Vegan Kelyache Shikran - 5 Minute Indian Banana Pudding Dessert


Fall is in the air here in Detroit, and that has me thinking about warmer weather. If we can't bring ourselves to the tropics, we can at least bring a taste of the tropics to us.
Banana Vendor in Maharashtra, India
Fruit Vendor in Maharashtra, India
Kelyache Shikran is a very fast, simple dish from the Indian state of Maharashtra, my husband's home state. It can be eaten for breakfast, dessert, or as a accompaniment to a spicy amti or curry.

Ingredients:
1 ripe banana, sliced or diced
1 tsp sugar, optional (if you are using sweetened milk, this may be unnecessary)
1/2 Cup nondairy milk
5 pods cardamom, smashed or a pinch of ground cardamom

Method:
1. Mix all ingredients together, stirring to dissolve the sugar.

2. Serve at room temperature or cool in the fridge before serving.

9 comments:

Breakfast at Cafe Muse Royal Oak, Michigan

Tuesday, September 30, 2014 , , 5 Comments

I was very excited when I found out that Cafe Muse had vegan options since it is supposed to be one of the best places to have breakfast / brunch in Metro Detroit. I went with some non-vegan family since this is a restaurant that caters to herbivores and omnivores alike.

They have a large menu of beverages which pair well with brunch, including a large tea selection to keep the tea drinkers happy. There is always at least one vegan burger, scramble, and several vegan muffins. Any scramble can be made with tofu for a small extra charge.

Blueberry Muffin
All of the muffins at Cafe Muse are vegan. The Blueberry Muffin came out warm and had a fantastic aroma. It was fresh and absolutely delicious. I would go back just for the muffin.

Pepper and Tofu Scramble with Salsa and Mashed Sweet Potato
There is always a vegan scramble option on special and it seems to be creative and seasonal. I got the vegan scramble that was on special at the time. I don't remember the name of it, but it had tri-color bell peppers, jalapenos, and salsa. The tofu did not appear to be marinated and I thought that it was a bit bland by itself. I had to make sure that I had a bite of salsa in every bite I took in order to give it some flavor. This was slightly tricky because they did not give much salsa so I had to ration it out to make it last through every bite. On the plus side, the texture of the tofu was good. I found myself hoping that this wasn't another customer's first introduction to tofu scramble since it was obviously not my favorite. The components were very good and the texture was good. This could have been an excellent scramble if the tofu had had more flavor.

The Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar, Cinnamon & Vanilla were good. I really appreciate the fact that there are vegan options at this restaurant. The muffins alone are worth heading to Cafe Muse to try. Yes, they're that good.

5 comments:

Chewy wants my Amy's Veggie Loaf

Sunday, September 28, 2014 , , , 7 Comments

When I'm staying away from home (as I am now), I like to grab some Amy's frozen meals because they can be eaten anywhere there is a microwave. One of my old favorites when I was a vegetarian was the Amy's Veggie Loaf. Luckily, now it's vegan and just as yummy! The aroma of this veggie loaf drew in several of the nine animals I am pet sitting right now, but none of them were more interested than this beautiful kitty.

Sizing up his prey.

After making his way around the plant, he is trying to hide while stalking the Veggie Loaf.

Peeking around the box.

Moving in a little closer.

Preparing to make his move.

Attempting to grab my Amy's Veggie Loaf Meal.

7 comments:

Vegan Grocery Shopping 101 at Target

Friday, September 26, 2014 , , , , 20 Comments


I'm glad that Target keeps expanding it's food options. With more and more vegan options, Target is making shopping for vegan foods easier and easier. Target (around here) now offers a small selection of fresh items, but really excels in the frozen and prepared food sections making it fantastic for busy people or those who haven't quite mastered the art of cooking yet. I also find it to be a great place to stop for snacks or ready-to-eat food while traveling.

Tofu, Meat Analogs & Veggie Burgers

Vegan Vegetarian Food Protein Groceries Target Nasoya and Azumaya Tofu
Tofu

Vegan Vegetarian Food Protein Groceries Gardein Mock Meats
Gardein Vegan Meat
Target has one of the best selections of Gardein. You can recreate childhood favorites by swapping the meat for these.

