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

  

 

 

Creamy Ice Cream with a new topping!

Most of us like ice cream, whether your favorite flavor is vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, bubble gum
you know who you are:) I have a great idea!
We all like hot fudge, how it melts the ice cream and makes a chocolate sauce that is warm and creamy on the bottom of the dish.
Oh I do love hot fudge, but the other idea is to scoop your favorite flavor into a dish, then pour a fresh or store bought smoothie over the top!
It is completely different flavor then adding fruit to the top of your Sundae, sometimes it does not mix chewing the cold fruit with creamy texture ice cream:(
 Oh my gosh it is sooooooooooooooo good, you get the same as you would with hot fudge a creamy mixture of both ice cream and smoothie.
I used a store bought smoothie (blackberries, raspberries, strawberries).
You can make a fresh one and do the same.
Super refreshing on a hot day.
Here is a picture of what I am talking about ENJOY!
See my new facebook button please like me on facebook.
             
                                                                            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

Sweet treat day!!!! Licorice

 Today is Wednesday, midweek day so time for a sweet treat post!!!
I think having a treat is fun.
My treat is licorice, I like the strong flavor it gives me on my tongue.
I am talking about the true black licorice :) a plus is you don't need to eat much
to get a fill of a sweet treat. I like to try different kinds, and brands but I still
go back to one of my favorites Panda. Having a treat of something you like
is very special and individual so go have your favorite treat and smile :)
Let me now what your sweet treat is?
Let your mouth water here comes the pictures!
panda.fi
                                                         
                                                        Birch Life
                                                 

                                                         

Delightful Pancake "Kake" or Pannkakor simple and yummy:)

This recipe comes from making pancakes for a very special friend, she loves pancakes,and she could eat them everyday if she could. When I made them for her, I decided why not layer them with filling and stack, this is how the recipe came about. These are gluten free but not vegan, they have eggs in them. I have not been able to make them thin enough without eggs. I will show you how I made it then give you the recipe:)

I used a 23 1/2 cm pan to make them you can make them what ever size you have.

Make 6 pancakes

When done I spread my desired topping for each layer.This time it was strawberry jam and strawberry yogurt(vegan) I like to put a little each layer, and I serve the filling on the side so you can put as much on as you like!

View from the top finished, I added yogurt to the top(my favorite Oatly strawberry)

Here is the way it looks cut

Now you can eat!!!!!! Smelled like strawberry cake:)

 Pancake "cake" Pannkakor

2 cups gluten free flour

2 eggs

1 cup of "milk" ( I used oatly milk)

1 1/2 cup water

few Tablespoon of  butter

desired filling and topping

Mix altogether and let sit for 10 minutes. 

Place pan on stove top on medium heat and add Tablespoon of butter once melted

you can begin making them.

Cook each side 2-3 minutes until light brown.

When they are done you can add the filling, desired amount

keep layering and filling.

You can dress the top or leave plain

 

                                                    Birch Life

New find from Sweden, Astrid och Aporna cheese:) vegan!!!

Astrid och Aporna is a company in Malmo Sweden. They make cheese and meat alternative.
I discovered them online, then to my surprise my local store just started carrying it.
The only place you can get it now is in Sweden or some places in Denmark.
The store was Willy's, but ICA, COOP, also sell them. Check your natural food store as well.
I purchased the Jeezly original it is a white cheese, smooth soft cheese with creamy texture.
Mild cheese flavor, so you can use it with everything.
I think it has a sweet flavor, reminds me of a good farmer cheese.
I have melted it also and it is sooooooooo good!#
Cuts like a dream with a cheese slicers.
Here is some pictures of it and a link to other things they sell!
If you are vegan or cannot have milk you should be jumping for joy. Enjoy

astridochaporna.se

                                                           Birch Life

My Incredible Leftover Green Salad

This is a fun salad, basically it is whatever you have leftover. You just need to start with the base,

I like to use a head of lettuce, my favorite is a butter lettuce. I tend to not use the micro greens,

I like the lettuce flavor and the crispness you get. Then a simple dressing that is tasty with all vegetables.  

I will give you the recipe then I will give you suggestions at the end :) 

Incredible leftover green salad

This is what I had leftover.

1 head of lettuce

1 carrot 

1 cup broccoli (chopped in big pieces)

1/2 cup peas

1/4 cup vegan mayonnaise

1/4 cup "milk" ( I used Oatly milk)

1 Tablespoon "butter" ( vegan) 

4  rice cakes ( crumbled)

sea salt

In a large bowl add the washed lettuce, tear it into large pieces.

Grate the carrot into bowl. Add a pinch of sea salt.

I sauteed the broccoli and peas with butter  for 5 minutes, then let them cool for another 5 minutes.

Mix the mayonnaise, milk and pinch of sea salt until combined.

Now mix altogether and coat everything with dressing.

Top with crumbled rice cakes, add more sea salt if desired.

You can add whatever you have in leftover vegetables.

Baked potatoes ( diced and sauteed)

small pieces of onion or leeks

peas

small carrot 

few stalks of celery

corn 

half cucumber

beans 

even if they have been cooked.

