Twilight Inspired Bloody Dessert Topping

Berry Buttery Bloody Dessert Topping (say that 3 times fast!)

I used this topping to drizzle over my red velvet cupcakes!

"But I’ll never see anyone else, Bella. I only see you. Even when I close my eyes and try to see something else. Ask Quil or Embry. It drives them all crazy". -Jacob Black

"Most people fall in and out of love many times in their lives. It was just that I’d seen Sam with Emily, and I couldn't imagine him with someone else. The way he looked at her. Well, it reminded me of a look I’d seen sometimes in Edward’s eyes, when he was looking at me". -Bella Swan

"And the sound of your heart. It’s the most significant sound in my world". -Edward Cullen

Swoon!!! Who doesn't love the Twilight books and films? Love, teen-angst, vampires, action...and blood!
All this action inspired me to come up with a dessert topping that you can bite into. However, it won't bite you back! 


To make this 'Berry Buttery Bloody Dessert Topping', you will need:


1 cup frozen mixed berries, thawed some
1/2 cup of vegan buttery spread (I used Earth Balance)
1 cup powdered sugar


Cream the buttery spread. Puree the thawed berries and add to buttery spread. Mix together then mix in the powdered sugar. Use this to drizzle on top of vegan cakes, vegan cupcakes, vegan ice cream, vegan yogurt, vegan cheesecake, or you can also use as a filling. Enjoy! Stay Dirty! And consensual biting only! ;)

Artistic expression! Bite Me!

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Did I Make Vegan "Crab" Rangoons? Sure did!

"If a little is great, and a lot is better, then way too much is just about right!" -Mae West

You remember these right? You might have seen them at Chinese food restaraunts, on take-out menus, or as fast food appetizers. Well I have done my best to mimic these in a vegan version of "crab" rangoons. The nori adds a sea flavor and if you want them really sea tasting, you can add some optional dulse granules. I hope you have fun with this Dirty recipe! 

Eat Way Too Much of These 'Crab-None Rangoons'

What you will need:


1 can of Pillsbury Crescent rolls (original and reduced-fat are vegan, other flavors aren't, so check labels)


Filling:
1/2 cup Tofutti Cream Cheese
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 sheet dried nori, crumbled up
1 tbsp sweet miso paste
sea salt and pepper to taste
pinch of dulse granules, optional


What you will need to do: 


Preheat oven or toaster oven to 375 degrees. Mix all filling ingredients in large bowl. Once completely combined, divide mixture into eight scoops. Unroll crescent dough, and take each triangle and push one corner in, place a scoop of the filling micture in the middle, then fold sides of dough up and pinch together (don't worry, there is no right or wrong way to do this, so have fun with it and do whatever shape you like or can do). Bake for about 10 minutes, or until dough is lightly browned and cooked. You will see filling bubble out a little bit when it is nice and hot. Alternatively, you can pan fry these if you like, I prefered mine baked, but have fun with it and do what you like! This recipe makes 8 rangoons. Enjoy!

 Yummmm!

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Dirty Cocktails

"Be careful to trust a person who does not like wine." -Karl Marx

What's not to love about a cocktail party...or any occasion where you can enjoy a nice alcoholic beverage? Mixed drinks can be fun, elegant, classy, naughty, or even a form of artistic expression. The following cocktails that I have created are a little bit of everything, so hopefully one will be perfect for you!

As always...


NEVER drink and drive. 


Please, always drink responsibly. 


It's 5 o'clock somewhere! Anytime is appropriate to drink, unless its on the job (please don't drink on the job and tell them that the Dirty Vegan told you to do it. That will not get you out of trouble, not yet anyways). 


Finally, for my underage readers, please enjoy these drinks as non-alcoholic and virgin style (believe me, you've got plenty of time in your future to be enjoying cocktails, spare your liver and save the drinks for the more difficult times ahead when you will need them - with age comes great responsibilities...arrrgggh).

To get the scoop on what liquor and beer is vegan friendly or not, I visit the Barnivore website and I also follow them on Twitter!

