Cooking With Dia

Happy Pancake Day!

Administrator — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:19:56 +0000

Today is Shrove's Tuesday AKA Pancake Day! Woot! Woot! Who doesn't love pancakes? You? Then this post isn't for you sweetie pie. :P In case you have no idea why the British gorge themselves on pancakes today of all days--Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday AKA the day you have to stop eating fun things, so in Sweden it is "Pastry Day", in America it is "Fat Tuesday" (they couldn't decide on just one food) and here it is "Pancake Day". The idea is to eat as much of the one food you love the day before you have to give it up for Lent. That's your Theology lesson for the day from Miss Dia.

Banana Marmalade Bread and Butter Pudding

Administrator — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 21:00:48 +0000

Who loves bread and butter pudding? Who hasn't been able to eat it since becoming vegan? Who hasn't been able to eat it since starting the gluten free diet? Would you believe me if I told you this pudding could be good for you? Did you know you could make banana marmalade? OK, I will stop asking questions. :)

A Vegan Burns Night Supper

Administrator — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 19:24:02 +0000

Tomorrow night is Burns Night, and many a Scot will be sitting down for a Burns Night Supper to celebrate the birthday of poet, Robert Burns. Traditionally a Burns night supper consists of cock-a-leekie soup, haggis and tatties and then either clootie dumpling or tipsy laird to close the meal. But I've changed that all around and upside down to suit me and my vegan and gluten free friends.

Food for Haiti

Administrator — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 18:59:50 +0000

I know many blogs as well as websites have been raising money to help the relief effort in Haiti. But for those of you who would really like to donate, but can't afford to, there is another option--Oxfam. Oxfam is a wonderful confederation dedicated to relieving famine in all parts of the world. It has over 15,000 stores and shops worldwide, where people can go to donate just about anything--Books, clothing, old records, tableware, crockery, curtains, etc. If you are wanting to help those affected by the devastating earthquake in Port-au-Prince, check to see if there is an Oxfam shop near you, and all of those books or clothes you don't know what to do with, you can give away for a great cause. The money raised from the sale of these items goes straight to helping in their relief efforts. Oxfam was one of the first charities there straight after this horrible disaster occurred. So far they have flown in over ten tonnes of water, sanitation, health and shelter equipment. They have also teamed up with the UN and other aid organizations to prevent more and more people from spending the night out in the open. Because of this multiple camps have now been set up around Port-au-Prince to give people somewhere to sleep. The devastation is vast, there are no words really to paint a proper picture. If you are feeling helpless because you are not able to donate an enormous amount of money, sift through some of your things and pop down to your local Oxfam shop. The volunteers working in these shops are some of the nicest individuals you may ever meet. If you want to know anything in greater detail, just ask, and they will explain everything.

Gluten Free & Vegan Victoria Sponge Cake

Administrator — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 20:57:57 +0000

A few days ago I made about 4 lbs of strawberry jam. It wasn't meant to be that much originally, but as the kind grocer gave me 2 boxes of free strawberries, I thought, "Why not make a big ol bunch of jam?" I have been having crumpet after crumpet with this wonderful strawberry jam spread on top, but wanted another way to showcase it. What better way than to make a Victoria Sponge Cake, or as some call it, Victoria Sandwich.

Cabin Fever-Vanilla and Pear Tart

Administrator — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 02:08:54 +0000

For all of you stuck inside because of the snow outside, here is something to keep you busy.

Back to Basics-Simple, Spicy Risotto

Administrator — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 19:45:55 +0000

If you are like me, you are constantly trying to veganize dishes you remember from your pre-vegan life. I for one have been obsessing on how to make the perfect vegan mozzarella. I'm pleased to say I've finally cracked the code, and managed to make a ball of vegan mozzarella, and I will be sharing that recipe with you soon. While obsessing on things like that, I forgot that the best part of being vegan is staring right in front of me-All the wonderful fruit and veg I get every week. So, today it's back to basics with this very simple spicy risotto. If you've never made risotto before, this is a good starter recipe, and then as you get more confident, you can add whatever you like to it.

