Leeka's Profile

From: Hamilton, ON Canada

Joined: November 16th, 2009

About me: Bookworm, mother and vegan.

Favorite recipe: Don't make me choose.

Website:
plentysweetenough.blogspot.com


Latest review:

April 3rd, 2013

Fresh Noodle Salad with Avocado Dijon Dressing from The Blissful Chef

I love zucchini noodles so I'm always looking for new ways to dress and eat them. The avocado gave this salad dressing a lovely creaminess. I may cut down a touch on the dijon next time around. I had... read more >


recipe reviews (233)
book reviews (5)
useful review votes (211)

Leeka's Reviews


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232 recipes reviewed. Showing 1 to 50Sort by: Book Title | Date | Rating | Recipe Title

How to be a Domestic Goddess: Baking and the Art of Comfort Cooking

By Nigella Lawson
Chatto & Windus - 2003

16th November 2009 (edited: 7th May 2010)

Fresh Gingerbread with Lemon Icing

This is a delicious and moist gingerbread I make over and over again. The cake tastes even better the day after and the lemon icing provides the perfect complement.

useful (2)  


Vegan Yum Yum: Decadent (But Doable) Animal-Free Recipes for Entertaining and Everyday

By Lauren Ulm
HCI - 2009

20th November 2009 (edited: 12th March 2012)

Hurry Up Alfredo

This recipe has become a staple in our house. I end up making it at least once a week. It is delicious, simple, fast and nutritious. This sauce is full of flavour without being full of cream and fat. The cashews add a touch of nuttiness and texture. All the ingredients are simply thrown into the blender and then poured on either pasta or vegetables. Highly recommended for anyone looking for an alternative to tomato based pasta sauce!

useful (1)  


Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World: 75 Dairy-Free Recipes for Cupcakes that Rule

By Isa Chandra Moskowitz, Terry Hope Romero, Sara Quin
Da Capo Press - 2006

26th December 2009 (edited: 12th March 2012)

Chocolate Mint Cupcakes

These cupcakes were delicious, moist, light and had the perfect balance of chocolate and minty flavour. They were also very easy to prepare and mix by hand. I used the mint icing but didn't have the ingredients for the second topping of a simple chocolate ganache so I crumbled up some chocolate cookies and sprinkled them on top. Fantastic!

useful (1)  


31st December 2009 (edited: 12th March 2012)

Your Basic Chocolate Cupcake

These are an excellent, perfectly textured chocolate cupcake. They are not too dense. I was easily able to eat two of them without feeling like I over did it. This is the same base recipe used in the chocolate mint cupcake recipe.

useful (0)  


The Indian Vegan Kitchen: More Than 150 Quick and Healthy Homestyle Recipes

By Madhu Gadia
Perigee Trade - 2009

16th April 2010 (edited: 12th March 2012)

Pea and Tofu Curry

This tomato based curry was saucy, filling and delicious, perfect served over rice. I was missing a couple of key ingredients, including ginger and white poppy seeds which I imagine would alter the flavour of the sauce substantially. I also used the option of 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne in place of the chillies which gave me the perfect spiciness factor (not too much!). I look forward to making this again with the missing ingredients.

useful (0)  


The Joy of Vegan Baking: The Compassionate Cooks' Traditional Treats and Sinful Sweets

By Colleen Patrick-Goudreau
Fair Winds Press - 2007

26th February 2010 (edited: 12th March 2012)

Chocolate Cake

I love this type of cake which comes together without having to use a mixer. Easy and delicious, I've made it in cake form and cupcakes and both times the recipe turned out wonderfully.

useful (1)  


The Peaceful Palate: Fine Vegetarian Cuisine

By Jennifer Raymond
Book Publishing Company (TN) - 1996

27th February 2010 (edited: 12th March 2012)

Simple Golden Broth

This simple soup made with yellow split peas is extremely easy to make and delicious.

useful (0)  


