Category: Condiments

On the Grill, Nopales Salsa

You may be surprised to learn that cactus is a staple food in certain parts of the world. One variety, Nopales (also know as Prickly Pear or Paddle Cactus) originated in Mexico and is almost synonymous with the Sonoran Desert but has adapted to locales as far reaching as Australia, Tunisia, and the Galapagos Islands.

Check out the video below to see just how easy it is to scale and grill nopales.

Read More

Time to Make the Guacamole

One of the staple condiments around this house is guacamole. Our close proximity to California and Mexico, where the largest crops of avocado trees are grown make having this sauce handy convenient.

There is much talk in the healthy eating circles on whether avocados are good for you or not. The argument is the good vs. the bad fat. Personally, I don't care. I love avocados. If you are like me, and absolutely love avocados, then you'll truly enjoy this short video that shows you how easy it is to make.

Read More

Pickling Jalapenos

There is some mystique around pickling. It’s what your grandmother or great grandmother did. Walking into the kitchen and smelling the vinegar, sugar, and spices, watching in wonder a few weeks later when the pickled vegetables were pulled out of the jar; it was a process that seemed both magical and delightful. I always loved tasting the spring flavors in winter, looking at the perfectly preserved colors. My child brain really didn’t understand the chemical transformation that was taking place but it didn’t need to. Grandma made good food.

Alas, I did not retain the information that she was passing on to me. I’ve had to recreate that child-like wonder through working in professional kitchens and practicing the techniques that I re-learned. There really is nothing mystical about pickling. It just requires time and patience.

Read More

Make Your Own Vegan Mayo

Mayonnaise is a well-loved spread for sandwiches and a base for many salads and salad dressings. It is made through an emulsification process that involves animal product. As a vegan, I was unwilling to give up this thick and creamy spread for sandwiches and as a dip. So I went looking for a way to make this dressing without the eggs.

Read More

The Month of Salsa: Salsas Frescas

May is the month of salsas, and Cinco de Mayo. In order to celebrate, I’ve put together several recipes that you can serve at various fiestas, parties, or soirees. With summer fast approaching, several of these will work pool-side, especially the watermelon salsa fresca.

What is the difference between salsa and salsa fresca? Salsa means “spicy tomato sauce.” It involves tomatoes and chilies that have been cooked and then blended together. Salsa frescas are more of a fruit salad combination.

Read More

Say Yes to Spicy Strawberries: Strawberry Salsa Fresca

As we continue to celebrate the National Strawberry Month – and since it’s also National Salsa Month! – below is my latest creation: a recipe for Strawberry Salsa Fresca.

Serve this refreshing salsa with cinnamon-dusted sopapillas or eat it on a salad instead of dressing. It adds that bite of tart with a bit of sweet, and with the heat of the jalapeno can really wake your salad up.

Read More

Grilling 4th of July, Vegan-Style

This week hails America’s Birthday. The Fourth of July is just around the corner and with it comes barbeques, lemonade, potato salad, coleslaw, and pounds of marinated proteins on the grill.

What if you are vegan? What if you don’t participate in the yearly ritual of slapping a slab of meat on the grill and charring it til it’s done? I’ve got some answers for you. I’ve done this for years and have found that folks are really receptive to the dairy-free salads and tofu hot dogs that I bring to grill. I’ve also hosted cookouts where it’s veggie burgers, tofu hot dogs, and loads of sides that are made with unconventional ingredients.

Read More

Sometimes, All You Need is Comfort Food

I spied big, fat, scrumptious looking portabella mushrooms. Then, the mini sweet peppers leaped out at me. After consulting the partner, we decided on a dinner with roasted portabella mushrooms and asparagus, mashed potatoes, and caramelized sweet peppers and onions. A meal that contains comfort food at it's finest.

Read More
Loading

Books by Chef Johnna

  • Delectable Vegan Soups -------------------------------------------------------
  • Things Vegans Fry: Crunchy Comfort Food for Vegans

Support this website by donating the cost of a magazine or a cup of coffeee.

Archives