What does a vegan eat?

I'm sure we've all heard it; as soon as someone finds out that we're vegan (or vegetarian), the first question is: "So what do you eat?" 

I'm honestly always surprised that people really seem to think that we're living such a deprived life.. where in reality I'd say it's quite the contrary!!

Eating vegan has opened my eyes (and taste buds) to so many more options, it's amazing!
I get excited when I try a new recipe and succeed with it, loving it myself but even more Hubby loving it too! =)


Just to show a few pics of my latest cooking...
... and please tell me, how does that look depriving? ;-) 
[I know my pics look by far not as good & professional like some other bloggers' pics, but I'd still like to show how my food looks like you know? :) ]

Hummus, sun dried tomato paste (home made) & lettuce
on home made whole wheat bread.

 

Dinner, Cauliflower Curry. We had it on quinoa. [And yes, I often cook bigger batches than technically needed for a 4 person household! ;) But this way I can 'feed my freezer' and always have something healthy ready to defrost!]

I wish pictures could include the scents! It smells soo good!!!

Lentil soup with home made sourdough rye bread.

And of course a banana bread can't be missing! ;)


I've made the Pumpkin Brownie Cupcakes (by Isa Chandra) the other day but before I could take a pic, they're all devoured by my kids & Hubby! *lol*
Guess I'll have to make another batch soon! *yum*


~*~*~


Ok, in case anyone of you is interested in the banana bread recipe, here it is:


Vegan Banana Bread
(adapted from Nancy Walker's recipe in "Wisdom from the Kitchen")


Ingredients:
* Egg replacer equivalent to 2 eggs (I used 2 Tbsp cornstarch + 6 Tbsp water. -I've used ground flax seeds in the past too)
*1/2 c Earth Balance/vegan butter substitute (I used coconut oil)
*1/2 c vegan sugar
*1 tsp vanilla extract
*2 c whole wheat flour
*1/2 tsp salt
*1 tsp baking soda
*1 tsp baking powder
*1/2 tsp cinnamon
*3 medium bananas (I only had 2 and added 1 c apple sauce)
*1/2 c chopped nuts, optional


Preparation:
1. Preheat oven to 350 F / 180 C
2. Cream sugar and vegan margarine (coconut oil) together until creamy
3.Add egg replacer and stir
4. Add in dry ingredients and mix well
5.Mix in mashed bananas and optional chopped nuts
6. Place in a well greased loaf pan ** and bake at 350 F/ 180 C for 50-60 minutes until toothpick inserted comes out clean. (Cover loosely with foil during the last 15 minutes to avoid over browning the top)
7.Remove from oven and let cool on wire rack for 10 min. Invert pan and remove loaf. Let cool before slicing.


** I shaved some semi-sweet chocolate on top but honestly you couldn't taste it. So if you'd wanted it more chocolate-y tasting, you'd have to add more chocolate or maybe even mix it in the batter?


Buon Appetito!