A Vegan Hogmanay-Clementine Chocolate Cake

Administrator — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 13:53:26 +0000

You can bet your bottom dollar that the Scots are still partying it up for Hogmanay today and probably well into tomorrow as it is a bank holiday in Scotland. What better way to continue the celebration than with my Clementine Chocolate Cake? The flavor of clementine goes so well with chocolate and topped with my brandy cream icing, this cake is to die for.

A Vegan Hogmanay – Seven mug pudding

Administrator — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 18:28:51 +0000

I wanted to do something for Hogmanay because the Scottish over here are the most like Philadelphians as far as I can see. In Philadelphia New Year's Day is a huge celebration, in fact even more so than Christmas. Philadelphia has the Mummers Parade, which I grew up with. It is a day long celebration that goes late into the night. It starts out in South Philly with the Comics and String Bands and ends in Center City with the Fancy Brigade competition. People don't realize that this Mummers Parade is serious business! The different bands and brigades work on their routines and costumes for an entire year--everything has to be perfect

Twelfth day-Come get tipsy with me!

Administrator — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 13:58:18 +0000

This morning I woke up earlier than usual to make sure I made it down to the Christmas market in town. You see I was on the hunt for some fresh raspberries, a proper trifle dish and some Drambuie. I didn't find any of that, until I went to Tesco. Even there, I only found 1 out of 3-fresh raspberries, but it was enough to make me happy. I had to settle for the Famous Grouse and have located an old glass bowl in my attack to use for the dish...it all worked out in the end...or did it? On the twelfth day of Christmas I give to you Tipsy Laird, or as some spell it Typsy Laird, or as the Englishmen and Americans call it Sherry Trifle.

Tenth & Eleventh Day

Administrator — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:45:17 +0000

I'm putting two recipes together here because I'm afraid I'm going to need a day off tomorrow from cooking and photographing food. I don't usually talk about my health problems on here, and I'd hate to start, but I'm feeling really dizzy again, and I'm sure it is just exhaustion. So, a day off is needed. This post is jammed pack full of pictures and recipes for vegan banana bread and vegan apple and raisin bread. Yum!

Ninth Day-Vegan Sausage Rolls

Administrator — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:01:01 +0000

Wow, already day nine of this mad experiment. Didn't think I'd get this far, eh? Well, I did. Now, finally for you I made something savory. For my American friends, a sausage roll is something the British snack on. At parties here in jolly ol' England, there is usually a mountain of mini sausage rolls. I was thinking how funny it would be to veganize them and not tell anyone, to see if they could taste the difference. For the ninth day of Christmas Dia makes for you...something savory-vegan sausage rolls!!!!!!

Eighth Day-Vegan Mini Danish

Administrator — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 23:03:54 +0000

OK so I guess technically these aren't mini danish, but the flavor is so similar, I didn't want to name them tartlets. Again, this is another very simple recipe, that is unless you are making your own vegan puff pastry. Had a weird day: I slipped on the icy footpath near my house, right onto my bad knee and my cane broke. Then I came home to find Brittany Murphy died of a heart attack at 32 years old. She was one of those actresses I liked, part of my generation and all that. I loved her in Girl Interrupted and always felt her acting skills went overlooked by her peers. I'm also still a bit sad that Terry Wogan retired...so yeah, easy recipe for today. :) On the eighth day of Christmas Dia gives to you Vegan Mini Danish, well, sort of.

Seventh Day-Giant Figgy Pudding Truffles

Administrator — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 19:19:50 +0000

If you are a new visitor to my blog, you may think this is a candy blog! I've been doing a lot of candy making this past week because I think it's important to get all of the gift ideas out of the way before it gets too close to Christmas. I promise I will start posting proper dishes soon. This recipe is probably the easiest so far. They are getting easier and easier, but that's because at this point all of you are cooking your arses off. On the seventh day of Christmas Dia brings to you her Giant Figgy Pudding Truffles!

Sixth day of Christmas- Cookie Dough Lollies

Administrator — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 21:28:51 +0000

Ever wonder what to do with left over cookie dough? Maybe you ran out of room on a baking tray while making chocolate chip cookies, or perhaps you thought about saving a bit of gingerbread for later in the week. Whatever the case I have an idea-why not make cookie dough lollies? On the sixth day of Christmas Dia gives to you her recipe for Cookie Dough Lollies.

