3 FABULOUS Protein Shake & Smoothie Recipes for Our Fit Fam!

I've done fabulous Postum recipes for cocktails, desserts and dessert-like beverages, even savory recipes too, but it occurred to me that all of those recipes were very rich and some even included ice cream or alcohol - what about recipes using Postum for the health conscious? And let's face it, we are ALL health conscious every now and again, especially when we are trying to cut back a little or get in shape before a big event.

So I wanted to do some smoothies and protein shake type of recipes that would be great to enjoy before or after workouts, as meal replacements, or as healthy snacks for when you are trying to eat a bit more on the clean side - but of course, in true Dirty Vegan style, they are fun and delicious too!

All recipes make 1 large shake or 2 small ones.

Double Chocolate Covered Strawberry Protein Shake

Double Chocolate Covered Strawberry Protein Shake 
(tastes like the decadent dessert!)

What you will need:

-2 teaspoons Postum Cocoa Blend
-6 ounces boiling water
-6 ounces chocolate almond milk
-1/2 cup frozen strawberries
-1 serving/scoop chocolate protein shake powder
-ice (optional)

What you will need to do:

Prepare Postum by mixing it with boiling water; set aside and allow to cool a bit. In a blender add prepared Postum and the remaining ingredients; blend until smooth. Enjoy!

Banana Split Protein Shake
(tastes just like a banana split - maybe even better!)

What you will need:

-2 teaspoons Postum Cocoa
-6 ounces boiling water
-6 ounces vanilla soy milk
-3 ripe strawberries
-1/2 ripe banana
-1/8 cup frozen pineapple
-1 serving/scoop chocolate protein shake powder
-2 tablespoons walnuts (optional)
-ice (optional)

What you will need to do:

Prepare Postum by mixing it with boiling water; set aside and allow to cool a bit. In a blender add prepared Postum and the remaining ingredients; blend until smooth. Enjoy!


Carrot Cake with Coffee Smoothie
(tastes like you are drinking carrot cake with a cup of coffee!)

-2 teaspoons Postum Natural Coffee Flavor
-6 ounces boiling water
-6 ounces vanilla almond milk
-1/2 ripe banana
-1/2- 1 large carrot
-2 tablespoons walnuts or pecans, optional
-ice (optional)

What you will need to do:

Prepare Postum by mixing it with boiling water; set aside and allow to cool a bit. In a blender add prepared Postum and the remaining ingredients; blend until smooth. Enjoy!

These drinks totally taste like desserts in a cup, without adding any additional sugar, other than what is already in the fruit or the vegan milks. If you want to cut down on the sugar even further, you can always opt for protein powders sweetened with stevia or other sugar-free sweeteners instead. These pre- or post workout beverages are so easy to make and customize. Try using different fruits or nuts and even nut butters to create your own! Be sure to share pictures of your creations with us on social media! You can find Me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook AND you can also find Postum on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook as well. And for now, the Dirty Vegan is signing off, smiles from my kitchen to yours!

This blog post was sponsored by Postum.

Summer Prize Pack Flash Instagram Giveaway featuring Postum!

InstaFlash #GIVEAWAY! Winner chosen on Tuesday, just Like this post and follow me @theedirtyvegan and @wholesomepostum to #WIN this awesome #Postum #prizepack filled with both flavors, two awesome cold cup tumblers, an inflatable pool lounger and a 3-pack of inflatable beverage boats! Perfect for making the coffeeccino recipe featured on my blog and to enjoy your #iced Postum all #summer long! #vegan #whatveganseat #natural #poolside #poolparty #win #sponsoredpost

A post shared by The Dirty Vegan (@theedirtyvegan) on May 27, 2017 at 5:57pm PDT

Since my last post Postum post where I shared the most refreshingly delicious frozen iced coffee recipe, I have been getting so much positive feedback about it and so many of you are interested in trying it (here is the store locator to find Postum in your area! Or read on for a chance to win some too)! I have decided to do a flash giveaway on my Instagram. 

All the details are above, but basically just follow me and Postum on the gram and give the above post a Like! That's it! Here is the link to the instagram giveaway post in case for any reason the above image is not loading properly on your device. And since this is a flash giveaway, the winner will be chosen and announced in just a couple of days, on Tuesday!

Click here for this amazing summery recipe! And make sure to enter the giveaway, it is so quick to do, and you can score an awesome Postum prize pack (both flavors plus two sweet cold cup tumblers, an inflatable pool lounger and floating drink holders!) that you can enjoy all summer long!