BreakfasTini


1 shot vanilla vodka 
1 shot coffee liquor
1 ounce strong coffee or espresso
splash of vegan coffee creamer (I like SoDelicious or Silk in their Vanilla and Hazelnut flavors)


Shake in ice filled shaker and poor into martini glass. Doing a little dancing while you shake is optional...that's just what I do. Garnish with a cocktail pick that has cereal puffs on it.

the Dirty Vegan Martini


2 ounces vodka
1 ounce fruity flavored liquor
splash of pineapple juice


Shake in ice filled shaker and poor into martini glass. Doing a little dancing while you shake is optional...that's just what I do. Garnish with fruit on a cocktail pick and drop a cherry in the glass!

The Purple Vegan


2 ounces grape flavored vodka
1.5 ounces fruit juice
splash of fresh lemon juice
big splash of fresh orange juice


Shake in ice filled shaker and poor into martini glass. Doing a little dancing while you shake is optional...that's just what I do. Garnish with citrus slices!

I hope you enjoy these fun and Naughty drinks! Have a Dirty day! Cheers!



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Stuffed Crust Pizza...Yes, You Heard Right!

The Dough:


1 1/4 cups warm water
2 packets dry active yeast
2 cups brown rice flour
2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
(alternatively you can use whichever flour you have on hand, however the above combination makes a nice light and flaky crust)
1 tbsp olive oil


Dissolve yeast into the water in a large bowl. If you are using your stand mixer and dough hook, you can use your mixing bowl now to combine. When yeast and water are combined, add in the brown rice flour. If you are using the mixer, this will be at the lowest setting. After a few moments, add in the last of the flour. Now you can knead for 10- 15 minutes, or use your mixer and dough hook on the #2 speed setting and let that knead for about 10- 15 minutes. Then mold into a ball and place in another bowl that has been greased with the olive oil. Turn around in the bowl a few times so that the entire ball is lightly coated with olive oil. Cover the top of the bowl and set dough in a warm dry place. Let sit for 45 minutes. Dough should have just about doubled in size after 45 minutes. 

The Stuffed Crust Pizza:


Regardless of which dough you use, store bought or your own that you made, take the dough and knead it a couple of times on a floured surface before rolling it out. Use a rolling pin (or your hands) to roll out and flatten. The above recipe will make enough dough for two 12 inch pizzas, or a large rectangular shape, it is really your preference. What you see in my photos is my "deep dish" style with the stuffed crust, so I did use the entire amount and made about a 15 inch oval pizza.


You will need some:


olive oil
pizza sauce
vegan mozzarella cheese (I used Daiya)
toppings (I used Tofurky sausage sliced up and dollops of my Seasoned Tofu Ricotta (recipe below).


Instructions:


Preheat oven 450 degrees. Lightly flour your pizza pan or baking pan. Roll out the dough into your chosen shape and size. About 1 inch inward from the outer crust perimeter, take your rolling pin and press down, indenting a well all the way around (again start the "welling" about 1 inch in from the outside). Then sprinkle/ press the Daiya cheese shreds into the well. Use the amount that you prefer (for this pizza I used 1/2 bag of Daiya cheese. Half that amount for the crust stuffing and half the amount to sprinkle on top of the pie). Once your cheese is around the inner perimeter, take the 1 inch excess dough around the entire pie - pull up and fold over cheese well and press inward - sealing the stuffed crust in. Do that around the entire pizza. Then spread sauce, add topping and cheese to the middle. Bake in oven for 15- 20 minutes or until crust is golden brown (or however you like it). You will notice the cheese melty and the stuffed crust might be oozing out in some cracks, also indicating that the pie is ready! Let set and cool a little, then slice and enjoy!

Seasoned Tofu Ricotta


1/3 block of firm tofu
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
salt and pepper to taste


Blend all ingredients together in a blender or food processor. Taste and add more or less seasoning to your preference. This is the perfect amount to dollop on top of the pizza. It adds a little extra something special to this meal! Enjoy!

Look at that stuffed crust! Wooooweeee!

Easy 3 Course Meal

This is an easy 3 course meal that can be made in advance or any way that works best for you. I marinated the tofu "scallops" first, then made the salad dressing and put it in a container, made the truffles and refrigerated them, then prepared the tofu and Brussels sprouts when it was time to prepare and eat the meal. Read on to see the complete meal, recipes, and how you too can make a hearty, delicious, gourmet-style, easy 3 course meal!

