environment far exceeds that of any other technology on Earth, there is no pathway to achieve the Paris climate objectives without a massive decrease in the scale of animal agriculture.

The anti-meat campaign has hit other top echelons of the UN. Christiana Figueres, former executive secretary of the UN Framework Convention onClimateChange, recently stated her hope that restaurants of the future will treat carnivores the same way that smokers are treated [today]. If they want to eat meat, they can do it outside the restaurant. But not the way theyre treating meat at COP-25 in Madrid.

The UN is also touting a study, published in the journal Nature, which claims that huge reductions in meat eating are essential to avoid dangerous climate change. The authors implore western countries to cut their beef consumption by 90 percent.

Then in almost its next breath, the UN hosts yet another gala affair and lavish meals at 5-star hotels in Bali, Brazil and other lovely locations, attended by countless thousands of activists, bureaucrats, reporters and politicians. Why should these ruling elites have to worry about carbon footprints and rules they promulgate for the rest of us, the worlds unwashed masses, who will comply or face the consequences?

The Economist published results of two other studies claiming that going vegan for two-thirds of meals could cut food-related carbon emissions by 60 percent. Total veganism is the most environmentally friendly, with die-hard leaf-eaters claiming to have knocked 85% off their carbon footprint.

It all follows a familiar, predictable, totalitarian pattern that ought to set off global alarms. Find a target of eco-progressive hate. Vilify the target, and demand that it be restricted or eradicated to prevent yet another civilizational or planetary cataclysm. Redefine science and morality to drive the agenda. Reward and publicize those who support the claims and campaign. Condemn and silence anyone who questions or challenges them. Impose new rules.

On climate change, assume and assert that carbon dioxide and methane are the primary or only factors. That any weather and climate changes today are unprecedented, existential threats. That anyone who challenges these assertions is a denier who must be silenced, jailed, exiled and re-educated.

Danish environmental economist Bjorn Lomborg, mocks the anti-meat studies and arguments. Lomborg is a vegetarian himself but says 1.45 billion of the worlds people are vegetarians because of their extreme poverty, and many of them desperately want to be able to afford meat in their diets.

He chastises those who claim going vegetarian will cut carbon footprints in half, noting that food-related emissions account for just 20% of total carbon dioxide releases. A study of Swedish vegetarians found that lifelong vegetarianism would reduce net carbon dioxide emissions just 2 percent. Meanwhile, Chinese and Indian coal-fired power plant emissions dwarf those savings 100 times over.

Moreover, healthy vegetarian diets require very careful attention to food and supplements, to ensure proper nutrition; vegan diets even more so. Thats impossible in impoverished countries and families.

Enormous environmental and agricultural problems also loom. Cattle, sheep and pigs can graze on lands that would be plowed under for food crops under an all-veggie dictatorship. But that same system is determined to replace fossil fuels with wind turbines, solar panels, biofuels and batteries that would make tens of millions of acres unavailable or unsuitable for growing the needed food crops.

And those same activists, bureaucrats and politicians also want to ban modern hybrid and biotech seeds, fertilizers, pesticides and mechanized farming. Wed get even less food from diminished acreage. More and more people would become increasingly malnourished, starve, go blind, and die.

Reduced atmospheric carbon dioxide would mean plants would be deprived of their basic building block and need more water in a water-starved world. If the planet cools, instead of warming, we would have far less arable land, shorter growing seasons, and still worse agricultural conditions. More would starve.

Do you know whats in those plant-based meats those ultra-processed imitation meats that are assembled in industrial factories and enhanced with chemicals to make vegan burgers more tasty and palatable? Tasty ingredients like methylcellulose, titanium dioxide, propylene glycol, ferric phosphate and magnesium carbonate. Do grasshoppers and other tasty insects count as meat?

The truth is, the vegan revolution is overstated. A recent Gallup poll found only 5% of Americans are vegetarian and just 3% are vegan. But 16% of liberals are vegetarian or vegan, compared with just 2% of conservatives. The numbers are much higher for younger progressives in the USA and elsewhere.

Those numbers almost certainly reflect the constant indoctrination, fear-mongering and silencing of skeptical voices in schools from kindergarten through graduate school; on social and in large segments of traditional media; in political circles; and in the UN and other unaccountable government organizations.