Target Simply Balanced Meatless Meat Mushroom Miso Meatless Turkey, Teriyaki Meatless Chicken
Target Simply Balanced Meatless Meat
Target even has their own store brand of meatless meat with seasoning included.

Vegetarian Vegan Food Groceries Options at Target Sweet Earth Natural Foods Veggie Burgers Non GMO project verified
Sweet Earth Veggie Burgers

Vegan Vegetarian Food Protein Groceries MorningStar Farms Roasted Garlic & Quinoa Burgers made with red quinoa, lentils, and veggies Veggieburger
MorningStar Farms Roasted Garlic & Quinoa Burgers
There are so many veggie burgers out now! Admittedly some are much better than others. If you don't like one, keep on trying. You should be able to find several you enjoy to keep it interesting. Really, it's all about how you dress up your veggie burger anyway. Try different toppings to keep it interesting.

Vegan Vegetarian Food Protein Groceries Gardenburger Black Bean Chipotle Burger Veggieburger
Gardenburger Black Bean Chipotle Burger

Frozen Burritos & Frozen Meals
Vegetarian Vegan Frozen Food at Target Sweet Earth The Curry Tiger Vegan Burrito
The Curry Tiger Burrito

Vegetarian Vegan Frozen Food at Target Sweet Earth The Kyoto Vegan Burrito Non-GMO project verified
The Kyoto Burrito
These are just two of the Sweet Earth Burritos available at Target. Check your local store for more options.

Vegan Vegetarian Food Groceries Frozen Dinners at Target Amy's Frozen Burritos
Amy's Vegetarian Frozen Burritos

Vegan Vegetarian Food Groceries Frozen Dinners at Target Amy's Frozen Meals
Amy's Frozen Meals
Let's face it, we can't all be gourmet chefs every day. It's nice to have the option of a microwave dinner when you need it. Amy's frozen meals definitely helped me when I was transitioning to a plant-based diet.

Vegetarian Food Groceries Frozen Dinner Target Kashi Frozen Meal Vegan Mayan Harvest Bake
Kashi Frozen Meal Mayan Harvest Bake

Vegetarian Food Groceries Frozen Dinner Target LYFE Kitchen Frozen Meal Vegan Whole Grain Pilaf with Sweet & Zesty Vegetable Peperonata
LYFE Kitchen Frozen Meal Vegan Whole Grain Pilaf with Sweet & Zesty Vegetable Peperonata

Fresh Fruit & Vegetables (these are nature's perfect snacks. Pack in your lunch or take on the go!)
Vegan Vegetarian Food Snack Target Fresh Fruit Apples Gluten Free
Fresh Apples

Vegan Vegetarian Food Snack Target Fresh Fruit Nectarines Gluten Free
Fresh Seasonal Fruit
Organic Lettuce
Bump up your salads with beans, nuts, shelled hemp seeds, avocado, veggies, etc. These greens are great to use while cooking and in smoothies too.

Fresh Vegetables

Juices & Kombucha
Vegan Vegetarian Food Snacks Drinks Target
Juices and Smoothies
No blender required for these smoothies! They add extra flavor when added into homemade smoothies. Since ready made smoothie drinks like these are easy to find, they make great on-the-go snacks when you forgot to plan ahead.
Vegan Vegetarian Food Snacks Drinks Kombucha at Target
GT's Kombucha & Synergy Drinks
Drink your probiotics with these Kombucha drinks. No yogurt required.

Spreads - Vegan Butter! & Hummus

Vegan Vegetarian Food Target Earth Balance Original Natural Buttery Spread Vegan Butter
Earth Balance Original Natural Buttery Spread

Vegan Vegetarian Food Snacks Lunch Box Target Sabra Hummus Singles Individual Packs
Sabra Hummus Singles Individual Packs
These individual hummus containers are great to take on the go or as a snack at school or work. Just add fresh veggies or pita chips.

Vegan Vegetarian Food Snacks Protein Target Sabra Roasted Garlic Hummus and Roasted Pine Nut Hummus Hommus
More flavors to keep it interesting - Roasted Garlic and Roasted Pine Nut Hummus
Not only great as a snack with veggies or pita chips, but also great on sandwiches with veggies like sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, etc. Don't forget that hummus and vegetables make great sandwiches.

