Hi friends! Something a little different for you today. Well, maybe not altogether different if you’ve been with me a while. I used to blog here, and started in 2005. Yep, waaaay back!
I’ve changed so much of what I blog, focusing mostly on recipes and some parenting posts. But, I used to love sharing “a few of my favorite things” back then. Kind of like if Julie Andrews were vegan – and believe me it’s better I blog this than sing it.
Folks often ask me what products I use – what vinegar, what coconut butter, what miso… and on. So, let’s have a return to this feature and see how it goes!
Here are a few of my favorite things...
A GOOD Tahini
I love a good tahini. Brands really vary in taste and texture. Some of the best tasting brands I haven’t found in stores, but rather online. This alwadi brand is one of the good ones, buttery and mild. It’s not as available on amazon as it once was, unless you buy multiples. The Baron brand is also quite good. When I buy locally, I opt for Artisana or New World Organic. While not quite as buttery, still good and less bitter than most other tahini brands.
I sometimes refer to a “good quality tahini” in my recipes, such as my Crazy Brownies from Plant-Powered Families. They can make all the difference for taste, not just in classic dishes like hummus, but also as a nut-free substitute. Try it, there’s no turning back! p.s. If you have other brands to share, please comment!
Coconut butter
I think I get a question about coconut butter every day from readers. It is not coconut oil. It is the whole foods coconut pureed into a dense, thick, dry butter. For me, it’s a magical ingredients in desserts. I’ve been using it since writing LTEV, and then it wasn’t very available in stores. Now, it’s in just about all grocery stores, as well as online. I’ve used it in many desserts in PPF, and talk about it in more depth in this cookie post. The Nutiva brand is one of I buy all the time. I also sometimes buy Artisana online.
So Delicious Cashew Milk ice creams
I’ve tried this flavor, the creamy cashew, and the chocolate truffle. I haven’t tried the snickerdoodle yet and have heard it’s even better than this salted caramel cluster. Zoinks!! I don’t have an amazon link for you, because, well, ice cream! But, I believe these ice creams are now available in most whole foods and even grocery stores. So, run, don’t walk. Get the scoop. Trust me.
Coconut Secret Coconut Aminos Teriyaki Sauce
I use this on hot quinoa for a lunch bowl, and on steamed kale and other veggies in lunch bowl. Of course, you could use it as a standard teriyaki sauce. For me, it’s a great alternative to a salad dressing, or combined with a vinegar for a dressing. Full flavor, and Coconut Secret also has a soy-free ‘tamari’. It isn’t quite as deep and intense as the tamari I usually buy, but a great soy-free alternative.
Next, stepping out of the kitchen…
Sanuk Women’s Slingshot Yoga Flip-Flops
We took a trip to Disneyland last year, our first time. My feet were aching. I found this shop with these Sanuk yoga sandals. I tried on these slingshot flip-flops and fell in love! First: the comfort. They have a slight arch and apparently made from yoga mat material, so they really feel like a pillow under your foot. Second: The design. I love the idea of flip flops, but cannot wear them! Unless they have some sort of sling or support around the back of my foot, I just am not meant to wear them. Having to tense my feet and toes to hold on a pair of shoes while walking does not feel good – or make sense. These give the support you need, and still keep your tootsies super cool! Third: They’re are other yoga sling sandals, but some have a much thicker, heavier sling. These are lighter and easier to wear with just about anything!
Fourth: They come in other colors. Fifth: They’re vegan! 🙂 Even though summer is winding down, I’m ordering another pair of these, because Charlotte has claimed mine. Yep, we’re at that stage.
Plant-Powered Bamboo Tank
I introduced my plant-powered gear a few months ago, and ordered a few times myself. I had no idea how much I’d love this bamboo tank. I’ve worn it so much this summer, it’s almost embarrassing. 😉
Here I am at Ottawa VegFest (this past June) with Dee, one of the fabulous organizers. This tank has washed well, and kept it’s shape. It’s a little longer in the torso and I like that. Covers over the waist and on to the hips with shorts, a skirt, or jeans. I’ll be wearing it as long as I can through the fall!
Do you use/love any of these? Do you have any product faves you’d like me to feature? Share up!
