When It’s Hot, Hot, Hot - It’s Time To Cooooool Down
Who Says You Can’t Have a Fun Summertime Plant-Based Cookbook?
What’s your favorite go-to dessert?
Everyone has something they adore.
One of my friends LOVES cake - the more frosting on top, the better. I’m not a frosting person - too sweet - so it’s the perfect dessert to share. I eat the cake and she takes the frosting!
I have a relative who keeps chocolate in her purse - she loves the stuff, any kind.
Me? It’s gotta be ice cream.
Way back, when my husband and I were dating, he’d show up at my house after work with two pints of ice cream, one for each. We’d watch a movie and dig in. Yes, an entire pint of Ben & Jerry’s all for me, Chunky Monkey, of course. Mmmm …
Yep, don’t do that anymore.
But I still love a frozen treat.
We celebrated our anniversary this past week, and after dinner, we walked to a local hangout, Salt & Straw, grabbed a single scoop of their monthly vegan selection, and walked along the waterfront, enjoying the scene.
The thing about dessert is we enjoy it sparingly. I focus on what’s in the dessert, and I usually make it myself. That way I can control the amount of sugar - I just don’t like extremely sweet things anymore, and most store-bought desserts are simply too sweet.
I also like to experiment, and add things that you never think about putting in desserts.
Like avocados. Or parsnips. Or tahini.
Even strawberries are delish. And strawberry ice cream? One of my favorites.
Kitchen Joy … Get YOUR Right Tools
If you’re going to use something, get the best.
I think so many kitchen gadgets are simply a waste of time, money, and energy. You don’t need to stock your kitchen with every gadget they sell you.
But if you’ll use it, go all in.
Like a KitchenAid Stand Mixer. It’s a workhorse we use all the time in our kitchen. It comes with the standard bowl and accessories, like wire whip and dough hook. Then you can expand - how about a pasta maker, or a spiralizer, or maybe a food processor?
We got the ice cream maker attachment a couple years ago, and LOVE it. Freeze the bowl ahead of time. Then, whenever you want a frozen treat, you can churn one up in 30 minutes or less.
Haven’t made ice cream in a while? Not a problem. Do I have a cookbook for you …
Super Vegan Scoops
By Hannah Kaminsky
Whatever flavor of ice cream you’re dreaming about, you’ll probably find it here … plant-based, of course. If you’ve never thought about turning your favorite frozen treat into a vegan option, it’s worth looking through this cookbook.
We’ve already tried several recipes. And I’ve used several for inspiration, and made my own modifications.
That’s what I love about having cookbooks on my shelf - the more you learn, the more inspiration you can take from them.
Start with your favorite ice cream. She has standards like Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream. She also changes it up with fun scoops like Cucumber Raita Frozen Yogurt and Sugar Snap Pea Ice Cream.
You’ll also find cakes, novelties, and more. Avo-Choco-Tacos anyone? Or how about a Cookie Monster Sundae? Or a Peaches and Cream Icebox Cake? She also has a section to veganize your toppings, like Graham Crackers, Homemade Marshmallows, and Waffle Cones.
In the heat of the summer, why not whip up a treat? Just because you’re attempting to go plant-based and eat healthier doesn’t mean you can’t have a treat from time to time.
Make it at home, and you control what you put into it. You choose the ingredients. You control how much sugar.
Play around with this cookbook long enough, and I guarantee you’ll find some new favorites - and possibly put your own twist on what you serve for dessert.
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