Healthy, Vegan Bread! (That's right, not all bread is vegan - sigh)
Vegan Vegetarian Food Groceries Target Sprouted Bread
Silver Hills Sprouted Vegan Bread

Sprouted Vegan Bread, not even in the freezer aisle! Have for your morning toast with jam, avocado, nut butter. Make into sandwiches with nut butter and fruit or jam, hummus and veggies, veggies with chutney, veggie meat, etc. 

Nut Butter & Jelly
Vegan Vegetarian Food Kids Target Peanut Butter and Almond Butter, Market Pantry, MaraNatha, Simply Balanced, Smuckers Natural,  Peanut Butter & Co White Chocolate Wonderful, Dark Chocolate Dreams
Nut Butters
With so many different nut butters available now, the old PB&J just got a lot more interesting. Don't forget that these make a great snack on fresh fruit (like sliced apples or banana), veggies (like celery sticks) and crackers. They can also be added in chilis, curries, sauces (like for stir-fry), or as a protein boost in smoothies!

 Vegan Vegetarian Food Kids Target Smuckers Simply Fruit Spreadable Fruit Jam Jelly
 Smuckers Simply Fruit Spreadable Fruit Jam Jelly
Jazz up your toast or PB&J with these fruit spreads sweetened with fruit syrup

Non-dairy Milk like you wouldn't believe 
Vegan Vegetarian Food Drinks Non-dairy Milk Plant Milk Target Almond Breeze Silk Almond Milk and Coconut Milk
Blue Diamond Almond Breeze Almond Milk, Silk Coconut and Almond Milk
Use these just like you'd use milk. Add to your coffee or tea, smoothies, shakes, cereal, oatmeal. Also great in baking or cooking.

Vegan Vegetarian Food Drinks Non-dairy Milk Plant Milk Target Silk Soymilk, Silk Fruit & Protein, 8th Continent Soymilk
Silk Soymilk, Silk Fruit & Protein & 8th Continent Soymilk

Vegan Vegetarian Food Drinks Non-dairy Milk Plant Milk Target Rice Dream Rice Drink Rice Milk Non-GMO Project Verified, Kosher
Rice Dream Rice Milk
You'll find this shelf-stable pack outside of the refrigerated section.

Granola, Cereal & Oatmeal (vegan breakfast favorites)
Vegan Vegetarian Food Target Enjoy Life Perky's Crunchy Flax Cereal with Chia
Enjoy Life Perky's Crunchy Flax Cereal with Chia

Vegan Vegetarian Food Kids Target Nature's Path Organic Chia Plus Coconut Chia Granola Cereal
Nature's Path Organic Chia Plus Coconut Chia Granola Cereal

Vegan Vegetarian Food Kids Target Larabar Renola Reinventing Granola Cereal Cinnamon Nut
Larabar Renola Cinnamon Nut Granola

Vegan Vegetarian Food Kids Target Purely Elizabeth Granola Cereal Cranberry Pecan and Pumpkin Fig
Purely Elizabeth Granola Cereal Cranberry Pecan and Pumpkin Fig

Vegan Vegetarian Food Breakfast Target Oatmeal Quaker Oats 100% Natural Quick 1-Minute Oats and Market Pantry All Natural Quick Oats
Quick Oats
Not only for oatmeal, though it is a fast, healthy breakfast. Use these in baking or snacks. One of my favorite snacks is apples with peanut butter, raisins and oats.

 Frozen Waffles 
Vegan Vegetarian Food Groceries Target Van's Gluten Free Blueberry Frozen Waffles
Van's Gluten Free Blueberry Frozen Waffles


Vegan Vegetarian Food Groceries Target Van's Gluten Free Totally Natural Frozen Waffles
Van's Gluten Free Totally Natural Frozen Waffles

So maybe you haven't mastered the art of waffle making yet or you just want the convenience of a grab-and-go breakfast you throw in the toaster. Here is the answer to your prayers. It couldn't get much easier. My husband is the king of peanut butter waffle sandwiches. Take a page out of his book or get even more creative!

Vegan Vegetarian Food Groceries at Target Kids Sesame Street Earth's Best All Natural Organic Blueberry Mini Frozen Waffles
Earth's Best All Natural Organic Blueberry Mini Frozen Waffles
Vegan frozen waffles for the kids (or kids at heart) too!