Vegan with a Vengeance : Over 150 Delicious, Cheap, Animal-Free Recipes That Rock

By Isa Chandra Moskowitz
Da Capo Press - 2005

27th February 2010

The Best Pumpkin Muffins

These muffins are so delicious and moist, even my super picky four year old will eat them. They are my absolute favourite muffins and are perfect for an afternoon snack or really anytime as they are not too sweet.

useful (3)  


The Joy of Vegan Baking: The Compassionate Cooks' Traditional Treats and Sinful Sweets

By Colleen Patrick-Goudreau
Fair Winds Press - 2007

16th April 2010 (edited: 12th March 2012)

Chocolate Chip Cookies

In my mind their are two types of chocolate chip cookies, the flat, chewy kind that spread like crazy when baked and the fat, doughy type that don't spread very much. This recipe makes the latter and they are quite tender and tasty.

useful (1)  


Vegan Brunch: Homestyle Recipes Worth Waking Up For--From Asparagus Omelets to Pumpkin Pancakes

By Isa Chandra Moskowitz
Da Capo Lifelong Books - 2009

8th May 2010 (edited: 12th March 2012)

Banana Flapjacks

Delicious and fluffy pancakes with great banana flavour and a hint of cinnamon.

useful (0)  


The Joy of Vegan Baking: The Compassionate Cooks' Traditional Treats and Sinful Sweets

By Colleen Patrick-Goudreau
Fair Winds Press - 2007

23rd May 2010 (edited: 12th March 2012)

Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

Delicious, fluffy, moist, banana and chocolate goodness! The whole family gobbled these muffins up in record time. This recipe would work just as well in cake form.

useful (0)  


Veganomicon: The Ultimate Vegan Cookbook

By Isa Chandra Moskowitz, Terry Hope Romero
Da Capo Press - 2007

29th June 2010 (edited: 12th March 2012)

Chickpea Cutlets

These cutlets were unexpectedly delicious. I panfried them a little too long and even though they were a little crispy on the bottom, they remained chewy and flavourful. Next time I will make a double batch because our family devoured them.

useful (2)  


Website: Healthy.Happy.Life

kblog.lunchboxbunch.com
 

I love, love, love this cucumber salad. It contains the perfect combination of of sweet, tart, spicy and fresh crispness perfect for a hot summer day.

useful (1)  


24th July 2010

Tamarind Lentils

The lentils took a lot longer than 30 minutes to become tender, almost an hour but it was worth the wait. The sauce had an intense, rich flavour with a hint of sweetness.

useful (0)  


Vegan Yum Yum: Decadent (But Doable) Animal-Free Recipes for Entertaining and Everyday

By Lauren Ulm
HCI - 2009

25th July 2010 (edited: 12th March 2012)

Roasted Eggplant and Caramelized Onion Marinara

The ingredients are simple and roasting the eggplant before adding it to the sauce results in pure bliss for an eggplant lover like me. I used fresh tomatoes instead of canned. This will definitely become a staple dish in our house.

useful (0)  


The Kind Diet: A Simple Guide to Feeling Great, Losing Weight, and Saving the Planet

By Alicia Silverstone, Neal D. Barnard M.D.
Rodale Books - 2009

27th July 2010 (edited: 12th March 2012)

Oatmeal, Walnut, and Dried Plum Cookies

I made these plain without the added fruit and nuts and they were still incredible.

useful (3)  


Vegan with a Vengeance : Over 150 Delicious, Cheap, Animal-Free Recipes That Rock

By Isa Chandra Moskowitz
Da Capo Press - 2005

28th July 2010 (edited: 12th March 2012)

Pancakes

I don't like my pancakes too fluffy and these with a tiny bit more liquid make the perfect consistency. I also enjoy the hint of cinnamon. We enjoyed them covered in peaches and maple syrup.

useful (0)  


