Category: Reviews

Forget the cherry on top- What really counts is that fluffy cloud of sweet whipped cream below. Topping off sundaes, cakes, and pies perfectly, cutting through even the densest desserts, and adding that ephemeral kiss of sweetness that leaves you wanting more, there’s simply nothing like whipped cream. I for one missed that lovely white matrix of milk fat and bubbles dearly when I first went vegan, as it has proven to be one of those mysterious substances that doesn’t easily convert into a vegan alternative. Of course, great progress has been made in recent years, bringing us Hip Whip (although it seems that the company has since gone under, sadly) and Soyatoo, my current guilty pleasure. Still, there’s empty space on the grocery store shelves for a product that can actually be whipped, not just extruded from a can. If it were possible to whip vegan creme from the start, then the culinary possibilities would be endless…

Thankfully, I’m not the only one who thinks so, and First Foods from the UK has taken the initiative to create Oat Supreme, the very first heavy cream substitute that I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing for myself. Upon first exhuming the carton from that unassuming brown, cardboard packing box, I could scarcely contain my excitement, and quickly moved both it and my mixing bowl into the fridge so that my experimentation could begin asap. Of course, nowhere on the carton did it explicit say that it could be whipped, but with anxious optimism, I hoped against hope that this would be the answer to my whipped cream prayers.

Shaking up that little blue box a few hours later, I cut open the tab and unleashed a flood of thick, creamy white liquid, pouring it quickly into my chilled bowl. Having abstained from using heavy cream for so many years, I was actually quite surprised at how viscous it really was- Practically a ready-made sauce, it reminded me instantly of coconut milk, which might explain how coconut whipped creme is possible.

Getting right down to work, I cranked up my trusty mixer to its highest setting and let it rip. Barely five minutes had elapsed before I was staring straight into a bowl full of pillow soft whipped topping, at least doubled or tripled in volume!

Deceptively rich and heavy for such a light and fluffy composition, it was certainly a decadent way to top of any dessert. Tasting almost exactly like my beloved Soyatoo, it was the most I could do to restrain myself from eating it plain by the spoonful! After getting my fill of this delicious, creamy fluff, I decided to store it in the fridge overnight and see how it would hold up. Come daytime, there it all was, still perfectly whipped, and without even the slightest sign of separating! Not one to let this opportunity go to waste, I used to remnants to make a delightful mint chocolate chip semifreddo, which was eaten just as soon as it had solidified enough to be considered “semi-frozen.”

Of course, such a versatile product could also be used for countless other savory applications, such as cream sauces and gravies… Truly, I don’t think that there’s anything that Oat Supreme can’t do! If only I had more than one carton to play around with, and if only it were more readily available in the states… but alas, for now we must hope that American markets clear some shelf space for this miraculous product, and soon!

[Written for Go Dairy Free]

Making the transition into college life means a lot of things- Moving further away from childhood and closer to the “real world,” meeting new people that could become your life-long friends, learning vital skills to form the foundation of your career… And of course, neglecting your diet just in time to put on a couple extra pounds of insulation for winter. The dreaded freshman 15 is the result of too much freedom for some, but I know that my own downfall would be the lack of time. Cooking will probably fall by the wayside as my schedule fills up with classes and assignments, so in trying to circumvent such horrible eating habits, I did some research in advance to find convenient but also nutritious ways to fuel up between study groups. Cereal is already my go-to snack, meal, and comfort food when pressed for time, so I knew that I would need to go find some good options that wouldn’t leave me comatose from sugar or lack of nutrients.

That’s why I naturally turned to Nature’s Path, producers of many different cereal products that I’ve loved for ages now. From oatmeal to waffles to hand pies, everything they make is organic and generally vegan (but not all) so I figured it would be hard to go wrong with this established brand. Venturing away from my usual buys and treading through unexplored waters, it was hard to pick and choose through the extensive selection of whole grain goods, but eventually I arrived at the checkout line with some enticing new options in hand.

