Category: Reviews

Rarely does being a vegan feel limiting, despite the [uninformed] majority opinion on everything that might be “lacking” from a plant-based diet. However, even I have to balk when confronted by the idea of a soy-free vegan. That protein-packed little bean seems to sneak into just about everything these days, and can be hard enough to avoid for an omnivore, let alone a traditionally tofu- and soymilk-heavy veggie diet. Politics aside, I agree that we’ve gone overboard with the soy additives in recent years, and it simply can’t hurt to seek out more alternatives when given the option.

Well, up until just a few months ago, soy-free, dairy-free folks have been plum out of luck when it comes to finding a suitable buttery spread; Absolutely nothing fit the criteria, always being based on soybean oil with a pinch of soy lecithin thrown in for good measure. Finally, demand has created supply, and Earth Balance has expanded their line of vegan spreads to include a Soy-Free Natural Buttery Spread.

Spreadable right out of the fridge, this tub-based spread will undoubtedly be the answer to many buttery prayers. Almost indistinguishable in flavor from its predecessors, you won’t miss the soy one bit here. I did feel that when used plain to top bread or toast, it could stand a good hit of salt, and was just a tad waxy while still cold, but just a few moments at room temperature will remedy that. It does melt quite quickly, so don’t leave this one out on the counter in the middle of a hot summer day- You’ll find a tub full of plain oil in no time at all.

Happily, it also proved to be a perfectly acceptable margarine substitute for most baking applications as well. Creamed with sugar, flour, and spices to make a quick batch of ginger snaps, I was thrilled to see that they looked almost exactly the same as when they’re made with a solid stick margarine. Although somewhat cakier than usual, owing only to the added water inherent in a spreadable tub-based spread, no one could really complain about the sweet results.

Upping the ante a bit, I began to wonder- Would it be possible to make browned butter with this product? Well, why not? And happily, after a moment or two of nervous bubbling and sputtering on the stove, I found myself with a pot full of rich, nutty, amber-colored liquid, looking every bit as good as something dairy-based! Now, what to do with this fragrant fat?

Browned butter vanilla bean cupcakes, anyone?

Yeah, that’s what I thought.

Made by simply substituting my browned “butter” for the oil called for in my favorite basic vanilla cupcake recipe, this is a grown-up take on the classic that everyone could appreciate. Much more nuanced in flavor than the standard, and oh so rich, I can only imagine how fast they would fly if served instead of plain vanilla at a birthday party.

Lest I ignore all of the potential this product holds for savory applications, it seemed only appropriate to try out a nifty technique that I had so far only heard of, and typically applied almost exclusively to seafood: Butter poaching. Having recently stumbled upon butter-poached radishes, I figured that I could try other vegetables as well, and settled on the humble potato for my experiment.

Creating incredibly rich, tender slices of potato, accented with tarragon and a splash of vinegar, this is a side dish that couldn’t be easier to whip up; a real treat. Too morish to make often, but appropriate for occasional splurges, I’ll definitely have to try butter-poaching other vegetables now!

In case you’re looking for a cruelty-free and soy-free alternative to butter, look no further. This simple spread is the first that meets the criteria, and passes the taste test!

[Written for Go Dairy Free]

Come summer time, not only do eating habits have to change to accommodate the sweltering heat, but so do online ordering habits. Yes indeed, I’m guilty of rampant internet shopping practices, sending every wacky, interesting, and simply new food product to my virtual cart without a care in the world. With such easy access to otherwise unattainable vegan novelties, it’s hard to curb that impulse, and especially when it comes to innovative sweets. Unfortunately, mail ordering chocolate is a big no-no for me from about June through September, for fear of receiving a semi-melted, bloomed glob of cocoa butter and solids instead. Normally this isn’t such a difficult policy to follow, and the arrival of fall is always happily greeted with a big shipment of all the chocolates that had been tempting me through the summer… But I’m breaking all the rules this year. The decadent promise of Xan Confections’ vegan chocolate collection was simply too great to delay another month!

As soon as that brown cardboard box landed on my doorstep, I swooped in, tearing through plastic tape and a styrofoam cooler, eager to rescue my prize… Only to find my worst cocoa-covered fear inside. Never before had I broken the seasonal chocolate rule, and I’d be damned if I didn’t pay for it. Boxes smashed open, ice pack dripping wet and leaking all over the contents of that tiny cooler, it was enough to make a grown woman cry. And maybe it did. But regardless, through this tragedy, I discovered that the people of Xan Confection’s are understanding and caring human beings, taking pity on my situation enough to send out another package, no questions asked. Happily, this one arrived intact and looking positively mouth-watering.

