A Frozen Fourth of July

Our Independence Day, the most patriotic of national holidays here in the US, typically fails to stir up much enthusiasm from me. The backyard barbecues are a welcome excuse to grill some easy entrees and catch up with old friends, but that could happen on any summer day, too. Plus, that red, white, and blue color scheme is a bit uninspiring… Most of the time. Inexplicably and without warning, it just hit me the right way this time around. Without plans or any party to attend, I still couldn’t resist the bait- I went all out to make a festive fourth of July dessert. In fact, now I want to throw my own little fete because of this impromptu project…

This cake is the key to turning the holiday into a real celebration. Fluffy billows of snow-white whipped coconut creme obscure a sweet surprise within. Though plainly ordinary from the outside, just remove a slice and watch guests’ faces light up…

To cool off a sweltering summer day in the sun, ice cream cake is just what the doctor ordered. Trust me on this one, it’s the only prescription suitable to combat exhaustion, hunger, heat, and dessert cravings all at once. Red velvet cake, one of my unexpectedly most popular recipes, has been given new life as the base of this icy layered treat. Revised and tweaked to perfection, it now practically glows with a crimson-red hue, all from a little can of cooked beets. For anyone who complained about an overtly lemon flavor, that issue is now a thing of the past. All you can taste is cake, sweet, moist, lightly cocoa-flavored cake.

Blue Moon Ice Cream lends a subtly fruity, mysterious yet comfortingly familiar flavor to the assembly. The real inspiration for this whole frozen dessert, it’s rare to find such a bright blue food, and so I seized the opportunity as soon as I could. Never mind dusty blue corn chips or purplish-blue potatoes– This ice cream is really blue!

If you didn’t plan ahead and pre-order a copy of Vegan a la Mode, then you’re in luck- Sarah of The Sweet Life is generously hosting a giveaway, which she put together without any prompting and paid for out of her own pocket. There’s still time to get in on the action and see this recipe for yourself, so don’t delay and enter the contest now!

Putting together this ice cream cake is much easier than it looks. Simply prepare the red velvet cake according to the instructions, but transfer the batter into a 9-inch round springform pan lined with a round of parchment paper on the bottom and lightly greased. Bake for 25 – 30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center pulls out clean, with perhaps a few moist crumbs clinging to it (but absolutely no wet batter.) Let cool completely, and chill before proceeding. Meanwhile, prepare the Blue Moon Ice Cream from Vegan a la Mode (page 8) according to those directions, and after churning, transfer the still soft ice cream to the same springform pan, smoothing it over the baked cake evenly, leveling out the top with a spatula. Let the whole thing harden in the freezer overnight before attempting to unmold.

Once firmly frozen, remove the sides from the pan, peel the parchment off the bottom of the cake, and transfer the two layers to a serving platter, cake plate, or cake stand (remember that you’ll have to fit it back into the freezer though, so double-check that there will be enough space to accommodate your dish!) Frost with coconut whipped creme, and top with edible star glitter, if desired. Store in the freezer until ready to serve, and then…

Celebrate!

Have a Happy Fourth of July!

June 29, 2012June 29, 2012

Hannah (BitterSweet)47 Comments

Shredding the Competition

For all the progress made in creating better tasting, readily available, and even more affordable vegan cheeses, it’s surprising that one company still has a near monopoly on the meltable “cheese” market. The greatest test of any cheesy substitute, it’s a true feat of food engineering that not many achieve with flying colors. Happily, that doesn’t mean that all the other players are out of the game- Far from it, as evidenced by Galaxy Foods‘ latest bold entry to the arena, Vegan Shreds. Proclaiming that it “Melts and Stretches” right on the package in no uncertain terms, highlighted in red for maximum impact, such a statement clearly issues a challenge to consumers, daring them to try for themselves. Putting these new shreds to the test, I was more than willing to take on that challenge.

Far from new to the field, Galaxy has been pumping out the cheesy imposters for decades, ranging from blocks to slices to “Parmesan” sprinkles, but the shreds are their most noteworthy creation yet. No bones about it, I was not impressed by previous product lines. Though slowly improving throughout the years, I couldn’t shake a certain waxy aftertaste that seemed to plague every sliceable or pre-sliced option. So it was with great trepidation that I approached the two new available flavors: Mozzarella and Mexican-Style Shreds.