It also helps explain how and why Goldsmiths, in the University of London, has been able to ban beef from the entire campus. Goldsmiths professor France Corner has sounded the predictable alarm: The growing global call for organizations to take seriously their responsibilities for halting climate change is impossible to ignore. Especially if his campus is as intolerant of other views as are so many others and so willing to lash out verbally, physically and with threats of expulsion against any contrarians.

Its one more example of our progressive elites taking us down the road to totalitarian rule all in the name of saving us and the only planet we have from imminent manmade catastrophe. Whether the goal is to enlist vegans and vegetarians in the climate catastrophe movement, or to include veganism as a basic tenet of that movement, the result is the same.

Either be prepared for more anti-meat protests, more Meatless Mondays, more assaults on the livestock industry, more calls for taxing meat to raise its cost above what ordinary people can afford and more totalitarian control of our lives. Or start fighting back against these intolerant control freaks.

Read more:

News - Politicized Veganism - The Heartland Institute

Yesterday, we broke the news that Greggs is launching a vegan menu in January 2020. That's only a couple of weeks away, people!

And now, an insider has revealed that a vegan steak bake will be on the menu to keep Greggs' vegan sausage roll company.

An insider told Metro.co.uk, "Vegan steak bakes are definitely happening," the source, who wishes to be known only as Greg Greggs (lol), said. "I dont have photos to confirm this but all employees Ive spoken to regarding it are aware theyre arriving in the new year, and my manager has shown me stock sheets with 'vegan steak bake' written on them, ready for when our deliveries arrive."

And we have news of two more vegan treats winging their way to a Greggs near you, and they're coming in a few days!

A second secret source (identifying themselves as Your Secret Greggs Man. Again...lol) said: "Releasing 27th December is the new glazed ring doughnut which is now vegan. And our warm winter vegetable soup which is now also vegan."

This is all technically speculation right now, as we haven't actually heard it from a Greggs spokesperson. But seeing as this is all we have to go on right now, we'll take it.

Greggs shared the news of the vegan menu yesterday with a video on its social media, which simply said: Believe the hype. Greggs x Vegan. Dropping January 2020.

Like this article? Sign up to our newsletter to get more articles like this delivered straight to your inbox.

SIGN UP

Visit link:

A Greggs Vegan Steak Bake Will Feature On The New Menu - Delish.com

The more vegan food consumers buy, the cheaper these products will be, according to Mintel.

Edward Bergen a global food and drinks analyst at the market research company recently spoke to CNBC about changes happening in the vegan market. With higher consumer demand comes more availability, and with more availability comes lower prices, he explained.

The reason vegan food has traditionally been more expensive is that, in the past, the demand just wasnt there. Bergen said, if you go back ten years, the vegan range would have been in the corner of a store. The products available quite bland, not necessarily exciting packaging.

In the last couple of years, however, things have changed. There has been a rise in demand for plant-based products. Health is a big factor, Bergen explained, as well as the environmental risk of high meat consumption and the animal welfare impact.

The largest growing consumer base is the flexitarian market, where people are reducing their meat intake significantly. According to recent research, more than two million Brits now regularly try to have meat-free days.

In the UK, major supermarkets including Waitrose, Tesco, Asda, Iceland, Marks and Spencer, and Sainsburys have responded accordingly to this new, increased demand from consumers.

Now, we have dedicated ranges and major aisles, said Bergen. [We have] things like Plant Kitchen, Wicked Kitchen from Tesco, where theyre exploring cuisines, different flavors, various different meat-free proteins are being used. Sometimes, theres no meat at all, just exciting vegetables.

Mintel is consumer-focused rather than financial-focused, but the market research company has observed that vegan food prices are dropping.

For fruit and vegetables, the more availability there is, the more opportunity there is for the market. Ten years ago vegan food was quite expensive, explained Bergen.

But the more competition there is, we should see those margins improve over time and we see that [vegan] prices vs meat is very competitive, he added. Sometimes [vegan food is] less now with these big ranges available.

Summary

Article Name

The More Vegan Food You Eat, the Cheaper It's Going to Be

Description

The cost of vegan food is getting cheaper. Availability is going up, which means the price of products is getting less expensive, says Mintel.

