Vegan Carrot Spaghetti with Creamy Crisp Celery Apple Topping

One thing that is really fun to make is vegetable spaghetti.
You almost get a different flavor, when you peel the vegetable, and
blanch it.
It truly is like regular noodles, which absorb whatever you add to it.
It is fun to us your imagination for different was to serve vegetable spaghetti.
I have done many vegetables, but in this recipe I used carrots.
Carrots gives a sweetness, to the dish.
This is a delicious way of serving a salad over "spaghetti" :)
This was a BIG hit:)
This is a great dish because the crispness of the apple and celery over the
soft sweet noodles. Yummmmy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Carrot Spaghetti with Creamy Crisp Celery Apple Topping
Serves 3 good portions

6 small carrots peeled
1 apple
2 stalks of celery
1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped fine)
3 Tablespoons of milk (vegan)
21/2 Tablespoons mayonnaise(vegan)
squeeze of fresh lemon juice
sea salt

Wash and peel carrots into long ribbons, in a small stock pot boil water like you are making
normal pasta, add a good pinch of sea salt to the water.
When water is boiling, add the carrot ribbons and blanch for 3 minutes.
Strain and let cool, add another pinch of sea salt.
Then wash and chop apple into small size pieces, you can peel the apple, but I like the peeling:)
Then squeeze a little lemon juice over the cut apples, just to coat them from getting brown.
Wash and chop the celery stalks into small size pieces, as well.
In a small bowl mix the milk and mayo with a good pinch of sea salt, add the chopped parsley,
and mix until well incorporated.
Then add in the apple and celery, add sea salt to taste, and let sit in refrigerator covered for 20 minutes.
When carrots are cooled, swirl on plate and top with celery apple mixture.

                                                                            Birch Life

Namaste Say Cheeze non-dairy Mac&Cheese (vegan) Review

When trying a new mac&cheese I get excited!
Being vegan you miss different foods that are not vegan.
For me one of them is mac&cheese, the creamy and smooth texture, with the
warm noodle, yummy:)
So I have tried many different mac&cheese(vegan), and was like
this doesn't taste like the "real" one.
Now I stop comparing them to the "real" one, and I start enjoying
the new flavors, and combinations.
Like anyone a warm noddle with some kind of sauce is soooooo
gooooood!

The Namaste Mac&Cheese is quite good, the noodles are gluten free
and they cook up really well.
I like to describe it as a creamy nutritional yeast, with a hint of mustard, and a light flavor of garlic.
It is not over powering!  
To us vegan nutritional yeast has a cheesy flavor so its perfect for us.
I enjoyed this one, it is truly a creamy noodle in every bite.

My tip when making it is to add 2 Tablespoons of butter(vegan) on the
hot noodles before adding the powder, and if you need to add some of the
noodle cooking water to make it smoother.
You get 3 cups+ it makes a lot.
Next time you see this product, try it I would totally recommend it.
It is great when you are hungry and want a nice warm filling meal.
                                             
                                                                         Birch Life

Avocado Mango Celery Salsa Vegan

I love this salsa:) You can't stop eating it!
So when you make it, double or triple the recipe.
When I originally made it, I didn't use celery, but I wanted a crunch to it.
So I added finely chopped celery, and it adds a great crunch and a freshness.
The combination of the creamy avocados and the sweet mango, is so divine!  
You can serve it with corn chips or potato chips, or whatever chips you like:)
It is also good spread on a wrap, with some fresh greens yummy!


Avocado Mango Celery Salsa
made about 2 cups depends on the size of avocado and mango

1 mango
1 avocado
1 celery stalk (finally diced)
4 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons of fresh lime juice
sea salt to taste

Wash mango and avocado, peel skin and remove pit.
Dice avocado into small chunks, and mango as well.
Mix together and add celery, fresh juices, then sprinkle in sea salt to taste,
I used 2 good pinches.
Serve immediately.

                                                          Birch Life
Sorry the pictures are grainy, but the salsa is sooooooo good!

