Random Thoughts

Here are a couple things which have been going through my head as of late:

- Last Saturday's Raw Dessert event in the Resource Centre was great. Lisa mad these awesome cinnamon rolls, and I made a carob cake and coconut-cashew pudding. Everyone who came in was more than satisfied. We will continue to do these kinds of "free sampling" events in the future, but there is so much coming up that we've got to focus on that. What's coming up, you ask? The Vegetarian Food Fair is taking place on September 11-13 and there's also the Totally Fabulous Vegan Bake Off (more news on that soon) on October the 3rd. It's keeping us plenty-a-busy.

- Although I've been training for it for months now, I officially entered this week for the marathon in four weeks. My training has been going about as well as I could hope and I'm looking forward to being a part of the Toronto Vegetarian Team. If you're interested in joining the team or sponsoring you can do so here.

Veg out!

Dreena's amazing recipes and a cookbook giveaway!

Do you wish you owned this book?

How about this one?

Or may be this one?

If you're interested...keep reading to find out how to get a FREE copy of one of Dreena's books.

I hope that you have all had the chance to listen to my chat with Dreena on the TVP.

Since John, Colleen and I are all official members of the Dreena fan club (we haven't printed the business cards yet), I was pretty excited to exchange thoughts with her on recipes, nutrition and living compassionately. She has been a fantastic source of inspiration in my life and I will continue to turn to her whenever I need a trustworthy recipe that is sure to impress.

Following the interview, Dreena was kind enough to suggest that we post one of the recipes that we discussed on the podcast and offer a free copy of one of her cookbooks (Everday Vegan, Vive le Vegan or Eat, Drink and Be Vegan) to a lucky listener.

For all of you who listened to the interview and thought "a recipe that makes adults lick their bowls in public places is just what I need", here is the infamous dish.

Rawesome Nut Dip (from Eat, Drink and Be Vegan)
Makes 1 3/4 cups

1/2 cup raw almonds
1/2 cup raw pistachios
1/4 cup raw walnuts
1/4 cup raw pine nuts
1/2 cup red or orange bell pepper, chopped
3- 3 1/2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 very small clove garlic, sliced
1/2 tsp sea salt
freshly ground black pepper to taste
4 1/2 - 6 tbsp water (or more to thin as desired)
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
1- 1 1/2 tsp fresh thyme leaves

In a food processor, combine nuts, bell pepper, lemon juice (starting with 3 tbsp), garlic, salt, and pepper, and water (starting with 4 1/2 tbsp), and puree until fairly smooth, scraping down sides of bowl several times. Add basil and thyme, and puree again until well combined and to desired smoothness. Add more lemon juice to taste and/or water to thin dip if desired.

This dip is incredible!

I would also suggest that you check out the video of Dreena whipping up a batch of her Homestyle Chocolate Chip Cookies on the Everyday dish.

For more recipes visit Dreena's blog or win your own copy of one of her cookbooks (your choice) by adding a comment with your favourite vegan or vegetarian dish to share with children. We will randomly select a number and email the winner. This contest will close just before the Food Fair on September 10th!

This contest is open to residents of Canada and the continental United States!