With such an extensive product line, how is one to choose just a few different items? They all sounded potentially tasty, so I just grabbed the first box that caught my eye- Acai Apple Granola, with Pomegranate. Filled with decently sized clumps of crispy rice, oats, and chunks of dried apple, I could clearly see that there would be no mystery add-ins with unpronounceable names here, although there was still one ingredient that had me stumped. Acai has been popping up more and more often lately, purportedly used as a source of antioxidants and beneficial fatty acids, but to be perfectly honest, I couldn’t tell you what it tastes like if it bit me on the nose. Keeping that in mind, what hit me upon first bite was the wonderfully crunchy texture and light, natural sweetness. Lacking an overwhelming or intense flavor profile, it was quite agreeable to the palate nonetheless, something that a whole family with very different tastes could probably enjoy. Easy to eat and sufficiently filling to stave away hunger until the next meal, I can’t tell you that it necessarily tasted like pomegranate, but the tart apples did provide a nice crisp counter point to the simple, sweet grains.

Straying momentarily from my initial objective, I just couldn’t resist the lure of their Peanut Butter Granola Bars. As a huge fan of granola bars, it only makes sense to find some more portable snacking options too, right? Well that’s what I told myself as the package went through the checkout line, and let me tell you, I didn’t regret this quick pick for a moment once I took my first bite. Thick, chewy, but somehow not the least bit sticky or sickening, I don’t know that I’ve ever tasted such a delicious peanut creation! Packed full of hearty oats and full peanuts, you can literally see the quality ingredients that make up such an incredible nutty flavor, slightly toasty and completely delicious. Boasting a nice rounded sweetness that pairs perfectly with the strength of the peanut flavor, it somehow managed to be completely rich and indulgent on the tongue, but not the least bit unsettling in the stomach. Seriously satisfying, I could easily have gone hours before even thinking of my hunger again!

Being a fan of all things pumpkin, I was excited to see the title of Flax Plus Pumpkin Raisin Crunch plastered across the cardboard box near me, and into the cart it went. Upon opening up the inner sleeve at home, I was a bit disappointed to learn that the “pumpkin” in the title only referred to the seeds, not the actual flavor. All the same, it really didn’t need any additional character, making an impression as is. The thick, substantial flakes crunched solidly between my teeth, tasting vaguely nutty and decidedly hearty from the abundant flax seeds visible from the outside. These are not your typical bland wheat flakes- They’re an entirely different creature altogether, and in a very good way. Mixed in with these flakes were the most delicious oat clusters, bringing in a delightful sweetness to the party and lightening up this otherwise heavy cereal. Raisins can be a tricky addition, as some people are terribly adverse to them, while others want tons of the dried grapes in everything. In my opinion, there was a good amount in this mixture- Not so many that it completely overwhelms the other components, but enough that you occasionally get a small burst of fruit flavor and nice textural contrast to the crisp grains. Only occasionally would I come across one or two pumpkin seeds, but they were certainly a treat to discover, even if I wish there had been more. All things considered, I would definitely purchase this one again for a fast, hearty breakfast.

[UPDATE: Nature’s Path seems to have changed the formula on this variety recently to include honey and is thus no longer vegan!  What a shame…]

Although I could have easily continued sampling many more varieties of cereals and granolas, I decided to cap off my grain-guzzling spree with a box of Soy Plus Granola. Pouring out a bowl of sizable granola chunks containing crispy rice and oats interspersed with spherical soy puffs, I wasn’t sure what to think of this final offering, since “soy” doesn’t evoke thoughts of any specific flavor. Thankfully, it wasn’t just a bowl of bland protein pieces like so many other soy cereals tend to be, but actually a lightly sweet, almost fruity taste. The soy puffs were the absolute best- Just like corn pops, but so much healthier! Unlike that sugar kid’s cereal though, this one is nothing to feel guilty about later; it won’t leave you feeling as though you just ate candy for breakfast.

With these delicious and healthy new choices in hand, I’m sure that rushed meals or fast snacks won’t get the better of me in
college!

[Written for Go Dairy Free]

Having just downed four pints of insanely good gelato, you would think that I couldn’t handle cracking open another container for weeks, but lo and behold, the very next day found me standing anxiously in front of the freezer, breaking into the remaining cartons. What can I say- I just love frozen desserts! Besides, if there was tempting sorbetto (otherwise known as sorbet) chilling out so nearby, I’m sure few people would leave it there for long, either.