Vegan Crunchy Sweet and Salty Balls

These are very special, I didn't make them, but someone very special

made them for my birthday!
I love birthday's:)
They were a great treat, I love when I get homemade treats:)
I had to share them with you, they are super simple to make.
I love the salty factor to them, but the chocolate gives it the sweet flavor.
There is crunch too!
For me I couldn't have 1 I ate 3 at a time:)
In up coming posts I will share with you other treats from my birthday!


Vegan Crunchy Sweet and Salty Balls
makes 9 balls

1/2 cup roasted salted cashews
1/3 cup chocolate chips
1/3 cup dried coconut flakes
3 Tablespoons sunflower butter
sea salt

In a bowl mix cashews and chocolate chips, with the bottom of a sturdy cup,
mash up nuts and chips.
Just to break them up.
The dried coconut flakes were large pieces, so she chopped them up with a knife,
just until they were half the size.
Then mix the nuts,chips,flakes, and add in the sunflower butter, blend until all is covered.
With your hand make into ball shape, 2 inches in size.
Then sprinkle sea salt over each one.
Let set in refrigerator covered 3 to 4 hours.
They will last 1 week in refrigerator covered:)
They didn't last that long here:)
                                                                 Birch Life

Follow Your Heart Cheese Review, Vegan Cheese and Gluten Free!!!

When picking vegan cheese it can be very tricky, there are so many to choose from.
Also if you live in an area with not much choice, it is nice to see what other people think about them,
it may save you some money.
The store that I purchased it at, had a large variety of flavors even shredded cheese:)
When you look at the cheese, it looks very moist and when you give it a light squeeze,
it has a firm spongy texture.
I purchased the cheddar flavor.
I was excited to try it, so when I arrived home I opened it right away:)
I opened the package,and it slid right on the plate, it cuts like butter!
The flavor is on the sweeter side of cheddar, "real" cheddar usually has a sharper flavor.
The cheese is moist texture but still has the dryness like cheddar.
When I gave a sample around my house, there were very different comments!
"It taste like a firm wet sponge",  "it has a very moist feeling on the tongue."
I do agree it has a firm wet sponge feeling, but the flavor is really good:)
If you get over the texture, it is a great cheese, I was even eating it plain, because the flavor is really good.
I cut a piece so you can see the texture when it is sliced!

The one thing I miss is melted cheese, yum.
There is something almost magical about melted cheese:)
The true test for us vegans is does it melt?
When it melts is it a gross mess?
Let me tell you it melts beautifully!!!!
I melted it on a plate, so you can see what it looks like.

 smooth and creamy:)

You can see when I melted the cheese, it became smooth and creamy! Yummy!
I did eat it off the plate after I took the picture;)
My suggestion is when melting it, make sure whatever you are topping it with is slightly warmed,
it lasts longer, melted, and it doesn't get hard to fast.
If you are going to melt it on corn chips or something like that, it may get slightly hard by the time you finish
eating it.
But it is still good!!!!!!!!!!!!
I truly recommend this cheese, it has a great flavor, need to give it a try!!!
It melts, the most important reason of all;)
Follow Your Heart Cheddar here is a link to there website followyourheart.com
If the store you shop at doesn't stock it, tell them about it so they can get it in!!!!
The most important thing for me is that it is vegan, and gluten free!!!!!!
Happy cheese melting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
                                                                     Birch life

Dr Praeger's Veggie Burger Review, Bonus Salad Recipe

When I buy premade food I always think twice, because I have purchased things that look good

on the package, but taste terrible.

I had a coupon for this product, so I thought next time in the store I would give it a try.

The first thing I did was read the ingredients, I was surprised, it was mostly vegetables,

the first ingredient was carrots, they had very little fillers, which is great.

Some "veggie burgers" are full of fillers, and not much veggies.

They are vegan and gluten free:)

The real test is how they taste!

The first way I made them was in the toaster oven, until lite brown edges. (15 minutes)
The middle stays soft, but the outside gets a lite crust!

They have a nice vegetable flavor, all the vegetables melt together very nicely:)

I did have to add a pinch of sea salt, to the top of the burger.