There’s no way around it; These molded chocolates are absolutely stunning eye candy. The aptly named Jewel Collection consists of colorful, shimmering chocolate shells enclosing a variety of flavored caramels. Each different hue indicates a different flavor, but none are specifically marked or designated, so the element of surprise makes each bite just a little bit more exciting. Especially true if you happen to pick up the purple-tinged chocolate first, as I did… What a shock to discover a spicy, cayenne-flecked, flowing caramel sequestered inside that unassuming chocolate casing! This one really made me sit up and take notice- It was a real wake up call, with the potency to rival that of a cup of coffee!

The following flavors were somewhat less arresting, but no less tantalizing. Bright, fresh strawberry flavor, just like homemade strawberry jam, leapt out from within a pink-dusted gem to great delight. A pure caramel core with a perfect hit of salt in another truly made my tongue sing. The firm bite of a solid ganache center was another unexpected treat, incredibly rich with intense chocolate flavor.

Each new truffle kept me guessing, concealing any number of delicious flavors and textures within every last jewel. Part of the fun is that unknowable element, so instead of having me spell which each and every chocolate is, I think it’s just best if you taste these for yourself! Gem-like in every sense of the word, every little morsel is a true treasure.

Incredibly, the Saintly Sins collection packs the same punch of flavor and sublime texture, but is light in both fat and calories. I had trouble believing it myself as I bit through the perfectly tempered chocolate pieces, teeth meeting with a satisfying snap. Though the filling was runny to the point of being syrupy, and potentially quite messy, that problem is easily remedied by popping the whole truffle in your mouth at once! The fruit flavors were all fresh and intense, perfectly paired with the gently bitter chocolate exteriors.

It’s hard to find vegan chocolates of this quality, so if you’re craving a truly satisfying fix, it’s well worth the hazards of ordering Xan Confections through the internet, even in the hottest of months!

All too often, food manufacturers grow so large that their products become nothing more than numbers; Objects fit for consumption, but not necessarily thought of as nourishment, whether it be physical or spiritual.  Food has so many roles to play, so many needs to fill, that to flatten it down to mere commodities should practically be a crime.  Of course, this is the foodie in me speaking, but companies that care about their food beyond its revenue generally make better offerings, and that’s something everyone can appreciate.  One such company is Bountiful Vegan, passionate about making vegan cookies that are not only delicious, but full of positive and uplifting energy.  Sound a bit far fetched?  Well, then you haven’t tried their Intention Cookies yet.

Not only do you get a fantastically tasty treat every time you buy one of their cookies, but a complimentary affirmation hidden inside the wrapper sweetens the deal. For anyone who’s had a rough day or could just use a little extra emotional boost, I can hardly think of a better combination. Each cookie is roughly the size of a small child’s head, by the way, and that alone should put a smile on your face!

Punctuated by a generous smattering of dark chocolate chips, the Love Cookie (orange chocolate chip) simply couldn’t be ignored, and didn’t last too long after being photographed. Turning out to be one of my favorites of the group, with such soft, gently yielding dough that would be good enough on its own, but positively shines next to the contrasting chocolate pieces. Happily, the chocolate is in perfect proportion to the cookie, and doesn’t overwhelm the delicate citrus notes that add just a light touch of zesty orange flavor. More exciting than your standard chocolate chip cookie, this is one that I can’t imagine would stick around many days in any house.

Nondescript and potentially easy to overlook, the Well-Being Cookie (pineapple coconut) is hardly as unremarkable as it may look.  Possessing a firmer bite than the previous softie, and a slightly coarse texture thanks to the shredded coconut, eating this cookie is an entirely different experience.  Generally “tropical” tasting, it’s hard to pick the pineapple flavor out of the mix, but there’s definitely something extra in there that couldn’t come from coconut alone.  Pleasingly well-salted, it’s an overall well-balanced and inoffensive baked good. While this one wouldn’t be my first pick, I still had no trouble finishing it in the end.