Classic French onion soup made an ideal canvas to test both flavor and true meltability of the Mozzarella shreds. Popping the “cheese”-covered wedges of baguette under the broiler, it was a true delight to see pale beige ribbons effortlessly collapse into a bubbling layer of molten lava-like goo. No careful cajoling necessary to prevent premature burns, it behaved admirably and lived up to its lofty assertions of melting with ease. Providing genuinely cheesy flavor, it deserves high marks for the actual taste as well, but I could hardly suggest that it would fool a true dairy devotee.

Cheddar is usually the second standard, but much to my surprise, Galaxy threw a true curve ball for their next move. Submitting a Mexican-Style shred instead, there’s nothing else on the market that attempts to fill such a void. Blending brighter orange-tinted strips into the mix, it’s a pleasing color combination on top of any food, such as my Cincinnati-style chili*, but I’m afraid to say that I couldn’t detect much difference in flavor from the Mozzarella shreds. If eaten carefully, piece by piece, the orange shreds might have a slightly sharper taste, almost like a mild cheddar… But who really eats their food like that? It would take hours to get through a meal if we were all separating the tiny pieces of “cheese” on top of a dish.

Though I can’t necessarily recommend one flavor over the other, I can enthusiastically recommend the Vegan Shreds on the whole. Performing just as promised, it’s an excellent alternative to Daiya, which is a very welcome change of pace. I can’t declare a winner to this battle just yet, but it’s good to see them both on a level playing ground at last.

With a good amount of extra cheese leftover from this trial run, I knew immediately what to do with it. A comforting indulgence that I’ve been making for myself for years now, it’s finally become something worthy of serving to others, now that these shreds no longer scream “fake vegan substitute!” from the rooftops. Filed under my favorite recipe digital folder, “Junky Eats,” this Broccoli and “Cheese” Hummus truthfully isn’t deserving of such categorization, but it certainly tastes suitably indulgent. Pure comfort food, I love eating it warm with toasty pitas, but it also makes an ideal party dip, chilled and ready to please for summer soirees. Chill and serve it on ice- the cheesy shreds won’t seize or become gritty once blended, leaving the texture lusciously smooth. Plus, you get to painlessly sneak another green vegetable into your daily diet.

*By no means would I ever claim my rendition is authentic Cincinnati chili, as true Ohio natives often shun the inclusion of beans. Also, note that the chili was almost completely cool by the time I took the picture, and thus the shreds didn’t have enough heat to melt and this is the correct look for classic Cincinnati chili regardless.

Yield: 3 - 4 Cups; 8 - 16 Servings

Broccoli and Cheese Hummus

Name: Broccoli and Cheese Hummus
Yield: 3
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 – 2 1/2 Cups Frozen Broccoli; 2.5 Ounces Vegan Mexican-Style Shreds, or Any Vegan Cheddar-Style “Cheese”; 1 Tablespoon Water; 1 15-Ounce Can Chickpeas, Drained; 2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice; 1 Tablespoon Braggs Liquid Aminos; 1/8 Teaspoon Ground Cumin; 3/4 Teaspoon Garlic Powder; 1/4 Teaspoon Smoked Paprika; 1 1/2 Tablespoons Vegetable Broth Powder; 2 Tablespoons Nutritional Yeast; 1/3 Cup Olive Oil

A comforting mashup of broccoli-cheese soup with hummus, this combination works both warm served with toasty pitas, but it also makes an ideal party dip, chilled and ready to please for summer soirees.

Ingredients

2 – 2 1/2 Cups Frozen Broccoli
2.5 Ounces Vegan Mexican-Style Shreds, or Any Vegan Cheddar-Style “Cheese”
1 Tablespoon Water
1 15-Ounce Can Chickpeas, Drained
2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice
1 Tablespoon Braggs Liquid Aminos
1/8 Teaspoon Ground Cumin
3/4 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
1/4 Teaspoon Smoked Paprika
1 1/2 Tablespoons Vegetable Broth Powder
2 Tablespoons Nutritional Yeast
1/3 Cup Olive Oil