Tofu "Scallops" and Roasted Garlic Brussels Sprouts over a bed of brown rice

Coconut Coffee House Truffles

1st Course - Salad:

Prepare salad greens in bowls. Slice tomato and/ or other vegetables that you would like on your salad. If you have a favorite salad dressing, you can skip this step. If you would like to try mine, use this recipe:

Sweet Peanut Onion Dressing

-1/2 cup canola or olive oil

-1/4 cup peanut butter

-2 tbsp Braggs liquid aminos or soy sauce

-1.5 tbsp onion powder

-1 tsp garlic powder

-3 tbsp maple syrup

-sea salt and pepper to taste 

Blend all ingredients in food processor until smooth. Store in refrigerator in an airtight container until use.

2nd Course - Tofu "Scallops", Roasted Garlic Brussels Sprouts, and Brown Rice:

Prepare brown rice according to  package instructions. Minute kind works best for this meal plan. You can serve the "scallops" with their sauce, and Brussels Sprouts over the brown rice, if you wish.

Tofu "Scallops"

-1 container of tofu

-2 tbsp oil

Marinade

-1 sheet of nori, crumbled up

-1 veggie bouillon cube (I used Edward & Sons brand)

-1 cup warm water

-1 tbsp powdered dulse

-2 tbsp sweet miso paste

-1 tbsp Dijon mustard 

-sea salt and pepper to taste

Sauce (what will be added to marinade later to make a sauce)

-3 tbsp vegan buttery spread (I used Earth Balance brand)

-3 tbsp wheat flour

-3 tbsp white wine

Cut block of tofu in half vertically. Then cut out tiny circles with these two thinner "sheets" of tofu to make "scallops" (you can use a small round cookie cutter, a tea ball, or carefully create circles with a butter knife). Place tofu circles in a container. Combine marinade ingredients together and then pour into the container of tofu circles. Let marinade in refrigerator for at least 1 hour (the more time, the better to flavor the tofu).

When you are ready to prepare the "scallops", heat oil over medium heat in skillet. Remove just tofu from marinade and cook in skillet until brown on each side (about 5 minutes or more on each side). While those are browning, heat the buttery spread, flour and wine in a saucepan to make a rue. Then add marinade and simmer on low heat, stirring frequently, until its a thickened sauce. 

Pour sauce over tofu "scallops" to serve.

*Note: The nori and dulse add a great "sea flavor" to the tofu "scallops". Dulse is also a great source of iodine. You can find nori, dulse, and miso paste in Whole Foods.*

Roasted Garlic Brussels Sprouts

-1 lb fresh Brussels sprouts

-2 tbsp garlic, minced

-3 tbsp olive oil

-sea salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut off stems of Brussels sprouts then half them. Place in casserole dish. Toss with olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper. Roast in oven for 30 minutes or until browned, tender, and crisp, to your liking. Stir once halfway thru.

3rd Course - Coconut Coffee House Truffles:

These can be made in advance of the meal and refrigerated until serving.

Coconut Coffee House Truffles

-1/3 cup SoDelicious Coconut Hazelnut Coffee Creamer

-2.5 tbsp vegan coffee liquor

-12 oz vegan semisweet chocolate chips

To roll truffles in

-coconut shavings, chopped or grated (I used Edward & Sons brand)

-cocoa powder

-mix a little of each for another flavor option (like you see in my picture)

In a saucepan on low heat, bring creamer and liquor to a simmer. Then remove from heat and melt in the chocolate chips. Transfer to a shallow bowl and let the truffle mixture set (I had to pop it in the refrigerator for a while to get the consistency I wanted). 

Once cool, set, and at a workable consistency, form into truffle balls, and place on wax paper. Let refrigerate in the ball form for a few minutes before finishing. Then shape and smooth out lines. Roll each truffle into either cocoa, coconut, or a mixture of the two. Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy making and eating these recipes! This is an easy way to enjoy a very gourmet 3 course meal!

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I'm Not a Salad-Ordering Kinda' Gal

"Growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional." - Chili Davis

The yummy picture you see above, is the Johnny Rockets Streamliner burger with American Fries! This is nothing short of heavenly and delicious! Please read on to find out nutrition info about this meal at JR's, because it is indeed very vegan and very dirty! I mean that in the yummiest way possible...