Good luck!

Caffeine-free Icy Coffeeccino Recipe

Summer is just around the corner! Here in New England, we have already had days this month where it has been 90 degrees or hotter, can you even believe it? I don't know about you, but I love a refreshing and cold summery beverage this time of year. Many coffee or donut shops serve icy coffee drinks that become really popular now through the fall. There's one shop that makes a good one that I remember before going vegan, but it cannot be made dairy-free, plus it is full of way too much sugar. Another option is a popular coffee chain that can offer these chill drinks vegan-friendly, but they are super expensive and also full of a ton of sugar. I wanted to work on a recipe that will save you money and be healthier for you; I also chose to make it caffeine-free so that anyone can enjoy it! It is also such an easy recipe to make right at home that it isn't such a big deal that you aren't getting it from the drive-thru. Plus, no matter the method, who doesn't love a frozen iced coffee drink?

Like I've said before, Postum, the product I'm using in this recipe to give this caffeine-free beverage the coffee flavor, is a generous 75 servings per container! A much better value since you can make MANY chilled out summer "coffee" drinks with what you would pay for just one at a cafe. Plus you can take it along with you in an insulated cup that is designed for iced coffees or other cold beverages - this really is the perfect drink to bring along to the beach, to take to work or anywhere else you are headed to this summer! Let's dive right into this easy breezy recipe!

Caffeine-free Icy Coffeeccino Recipe featuring Postum

• 2 teaspoons Postum in Natural Coffee Flavor
• 6 oz. boiling water
• Coffee creamer, to taste (I like using a vanilla flavored soy creamer)
• Sweetener, to taste and optional (my creamer is plenty sweet but sometimes I'll add some sugar, maple syrup, apple nectar, agave or stevia - those are some ideas)
• 1/8 cup- 1/2 cup ice (this all depends on how icy you want your drink or what your blender can handle)
• Coconut whipped cream, optional (if you want your 'ccino experience to be just like a barista made it for you, give it a generous dollop!)
• Chocolate Syrup, optional for drizzling in cup or on top

In a mug designed for hot a beverage, add Postum, carefully pour boiling water in the mug and stir. Allow to cool (if short on time, allow to cool in freezer). Add creamer to reach the desired lightness that you prefer. Add sweetener, if using. Pour into blender, add ice, then blend to desired thickness. Pour into a glass or a to-go cold cup if you are bringing your 'ccino along with you. Drizzle with chocolate syrup and top with whipped cream, if you are using them, and the lid if you are using a to-go. Now enjoy!

Out of all the delicious Postum recipes that I've created so far, this is definitely my fave for sure! It really reminds me of summer and is so much like the frozen and icy coffee drinks that I remember, but so great that you don't get an overload of sugar and caffeine just to indulge in it!

CLICK HERE to check out my other Postum blog posts. Also, I would like to take requests! What kinds of recipes would you like to see me make using Postum? Challenge me, I can handle any request!

And for now, the Dirty Vegan is signing off - stay cool, my Friends!

This blog post was sponsored by Postum.

DIY 3 Ingredient Beauty Mask

As you probably know if you follow me on social media, I really love beauty and face masks. I always opt for the natural kind and almost always take a selfie to share with you all on twitter!
They are a little pricey. I do realize the benefit is greater than the cost, however wouldn't it be neat to have a DIY way to make them yourself sometimes too?

I really like the coffee flavored beauty masks for the smell and also that light exfoliation, but I don't want to overdo it with the caffeine. I thought, Postum would be the perfect ingredient in this beauty mask and I'm lucky to have it on hand in my pantry! Here's the recipe and my experience with using this DIY mask on my skin.

 What you will need:

• 2 teaspoons Postum (any flavor)
• 1 tablespoon sticky sweetener (I used a nectar made from apples to act as a "honey" type product - it worked perfectly!)
• Sprinkle of sea salt (I used medium-fine, but use whatever you like for your preferred level of exfoliation)

What you will need to do:

Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl. Put mask on hands or face, gently rub to exfoliate a little, then rinse off with warm water and finish by drying your skin and applying your favorite moisturizer. Use immediately and discard any leftovers. This makes one mask, enough for the face or for two hands. 

