Monday, December 17, 2012

The 30-Minute Vegan's Taste of Europe
Book Review and Giveaway

I cannot believe it's been almost two months since I posted my last review! My little tumble at Sawyer Park in Bend, Oregon just before Thanksgiving and resulting broken wrist, surgery (complete with stainless steel screw!), and bruised/cracked rib made typing more than a wee bit challenging. But I'm on the mend (in my snazzy blue arm cast!) thanks in no small part to the love and nurturing I received from my dear friend, Judy Petullo. I don't know how I would have gotten through the initial trauma and first few days of pain and dis-ability without her warmth, caring, kindness, and hospitality. There are truly no words that can adequately express my deep feelings of gratitude.

I am delighted to get back to the joy of sharing my favorite new discoveries with you! (Although for awhile at least, my posts may still be few and far between.) This book review was pretty much in the can before my little walk in the park. I had prepared and tasted several of the recipes and had taken photos to share. So here I am drooling all over the photos and reliving the pleasure of eating these tasty dishes in my mind. (Chopping, slicing, dicing, lifting heavy trays, pots, or pans, and washing dishes are currently not within the scope of my abilities.) So without further ado, please allow me to introduce you to The 30 Minute Vegan's Taste of Europe: 150 Plant-Based Makeovers of Classics from France, Italy, Spain ... and Beyond! 


I'm a huge fan of Chef Mark Reinfeld and his The 30 Minute Vegan series of books. The recipes in The 30 Minute Vegan and The 30 Minute Vegan's Taste of the East are simple to prepare and taste amazing. Mark never fails to deliver no-fail recipes that inspire even the most hesitant home cook's creativity. His lastest gem, The 30 Minute Vegan's Taste of Europewhich features a collection of old-world recipes that are not always easy to veganize—like Moussaka, Bocadillos, and even Bouillabaisse, will surprise and delight readers with the complexity of flavors that can be achieved in so little time.

Feast your eyes on a few of the delectable dishes I prepared from the recipes found within the pages of The 30 Minute Vegan's Taste of Europe ...

Scottish Currant Scones, which I transformed into Cranberry Pistachio Coconut Nog Scones ...


Italian Tempeh Neatballs are seriously the best-tasting vegan meatball adaptation ever! (I just had to share the recipe below!)


So good I had them for lunch the next day with Mark's Roasted Tomato and Garlic Sauce.


Dating back to medieval Spain and Portugal, who doesn't love Empanadas? I served these tasty stiuffed-bared pockets with more Roasted Tomato and Garlic Sauce ...


Making cruelty-free French Faux Gras ...


A colorful and delectable fusion of flavors: Bruschetta with Faux Gras ...


You'll gain a whole new appreciation for paprika after your very first bite of this fabulous Hungarian Goulash ...


A sensuously sweet, yet light Spanish dessert, Vegan Flan, served with raspberries and a drizzle of caramel syrup ...


Tempeh Neatballs 
reprinted with the kind permission of the author and the publisher,
Da Capo Press. ©2012 by Mark Reinfeld 

Ingredients:

2 Tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup finely diced yellow onion
3 garlic cloves, minced or pressed
16 oz tempeh, diced finely
1/4 cup oat flour
3 Tbsp nutritional yeast
1 Tbs wheat-free tamari or other soy sauce
1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 Tbsp minced fresh basil
2 Tbsp minced fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 tsp minced fresh rosemary
2 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp ground fennel (optional)
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Oil for sautéing
1 12-oz jar of your favorite pasta sauce or the Roasted Tomato and Garlic Sauce from The 30 Minute Vegan's Taste of Europe

Directions:

1. Combine all the ingredients, except the oil for sautéing and the pasta sauce, in alarge bowl and mix well. Form into 10 equal-size balls (think golf ball size) and set aside.
2. Pour the oil into a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the tempeh balls and cook until slightly crispy and browned, about 7 minutes, gently flipping to ensure all sides are cooked.
3. Lower the heat to simmer, add the tomato sauce, and cook for 5 minutes, gently stirring, occasionally.  Serve over pasta or make your own tempeh neatball hero sandwich.

Variation: 

• You can also bake the tempeh balls. (This is how I prepared them.) Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place the balls on a well-oiled baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Gently flip and bake for an additional 10 minutes. If you wish, you can flip every 5 minutes, rolling the balls on a different side with each flip.

If you've been yearning for Yorkshire Pudding or craving kielbasa soup, The 30 Minute Vegan's Taste of Europe was written for you! It will also make the most wonderful holiday gift for your favorite foodie, vegan or not.

Update: Congratulations Kelly G! You are the lucky winner! Please email me with your postal address, so I can arrange to have your book sent to you. Thank you, everyone, for a fantastic giveaway! Stay tuned for the next one, and in the meantime, I'm wishing you all a very happy, healthy, and delicious New Year!