Not one to wait around and waste time, I immediately uncovered the Strawberry sorbetto first, unveiling the most shockingly vivid red color ever seen in natural food. A screaming fire engine red, brighter than strawberries themselves, it was truly a hue worthy of admiration, giving me pause even as my appetite clamored for a taste. Scooping smoothly, straight into my mouth, I was blown away by the bright, clean, and authentic flavor. Tasting just of frozen strawberries but with a creamier texture and a healthy sprinkling of seeds, evidence of the real fruit was found throughout. As someone who prefers textured fruit preserves to slimy, jello-esque jam, it was a refreshing change of pace from those flat, unvaried and artificial offerings more commonly found on grocery store shelves. It’s so easy for a delicate berry like strawberry to translate poorly into other creations, tasting either too watery, weak or terribly fake, so this concoction was quite a delicious feat indeed.

Nestled between frozen peas and aging leftovers sat my next victim, the Lemon sorbetto. Finally clearing out enough room in my freezer to access this flavor, it was like unearthing a wonderful treasure that aroused my curiosity and hunger. White as snow without some false chemical coloring to give it that typical neon yellow tint, I could hardly discern any smell, making it quite an enigmatic, mysterious sorbet from afar. Digging in and letting it melt on my tongue, bright, tangy hits of citrus struck me at once. Sour but tempered by a serious sweetness, it reminded me of those classic Italian ices I used to enjoy at carnivals many years ago. Wonderfully and intensely lemon by all accounts, this mouth-puckering sensation might be too much for the kids, but it is an excellent option for the more sophisticated palate looking for a taste of childhood.

Continuing with the citrus theme, it only made sense to try out the Orange flavor directly afterwards in order to compare and contrast. Noticing that it felt a bit softer and creamier as I scooped out a serving, it was no surprise that it felt a bit smoother than the previous as well. Mellower than the lemon, the citrus flavor was definitely pronounced without any sort of sour bite to speak of. Taking a page more from tangerines than oranges, this light and almost flowery sorbet was a delight to eat. Wonderfully light, it was easy to eat on a hot day or in any other weather for that matter. I’m sure that all members of the family would agree on this flavor as well, catering to a whole spectrum of tastes with a deliciously simple, uncomplicated, and straight-forward fresh flavor.

My tasting menu of frozen desserts was finally coming to an end as only one last container remained. How I wish that I could simply keep pulling new cartons out of my freezer endlessly! Reality bites, and soon enough I went ahead and took a bite out of that final flavor, the Raspberry sorbet. It’s a good thing that I didn’t delay sampling it for too long as this deep, dark red delight knocked my socks off! Seedless unlike the strawberry, there was nothing to distract the tongue from its intense berry flavor. Having eaten my weight in raspberries this season, I think I know a good rendition when I taste it and a spoonful of this stuff was absolute heaven- All that was missing was the experience of picking the berries straight from their bushes. Slightly tart, vaguely floral, and perfectly refreshing, it was the perfect ending to an amazing series of frozen desserts.

If you’re tired of artificial, lack-luster snack foods and are looking for real food that’s really delicious, look no further. Blackwell’s makes some of the best sorbetto that I have ever enjoyed, tasting just like creamy, frozen versions of each individual fruit flavor. Perhaps it’s a good thing that I don’t have such easy access to these products, because I don’t know that I would ever be able to stop eating them otherwise!

[Written for Go Dairy Free]

Ever since world cuisine opened America’s eyes to a whole new culinary realm, Italian food has been one of the most ubiquitous choices in everyday home cooking. Adored by cooks and consumers alike for ease of preparation and vibrant, fresh flavors, these dishes are so versatile that they can be modified to accommodate almost any dietary need. Unfortunately, the communal feasting often ends as the last savory course is polished off, as most traditional Italian desserts are impossible to recreate without copious amounts of eggs or dairy. Take gelato for instance- Rich and creamy, you would never think that this frozen confection could ever be any good in a vegan-friendly format… until now. Raising the bar for vegan products to a whole new level, Blackwell’s seems to have come along at just the right time, riding the wave of increasing interest in animal-free foods, and offering some relief from this sweltering summer heat.