Veganomicon: The Ultimate Vegan Cookbook

By Isa Chandra Moskowitz, Terry Hope Romero
Da Capo Press - 2007

2nd August 2010 (edited: 12th March 2012)

Coconut-Lemon Bundt Cake

Outstanding! This cake is moist, chewy and fragrant. I loved the combination of lemon and coconut. No icing needed and it's the perfect cake to accompany afternoon tea or coffee.

useful (2)  


The Vegan Table: 200 Unforgettable Recipes for Entertaining Every Guest at Every Occasion

By Colleen Patrick-Goudreau
Fair Winds Press - 2009

12th August 2010 (edited: 12th March 2012)

Pad Thai

I loved this recipe even though it didn't taste much like traditional Pad Thai. The sauce was a more of a sweet and slightly spicy peanut sauce. Instead of adding chili flakes, I used Thai spice blend because my family can't take the heat.

useful (1)  


The Joy of Vegan Baking: The Compassionate Cooks' Traditional Treats and Sinful Sweets

By Colleen Patrick-Goudreau
Fair Winds Press - 2007

29th August 2010 (edited: 12th March 2012)

Cinnamon Rolls

Um, all I can say is YUM! While these were quite time consuming to make (approximately 4 hours) because of the rising time, they were very worth the effort. I have never made cinnamon rolls but we used to scarf down those giant Cinnabons from the mall frequently. These were just as good and extra satisfying because the were home-made! Yay for me.

useful (0)  


Vegan Planet: 400 Irresistible Recipes with Fantastic Flavors from Home and Around the World

By Robin Robertson
Harvard Common Press - 2003

7th November 2010 (edited: 12th March 2012)

Szechuan Hot and Sour Soup

I've always wanted to make Hot and Sour Soup at home and this was my first attempt. I was very pleased with the result. I used an Indonesian Chili paste and with only one teaspoon added it was plenty hot enough for me. I also upped the sugar from 1/2 teaspoon to about 1 1/2 teaspoons. The soup is chock full of tofu strips, bamboo shoots, shiitake mushrooms and finished nicely with a bit of sesame oil, cilantro and scallions. Yum!

useful (0)  


Vegan with a Vengeance : Over 150 Delicious, Cheap, Animal-Free Recipes That Rock

By Isa Chandra Moskowitz
Da Capo Press - 2005

11th November 2010 (edited: 11th November 2010)

Sweet Potato Fries

Yum! I added sesame seeds and salt to this recipe which complemented the cumin, coriander and peeper nicely. A thumbs up from my 4 year old.

useful (0)  


Vegan Planet: 400 Irresistible Recipes with Fantastic Flavors from Home and Around the World

By Robin Robertson
Harvard Common Press - 2003

14th November 2010 (edited: 12th March 2012)

Thai- Style Coconut Soup

Delicious smooth coconut flavour combines with chili, lime and ginger. I love this flavour combination and there are tofu and mushrooms to sink your teeth into as well.

useful (0)  


How to Cook Everything Vegetarian: Simple Meatless Recipes for Great Food

By Mark Bittman, Alan Witschonke
Wiley - 2007

12th December 2010

Vegannaise

This was my first attempt at making vegannaise and it was extremely easy. Silken tofu, olive oil, dijon mustard, salt, cider vinegar, a touch of turmeric and whiz it up in the blender for a minute until smooth. I decided to add a few additional ingredients such as a bit of sugar because I like my mayonaise on the sweet side. This was much better than any store bought vegannaise or mayonaise I've ever tasted.

useful (0)  


Veganomicon: The Ultimate Vegan Cookbook

By Isa Chandra Moskowitz, Terry Hope Romero
Da Capo Press - 2007

9th January 2011 (edited: 12th March 2012)

Lemony Roasted Potatoes

If you like lemon you will love these potatoes. The flavour is quite intense so be sure to balance out your menu with that in mind. These were fairly easy to prepare and require a few stirs while cooking.