From the Johnny Rockets website:

"A Note for our Vegetarian Guests
At Johnny Rockets we strive to meet the needs of all of our guests. The Boca Burger patty that we use in our Streamliner is their Original V35 and is manufactured as a vegan product. Our spec hamburger buns should not contain any dairy nor other animal-derived ingredients. Our American fries also should not contain ingredients which are of animal origin and are always cooked in 100% vegetable oil. Beef tallow, or flavorings derived from animal sources, are never intentionally added during the manufacturing or cooking process. However you should be aware that, due to the proximity of the manufacturing equipment to sources of animal protein or oil from animal sources there is the slight, though extremely unlikely, possibility that traces of these unwanted products may be accidentally transferred to our American fries during their production. For this reason, and this reason only, we feel compelled to list beef tallow as a possible (however extremely unlikely) ingredient.

Please be aware that we designate a special area of the grill on which to cook only the Boca Burger, and we do everything in our power to keep the area free from other materials. We also have special color-coded turners and tongs which help to keep cross-contamination to a minimum. However, due to the limited space and tight kitchen layout at Johnny Rockets, we cannot guarantee that there will not be unintentional contact with some small amount of material from an item which is animal in nature.

Almonds
Almonds, roasted in safflower oil.
Allergens: Tree Nuts

American Fries
Potatoes, vegetable oil (contains one or more of the following: canola oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil, palm oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil). Disodium dihydrogen pyrophosphate (to promote color retention), dextrose. Product contains 0 trans fat. 
Allergens: Soy"


So, you obviously can tell Johnny Rockets put some thought and effort into researching and accommodating their vegan customers. They use the vegan Boca patties, they use a bun that does not contain dairy or animal derivatives, their oil is 100% vegetable, and these items are grilled and cooked separately from the non-vegan items.


Whether you are in the mall or anywhere that a JR's is located, you don't have to order the salad...unless of coarse you want to. And for now, the Dirty Vegan is signing off. Happy compassionate and Dirty eating!





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Believe: The Sour Just Makes the Sweet that Much Sweeter

"Don't stop believing,

Hold on to that feeling."

-Journey

Doing this thing all these years, I've had my share of heartache, my share of tears. I have been made sick to my stomach by abuses that are unthinkable and I have been moved to tears by happy endings to the lucky ones who received it.

Animal Rights is an important social movement. Women, African Americans, Gays & Lesbians, just to name a few, have been treated horribly, unfairly, like they were not worth it, like second class citizens. And although these movements are still working towards change, towards equality, we have seen huge progress. I am positive and optimistic that things will move forward and we will win equality for all. Because everyone is worth it and everyone is so much more than they are being portrayed by the ones who don't understand them.

Just like others, animals have been thought of as nothings. "They are just food", "it is part of the circle of life", "God put them here for people to eat", they say. Well, I SAY that is absurd!

They are not food, they are interesting, they make friends and have families, they communicate, they survive, they have feelings and things that make them happy, they are brilliant. Just because they don't speak our language, just because they are different, we are entitled to persecute, abuse, and exploit them? No way.

It is not the circle of life because in this day and age we have other means. We have the best, we have better, means to protein and food. We have quinoa, which is complete protein. We have soy, we have lentils, we have beans. We have flax and vegetable oils to get our perfect ratio of omegas. We have enriched non-dairy milks, and so many other foods with loads of B vitamins (but we also have Deva Nutrition - where you can get pretty much any vegan supplement known to man), therefor we have a vegetarian community that studies show live longer and healthier lives. We have a vegan substitute for ANYTHING.

Whichever God you believe in, is there really any proof that He or She would want us to treat other beings this way? No matter your religious belief, you see what I see, animals crying out in pain wondering why the pain is happening to them. If you don't believe in God or religion, you can still see pain. You can still relate. The problem is that no one sees pain in their fast-food hamburger wrapped in paper. The abuse and torture has been well hidden, enough to where animals are still being abused for food, apparel, animal testing, entertainment, and much more. It is happening behind the scenes and the Dirty Vegan is here to show you why being cruelty-free is fabulous, fun, but mainly, it is a beautiful thing because you don't have to live your life knowing in the back of your mind someone had to suffer for what you have. You can also take comfort in knowing that what you are doing supports change, and things are turning around for animals; knowing that you were a part of these victories. I believe one day everyone will be equal. I believe animals will roam free, I believe women will make the same wages as men, I believe all races will be treated equally (because quite frankly, who gives a crap about skin color, there is so much more that defines a person - no more judging people! - and heritage is a beautiful thing, lets celebrate all cultures!), I believe that one day people will butt-out of thinking they have a right to tell people who they can marry or love (how is that even anyone else's business?), and I believe one day all beings will be equal.