Author

Charlotte Pointing

Publisher Name

LIVEKINDLY

Publisher Logo

Continued here:

The More Vegan Food You Eat, the Cheaper Its Going to Be - LIVEKINDLY

In an era where a lot of people have allergies and other dietary restrictions, a sparkling and still water bar may strike just the right tone so all of your guests can feel included.

Everyone needs water, no doubt about that, but you cant only serve your guests H2O at a vegan and gluten-free holiday party.

However, Sally Squires, from theLean Plate Club blog, notes that in an era where many people have allergies and other dietary restrictions, a still and sparkling water bar may strike just the right tone so all of your guests can feel included.

Put out sparkling and still, ice, berries, herbs and spices with a mortar and pestle and people can make their own drinks, Squires said. There can be some festive and fun options for people who dont want to drink alcohol.

Beyond water, it gets a little tricky to plan a holiday party menu when so many people either have allergies or another kind of dietary restriction. However, the basics, like fruits and vegetables, are seldom wrong.

Theyre things most of us dont eat enough of anyway, Squires said.

In addition, once you have your guest list in mind, make it a point to ask your invitees whether they have food restrictions, otherwise, you might wind up with a lot of leftovers.

I learned this the hard way, Squires said. I had a dinner party once and served a lovely salmon, only to find out one of the guests didnt eat seafood, so it was a little bit embarrassing. The first thing you need to do is ask people do you have any food allergies or preferences we should be aware of?'

The other thing thats important these days, with 32 million Americans dealing with food allergies, is to keep track of all the ingredients used in a dish. If youre serving your guests buffet style, consider making note cards and placing them in front of each dish so guests can be aware of what theyre eating.

In addition, with many people choosing to eat as vegetarians or vegans, consider making some of your staples meat- and dairy-free. In most cases, people will be happy to try something plant-based.

Theres all kinds of plant-based meat, milk, yogurt, Squires said. There are products for people who are lactose intolerant.

She also notes that a number of festive dishes and desserts can be made with alternative flours such as chickpea flour. I made vanilla wafers and I put them into bourbon balls. There are so many different types of options, like flourless chocolate cake.

And finally, Squires suggests embracing the seasonal vegetables that fill your supermarket at this time of year. Not only are almost all of your guests able to eat something like a butternut squash soup thats made with vegetable broth, its just another way to celebrate the season by offering something thats only available once per year.

There are so many wonderful vegetables out these days that can be roasted, Squires said. So many types of squash and whole grains that can appeal to everybody.

Like WTOP on Facebook and follow @WTOP on Twitter to engage in conversation about this article and others.

2019 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

See original here:

Tips on hosting a holiday party in the vegan and gluten-free era - WTOP

When news broke that iconic Manhattan institution Candle 79 was closing its doors for business this New Years Eve, I was certainly not the only long-time vegan to spill my oat latte and cry off my Kat Von D mascara. Since 2003, this upscale Upper East Side eatery has been an anchor for vegans and non-vegans alikeattracting a diverse and hungry global fan base whose trips to the Big Apple were not complete without a stop at Candle 79 for some piping hot polenta fries and infamous seitan piccata. The news of its closing is not only collectively breaking our big vegan heart, but its also totally infuriating; this beloved restaurant is just the latest victim of big-investor greed, an affliction that has swallowed countless businesses, especially in giant metropolises such as New York. But, Candle 79? That was supposed to be there forever, opening its doors to first-daters, business partners, wide-eyed tourists, dark glasses-clad celebs, and the ongoing cacophony of devoted regularsthe sneaker-wearing city-dwellers who frequent this special spot, requesting the same place at the bar like it was an extension of their living room. For many of us, it was.

Back when I interviewed owners Joy Pierson and Bart Potenza, I was chuffed to learn that not only did they start Candle Caf East (79s sister restaurant and the first of the chain) after the couple won the lottery, but years later, they won it againthis time bringing in just enough money to install a desperately needed new air-conditioning system to Candle 79, without which the restaurant would have had to close way back then. This surreal stroke of luck resulted in the business thriving so much that they soon opened a third Candle sisterCandle Caf West, this time on the Upper West Side, which quietly shut its doors earlier this year due to unresolved safety issues with the building (at first temporarily and then, apparently, for good). For old-school vegans, this rapid disappearance of two of the three Candlesmost primarily, community hub 79has created a slow-roll of shock and bewilderment as the word has spread that the flame is burning out.

