Chow Vegan

VeganMoFo: Piel De Sapo Melon

October 17, 2009 By chow 5 Comments

At the farmers market a couple of weeks ago, I happened upon a Piel de Sapo melon. I’ve neither heard of nor seen this football-shaped melon before. Originating in Spain, Piel de Sapo literally translates as “Skin of Toad” probably because of its mottled green and yellow skin.

Inside, it has white flesh with just a bit of orange in the middle. The flavor is sweet, crisp and refreshing similar to watermelon but the texture is more like honeydew or cantaloupe.

As it ripens, it’ll start to have tinges of yellow to the green skin. The melon also has a long shelf life, it sat around the kitchen counter this whole time. I’m thinking of getting a few more and see how long I can keep them into the winter.

VeganMoFo: Fig And Spinach Pizza

October 16, 2009 By chow 12 Comments

Seems kinda weird to be smearing fig jam on a pizza but it totally works. It really does. The sweetness of the figs contrasts nicely with the spinach and basil.

The other thing that makes it so good, is the thin, crisp crust cooked on a pizza stone in an outdoor grill. It comes very close to the California Pizza Kitchen thin crust. The only reason why CPK’s is slightly better is because they have a real fire-burning-wood pizza oven.

The idea for the pizza came from Todd English’s Fig and Prosciutto Pizza but you know, without the prosciutto or cheese and with the addition of spinach and basil. It’s also his pizza dough recipe from his cookbook, The Figs Table. You can see it here at marthastewart.com.

As for the toppings, cover the crust with olive oil, minced garlic and a pinch of kosher salt and black pepper. Spread Black Mission Fig Jam on top. Bake until browned, about 6-7 minutes. Add a handful of chopped Bloomsdale spinach and basil on top. Slice and serve immediately.

Can you believe this was a last minute, throw-something-together-to-feed-the-vegan pizza pie? My sister was making pizza for her kids’ dinner when I came over. Usually I bring whatever I’m going to eat. She had extra pizza dough and made this for me.

VeganMoFo: Annie’s Fruit Snacks

October 14, 2009 By chow 8 Comments

I spend way too much time at Whole Foods, finding things I’m not looking for but all of a sudden I can’t live without. This time it’s Annie’s Fruit Snacks.

Appearing at the end of the aisle so when I whipped around the corner, they were right there, staring at me in the face. Of course, they were on sale, a major point in their favor. Attractive in their pretty package labeled with organic, no preservatives and no additives. And with three flavors to choose from: Tropical Treat, Berry Patch and Sunny Citrus.

How could I possibly resist?

Tearing open a pouch, the bunny-shaped fruit snacks remind me of gummy bears but not as chewy and a bit softer. The flavors aren’t super strong, they’re more subtle. But the texture is very good.

I haven’t eaten a gummy bear in years. At one time (way before I was ever vegan), it was my favorite candy. Once, my mom actually bought me a giant bag as a Christmas gift (I’m surprised she even remembered) and I had to tell her it’s not vegan. But now I can have my candy and eat it too. Woo hoo!