If you have any allergy or sensitivity to any of the ingredients, obviously do not make or use this mask. Although the ingredients are all edible and smell awesome, do not eat it, just use the mask for beauty treatments. Also, do not put this in your eyes, nose or ears. This is an external mask to be used for the top of the nose, cheeks, hands, arms, stuff like that. If you notice dry legs, try it on your legs. I will certainly be trying that this summer!

I used this mask on my hands this time. In the winter I tend to get dry skin on my hands that evens itself out this time of year. I noticed a little bit of dryness today, so I used this mask and it made a noticeable difference. With the exfoliation of the Postum grinds and sea salt, then a little moisturizer, my skin felt amazing but not irritated in any way. Plus I love the smell.

Literally three simple and all-natural ingredients make this mask and it feels and smells almost identical to one of the coffee beauty masks I use. I was shocked at how spot-on the texture and consistency was.

And for now, the Dirty Vegan is signing off. I hope you get to do some DIY or crafts this weekend - my favorite!!

This blog post was sponsored by Postum.

7 Fun Things To Do With Postum!

As I've mentioned in previous posts, Postum gives you a lot of "bang for your buck" since it yields 75 servings per container! I have been drinking it regularly because it is delicious, but I wanted to find other uses for it too. So here are some recipe, beauty, and other fun ideas. Enjoy!

1. Postum Granola! Make your usual granola recipe but this time, sprinkle some Postum on it to season it! It gives the granola almost a caramelized flavor, which us vegans always appreciate.

2. Postum Beauty Mask! Mix a little Postum with some apple nectar and apply to face. If you don't mix the Postum in as much and leave some granules, you'll even get some light exfoliating action going on when you wash it off your face.

3. Postum Frosting! Add Postum to your frosting, icings and glazes to make your desserts extra special!

4. Postum Art Projects! Instead of using coffee grounds in your arts and crafts, why not use Postum in your DIY projects? Especially important to keep caffeine from coffee grounds away from children and pets, where Postum is safe for most - it is just wheat and molasses.

5. Postumpourri! Add some Postum to your homemade potpourri satchels; the smell of Postum is devine!

6. Postum Topping! Use Postum as a topping for ice cream or granola by taking a very tiny amount and sprinkling it over top. Yum!

7. Postum Baked Goods! By adding Postum to your baked goods, like muffins, pancakes or breads, you get to enjoy such a beautiful flavor. All of your family and friends will be begging you for the secret to your exciting new recipes!

You must really want to try Postum now, huh? You are in luck! I am hosting a Postum giveaway on twitter where you can win a Postum prize pack! There are still a couple more days to enter! Click here to get to the giveaway tweet, then:

• RT the giveaway tweet
• Follow me on twitter 
• Follow Postum on twitter

That is it! Such an easy giveaway to enter, it literally takes only a few clicks that can be done right from the giveaway tweet! Voila!

Good luck!

This blog post was sponsored by Postum.

Recipe: Iced Postum Whiskey & a Giveaway!

It was only a matter of time before I made a naughty Postum recipe. Oh yes, I created a Postum cocktail and it is absolutely scrumptious. In fact, this iced "coffee" inspired drink is so delicious and fun that it'll make you want to day drink. Responsibly of course, obviously.

You see, Postum is a beverage alternative to coffee but as I have demonstrated with my cookie recipe, it can be used in baking and so many other recipe types, now including cocktails. Welcome to Postum happy hour! At the end of this post I'll give you all the juicy giveaway details so you can enter to win a Postum prize pack too!

Iced Postum Whiskey
makes 1 drink

Ice
2 heaping teaspoons Postum (in Natural Coffee Flavor)
6 ounces hot water
1 teaspoon sugar
1 ounce whiskey
Soy creamer (to taste)
Dollop coconut whipped cream (optional)

Fill a glass with ice and set aside. In a separate mug, mix Postum and hot water (carefully), then dissolve sugar in. Allow to cool. Add whiskey. Pour drink into glass with ice and add creamer to taste. If desired, dollop with coconut or other vegan whipped cream of choice. Enjoy!

What I really love about this coffee-flavored whiskey drink is that you don't get the caffeine side effects that you would if you used coffee. Postum is perfect in coffee-flavored cocktails!

If you'd like to try Postum for yourself, be sure to enter to win a prize pack that will include both flavors and fancy iced cups so you will be prepared to make iced Postum this season! All you have to do to enter to win is RT my giveaway tweet - that's it! To be eligible to win, you must be following both myself and Postum on Twitter. The winner will be randomly chosen on Friday,  April 28th, 2017 and will be announced after that. Good luck!

