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Meet Amy + her Velvet Underground Hazelnut Brownies

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I’m excited to have Amy from Velvet Underground Cafe here this week to write a guest post.
I’m totally in love with all that she’s doing with Velvet Underground (it’s a must-stop when you’re here in Whistler) from the food, to the vibe, to the fun clothes and local product zone. I’ll let her introduce her rad self.
“Hello hooked on plants family!
My name’s Amy and I’m the owner and founder of Velvet Underground in Whistler BC.
We are a plant-based cafe, a second hand and vintage clothing store, and we are obsessed with reducing our environmental footprint on this beautiful planet. We consider ourselves a community, and a movement more than a store.
I grew up on a farm as an “animal lover” that still ate animals!
I even had pet cows and sheep but I just hadn’t made the connection that those same animals I loved I was also eating! It’s a weird feeling to think back to those times and try and understand my mentality around-consuming animal products.
Like many, I thought, it is what we as humans are supposed to eat.
And I get it, in some cultures – in snowy arctic climates – where vegetation is limited, they probably did need to eat meat and animal products, but in this day and age we can walk into any store and buy whatever our heart desires year-round!
I realized that we have the ability to thrive on a plant-based diet, so bit by bit the pennies started dropping.
Another huge deal breaker for me was the environmental impact animal agriculture has on the planet.
That was the first thing that started to really open my mind up to this more conscious way of living. I was interested in the environmental aspect of minimizing the demand of fast fashion and instead consciously choosing second-hand everything in all my shopping habits.
The vegan thing was a natural progression from that.
It was a slow process though, all though I’ve been vegetarian and about 80% vegan for around 5 years I only became fully vegan about 2 years ago, and I haven’t looked back!
This way of life has not only made me feel healthier and more energetic, but also I honestly believe it raises your consciousness to a level I can’t begin to explain.
Through my cafe, I get so much joy from inspiring others to make the change and seeing how stoked they are to learn that they can have everything they would ever want to eat but made VEGAN!
It’s actually so great! 2020, what a time to be vegan!  
So in light of that, I wanted to share this recipe from our cafe. It’s one of my faves because it’s super chocolate-y, and decadent, uses up the nut meal we have as a bi-product from making fresh nut milk, and tastes like a real ‘treat yo-self’ kinda dessert!
Heat it up with berries and coco whip to really pimp it out!”
Check out 80/20 Plants for all the plant eating help.

HAZELNUT BROWNIES

Makes 12 brownies

INGREDIENTS

½ cup (8 tsp) chia blended and mixed with just enough water to make a gel

4 cups nut pulp (we use the leftover hazelnut and almond from our nut milk but you can sub regular almond meal for a similar result)

1 cup (100g) dutch cocoa

1 tsp sea salt

½ tsp baking soda

1 cup (170g) dark chocolate (we use east van roasters couverture dark chocolate)

½ cup of coconut milk

1/2 cup (125g) of coconut oil, melted

2 cups date puree: make this by soaking dried dates in warm water for half an hour or more, then blend

2 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup (170g) chopped hazelnuts

DIRECTIONS

1. Melt the coconut oil and chocolate together separately in a metal bowl over a pot of simmering water

2. Assemble all other ingredients together in a large bowl, then mix in the melted chocolate and coconut oil together

4. Transfer to a 10 x 8 (ish) baking dish tin (lined with baking paper)

5. Bake at 350 F for 50 minutes

6. Let cool and put in the fridge for 30 minutes or overnight so it can easily be cut. Then enjoy!

 

Orange Pecan Chocolate Mushroom Vegan Fudge

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The other day I was flippin’ through my fave mag (Veg News) and luckily came across a drool-effect vegan fudge recipe by Jackie Sobon (Vegan Yack Attack). I say ‘luckily’ because… now you get to bask in the introduction to this decadent, melt-in-your-mouth fudge. I switched it up a bit to create what is seen here: Orange Pecan Chocolate Mushroom Vegan Fudge. It’s a mouthful…of AMAZINGNESS!!!

You can even benefit from eating this delicious dessert-y concoction.

I amped up her fudge recipe by adding in some Stay Wyld Organics medicinal mushroom goodness, and even a scoop of the simplest, cleanest Complement Protein powder.

The protein powder is a fave around here. 4 ingredients, and each one is stated on the front of the biodegradable bag in percentages.

And medicinal mushrooms? Well, they’re adaptogens, and they help bring your body back to homeostasis (in other words, balance everything out and help you deal with daily stressors).

Plus, they’re PACKED to the nines with antioxidants. Chaga especially is an antioxidant powerhouse.

Think of adaptogens as as a calming Grandmother, who brings you back down to earth when craziness hits the fan. If your adrenals are wired, they’ll help slow them down. If you’re immune system is out of wack, they’ll strengthen it up. If your mood swings are as steep as the Eiffel Tower, they’ll do their best to calm them back down to the flat-ness of the Saskatchewan plains kind of level.

Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, Turkey Tail and Chaga… each of them have their special unique beneficial traits. Whether you want more focus, more energy, less anxiety or more immunity, they’ve got you. Today we’re adding Cordyceps to the mix to make this fudge super energizing.

Not only does this fudge bring on plant protien and mushroom benefits… but it also shines for what it doesn’t have.

No dairy: No cream. No butter. No milk.

Yet, it’s still incredibly decadent, creamy, fudge-y and mouth-wateringly heavenly.


Orange Pecan Mushroom Fudge - Adapted from Vegan Yack Attack
 
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A vegan, melt-in-your-mouth fudge with adaptogenic medicinal mushrooms! An energizing and delicious gift for the holidays, to your loved ones... or yourself!!
Author:
Recipe type: dessert, holidays
Ingredients
  • 4 cups vegan dark chocolate chips
  • ¼ cup vegan butter
  • 1 cup full fat coconut milk (the solid taken from the coconut milk can)
  • ⅓ cup maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon orange extract (peppermint would be great too!)
  • 2-4 tsp Stay Wyld Cordyceps powder (use code 'hookedonplants'
  • ¾ cup dried cranberries (save ¼ for the topping)
  • ¾ cup pecans, chopped (save ¼ for the topping)
  • 2 tbsp orange zest (half for the topping)
  • 1 tsp sea salt
Instructions
  1. Lightly greese an 8 x 8 baking dish with butter or coconut oil.
  2. Fill medium sized pot with 2-3 inches of water, and warm it up over medium heat.
  3. Create a double boiler by placing a steel or glass bowl over the pot.
  4. Add chocolate chips, coconut milk, maple syrup, vegan butter and orange extract.
  5. Whisk occasionally until smooth (about 5-8 minutes)
  6. Add the mushroom powder, whisk until smooth.
  7. Remove the bowl from the heat and fold in ½ cup cranberries, ½ cup pecans, 1 tbsp orange zest.
  8. Pour fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish (spread evenly)
  9. Sprinkle the toppings on there (1/24 cup each of cranberries and pecans, 1 tbsp orange zest, sea salt)
  10. Place in the fridge for 1 hour before serving.
  11. Chop it up and enjoy (place chunks in mason jars for an amazing Christmas present)

If you make this tag: @hookedonplants on instagram!

… and if you want more:

Sign up to my Substack for weekly inspiration, recipes, plus a free Breakfast Recipe Book.

Last Minute Gift Guide | Vegan & Eco & Minimalist

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Welcome to the vegan gift guide for the conscious consumer (perfect for you and I and any one who simply doesn’t have their sh*t together in time)!

How does it feel like Christmas just happened? It rolls up so quickly, and then it be like… AH no time! Or is that just me?

Are any of you organized for Christmas morning in November? If so, I bow down to you.

Christmas can be stress-inducing, when really it should be the opposite.

This word ‘Holidays’ should really mean quality time spent with the ones you’re incredibly fond of, giving to those who need it the most, and eating delicious plants in the form of comfort food surrounded by Charlie Brown Christmas tunes and the smell of:

But, it’s not always that simple, is it?

If the scramble for presents is taking away from the simplicity of what the Holidays are really about, then you have come to the right place.

PLUS, in the attempt for achieving a sustainable and minimalistic holiday, I’ve added in eco-friendly gift wrapping ideas, at the bottom for you.

Merry Christmas!

THE GIFT OF EXPERIENCE:

What goes on in your town? Make it a gift of experience this year by getting tickets for a concert, festival or play…or maybe a ski ticket, or something like Vallea Lumina… or a staycation itinerary, farm sanctuary visits, or maybe even a mini close-by vacation. Just a few ideas to get the creative juices flowing. Create memories for a gift this year.

KITCHEN + HOME:

SUPERFOODS/SUPPLEMENTS:

  • Stay Wyld Organics Medicinal Mushrooms (Reishi, Cordyceps, Lion’s Mane, Chaga, Turkey Tail)
  • Complement Protein Powder + Complement Plus ‘3 in 1 supplement’ (B12 + Vitamin D3 + Micro Algae Epa/Dha)
    • Go here and use Discount Code: ‘HOOKEDONPLANTS’ for 10% off
  • Pranin whole food iron + vitamin C (use code ‘hooked’ for a discount)

EAT!:

FOODIE GIFT CARDS:

This is your opportunity to show your friends and fam something new, and support a biz you love (PLUS, it’s the ultimate last minute gift idea).

DONATIONS

We mostly think about our close ones when it comes to gift-giving, but there are so many businesses, animals, and people that could really use our help during the holidays. To donate money in the name of someone else, and hand over a card saying you did so, is incredibly meaningful.