You get the idea!

Sometimes if I have a piece of  bread or 2, I butter each side and saute until 

crisp on each side. Instant croutons.

Happy salad making.

                                           Birch Life

  

4 Favorite Products From Oatly, Wonderful product from Sweden

Like all vegans we have many "milk" choices. But I have found a new product for me,and now it is my Favorite!
Oatly is the brand, it is made with oats. Yes oats it has a creamy and thick body. Very delicious, and really
satisfying. I think it is important as vegans that we eat all different kinds of food.
Oats if you think of it when you make them they can get very creamy, and they have a satisfying taste. They make other products as well ice cream, yogurt, creme fraiche, etc.
I have had the "milk" in my coffee and it gave the same body as whole milk.
The chocolate "milk" is so yummy, again it has a thick creamy texture!
I have had the strawberry ice cream several times, it is like ice cream but whipped. I don't know how they make it but you would never think it was not "real" ice cream.This is incredible.
The yogurt is also wonderful as well, it is a little thinner then "regular" yogurt, but full of flavor.
I love them all but I have a special place for the creme fraiche, whoever made it is genius,
the taste is similar to "real" creme fraiche, it has a slight sour flavor, very rich taste.
You only need to use a little to achieve the desired taste you are going for. I mean a little!
I have used the creme fraiche on lentils, beans with chips, in soup and it has always added a great depth
to the dish.
I hope you try these products for yourself and let me know how you like them.
Leave a comment or suggestion.
If your natural grocery or grocery store does not carry Oatly, simply ask them to get it!
Here is the link to there website, check it out for yourself.
This product is made in Sweden!!!!!!
oatly.com

                                                Birch Life
  

Creamy rice textured salad with a hint of fennel flavor (vegan)

I like making this dish because it is soooooooo yummy and creamy. It can be very difficult to find vegan recipes true creamy texture. The recipe has fennel in it when you saute it has a soft and creamy texture.  If you have never tried fennel flavor it tastes of anise, when you cook it becomes milder.

Creamy rice fennel salad

4 cups of pre-made rice
1 bulb of fennel ( chopped to desire size)
1/2 of stack of leek ( chopped fine)
3 generous Tablespoons of  mayonnaise (vegan)
1/4 cup of milk ( I used oat milk)
1/2 cup of chopped or torn parsley
2 Tablespoons of butter (vegan)
sea salt to taste

In a saute pan add the butter melt then add the leeks, cook 1 minute, add the fennel saute until
light brown( put a cover on the pan). If  it becomes dry in the pan add water just to cover the bottom, but not to much.
Cook 5- 7 minutes.
In large bowl add the mayonnaise and milk and pinch of  sea salt, mix until combined.
Then add rice and fennel mixture mix until creamy, add more sea salt to taste.( if you want more flavor you can make the rice with a bouillon cube).
Add parsley
Of course you can make it vegan or not whatever you eat!

Side note you can omit the mayonnaise, and replace it with plain yogurt.
Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                   Birch Life

Satisfying tasty versatile 4 ingredients vegan lentil dish :)

I like lentils because they are super easy to make. They take about 30 minutes to cook.
There are a variety of different lentils. My favorite are the small french lentils.
You can use any kind you like for this recipe. I am using green lentils, because they are easy to find.
This is a simple dish so you can add different ingredients if you like, or condiments.

Simple lentil dish

2 cups of  lentils (any variety)
2 carrots chopped ( chop to desired size)
1 bouillon cube
water

Rinse lentils, add to pot on medium heat, add carrots
fill with water 2 inches above lentils ( what I learned from Jamie Oliver, boil water int he kettle, it cooks faster)
cook 30 minutes slightly covered
check in 15 minutes if more water is needed
when finished add bouillon if no bouillon add sea salt to taste.


Now you have a wonderfully simple lentil dish
you can embellish or not, either way it is a satisfying dish.
Sometimes I will eat it with vegan sour cream on top and tortilla chips;)
Other ways is on a baked potato, with toast as a soup, cold on a lettuce salad, and hot as a side dish the
list is endless!
If you can find vegan creme fraiche  yummy!!!!
It keeps for 2 days in refrigerator.

                                                  Birch Life

My comments are now working!!!!!!!!

My comments are back up, so you can leave a comment or question love to her from you!


                                                          Birch Life

Sorry my comments are not working:(

Please go on my facebook page to comment! I am working on getting my comments fixed.

                                                     Birch Life

My new facebook page

Please check out my new facebook page Birchlife!!!