Pretty please reminder: Plant-Powered Families has been nominated for FAVE VEGAN COOKBOOK in the 2015 VegNews Veggie awards. If you haven’t yet voted, please send your vote my way! <3
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Becky Fairman says
So excited!!!
Kevin says
I’m going to buy a food processor and the first thing I’m going to make are your veggie burgers. Nice website, keep the posts coming.
Kevin says
I’m going to buy a food processor and the first thing I’m going to make are your veggie burgers. You have a very informative site here, keep the posts coming.
Liz says
This was such a fun post, Dreena! (The “zoinks” was my favorite! LOL) I’d love more of them. 🙂
My favorite tahinis (I think I mentioned these on another post of yours, perhaps from your old blog?) are Once and Again’s tahini and Joyva tahini. The Joyva is MUCH thinner (it’s 100% pourable) AND smoother (and cheaper and easier to get here in Southern NY), but I like Once and Again’s, too. Theirs is thicker and not nearly as smooth, but they are the least bitter tahinis I’ve ever tasted. Plus, I like the company. (Joyva is also low on the bitterness.)
D, have you never made your own coconut butter? (If not, you MUST! SO easy and CHEAP!) I always have a jar of homemade raw AND toasted coconut butter on hand.
Stacy @ Nourishing Health says
Great list Dreena! That is THE BEST tahini! My all time fav! 🙂
Sferd says
I seem to be in the minority, but I don’t like the cashew milk “ice cream” as much as coconut milk varieties. I LOVE the So Delicious Chocolate/Peanut Butter coconut milk ‘frozen novelty.’ But, the Dark Chocolate and Naked Coconut flavors by Coconut Bliss are my absolute favorites.
I buy my tahini at a Middle-Eastern store and purchase Ziyad. Will have to check your fave and see if they carry it. Tahini taste off! 😉
Dreena says
I’m going to keep an eye out for the Ziyad brand, thanks! I’d like to see So Delicious do a combo of the cashew and coconut. That’s what I do when I make my own ice creams at home (many of the LTEV recipes have this blend), and for me it’s the perfect combo. I love the Coconut Bliss ice creams too.
Chloe toscano says
THE TAHINI!!! I did not even know you could find that brand in the US. I spent 3 months in Switzerland and that is the only brand they sell. It is by far the best that I have ever had.
Gretchen says
Love reading about your favorites. I’m a big fan of the Cashew Milk ice creams. I have to say I like the Salted Caramel more than Snickerdoodle – but they are both delicious!
I also love Sanuk sandals. I’ve converted both my husband and son into fans. I haven’t tried the slingback version yet. I’ll have to try those out.
Jess says
Great round up Dreena – I’ve got The Sound of Music swirling ’round in my head now too! 🙂
I use and love the Alkanater brand of tahini, but will pick up this one to try out next time. That cashew ice cream is so delicious, I only wish it was readily available in Sudbury!
Side note – I just saw that we’ll both be presenting at VegFest in Toronto this year, looking forward to meeting you! XO
Dreena says
Ha, I figured that would happen. 😉 Will be great to meet at VegFest – awesome!
Dreena says
Oh, and going to check out that tahini now, that’s a new one for me – thx.
Samantha says
Oh love the look of the yoga flip flops….seriously tempted to buy myself some
Cindi says
I second that motion! I don’t want them just because you have them, but it really helps me know what other things are out there. I live in a remote area without any health food stores, etc, so if someone doesn’t blog about it, I’m probably not going to hear about it. ALL of the good things that are now my favorites are things I’ve read about somewhere. So thanks to the vegan blogging community for opening up my world. My family loves you too.
Dreena says
So helpful to know. I feel the same way, Cindi. When I read about new products it’s just exciting, and I can keep a look out for them in stores. Also reminds me how much our vegan offerings are expanding. 🙂
Veganopoulous says
I can never get enough of tahini, especially in cake! I love the clothing and that tank is fantastic!
Kate says
Hi Dreena – I use the Al wadi tahini as well. I read somewhere (can’t recall where) that it’s the most preferred brand in the Middle East. I’ve tried others and definitely like this one the best. I like the favorite things feature and would love it if you’d do these sorts of posts more often. I want to look for those sandals! ❤️ Kate
Dreena says
Thanks Kate, that feedback helps! I enjoy showcasing these things. That tahini really is spectacular – interesting to hear that, too.