It just heighten the flavors. 

This burger flavor is something I have never had before, it is very good:)

I would definitively recommend this burger to any one:)

I have eaten this burger several times in different ways.

They always come out delicious. Here is a link, they make many other products! drpraegers.com

Today, I made a salad, so I decided to add a crumbled burger on top.
I cooked it and let it cool, then crumbled it over my salad!
My salad consisted of lettuce, avocado, Follow Your Heart Cheese (vegan)
sprinkling of dill, and parsley, and finally a few dollops of vegan mayo.
I always sprinkle sea salt over my lettuce before adding anything, and
to finish it with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil:)
This salad was sooooooo good with the addition of the veggie burger, it combined with the creamy
avocado, and all the other flavors aaammmmmaaaaaaazzzzzzzziiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnggggg!
My best salad to date:)
I would recommend the veggie burgers highly!
I think my next dish with the "burgers" are going to be a avocado veggie burger sandwich:)
                                                                      Birch Life

 

Vegan Gluten Free Chocolate Cereal Clusters only 2 Ingredients

These are so easy to make! You get big cheers for making these:)
I love chocolate, but only dark, if you like milk chocolate make it with that.
You only need 2 ingredients, a crisp puffed cereal, I used Kashi Organic Morning
Indigo Morning, whole corn cereal with dehydrated dark berries.
Find a good crunch cereal that you like.

 It has a nice crunch, even when covered with dark chocolate:)
The second ingredient is chocolate, you can either use dark or milk whatever you like.

 I used chips, but you could use a bar, and chunk into pieces.

Vegan Gluten Free Chocolate Cereal Clusters
makes 15 pieces

2 cups of a crunch cereal
1 cup chocolate chips or pieces

In a double boiler on medium heat, melt chocolate slowly, when it is fully melted add cereal and mix well.
If you don't have a double boiler, find a heat proof glass bowl or ceramic bowl,
and put on top of a small stock pot with 2 inches of water, you never want the water to touch
the bowl on top.
With a spoon, scoop small balls on a plate to cool!!
These are so good!!!!!!!!
I could have ate them all;)

Put in a cool place, if they are not hardening put into the refrigerator.
They keep well in a air tight container in  the refrigerator!!
Simple recipe, but amazing and delicious flavor:)

                  

Smooth Vegan Chocolate Pudding with layered Sweet Peaches

This recipe is very fun to make.
There is something special about eating a smooth velvety cool pudding:)
I have eaten this for breakfast even!
The addition of peaches brings it to a different level.
You really never see peaches and chocolate, but it is a good combo!
If you don't have peaches or you don't like them, try a different fruit
you like.
Anything works for this recipe, even a different flavor of milk.
This recipe makes a good amount, the pan I used was 25 1/2 cm by 16 1/2 cm or
10 in by 6 1/2 inches


Smooth Vegan Chocolate Pudding with layered Sweet Peaches
serves 6 to 8 large portions or 10 to 12 smaller

5 ripe peaches
1 liter milk (I used oat milk, chocolate)
6 Tablespoons potato starch
4 Tablespoons raw sugar( you can leave out if you don't want it too sweet)
3 crisp cookies (I used gluten free)

Small stock pan pour 3/4 of the liter of milk, with the rest pour in small bowl
and mix in starch and sugar, stir until well combined.
On medium heat, heat milk until it is warm to touch and add in starch and sugar mixture.
Stir until thickened 5-7 minutes. Every stove top is different, so stir until thickened.
Remove from heat and put in bowl to cool. It should be room temperature, before assembly.
Wash peaches and slice, remove stone.
Layer the pan with half of the peach slices

Then pour the cooled pudding on top, add the rest of the peaches, and
crumble the cookies with your hands all over the top:)

Refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours before serving!