This blog post was sponsored by Postum.

Postum, the Cure for the Common Beverage

I'm sitting here enjoying my morning Postum. You're probably wondering what that is, aren't you? Postum is a delicious and delightful instant warm beverage made from wheat-bran and molasses that embodies coffee, without the jitters. Think about that. Many of us want to sip coffee or tea, that comforting warm beverage, all day long, but we can't due to the health disturbances we'd feel if we did so; we might get caffeine poison if we did that, who knows! But Postum is naturally caffeine-free!

 Let's talk a little about the Postum brand before we dive into the product. Postum is one of the world's first health foods, before the days of natural food stores and natural grocery. After switching hands from the Post cereal company and other larger companies, like General Foods and Kraft, the Postum product was sadly forgotten about until the fine folks at all-natural food company, Eliza's Quest Foods revived it! Back in 1895 C.W. Post created this "cereal beverage" and who would have known it would turn into a worldwide phenomenon? I think Mr. Post would be happy to know his product is back with a small family business who cares as much about the product and brand as he did. Postum is made in the USA and as it was from the start, focused on maintaining a quality natural foods product that is safe and healthy to enjoy. Let's talk about this product, I know you are all eager to know about it!

Like I said, I'm sitting here enjoying my cup of Postum. Upon my first Postum experience, I opened up the jar, which was filled to the brim, and my first reaction was to smell it. Oh, what an aroma! Sweet smelling and lightly roasted, almost caramel-like. I wanted to eat it - I'm going to be making plenty of recipes with it, so stay tuned for that! I noticed how much product you get in the jar and how you need very little to make a cup of Postum, only about 1- 2 teaspoons necessary per cup of boiling water, depending on how bold the flavor you'd like. There are about 75 servings per container, which is an amazing value. It lasts a long time, the expiration date is 2019, but I doubt anyone would be able to keep a jar in their cupboard that long without either drinking it or using it in recipes like baking or flavoring with it; I could never let this stuff go to waste.

When you add the granules to boiling water, they blend very well and look just like coffee. There is no grit when I make my Postum and it is completely smooth. I find that I can drink it black and it is very pleasant that way, no acidity or anything like that, but when I added my vanilla flavored soy creamer, it really kicked the experience up a notch. I can see myself drinking Postum black if I'm battling a cold because it has that comforting property to it, almost like how a broth or soup would, but when you add creamer it really is like any other warm beverage like coffee, tea or coffee alternatives. I really like the subtle malt taste, but it mainly tastes like coffee, especially the Natural Coffee Flavor offering, but the original is awesome too. Postum is very easy to enjoy. I'm hooked! And it is only 10 calories, 2 carbs and you get 1 gram of dietary fiber per serving. So you get a little energy from the carbs and adding on to your daily fiber intake is always a good thing. I also think it is a really neat thing to be able to sip this Postum and know that this is the same original recipe that C.W. Post created and sipped on himself. It feels very interesting and historic to be able to do something like that; not many companies have kept the same recipes from when the products were first created. This is from the Postum website:

"You’ll also like what’s NOT in Postum. There’s no caffeine to cause potential sleeplessness, high blood pressure or digestive problems. You won’t find any preservatives, sodium or genetically modified foods, either. Postum is proud to have earned the Non-GMO Project Verified seal from the Non-GMO Project.

By keeping to our original 1895 recipe, we’ve maintained a wholesome approach to coffee alternatives from a simpler time."

Also, for all of you history buffs and retro enthusiasts (like me!), check out this section of the wonderful Postum website (scroll to the bottom) that has nostalgic advertisements from the brand over the years. So cool!

Our days of caffeine overload and adrenal fatigue are over folks - we have a safe alternative right in the natural foods world! And it doesn't have to be one or the other. It doesn't have to be coffee vs. Postum. Think of Postum as another beverage to add to the beverages you like to enjoy. Maybe you've had too much coffee and like the coffee taste, but even another cup that's a decaf would overdo it. Enjoy a Postum. Maybe you are tired of the same boring and ordinary beverages and coffee-like products. Postum is the cure for the common beverage.

I'm really excited about this product and I'm so anxious to share recipes, giveaway some Postum prize packs to lucky readers, and dive more into the Postum world. Spoiler alert: I'm currently working on creating recipes (two special ones in particular) with Postum that are game-changers for vegans since they are foods that since turning vegan, are not available without animal products and Postum is the exact product I needed to achieve these dishes! You won't believe these recipes; coming up in one of the next posts, plus I still have so much to say about this amazing product, so stay tuned!