Instructions

Place the frozen broccoli in a microwave-safe dish, and drizzle in the tablespoon of water to allow it to steam properly. Sprinkle the “cheese” shreds evenly over the veggies, and lightly cover the dish with a piece of parchment paper. Heat at full power for 2 – 3 minutes, until the broccoli has thawed and cheese melted. Set aside.
Meanwhile, combine all of the remaining ingredients, except for the oil, in your food processor. Pulse to combine, and with the motor running, slowly drizzle in the oil to incorporate and emulsify. Pause to scrape down the sides of the bowl periodically, to ensure there are no tricky chickpeas or pockets of seasoning escaping the blades. Puree thoroughly, until completely smooth. For the best texture, you really can’t cut any corners here: It may take as long as 10 minutes of straight blending until the mixture is perfectly silky. Just keep a close eye on it, and stop when you’re satisfied.
Scrape all of the cooked broccoli and melted “cheese” into the food processor, and pulse lightly to incorporate. You don’t want to completely blend it in, but have small chunks of broccoli for texture. Eat right away, or store in an air-tight container for up to a week.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 112Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 98mgCarbohydrates: 10gFiber: 4gSugar: 2gProtein: 5g

June 27, 2012February 19, 2019

Hannah (BitterSweet)14 Comments

Around the World in 80 Plates: Hong Kong, China

Every culture can lay claim to many edible innovations, and would like to believe themselves to be the original “foodies,” but that title should arguably be handed over to people of Hong Kong, China. No where else in the world do more inhabitants share this collective obsession with such a fervor. More than just a melting pot of outside influences, but a true stew of culinary concepts, the cuisine is a well-seasoned mixture of both Asian and Western flavors, each component blending harmoniously into the mix while still retaining its original integrity. In such a diverse cauldron of mouthwatering options, how does one begin to ladle out the goods? What are the best bits to search for when it all looks so delicious?

Luckily, opinionated as ever, there are many locals who have taken it upon themselves to counsel poor lost souls like myself, who don’t know a thing about the most fundamental eats to experience when in town. Though wildly varied in suggestions, one dish in particular seemed to pop up on every single list, whether it was on a brief overview, a top 40 account, or an exhaustive itinerary mapped out for maximum gustatory pleasure. Hong Kong Toast, a variation on what we know as French Toast, was the exceptional edible that had everyone raving. Much thicker and richer than our flabby, sandwich bread renditions, HK toast is much more like bread pudding all condensed into a single slice. Lavished with butter and drowned in sweetened condensed milk, it’s a breakfast fit for dessert, especially when stuffed with peanut butter as it often is found. Frequently referred to simply as “toast,” such a humble title conceals a heavy-hitter to remember. As per usual, those in the know got this pick right.

Paying homage to the cafe culture and another favorite beverage, bubble (or boba) tea, my miniature toast bites are topped with a snowy peak of whipped coconut creme and “milk” tea-infused caviar. By steeping the tapioca pearls in the tea itself, these tiny flavor bombs remove the need to guzzle down a full glass of liquid to achieve the same flavor sensation. That’s not to say that they’re suitable only as sprinkles, though- Leftover milky spheres can be popped effortlessly into a different type of drink for added effect! Imagine lightly green tea with delightfully toothsome black tea boba tumbling about the bottom. Why not give the same old drink an extra dose of delicious?

Finishing off my toast bites with colorful coffee stirrer straws rather than toothpicks, they’re easy to eat with your fingers, and the visual should remind eaters of the thick straws typically wedged into tall glasses of bubble tea. Though my rendition was straight-forward toast, each tiny cube could easily be injected with peanut butter using a piping bag, much like a hot doughnut would be filled with jelly. Insert the piping tip into the bottom to hide the hole, and dip carefully!

Yield: Makes Approximately 1 1/2 – 2 Dozen Toast Bites

Hong Kong Toast Bites

Paying homage to the cafe culture, my miniature toast bites are topped with a snowy peak of whipped coconut creme and milk tea-infused caviar. By steeping the tapioca pearls in the tea itself, these tiny flavor bombs remove the need to guzzle down a full glass of liquid to achieve the same flavor sensation.