Candle in the windWhen I posted the news to my Facebook page, the first comment was someone pointing out the dozens of new vegan restaurants popping up in Manhattan and encouraging me to look on the bright side. And of course thats true; from the West Village expansion of Canadian chain Copper Branch to the multiple locations of much-buzzed-about Jajaja (good luck getting a table), the city that never sleeps might as well also be dubbed the city that never stops offering vegan food, because its truly everywhere. One could certainly get behind the out with the old, in with the new mentality and tip our wool-free hats to Candle as they blow out the flame and get the hell out of Dodge. But this goes deeper than that.

As a longtime New Yorker-turned Angeleno, I pretty much cant travel a block in the city without stopping to remember what once was there. That Starbucks used to be an adorable barber shop (but what was it called again?). That boarded up building used to be vegan restaurant Soy & Sake, which had the best fresh spring rolls in town. The historic Ear Inn on Spring Street all the way by the river is now oh wait, its still The Ear. Thank God. The point is, all things shift (except the Ear), and due to the unrelenting sky-high rents in Manhattanplus the onslaught of money-hungry developersfor those of us who came of age with these family-run establishments as our go-to spots, the fact that they are now no more can be a hard pill to swallow.

Would you light my candle?On that same Facebook thread, countless people weighed in with their favorite memories at Candle 79, which officially closes its doors on December 31. People reminisced about first dates, wedding celebrations, marriage proposals. I was emailed tons of here-come-the-tears memories of vegans taking their meat-eating friends and family to Candle 79 to win them over to the plant side and invite even the most skeptical meat-and-potatoes lover in their lives to enjoy the menus notorious seitan chimichurris, spaghetti and wheat balls, and raw lasagna. Meat eatings got nothing on Candle.

A night out to Candle 79 was fun and energizing. It was the fancy date night where you wore that nice sweater you were holding onto for something special. It was a scene, a laugh, a good time. Youd spend hours there before braving the blistering cold or stubborn heat of this ever-changing city and then hop on the crosstown bus or get on the nearby 6 trainor youd walk off your double-chocolate cake with a lazy stroll in Central Park, where youd scoff at the horribly oppressive horse-drawn carriages and thank your lucky stars that vegan restaurants such as Candle 79 were changing things for good.

Fire up the grillAs for me, the closing of Candle 79 is the end of an era I didnt ask for nor anticipated. I went vegan around the same time Candle 79 opened its doors, and in those early days when my fellow animal-rights activists took me under their wings, it was Candle where we met for a meaningful meal and a check-in. Nowadays, I live clear across the country in West Hollywood (where it was just announced that nearby vegan mainstay Flore is closing for similar capitalistic reasons). I also just turned 40, so being 24 (the year I went vegan) feels like it happened in some movie I once sawwhich it kind of did, and in fact, that movie was shot at Candle 79. A young, brand-new vegan me made an appearance in the documentary Vegucated by Marisa Miller Wolfson which was shot in an upstairs corner booth at Candle 79, where I ignored cameras as they captured me and fellow young activist Moni Woweries offering advice to Tesla Carrasquillo on how to stay vegan (spoiler alert: she did).

It was that very booth that became my regular spot. Id scooch in and smile big at the person across from me, both of us excited to catch upwith the best vegan food in this town spread out in front of us like the world was suddenly on our side. In those early days when I first started frequenting Candle 79, it was with the company of my first vegan mentor, Mary Max, who would call me Jazz like it had multiple syllables, and find great joy in ordering half the menu for me to sample. I had been vegan for 10 minutes when Mary arranged for me to fly down to PETAs headquarters to do some volunteer workan experience which pretty much sealed the deal that Id devote my life to this cause (this was no surprise to Mary, who cleverly manipulated the whole thing that way).