I also usually add at least 1 tablespoon instead of 1tsp of tomato paste.

useful (0)  


Vegan Fusion World Cuisine: Healing Recipes and Timeless Wisdom from our Hearts to Yours

By Mark Reinfeld, Bo Rinaldi, Tae Hamamura, Jane Goodall
Beaufort Books - 2007

17th February 2011 (edited: 12th March 2012)

Da Kine No Bake Chocolate Cookies

These no bake cookies were fast and easy to prepare. Chock full of goodies like pecans, raisins, coconut and melted chocolate chips, they almost taste like a firm, textured fudge. The entire family enjoyed these rich treats. I recommend making them small.

useful (0)  


2nd March 2011 (edited: 12th March 2012)

Bananananda Bread

Moist, delicious and mildly sweet. Sweetened with just the mashed banana, apple sauce and 1/2 cup of maple syrup. I omitted the dates and nuts at my daughter's request but next time will include them because I'm sure it would have been even more yummy. Even plain this banana bread was a big hit with the whole family.

useful (0)  


Appetite for Reduction: 125 Fast and Filling Low-Fat Vegan Recipes

By Isa Chandra Moskowitz, Matthew Ruscigno
Da Capo Lifelong Books - 2010

25th April 2011 (edited: 12th March 2012)

Shaved Brussels Sprouts

These were the best brussel sprouts I have ever eaten. I would have never have thought to slice them up so finely but the result was a delicious and flavourful dish with garlic and onions complementing the nutty browned leaves perfectly. Yum!

useful (1)  


Party Vegan: Fabulous, Fun Food For Every Occasion

By Robin Robertson
Wiley - 2010

26th April 2011 (edited: 12th March 2012)

Chocolate Chunk Blondies

I've only ever made one other blondie recipe and it was simply terrible so I'm not sure what these are supposed to taste like. All I know is that this recipe turned out like a moist, light, fluffy cake with chocolate chips scattered throughout. I loved it, my husband loved it and so did my five year old. It actually brings back memories of something called snacking cake we used to eat as kids. Easy and delicious! I want to eat the whole pan!

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The Vegetable Dishes I Can't Live Without

By Mollie Katzen
Hyperion - 2007

Tender-crisp broccoli, barely wilted red onion and tart apples, coated with a delicious mustard based dressing. I loved, loved, loved the simplicity and perfection of this salad! I substituted maple syrup for the honey and it was perfect.

useful (3)  


Color Me Vegan: Maximize Your Nutrient Intake and Optimize Your Health by Eating Antioxidant-Rich, Fiber-Packed, Color-Intense Meals That Taste Great

By Colleen Patrick-Goudreau
Fair Winds Press - 2010

25th June 2011 (edited: 30th October 2011)

Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Anything that gets my child to eat zucchini gets a thumbs up from me! She especially enjoyed the chewy crust that formed on the outside of the loaf.
I baked the loaves for 55 minutes but maybe should have pulled them out to check a bit earlier. They were still moist and not too sweet. The perfect snack with a cup of afternoon tea or coffee.

I almost doubled the amount of cocoa because I didn’t think ¼ cup was sufficient chocolatey goodness for two loaves but in the end decided to follow the recipe as written (at least for the first time). After tasting the loaf, I think I will up the cocoa quotient next time round.

useful (4)  


Veganomicon: The Ultimate Vegan Cookbook

By Isa Chandra Moskowitz, Terry Hope Romero
Da Capo Press - 2007

3rd July 2011 (edited: 12th March 2012)

White Bean Aioli

This is simply delicious! Not only does it taste great but it only takes about 10 minutes to prepare start to finish. My five year old loved it, my husband loved it and I am happy to discover an alternative to hummus with delicious garlic and lemon flavours that I can make in a snap. I served it as a spread on some toasted baguette - YUM!

useful (4)  


Website: Vegweb.com

vegweb.com
 

13th July 2011 (edited: 13th July 2011)