                                                                           Birch Life

Daiya Vegan Key Lime Cheezecake Review:)

I love Daiya products so much:) There products really have great flavor and are a wonderful alternative for us vegans, or people who cannot have dairy.
 When I saw it in the freezer section, um interesting!
I am not a cheesecake fan, it is heavy and sooooooo rich, I never really would eat it
before I became vegan.
I read the ingredients, and I was like this sound so good.  
The bonus, it was also gluten free!!!!

They make 4 flavors Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry, and Key Lime:)
I picked Key Lime, because when you eat vegan and gluten free, Key Lime is very
rarely an option:(
The main ingredient is coconut, so you know it is going to be very creamy!
When arriving home I read the directions, they say to thaw in refrigerator for 3 to 4 hours.
I left it in over night, it worked perfectly:)
Important to eat it 48 hours after thawing, no problem, it will be gone;)
When I opened the box I could smell the Key Lime already!

How does it taste? I know you are thinking!
AMAZING, totally creamy, the right amount of key lime!
The crust is light and tastes just like a regular graham cracker crust!
It tastes like the best cream, rich, thick, smooth, flavorful piece of "regular" cheesecake you have every had.
You can't tell it is vegan, and gluten free!!!!!
I served smaller pieces the first time, and then we wanted seconds, but then the richness
of the second piece came out, and we had to save the rest for the next day.
I would definitely purchase this again!
Cheesecake is a difficult cake to make, so why do you have too, just buy this one,
and in 3 hours you could be eating this creamy, rich, smooth delectable cheezecake:)

 You can see when I cut the piece, it was very smooth and creamy!

   Enjoy, remember if your store doesn't sell it, tell them you WANT IT!!!
                                                                           Birch Life

Velvety Avocado Sauce over Noddles!!

I love mac and cheese, but being vegan it can be hard
to find a good vegan mac and cheese. I think I miss the smoothness of cheese on noodles.
It is not really about the cheese, it is about the texture and feel you get in your mouth.
So I came up with this recipe, to have the same smoothness, but I think I like this
better then mac and cheese:)
This recipe is so good, it is so quick to make,
when you have no time.


Avocado Sauce over Noodles
serves 4

250 grams dried pasta (gluten free)
1 avocado
1/4 cup + 2 Tablespoons milk (I used almond milk)
1 Tablespoons vegan butter
squeeze of fresh lemon juice (1 teaspoon)
sea salt

Make noodles as directed by package. When noodles are done, before draining
save 1/2 cup of noodle water.
Add butter to the drained noodles and a good pinch of sea salt, and let cool.
Open avocado and scoop out flesh, mash with milk and a good pinch of sea salt, until smooth.
Add squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
In large bowl put noodles in and add avocado sauce, slowly add
noodle water only until creamy and every noodle is coated.
You may not need all the noodle water, just eyeball.
Taste for salt!
I don't have a picture, but it is very delicious and has a nice presentation.
                                                                        Birch Life    

Honeydew Melon Sweet Smoothie

Smoothie series: Honeydew melon is one of those fruits that I can't wait for to be in season:)
For me the honeydew has a completely different flavor then cantaloupe. The honeydew has a very sweet honey flavor, with a light green flesh and is perfect for a smoothie.
The melon has a large amount of water in it, with no need for a added sweetener.                                         It is very important not to store in the refrigerator.
Leaving it on the counter ensures that it ripens to perfection!
When buying a melon smell it! Check for cracks or bruising.
When the melon looks good and smells good, you found the right one!
If you buy one that does not smell sweet, let it sit on the counter for a few days!
Try a honeydew if you have never tried it before.:)



Honeydew Melon Sweet Smoothie
Mine made 2 cups plus depends on the size of melon

1 melon
1 1/4 cups milk ( I used almond milk)
3 Tablespoons yogurt (vegan)
1 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Wash melon well, and cut melon open and scoop out flesh.
Add all the ingredients, and mix in blender or stick blender until
well combined.