Also, make sure to check out Postum's social media. They share really fun pictures and recipes. You can find them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

And for now, the Dirty Vegan is signing off. I hope your day is warm and cozy like a mug of Postum.

This blog post was sponsored by Postum.

How to Veganize the Starbucks Drink 'Medicine Ball'

Photo: Starbucks 1912 Pike

If you haven't heard the news about the Starbucks secret menu, you may just live under a rock or something. Well, for all of you who do, in fact, live under said rocks, the secret menu is "off menu" stuff you can order and your barista knows what you are talking about 99.9% of the time. Secret menu items are really cool and fun. There's even a Razzle Dazzle frappuccino that you can order!

Practically any of Starbucks drinks can be veganized with only a few that are off limits to vegans. In fact, with the choice of soy milk, coconut milk or almond milk and lots of vegan-friendly syrups, being vegan at Starbucks is a breeze these days.

The latest secret menu item, the Medicine Ball, was so popular at the 'Bucks and is even rumored to cure the common cold, that Starbucks actually added it to their regular menu! One kink for us vegan folk, one of the ingredients isn't vegan. No fear! There's an alternative and I'm here to tell you how to veganize the drink with an easy substitution that Starbucks has right in store.

The Medicine Ball drink consists of:

• half steamed lemonade
• half hot water
• one Teavana Jade Citrus Mint tea bag (ingredients: Chun Mee green tea, spearmint leaves, lemon verbena, lemongrass, natural flavoring)
• one Teavanna Peach Tranquility tea bag (ingredients: apple pieces, candied pineapple pieces (pineapple, sugar, citric acid), rose hip peels, chamomile flowers, natural flavor, peach pieces, citric acid, lemon verbena)
• one packet of honey (<--- there's a substitute that is a million times better than this! Keep reading!)
• one pump of peppermint (optional)

The reason people are saying it cures colds is likely from all the soothing properties like lemon, mint, lots of great natural healing ingredients in both teas and the soothing warm beverage aspect of things. I'm really into natural healing, plus let's face it, when you feel better, you'll get better! Here's how to veganize it:

When you order an oatmeal at Starbucks, the available toppings include packets of agave nectar, so all you have to do to veganize this soothing drink is to ask for the Medicine Ball with agave instead of honey! If you don't want agave, you can just opt of of honey, or you can even add a different sweetener like Stevia or raw sugar.

All Starbucks locations that serve oatmeal with toppings should have agave. This is from their website:

"With a breakfast this good, your day is bound to be amazing. Our reinvented oatmeal features a hearty blend of rolled and whole grain steel-cut oats and a shorter steep time. Enjoy yours with blueberries, a medley of fruit, nuts and seeds, and a sweet touch of agave syrup. Or try our new Classic Whole-Grain Oatmeal."

It might even be comforting to try this with steamed soy milk in place of one or both liquids. I get my teas soy misto and have been for about 12 years now, maybe even longer. So maybe doing a Medicine Ball with half soy misto and half hot water might be something to check out. I always love a soy misto tea when I'm needing a little piece of peace. This new Medicine Ball drink seems like it will be good for that and not just when you are feeling ill. 

I think it'll be a nice beverage to enjoy on a rainy day, reading a book, sitting in a cozy chair by the window while listening to the sounds of the rain. I personally would order a Medicine Ball Venti sized, whether you want that much or not, just so the drink isn't too strong in taste or concentrated. When I try this one, I would want that 10 ounces of hot water to kind of dilute the lemonade and 2 tea bags, which seems like a lot for, say, a Tall sized drink. It sounds like an interesting drink and I'm planning on giving it a try for sure. As soon as I do, I'll tweet about it, okay?

Tell me, will you be ordering a Medicine Ball any time soon?

Dolcedi Me!

Did you ever have a moment when you were like, I need something to sweeten my coffee, tea or whatever else but I'd like something new and interesting and low glycemic...possibly made from apples?

Just go along with it.

So this stuff is like really cool. Seriously, like really really cool. 

What is it like? What does it taste like? HONEY. Legit, it tastes exactly like honey. Vegans rejoice!

The ingredients are just: concentrated apple juice. That is it! And it tastes like honey. How? I don't freaking know - all I know is that it is good and it is vegan.