Prep Time 1 hour 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Additional Time 16 hours

Total Time 17 hours 45 minutes

Ingredients

Milk Tea Caviar:

1/4 Cup Small Tapioca Pearls
1 Cup Water
1 Tablespoon Black Tea
2 Tablespoons Granulated Sugar
1/3 Cup Plain Non-Dairy Milk

Sweet Pan de Mie:

1 Cup Vanilla Non-Dairy Milk
2/3 Cup Granulated Sugar
1 (1/4-Ounce) Packet (2 1/4 Teaspoons) Active Dry Yeast
3 – 4 Cups Bread Flour
3/4 Teaspoon Salt
3 Tablespoons Vegan Butter, Melted

Toast Dip:

1 Cup Water
1/3 Cup Raw Cashew Pieces
1/4 Cup Light Agave Nectar
1 Teaspoon Nutritional Yeast
1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Pinch Salt

To Finish:

Peanut Butter (Optional)
Melted Vegan Butter
Coconut Whipped Cream
Coffee Stirrer Straws (or Toothpicks)

Instructions

The tea bubbles should be prepared first, because they’ll need to sit at least overnight and ideally for an entire day for the fullest flavor.
First, soak the tapioca in warm water for at least 20 minutes, an set aside.
Separately, place the tea leaves in a strainer and add that to the water in a small saucepan. Heat to a boil, and then remove from the stove. Stir in the sugar to dissolve, and let steep for 15 minutes, covered. This is technically over-steeping the tea, but you want a more concentrated flavor than usual in this case.
Meanwhile, after the tapioca pearls have soaked, strain thoroughly and heat a medium pot of water on the stove. Keep the pearls in a strainer for easier maneuvering, and once the water boils, dip them into the water for 45 seconds.
Remove the whole strainer-full and quickly run them under cold water. Repeat this process of blanching the bubbles as many as 6 – 8 more times, until the tapioca pearls are all translucent, and there are no more traces of white in the centers. This incremental method of cooking will prevent them from getting gummy and overdone on the outside.
Remove the tea strainer from the pot of water, and mix in the cooked tapioca, along with the milk. Cover and let infuse for 16 – 24 hours.
To make the bread, see my original recipe posting for instructions. Let cool completely before cutting with a serrated bread knife into 1-inch thick slices. Remove the crusts, and slice each piece into 1-inch cubes.
The dip couldn’t be simpler. Just toss all of the ingredients into a high-speed blender and puree until smooth. Strain if needed, and transfer to a medium saucepan. Cook just until bubbles begin to break on the surface, and the liquid has slightly thickened. Let cool completely before using.
Finally, we’re ready to assemble the toast bites! Now is when you should fill the cubes with peanut butter if desired. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees, and line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or piece of parchment paper. Toss each square of bread briefly into the dip, being sure to coat each side. Move the dipped cubes over to the prepared baking sheet, and repeat until all the pieces are assembled. Bake for 25 – 30 minutes, until golden brown all over.
Depending on your oven, you may want to rotate the sheet halfway through baking (I didn’t and paid the price. Burnt toast is never a treat, even when it is soaked in a rich custard.) Brush each piece lightly with melted butter for extra richness. Let cool for at least 15 minutes before topping with a dollop of coconut creme and a thoroughly drained spoonful of milk tea caviar.
Trim coffee stirrers by an inch or so if too long, and insert firmly into each piece of toast. Enjoy warm, or chill and eat cold later on!

Notes

The milk tea bubbles were inspired by What the Hell Does a Vegan Eat Anyway?

Recommended Products

Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase after clicking through the link. I have experience with all of these companies and I recommend them because they are helpful and useful, not because of the small commissions I make if you decide to buy something through my links.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 371Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 98mgCarbohydrates: 64gFiber: 2gSugar: 12gProtein: 10g

All nutritional information presented within this site are intended for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information on BitterSweetBlog.com should only be used as a general guideline. This information is provided as a courtesy and there is no guarantee that the information will be completely accurate. Even though I try to provide accurate nutritional information to the best of my ability, these figures should still be considered estimations.

For participating in this competition, Bravo has compensated me for my time, but all recipes and opinions are solely my own.

June 25, 2012October 10, 2025

Hannah (BitterSweet)24 Comments

Peachy Keen

As suddenly as if Mother Nature herself flipped a switch to change the seasons, summer has landed, without fanfare or time to brace yourself for impact. Warm but dry days transformed overnight into no holds barred heat and humidity, filling the house with agonizingly sweltering air at all hours of the day, no relief in sight. Stop the suffering and just take it outside! Chances are that a shady patch will be not only more tolerable temperature wise, but have the added bonus of a fresh breeze wafting by. This is where compact, easily carried desserts come in handy, and exactly why I share a recipe for Peaches and Crème Shortcakes in Jars in the summer issue of Joy of Kosher magazine.