1 Ingredient Homemade Vegan Deodorant that works!!!!!!!!!!

I have tried so many natural deodorants in the past, and they always stop working. I also had to use different kinds for different seasons, annoying. Sometimes I can get 2 weeks or even 3 months before they stop working, it can become very costly. So I thought maybe I will try making my own, searched around online for ideas, but the combinations where baking soda to rubbing alcohol. No way I was going to use those ingredients, some seemed very harsh. I finally found something, a Irish Herbalist said all you need is a lime. What a LIME? It has to do with the PH of our body and the acidic nature of the lime. I mite as well give it a try. When I tried it it was the middle of a hot summer, was not sure it would work. I bought a lime and cut it in half, then took half the lime cut it again so you get a quarter wedge. To use, your underarm should be freshly washed. I squeezed it slightly for the juice to come out, applied it to my underarms but only where the hair grows. It worked the first time but will it last? I used it over several weeks it keep going and still working, was not sure? But I can tell you it has been over a year now and still lasting. I have found that a quarter wedge lasts 1 week only, refrigerated. For me it lasted until I shower it off, I can't add any more after I have put it on the first time, like if I wanted to put some on that evening or something it will burn slightly and get red. So I apply it after my shower or bath soon after when my pores are open. The whole lime keeps for about 3 weeks covered tightly in the refrigerator. The unused  part of the lime you can use in cooking or baking as well.
Has been the best deodorant I have ever used it works in all weather and it does not stain any of my clothes.Best of all it is really cheap!
I hope you give it a try and enjoy it as much as I have!

                                                                 
                                                                      Birch Life

Vegan breakfast Parfait Simple

This one of my favorite breakfasts or desserts, super simple to make. You will need rice puffs, they are not rice crispy. Rice puffs are soft in texture, and absorb quicker then the rice crisps. You can also find millet and quinoa puffs they work well.You can find them at the health store or even the grocery store. Some are dipped in honey, they are on the crunchy side, you can use either one. I make it for breakfast and when it is setting I finish my morning routine. Enjoy!


VEGAN BREAKFAST PARFAIT

serving one
one mug or taller glass

Just start to layer
1 Tablespoon soy yogurt or rice yogurt
then 2 Tablespoon rice puff then keep layering until
desired height. You can also add fruit (fresh or frozen ) to each layer.
Jams or jellies work well too.
Leave to set for 15 to 20 minutes.
If you leave to long the texture can get quit soft,
you can eat it like that but I like a little texture.


                                                                  Birch Life

My favorite gluten free flour blend I believe is the number 1 and it is from the UK

Doves Farm most of you may have never heard of it before. I discovered it when I was in the UK.

They are a family company that does fresh milling of grains to make flour and gluten free flour,they get some

of there raw materials from the Wessex area.

The bonus is that they do self rising flour,which means there is baking soda and baking powder already add.

If you have never used gluten free self rising flour it is amazing,everything comes out so perfectly done.

When I make cakes or pancakes very thing is so light and soft. The gluten free flour is a mix of different grains,the most important thing it is all ORGANIC!!!!!

They also make other things like pasta,cookies,and many more so check out there website here is the link dovesfarm.co.uk. In the UK you can buy it at most super markets or natural store. 

Please give them a try and you will not be sorry.

Doves farm ships in the EU and other places so check out the stockist on there website.

P.S. They make many things vegan!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                           Birch Life

The most comforting 5 ingredient faux chicken soup made with product called Quorn

The ingredient that some of you may not know is called Quorn. In this recipe I used the diced faux chicken pieces,they have the texture of chicken,I think it tastes better then chicken. I have tried the sausages they are brilliant the seasoning was perfect and they are very moist. They have a very nice texture and they cook in no time. They make other meat free products,here is the link so you can check out all there different products quorn.com. Quorn makes vegan products but only in the USA as for now. The thing that makes them not vegan is they add egg whites. This soup is so comforting and super easy to make,it warms you to the core when you are super cold. I like to make it when I had a long day!

FAUX CHICKEN SOUP

2-3 small to medium size carrots chopped to 1/2 inch to 1 inch( if your carrots are large 1-2)

3 stalks of celery chopped 1/2 inch to 1 inch

bouillon cubes or power

half bag of Quorn faux chicken pieces

fresh water

In a small cooking pot add the carrots and celery,add fresh water 2 inches to cover vegetables

On medium heat cook 15 minutes cover slightly

Then add faux chicken pieces they will be frozen that is ok and then add bouillon to taste

I use. 1 to 2 cubes or 1-3 teaspoons to taste,bouillon is all about the taste and flavor 

you are trying to achieve 

Cook additional 10 minutes so all the favors can combine 

You can make a larger amount by chopping the vegetables smaller and adding more water,more bouillon and all the bag of Quorn pieces.

Enjoy

 

 Additional note I like to drink the bouillon broth alone I add a half of cube or half of teaspoon to boiling water or to taste,it is also very comforting. 

I like to use boullion cube or powder,I don't know why people buy broth in a carton WHY WHY it is a waste of money. Cubes or powder are so much more economical and the flavor is so much better.

People say there is so much sodium in cubes or powder,not true because the ones I use add only sea salt.

You can control the amount you put in.The flavors are so much more fresh.

My favorite brands are Herbamare Bouillon by avogel.com

Organic gourmet bouillon by organic-gourmet.com

  I have been able to purchase them in the USA,Germany. Austria,and Switzerland with no problem.

Avogel is around the world so I have a link and then just pick your country.

                                                         Birch Life