Tag: review

Clever as a Fox

Ethiopian cuisine remains an enigma to many Americans, so distinctly different from the fork-and-knife fare that comes standard here that gathering around these communal, cutlery-free meals can feel daunting at best. Defined by bold spices, rich stews, and the beloved spongy flatbread known as injera, there’s truly nothing else like it. The fact that there are still so few Ethiopian restaurants in North America, particularly outside of major cities, is a terrible shame. If only more people could get a taste for themselves, they’d be hooked and demand more; anything less feels bland by comparison.

Red Fox Spices has stepped up to the plate to make that possible. Mail order meal kits are nothing new, but these in particular are groundbreaking. Packaging all the legumes, nuanced spice blends, and inimitable 100% teff injera you need to make authentic Ethiopian home cooking from your very own kitchen, there’s no longer that intimidating barrier to entry. No need to stress over finding the best recipes or accurate spice ratios, especially since there’s no one standard approach to refer back to; all you need to do is color by numbers and follow the straightforward instructions.

Though self-described as a small business, Red Fox Spices is making big waves, drawing upon generations to share a taste of Ethiopia’s rich food culture with adventurous eaters and curious cooks around the world. Every aspect of their impact is carefully considered. Recyclable and reusable materials like glass jars and kraft paper are specifically chosen to reduce plastic waste. Working closely with farmers in Ethiopia to support sustainable agriculture and local economies, they’re also dedicated to supporting women through fair wages, skills training, and economic opportunities.

The best way to learn is through experience, and while I’m no stranger to berbere and niter kibbeh, seasoning blends like afringe, makulaya, and mekelesha were all new to me. Perhaps the greatest asset of these bundles is the fact that there’s more than enough of each spice mixture provided for the given dish, allowing extra to experiment with for many meals to come. There’s even additional recipe inspiration on their website, in case you don’t know where to start.

Earthy, comforting, and full of depth, Misir Wot is the kind of dish that wraps you up from the inside out. The kit includes split red lentils and a warming berbere blend that brings a slow-building heat, both soulful and sharp. The gentle sweetness of caramelized garlic and onion melt away into the thick, rich stew, designed to be scooped up in strips of spongy injera by the handful.

If you’ve never tasted Shiro before, imagine the velvety decadence of a well-spiced bisque, but made entirely from high-protein chickpea flour. Though it cooks in mere minutes, it tastes like it’s been bubbling away on the stove, reducing and concentrating for hours. The flavors are layered and nutty, with a soft warmth that lingers. It’s nourishing in every sense and endlessly adaptable, whether served solo or as part of a larger platter.

I didn’t get the chance to try the Kik Alicha yet, but I’m only biding my time before placing my next order. Made from yellow split peas that are slowly simmered with turmeric, garlic, and onion, it’s known as one of the more understated staples in Ethiopian cuisine. Perfect for the timid of palates, it’s an easy entry point for the uninitiated.

All of the key players are taken care of; all you need to supply are scant fresh ingredients like garlic and ginger, and basic staples like oil and water. Each meal kit is naturally vegan and gluten-free, inviting everyone in with open arms. It’s better than takeout and still completely counts as cooking from scratch, with a little behind-the-scenes help from the experts.

Can down-to-earth dishes and humble ingredients truly dazzle? You wouldn’t even need to ask if you had a plate like this in front of you.

This post was made possible as a collaboration with Red Fox Spices. My opinions can not be bought and all content is original. This page may contain affiliate links; thank you for supporting my blog!

Hannah (BitterSweet)12 Comments

Donut Stop Believing

The heady smell of dough, yeast and sugar, gently clouds the cool air. It comes in soft waves, blindsiding the hungry with sudden pangs of the rich aroma. Golden, cloaked in shiny, crackled glaze, these treats look substantial, but seem to evaporate the moment you sink your teeth in, leaving behind only a whisper of buttery sweetness.

Vegan Donut and Gelato in Houston, TX immediately delivers on the promise of their name the moment you walk in the door. Lined up in neat rows behind the glass case, rainbow colors dazzle, bejeweled with sprinkles, marshmallows, nuts, seeds, and even crisp bacon. You’d be forgiven for questioning the first part of the title but before you ask, yes, everything here is 100% plant based, reaffirmed in no uncertain terms everywhere you look. Posters brightly advertise “Shift To Plant Based,” “Eat Plants, Plant Trees,” and “Be Kind, Inspire Change, Help Animals,” alongside family photos of puppies dressed in sweaters. Meatless proteins fill the freezer and dairy free milks are fully stocked in the adjoining fridge. It feels a bit like coming home, if your parents were vegan activists.