Fancy fare needn’t apply for easy-going picnics or the average afternoon outdoors, but simply packing a classic shortcake into glass jars makes them somehow instantly more elegant. Roasting the peaches brings out more of their natural flavor, so only a minimal amount of sugar is needed. Thanks to the addition of a luscious cashew and tofu-based crème, you won’t have to worry about anything melting or turning sour in the sun. This parfait-like peach shortcake will fit in perfectly for any grand party or casual summertime gathering. Don’t let the heat defeat your or your dessert cravings!

June 22, 2012

Hannah (BitterSweet)31 Comments

Wild About Greens

Mothers who once championed the old dictum of “eat your veggies” now have a new refrain to the familiar song: “Eat your greens.” Having risen from the periphery of American grocery stores, once literally lining the deli cases as nothing more than colorful, long-lasting garnishes, kale has paved the way right back into the kitchen for all manner of leafy edibles. Finally, after decades of neglect, those oft-forgotten flowerless bouquets are finally welcome house guests, and there’s more than just romaine and spinach going into summer salad bowls. Still, the trend is only in its infancy, and after so many voluminous raw hodgepodges of discordant ingredients, what can really be done with these overgrown lawn clippings? And moreover, how can we prevent them from tasting as such?

Riding the crest of this wave is Nava Atlas, who brings us Wild About Greens exactly in our hour of need. Introducing a whole palate of varied greens to even the most inexperienced of cooks with a gentle, warm, and inviting tone, Nava will take your hand and guide you from the grocery store to the dinner table, and all spaces in between. Doling out equal parts reassurance and enlightening information, this book is definitely geared towards the greenest of beginners, but provides inspiring flavors to get anyone out of a produce rut. Such a depth and breath of different edible plants are covered, there’s likely to be something new for anyone to try. You may claim to be a kale expert, but how often do you cook with beet greens? What about watercress? Have you ever tried mizuna in your green smoothie?

In a comfortingly familiar cloak of tomatoes and herbs, the Italian Vegetable Ragout with Chard (page 126) would make an excellent introduction for those less enthusiastic about incorporating more greenery into their diets. Adding in the optional chickpeas turns this hearty side into a perfectly satisfying one-pot meal. Enlivened with a pinch of red pepper, the interplay between tomatoes that are both roasted and sweetly sundried is so flawlessly balanced, it’s hard to believe the whole dish came together in mere minutes.

Curry, another common, endlessly accommodating staple in my diet, gets new life with the simple addition of pungent mustard greens and tender spinach. Coconut Cauliflower Curry with Mustard Greens and Spinach (page 186) blends mild spices and coconut milk to create a rich, golden elixir of a stew. Safely falling into a child-friendly heat level, it’s an excellent meal to make for a family, and ramp up the hotter spices on individual servings, to taste. Mustard greens are a newer ingredient to me, and while I would rather eat grass clippings than a couple of its raw leaves, this creamy yet still light sauce can excuse a whole host of flavor flaws- Proof positive that it only takes the right cooking method to make even the most maligned greens easy to swallow.

The salad section is of course abundant with suggestions, and now that the heat of summer has come to stay for the season, those are very enticing pages to explore. Breaking out of my own personal food taboos, I fearlessly took Nava’s lead and combined fruits with savory vegetables (gasp!) and ate watercress raw for the first time, emboldened by the Sumptuous Spring Greens Salad (page 156). It seems silly to rave about a salad, but this one deserves all the praise. Much more thoughtful than just odds and ends tossed together, the combination of sweet yet tart green apples softens the bitter bite of radicchio and peppery flair from the radishes. Creamy avocado brings texture contrast to the party, a welcome reprieve from the crisp and crunch all around. It’s a kick-starter that makes one wonder, “why didn’t I try this before?” Simple even for a side, yes, but every bit as noteworthy as an elaborate main.