Frozen Fruit & Veggies
Vegan Vegetarian Food Groceries at Target Market Pantry Frozen Fruit
Frozen Fruit

Great for smoothies, baking, on top of your frozen waffles, etc.

Vegan Vegetarian Food Groceries Target Organic Frozen Mukimame and Edamame Soybeans
Organic Frozen Mukimame and Edamame
These are a great source of protein!

Vegan Vegetarian Food Groceries Target Organic Frozen Vegetables
Organic Frozen Vegetables
Nothing's easier than adding some frozen vegetables into your meal for some added nutrition. Add in pasta, curry, soup, stew, stirfry, a casserole, or eat as is - maybe with some seasoning to jazz them up.

Beans, Grains & Pastas
 Vegan Vegetarian Food Groceries at Target Canned Beans
Canned Beans

Vegan Vegetarian Food Groceries Target Dried Legumes Beans and Lentils
Dried Beans and Lentils
Lentils can be used in many of the same foods as beans. My favorite ways to eat lentils are lentil soup and lentil salad (pair with fresh veggies and vinaigrette) See suggestions above for bean use.
Budget tip: If you soak (beans only - lentils do not require soaking) and cook these when you have some free time, you can freeze them in Ziploc bags or containers to have them on hand and ready to use like you would canned beans.

Vegetarian Vegan Food Groceries at Target Grains White Rice, Couscous, Red Quinoa, and Sprouted Brown Rice
Grains

Vegetarian Vegan Food Groceries at Target Ready to Eat Grains Quinoa, Garlic & Olive Oil Quinoa, Wild Rice, and Farro
Ready-to-Eat Garlic & Olive Oil Quinoa, Whole Grain Quinoa, Cultivated Wild Rice, and Farro
Vegetarian Vegan Food Groceries at Target Near East Rosemary & Olive Oil Quinoa and Roasted Garlic & Olive Oil Couscous
Fast Cooking Rosemary & Olive Oil Quinoa and Roasted Garlic & Olive Oil Couscous

Vegetarian Vegan Food Groceries at Target Ready to Eat Instant Archer Farms Masoor Dal and White Basmati Rice
Ready-to-Eat Archer Farms Masoor Dal and White Basmati Rice
Vegan Vegetarian Food at Target Market Pantry Pasta Shells
Pasta
There are so many ways to use pasta! Play around with different sauces, vegetables, pasta salads, etc.
Vegan Target Ready-to-Eat Tasty Bite Kung Pao and Asian Noodle Dishes
Ready-to-Eat Asian Noodle Dishes


Vegan Soups and Chilies
Vegan Vegetarian Food Groceries Shopping List Target Amy's Organic Vegetarian Soups
Amy's Organic Vegetarian Soups


These are an easy take-along lunch or travel food. I  must admit, I sometimes eat these over a baked potato or rice.

Vegan Vegetarian Food Groceries Shopping List Target Amy's Organic Vegan Chili
Amy's Organic Vegan Chili
These can also be used in recipes like chili mac or to give your own chili a little extra flavor.

Canned Tomatoes and Tomato Sauce
Vegan Vegetarian Food Target Muir Glen Organic Fire Roasted Tomatoes and Diced Tomatoes No Salt
Muir Glen Organic Tomatoes
Use in tomato sauce, chili, soups, stews, curries, etc.

 Vegan Vegetarian Food Target Market Pantry Marinara Pasta Sauce
Market Pantry Marinara Pasta Sauce


 Vegan Vegetarian Food Target Rao's Homemade Marinara Sauce and Tomato Basil Sauce
Rao's Homemade Marinara Sauce and Tomato Basil Sauce

Pasta, pizza, lasagna, etc. Many of the foods you're used to can be made vegan and you don't even have to make your own sauce. These go great with the Gardein Meatless Meatballs or Beefless Ground.

Salad Dressing, Sauces, Condiments
Vegan Vegetarian Food Target Annie's Goddess Dressing and Newman's Own Olive Oil & Vinegar Salad Dressing
Annie's Goddess Dressing and Newman's Own Olive Oil & Vinegar Salad Dressing
Yes, they have vegan salad dressings at Target!