Here are some examples of the Sweet and Sour. The Sour angers us, it drives us to change things, it hurts us, and we feel for their pain. The Sweet makes it all worth it; the rainbow after a storm. The Sweet is confirmation that we are winning.

The Victories...the Sweet:

"Not one of the experiments that the company conducted was legally required for beverage makers, and regulators have stated that animal tests are not required to prove a health claim about a product.

With this victory, the suffering of animals for Lipton and PG tips teas ends. Lipton joins many other tea and beverage companies—including Stash Tea, Luzianne Tea, Twinings, Honest Tea, Ocean Spray, Welch's, POM Wonderful, and Japan-based tea giant ITO EN—in being cruelty-free.

Written by Michelle Sherrow

Posted by PETA"

The Tragedies...the Sour:

Life is not a circus for these poor animals. Life is horrible for them.

Don't stop believing, stop supporting industries that conduct animal abuse. You will be saving lives and think of all the GOOD Karma that will be coming your way! There is nothing more glamorous than a kind and compassionate person. To me, that is super sexy! For now, the Dirty Vegan is signing off.

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Key-Lime-Vegan-Yogurt-Off

The contenders:

WholeSoy Key Lime Flavored Soy Yogurt
Weighing in at: 6oz
Non-GMO

Silk Live Key Lime Flavored Soy Yogurt
Weighing in at: 6 oz 
Non-GMO

Round 1: WholeSoy's pureed Key Lime packs a powerful flavor punch! Silk Live tastes like a slice of Key Lime  pie in a cup!


Round 2: WholeSoy tastes refreshing and tropical, almost like you are on an island (cue the ukulele)! Silk Live has just the right amount of Key Lime flavor, so that its not too tangy and is very enjoyable!


Round 3: WholeSoy keeps you interested with the right amount of Key Lime zip! Silk Live lives up to it's smooth reputation! 

KNOCKOUT!

The results are in! Who will be today's winner of the Key-Lime-Vegan-Yogurt-Off?

VICTORY!

They are both winners in my book! I usually like to make a decision on which is more pleasing, but in this match, they are both TIED! 


WholeSoy has an amazing fresh and tropical flavor! I love it and it reminds me of a Caribbean island!


Silk Live tastes just like Key Lime pie in a cup! It satisfies every dessert craving, in a healthy way.


I love both brands and for Key Lime flavor, I choose both. So when I am in Whole Foods, I will purchase one of each.




What are your favorite vegan yogurt flavors?

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I'm No Prude!

Since TV is too prude to air this Superbowl Ad, I will. And who better to do it than the Dirty Vegan?

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Votes In and Chili Wins!

Score a Touchdown with My 'Game Day Veggie Chili' Recipe!

What you will need:


1 tbsp Earth Balance or vegan buttery spread
14oz veggie "meat" grounds (I used Lightlife Gimme Lean, Ground "Beef" Style)
1 onion, chopped
1 tbsp garlic, minced
2 small green bell peppers, chopped
15oz canned kidney beans, rinsed and drained
2.5 cups tomatoes, crushed
4 cups veggie broth or 4 cups water with 2 bouillon cubes (I used Edward & Sons brand cubes)
2 tbsp wheat flour
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp ground cumin
salt and black pepper to taste
Daiya cheddar cheese to sprinkle on top before serving, optional


What to do:


Heat buttery spread in saucepan on medium heat. Brown veggie meat (if using Lightlife Gimme Lean, crumble up in pan using a spatula until all is broken up how you would like it) on medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and bell peppers to pan and cook until they are soft, stirring frequently. Then add kidney beans and crushed tomatoes, mix thoroughly. Then mix in broth. Sprinkle and stir in wheat flour. Then add in the spices, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil and then simmer on low for 1 hour. 

Serving Suggestion: Before serving, sprinkle Daiya vegan cheese on top, if you choose. You may also like to dollop some Tofutti sour cream on top, or use whatever other vegan chili toppings you like in your bowl. You might like to sprinkle crackers or pita chips into it also. 


Enjoy! Have fun on Game Day!

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Sexiest Cafe in New England...

"Good girls go to heaven, bad girls go everywhere." -Mae West

The 'Veggie' wrap at Mirasol's Cafe in Dartmouth, MA - their special hummus with veggies. It's so good!

