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


Search Reviews:

232 recipes reviewed. Showing 201 to 232Sort by: Book Title | Date | Rating | Recipe Title

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

By Lauren Ulm
HCI - 2009

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)  


How It All Vegan! 10th Anniversary Edition: Irresistible Recipes for an Animal-Free Diet

By Tanya Barnard, Sarah Kramer
Arsenal Pulp Press - 2009

20th June 2010 (edited: 20th June 2010)

Brilliant Baked Beans

These were tasty. I mashed them up with a fork and ate them with tortilla chips.

useful (0)  


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)  


One World Vegetarian Cookbook

By Troth Wells
Interlink Pub Group - 2010

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

Boston Baked Beans

These beans are excellent! The only change I made to the recipe was blending the cooked onions and garlic with the sauce and putting it back in the pan with the beans. No chunky bits always increases the chance that it will get eaten by certain members of the family. My guess paid off and my daughter loved them! I also did not add cayenne but just a little chili powder.

useful (2)  


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

By Colleen Patrick-Goudreau
Fair Winds Press - 2007

3rd November 2010 (edited: 12th March 2012)

Blueberry Orange Bundt Cake

Good. Very moist and not too sweet but I did detect a hint of baking soda flavour. I'm not sure if this was my fault but the recipe did say to just combine wet and dry ingredients and to not overmix.

useful (0)  


Breaking the Food Seduction: The Hidden Reasons Behind Food Cravings---And 7 Steps to End Them Naturally

By Neal D. Barnard M.D.
St. Martin's Griffin - 2004

7th December 2010

Blonde Brownies

I didn't like these at all. The flavour wasn't bad with a hint of maple and walnut but these brownies were ruined by the texture which was extremely tough and chewy.

useful (0)  


Veganomicon: The Ultimate Vegan Cookbook

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

18th July 2010 (edited: 18th July 2010)

Black Bean Burgers

Good texture but lacking salt.

useful (1)  


Website: Plenty Sweet Enough

plentysweetenough.blogspot.com
 

30th July 2011 (edited: 12th March 2012)

Black Bean Burgers

Well, I got sick and tired of not being satisfied with other people's recipes for black bean burgers and created my own. And I have to say they're pretty darned good!

useful (0)  


The Happy Herbivore Cookbook: Over 175 Delicious Fat-Free and Low-Fat Vegan Recipes

By Lindsay S. Nixon
BenBella Books - 2011

5th March 2012 (edited: 5th March 2012)

Black Bean Brownies

I was very curious if the black bean flavour would be noticeable and I must say I don't think I could have guessed the main ingredient. These brownies are very moist, there is no flour in the recipe and I found the banana and cinnamon to be the dominant flavours. Next time I make these, I'll increase the amount of cocoa and cut back on the cinnamon. On the upside, they were extremely simple to make, everything went in the food processor except for one ingredient at the end.

useful (3)  


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

By Robin Robertson
Harvard Common Press - 2003

31st October 2010 (edited: 12th March 2012)

Black Bean and Butternut Squash Chili

This is a delicious and slightly sweet chili that even my daughter enjoyed. I substituted peach juice for the called for apple juice because we didn't have any and it added an interesting flavour. I think next time I will use the apple juice and a slightly smaller squash or just more beans.

useful (1)  


Vegan on the Cheap: Great Recipes and Simple Strategies that Save You Time and Money

By Robin Robertson
Wiley - 2010

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

Better Bean Burgers

These burgers were perfect for a fast supper. I loved the short ingredient list with nothing exotic required and black beans are my favourite. Very tasty!

useful (0)  


Veganomicon: The Ultimate Vegan Cookbook

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

27th June 2011

Basil-Cilantro Pesto

Excellent and kid-approved! I think I added a touch too much lemon juice because I just eyeballed the amount but otherwise the flavours were nicely balanced. I like that this recipe calls for a mix of my favourite herb cilantro along with basil and I was also able to use up some of the sliced almonds in my pantry. A definite make-again!

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

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)  


Veganomicon: The Ultimate Vegan Cookbook

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

18th July 2010 (edited: 12th March 2012)

Banana-Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding

Moist and lovely to eat warm from the oven, this dessert is easy to make and not too sweet. The only sweetener added is 1/2 cup of maple syrup.

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

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)  


How It All Vegan! 10th Anniversary Edition: Irresistible Recipes for an Animal-Free Diet

By Tanya Barnard, Sarah Kramer
Arsenal Pulp Press - 2009

18th August 2011 (edited: 12th March 2012)

Banana Bread

Really yummy and moist (but not too moist) banana bread with dates and optional chocolate chips. Definitely a keeper.

useful (0)  


The Happy Herbivore Cookbook: Over 175 Delicious Fat-Free and Low-Fat Vegan Recipes

By Lindsay S. Nixon
BenBella Books - 2011

24th February 2011 (edited: 24th February 2011)

Baked Shells and Cheese

Okay, not bad, not great. It satisfied my craving for baked macaroni and cheese but the sauce was lacking something.

useful (0)  


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

By Lauren Ulm
HCI - 2009

20th December 2009

Baked Mac and Cheeze

I wasn't so keen on this dish because it didn't taste anything like mac and cheese to me but my husband really liked it. The sauce was too thick and strong tasting. I'd have to play around with the ingredients, perhaps leave out the miso to make it more appetizing.

useful (2)  