Vegan Vegetarian Food Groceries Options at Target Saffron Road Korean Stir Fry, Thai Red Curry, and Harissa Sauce Non GMO project verified
Saffron Road Korean Stir Fry, Thai Red Curry, and Harissa Sauce (Vegan)
Maybe you want to make a Korean Stir Fry, a Thai Red Curry, or a Harissa at home, but you just don't know how. Jazz up your veggies, tofu, and/or meat substitutes with these ready made sauces.

Vegan / Vegetarian Food Target Cholula, Tabasco, and Frank's Red Hot Hot Sauce
Hot Sauce

Kick your flavor up a notch with some hot sauce!

Snacks
Plant Based Vegan Vegetarian Snacks Finger Food Frozen at Target Amy's Snacks Black Bean & Rice Taquitos Organic
Amy's Snacks Black Bean & Rice Taquitos
I'm looking forward to trying these out for a party. We used to have something similar on New Years Eve, but there was not a ready-made vegan version easily accessible until now.

Vegan Vegetarian Food Snacks Target Larabar ALT Peanut Butter Cookie Fruit and Nut Bar Multipack 5 Pack Gluten Free Dairy Free Soy Free Non-GMO Kosher Alternative Protein Bar
Larabar ALT Peanut Butter Cookie Fruit and Nut Bar Multipack
Plant Based Vegan Vegetarian Food Snacks Target Coconut Cream Pie Larabar Multipack 5 Pack Gluten Free Dairy Free Soy Free Non-GMO Kosher
Coconut Cream Pie Larabar Multipack
These are so good! And easy to take along. I always have a Larabar in my purse, just incase!

Plant Based Vegetarian Vegan Healthy Whole Food Snacks at Target Pistachios
Pistachios

Plant Based Vegetarian Vegan Food Snacks Target Market Pantry Dried Apricots
Dried Apricots

Dried Fruit is a healthy vegan snack which can also be used in desserts and recipes. Many dried fruits like apricots are a good source of iron and other vitamins and minerals.

Plant Based Vegetarian Vegan Food Groceries Snacks at Target Annie's Organic Fruit Snacks
Annie's Organic Fruit Snacks
Plant Based Vegan Vegetarian Food Snacks Groceries Healthy at Target Simply Balanced Twisted Fruit Rope and Organic Fruit Snacks
Fruit Snacks
Plant Based Vegetarian Vegan Food Snacks Target MammaChia Chia Squeeze Vitality Snack Green Magic Mango Coconut NON GMO Healthy Superfood
MammaChia Chia Vitality Snack
Plant Based Vegetarian Vegan Food Snacks Target Lay's Classic Plain Potato Chips
Potato Chips
Plain potato chips and tortilla chips are almost always vegan. Often other flavors of chips are too. Read the label if you are not sure about a particular product.

The Icing on The Cake (i.e. Desserts, Sweeteners, Baking & The Like)


Plant Based Vegan Non Dairy Ice Cream at Target Gluten free, soy free, dairy free So Delicious Mocha Almond Fudge, Sugar Free Chocolate, Cookie Dough, and Chocolate
So Delicious Dairy Free Vegan Ice Cream


Plant Based Vegetarian Vegan Sweeteners Food Grocery Target Simply Balanced Organic Light Agave Nectar
Organic Light Agave Nectar


Plant Based Vegetarian Vegan Sweeteners Food Grocery Target Sugar in the Raw
Sugar in the Raw - Vegan Sugar

Plant Based Vegetarian Vegan Food Groceries at Target  Libby's Canned Pumpkin Puree
Libby's Canned Pumpkin

Plant Based Vegetarian Vegan Food Groceries at Target Canned Coconut Milk
Coconut Milk


Plant Based Vegetarian Vegan Food Groceries at Target Vegan Chocolate Chips
Vegan Chocolate Chips
Update:Ghirardelli no longer vegan


Plant Based Vegetarian Vegan Food Groceries at Target Organic Shredded Coconut
Organic Shredded Coconut

Plant Based Vegetarian Vegan Food Groceries at Target Aunt Jemima Original Pancake & Waffle Mix
Aunt Jemima Original Pancake & Waffle Mix
Remember that egg can be easily replaced by ground flax seed or chia seed mixed with water, applesauce, mashed banana, or silken tofu.

What are your favorite vegan items from Target?

20 comments: