Freeze!

This is not the picture I meant to have in this post. I meant to have a full glass of my version of a mocha coffee freeze (aka "frap"). But I couldn't let it sit. I had to drink it right then. So will you.

I have a weakness for these frozen drinks but I can't afford them all the time and I can't control everything that goes in them when I go to the shop. So I went online to see if I could find recipes. I tried several and came up with this combination as my favorite:

Mocha Freeze

1 c. soy or other non-dairy milk

1/2 c. strong coffee

1 T. cocoa powder (unsweetened, vegan)

1 T. sugar (your choice; I like brown sugar)

about 1 c. ice cubes

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

Option: use instant coffee, 1 T. or to taste,  and a little more soy milk, instead of the 1/2 c. strong coffee.

One obvious advantage to making your own is the quality of the drink. Use high-quality cocoa and coffee and you'll notice.

crossposted at Vegan Soapbox.

Yum! Fries from the Oven

Sometimes I just need that crunch, but I don't need the fat. So here is how I make oven fries:

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Peel as many potatoes as you feel like eating, but no more than can be spread on a cookie sheet in a single layer. Rinse and slice into french fry shapes or round slices, whatever you like. Spray a cookie sheet with spray oil mix, or line with parchment. Pile the sliced potatoes in the middle and sprinkle generously with a seasoning mixture of your choice. Mix it up with your hands and spread the slices in a single layer.

Place in oven and cook for 20-30 minutes, depending on how thick the slices are. Turn the slices after about 10 minutes and again after 20, or as needed. You'll know they are done when the edges are browned and the slices have puffed up a bit. Remove from oven and place in bowl or plate. Salt to taste and eat right away!