branch's Profile

From: ann arbor, mi United States

Joined: January 19th, 2013

About me: i'm a vegan who loves to try new recipes and eat tasty food.


recipe reviews (0)
book reviews (0)
useful review votes (0)

branch's Favorite Members


Updates from branch's favorite members


snoopy added The Oh She Glows Cookbook: Over 100 Vegan Recipes to Glow from the Inside Out to his/her bookshelf.

18th October 2015

snoopy added YumUniverse: Infinite Possibilities for a Gluten-Free, Plant-Powerful, Whole-Food Lifestyle

18th October 2015

snoopy added Organic Avenue: Recipes for Life, Made with LOVE*

28th July 2014

snoopy added Vegetarian Cooking for Good Health

25th May 2014

snoopy added Forks Over Knives - The Cookbook: Over 300 Recipes for Plant-Based Eating All Through the Year to his/her bookshelf.

20th April 2013

snoopy added Plenty: Vibrant Recipes from London's Ottolenghi to his/her bookshelf.

14th April 2013

snoopy added Plenty to his/her bookshelf.

14th April 2013

Leeka reviewed 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... more »
3rd April 2013

Leeka added The Blissful Chef

3rd April 2013

Leeka added vegan-pizza

24th March 2013

Leeka added Greenderella

24th March 2013

Leeka reviewed Dilly Stew with Rosemary Dumplings from Post Punk Kitchen

This is a simple and hearty stew featuring potatoes, carrots and navy beans seasoned with paprika, thyme, dill and pepper. I substituted green peas for the beans to add a bit of colour. I've only made more »
23rd March 2013

Leeka commented on Pleasing Greens Soup from The 30-Minute Vegan: Over 175 Quick, Delicious, and Healthy Recipes for Everyday Cooking

Yes, it was good and my daughter even liked it which surprised me a bit. The ginger flavour was quite strong, I didn't think it would appeal to her. I felt very virtuous eating this soup! more »
11th February 2013

Leeka commented on Eggplant Shakshuka with Green Tahini Sauce from Vegan Eats World: 300 International Recipes for Savoring the Planet

Excellent! I love eggplant and want to cook more from this cookbook but as you mention, many of the recipes require special ingredients. I'm happy to hear this was a five star dish. more »
11th February 2013

Leeka reviewed Pinto Bean and Quinoa Sloppy Joes from Veg Kitchen with Nava Atlas

Easy, basic, Sloppy Joe recipe. I like the contrast in textures between the pinto beans and quinoa. Good flavour, kid friendly, not spicy. more »
6th February 2013

Leeka commented on Chocolate Chip Blondies from Chocolate Covered Katie

Hmmm, I think I have a blondie or brownie recipe somewhere with beans. Not chickpeas though, I think it might be navy beans which makes sense since they have a milder flavour. I'll do a search and see... more »
6th February 2013

Leeka reviewed Pleasing Greens Soup from The 30-Minute Vegan: Over 175 Quick, Delicious, and Healthy Recipes for Everyday Cooking

Smooth and creamy, gingery, full of healthy ingredients. I had a bunch of kale to use up and this was the perfect solution. Without any fresh parsley in the house, I had to use dried so I added an extra... more »
6th February 2013

Leeka added Veg Kitchen with Nava Atlas

6th February 2013

Leeka commented on BBQ Pineapple Pizza from Chloe's Kitchen: 125 Easy, Delicious Recipes for Making the Food You Love the Vegan Way

I was just looking at this pizza and I'll admit, I was intrigued enough to bookmark it. I've never had barbeque sauce on pizza, the onions and tofu sound great! more »
6th February 2013

Leeka added Chloe's Kitchen: 125 Easy, Delicious Recipes for Making the Food You Love the Vegan Way to his/her bookshelf.

