polystyrene's Profile

Display Name: polystyrene
Personal URL: http://veganplaisir.wordpress.com
Member Since: 12/17/09

Latest Comments...

I am so glad I'm not the only one who's crazy happy that coconut oil is now at TJ's! $6, oh yeah.

As a vegan, I frequently sub this for butter in some cooking and baking (use not quite as much coconut oil as butter and add a touch more liquid). Many things fry up well in it.

For hair, I will scrape out just enough to coat my hands, then run my fingers all through my hair. Then shampoo extra well. After drying, it seems a tad greased but then becomes so amazingly soft and touchable. I sit around stroking it like an idiot.

It is also a nice aphrodisiac--- applied externally, liberally, in front of someone else. Enjoy, then have a good soapy shower.


Pantry Staples: Trader Joe's Organic Coconut Oil
1/18/12 11:59 PM

Last time I dried some leftover watermelon scraps, I tossed them with coarse sugar and citric acid for a chewy sour watermelon candy. More sugary, but so tasty.


Try This: Dried Watermelon
7/30/11 11:22 AM

@merricontrari:
You can make coconut milk by whizzing dried shredded or flaked (and unsweetened) coconut with water. Let it soak in the water a few hours if you can, blenderize it, and strain the milk through cheesecloth or something. Save the solids because they are yummy.

For "whipped cream", you can really only use full-fat canned coconut milk (lite coconut milk won't really separate). You can also buy coconut cream (NOT the same as cream of coconut), which you don't have to refrigerate first. I try to avoid buying anything that contains more than coconut milk/cream and guar gum.

I'm vegan; I make this a lot. Whipped coconut cream is nice with a tangy (soy) yogurt and syrup to sweeten.


How To Make Whipped Cream from a Can of Coconut Milk
7/29/11 11:34 PM

A note: compare ingredients of different brands. Some are just obviously more "pure" or have less unwanted filler-stuff. For example, I often find only a brand or two among a shelf of canned coconut milk that isn't just coconut extract, guar gum, etc.


Basket Snooper: Advice for Shopping at Unfamiliar Markets
6/1/11 11:46 PM

I love these! Definitely a tastier option than any dealcoholized wines I've had, and they're bubbly. I look out for when they have coupons or sales at Whole Foods.


Non-Alcoholic Yet Food-Friendly: Cascal Fermented Soda
Product Review
5/28/11 9:17 PM

I mix masa with some garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and enough water to make a dough. I form little flat arrowhead shapes and deep- or shallow-fry them. I eat them with sour cream and any rich, spicy sauce. I don't know why I do this.


What Else Can I Do With Masa Harina?
Good Questions
5/28/11 11:18 AM

Cook a lot.

Get nutrition advice from somewhere besides the internet.

Get cooking advice from the internet.

Be ready for strangers and loved ones to hate you and make fun of you at various times. Be patient and optimistic.

Don't go crazy. Have fun.


Going Vegan: What's Your Best Advice?
1/13/11 1:32 AM

Two more I'd like to mention, besides my own:

www.veggie-wedgie.com
veganmenu.blogspot.com (what the hell does a vegan eat anyway?)


10 Inspiring Blogs on Vegan Food & Cooking
1/13/11 1:21 AM

For a ground beef substitute, I mix TVP with soy sauce, carrot juice, vegetable broth, garlic, onion, balsamic vinegar or red wine, olive oil, and a touch of molasses. Cover it and microwave to make it quickly soak up the liquid. I'll add more specific instructions to my blog sometime soon.

TVP is cheap at Whole Foods, so I like it.


Great Recipes with TVP (Textured Vegetable Protein)?
Good Questions
1/13/11 1:15 AM