3 Postum Party Cocktails (Even a Virgin One)!

Today's post is going to be some cocktail ideas for any upcoming cookouts or parties you plan on hosting. Two of the three recipes are alcoholic, however one is non-alcoholic, so I think you'll have something for everyone serving these drinks the next time you entertain guests.

In these recipes I use all three Postum flavors: Natural Coffee Flavor, Postum Cocoa Blend, and the original Postum flavor. Feel free to substitute one for the other to suit your preference. Postum is the perfect product to swap around flavors in recipes because doing so won't ruin the recipe whatsoever. The flavors will change slightly but in such an enjoyable way, that is really what I love about using this products in my recipes: the versatility of the product as well as how tasty it is in everything that I have made so far!

Let's get to these boozy recipe! The next cookout holiday that we have here in America, will be Independence Day next month, so if you are having a party and want to serve something different and fun, you should give these cocktail recipes a try!

Postum Martinis for a Crowd (makes 4 martinis)

2 teaspoons Postum (in original flavor)
6 ounces boiling water
6 ounces vodka
Simple syrup to taste (optional)
ice

Prepare Postum by mixing it with boiling water and set aside for a few moments to cool. In a cocktail shaker, place ice, prepared Postum and give it a shake. Serve by pouring into martini glasses (without ice using the strainer lid), and enjoy!

There is this drink called a Tootsie Roll, that is made with coffee flavored liqueur and orange juice. It is a really tasty drink and almost does taste like a candy lolly pop. I thought that this would be the absolute best drink to make non-alcoholic, and I was right! So tasty and fun. You wouldn't have thought to mix Postum with orange juice, now would you?

Virgin Tootsie Roll (makes 2 drinks)

2 teaspoons Postum (in Natural Coffee flavor)
6 ounces boiling water
8 ounces orange juice
ice

Prepare Postum by mixing it with boiling water and set aside for a few moments to cool. In a cocktail shaker, place ice, prepared Postum, orange juice and give it a shake. Serve in glass of choice (fun with a paper umbrella for garnish) and enjoy!

Out of this World - Banana Split Cocktail (makes 1 drink)

1 teaspoon Postum (in Cocoa Blend flavor)
4 ounces boiling water
ice
1 ounce banana liqueur
2 tablespoon vanilla soy coffee creamer
splash of pineapple juice
maraschino cherries to garnish on top (optional)

Prepare Postum by mixing it with boiling water and set aside for a few moments to cool. Fill a tall glass with ice. In a cocktail shaker, place more ice, prepared Postum, banana liqueur and give it a shake. Pour contents of shaker strained into glass, then add coffee creamer and top with pineapple juice. You can garnish with cherries or whipped topping or just enjoy it the way it is!

I hope you get a chance to try these recipes. They came out awesome! And big thanks to the folks at Postum for sponsoring this recipe post and for generously supplying the product. Stay tuned for a Postum giveaway coming soon where I'll be giving away a jar of each fabulous flavor!

*As always, drink responsibly and the recipes that have alcohol in them are intended to be prepared and enjoyed by people who are 21+ and older*

This blog post was sponsored by Postum

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.

Neopolitan Fountain Float & Almond Joyful Postum Cocktail Recipes!

This is the second part of yesterday's post where I introduced Postum Cocoa Blend. Today, we are going to look at two super fun recipes using this awesome new cocoa stuff, one being a cool summer cocktail.

I was initially planning on posting two alcoholic drink recipes, but since not everyone drinks alcohol and a portion of my readers are under the age of 21, I wanted the post to be fair and have one boozy drink and one non-alcoholic kind. Of course the cocktail can be made non-alcoholic by using another type of liquid, like coconut milk or maybe even coconut water instead. These are both really fun drinks and seriously so yummy! Get creative and don't forget to keep sharing pictures of your Postum creations with us on social media!

Neopolitan Fountain Float
makes 1 drink

What you'll need:

-2 teaspoons Postum Cocoa Blend
-6 ounces boiling water
-3 scoops vanilla ice cream
-3 ripe strawberries, sliced

What you'll need to do:

Prepare Postum by mixing it with boiling water and set aside to cool. Once cooled, fill a tall glass with ice cream scoops, strawberries, then fill with prepared Postum. Top with whipped cream and an additional strawberry for garnish, if desired. Enjoy!

Every Postum recipe I make I really do say that it is my favorite one, but this has got to be my favorite one! HA HA! They are all so good, but I drank this down the fastest of them all! Just so absolutely tasty! The flavors melded so well together and it really does taste like neopolitan ice cream!