6th February 2013

Leeka commented on Best-Ever Baked Macaroni and Cheese from Chloe's Kitchen: 125 Easy, Delicious Recipes for Making the Food You Love the Vegan Way

I was looking at this recipe tonight and wondered if it really was the best ever. Based on the two reviews, I'm guessing not. It's always fun to try a new one though! more »
6th February 2013

Leeka commented on Mac 'N Cheese from Vegan Cooking for Carnivores: Over 125 Recipes So Tasty You Won't Miss the Meat

Zosia and QS, I think this is a very accessible book of vegan recipes. They're fairly simple, mostly American cuisine, some with a Latin flavour. I'll try and cook some more from it before it goes back... more »
22nd January 2013

Leeka reviewed Mac 'N Cheese from Vegan Cooking for Carnivores: Over 125 Recipes So Tasty You Won't Miss the Meat

Our whole family enjoyed this version of the classic Mac 'N Cheese. The sauce uses a base of cashew cream with veggie stock and vegan cheddar cheese added. It was very creamy and simple. A definite more »
22nd January 2013

Leeka added Vegan Cooking for Carnivores: Over 125 Recipes So Tasty You Won't Miss the Meat

22nd January 2013

snoopy reviewed land and sea soba salad from Blissful Bites: Vegan Meals That Nourish Mind, Body, and Planet

Another great sea vegetable recipe from this book. I was super happy with how this recipe came together. It made a very blissful weeknight meal for me. Very pretty with different veggies, and it had... more »
31st December 2012

Leeka commented on Cranberry Orange & Pecan Coffee Cake from joy the baker

Thanks, QS! I think I'm going to make it for our Christmas day celebration. Happy Holidays! more »
24th December 2012

Leeka commented on Cranberry Orange & Pecan Coffee Cake from joy the baker

This sounds divine. I'm going to veganize the recipe! more »
24th December 2012

Leeka commented on Spiced Lentil Soup with Coconut Milk from Sprouted Kitchen

Sounds simple, easy and delicious! I love coconut milk in anything. more »
24th December 2012

Leeka reviewed The Best Real Peanut Butter Cookies from Vegweb.com

Really moist and delicious cookies. more »
24th December 2012

Leeka added The Chinese Vegan Kitchen: More Than 225 Meat-free, Egg-free, Dairy-free Dishes from the Culinary Regions of China

24th December 2012

Leeka added Artisan Vegan Cheese to his/her bookshelf.

23rd December 2012

Leeka reviewed Flying Massaman Curry from Vegan Eats World: 300 International Recipes for Savoring the Planet

The smell of this curry simmering on the stove was amazing! The sauce was very creamy with a combination of coconut milk, peanut butter and veggie stock. The curry consisted of garam masala, cayenne,... more »
27th October 2012

Leeka commented on Buckwheat Pasta with Kale from The Very Best Of Recipes for Health: 250 Recipes and More from the Popular Feature on NYTimes.com

Sounds and looks yummy. I adore kale and it's so good for you! I'd make this recipe with a sub for the cheese and I bet it would still be delicious. more »
25th October 2012

Leeka reviewed Savory Baked Tofu from Vegan Eats World: 300 International Recipes for Savoring the Planet

A very easy, baked tofu. The whole family enjoyed this Asian style marinaded dish accompanied by sesame greens and rice. I can easily see this becoming part of our regular rotation. I reduced the marinating... more »
25th October 2012

Leeka added Vegan Eats World: 300 International Recipes for Savoring the Planet

24th October 2012

Leeka commented on Fishy Freedom Cakes (AKA Vegan 'Fishcakes') from Chocolate and Beyond

My Miss M. liked these fresh much better than left over today. It was the crispy, bread crumb-y outsides that appealed the most. more »
17th October 2012

snoopy reviewed Eggplant Kibbeh from Appetite for Reduction: 125 Fast and Filling Low-Fat Vegan Recipes

I took a number of liberties with this recipe to speed it up for a weeknight meal. 1). I cooked the bulgar in the pressure cooker, reducing the time from 40 minutes to less than 15.; 2). I cooked down... more »
17th October 2012

snoopy reviewed Micro Kale from Lorna Sass' Short-Cut Vegetarian: Great Taste in No Time

I've used this very basic technique for microwaving kale a few times when trying to pull together a few different side dishes for a meal. The instructions produce a lightly-cooked (California-style) kale.... more »
17th October 2012

snoopy reviewed Basic Bulgur from Great Vegetarian Cooking Under Pressure

This uses the glass casserole technique. I was very happy with the result. The bulgar came out fluffy and well-cooked but still chewy. I added some optional flavoring options (raw garlic, sliced onions, more »
17th October 2012