Later, I would sit in Candle for Saturday night dates with my then-longtime partner. Wed run into everyone we knewgroups of friends huddled into their own booths enjoying various parts of their meals and telling us what we simply had to order; or peppered downstairs at the cozy bar trying to warm up with an espresso martini before heading back out into the world that was waiting for them. Candle 79 was a community hub, oftentimes the chosen meeting place for board meetings, second job interviews, or meet-up gatherings. Im sure Ive been to a hundred get-togethers there, and during those times, I became good friends with many people on the staff (Benay, Francesca, Joy, Bart), my extended family who became the backdrop for some of the most pivotal parts of my life.

And with the sweet memories come the sad ones, too. Im not alone in feeling the knee-jerk joy and then quick sting of knowing that those I loved the most who are no longer with us held onto Candle like it was lighting their way, too: my much-beloved grandmother, who had gone vegetarian at 86 and enjoyed nothing more than being doted on and delivered an impeccable dinner; my sweet stepfather, who died two years agoand always ordered whatever was chocolate; and my old friend Mary Max, who tragically passed away earlier this year, leaving a trail of activists like me who also credit their careers to her mentorship, and hold tight to their own many memories of sitting across from her at that same corner table upstairs. A group of us got together shortly after she died and swapped stories and shed tearsnaturally, we met up at Candle 79.

Eternal flameThis past weekend, I visited Candle 79 for the final time, arranging business in New York really so that I could sit in my booth one last time, order the iconic seitan piccata that is pretty much an entire character in my memoir, and share with my fellow New Yorkers in the sadness of what is almost just a memory of a time when one darling restaurant became our safe space and its players our kin. During my final visit to Candle 79, I ran into five or six old friendsregularly interrupting my appetizers to give long hugs, short updates, and then finally, to share a furrowed brow and a head shake. How could Candle 79 be closing?

It fed us as only family could. It changed us as only community will. And it warmed us as only a candle does.

My dining matean old friend who flew out from Northern California just to eat there one final timealso invited along a friend of hers whom I had never before met. But my buddy was late, so her other guest and I found each other thanks to the busy hostess who showed me to my seat. This stranger and I shared a few minutes together, quickly discovering we had a lot in commonand over the next few hours we swapped appetizers and laughs, future hopes and Instagram handles. We also wound up splitting a taxi back to the Upper West Side, and just before it was time for me to hop out, I looked at my new friend and I told him how wonderful it was to meet him on this of all nights, in this way, at a place that had been so special to each of us over the years. Though we had only known one another for a few hours at that point, we had Candle in common, and we therefore shared an important through-line that I have no doubt will carry on well into the future.

This is the magic that always showed up at Candle 79. You saw old friends. You made new ones. You ate and drank and laughed and cried and, just like in 80s sitcom Cheers, you forgot about life for a while.

We were there for all of it, amongst the forever flicker of Candle 79a place that built and shaped an entire community, and a light that will never dim.

Senior Online Features Editor Jasmin Singer is the author of the memoir Always Too Much and Never Enough and the co-host of the Our Hen House podcast.

Want more of todays best plant-based news, recipes, and lifestyle? Get our award-winning magazine!

Read more:

A Tearful Goodbye to a New York Vegan Institution - VegNews

When youre stumped on finding the perfect last-minute gift for your loved ones, ask the stars for a little guidance and they shall answer. From vegan leather boots for adventure-seeking Sagittarians to bold, cruelty-free lipsticks fit for a spotlight-loving Leo, theres a gift out there for every sign. Using the powers of astrology, weve compiled an otherworldly list to predict just what each sign would love this gift-giving season. Happy shopping!

Unreal Fur Madam Butterfly Jacket, $339

AriesGrab your coffee cups and buckle up, because adventure awaits with your fiery Aries! These action-oriented, energetic Rams are bubbly, outgoing, and usually heading to a party or entertaining their many friends. This wine-colored, faux fur Unreal Fur jacket will be the best companion to ensure the spotlight is shining bright on them when this daring fire sign arrives at their destination.

Ettitude Bamboo Lyocell Long Sleeve PJ Shirt in Cloud Pink, $60

Taurus

When youre in the mood for a cozy night in, you almost always call up your Taurus BFF. So why not gift these homebodies something luxuriously comfy like this plush, hypoallergenic PJ shirt and matching pants from sustainable bedding company Ettitude? To top it all off, one-percent of its revenue from its organic Lyocell bamboo products go towards environmental nonprofits.