                                                               Birch Life

Vegan Strawberry Ice cream in 10 minutes or less

I love ice cream, but becoming vegan, it can be very difficult to make good ice cream.
I happen to be making something else when I came up with this recipe.
It was so delicious:) The ice cream is so simple and it is a big wow from guests.
You will need a blender or a good mixer to make this, because the strawberries
are frozen. You can serve immediately or you can put back in the freezer,
but you will need at least 30 minutes for it to be able to scoop.
Everyone is different, how big the container, how much you made,
so watch it when you take it out of the freezer. Make a large potion
because everyone will want seconds even thirds:)
The ice cream is a very satisfying in texture and taste!
It comes out very thick and creamy!!!


Vegan Strawberry Ice Cream
2 cups plus (depends on the strawberries)

1lb frozen strawberries
1/4 cup plus 2 Tablespoons of milk (I used almond)
1/4 cup plus 1 Tablespoon yogurt (vegan)
2 Tablespoons of fresh squeezed lemon juice


Take out frozen berries, and rinse them in warm water,
for one second.
Then place all the ingredients in the mixer and mix until well blended,
you may have to open it to move mixture around.
It will come out smooth and very lovely!   Enjoy.
                                               Birch Life

Naturbageriet Sattva Stockholm Sweden, Vegan Bakery, Raw, Gluten Free, Sugar Free, Best Cinnamon Rolls in Stockholm Sweden

This bakery is the very best. They have gluten free, vegan, raw, sugar free, and organic.
These pictures have a 1000 vegan smiles from me:)
When you step into the bakery it is a tiny, but full of many delicious treats.
It is pretty much all vegan, there are some sandwiches with cheese.
In the window you see kanal bullar (cinnamon rolls), I have had many vegan cinnamon rolls
they were dry and hard, and very little flavor or super tiny and costs a fortune.
Not this one, they where so soft and  full of cinnamon with a not so sweet icing.
They cost 20kr, which is really good, they are giant size. I even bought one and had it
the next day, I heated it up and spread vegan butter on top AMAZING!!!!!

 The poppy seed pastry is filled with vanilla custard. Very delicious it is flaky crust and covered with poppy seeds on top, very large piece:) cost is 20kr. They also make there own bread. The next picture is of the outside, of course these 3 guys had to sit down as I took the picture, so I will tell you what they are eating.

 It is like a calzone, a calzone is pastry that is filled with different ingredients.That day it was olive tofu,
spinach tofu, or curry tofu they cost 25kr. They also make most lushes pie, pear pecan, it is layered with pears and topped with tons of pecans, If you like pecan pie, you will love this one, even good cold the next day:) cost 30kr. The piece was large;) They also make a blomma (flower in Swedish) it is coconut oil, raisin, nuts, dates, they mix it and make it into a solid flower mold, cost 10kr
My favorite thing is the choklad  drom (chocolate dream) which is all of that.
They mix chocolate and dates, raisins, coconut oil, nuts, seeds and make it into a bar. It is very rich and chocolaty, kind of like a chocolate bar filled with a hole lot of yummy! I can eat half of a bar at a time:)
Here is a picture of it, sorry it is so grainy!

I have given you some of my favorites, but they sell many more things as well, you can have coffee, tea, and chai. The cost is between 15-25kr. (soy milk for cappuccinos!)
A bonus is they have a pre-made smoothie in the cooler for 20kr:)
When you are in Stockholm, you must try this Bakery, you surely will not be disappointed.
The location is great, they are on the island of Galma Stan (which is where the old city is)
The address is Stora Nygatan 6, Stockholm, Sweden,
5 minute walk from the metro!!(Galma Stan stop).
The best selection is usually before lunch time!!!!
.                                                                     Birch Life

The best all natural deodorant, with 1 ingredient, that really works, and costs penny's!!