Farm Sanctuaries and Animal Shelters:

Vancouver/Whistler/Victoria:

Toronto:

Global:

World Hunger & Shelter & Environmental Protection: 

  • A Well Fed World: Plants 4 Hunger helps feeds hungry children without harming animals!

EXPERIENCES

ONLINE GOODIES

COOKBOOKS

CRUELTY FREE CLOTHING | JEWELLERY | ACCESSORIES 

These may not work as last minute, but they’re great ideas for future gift-giving!

ECO-FRIENDLY GIFT WRAPPING

Can you imagine what a pile of thrown away wrapping paper would look like after Christmas is over?

Apparently it would cover 5000 football fields!!!

Plus, this stuff is died, and laminated, making it difficult to recycle.

So, let’s opt out and go for these natural looking, enviro-friendly ideas instead.

  • Scarves from your local Thrift Store or Re-Use-It Centre
  • Newspaper
  • Brown paper and twine (both can be found at Staples, Michael’s, or your local farts n’ craps’ store;)  for an organic look.
  • Jars, cans or boxes you have around the house. Just tie twine around it and, voila!
  • Grocery bag totes that they can re-use
  • Paper bags
  • Any kind of fabric you have kickin’ around! Time to get creative.

You’ve Watched The Game Changers…Now What?

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This question needed a post all to itself. I can’t count the amount of times friends, friends of friends, the Hooked on Plants community, and even family have said… “I just watched Game Changers. Guess I have to go vegan now! Where do I start?”

SO, here we go: a place for the veg-curious!

Step #1:

Get connected with your personal WHY

Head to the ‘Why Vegan‘ Page to help with this. Is it for athletic endurance? More energy? Disease prevention? Weight loss? Clearer skin? For the environment? For the animals?

Make sure you’re doing this for a personal reason that you truly care about.

Step #2:

If you can’t grasp on to your ‘why’, watch:

Step #3:

Sign up for the 80/20 plants Program

80/20 Plants is the most basic, non-preachy, structured way to transition to an 80% whole foods plant based diet & 20% indulgent plant based lifestyle.

This is what I wish I had during my year long transition in 2015.

What’s in it?

  • Full support with meal plans
  • Hundreds of recipes
  • A supportive 80/20 community
  • 1:1 coaching (phone calls and messaging)
  • 30 Video lessons (from me) through out the 4 phases
  • 4 phases: breakfast first, then snacks, then lunch, then dinner, all at your own pace.

Step #3.2:

If you’re into going ‘cold tofu’ and taking the #PlantsForAWeek mini challenge, grab my E Book. I still recommend doing the 80/20 Plants program as well for the consistent, baby step, long-term approach that will actually stick.

Step 4:

Stay Inspired….

A) Have FUN: Go eat at vegan restaurants & go to veg fests

B) Follow these INSTAGRAM accounts:

C) Subscribe to these YOUTUBE Channels:

D) Subscribe to these PODCASTS:

Step #5:

Do this with a buddy.

Stay accountable by sharing recipes, vegan news, wins and struggles.

Tips to transition towards a vegan lifestyle
PS: Watch out for Whistler Vegan Fest 2020 by Andrea and I… you heard it here first!

Step #6:

Have comfort in knowing…:

  • Every nutrient necessary for humans is found in plants
  • Skipping the middle man (the animal) and going straight to the source is becoming a necessary action for human and planetary health (and the animals).
  • It has been proven that you can thrive in all stages of life by eating only plants. Check out this Adventist 2 study here (done on one of the longest living populations in the world who were all either vegetarian, or vegan. About 4% of the study were vegan, and happened to be the healthiest lot of the whole study).

Ask me anything over on instagram & remember why you felt the personal pull. When you feel pulled in the other direction, just put yourself in the animal’s shoes.

Comment below to share your why!

Warm Vegan Pumpkin Spice Banana Milkshake | 3 Ingredients

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Sometimes all you need is something warm to put your hands around. Enter: pumpkin spice and bananas.

With just 3 ingredients and a blender, you will have this delicious pumpkin spice banana milkshake (minus the dairy) to knock your cozy socks off.

The taste?  Pumpkin pie in a cup (but, actually good for you).

Fall is definitely upon us, and this comforting bevy will be the cherry on top of your Netflix n’ chill sweatpants.

Tis’ the season for pumpkin everything. Let’s make the most of it.

Benefits:

Bananas should be enjoyed be in their ripe form (with spots). They’re amazing for digestion, high in potassium and rich in fibre.

Pumpkin Pie Spice gives us that spicey cinnamon and ginger, both bringing us great benefits. Ginger is a well-known immune-booster, and cinnamon? The king of lowering those blood-sugar levels.

Vanilla (the pure extract) is anti-inflammatory, helping you fight disease, and allowing your body to thrive.

Warm Pumpkin Spice Banana Milkshake

On to the recipe!