Where do I even begin? Mirasol's Cafe is one of the hippest cafes that I have been to. If you check out their website, you will find the word sexy being thrown around, but not without just cause. From Mirasol's vegetarian friendly food options, their organic coffee, their vegan milk and vegan friendly beverages, to the cool vibes and music (check out their website - link above - for sample music), I can't say enough positive things about this Latin American influenced cafe. So, of course I had to sneak in and do a review! Dirty Vegan phantom-style!

What I love most about Mirasol's is that I was able to get vegan beverages someplace other than Starbucks! The prices here are great and they are very conscious of vegetarians, organic, and natural options. They are not a full vegetarian restaurant, but offer many options for us veggie folk. Some of the things they offer are the Veggie (pictured above), Sexy Asparagus (ask them to hold the cheese to make it vegan), bagels with your vegan choice of black bean hummus or peanut butter (their website says regular or veggie cream cheese - maybe Tofutti is the veggie one? Will have to ask them next time I go), salads, some soups are vegetarian but the soup varies daily, and lots of yummy beverages that can be made with soy-milk! They feature Jim's Organic Coffees, a variety of teas, smoothies, specialty drinks, and lattes. I love that I can get a vegan latte and a Veggie wrap, and just chill in a relaxing, casual environment. The beverage pictured above with my Veggie, is their Acai Iced Tea; very refreshing and deeeelish! 

I really love that Mirasol's Cafe pays attention to their veggie and natural-foods-seeking customers; it means a lot to us. And I really just love the fact that they say things like " super sexy" and "stud-liest" to describe their offerings. Me likey, likey. And for now, the Dirty Vegan is signing off.

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Eat Dirty, Have More Fun!

"It's hard to be funny when you have to be clean." -Mae West

Have Fun Enjoying My 'Savory Dirty Rice and Beans' Recipe

What you will need:

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp minced garlic

1/2 cup frozen peppers & onions (like Trader Joe's Roasted Bell Peppers & Onions)

2 cups cooked rice (any kind you like, I used brown)

1 can black beans (about 15oz), drained & rinsed

1/2 cup crushed tomatoes

1 tbsp Braggs Liquid Aminos (you can also use soy sauce, tamari, or shoyu)

cayenne, salt, & pepper to taste

What to do:

Heat olive oil in a skillet pan on medium heat. Sweat garlic until aromas are released. Add peppers and onions, cook for about 3 minutes, until almost thawed. Add in rice and beans, cook for about 5 minutes. Add tomatoes, cook until heated thoroughly, then reduce to a simmer. Add aminos/soy sauce, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 2 more minutes to warm and combine flavors. Serve as a side dish or as a main lunch or light dinner option. Enjoy!

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Vegan Alfredo? You betcha!!!

Be Saucy With My 'Vegan Herbed Tofu Alfredo Sauce' Recipe

What you will need:


1 14oz container of firm tofu
4 tbsp Earth Balance (or any vegan buttery spread)
2 tsp dried Italian Seasoning
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 Edward & Sons Low Sodium Veggie Bouillon cube       dissolved in
1/2 cup hot water
1/2 cup nutritional yeast flakes
salt and pepper to taste (optional)


What to do:


Blend all ingredients thoroughly in your blender. Pour into a medium sized saucepan. Heat on low-medium heat until thoroughly warmed, stirring frequently. Season with sea salt and pepper to taste, if you wish to.


Serving Suggestions:


-Serve over pasta like fettuccine or any of your favorite pastas


-Serve over baked potatoes or over any vegetables just like you would with cheese sauce


-Use as a white sauce on pizza or with red sauce as "cheese dollops" on veggie pizza!


Recipe Tips: 


-Cube up tofu prior to placing in blender, that will make it easier to blend. 


-Using firm tofu keeps this sauce nice and thick avoiding having to add any thickening agents, such as corn starch or flour.


-You can make this recipe in advance and store in the fridge in an airtight container after blending. Just heat over the stove in a saucepan when you are ready to use it.

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Haute Couture Makeup Being Haute Compassionate: Be Kind & Look Good Doing It!

"The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole, but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she knows." -Audrey Hepburn

Hair done with vegan brand, Pureology. Makeup mostly Too Faced Cosmetics applied with their cruelty-free Teddy Bear Hair brushes. Adorable Willi Smith jacket made from polyester and viscose; all man-made synthetic fibers.