General Toa's Tofu

Really yummy, sweet, soy based, ginger-garlic sauce. I recommend doubling the amount and throwing in some more veggies while the sauce is cooking to go with the tofu.

useful (1)  


Color Me Vegan: Maximize Your Nutrient Intake and Optimize Your Health by Eating Antioxidant-Rich, Fiber-Packed, Color-Intense Meals That Taste Great

By Colleen Patrick-Goudreau
Fair Winds Press - 2010

29th August 2011 (edited: 12th March 2012)

Brazilian Black Bean Stew (Feijoada)

This stew was really beautiful and delicious. It's hearty, earthy, colourful, a little spicy and the yams add a touch of sweetness. I forgot the mango but it was fine without. I also had to add more liquid to the pot, at least a cup when I added the beans.

useful (1)  


Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World: 75 Dairy-Free Recipes for Cupcakes that Rule

By Isa Chandra Moskowitz, Terry Hope Romero, Sara Quin
Da Capo Press - 2006

31st August 2011 (edited: 12th March 2012)

Crimson Velveteen Cupcakes

Light, fluffy cupcakes with a hint of chocolate. The recipe called for chocolate extract which I don't have so I substituted a bit more vanilla and almond extract instead. The almond extract gave it quite a nice flavour. I topped the cupcakes with vanilla buttercream icing and they were delicious.

useful (1)  


Appetite for Reduction: 125 Fast and Filling Low-Fat Vegan Recipes

By Isa Chandra Moskowitz, Matthew Ruscigno
Da Capo Lifelong Books - 2010

1st September 2011 (edited: 30th October 2011)

Smoky Tempeh and Greens Stew

I did not think this was going to be as good as it was but wow, it was delicious. I think leaving it on the stove for an hour after it was done while I made biscuits contributed to the rich flavour that resulted.

The recipe called for 4 teaspoons of smoked paprika and I thought that was too much so I used 2 teaspoons of smoked and 2 teaspoons of regular paprika. I think it was the right decision. I also subbed a small can of plain tomato sauce in place of crushed tomatoes which I didn't have and added a bit more veggie stock. I left out the lima beans.

The resulting soupy stew had a deep, smokey, tomato flavour and lots of greens. I think this is the first tempeh recipe I've given five stars.

useful (3)  


Website: Plenty Sweet Enough

plentysweetenough.blogspot.com
 

25th October 2011 (edited: 12th March 2012)

Pumpkin Bread

Moist and not too sweet. The perfect snack with a cup of tea.

useful (1)  


Website: veganbaking.net

www.veganbaking.net
 

30th October 2011 (edited: 30th October 2011)

Gingerbread Pecan Biscotti

This was my first time making biscotti and the spicy scent of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves filled the air. I was really pleased with how easy it was to make these crunchy cookies dotted with pecans and crystallized ginger. Great flavour.

useful (5)  


Website: Plenty Sweet Enough

plentysweetenough.blogspot.com
 

2nd January 2012 (edited: 12th March 2012)

Chocolate-Banana Itty-Bit of Peanut Butter Fridge Pie

I don't often give my own recipes five stars because I always think there's room for improvement but I'm happy with this decadent, little experiment. I started out to make a chocolate peanut butter pie and discovered an almost empty peanut butter jar so the banana ended up being a last minute addition. It turned out to be a rich and delicious pie despite how messy the crust looks.

useful (1)  


Vegan Brunch: Homestyle Recipes Worth Waking Up For--From Asparagus Omelets to Pumpkin Pancakes

By Isa Chandra Moskowitz
Da Capo Lifelong Books - 2009

12th March 2012

Cocoa Raspberry Muffins

I'm so glad I finally decided to give this recipe a try! The combination of chocolate and raspberry is fantastic here and the muffins aren't too sweet. Perfect for a tea or coffee break, you can indulge in more than one without feeling too guilty. The crumb is tender and the bits of raspberries add a nice juicy contrast. Really yummy!