Leeka reviewed Fishy Freedom Cakes (AKA Vegan 'Fishcakes') from Chocolate and Beyond

I thought I'd give these vegan fishcakes a try in order to tempt my notoriously picky daughter with something new. I had a feeling that the Panko encrusted, pan fried coating would appeal and I wasn't more »
16th October 2012

Leeka added Chocolate and Beyond

16th October 2012

snoopy reviewed Eggplant Provencal from Appetite for Reduction: 125 Fast and Filling Low-Fat Vegan Recipes

This is not a recipe-tester quality review. I cooked this in the pressure cooker instead of as directed, and I made a few changes in ingredients based on what I had around (russet instead of yukon gold... more »
15th October 2012

snoopy reviewed Eggplant Dengaku from Appetite for Reduction: 125 Fast and Filling Low-Fat Vegan Recipes

In my mind, I like eggplant, but I always struggle with how to cook it. I had high-hopes for this Japanese-style dish (broiled eggplant with a "slightly sweet miso sauce"). On its own, it was only ok.... more »
13th October 2012

Leeka commented on Cooked Grains Salad with Tomato Vinaigrette from The Very Best Of Recipes for Health: 250 Recipes and More from the Popular Feature on NYTimes.com

This sounds like something my husband would love to take to work for lunch. I'll see if I can find it online. more »
6th October 2012

Leeka commented on Sesame Coconut Bars from Recipes for Health by Martha Rose Shulman

I'm so intrigued by the look of these, I may try and veganize them. I think they sound delicious! more »
6th October 2012

Leeka commented on Old-Fashioned Tomato Soup from Vegan Diner: Classic Comfort Food for the Body and Soul

I love onion so much, I would never dream of leaving it out! But, next time, I'll definitely give this version a shot. Thanks for the feedback. more »
6th October 2012

snoopy commented on Old-Fashioned Tomato Soup from Vegan Diner: Classic Comfort Food for the Body and Soul

I found a copy of that recipe, and it looks great too. The main difference is the cooked onion in the "Ripe" recipe, plus a little less water and the diced tomato. But it should work to make it with... more »
6th October 2012

Leeka commented on Old-Fashioned Tomato Soup from Vegan Diner: Classic Comfort Food for the Body and Soul

This sounds similar to the tomato soup from "Ripe" that I've made. The only difference being the ingredients are cooked first while the cashews are soaking and then the cashew cream is added at the end.... more »
6th October 2012

snoopy reviewed Old-Fashioned Tomato Soup from Vegan Diner: Classic Comfort Food for the Body and Soul

This is humble, classic, creamy tomato soup. The creamy comes from blended cashew nuts. You soak the cashews in the blender jar, add the other ingredients, blend for a couple minutes (with a high powered more »
5th October 2012

snoopy added Vegan Diner: Classic Comfort Food for the Body and Soul to his/her bookshelf.

5th October 2012

snoopy added Healing With Whole Foods: Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition (3rd Edition) to his/her bookshelf.

3rd October 2012

snoopy added Ancient Wisdom, Modern Kitchen: Recipes from the East for Health, Healing, and Long Life

3rd October 2012

snoopy added Nonna's Italian Kitchen: Delicious Home-Style Vegetarian Cuisine (Healthy World Cuisine) to his/her bookshelf.

3rd October 2012

snoopy added Artisan Vegan Cheese

3rd October 2012

snoopy reviewed Spiced Pumpkin Oatmeal from The Get Healthy, Go Vegan Cookbook: 125 Easy and Delicious Recipes to Jump-Start Weight Loss and Help You Feel Great

I find that my day is just better when I have oatmeal for breakfast. Plain steel cut oats cooked in the pressure cooker is what I have most days. This recipe makes me feel extra special. I do make some more »
30th September 2012

snoopy reviewed Hot Parmesan Artichoke Dip from The Uncheese Cookbook: Creating Amazing Dairy-Free Cheese Substitutes and Classic "Uncheese" Dishes

