 Yield: 6 to 8 servings
Yield: 6 to 8 servings
For a long time, I thought I didn’t care for gazpacho. And I don’t like the rich, tomato-y kind that tastes like a Bloody Mary.
But this ain’t that! I adore my quick, light version that combines watermelon, tomato, bell pepper, cucumber, onion, and garlic with some delicious spices and a bit of lime juice for that needed little zip.
If you grew up in the South, you might be familiar with salting the flesh of a watermelon before eating it. Somehow it makes the fruit taste even sweeter. So, avoid skimping on the salt. But at the same time, don’t over-salt. Finding that sweet spot, no pun intended, is essential to a soup with lively flavors.
Food scarcely gets more beautiful, more nutritious, or more easy to put together than this one-processor meal. It is low-calorie, includes no added fat, and is filling without being heavy. It is low in protein, however, so you might pair it with chickpea salad or marinated and grilled tofu or tempeh.
And it is great stand-up cocktail party food because, served in glasses, guests can sip as they mingle.
1.5 pounds seeded watermelon cubes
1 large cored tomato, cut into chunks (I like a gnarly heirloom variety)
1 large seeded orange or yellow bell pepper (red would be fine too)
1-8 inch cucumber, cut into chunks (I leave peel on and seeds in for nutrition)
1 medium yellow onion, peeled and cut into chunks
3 to 4 large cloves garlic, peeled and halved
Juice of one large lime
Optional: 1/2 cup loosely packed cilantro leaves and tender stems
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon sea salt or to taste
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Optional garnishes: roasted or grilled corn kernels; diced tomato, bell pepper, or cucumber; minced jalapeno; pine nuts, toasted or not; vegan sour cream; sprigs of cilantro; a sprinkling of smoked paprika; and/or slices of lime, cut from edge to center, and hung on rim of martini glass, if using.
Place half of fruit and vegetable chunks and all of lime juice, spices, and optional cilantro in the bowl of a large food processor and process until as smooth as you want. Pour into a large bowl. Process remaining fruit and vegetables to the same consistency, pour into bowl, and stir well to completely combine. Chill for at least a couple of hours and serve in cups, bowls, or glasses for spooning or sipping, garnished as desired.
 
		 
                    
 Ah, vegan mayo.  I love it so.  But, alas, at 100 calories per tablespoon–sadly, no different than egg- and oil-based mayo–I don’t allow myself to indulge nearly as much as I would like.  Or I end up having to log extra miles just to burn it up.  Enter Blooming Platter Mayo which I created in 2010 for
Ah, vegan mayo.  I love it so.  But, alas, at 100 calories per tablespoon–sadly, no different than egg- and oil-based mayo–I don’t allow myself to indulge nearly as much as I would like.  Or I end up having to log extra miles just to burn it up.  Enter Blooming Platter Mayo which I created in 2010 for  My dear omni friend, Allison Price, attests to keeping a container in her fridge at all times and I suggest you do the same.  I love “Just” brand mayo, Vegenaise, and all the rest.  But both the calories and the price tag are a bit too high for me.
My dear omni friend, Allison Price, attests to keeping a container in her fridge at all times and I suggest you do the same.  I love “Just” brand mayo, Vegenaise, and all the rest.  But both the calories and the price tag are a bit too high for me. Blooming Platter Vegan Mayo
Blooming Platter Vegan Mayo
 Yield: 4 crisps (recipe easily multiplies, but they are rich)
Yield: 4 crisps (recipe easily multiplies, but they are rich)



 Yield: about 4 servings, but it depends on how large you cut the crackers and I like irregular shapes and sizes
Yield: about 4 servings, but it depends on how large you cut the crackers and I like irregular shapes and sizes If you are not a vegan baker, keep reading…this is the perfect “gateway” recipe to have you fall in love with pastry.  This dough handles beautifully–promise!  And the resulting crackers are worth a tiny bit of effort.
If you are not a vegan baker, keep reading…this is the perfect “gateway” recipe to have you fall in love with pastry.  This dough handles beautifully–promise!  And the resulting crackers are worth a tiny bit of effort. 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour (or whole wheat, all purpose, or a combination; I had the pastry flour on hand)
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour (or whole wheat, all purpose, or a combination; I had the pastry flour on hand)
 Yield: 4 servings
Yield: 4 servings Be prepared to have your world rocked.  While there’s not a thing in the world wrong with a baked brownie in my partially-raw world, I have enjoyed experimenting with raw foods this summer, and enjoy not having the oven and stove on. Plus it’s just an exciting new culinary world to explore.  I think you’ll agree.
Be prepared to have your world rocked.  While there’s not a thing in the world wrong with a baked brownie in my partially-raw world, I have enjoyed experimenting with raw foods this summer, and enjoy not having the oven and stove on. Plus it’s just an exciting new culinary world to explore.  I think you’ll agree.
 Spray an 8-inch square baking pan with non-stick baking spray and line with parchment paper.  (So as not to have crinckled corners, I like to line the pan with two scant 8-inch wide pieces of parchment, lying them vertically and horizontally and spraying both on the bottom and in between.)
Spray an 8-inch square baking pan with non-stick baking spray and line with parchment paper.  (So as not to have crinckled corners, I like to line the pan with two scant 8-inch wide pieces of parchment, lying them vertically and horizontally and spraying both on the bottom and in between.) Spread frosting evenly over brownies and place walnut halves in 4 even rows, 4 to a row.  Cover and refrigerate several hours.  When ready to serve, lift out of pan, and slice with a serrated knife.  Serve immediately or package for gift giving.  I like to place each square in a parchment cupcake or muffin paper and stack them 2-deep in a square covered food storage container stored in the fridge.
Spread frosting evenly over brownies and place walnut halves in 4 even rows, 4 to a row.  Cover and refrigerate several hours.  When ready to serve, lift out of pan, and slice with a serrated knife.  Serve immediately or package for gift giving.  I like to place each square in a parchment cupcake or muffin paper and stack them 2-deep in a square covered food storage container stored in the fridge.