Almond Joyful Postum Cocktail
makes 1 drink
(*21+ to make and enjoy this one!*)

What you'll need:

-1 teaspoon Postum Cocoa Blend
-4 ounces boiling water
-1 ounce coconut flavored rum
-.5 ounce almond flavored liquer
-splash of vanilla coffee creamer
-ice

What you'll need to do:

Prepare Postum by mixing it with boiling water and set aside to cool. Fill a cocktail shaker about 2/3 up with ice and add rum and liquer to the shaker. Then add cooled prepared Postum and coffee creamer (a splash or to taste) to the shaker (you can even add the creamer in afterwards and just float it in the glass, like I did in the photo - which I think looks more beautiful!); shake it up! Then fill a tall glass with ice and pour shaker contents into it. This drink can be topped with whipped cream, if desired.

Please, as always, drink responsibly! This one was really interesting to make and I loved the way it turned out! It tastes just like drinking one of those classic candies that has coconut, almond, and coated in chocolate - and the drink is just as decadent as I remember the confection being!

I hope you enjoyed this one! I always have a good time creating and I truly love what I do, but this one was big fun for sure! Please stay tuned for more recipes using Postum; the next one is totally unexpected and will be awesome, so get excited for it!

And for now, the Dirty Vegan is signing off - hope your day is soda fountain and candy shop sweet!

This blog post was sponsored by Postum.

Introducing Postum Cocoa & Recipe!

When I found out about Postum's new addition to their product line, Cocoa Blend, I could hardly contain my excitement on wanting to review it! And then my mind started racing with recipe ideas. My mind is already filled with so many Postum recipe ideas that I have yet to create and share, but now with adding Cocoa to the mix, I never want to leave my kitchen. This post is a review of the new product and a very exciting recipe at the end!

If you aren't familiar with the Postum brand, please check out my other Postum posts - they are an all-natural, vegan, kosher, non-GMO brand that specializes in an instant warm beverage in original, coffee and now cocoa flavor; a caffeine-free alternative to drinking coffee or tea, or a wonderful beverage to add to your life in addition to the other drinks.

I felt like a kid on Christmas getting this package! I couldn't wait to open the jar and smell it! Yummm...smells just like hot cocoa mixed in with that familiar and comforting aroma of Postum. I noticed that it is still only 10 calories, no sugar and same carbs, just 2. 

I prepared a cup as usual. I usually take my cup of warm Postum by mixing 2 teaspoons of the product with 6 ounces of boiling water, Sometimes I add soy creamer or vegan milk, sometimes I drink it black. My initial reaction upon tasting it, was that it wasn't sweet like hot cocoa, but has that nice and subtle chocolate flavor intertwined with the flavor of Postum; it is simply delightful. It is also so very accommodating to customization since you can add sweetener or creamer/ milk of choice, that really brings out the cocoa flavor. I personally liked enjoying it both ways - plain and sweetened with creamer. Just like the other Postum products, very versatile in terms of beverage as well as recipes you can do with it.

I can also see this flavor being amazing made with steamed milk, or prepared then cooled to enjoy cold, and of course in so many fun drink recipes. Let's take a look at the recipe I created - like a frozen s'more in a cup!

Campside Frozen S'mores Hot Cocoa

makes 1 large beverage

What you'll need:

-2 teaspoons Postum Cocoa Blend

-6 oz. boiling water

-sweetener (optional)

-vanilla creamer, to taste and for marshmallow sauce

-ice

-1 graham cracker

-3 large vegan marshmallows

Optional toppings: vegan whipped cream, chocolate syrup for drizzling or for rim, crushed graham crackers to garnish or for rim, marshmallows for garnish.

What you'll need to do:

In a mug designed for hot beverages, mix Postum with boiling water until well combined. Sweeten to taste if using sweetener and add creamer to taste. Let the beverage cool. In a blender, blend prepared Postum drink, ice and graham cracker; set aside. In a microwave safe dish or cup, place marshmallow and creamer then microwave in 15 second increments, stirring when needed, until marshmallow is a liquid sauce. Drizzle marshmallow sauce in the inside of a glass or tumbler cup designed for cold beverages, then pour in your icy Postum from the blender. Top with toppings, if desired.

ENJOY!

Vegan<3

You can find Postum on social: twitter, instagram, facebook!

Tomorrow will be Postum cocktails!!! You won't believe what I came up with either. And for now, the Dirty Vegan is signing off - have a sweet day!

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.

The New Starbucks Vegan Menu Additions: My Thoughts

Perhaps you have heard the news. Vegans have demanded more cruelty-free food products at Starbucks and the coffee shop giant took notice and appropriate action. They have done an excellent job with the vegan milk variety, with most stores offering three types of non-dairy milk options, and now they are expanding their food menu to include more vegan-friendly offerings, with a focus on a new lunch item.

There's going to be a Mediterranean inspired lunch choice that has vegetables and riced cauliflower or something like that. Very fancy schmancy stuff.

You want to know what I think? I think it is great! A swell idea indeed. Want my prediction? It'll fail like the other vegan lunches they offered, on and off, for the past few years. They are too fancy for a coffee shop.