I'd like to thank the awesome folks at Rigoni di Asiago for sending over this sweet bottle of amazing Dolcedi! I am hooked on this stuff for sure.

*pours dolcedi over entire life*

The New and Improved Zevia!

I didn't think it was possible to get any better than Zevia has always been, but they managed to outdo even themselves, now making them arguably the best soda on the market...period.

No GMO! They are officially Non-GMO Project Verified!

No caramel color! They are clear in fact!

Stevia and monk fruit sweetened, making Zevia a healthy soda that is also waistline-friendly!

Wearing my Zevia tank top! Had it for a while now and it is still my favorite.

I have always adored Zevia, but began to love them even more when I found out that they were also fans of mine! These days, with their new formula and look, I am quite smitten in deed, some would say head over heels even.

Some of my favorite flavors that are pictured at the top of the page, are:

ginger root beer - so good, you'll never want another root beer again unless it is a Zevia!

caffeine-free cola - when you've had WAY too much caffeine for one day, but would really enjoy the taste of a nice cold cola.

ginger ale - my go-to whenever my tummy is not feeling great... and it always does the trick!

cola - you will become addicted to this cola... plus it has just enough caffeine zip to give me a kick in the ass, but without the jitters.

grape - finally a grape soda that I don't have to feel guilty about after drinking it! No harmful dyes and sans a week's worth of sugar. Love it!

cream soda - tastes like it is straight from the 1950's soda pop shop... if I were actually alive in the 50's and had ever been to a pop shop. However, this is what I imagine it tasted like. Perfect for vegan ice cream floats!

dr. zevia - just call the good doctor... he or she will fix ya!

lemon lime twist - love this refreshing flavor.

cherry cola - this flavor makes it possible for vegan and natural foodies to enjoy a cherry cola that is NOT full of crapola!

black cherry - love it. Enough said.

strawberry - thank you Zevia for making it possible to enjoy a delicious a strawberry soda without junky ingredients and red dye!

Zevia...

i heart...

you! <3

Definitely liking all of the changes Zevia has made and just a huge fan of their products in general. Whether you are craving an ice cold fizzy beverage, hankering for an ice cream float, or want a natural and diet-friendly soda to use in recipes, Zevia is my go-to choice for sure! Be sure to follow the fun Zevia folks on Twitter, and also keep an eye out for my Zevia tweets! I love to show off my culinary creations in which I utilize Zevia... especially ginger root beer floats! 

And for now, the Dirty Vegan is signing off. Wishing you a sunshine in your pocket kind of day! 

Oh, Just a Cola Tofu Recipe!

As you may already know, I've declared my love for Zevia soda from the rooftops. With that being said, I am continuing my Zevia recipe series with this soda tofu recipe. This came out amazing on the griddle, however it can be done in a pan or even baked in the oven. The Zevia soda makes a delightful crusted coating on the tofu and adds sweetness to the recipe without adding sugar or extra calories. This is a great recipe for when you are trying to eat lighter or to fuel up on protein before or after the gym. We enjoyed this tofu with brown rice and a side of broccoli, however you can even make this tofu by itself as an appetizer. You may even want to make this tomorrow for game day.

Zevia Cola Blackened Tofu

What you will need:

• 1 block of firm tofu, drained and cut into 8 cubes
• 1 can Zevia cola
• 2 tsp fresh ginger, chopped
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• sea salt and pepper to taste

What you will need to do:

In a bowl or container, combine cola, ginger, ketchup, and soy sauce to make a marinade. Marinade tofu cubes for 1 hour. Reserve 2 tbsp marinade to drizzle on tofu during cooking. Griddle tofu cubes at 375 degrees for 8 minutes per side, flipping frequently until tofu achieves a caramel brown coating. Enjoy tofu alone, as a side, 

 Marinade!

Griddle!

Enjoy!

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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Espresso yourself!

“Once you wake up and smell the coffee, it’s hard to go back to sleep.” -Fran Drescher

Caffè Mocha Ooh La La!

Ingredients:

1 cup strong (caffeinated or decaffeinated) coffee

1 tbsp cocoa powder

1 tbsp turbinado sugar

2 tbsp almond milk

What to do:

Brew coffee. Mix coffee, cocoa powder, sugar, and almond milk. Enjoy!

This definitely tastes like something extremely fancy from a coffee house, but as you can see it is simple and most people have these ingredients on hand in their house. This is also an inexpensive way to get specialty coffee taste and not break the bank. Spero che godiate del vostro caffè!