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

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

5th March 2012

Baked Falafel

Of course these would taste really yummy fried but that defeats the purpose! I did find them quite mushy and a bit sticky to work with but they baked up firmly. The flavour was nice, and for dinner we paired them with some chopped fresh tomato, stir fried greens and onions and a home-made vegannaise on tortillas.

useful (0)  


The Peaceful Palate: Fine Vegetarian Cuisine

By Jennifer Raymond
Book Publishing Company (TN) - 1996

27th February 2010

Aztec Salad

I was attracted to this recipe by the combination of black beans, sweet peppers, cilantro and corn but I think the dressing let it down somewhat. I found the vinegar overpowering. I would make this again but with a radically altered dressing.

useful (0)  


Website: Vegan Cooking

www.vegancooking.com
 

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

Asparagus Quiche

This quiche was very rich. My husband and I both enjoyed the flavour and texture. While eating it I thought mushrooms would be a great addition along with the asparagus and perhaps a few herbs. My local grocery store doesn't carry Daiya vegan cheese so I used a rice based product which has good flavour but doesn't melt as well. As usual, I want to tinker with this recipe to cater to my own personal taste but if you make it as written, I think you'll find it very satisfying.

Also, I used fresh steamed asparagus in place of canned asparagus (yuck!).

useful (1)  


Skinny Bitch: Ultimate Everyday Cookbook: Crazy Delicious Recipes that Are Good to the Earth and Great for Your Bod

By Kim Barnouin
Running Press - 2010

6th September 2011 (edited: 12th March 2012)

Asian Macaroni and Cheese

Wow, I was not expecting to like this at all and I was very pleasantly surprised. I made this on the recommendation of someone in my cooking group and after reading the ingredients was somewhat skeptical but gave it a shot. I'm really glad I did.

This is a baked pasta dish with cheese nowhere in sight. The sauce is deliciously creamy and is made with coconut milk, blended cooked cauliflower, a bit of miso, garlic, nutmeg, mustard, salt and pepper. Added to the pasta and sauce is a bit more browned cauliflower and tofu. The flavours are mild but not boring. This is definitely comfort food, perfect for supper on a cool autumn or winter's night.

Note: I did not have potato starch for the sauce but substituted corn starch and it was fine. You could probably get away without this ingredient all together.

useful (3)  


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

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

27th April 2011 (edited: 27th April 2011)

Arabian Lentil & Rice Soup

This is a very simple soup with few ingredients - red lentils, onion, carrots, rice and a few spices. The lemon zest and fresh lemon juice added at the end provided a wonderful brightness to this otherwise earthy soup seasoned mainly with cumin.

useful (1)  


Moosewood Cookbook

By Mollie Katzen
Ten Speed Press - 1992

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

Apricot-Almond Bread

I was attracted to this recipe because it doesn't contain any sugar - sweetened solely with apricots and some maple syrup. I enjoyed a warm slice after dinner with a cup of tea and it was moist, not too sweet with nice chunks of almonds.

The suggested baking time was 1 and a half hours but a little after one hour the top was looking very crusty and brown so I took it out. Total baking time was about 70 minutes for me so if you make this keep an eye on it.

useful (2)  


Website: Plenty Sweet Enough

plentysweetenough.blogspot.com
 

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

Apple Crisp

I'm always complaining about the amount and/or texture of toppings in the crisp recipes I come across so I decided to see if I could do better. I'm quite satisfied with the results. The topping was crisp and not too sweet and just the right amount.

useful (1)  


Vegan on the Cheap: Great Recipes and Simple Strategies that Save You Time and Money

By Robin Robertson
Wiley - 2010

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

Apple Clafouti

I love apple pie but hate making pastry so I love discovering desserts with an apple pie type filling. This was a simple and homey dessert almost like eating upside down apple cake. I did not have applesauce on hand to use in the batter so had to use a cup of extra soy milk instead. It turned out just fine but I am curious to see how different it will be next time with the applesauce.

useful (2)  


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

By Lauren Ulm
HCI - 2009

18th November 2009

Apple Cider Brussel Sprouts

These were good but next time I will cook the sprouts in a combination of apple juice and apple cider vinegar instead of all vinegar which was quite overpowering.

useful (0)  


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

By Colleen Patrick-Goudreau
Fair Winds Press - 2007

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

Apple Cake

The batter was very thick, almost the consistency of cookie dough so I wasn't sure how this was going to turn out but it was very good. Moist, fairly dense but not heavy and not too sweet. It reminded me of coffee cake or an apple cinnamon muffin in cake form. I made it without the brown sugar syrup.

useful (0)  


The Moosewood Restaurant Cooking for Health: More Than 200 New Vegetarian and Vegan Recipes for Delicious and Nutrient-Rich Dishes

By Moosewood Collective
Simon & Schuster - 2009

17th May 2010 (edited: 12th March 2012)

An Easy Baked Tofu

Fast, easy prep and nice soft flavour from the sesame oil based sauce.

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

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)  


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

By Colleen Patrick-Goudreau
Fair Winds Press - 2009

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

Aloo Gobi (Curried Cauliflower and Potatoes)

Very flavourful dish. I allowed the potatoes and cauliflower to cook longer than the recipe recommended so the flavours would have more time to meld. The cauliflower flowerets broke down and were very soft but we didn't mind. I added a little more than the teaspoon of brown sugar called for as well as more salt.

useful (0)