Perhaps that’s on purpose. Van and Hung were the previous owners of a Loving Hut outpost in the area, bringing a large swath of the pan-Asian menu with them, alongside the generous array of donuts, gelato, and other sweets. Their dedication to the community shines though in each plate, luring in the skeptical with both a sweet and savory touch. By all means, eat dessert first; the golden rounds of dough are baked fresh every morning, ready to face the day even before the sun is. From a simple glazed cake donut that tastes for all the world like a Krispy Kreme incarnate to monstrous apple fritters that would make a New Englander proud, they’re simple pleasures all, simply done right.

You’d think such indulgences would ruin your appetite, but the moment you see a steaming bowl of pho emerge from the kitchen, I promise that a new hunger will gnaw savagely, impossible to ignore. And then, what about the vegan orange chicken, an imitation that surpasses the original? Glossy and gleaming under bright window light, it’s almost enough to distract you from the fully staked burgers that follow, either beefy or of the crispy chicken variety, sporting the most impeccable patties ever seen on a bun.

Don’t worry if you have to run. Grab a kolache on your way out to get the best of both worlds. Pillowy bread encases traditional fillings like sausage and ham, all with the option to add bacon, cheese, and jalapeño, which should be a no-brainer. Falafel is definitely an outlier, showing another side of this versatile, edible art form.

Hopefully you’ve saved room for one last scoop. Lighter than the average ice cream, the gelato is easy to justify after, or before, or during, any meal. All the classics are in attendance, the chocolate and vanilla filled to the brim, but look further for a real treat to the tune of lemon cheesecake, taro, cookies and cream, matcha, and more creative combinations. You never know what you’ll find, which is part of the thrill.

Vegan Donut and Gelato feeds the community, both in body and spirit. It’s a place to gather, to see friends, enjoy events, or simply remind yourself of the good in the world. Perhaps that sounds like a lofty takeaway from a donut shop, but as you can see, it’s so much more than that. I know from experience, as it’s a roughly three and a half-hour drive from Austin, but worth a trip from anywhere.

Vegan Donut and Gelato
16618 Clay Rd #125
Houston, TX 77084

Hannah (BitterSweet)7 Comments

Brewed Awakening

Instant coffee will never be as good as freshly brewed. Thankfully, this isn’t instant.

From the innovators of Mad Tea, Mad Coffee is made from the same beans we know and love, but somehow an entirely different breed. Cold brew is all I want to drink when it’s over 90 degrees outside, which is the vast majority of the year. Achieving that same clarity and bold flavor without wasted fridge space or long waits feels like a genuine breakthrough in coffee technology.

Just Add Water

In seconds, you’ve got yourself a perfectly balanced cold brew that tastes like it came straight from your favorite third-wave café. No bitterness, no grit, just smooth, full-bodied flavor with tasting notes so clean, it feels like you’re experiencing them in high-definition.

The Mad Difference

Lyophilization is the scientific name for the unique flash-freezing process used to create these coffee crystals. Essentially, it takes fully realized cold brew coffee, freezes it, and then removes all the liquid, leaving behind the pure essence of the original brew, ready to be reanimated. This allows it to dissolve immediately in cold water, creating a genuine cold brew coffee, not just an upscale take on granulated instant coffee pellets, and without having to plan and prep for a 12 – 24 hour slow extraction. As an added benefit, this approach creates a very low acidity cuppa, so it’s easier to enjoy on every level.

Tasty Trio

Whether you’re craving a rich, dark roast or a sweet, flavored brew, Mad Coffee has a cup for every preference.

  • Classic Cold Brew: Smooth as silk with deep, rich notes of cocoa and toasted nuts. This one would be easy to drink all day long, if not for the 150mg of caffeine in each capsule.
  • Americano: Starts strong and ends strong, robust and dark with hints of dark chocolate. Invigorating and unmistakable, for those with things to do and places to be.
  • Vanilla Caramel: Made for the latte lovers, this one really shines with a splash of oat milk and a touch of sweetener. Start your morning with one of these, and you’ll feel like you’re still dreaming.

To Go Or For Home, It’s Here To Stay

Convenience doesn’t have to mean compromise. These pods have managed to distill the soul of a great café experience into something you can carry in your pocket. Whether you’re headed to a remote trail, crammed into an airplane seat, or just dodging Zoom meetings at your desk, Mad Coffee is a little extra perk that will make everything at least a little bit better.

Whereas conventional instant is often a last-ditch option, Mad Coffee is my first choice. Stock up at DrinkMadCoffee.com and use code “HANNAH15” to get 15% off!

This post was made possible as a collaboration with Mad Coffee. My opinions can not be bought and all content is original. This page may contain affiliate links; thank you for supporting my blog!