I love this deodorant, it totally works. I have been using it for over a year now.
Works in very hot weather, even when I am sweating. I have had great success
when traveling, on an overseas flight:)  It cost soooo little money!
Scroll down thru my blog to the original article.
You are probably saying what is it?
Lime, yes lime! Simply cut into 4 wedges and apply to a clean underarm where
your hair grows. For me I squeeze a little juice on my finger tips
then spread it under my arm where the hair grows. People just squeeze it to get the juice
going then rub under their arm. Whatever works for you.
I apply only once between showers, because I can get irritation,
if I apply it with out thoroughly cleaning my underarms.
Please give a try!!!!! Tell everyone about this it works and it's natural.
Spread the word and get the whole world to use this deodorant!
It is totally vegan.
                                                 Birch Life

Juicy Sauteed Peach with Cookie Crumble!!! 100% vegan

I love peaches, they very well may be my favorite fruit, I love the juiciness of a ripe peach!
You know when it is ripe and juicy when the juice runs down your arm:)
When buying peaches it can be tricky, do you buy them hard, then wait with
bated breath to see if they ripen? Or do you buy them when they are ripe,
but when you get home they are moldy inside:(
I have discovered over the years, I only buy them when they have a sweet smell
of peach, and are slightly soft to touch. I prefer to pick my own, rather buy in
a package. When I bring them home I put them on a plate in a sunny window,
I check them quite often. If you have peaches that ripen really fast and you don't
need them that second, just put in the refrigerator and it will stop the ripening
process. It will give you only a few days though, so use them quickly!
This recipe is sooooooooooooo delicious, it is simple to make for a large
group, or even a party!
The peach remains juicy, even when sauteed!
I used store bought gluten free cookies, but you can use whatever cookies
you want!!!


Juicy Sauteed Peach with Cookie Crumble
serves 1

1 ripe peach
2 gluten free cookie ( I used a chocolate one)
1 teaspoons butter (vegan)

Wash peach, and cut in half and remove stone from  the middle.
Put the cookies in a plastic bag, and crumble up.
In a small saute pan melt butter, the put peach flesh side down and saute
for 2-3 minutes until light brown, turn over and saute a 2-3 minutes more.
If peach seems to be breaking down to fast remove from heat.
Then add crumbled cookies where the stone used to be.
The cookies will melt into the warm peach sooooooooooooooo good!!!!!!!!!
serve immediately:)
You will so love this recipe, and every one else will as well:)
                                                                               Birch Life

Semper gluten free cookies, vanilla biscuits and chocolate chip cookies, vegan? review

When I found these cookies I was not sure about another gluten free cookie.
I have had so many, they are either crumbly, no taste, or hard!:(
So I bought them reluctantly. My first purchase was the vanilla biscuits!
 

I thought vanilla is safe to try:)
I was very surprised at the smell when I opened them, a wonderful vanilla aroma.
The biscuit was firm, no crumble and had a satisfying vanilla taste.
I am so delighted with these biscuits, because they are not so sweet and they have a great texture.
I could have eaten the whole box!!!!!
I could see using them as a pie crust for a yogurt pie of a fruit and cream filling,
wonderful also as a layer in a trifle:)

You get about 12, so don't eat them all at once;)
Yes, about the vegan part the box states, "May contain traces of milk."
So it all depends how strict you are as a vegan?
The end of the post I will put a link to their website.


The next one I tried was the chocolate chip cookies!

They had the same great texture as a the vanilla biscuit, but these had little chocolate chips in the cookie.
The flavor was light chocolate without the chips inside they would be to light for me.
I like a chocolate cookie that is chocolaty, the chips saved it for me:)
I would definitely recommend them!
They also travel well outside the original packaging, I put a few in plastic wrap in my pocket when I
went on a walk No crumbling :) that can be hard to find in a gluten free cookie!

You also get about 12 cookies!
They state the same thing as the vanilla biscuit for trace amount of milk!
So get your delicious cookies!!!!!!!
semper.com
Please like me on facebook!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:)

                                                   Birch life


  

Chunky creamy asparagus mushroom soup vegan

This soup is one of my favorites:) I have always like cream of mushroom soup, but eating vegan

getting a true creamy flavor is hard,but not now! This soup ticks all the boxes. The soup has texture,

 thick flavor, slight crunch,and is creamy almost velvety. Asparagus gives it that slight crunch, you cook it only

until there is a slight crunch. Enjoy the recipe which is simple put so tasty  :)

Chunky creamy asparagus mushroom soup

serves 2 or 1 hungry person:)

16 stalks asparagus

6 brown button mushrooms

3/4 cup water

3/4 cup milk (I used oatly)

2 Tablespoons potato starch

2 Tablespoons butter + 2 teaspoons butter

1 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

 1/4 teaspoons sea salt

Wash and cut asparagus into 11/2 inch pieces, wash and cut mushrooms length wise into chunky pieces set

mushrooms aside.

