Vegan Mother's Day Dinner

Vegan Mother's Day Dinner

http://www.vegparadise.com/cookingwith65.html

[abridged, tiny sample of this article; active link below]



Traditional celebration gatherings almost always begin with a clinking of glasses to toast the occasion. Bring a new twist to freshly squeezed carrot juice with a hint of spice and a touch of curry.

CURRIED CARROT ZINGER

3 3/4 C. (900 ml) carrot juice
2 1/2 t. curry powder
1 3/4 t. rice vinegar
2 or 3 dashes Tabasco sauce or cayenne pepper to taste
5 celery sticks 4 to 5-inches (10 to 12.5 cm) long

Stir all ingredients except celery together in a pitcher and stir well. Chill if desired.
Pour into long stem glasses and serve with a celery stick garnish. Makes 5 servings.

---------------------------------------------

Leafy greens enhanced with sweet fruits, crunchy nuts, and a savory dressing combine to offer a pleasing salad course that earns a gourmet rating. A truly beautiful salad, its dramatic colors of bright orange, red, and white contrast dramatically against the intense deep green of the spinach and are highlighted with a sprinkle of edible flower petals.

FRUITED SPINACH SALAD

1 1/2 bunches spinach
1 11-oz. (310 g) can mandarin oranges, drained
1 crisp sweet apple, chopped
1 1/2 C. (360 ml) cherry or grape tomatoes
1/2 C. (120 ml) chopped sweet onions
2 large carrots, shredded

1/4 C. (60 ml) black raisins
1/4 C. (60 ml) golden raisins
1/2 cup (120 ml) chopped, toasted macadamias
1 15-oz. (425 g) can hearts of palm, sliced
Edible flowers, either whole or petals*

Wash spinach thoroughly and remove stems. Pat with a kitchen towel to remove excess moisture or use a salad spinner. Cut or tear large leaves into smaller, easily manageable pieces and put them into a large salad bowl.
Add mandarin oranges, apples, tomatoes, onions, and carrots, and toss well.
Garnish salad with raisins, toasted macadamias, and hearts of palm and toss edible flowers over the top. Serve with Lemon Herb Dressing on the side. Serves 6.
*Edible Flowers: Make sure the flowers you use have never been sprayed with insecticide. Most herb blossoms are edible. Society garlic is one example. A few varieties of edible flowers include calendula, dianthus, marigolds, nasturtiums, pansies, roses, stocks, violas, violets, and the blossoms of oranges, lemons, and limes.

-------------------------------------

An easy to assemble light dressing makes an ideal complement to the Fruited Spinach Salad and allows the colors and flavors of each of the fruits and vegetables to stand out and be fully appreciated.

LEMON HERB DRESSING

1 1/4 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper
1/4 t. dried oregano
1 1/4 t. salt
1 large clove garlic, crushed
1/2 C. (120 ml) extra virgin olive oil
1/2 C. (120 ml) fresh lemon juice
1/2 C. ( 120 ml) water
1 T. balsamic vinegar
1 T. maple syrup

Combine all ingredients in a jar and shake vigorously. Shake well before each use.
Store in the refrigerator where it will keep well for several weeks.
Be sure to remove the dressing from the refrigerator about 1 hour before serving to allow the olive oil to reach room temperature and blend well. Makes about 1 1/3 cups (320 ml).

-------------------------------------



This article includes MANY incredible recipes and also fun historical, cultural data about Mother's Day...To see the full article and all recipes:


http://www.vegparadise.com/cookingwith65.html