Chic Geeks Emerald Faux Crocodile iPad Case, $78

GeminiIn an effort to feed their ravaging curiosity and razor-sharp wits, intellectual Gems delight in devouring book after book and with their communicative nature; chances are, theyre also somewhat of a gadget geek. Grab an iTunes Books or Kindle app gift card and an embossed, emerald green faux-crocodile iPad case so they can read to their hearts content.

Comparts Organic Vegan Paleo Luxury 8-Bar Gift Set, $89.95

CancerFor the sentimental romantics of the zodiac, a box of these thoughtful, unique vegan chocolates from artisan chocolatier Comparts will warm the sensitive Crabs souls. Make the emotional Cancer well up with happy tears as they examine beautiful superfood-infused gourmet bars wrapped in hand-designed patterns. Bonus: The owner writes a sweet poem on the back of each bar.

Axiology Lipstick in Worth, $30

LeoWhen thinking of the fiery, dramatic Lions, one word comes to mind: bold. This 10-ingredient, cruelty-free Axiology lipstick is attention-grabbing, celebratory, and well, bold. Your head-turning Leo will spruce up any outfit with the accompaniment of this beautiful, highly pigmented red-hot shade.

Corc Yoga Breathe Custom Engraved Yoga Mat, $205

VirgoHelp your perfectionist, workaholic Virgo calm their hundred-miles-a-minute mind with this biodegradable yoga mat made with hypoallergenic cotton and cork. Utilize the engravable personalized message option for bonus points with your detail-oriented loved one. Plus, the minimalist mats slip-resistance gives the control freaks of the zodiac reassurance during their daily practice.

Hourglass Cosmetics Equilibrium Day Fluid, $115

LibraAs one of the easier signs to find a gift for, Librans love balance and harmony, but they also enjoy beauty in all forms and like to indulge in the finer things in life. This Equilibrium Day Fluid with broad spectrum SPF 30 from luxury cruelty-free beauty brand Hourglass features plant-derived lipids to rebalance skin and promote natural cell turnover, so the youthful spirit of the air sign can carry over to their appearance, too.

Base Coat OG (8-Free) Polish in Scorpio, $20

ScorpioWhen gifting anything for the seductive Scorpion, think dark, bold colors and sleek design so their enigmatic nature can really shine. And this vegan, cruelty-free, and non-toxic nail polish aptly named Scorpio from woman-owned beauty brand and nail salon Base Coat is sure to excite the passionate sign with its shimmery red hue.

Good Guys Dont Wear Leather Miley High Heel Motorcycle Boots, $215

SagittariusLively travelers, the wild Sagittarius loves new experiences and anything that will stimulate their curiosity. If you cant book them a trip to a thrilling vegan excursion, gift them these badass vegan leather motorcycle boots originally made for vegan celeb and fellow Sag Miley Cyrus so they can wander the world in high-quality style.

Angela Roi Cher Mini Tote in Ash Brown, $225

CapricornFunction is key when thinking of the ultimate gift for the on-the-go Ram, but that doesnt mean you have to sacrifice style. This ethically made, timeless vegan leather bag from woman-owned Angela Roi is as luxurious as it is functional (it can even fit a 12-inch MacBook) which means your ambitious Capricorn can buzz from meeting to meeting in true fashion.

Free People Cynthia Rowley x IMPALA x FP Movement Roller Skates, $120

AquariusOne-of-a-kind presents speak to this quirky air sign, so give yourself extra time to find the ultimate gift. Arty Aquarians appreciate colorful, fun gifts such as these retro-inspired vegan leather roller skates. Practical? No. Unique? Yes. Encourage their spontaneity and take em out to the roller rink in these pastel, floral wheels for a night youll always remember.

Kypris Cerulean Soothing Hydration Recovery Mask, $210

PiscesYour imaginative, head-in-the-clouds Piscean appreciates thoughtful gifts and thrives when theyre near water so take them on a daycation to the nearest beach filled with sunbathing, indie music, and this aqua-hued, botanical mask. The versatile, soothing pot from organic, wild-crafted, and sustainably procured luxury brand Kypris can be used as a deep-hydration mask or after-sun treatment to match all your water signs needs.

Aruka Sanchir is an Assistant Editor at VegNews and a sassy Sagittarius that takes everyones astrological signs into account before every gift purchase.

Want more of todays best plant-based news, recipes, and lifestyle? Get our award-winning magazine!

See original here:

Finally, There's a Vegan Gift Guide for Every Zodiac Sign on Your List - VegNews

You dont have to be a veggie lover to experience tasty vegan food. Published on Thursday, Dec 19th, 2019

The holidays are a tricky time: With all of the heavy food that seems to be passed around the family table, its hard to find healthy things to eat. From Thanksgiving until the end of the year, all bets are off as far as sticking to any kind of healthy eating regime goes. Throw in a couple of holiday parties and midnight turkey sandwiches, and youve gotten to a point where youre craving something on the lighter side. Sweet Soulfood, located at 1025 N. Broad, is serving up delicious vegan soul food, cafeteria-style, to put you back on track this holiday season and all year long.

Owner Chetwan Smith decided to go vegan after suffering from hypertension and migraines. Feeling a bit isolated after changing her eating habits, she decided to open Sweet Soulfood and serve up vegan versions of the soul food that she loves. The goal of Sweet Soulfood is to serve all of your favorite foods with a vegan twist in a way that everyone will enjoy them not just veggie lovers.

Im always trying to eat well myself, but I seem to sometimes gravitate toward heavier food, especially during the holidays. Im not averse to vegan food and I think that it has come a long way since the early days of tofu and rice cakes. I was eager to stop in and try some homemade vegan cuisine for myself at Sweet Soulfood. I like that the food is laid out cafeteria-style, giving you the opportunity to look over the offerings and find something that appeals to you. At the hot bar, you can get up to four items, so I decided to go all out and really treat myself. I got the mac and cheese, chicken fried cauliflower, okra gumbo, and greens.

I have to mention the portions here are extremely generous my four items were $15, and this was easily enough for two meals or even to share. I dug into the chicken fried cauliflower first, mainly because I was so intrigued and I had never had anything like it in my life. WOW. Any hesitation I had about being able to enjoy fried cauliflower went right out the window! This was fantastic big pieces of cauliflower lightly battered and fried. Theres no mistaking that it isnt chicken, but if youre craving that yummy fried crunch, this is a must.

Next up was the mac and cheese. Im not sure how they get it so creamy, since real cheese isnt involved, but I loved it. It had that good chew that you expect from mac and cheese and it was so good that I actually forgot that it was vegan.

The okra gumbo was excellent and even had some non-meat sausage in it, which was quite tasty and reminded me of a leaner meat sausage. The roux was on the milder side, but it was packed with flavor and, after a few bites, I didnt miss the meat. I really like okra, but if it isnt your thing, you might want to skip this, as this dish is packed with okra as its main bulk.

Finally, I dug into the greens, which were seasoned well and flavorful. At first, I was afraid that I was going to miss having bacon and ham in the greens to add that extra fat, but Sweet Soulfoods version was so good that I didnt even think about the fact that it was meat-free.

The rest of the menu at the restaurant is extensive with items such as sweet potatoes, red beans and rice, portabella mushrooms and gravy, eggplant lasagna, stuffed bell peppers, corn bisque, jambalaya, bread pudding and more. It also has a salad bar and serves up wraps, soups, fresh juices, vegan ice cream and other vegan desserts. Also, Yelp just declared Sweet Soulfood the best vegan restaurant in Louisiana, so you know that youre in good hands. If youre looking for a big vegan spread at your next party, Sweet Soulfood also does catering!

In a city that is known for delicious, maybe not-so-healthy food, Sweet Soulfood absolutely fits in and stands out. As a gal who does enjoy her meat, I finished my lunch feeling completely satisfied and excited that I had leftovers to enjoy later.

Even if you dont plan on going full veggie anytime soon, Sweet Soulfood is a great place to enjoy a wholesome lunch.

Price point: $15 or less, depending on number of sides.

See original here:

Sweet Soulfood puts vegan twist on favorites that usually arent so healthy - Very Local New Orleans

It doesn't matter that it's 2013 and the two action heroes are starring in the underwhelming movie "Escape Plan." This sort of machismo is as timeless as a sword wielding Achilles from Homer's Iliad.

