Sun-Dried Tomato and White Bean Bruschetta

I wanted to use up a bag of dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes, so this recipe seemed like a sure winner. Unfortunately, it turned out to be something quite different from what I expected. It wasn't a total disaster, but look elsewhere if you're looking for a true bruschetta recipe.

Product Review: Funky Monkey Snacks

Dried fruit is sooooo 2011. Enter Funky Monkey Snacks for 2012 and beyond! Freeze-dried fruit (as opposed to regular dried fruit) is where it's at, from flavor to texture to nutrition. This stuff is perfect for a quick snack any time, and it travels so well!

Pesto "Pasta"

Pasta made out of...squash? And not the spaghetti kind? I can't tell you how frightened I was to try this. I know this is what a raw foodist's dreams are made of, but I'm not quite on that level myself. Still, the pesto on its own sounded delicious, so I was willing to give in to the idea of raw pasta.

Product Review: Sophie's Kitchen Seafood

Seafood is probably one of the hardest vegan things to emulate AND make taste good. You can find a lot of faux fish products at your local Asian markets, but (speaking from experience) they're often unpalatable and always have a strange not-quite-right smell. Enter Sophie's Kitchen...

Restaurant Review: Pepple's Donuts/Donut Farm

The glowing red neon "vegan" in the window and the huge pink sprinkled donut is all that distinguishes Donut Farm from the outside. This inconspicuous, cruelty-free Oakland bakery not only creates some of the tastiest and creative vegan donuts around, but there's also a fabulous weekend brunch that is clearly a popular choice with nearby residents. Don't be put off by its no-frills, hole-in-the-wall appearance: Donut Farm (aka Pepple's Donuts...actually, I'm not sure which is the "correct" name) is one of the Bay Area's best kept secrets.

Restaurant Review: Flacos

There aren't enough vegan Mexican restaurants in the world. I mean, there's plenty of Asian places, with mock duck and chicken drumsticks galore. But what about some good old-fashioned comfort food Mexican? What if you don't want to take your chances at a "regular" place, where all you can order is guacamole, chips, rice, and beans (and even then, you have to wonder about the lard factor)?

Product Review: Go Max Go Foods

If I told you there were vegan versions of America's favorite candy bars (Snickers, Three Musketeers, and Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, to name a few) that tasted amazing and contained no artificial ingredients, would you believe me? Probably not, right? Well then this post is for you. Get ready to be more excited than a kid in a candy store!

Restaurant Review: Streets of India Cafe

Indian cuisine is certainly known for their wide-ranging vegetarian options, but strangely enough, vegan options are often nil. Sure, some places can make dishes vegan by request, but that's where Streets of India takes that notion to a whole new level. Not only do they offer tons of vegan options, but they have something that most places don't: faux meats!

Summer Rolls with Miso Sauce

Most people get these confused with their very similar kin--crunchy, deep-fried spring rolls--but summer rolls really do live up to their name. They're light, fresh, healthy, and chockful of veggies and herbs. But perhaps the most noticeable difference is that summer rolls are served cold in clear rice paper wrappers. This version is served with a delicious tangy dipping sauce. Perfect for hot weather snacking!

Lemon-Herb Pasta with Artichokes and Green Beans

A super easy and creative pasta dish with the light and fresh flavors of summer. Although this is nothing more than pasta and veggies, the addition of salty feta, tangy lemon, and a unique twist on pesto makes this quite an interesting meal.

Artichoke-Parmesan Turnovers

Mmmm, puff pastry. Anything is good in puff pastry, and this recipe is no exception. Although there are a few issues with it (which I'll help you sort out), it gives you a gourmet-tasting, rich, decadent finger food...which can actually end up as two different appetizers.

Feta, Pistachio, and Carrot Salad

Remember those old school carrot salads loaded with mayo and raisins? You either loved it or hated it, and I think I was somewhere in between. Well, this recipe takes that lunchbox staple and turns it into something fresh, summery, and absolutely delicious.

Quinoa with Pistachios, Parsley, and Mint

If you're looking for an absolutely delicious, summery, and cinch-to-make side dish that can pair well with just about anything, look no further. This simple but fully flavored quinoa dish is light, healthy, and strangely addictive.

Fresh Corn Chowder

Chowder isn't typically served in warmer seasons. It's thought of as a winter dish, served piping hot, rich, and thick to warm your body up on cold nights. This recipe, however, takes a different approach: it's light, dairy-free, and uses only the best summertime produce.

Peas and Carrots Polenta Galette

The quintessential American combination of sweet peas and carrots pairs wonderfully with savory polenta and Parmesan in this light yet filling springtime dish. It's also gorgeous to look at, and would make a beautiful addition to your Easter or even brunch table.

Indian Spinach Dip

Although this recipe claims to be inspired by the Indian spinach-and-cheese dish palak paneer, I'd have to politely disagree: this super-fast dip tastes even better that that, and I'd argue it's actually an Indian take on everyone's favorite...guacamole!

Restaurant Review: Leaf Organics

A vegan restaurant that serves raw AND cooked food, while doubling as a snazzy juice bar? And in my neck of the woods? Score! As many of my fellow Westsiders would agree, it's surprisingly difficult to find popular vegan eateries that aren't above the 101 (hello, hipsterville). So Leaf Organics is a dream come true!

Grilled Vegetable Salad

Who says the grill is only for meat?! This year-round recipe is sure to change the minds of even the biggest vegetable haters, but try it now while it's grilling season!

Tortilla Personal Pizza

This Mediterranean delight of a dish is quick, easy, and the perfect weeknight meal for one. It's surprisingly tasty and full of flavor for it to contain such few ingredients, making this a truly budget gourmet recipe.

Tofu-Carrot Cacciatore

Picture this veggie-packed stew being served after a long day's work, to a family sitting around a wood-burning stove in a warm rustic kitchen. It's a simple dish: just veggies cooked in a simply spiced, tomato-based broth. But somehow, the flavors become so intense, and a fresh bowl of this cacciatore warms not only the hands but the soul as well. It's the epitome of the Italian countryside. And although no animals were harmed in the making of this meal, this "hunter's stew" is hearty, meaty, and satisfying.