Fifth day of Christmas-Vegan Christmas Fudge

Administrator — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 23:00:35 +0000

I had so much fun making this today, and it is something that is extremely simple to put together in a few minutes. In England we have something called Christmas Pudding, Christmas Cake and so on. What these Christmas desserts consist of are a variety of dried fruits and nuts. I thought, "Wouldn't it be fun to make a candy that used the same idea?" On the Fifth Day of Christmas Dia brings to you her Vegan Christmas Fudge.

Fourth day of Christmas-Cinnamon & Peanut Brittle

Administrator — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 20:59:49 +0000

*Totally Vegan and Gluten Free If anyone is looking for a last minute gift idea, this is most definitely it. Not only is it delicious, but it only takes minutes to make--In the microwave and all! Are you gasping? Isn't it brilliant? It takes about 10 minutes to prepare and make and another 15-30 minutes for it to cool. If you want to impress friends and family with boxes of homemade candy, be sure to give this recipe a go. On the fourth day of Christmas Dia gives to you her Cinnamon and Peanut Brittle.

Third day of Christmas-Gingerbread Men and Women

Administrator — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 18:51:11 +0000

*totally vegan No Christmas is complete without some kind of gingerbread, whether it be in the form of a house, little men or ginger snap cookies (my personal favorite). So on the third day of Christmas Dia gives to you Vegan Gingerbread men and women.

Second day of Christmas-Shoo fly Apple pie

Administrator — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 19:44:06 +0000

*Totally vegan On the second day of Christmas came Dia's Shoo Fly Apple Pie. Last night I was in bed sort of pondering why I decided to make 12 different dishes for my blog...in 12 days. The only conclusion that I could come up with is, I'm a little crazy.

On the first day of Christmas-New potatoes with cucumber

Administrator — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:05:25 +0000

I am going to be posting 12 recipes for Christmas, all vegan and all scrumptalicious. I am a big Christmas person, some may find us Christmas people extremely annoying, but I LOVE CHRISTMAS.

A Vegan Thanksgiving

Administrator — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 23:13:17 +0000

Thanksgiving naturally reminds the vast majority of Americans of Turkey. For many vegans, Tofurky has become a popular favorite on the holiday, but if you are like me: vegan, American and don’t like tofu, what in the world are you going to eat? I’ve put together some suggestions for an [...]

2010 Cooking With Dia Vegan Calendar

Administrator — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 02:37:33 +0000

I don’t usually advertise my personal projects on this blog, but since I have been working on and have now just finished my 2010 Calendar, I wanted to share it with you and tell you a little bit about what inspired it. In 1986 my dad was diagnosed with MALT Lymphoma [...]

Dia’s Vegan Apple Butter Pumpkin Pie

Administrator — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 23:20:13 +0000

In keeping with the all vegan Thanksgiving theme I started last month, I was thinking of a perfect dessert. I decided to make an apple butter pumpkin pie, and whereas it was a total of 3 days in the making, it was well worth the wait. I grew up loving apple butter and pumpkin pie, so what better dessert than the two together?

Dia’s Gluten Free & Vegan Pumpkin Gnocchi

Administrator — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 22:15:17 +0000

Last night I was thinking of possible dishes for an all vegan Thanksgiving, and then suddenly remembered Halloween was coming up. I miss Halloween, it isn't something wonderfully celebrated here in the UK...

Victoria Plum Jam with Gluten Free and Vegan Pancakes

Administrator — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 23:27:39 +0000

You can't get much better than this--pancakes with jam. Of course you can use any jam, but as it is the middle of the Victoria Plum season, better to take advantage of this delicious fruit.

Fresh Sweetcorn and Chili Soup

Administrator — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 23:25:26 +0000

This soup is nice, thick and spicy, but not too rich. I would suggest serving it in small soup bowls as an appetizer rather than bigger portions for a main course. I chose to slow cook mine over 4 hours, but you don’t have to wait that long! I just find [...]

The Great British Strawberry-How to Make Strawberry Jam

Administrator — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 23:04:40 +0000

Today was very exciting to put it lightly. What an adventure I had with my three little dogs and mate. We piled into the car and drove down to a Pick Your Own Farm because I was dying to pick some fresh Squash--I heard this place had three different varieties and I couldn't wait to arrive. There was a set back along the way. The car overheated and started bubbling water. That didn't stop us however, and we continued the further 40 miles down to the farm.