Noting the wide selection of enticing flavors listed online, I could barely contain my excitement as I waited for that fateful FedEx delivery. While this brand is sadly available in only a very few stores at the moment, having that heavy cardboard box arrive at my doorstop was admittedly very convenient. No need to venture out into the heat and humidity when this delightful treat will come to you instead! Quickly unloading the contents directly into my freezer, the sheer number of pints that kept coming from this single package was jaw dropping. No less that eight different flavors in all, four of which being the innovative gelato that had so tickled my curiosity, and another four flavors of their other Italian-inspired sorbettos. Most curious about an eggless, dairy-free gelato, those pints were the first to be opened, and promptly emptied.

Beginning with the basics, it only seemed right that I sample the Vanilla first. Often disregarded as a bland flavor, vanilla is actually amazingly complex, so it’s a good indication of whether or not the producer knows their beans. It is also usually the base of any other ice cream flavors, so you can get a good idea of what to expect from the rest of the line by just this one simple offering. Instantly setting eyes on those beautiful, bountiful flecks of real vanilla bean in this pint, I knew I was in for a treat.

Forcing a spoon into its frozen depths, it seemed a bit hard and icy at first, but given just a moment to thaw, it became the creamiest, dreamiest concoction I could have hoped for. Melting smoothly over my tongue, the vanilla notes were so intense; it was honestly like nothing else I had ever tasted. Forget what you think you know about vanilla before approaching this rendition- This is an entirely different animal altogether. Sweet and decadent but still cool and refreshing this creation does the humble bean justice at long last.

After demolishing that previous pint unaided, I was ready to move on to the next enticing flavor in my frosty freezer. Reaching in and pulling out the incredible indulgent-sounding Peanut Butter Chocolate Swirl, this pint practically leapt out on its own, begging to be eaten. Lifting the lid with high hopes, I have to admit that I was a little disappointed to see a spare, uneven dotting of chocolate, not the grand swirl that I had envisioned. Nonetheless, smelling strongly of peanuts, it was no surprise that its intense nutty flavors shone through brightly. Not so sweet, but as rich as pure frozen peanut butter, deeper roasted notes added to the myriad of complex nuances throughout this sophisticated gelato. With just enough fudge mixed in to add variety, it was easy to just continuously down spoonful after spoonful without tiring of the flavor. My only reservation is that I wish it had a slightly saltier hit, as I simply love a little salt in good peanut butter.

Moving back to the classics, Chocolate was next on my hit list. Uncovering a deep, dark, velvety brown color just beneath the plastic seal, I’m sure my eyes grew to the size of saucers, marveling at the incredible treat that was sure to come. Scooping out with the texture of chilly ganache, standard ice cream, vegan or not, couldn’t even put a finger on the consistency of this stuff.

Quickly spooning a serious mound of it into my mouth, it took me a moment to consider this creation. For once, I wasn’t struck with feelings of adoration for the flavor, and it was hard to pin down exactly what to make of it. An undeniably intense cocoa flavor permeated through every last molecule, but all the same, it seemed a bit… flat. Lacking the round, well-developed components of solid chocolate, there wasn’t any sweetness I could detect, giving it a more 2-dimensional taste, much like plain cocoa powder. Don’t get me wrong, it was still quite good and the pint was finished off all the same, but I might have appreciated a slightly more balanced flavor profile, and just a little bit more sugar.

Finally approaching my usual favorite, I simply couldn’t hold back any long when it came to tasting the creamy tan contents of the container billed as Coffee. As an unapologetic lover of all things coffee, I knew that this would be an instant winner, but it turned out to be so much more than I had anticipated. Mellow enough that those not so fond of the stereotypically harsh flavor would also be able to enjoy it, this was better than any ice latte a coffeehouse might serve. Nothing like the bitter black cups of mud brewed daily, it had a very sweet and almost milky slant to it. As someone who make their coffee with about 1/3 cup of grounds to every cup of water like myself, I found this was still an incredibly delicious departure from the regular morning wake-up call, worthy of the dessert plate even without accompaniment. Although my taste test was a fairly large portion, I found myself instantly going back for more, craving that amazing coffee goodness.