I have made this a number of times for parties with non-vegans, and it has always been gobbled up. Mr. Snoopy and I like the variation of spreading it on english muffins and broiling -- makes a very tasty more »
30th September 2012

snoopy reviewed Gee Whiz Spread from The Uncheese Cookbook: Creating Amazing Dairy-Free Cheese Substitutes and Classic "Uncheese" Dishes

This recipe is very easy to make (just use caution on the amount of pimento or roasted red pepper used -- drain well and use no more than called for or the spread will be runny and more sauce than spread). more »
30th September 2012

snoopy reviewed Betta Feta from The Uncheese Cookbook: Creating Amazing Dairy-Free Cheese Substitutes and Classic "Uncheese" Dishes

Small tofu cubes are simmered in a savory broth and then marinated. This recipe takes some time but works very well as a substitute for dairy feta. As a bonus, the All-Season blend makes a great instant more »
30th September 2012

snoopy reviewed Fettuccine Alfonso from The Uncheese Cookbook: Creating Amazing Dairy-Free Cheese Substitutes and Classic "Uncheese" Dishes

This lowfat fettuccine alfredo uses frozen corn (among other ingredients) to make a sweet, creamy sauce. Mr. Snoopy says it's not quite like the classic, but he'd rather have this given the nutritional more »
30th September 2012

snoopy reviewed Noodle Kugel from The Uncheese Cookbook: Creating Amazing Dairy-Free Cheese Substitutes and Classic "Uncheese" Dishes

Mr. Snoopy and I both rated this one as "excellent." I used full-fat vegan mayonnaise; this is not a lowfat dish -- just classic comfort food. I served it with roasted broccoli. It is sweet and rich, more »
30th September 2012

Leeka added JL Goes Vegan

28th September 2012

Leeka commented on Pho Ga - "quick" and easy Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup from The Blind Cook

I loved watching Master Chef this season and I'm so thrilled Christine won! I'll check out the blog too. more »
21st September 2012

Leeka commented on Fusilli with Cauliflower, Tomato Sauce, and Olives from The Very Best Of Recipes for Health: 250 Recipes and More from the Popular Feature on NYTimes.com

Good to know about the olives. Thanks, Zosia! more »
21st September 2012

Leeka commented on Roasted Tomato Soup from The Very Best Of Recipes for Health: 250 Recipes and More from the Popular Feature on NYTimes.com

Now this I could make! Yummy. I was just thinking I needed to make a hearty tomato soup yesterday. more »
21st September 2012

Leeka commented on Orange Tomato Jam with Smoked Paprika from Food In Jars

I guess with the sugar, it would keep for a short while in the fridge? We are not big jam eaters in our house but I used to love red pepper jelly. Every time I buy a jar of raspberry jam, it actually... more »
21st September 2012

Leeka commented on Orange Tomato Jam with Smoked Paprika from Food In Jars

I'm really intrigued by the sound and look of this jam. I'm not a jam maker, is it difficult? Do I need special equipment? more »
21st September 2012

Leeka commented on Artichoke and White Bean Dip from Let Them Eat Vegan!: 200 Deliciously Satisfying Plant-Powered Recipes for the Whole Family

White bean dip is one of my absolute favourite foods! I'd never think to add artichokes or nutritional yeast. I'll have to check out Dreena's new book. more »
21st September 2012

Leeka commented on Rainbow Tofu (Stir-Fried Tofu and Peppers) from The Very Best Of Recipes for Health: 250 Recipes and More from the Popular Feature on NYTimes.com

Your welcome, QS! Now that the fall weather is here, I'm suddenly in the mood for cooking again! more »
21st September 2012

Leeka commented on Warm Chickpea and Broccoli Salad from The Very Best Of Recipes for Health: 250 Recipes and More from the Popular Feature on NYTimes.com

I'm glad to see your positive review. I had my eye on this recipe as one to try. I'll definitely give this a go soon. more »
21st September 2012

Leeka commented on Fusilli with Cauliflower, Tomato Sauce, and Olives from The Very Best Of Recipes for Health: 250 Recipes and More from the Popular Feature on NYTimes.com

Sounds simple and yet interesting. I never cook with olives because it's one of the few plant foods I don't enjoy (apart from olive paste) but may give this a try. more »
21st September 2012