In another interesting little twist on a classic flavor, the Harmony Cookie (lemon snickerdoodle) shakes up the simple spice-encrusted cookie with the bright pep of lemon oil.  Cheerful as a sunny day, you can’t help but feel happy as you sink your teeth into that crackled crust of cinnamon and sugar.  Satisfyingly chewy, the combination of textures is so perfectly addictive, they could very well be flavored with motor oil and they would still be hard to turn down.  Thankfully, they’re absolutely delicious, gently perfumed with just a hint of lemon.

Saving what I hoped would be best for last, I finally dove into the Prosperity Cookie (choco choco-chip) with a voracious appetite. Surprisingly restrained in the sugar department, it was markedly less sweet than the previous baked beauties. More “adult” in flavor, featuring some bitter undertones of cocoa powder and accented by the much needed richness of the chocolate chips. Good, but not stellar, I’m starting to think that the previous knock-out flavors may have just set my expectations of this last cookie too high.

If you care about what you eat, and have a serious sweet tooth to satisfy, this is one compassionate business that you should definitely support. And who knows- You may just feel so inspired after eating one of these treats as to actually go out and accomplish your intentions!

Coming to the end of yet another grocery shopping mission, having avoided temptation for the most part, the final destination is still fraught with danger. It’s those darned impulse buys so cleverly lined up by the check-out line, inviting you to add just one tiny sweet something to the tally. Yes, I’m definitely an impulse buyer when the mood strikes, so those offerings in and of themselves wouldn’t be so frustrating, if it weren’t for the content. Often lacking in proper labels, or full of unsavory ingredients, these temptations are merely eye-candy at best. Vegan candy bars are still incredibly hard to come by, and they usually turn out to be nothing more than glorified granola bars; Delicious, but a far cry from the decadent chocolate, caramel, and nougat treats available to the rest of the population.

Finally, there is a solution! Go Max Go, a vegan-owned and operated business, has developed a line of four candy bars that are impressive by any standards. By sourcing high-quality ingredients, there’s no trans-fats or HFCS to worry about, so there’s less to feel guilty about when you indulge. Imitating the familiar flavor combinations that certain nation-wide brands have made popular, these bars will satisfy your craving for nostalgia, and a sweet treat.

If a Snickers bar sounds like the peanuty indulgence you desire, grab a Jokerz instead. Composed of “caramel, peanuts, nougat, rice-milk chocolatey coating,” this bar is truly no joke. Packed full of chewy, sticky caramel sprinkled with ample amounts of fresh-tasting peanuts, one bite is an intense taste sensation. A good hit of salt brings out the high notes in those crunchy nuts and rounds out the whole flavor profile. The chocolate coating definitely keeps the sweetness in check and provides an appealing exterior, but it’s definitely not the focus here.

One of my childhood favorites was the Milky Way, and it was always the first to be eaten out of my Halloween stash every year. Now, I can indulge in the Twilight, which boasts “caramel, chocolatey nougat, rice-milk chocolatey coating” all under one wrapper. The dense, chewy, almost creamy nougat is very sweet, but still possess a good chocolate flavor. Coated in smooth, milky chocolate, this outer layer a more prominent role, and is sure to please chocolate lovers all around. Married harmoniously with the deep, burnt sugar notes of the caramel, it’s one incredibly satisfying snack.

“Some times you feel like a nut…” and at those times, don’t reach for an Almond Joy; Grab a Mahalo bar! “Coconut, almonds, rice-milk chocolatey coating” lends a tropical taste to this candy. Three solitary almonds line the top, and although that appeared to be a scant offering at first, they proved to be just enough to add delightful crunch to the whole concoction, and were perfectly fresh in flavor. The body was a firm piece of shredded coconut, reminding me somewhat of coconut-packed marzipan. A light shell of creamy chocolate perfectly compliments the interior without overshadowing any of the other components.

Finally, for those who want a more straightforward and simple chocolate treat, the Buccaneer is guaranteed to please. Simply made of “chocolatey nougat, rice-milk chocolatey coating” the 3 Musketeers impostor is the plainest of the pack. Somewhat top-heavy on the chocolate coating, the thick exterior gives way to an intensely sweet and chocolatey nougat. Absolutely delicious, but akin to taking straight frosting shots, this bar is for the serious sweet tooth only!

Easily addictive, each bar is absolutely spot-on for the candies that they’re “imitating,” although I would be tempted to say they’ve all surpassed the originals in just about every respect. If we could only get these babies into grocery store check-out lines, then boy, would I ever be in trouble- They’re pretty much impossible to resist!

[Written for Go Dairy Free]