Thrilled to have any excuse to pull out my oft forgotten juicer, the section on beverages provides the confidence I frequently lack when it comes to combining greens with sweeter fruits. The Spinach and Lettuce Refresher (page 206) is, as promised, very refreshing indeed! An excellent beginner’s green juice, it’s mild, not at all bitter, and lightly sweet thanks to the addition of apples; no need to add the optional agave at all. Slightly tangy thanks to lemon juice, this beverage may just become the new lemonade around here.

The beauty of the recipes showcased in Wild About Greens is that they’re built to take on whatever you throw at them. Want to swap collards for kale? Go for it! Nava provides plenty of substitution advice, but the versatility of each preparation goes beyond that. It would take a concerted effort to ruin any of these recipes; go ahead and change the veggies, add beans, take away herbs, do your worst! Wild About Greens succeeds in removing the fear of failure from cooking with new ingredients, and can plant the seed for entirely new recipe ideas. It truly has never been easier to eat green.

It would be a downright shame not to spread these delicious ideas further afield, so I’m thrilled that the publisher has so kindly offered to share an additional copy for one lucky reader to win! If you’re looking to get more greens into your diet, tell me about your current favorite leafy ingredient, and how you like to prepare it. Links and recipes are encouraged but not necessary! The basic requirements, as per usual, are names and valid email addresses in the appropriate boxes. Please, only one comment per person, and be sure to speak up before Midnight EST on June 27th. I’ll contact the winner shortly thereafter, so keep an eye to your inbox.

UPDATE: The winner, chosen by the fair and just random number generator is…

The lucky commenter behind entry #7, 3littlebrds! Get ready to load up on the leafy greens, because you’re gonna want to put them to use right away!

June 20, 2012July 13, 2012

Hannah (BitterSweet)92 Comments

Around the World in 80 Plates: Chiang Mai, Thailand

From so many years ago, a blur of dazzling colors remains imprinted on my retinas, a full rainbow of garments and glittering jewelry reflected the fading sunlight, from each of the multitude of hawker stalls crowding the streets. Tidal waves of chatter, music, blaring car horns, all ebbed and flowed together, underscoring each scene with a certain frenetic energy. Sensory overload was the name of the game, with every last merchant competing fiercely to capture your undivided attention. Most memorable, however, was that oppressive heat. Covered by fabric tents and makeshift wooden plank ceilings, the sun was not the culprit- The humidity was unlike anything I had ever known. It felt as if the whole city was underwater, and we swam from place to place through the thick, hot air, much like the moist breath of a dragon, breathing down your neck. This was Bangkok, Thailand, my one and only experience with the country, and it was only a six-hour layover at that. If simply flitting about a nearby market left such an impression, I can only imagine what it would be like to explore deeper into the heart of the country. Thanks to my sweet culinary expedition, I can at least get a small taste, as we’re destined for Chiang Mai, Thailand today.

Thailand doesn’t have nearly the same sort of dessert culture as European countries, but that’s not to say that there’s not a sweet tooth to be found. Rather, sugary snacks are more common instead of an after dinner aperitif. A bounty of exotic fruits are always close at hand, so many of those more traditional treats put them to good use. In this case, it was the simple mango that captured my heart; a tender, tangy, and juicy topping to the rich coconut-infused sticky rice known as Khao Neeo Mamuang.

A tropical take on the rice pudding I already know and love, mango sticky rice is comfort food, straight and simple. Though something I’d gladly shovel down with gusto on a normal day, that wouldn’t quite cut it for this sweet challenge. Digging into my drawer of baking tricks, I found a long forgotten bottle of pandan extract and jumped at the opportunity to finally put it to use. Admittedly, because I can be nothing but brutally honest with you, my dear readers, this is a horrible representation of the flavor. I’ll be the first to say that I was not a fan. That artificial neon green is just part of the package, but it needn’t be so lurid with a fresher source. Next time, I would gladly go a different route and try making a more refreshing mint-flavored gelee instead, by steeping a big handful of fresh mint leaves in the water before setting it with agar. A green tint could always be added with a splash of spinach juice, if you really need the visual cue.

Yield: Makes 8 - 10 Servings

Mango Sticky Rice Parfaits

While Thailand may not share Europe’s formal dessert traditions, it certainly knows how to satisfy a sweet tooth. Instead of rich pastries or layered cakes, Thai sweets often center around vibrant fruits and simple, satisfying ingredients. One of the most celebrated examples is Khao Neeo Mamuang, a comforting dish of sticky rice soaked in creamy coconut milk, crowned with ripe, juicy mango. For this version, I’ve added a subtle twist with fragrant pandan gelee, bringing a new depth of flavor to an already beloved classic.