Hannah (BitterSweet)6 Comments

The Joy of Food

Food should be a thing of joy. It should be a catalyst of joy; an acknowledgement and celebration of joy; the embodiment of joy that can be felt, seen, and fully experienced. Food Joy: Over 100 Vegan Recipes that Delight the Senses, Nourish the Body, and Uplift the Spirit by Tess Challis pays homage to exactly that, sharing the recipes and principles behind creating unconditional happiness, every step of the way.

As a plant-based cookbook first and foremost, you’ll find the usual range of snacks, soups, salads, entrees, breakfasts, and sweets, all made with whole foods. From this holistic approach, health and wellness are critical components of fostering joy, not tiresome obligations that come at the expense of it. Simple techniques are leveraged to yield quietly spectacular results, meeting cooks of all skill levels where they are.

I had the privilege of photographing and designing the book, watching the journey unfold as Tess worked her magic. It’s her ninth publication, but the first with contributions from her daughter, Alethea, balancing family favorites with fresh inspiration. That means miso soup with a bold citrus infusion, personal pizzas made with flourless, air fried crusts, and creamy mac and cheese boasting more protein than your average filet.

Every page radiates warmth, from the heartfelt anecdotes to the vivid, inviting imagery that captures each dish in its most irresistible moment. There’s a soulfulness to Food Joy that transcends the recipes themselves. Each one feels like a love letter to comfort, creativity, and connection. Whether you’re drawn in by the golden glow of air-fried turmeric cauliflower or the playful elegance of a layered chia pudding parfait, there’s a genuine sense that you’re being welcomed into something special, something deeply personal.

Tess encourages readers to embrace the process, to savor the chopping and stirring as much as the final bite. With Alethea’s voice sprinkled throughout, there’s a multi-generational dialogue that reminds us joy can be passed down, shared, and reinvented. Food Joy is nourishment in every sense of the word: physical, emotional, and yes, even spiritual.

Hannah (BitterSweet)9 Comments

‘Tinis and Weenies

Combining disparate items, bringing together high brow sensibility with low brow dishes, can yield unpredictable results. In the case of Tallboy in Oakland, CA, the output is downright marvelous. Though martinis and hotdogs may seem like odd bedfellows at first, and second, and perhaps even third glance, take a leap and try the pair together; you’ll get it with the first bite and sip.

Breaking it down to the base components, a classic Dirty Martini, served ice cold and with a strong saline undercurrent of olive juice, is an ideal foil to the hot, juicy, generously seasoned wiener. Both have hints of umami, simple and unvarnished, universally appealing and quite frankly (no pun intended), hard to mess up. Thankfully, at this dark and moody downtown lounge, they don’t.

From the acclaimed culinary duo Shane and Marie of former Lion Dance Cafe acclaim, you can expect a menu of bangers, which they easily deliver in a slim volume of approachable eats. Emphasizing the unexpected glizzy, everything is plant based (except for jello shots), offering an effortless gateway into meatless meals for otherwise unaware omnivores. Impossible dogs are at the base of each composition, convincingly spiced like the genuine article, further disguised by the battery of bold, inventive, if not downright whimsical toppings.

Soft, buttery, sesame-speckled buns cradle each savory creation. The Deli Dog appeals to classic sensibilities with a complete garden of pickled vegetables and a lavish drizzle of spicy brown mustard forming a tidy mountain on top. For more adventurous tastes, the Lion Dancing Dog is a must, as the namesake creation of this power couple. Sambal mayo sings alongside crisp cucumbers and crunchy fried shallots. Don’t discount the Cheese In The Trap, fusing funky fermented kimchi with gooey, slightly sticky American cheese. It’s a veritable and literal melting pot of flavors, as dog intended.

My personal favorite, which completely blindsided me, was the Chili Dog. A relative newcomer to the lineup, it’s a stunningly satisfying combination of new and old. Redolent of cumin, the chili is familiar yet novel, worthy of eating as a solo bowl. Thankfully, you also have the option of ordering a Frito Pie to do just that, which I’ll certainly take advantage of next time around. So rich and hearty, it doesn’t even need the optional cheese, despite the temptation to go all out. Unfancy and unbothered is the guiding ethos of this ballgame.

Don’t rush though the evening though; start slow, pretend you’re healthy at first and opt for a Wedge Salad that would be right at home in any upscale steakhouse. Delivering on the promise without deviation, you’ll get a solid slab of iceberg lettuce drenched in tangy blue cheese dressing and riddled with all manner of crunchy, bacony goodies. It’s perhaps the only fork and knife affair to be found, if you want to look more refined, for some inexplicable reason.

Otherwise, dive headfirst into the Potato Chips and Dip. Old school sour cream and onion has nothing on this cooling combo. The juxtaposition between crunchy, salty chips and creamy dip is far from groundbreaking, and it doesn’t need to be. It’s simply done right.