Thai Sweetcorn Cakes (Gluten Free and Vegan)

Administrator — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 18:46:40 +0000

When I got home from my trip, the first thing I made was Thai Sweetcorn cakes, the way they should taste in my opinion. And they finally satisfied that 3 day long craving of hot chili with the sweetness of the corn.

Gluten Free and Vegan Chocolate-Chocolate Chip Muffins

Administrator — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 15:32:34 +0000

These muffins come out very moist and creamy, which is down to the peanut milk. I made a pint of it last night specifically for these. If you like the taste of Reese’s Pieces, you will love these muffins! The peanut milk compliments the chocolate much more than my usual oat milk, [...]

5 Vegan Ice creams (soy free) by Dia

Administrator — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 21:50:01 +0000

One of the first things I thought about after becoming vegan was ice cream: How would I replace it, What if I didn't like the soy stuff, how on earth could I make it creamy without cream??? So many questions, but I finally cracked the code.

Dia’s Gluten Free/Vegan Cinnamon Buns

Administrator — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 23:37:05 +0000

Here is a yummy recipe to tide you over to my next post which will be even more yummy! Trust me.

Dia’s Vegan Chocolate Cheesecake

Administrator — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 22:43:15 +0000

It had been a rough week for me, so I needed a chocolaty treat! And yes, this is a vegan cheesecake--no dairy products in this whatsoever! I actually made my own vegan sweet cheese to put in the cake because the UK is lacking in any kind of vegan products. I know in the US you have vegan cream cheese, so if you would like to substitute it with that, it will be quicker. But if you would like to try to make some easy homemade vegan cheese, please give my recipe a shot.

Dia’s Noodle Soup

Administrator — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 17:54:32 +0000

Even in nice weather, people get unwell. There is nothing more comforting than a bowl of noodle soup. Many have come to associate noodle soup with chicken, but as someone who does not eat meat I had to improvise.

Dia’s Macrobiotic Pizza

Administrator — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 22:45:26 +0000

Cooking With Dia makes Macrobiotic Pizza easy!

Dia’s Upside Down Cake (Gluten Free, Macrobiotic and Vegan)

Administrator — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 19:06:26 +0000

I almost fainted when I tasted this cake this afternoon--one of the most delicious desserts I have ever experienced. You may think I'm a little biased, but believe me, I'm my worst critic! For me to say this is by far the most fantastic cake I have ever made, means it tastes wonderful! And it is refined sugar free!!

Dia’s Macrobiotic Sesame and Peanut Noodles

Administrator — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 23:11:38 +0000

I know what you're thinking, "Macrobiotic???". Yes, Macrobiotic. Macrobiotic cooking is very similar to cooking vegan: no eggs, dairy, meat, etc. In addition--no refined sugar! If you are feeling sluggish, try going macrobiotic for 30 days and see how much better you feel!

Monkey Bread: Vegan and Gluten Free

Administrator — Sun, 31 May 2009 19:45:06 +0000

I remember the first time I experienced Monkey Bread--I was eight years old and at a very wealthy girl's tenth birthday party. I expected an extravagant cake, so when this lumpy pile of balls approached the table with 1 measly little candle on it, I was taken aback. I asked, "What the hell is that?" "We don't say hell in this house Miss Dia," my friend's mother whispered, "It's Monkey Bread!" "WHAT?!?!" I screamed, "There are monkeys in this bread?" "Ha ha ha ha, no dear, it's just called Monkey Bread," the mother explained. "Why????" "Time to blow out the candles!!!" Needless to say I was ignored. My point is, I don't know why it is called Monkey Bread--even Wikipedia doesn't know:

Rolled Aubergine–Eggplant Dolma

Administrator — Fri, 29 May 2009 17:31:33 +0000

I have been wanting to make Dolma for a while now, it is an Eastern European way of hollowing and stuffing vegetables which have the typical appearance of looking rolled. Most cooks will stuff their chosen vegetable with cheese and meat, or cheese and fish. I decided to stuff mine with Orzo, a rice shaped pasta, sweet peppers, chili peppers, tomatoes, garlic and onions. Why not just use rice instead? Orzo has the most delicious flavor, that even the finest risotto rice cannot duplicate. I use this a lot in my pasta dishes and soups. Be sure to try it some time!