I (as well as many other vegan people that I talk with about topics like this) would be perfectly happy with packets of nut butter to go on bagels (like they used to have), packets of vegan butter to put on bagels or bread (like they should have - they are a coffee shop after all), or a vegan scone or muffin on the menu.

Why get so sophisticated with these jazzed-up menu items when adding some baked goods, sans eggs or dairy, would do just fine? Or how about a tofu and veggie sausage sandwich on an english muffin or bagel that can be enjoyed during breakfast or lunchtime? These heavy-on-the-vinegar vegetable dishes they keep introducing are okay, but they are just, okay. Veganizing one or more of their existing menu items would not only be cost effective to Starbucks, but would also satisfy their vegan customers so much more than their souped up salads.

I appreciate any vegan offerings that any eatery can offer us, but frankly it is long over due and also I think they have the wrong impression of who most vegans are. We aren't all healthy eaters, all the time, because let's face it, if we were we wouldn't even be drinking coffee. You know what I want to see? A vegan cake pop, for crying out loud. It isn't hard, Starbucks. It'll actually be cheaper to make than your existing cake pops and more shelf stable. I can create the recipe and send it to you if you'd like. Or just take something from my vegan cookbook and call it a day, if it will make you stop with these over-the-top veggie dishes that never go past a few months in existence.

I'm just saying, obviously I say this out of love and respect; I'm a Starbucks fan and get all my beverages from there made with soy milk. I am a longtime customer, I just think we can do better here, not just for the consumers but for your business too. I doubt if these new vegan dishes will last more than a year.

Do you want to eat salad and vegetables with your coffee? I don't.

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*

Questions That I Would Ask Famous People

I meet "famous" people. In fact, tons of well-known vegans at benefits, parties, galas, etc. I say famous in quotations, because I believe famous people are just like you and me...except someone decided to make them "famous" for whatever reason. Sometimes fame comes from talent, sometimes from looks, sometimes from being original or being the first person to do something weird and be eaten up by the public (i.e. the Chocolate Rain guy), and many other reasons. Some may even call me a little "famous" - hey I've been addressed as the Dirty Vegan by people while shopping in Whole Foods and Trader Joe's. People tell me all the time that they read my blog or know me from being co-founder of Dirty Vegan Foods, from being in the newspaper, or in an online article, or someone's blog, or just as a local entrepreneur and socialite who likes to spread veganism, meet people, and network. Therefor I now answer to Dirty Vegan and barely anymore to my name that I was born with (Do you have any idea how funny it is when I make a business call and say I'm calling on behalf of Dirty Vegan Foods and I hear, "hey it's the Dirty Vegan on line 1"?). Now I just go with it, what the heck else can I do? I imagine this sort of thing happened to Carrot Top or maybe even Weird Al. So, I don't get all starstruck when I meet a public figure. I consider myself equal to "famous" people, even though I am on the Z-list. You should consider yourself no lower than a "famous" person - because after all, we are all only human.

So as I was thinking about "famous" people, I thought, boy would I love to meet certain "famous" people, to ask them certain questions. You always hear the question asked, "what celebrity would you want to meet?", or hang out with, or spend a day with, etc. So here are some people I would want to meet, and questions I would ask them...

My Questions For "Famous" People

Alica Silverstone - Who, what, why, and how??? Who do you think you are? What makes you vegan? Why do you wear vintage wool and leather, and eat fish and dairy on "occasion"? And how do you profit off being vegan when you are sometimes a vegan and sometimes not? Girl, I just want to call the Vegan Police on you (like in Scott Pilgrim VS. the World)!

BTW...

-Recently someone on Twitter called me an "Elitist Vegan" because I drank a fair-trade iced coffee with soy milk from a chain coffee house. Now, can you think of better people to call elitist?

-I actually did meet Alicia at a book signing and told her all that I do in the vegan community and she wrote something nice in my book. She wrote, "thank God for you". So I don't want to bash her, I just want to ask her these questions and most certainly will if I ever canoodle with her again.

Kathy Freeston - How do you figure honey is vegan-friendly? And, are you crazy?

Rachel Bilson - You have such amazing style. Why can't you be a vegan-friendly fashionista and save a whole lotta animals' lives? If you did become vegan I would propose marriage to you. Sorry hubby, its vegan Rachel Bilson! She is basically my girl crush.

Stella McCartney - How did you become some sort of ambassador for veganism when you recently hosted a party and served duck and dairy and your clothing line is also full of silk?? Yes you have vegan pieces and I commend you for it, but why not go all the way and really make a statement?

Woody Harrelson - You are awesome! Just the fact that you wouldn't even take a bite of a Twinkie in Zombieland and they made you an almost inedible vegan substitute for the filming, is just great and makes you such a cool vegan! My question is, why haven't you tried my Winkie yet?!??

So have you ever met a "famous" person before? Yeah, who? And also, what question(s) are you longing to ask your favorite star?

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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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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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