Leeka reviewed Choclate Thumbprint Cookies from Vegan with a Vengeance : Over 150 Delicious, Cheap, Animal-Free Recipes That Rock

I baked these adorable cookies for a vegan potluck event and they were really fun to make. I actually didn't get to taste one, they were gone before I made it to the dessert table so my four star rating more »
16th September 2012

Leeka commented on Bruschetta with Mushroom Topping from The Very Best Of Recipes for Health: 250 Recipes and More from the Popular Feature on NYTimes.com

Looks yummy! more »
16th September 2012

Leeka reviewed Rainbow Tofu (Stir-Fried Tofu and Peppers) from The Very Best Of Recipes for Health: 250 Recipes and More from the Popular Feature on NYTimes.com

Very simple ingredients that I use often, tofu, peppers, soy, garlic, chile, hoisin, and ginger. Sometimes preparing them in a slightly different manner or order makes a subtle but yummy difference in... more »
16th September 2012

Leeka added The Very Best Of Recipes for Health: 250 Recipes and More from the Popular Feature on NYTimes.com to his/her bookshelf.

16th September 2012

Leeka reviewed Amaya's Egoless Egg-Free Salad from Vegan Fusion World Cuisine: Healing Recipes and Timeless Wisdom from our Hearts to Yours

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... more »
27th August 2012

Leeka reviewed J.J's Vegan Mayonnaise from Vegan Fusion World Cuisine: Healing Recipes and Timeless Wisdom from our Hearts to Yours

Awesome, fast and easy. more »
27th August 2012

Leeka reviewed Chocolate Chip Cookies from The Happy Herbivore Cookbook: Over 175 Delicious Fat-Free and Low-Fat Vegan Recipes

I'm not quite sure what to say about these. I've never made or eaten no-fat chocolate chip cookies before and they certainly don't taste like a typical cookie. They are more like little flat cakes. more »
14th June 2012

Leeka reviewed Cheddar Cheesy Sauce from The Happy Herbivore Cookbook: Over 175 Delicious Fat-Free and Low-Fat Vegan Recipes

I was fairly happy with this miso based sauce. It's quite similar to other vegan "cheese" sauces I've made in the past and since I did not expect it to taste like actual cheddar sauce, it didn't disappoint. more »
6th June 2012

Leeka commented on Cashew Creem Tomato Soup from Get It Ripe: A Fresh Take on Vegan Cooking and Living

The soup tasted even better the day after and the cashew cream adds the perfect creamy texture. more »
3rd June 2012

Leeka reviewed Cashew Creem Tomato Soup from Get It Ripe: A Fresh Take on Vegan Cooking and Living

This is exactly what I wanted to eat! A creamy, tomato soup with a touch of heat. The recipe specified soaking the cashews for 4 to 8 hours but I didn't feel like waiting so I only soaked them for... more »
1st June 2012

Leeka commented on Essential Roasted Tomatillo-Serrano Salsa from Rick Bayless's Mexican Kitchen: Capturing the Vibrant flavors of a World-Class Cuisine

Great review, sounds yummy. I'm so disappointed that my library doesn't carry this book! I was hoping to participate in the challenge. :-( more »
1st June 2012

Leeka commented on tofu pizzaiola from 1,000 Vegan Recipes

I don't even know what Pizzaiola is but sounds good! more »
1st June 2012

Tweety reviewed Vegan "Chicken-Style" broth powder from World Vegan Feast: 200 Homestyle Recipes from 38 Countries

I'll never buy powdered broth again. This is made with nutritional yeast, onion powder, salt (I cut back from 2.5 tablespoons to only one), sugar, garlic powder, thyme, sage, paprika and turmeric....and more »
29th May 2012

Tweety reviewed smoky spicy hominy soup from World Vegan Feast: 200 Homestyle Recipes from 38 Countries

OMG this was sooooo good. The spices come together real well with the broth. The hominy flavor leaves the grains and spreads throughout the broth which was good. I've never seen soy curls and was too lazy... more »
29th May 2012