 Melt 2 Tablespoons butter in a deep sided skillet

when melted add asparagus, fresh lemon juice and 1/4 teaspoons sea salt saute 5 minutes or until a slight crunch.

When done remove from pan leaving any juices in the pan. 

Then add the mushrooms, 1 teaspoon of butter 

Saute for 2 minutes if it becomes dry add a few drops of water.

Mix water and milk with potato starch until well combined.

Slowly add wet mixture to mushrooms and stir until thickened, then add the 

asparagus back in and stir until well combined.

If soup is to thick slowly add water or milk until desire thickness (I like it thick)

Then add last 1 teaspoon of butter.

Sea salt to taste!

   

                                                             Birch Life

 

Wonderfully delicious Potato Pancakes vegan

This is a great recipe for potato pancakes, simple and very tasty. Sometimes potato pancakes 

can be greasy and heavy feeling, but not these, they have a wonderful texture and slight crunch,

without the greasy feeling in your mouth. I don't like the white starch potatoes, because the starch can take over the dish. I used yellow flesh potatoes, but also good ispurple flesh potatoes. My twist on the recipe is adding an apple along with a leek.This gives a sweet flavor from both the leek and apple, then the potato

balances it and brings it together. I also have given an option of adding an egg, but it's not necessary, you can leave it out whether you eat vegan or not! I want everyone to eat healthy so if you are not vegan you can still make the recipe and savor the delicious flavors:)

You can serve them savory or sweet. 

Topping is up to you!

I like strawberry jam, agave syrup, maple syrup,and even salsa.

Creme fraiche or a yogurt can give a cooling taste!

Wonderfully delicious Potato Pancakes

4 medium potatoes

1 apple

1/4 piece of leek  

8 leaves parsley

1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

3 Tablespoon of butter

1 egg(optional)

sea salt to taste on top

Grate potatoes, apple, leek add sea salt and fresh lemon juice let sit for 5 minutes in a mixing bowl. Then with your hands strain mixture, squeeze out at much liquid out as you can. the mixture will be visibly drier. Then add the parsley roughly chopped . ( if adding a egg whip with fork and add to mixture).

In skillet on medium heat add the butter when melted, make golf size balls and flatten them between hands,  you can make whatever size you want, but make sure they are flat. Cook 3-4 minutes each side until golden brown. Makes 12

I served my with strawberry jam Yummy!!!

                                                           

                                                               Birch Life

  

 

 

Cooling Cucumber and Pear Salad (vegan)

This salad is so so so good, because you have the crunch of cucumber and the sweetness of the pear.
Traditionally it is not a combo, but works so well together.
I add butter for a extra sweetness to the rice.

Just a refreshing salad for hot days.
I like making salads, because you can eat them as a light meal or add them to a main meal!
I have just rediscovered pears in the past months, and WOW what I was missing!
I used to purchase pears to hard and they never ripened :(
So I would end up with a hard tasteless pear, no more!!
When buying pears, pick ones with a slight give, they will finish ripening in a few days:)


Cooling Cucumber and Pear Salad


2 1/2 cups rice (still warm)
1 large pear (diced)
1 medium cucumber(diced, I remove my seeds)
1/2  parsley (chopped)
2 Tablespoons butter (vegan)
1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
sea salt to taste
curls of cheese(vegan)

Mix together cucumber, pear add the parsley, pour in the lemon juice,and a pinch of sea salt. let stand 10 minutes.
When rice is still warm mix in the butter and let cool to room temperature.
Then add the cucumber mixture with more sea salt to taste
Finish with curls of cheese!

                                                                 Birch Life