Delicious, cold, and intensely flavored overall, these Italian-inspired frozen desserts were just as amazing as I had dreamed. However, I’m not entirely sure that they are quite as rich as authentic gelato, lacking the thick, heavy texture that is synonymous with cream and egg yolks. That said, it’s definitely in a whole different category from you average soy ice cream, and no matter what you want to call it, the bottom line is that it is damn good.

Stay tuned for notes on the sorbetto, coming soon!

[Written for Go Dairy Free]

Some sweet pantry staples are so ubiquitous throughout the world that they need no introduction or explanation, and the famous Oreo cookie definitely gets the honor of such an assignment. With nearly 5 billion of the black and white sandwiches made every year, it’s no wonder that they’ve become such a facet of not just midnight munchies, but our pop culture too. After such a long, successful run on the mainstream market, it was inevitable that spin offs became vast and varied, finally moving into the realm of wholesome ingredients at long last. We owe a great debt to the original for the concept, but not so much for the content- Only some versions are vegan, and it was a short four years ago that trans-fats were painstakingly removed. Luckily, there’s no reason to dally over the questionable intentions of mega corps when compassionate companies such as Late July have taken their own stab at this sweet treat, with no ulterior motives than making a superior cookie.

Attractively packaged with enticing graphics and even more alluring names, I was already quite taken with this product before I had even had a taste. Available in big boxes and small 4-cookie packs, Late July can suit all your needs, whether you want to grab a portion-controlled snack for a packed lunch or stock up on a box for baking. Made with whole grains, all organic, no trans-fats on top of all that, they sounded too good to be true. Even a bad sandwich cookie is usually okay, so I dug in without reservation, reaching first for the double threat of cocoa-goodness offered by the Dark Chocolate cookies.

Smelling strongly of chocolate from the moment I ravenously tore one out of the protective packaging I had earlier admired, it was difficult to stave off my hunger while photographing these beauties. Coated with a light dusting of cocoa powder on the delicately patterned cookies, every single aspect of these sweet morsels simply screamed of chocolate. Although I can’t say I’m a chocoholic by any stretch of the imagination, I found myself chomping at the bit to chow down.
Picking out the closest cookie and cleanly pulling the top off, I first began by sampling the plain wafer, solo. Crisp but not hard, I was pleased to taste a nice cocoa flavor that wasn’t the least bit sweet, as I expected the filling to more than make up for any lack of sugar. Seeking confirmation, a cautious lick of the crème center proved me only somewhat correct- Instead of the tooth-achingly sweet filling that I had expected, the most incredibly rich chocolate ganache met my tongue. Perfectly smooth and creamy, I couldn’t believe that something tasting so over-the-top decadent might actually be a new incarnation of the humble snack I once knew as a kid. Like a more mature, adult version of an Oreo, I’m sure that even those who aren’t crazy about “children’s desserts” would still go wild over these – I know I sure did!

Still spinning from the fantastic first taste, I couldn’t help but wonder if maybe I ate these in the wrong order, as it would be hard to top that amazing confection. Reading the title of Vanilla Bean with Green Tea, I had hope that if anything could surpass the previous, it could only be this classy if untraditional combination. Especially excited about the green tea component, being an unapologetic lover of all things involving matcha, I got so antsy to sample one that I actually ate the subject before I secured a decent shot! The final picture was taken after the fact, but do me a favor and pretend they’re all there, okay?

For all intents and purposes looking exactly like the original with chocolate wafers and a bright white crème filling, I was rather skeptical at first. However, after twisting off the top cookie and revealing black flecks of genuine vanilla bean embedded in the creamy center, my heart was instantly won over. Only recently have I been able to afford my first real vanilla bean, so I know how expensive and clearly superior in taste they are. This was the best thing I could hope to see in a commercial product. Offsetting the same cocoa cookie was this intensely sweet frosting, boasting incredible vanilla flavor but also incredible amounts of sugar. Super smooth and soft like no other Oreo could dream of achieving, it was the first time I could ever call a packaged baked good “fresh” tasting, and eaten in conjunction with the crunchy wafer was the perfect contrast of textures. While I’m still a bit disappointed that the green tea wasn’t used as a flavor, but more as a nutrient (antioxidants), this sandwich cookie is nothing like any Oreo I’ve ever had- It’s immeasurably better!