In one scene, the two heavyweights are exchanging punches when Schwarzenegger doubles over in laughter. "You hit like a vegetarian," says the strong man turned actor turned politician.

Six years later, Schwarzenegger appears in "The Game Changers" documentary telling the world he no longer eats meat and espousing a vegan diet for high performance. "It's marketing," he says of the long-held connection between testosterone and T-bone steaks.

Initially, James Wilks, the producer and presenter of "The Game Changers," didn't set out to change anyone's mind, let alone Schwarzenegger's. Back in 2013, the former mixed martial artist and special forces combat trainer purchased a second hand camera off Craigslist simply to document his road to recovery from two injured knees.

Like Schwarzenegger, Wilks had been conditioned to believe that alpha men chowed down on mountains of rib-eye in order to beef up their muscles. His shock led to curiosity.

"That was the start of the journey," Wilks told CNN Sport. "We never expected it to take us where it has."

Today, "The Game Changers," directed by Oscar-winner Louie Psihoyos is a worldwide phenomenon. Alongside Schwarzenegger, co-producers include Hollywood director James Cameron and Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton.

The documentary's premise is simple: eating more vegetables is good for you, eating meat and dairy products increases your risk of health complications. It's hardly ground breaking news. But the way this message is packaged is the source of the popularity of "The Game Changers."

There are the usual talking heads you'd expect to find in a documentary about nutrition -- scientists, doctors, even the odd historian and sociologist. But the film's unique selling point is the way it leans on the success stories of high-performing athletes to convey its philosophy.

Eight-time US cycling champion Dotsie Bausch, record-breaking strongman Patrik Baboumian, NFL wide receiver Griff Whalen and a clutch of bodybuilders and endurance athletes all speak of improved performances since transitioning from an omnivorous diet to one solely based on plants.

"I used to think that vegans were skinny, long haired, hippie tree huggers living in communes," Wilks said. "You know, they just care about the planet and nothing else. There's nothing wrong with that, but that was my perception and I think a lot of people's perception."

It is for this reason that the word vegan is used just once in the film, by Wilks' father, and never by any expert interviewed or Wilks himself.

"There is a stigma attached to the words veganism and vegetarianism," he said. "Those diets tell you what you're not eating but it doesn't tell you what you are eating."

Apart from setting the record straight on terminology, Wilks and his team also sought to dispel myths surrounding plant-based diets and the benefits of eating meat. Across 88 minutes of screen time, several studies and experts challenge the idea that muscle growth is contingent on animal protein.

"We wanted to show the facts, show the science and then people can make up their own minds. We wanted to open people's minds and present the evidence that challenges some myths around nutrition," Wilks said.

But critics have been out in force.

Others have pointed out that some of the film's producers -- like Cameron who is the CEO of Verdient Foods, an organic pea protein company -- have a commercial interest in turning the world vegan. Some just aren't happy about being told how to live their lives and feel "The Game Changers" is wagging a finger in their face.

"I think there's a misconception of the film," Wilks said. "Before the film came out, people who hadn't even seen the film were saying it's propaganda, that the science is cherry picked. How can you make an interpretation of the film if you haven't seen it?"

"People got hung up on the gladiator thing. They claim I said that gladiators were vegan. I never say that. I say they predominantly ate plants. So people then latch on to this and say that if they can discredit the founding reason for my interest in this subject then the can discredit the entire documentary. But it's just not true."

"We're not trying to tell people to go vegan or go vegetarian, we just want people to make up their minds about what they're eating," Wilks said. "I shouldn't be judging other people or telling them what to do."

Some of the film's points are less open to scrutiny.

Since the release of "The Game Changers," more elite athletes have changed their eating habits. Four-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome is now openly vegan and strongman Hafr Jlus Bjrnsson, who plays "The Mountain" in "Game of Thrones," has said he is open to the idea (but only during off-season).

One documentary cannot change the world. But by speaking to millions of people, and by tapping in to a broader discourse that has already mobilized Extinction Rebellion and fostered an increase in Google searches for the word vegan, Wilks has hit us where we feel it most -- in our stomachs.

Read more here:

Macho vegans: The documentary that's changing the script on plant-based diets - CNN International