Tweety reviewed orange-glazed tofu and asparagus from 1,000 Vegan Recipes

The tofu has a nice sweet taste after marinating in mirin and cornstarch for 30 minutes. The stir fry sauce is a basic orange juice, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil with a touch of chili paste sauce. The more »
29th May 2012

Tweety reviewed tofu pizzaiola from 1,000 Vegan Recipes

Very good, quick and easy to make. The above friend likes tofu and is a low carb eater, so this is what I'm bringing as a main course. If it were me, I would add more tomato sauce and serve it with pasta. more »
28th May 2012

Tweety reviewed dijon vinaigrette from 1,000 Vegan Recipes

There are so many dressings in this cookbook, I may never buy another bottle again (which I rarely do anyway). This is a very tart dressing which I like..it has white wine vinegar, dijon mustard, garlic, more »
28th May 2012

Tweety reviewed vegan boursin-style spread from World Vegan Feast: 200 Homestyle Recipes from 38 Countries

The flavor of this with the fresh chives and garlic is quite good, especially after sitting all night. It's think and it spreads nicely. The base is the silken tofu from a box, raw cashews and margarine.... more »
28th May 2012

Tweety reviewed World Vegan Feast: 200 Homestyle Recipes from 38 Countries

This is a good cookbook with a variety of recipes. That said, it's not one I'd recommend for the new vegan or novice cook. Some of the recipes are fairly involved. I love how it's organized and love...
28th May 2012

Jayme reviewed Superfood Chia Chili from The Thrive Diet: Whole Foods to Thrive

Raw food still baffles me sometimes. This recipe sounded gross, but I when all the ingedients were literally just thrown in a bowl and stirred together, I wound up with a totally tastey raw chili. Much more »
28th May 2012

Jayme added The Thrive Diet: Whole Foods to Thrive

28th May 2012

Jayme reviewed Macho Nachos from Raw: The Uncook Book: New Vegetarian Food for Life

A compilation of several other recipes from the book: Nacho Cheese, Guacamole, Raw Salsa, Sour Cream, and Marinated Portobello. Once these are ready they're all plopped on top of a bed of thinly sliced more »
28th May 2012

Jayme reviewed Very Blueberry from Ani's Raw Food Kitchen: Easy, Delectable Living Foods Recipes

Good flavour but the water needs to be cut back by at least half a cup. Love the use of whole vanilla bean in these smoothies. more »
28th May 2012

Jayme reviewed Macadamia Ginger Crunch Drops from Vegan Cookies Invade Your Cookie Jar: 100 Dairy-Free Recipes for Everyone's Favorite Treats

Yet another perfect cookie. Very gingery! more »
28th May 2012

Jayme reviewed Red Cabbage and Grapefruit from Ani's Raw Food Essentials: Recipes and Techniques for Mastering the Art of Live Food

Crunchy, sour and a little bit sweet. Minimal ingredients, but kinda messy to make. (Purple fingers and shredded cabbage everywhere...) more »
28th May 2012

Tweety reviewed nothin' fishy nam pla from 1,000 Vegan Recipes

I actually like the flavor of nam pla which is what the Thai's call fish sauce and would usually have some on hand in my pre-vegan days. I spent part of my childhood in Thailand, so I must have become more »
27th May 2012

Tweety reviewed "ka-pow" tofu from 1,000 Vegan Recipes

Fantastic! The flavors of this dish come together real well. I bought vegetarian oyster sauce from the Asian market just for this recipe (I've seen it in other recipes in other books, so I'm sure I'll more »
27th May 2012

Leeka commented on stir-fried tempeh in coconut milk from The Asian Vegan Kitchen: Authentic and Appetizing Dishes from a Continent of Rich Flavors

Nice! I'm going to save this one to my recipe box. A five star tempeh recipe is always worth taking note of. more »
24th May 2012

Tweety commented on vietnamese "fisherman's soup" from World Vegan Feast: 200 Homestyle Recipes from 38 Countries

I made this soup too and agree....it's fantastic. The sum is greater than the parts. more »
23rd May 2012

Tweety reviewed red bean jambalaya from 1,000 Vegan Recipes

This is a relatively easy recipe to cook. It's pretty run of the mill and not unique but quote good. more »
23rd May 2012