Dia’s Oaty Muffins

Administrator — Thu, 28 May 2009 00:09:38 +0000

Who likes to bake at 11pm ? I do! I decided I needed a sugar fix, and this is what I came up with: Oaty Muffins. Similar ingredients to the Oaty Bites I made last month, but bigger and better!

Tiramisu–I love you!

Administrator — Mon, 25 May 2009 20:48:16 +0000

We all love it-- the ultimate Italian comfort dessert, but can we all make it? I don’t mean out of a box either...the answer is YES!!

Quick Chocolate Mousse

Administrator — Fri, 08 May 2009 17:43:40 +0000

It's been a while, and again I have to apologize. When I originally started this blog I didn't foresee all of the negativity coming my way. Life can be hectic sometimes, or all the time. :)

Dia’s Chocolate Oaty Bites

Administrator — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 18:34:50 +0000

Well, this is my first post in too long. I have been busy with things like edema, breathing difficulties, kidney pain and random masses popping up all over, and needless to say I haven't been feeling all that wonderful. I hope you enjoy this recipe which I made over a month ago and just never got the chance to post it on my blog here.

Homemade Pumpkin Pie

Administrator — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 16:07:05 +0000

I can’t say enough about my favorite pie. Pumpkin Pie has cured many lonely nights and sad times at the hospital. Usually it wouldn’t be home made, but wherever it came from it was delicious. To be honest, I really haven’t tasted anything better than this dessert. Most people only eat this after their big Thanksgiving meal, but given the opportunity, I would have a slice every day.

Chick Bean Nuggets

Administrator — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 19:15:37 +0000

Here is a quick and easy recipe if you are on the go.

Dia’s Apple Tartlet

Administrator — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 16:59:52 +0000

I had a lot of fun making these for Superbowl night last Sunday. My intention was to create an entire blog focused on a vegan Superbowl party, but instead I will be posting each dish recipe by recipe throughout the next couple of weeks. The only slightly complicated part of these tartlets is making the mini pastry cases, and if you don't have the time you can find them at any food store. Unfortunately, they don't come vegan.

Dia’s Vegan Super Duper Chocolate Cookies

Administrator — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 20:20:43 +0000

These chocolate cookies turned out fantastic and quite large! I even feel making them vegan makes them taste better than my usual cookies. These aren't fat free by any means, so prepare for an evening of overindulgence and bake away!

Dia’s Vegan Banana and Chocolate Chip Muffins

Administrator — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 17:20:18 +0000

Last night I baked my first set of vegan muffins. That's right eggless muffins, I thought they would just crumble apart, but they turned out to be the perfect consistency and bound well. They tasted delicious, and it is hard to taste the difference between these and my old muffin recipe.

Mini Naan Pizzas

Administrator — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 18:06:23 +0000

This dish is not only healthy, but completely vegetarian. It could even be vegan if you substitute the cheeses to vegan cheeses. I will give you all of the information if you would like to do this. These cuties are absolutely delicious and can be made for a party or for a romantic dinner for two. The naan bread gives a nice peppery taste, and added with the right topping, this can be truly exceptional!

Spaghetti with Chickpea Bolognese

Administrator — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 15:44:42 +0000

My mom was telling me yesterday how my dad would make me buttered spaghetti with chickpeas mixed through when I was little, and she told me that I used to love chickpeas. I can't remember any of this, and I thought I only started eating chickpeas in 2004. That's what happens when you have brain surgery after brain surgery I guess. Anyway, I decided to make this dish to see if it would jog any memories--it didn't, but it tasted great!

Broccoli and Cauliflower Cheese Bake

Administrator — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 00:34:48 +0000

It is the third day without any meat or fish for me, and it's strange, but I am not feeling any better. Hopefully all of this "energy" vegetarians speak of will kick in later. Last night I made a Quorn fajita with a really nice chili sour cream sauce. It was so good I thought I would somehow incorporate it in this recipe.