Prep Time 45 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Additional Time 1 hour

Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

Pandan Gelee:

2 1/4 Cups Water
1/2 Cup Granulated Sugar
2 Teaspoons Agar Agar Powder
1 1/2 – 2 Teaspoons Pandan Extract

Coconut Sticky Rice:

1 1/2 Cups Uncooked Glutinous Rice
2 Cups Water
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
1 14-Ounce Can Full-Fat Coconut Milk
1/2 Cup Light Agave Nectar

Coconut Sauce:

2/3 Cup Full-Fat Coconut Milk
1 Tablespoon Light Agave Nectar
Pinch Salt
1 Tablespoon Cornstarch
1/2 Teaspoon Ground Ginger
1 Tablespoon Coconut Oil
1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Sesame Brittle:

1 Cup Granulated Sugar
1/2 Cup Light Corn Syrup or Light Agave Nectar
1/4 Cup Water
1/3 Cup Toasted White Sesame Seeds
1 Tablespoon Black Sesame Seeds
1 Tablespoon Vegan Butter or Coconut Oil

Topping:

2 Ripe Mangos, Peeled and Diced Small

Instructions

Begin with the gelee so it has time to set. Simply with the water, sugar, agar, and extract together in a medium saucepan until there are no lumps or clumps remaining, and set it over medium heat. Bring it up to a lively boil, whisking frequently as it comes up to temperature, and turn off the heat. Carefully pour the hot liquid mixture into the bottoms of 8 – 10 4-ounce glasses, distributing it evenly between them, to fill about a centimeter up the glass. To achieve the slanted gelee layer as photographed, lean the glasses between two stacks of heavy plates or books, as pictured in the post above.
Make sure that they’re securely wedged and not liable to roll around at all before proceeding. No matter what angle you set the gelee at, prepare the glasses in a place where they won’t be disturbed for at least an hour while the agar works its gelling magic. Let cool completely at room temperature until the gelee is firmly in place.
Meanwhile, you can prepare the sticky rice. Another easy affair; just combine the rice, water, and salt in a medium saucepan and set over moderate heat on the stove. Once the water comes up to a boil, reduce the heat all the way down to low, cover, and let cook for 15 – 20 minutes, until all of the liquid has been absorbed. If the pot threatens to bubble over, move it so that it’s only partially over the flame, and periodically rotate it so that all areas get direct heat at one point or another. Once cooked, mix in the coconut milk and agave, cover again, and let it cool and absorb those new flavors.
For the sauce, vigorously whisk together the coconut milk, agave, salt, cornstarch, and ginger in a small saucepan, being careful to beat out any clumps of starch. Set over medium-low heat, and whisk gently until the mixture comes up to a boil. Turn off the heat before adding the coconut oil and vanilla, stirring until the oil melts and is thoroughly incorporated. Cool to room temperature before chilling thoroughly.
Finally, for the last component that needs preparation, set a silicone baking mat or piece of parchment paper off to the side of your stove for easy access. Place the sugar, corn syrup or agave, and water in a medium saucepan (I hope you’ve been washing the same one out; this would make for a whole lot of pans in the sink by now!) over moderate heat, and stir just to moisten all of the dry sugar. Do not stir from this point forward, but gently swirl the pan periodically to keep things moving. Once the mixture comes to a boil and the sugar has dissolved, insert a candy thermometer and cook until it reaches between 290 – 300 degrees. Working quickly, remove the thermometer and dump in both types of sesame seeds along with the margarine or coconut oil. Grab your spatula again and stir until the seeds are well incorporated and the vegan butter or coconut oil has melted. Pour the liquid sesame-sugar mix onto the center of your sheet and let it spread out naturally. Cool completely before snapping into pieces.
To finish the parfaits, spoon sticky rice into the gelee-lined glasses, almost up to the top. Drizzle 1 – 2 tablespoons of the coconut sauce over the top, and mound a generous scoop of diced mango over that. Chill thoroughly before serving, and crown each serving with a piece of sesame brittle right before digging in.