For a chance to win your very own copy, simply leave a comment below, and tell me your favorite European regional cuisine.* 

You can also earn additional entries: choose any or all of the following, and please leave a comment for each item you complete:

1. Like Vegan Fusion on Facebook.
2. Follow @veganfusion on Twitter.
3. Follow this blog by clicking the "follow" link in the upper left-hand corner of this page, subscribing via email, or through Networked Blogs.
4. Follow @Vegiegail on Twitter.
5. Tweet the following message: Win a copy of @veganfusion's The 30 Minute Vegan's Taste of Europe via @vegiegail 4 u or someone u ❤! http://bit.ly/30MinVE #vegan #giveaway

Please make sure I have a way to contact you when you win, (leave me your Twitter handle or email address or make sure it's linked to your blogger account.) Good luck!!!

*Sorry international friends. The giveaway is open to US residents only.

101 comments:

Helen said...

My grandparents are from Germany, so I would say (north) german food is my favorite comfort food. Potatoes, red cabbage, roulades... Although now I don't appreciate anymore, that they tend to put meat, bacon or lard in everything...

Anonymous said...

cruelty-free French Faux Gras looks amazing with all those vegetable and walnuts!! Cindy Mielenz

Unknown said...

Tempeh Neatballs sound so yummy!! I would love to make some they sound so easy!

Anonymous said...

Italian food, glorious Italian food!

Anonymous said...

I follow your blog!

Millie said...

so nice to have you back my friend...have a great Christmas.

Vegiegail said...

thank you, dear Millie! Merry Christmas to you! xo

Angel said...

I'm a fan of French cuisine (especially pastries), but the goulash looks amazing!

Angel said...

I follow Hungry Vegan!

Justine said...

Mama mia! I cannot wait to try those "neatballs!" Seriously, who doesn't love Italian food? This book sounds amazing, and I would love to win!

Justine said...

I already "like" Vegan Fusion on Facebook!

Justine said...

And of course, I already follow your blog! Thanks for another great giveaway!

Audrey said...

Italian!

justaudrey at live dot com

Audrey said...

I follow you on Twitter

justaudrey (at) live (dot) com

Audrey said...

I like Vegan Fusion on FB

justaudrey(at)live(dot)com

Audrey said...

I follow Vegan Fusion on twitter

justaudrey(at)live(dot)com

Eileen said...

Italian! I just love pasta!!

Helen said...

I really enjoy the cuisine of the Basque region of Spain and France.

Helen said...

Following your blog!

Helen said...

I tweeted the message!

Helen said...

I'm now following @veganfusion on Twitter!

Unknown said...

I'm Italian, and i seriously don't think i could live without my italian food! I have super trained taste buds!

Unknown said...

Following @vegiegail @catinaweb

Unknown said...

Following @veganfusion too!

LaJuana said...

I have LIKED Vegan Fusion on Facebook!

LaJuana said...

Italian! And I am now following VeganFusion on Twitter!

Anonymous said...

Italian!
And I already subscribe to your blog! :)

LaJuana said...

Italian! And I already follow you on Twitter! :)

LaJuana said...

Italian! And I tweeted your message except had to change the "via" to an "@" as it came up with too many characters!
Thanks for this opportunity...the photography is so alluring!

Veggie Grettie said...

Gail...these dishes look amazing. I am so sorry to hear about your injuries...yikes! I hope you heal quickly :-)

Martha said...

My favorite European regional cuisine is Russian!

Frugal Vegan Mom said...

One of my favorites things I'm remembering from europe right now is the hot mulled wine sold at the christmas markets!

Frugal Vegan Mom said...

I liked Vegan Fusion on FB!

Frugal Vegan Mom said...

I am following your blog... great giveaway!

Jen said...

Italian, definitely.

Jen said...

Following Vegan Fusion on Twitter (@justaboutvegan)

Jen said...

Already following @VegieGail on Twitter (@justaboutvegan)

Jasmine said...

Italian! Though I'm interested in finding some Polish-type food that my Polish boyfriend who doesn't like Polish food will enjoy.

MarkTwain said...

The tempeh neatballs look amazing. My fav regional foods are italian, thai, mexican.....

MarkTwain said...

The neatballs look great! Italian is one of my fav regional cuisines, but also thai, mexican, japanese....

MarkTwain said...

#5 I tweeted: https://twitter.com/martielou/status/281099417921134593

MarkTwain said...

1. Like Vegan Fusion on Facebook.

MarkTwain said...

2. I Follow @veganfusion on Twitter.
#martielou

MarkTwain said...

3. I Follow this blog!
@martielou

MarkTwain said...

4. I follow @Vegiegail on Twitter.
@martielou

Ashley said...

I would say some of my favorite cuisine would have to be Italian! :) Thanks for the giveaway

Ashley said...