I would like to share this website link from PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). This is an awesome search tool for companies that do not test on animals. You will also find a list of animal ingredients, coupons, and more on their page. I will talk about some products in this blog, but please do use this search tool to inform before purchases. There is also a printer-friendly list available on the site, so you can bring it to the store with you, if you wish so. There is a special feeling in being your best possible self and not harming anyone else in the process, not to mention it is also GOOD karma! The horrors involved in animal testing are unthinkable, so please do not support companies who test. When you are kind, you can be more beautiful than you ever dreamed that you can be!

PETA's Search Tool for Cruelty-Free Companies & Products

Hair Products: 


Like I was mentioning earlier, Pureology is a 100% vegan product that make hair products. Their shampoo and conditioner is simply the best! Their product smells so amazing and like all their ingredients, they are completely cruelty-free, so no animal testing. That's what I love to hair hear! Pureology made my hair super soft, shiny, and great smelling...but of coarse if you are vegan, those things come naturally to you, right?


I also adore Paul Mitchell products. I received a beautiful telephone message years ago from John Paul DeJoria in reply to an e-mail I sent to him about his people and dog products. In the message he shared some history about his company. John shared that his company was one of the first companies in the early 1980s to protest and be against animal testing. He shared, that at the time, his competitors were all conducting animal testing, however John's company stood their ground and refused to test. A bold move back in the 80s when cookie cutter companies were most successful. I love that the Paul Mitchell brand was thinking outside of the box and being compassionate, bravo! 


*Dirty Vegan Blurb! Now just because a company does not test, does not mean they are completely vegan either. Be sure to always read your ingredients list. If ingredients are unfamiliar to you and internet research proves unsuccessful, call or write the company! Use the PETA search tool and take a peek at their Animal Ingredients List. Its a simple task and if we all did it, the demand would decrease for products tested on animals and for animal ingredients, thus decreasing needless animal suffering.*


Skincare:


I used to use Clinique and Clarins since their products do not test on animals, however I switch up my products a lot and like to try different things. I still use Clinique and Clarins cosmetics stuff sometimes, but right now I'm hooked on Lush for skincare. I use their Coal Face cleanser, which has lasted me so long, probably close to 6 months, great bargain right there! I also like their fresh face mask called Cupcake, that one is vegan. A few of their others are and one of the masks that is not fresh, but still so awesome, called Mask of Magnaminty. This mask is minty and cool and lightly exfoliating and just plain awesome! I use their Tea Tree Water toner. I switch between their moisturizers, sometimes depending on the season or the need. During the winter, I use Skin Drink. Personally, my face just soaks it up nicely and it is especially nice for me in the winter when skin tends to be its driest. All Lush stuff that is vegan has a nice green "V" on it, so they've made it easy.


Makeup:


I am in love with Too Faced Cosmetics! I love the fact that they make professional quality make-up brushes and promote them as cruelty-free! Bravo, Too Faced! Their Teddy Bear Hair brushes are made with fine quality synthetic materials and were purposely made that way to spare animals from the cruelty involved in obtaining their hair for makeup brushes. Word on the street is that their founder, Jerrod Blandino (sounds Italian, just like me!), helped develop these fabulous brushes. Thank you Jerrod and Too Faced for being conscious and kind about animals. Too Faced also makes lots of vegan friendly make-up products, which I love to use (always read those labels for ingredients list). To achieve my look above I used a combination of Too Faced products and since the quality is very good and professional, it came out really nice. I enjoy using this brand.


Other makeup brands I like to use are Stila, Clarins (they are big on vegan products and are against animal cruelty), Tarte, Bare Escentuals, and other products that when I see them I ask if they test or about the ingredients. Always check labels, even if you use the same product, because ingredients can change, or their animal testing policy may change. Always try to be aware and have the most up-to-date information.


I would like to say that being beautiful comes from within. Makeup is definitely fun and helps you achieve the high fashion look that is so popular in our society, however being the best possible you, being compassionate and kind to all walks of life, being happy, being positive, and being good natured is always in style, is always sexy, and is always glamorous! And for now, the Dirty Vegan is signing off.

PS - how fun would it be if the Dirty Vegan was ever in the running for PETA's Sexiest Vegetarian contest? Just sayin'....





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