Another foolproof snack to balance out your booze is the Lion Dance Cafe Peanuts. A throwback to the original cafe creation, they sing with fiery chilies, makrut lime leaves, curry leaves, fresh lemongrass, and honestly, who knows what else. They’re famous for a reason, and that reason needn’t be fully explained to remain just as compelling.

On a budget or captive to more childlike cravings? You can always go in for The Classic hotdog, plain and simple, with optional mustard or ketchup, if your tastes skew in that direction. You can even order a straight up Nissin Stir Fry Cup Noodles for $4, so don’t say you can’t afford a night on the town. For the ambience, service and overall good vibes, that alone is worth the price of admission.

Feeling peckish but not quite ready to commit to a full dog? Feel free to avail yourself to endless free popcorn right around the bar, complete with nutritional yeast, seasoning salt, and ranch flavor shakers to sprinkle at will. Light and crunchy, always popped fresh throughout the night, it’s dangerously easy to keep munching and drinking for hours, which is exactly the point.

Martinis are highly recommended, with an expansive list of flavors and styles to chose from, though they are far from the only option. The entire cocktail program is robust, thoughtfully curated to appeal to every possible taste with a creative twist. Cocktails are equally well crafted for our sober friends who deserve more than a watered-down compromise.

Hot dogs and martinis are the new power couple. Like salt and pepper, peanut butter and jelly, coffee and cream, they belong together, no matter what anyone else says. It’s not that serious and a night on the town shouldn’t be either. Tallboy is the relief we need from being a straight-laced, responsibility-laden adult for just a minute, while still being able to imbibe like one.

Tallboy

4210 Telegraph Ave
Oakland, CA 94609

Hannah (BitterSweet)2 Comments

Juicer Couture

A gift doesn’t need to be given to be received.

That’s what I tell myself when I’m staring down my wish list, debating how much might be reasonable to receive in a given calendar year. There must be special allowances, however, for a gift that’s practical, thoughtful, and genuinely useful, right? That defines the Hurom H310 Easy Clean Slow Juicer in all respects. I can confidently say it’s a pragmatic present you would only regret not treating yourself on.

I’ve been utterly hooked on juicing from the moment I plugged in my H400 by Hurom and suddenly can’t imagine life without such a luxury. Starting the day with a glass of fresh juice is better than any wake up call, rivaling the potency of a trusty espresso shot at times. Now, with this practical indulgence, I never need to deny myself. Compact, lightweight, and highly packable, this little juicer has completely changed the game. You can juice anywhere and everywhere—even while camping out in the wild, if you bring a power source. Limited luggage space makes the notion of putting a whole masticating juicer in a carry-on bag sound downright comical, but this machine always makes the cut.

Have Juice, Will Travel

The defining characteristic of the H310 Easy Clean that sets it apart from everything else on the market is how portable it is. Conventional juicers are hulking, heavy contraptions you could only park on your kitchen counter and leave there, taking up valuable real estate. This one seems to defy the laws of physics with a diameter of just 4 inches and weight of less than 8 pounds. Despite that, it’s still remarkably spacious, capable of accommodating a whole apple or orange with ease, stems, pits, and all.

I’m not one to compromise on quality, which is why the results are so spectacular. Like all Hurom juicers, the low-speed auger maximizes juice extraction from both fruits and vegetables, leaving behind completely dry pulp. As far as efficiency is concerned, this juicer is no slouch. It’s surprisingly quick to assemble, use, and clean, so rather than dreading the process, it’s a rewarding experience from start to finish.

No Mess, No Hassle

The biggest pain point for me has always been the clean-up. Who wants to spend half their morning scraping pulp out of mesh filters and washing a dozen parts? The H310 completely eliminates that stress. Its Easy Clean design means there are fewer parts to deal with, and the few pieces that do require cleaning come apart and go back together effortlessly. For the first time ever, I don’t feel like I’m cleaning a juicer more than I’m actually using it. That, to me, is worth the price of admission alone.

Besides, there isn’t much to clean up in the first place. This juicer’s low-speed masticating system ensures you’re getting a high yield with minimal pulp. You get nutrient-packed juice with minimal foam that stays fresh longer than the average home-pressed options.

A Juicer for Your Life, Not Just Your Kitchen

The H310 isn’t just eye candy to bejewel your countertop; it’s the kind of appliance that keeps pace with your busy life. Whether you’re heading out on a weekend getaway or just trying to streamline your daily routine, this juicer makes healthy living feel doable, no matter where you are. Once you’ve tasted the fresh juice it creates, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought.

At this point, I’d argue it’s not just a want, but a need, as a simple, thoughtful gift that feels both luxurious and practical. If I could give it to everyone I know, I would, because it really does make life just a little bit better.

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