I like VF on FB

Ashley said...

I subscribe via email

Ashley said...

I follow you on twitter

Cassandra said...

This book looks awesome! My favorite is anything Italian - lasagna, spaghetti, fettuccine, anything. ;)

Kathie said...

I love Italian!!!

Kathie said...

I am now following Vegan Fusion on FB

Kathie said...

I am following veganfusion on Twitter

Kathie said...

I already follow @Vegiegail on Twitter

Kathie said...

I already subscribe to your newsletter. :)

Kathie said...

I tweeted Win a copy of @veganfusion's The 30 Minute Vegan's Taste of Europe via @vegiegail 4 u or someone u ❤! http://bit.ly/30MinVE #vegan #giveaway

Thanks for the opportunity to win. Glad you are feeling better.
Merry Christmas

Terri said...

I subscribe to your emails!

gaia (at) cinci (dot) rr (com)

Terri said...

I think Mediterranean food is my favorite.

gaia (at) cinci (dot) rr (com)

Terri said...

I like Vegan Fusion on Facebook.

gaia (at) cinci (dot) rr (com)

VeganMarr said...

Wow, I'd like a small serving of EACH dish pictured...that would make a satisfying meal! :-) I'd say my fave cuisine would have to be Italian, I like to keep it simple, and I love tomatoes. Those vegan meatballs look scrumptious!

VeganMarr said...

Wow, I'd like a small serving of EACH dish pictured...that would make a satisfying meal! :-) I'd say my fave cuisine would have to be Italian, I like to keep it simple, and I love tomatoes. Those vegan meatballs look scrumptious!

VeganMarr said...

I already follow VegieGail on twitter

VeganMarr said...

I already follow VegieGail on twitter

VeganMarr said...

I already follow VegieGail on twitter

VeganMarr said...

I am already subscribed to the Hungry Vegan blog.

VeganMarr said...

I am already subscribed to the Hungry Vegan blog.

VeganMarr said...

I am already subscribed to the Hungry Vegan blog.

veganMarr said...

Did not mean to post multiples! Am on slow wifi at a coffee shop & I may have over clicked! Anyway, I "liked" VeganFusion on FB.

Anonymous said...

"Liked" Vegan Fusion on Facebook!

Anonymous said...

Following Vegan Fusion on Twitter!

Anonymous said...

Following your blog!

Anonymous said...

Following Vegie Gail on Twitter!

Anonymous said...

Annnnd, tweeted! @billiejeanie327

kelly g. said...

Pierogies!

kelly g. said...

I liked vegan fusion on FB!

kelly g. said...

I follow Vegan Fusion on twitter (I'm @vegandaemon)

kelly g. said...

I already follow vegiegail on twitter!

kelly g. said...

and I tweeted about the giveaway! https://twitter.com/vegandaemon/status/281225272638992385

Anushka3 said...

I learned to love Greek cuisine on holidays in the islands, and I enjoy vegan versions of Greek dishes often. But I also miss the German food my immigrant grandmother used to prepare in my childhood. I find that cuisine very difficult to veganize.

Anushka3 said...

Liked Vegan Fusion on Facebook

Anushka3 said...

I already follow the blog via email.

jacblades said...

my favorite has to be greek! cucumber salad with pita!

Anonymous said...

I'm fond of Mediterranean cuisine, especially Greek and Sicilian food. A good vegan moussaka would totally rock my world!

Anonymous said...

I follow the blog!

Anonymous said...

I liked Vegan Fusion on Facebook!

Anonymous said...

Although my favorite dish (spaghetti) is Italian, I am also a really big fan of sauerkraut! I will eat it on anything!

Anonymous said...

I follow Vegan Fusion on Facebook.

Anonymous said...

I follow Vegan Fusion on Twitter.

@jesscaneal

Anonymous said...

I follow @Vegiegail on Twitter.

@jesscaneal

Anonymous said...

I tweeted about the giveaway!

@jesscaneal

Anonymous said...

I follow the Blog.

Anonymous said...

I grew up on a fusion of Mediterranean, Austro-Hungarian and Turkish / Balkan cuisine, so those are my favourite.

Anonymous said...

I follow you on Twitter. I'm @rhelune.

Anonymous said...

I started following Vegan Fusion on Twitter. I'm @rhelune.

Anonymous said...

I'm subscribed to your blog via RSS.

Cindy said...

I love empanadas!--Cindy
@cereichle

Laura said...

I love French food but I'm sure I would like British Indian fusion. bluepogonavitticeps@yahoo.com

Laura said...

I like Vegan Fusion on FaceBook.
bluepogonavitticeps@yahoo.com

vegangal said...

I adore Italian and French food! It would be amazing to win a copy of this book!

vegangal said...

I tweeted!

vegangal said...

I follow Hungry Vegan.