useful (1)  


Vegan Fusion World Cuisine: Healing Recipes and Timeless Wisdom from our Hearts to Yours

By Mark Reinfeld, Bo Rinaldi, Tae Hamamura, Jane Goodall
Beaufort Books - 2007

27th August 2012

J.J's Vegan Mayonnaise

Awesome, fast and easy.

useful (0)  


I've made this salad several times this summer and absolutely love it! I serve this on toast, in a tortilla or lettuce wrap, or scooped on top of tomatoes and salad greens. I generally whip up a batch to have in the fridge and can eat for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The dill makes me happy and it only takes a minute to whip up the home-made veganaise dressing (in the blender) that accompanies the recipe.

I've adapted this recipe to suit my taste by adding chopped sweet or dill pickles, and one day when I didn't have any celery, I tried grated carrots instead which were delicious.

useful (1)  


Website: Vegweb.com

vegweb.com
 

Really moist and delicious cookies.

useful (1)  


Vegan Yum Yum: Decadent (But Doable) Animal-Free Recipes for Entertaining and Everyday

By Lauren Ulm
HCI - 2009

19th November 2009 (edited: 19th November 2009)

Soy Mirin Tofu with Snow Peas and Peanut Sauce

This was a few more steps than I normally like for a fast dinner but apart from the snow peas, the ingredients are all staples in our house. it was very tasty and I will definitely make it again. I also added mushrooms while pan-frying the tofu.

useful (0)  


21st November 2009

Weekend Pancakes Made Easy

Easy to whip up in the blender the night before. Thin, fairly light pancakes a little on the sweet side perhaps because I used sweetened soy milk for half the amount called for.

useful (0)  


21st November 2009 (edited: 12th March 2012)

Spicy Tomato Chickpea Soup

Tangy, spicy goodness and very easy to prepare. Next time I will double the recipe because it made less than expected and I like to have soup ready to go in the fridge for a few days.

ETA: I left out the chili flakes and subbed paprika so it would suit my daughter's palate. The experiment was successful. I also stirred in a spoonful of sugar at the end.

useful (2)  


23rd November 2009 (edited: 12th March 2012)

Broccoli Almond Sweet and Sour Tofu

I was missing a few ingredients to make the tofu crispy and simply pan fried it but since I had everything for the sauce I am confident the next I make this it will be even better. The sauce was more sweet than sour but I have a tendency to like sweet sauces so it worked for me.

useful (1)  


Vegan Brunch: Homestyle Recipes Worth Waking Up For--From Asparagus Omelets to Pumpkin Pancakes

By Isa Chandra Moskowitz
Da Capo Lifelong Books - 2009

20th December 2009 (edited: 12th March 2012)

Perfect Pancakes

Fluffy and tasty. I prefer a thinner, crepey type pancake but these were good. I sometimes thin out the batter to achieve the consistency I like and serve them with fruit and maple syrup.

useful (0)  


Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World: 75 Dairy-Free Recipes for Cupcakes that Rule

By Isa Chandra Moskowitz, Terry Hope Romero, Sara Quin
Da Capo Press - 2006

31st December 2009 (edited: 12th March 2012)

Golden Vanilla Cupcakes

The recipe gave two choices, either to make them canola oil or with margarine. I made them with canola oil and was pleased with the result even though they did have a slightly oily texture. A good base for a variety of frostings or flavour additions. I topped them with the orange buttercream icing.

useful (0)  


Vegan Brunch: Homestyle Recipes Worth Waking Up For--From Asparagus Omelets to Pumpkin Pancakes

By Isa Chandra Moskowitz
Da Capo Lifelong Books - 2009

6th March 2010 (edited: 12th March 2012)

Red Flannel Hash

A delicious and simple combination of beets, potatoes and onions pan fried and then roasted. Perfect as an accompaniment for a hot breakfast. Yum!

useful (0)