I’m usually a big believer in the saying, “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it,” but in this case I’m grateful that someone believed there was room for improvement in something that already seemed perfect. As the original fast approaches its 100th birthday, it’s high time that it began to grow up, and Late July has done just that- Created a more sophisticated and grown-up version of that childhood favorite that absolutely everyone can appreciate.

[Written for Go Dairy Free]

After my most recent debacle with raw food bars, any person in their right mind would assume that it would be a long time before I tried to navigate such unpredictable and often unsavory waters again. Of course, my curiosity will clearly be the death of me, because hardly a week after that first disastrous trial, I discovered a “Ginger Snap” Smart Monkey bar on a road trip… To much the same results. And considering I paid $3 (!!!) for that one mound of unpalatable mush, I simply couldn’t allow myself to leave it in the trash, suffering through every last bite. Honestly people, it was so depressingly distasteful, I was afraid I might have a reversal of fortune right then and there.

Is there no hope for raw food bars?, I couldn’t help but wonder as those vile materials churned angrily in my stomach. I knew in my heart of hearts that there was some company out there who could make this concept work as intended- Seriously, how hard is it to not process fewer than 7 or 8 ingredients in a tasty way? Fearing that this mission to discover the full potential of raw food bars would lead me on a wild goose chase to even more dangerous culinary territory, I jumped on the opportunity to try a brand that I had heard good things about already: Larabar.

Feeling like a kid in a candy store upon seeing the rainbow of colorful wrappers that belong to 12 different flavors, I selected a small sampling of three with high hopes.

The cross section of each of these bars is basically the same- A thick, dark paste of dates holding together a copious amount of nuts. This one pictured right here happens to be the Cinnamon Roll flavor, which I grabbed right away simply thanks to the imagery of the title alone. I positively adore cinnamon, so to open up that shiny wrapper and inhale a plume of the spicy scent was the best first impression the bar could have made. Yielding easily to the teeth, it had a wonderfully soft, tender texture, accompanied by the delightful contrast of crunchy nuts. This time, instead of the off-putting bitterness that I had found in the other raw food bars, there was the most amazing sweetness that seemed to wrap around my entire tongue and tickle my taste buds. It was simply unbelievable that there was no sugar added, but it really was just the perfect amount of natural sugar to enhance all of the other components as well. After getting halfway through the bar, I swore that I really could taste the pastry of its namesake, too! How on earth they created the flavors of that decadent dough in only 6 unprocessed ingredients is beyond me!

Encouraged by such a delicious offering in a category that was looking more and more dubious by the minute, I couldn’t wait to chomp right into my next bar, this time snapping up the Apple Pie flavor. Tinted a slightly red color thanks to the pigment found in apple skin, the smell of cinnamon also wafted up from this bar, albeit slightly more subdued. Lightly fruity and mildly spiced, I’m sure that fans of the previous flavor would also enjoy this one, as they were really quite similar. The occasional large almond chunks were wonderful surprises though, and the mellow apple overtones were enough to give it character all its own.

Finally, as if I weren’t already convinced that these bars were worthy of the hype I had heard, I still had the Banana Cookie bar to win me over. So simple but so good, this combination of bananas, raisins, and walnuts tasted just like… Well… Bananas, raisin, and walnuts! A beautiful thing indeed, it was a delight to have real food in a compact form, shelf-stable and easy to grab on the go. Again, the sweetness was really incredible but still entirely natural, like a banana so ripe that it must have sported a solid black peel, but without any of that unpleasant mushy texture! Needless to say, I just loved this flavor.

I can only imagine that the remaining 9 flavors each hold just as much promise, not just nutrients and fuel, but a truly tasty snack. Food should not be some bitter pill meant to be swallowed just to keep one’s energy up, but really a thing of pleasure. Healthy food is by no means exempt from this definition, and these are the bars to prove it. As they say on their website, Larabars are both “satisfying and nourishing.”