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World Vegetarian Day Activities and Celebrations

WaffleAdmin — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:14:01 +0000

Looking for a reason for a party? Today, October 1, marks the kickoff of Vegetarian Awareness Month, according to the North American Vegetarian Society. (By the way, if you haven’t been to a NAVS conference yet, you should know that the food there is all vegan – definitely worth checking out!) So if you’ve got a cool vegan or vegetarian event planned, let them know, as it may inspire others. And if it involves vegan waffles, you know who wants to hear about that.

Consider Independence for All Life–Throw a 4th of July Vegan Waffle Party

WaffleAdmin — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 07:21:31 +0000

Yes, at this point it seems like I could come up with a reason for a waffle party any time of day, any day of the year. Well, you’re probably right! However, those of us in the U.S. celebrate Independence Day today, and one element of it has a particular irony: hamburgers and hot dogs. Many Americans could not imagine a July 4th without these items on their grill. Yes, many of us celebrate our own Independence Day by consuming products linked directly to the unnecessary enslavement and suffering of other living creatures. This is already obvious to many of you, but I’ll admit that the thought never would have crossed my mind four or five years ago.

In some cases, our ceremonies take on an even more sinister tone, e.g., in the case of “animal roasts” where an entire animal will we brought out before a celebrating crowd. Is the violence-driven bonding and silent proclamation of power over another formerly living being really so different than that of say, a mob of racist people watching in delight as another human being of a different color hangs to their death, or a group of homophobic men tying another person to a fence and beating them due to their sexual orientation? Or is it simply that the recipient of violence is different? These are certainly not comfortable things for any of us to think about, let alone admit to ourselves. It may not be a coincidence that many of these celebrations also involve heavy drinking; perhaps it helps us to detach ourselves from the face that is suddenly clearer to us. And such detachment and denial leaves us at risk of the same violence through which people may turn on one another. If such concepts are entirely new to you, resources such as this clip from the documentary “Earthlings” may help to make such connections.

Fourth of July picnics are a huge economic driver, and it is one of the busiest days of the year for many food retailers. Unfortunately, many of the products picnickers and grillers purchase are far from vegan or vegetarian.

If the weather’s nice, you’ll probably want to be outside grilling some kabobs with tofu, onion and other veggies, or perhaps some seasoned portabellas or homemade bean burgers. However, should rain be expected where you live (it is here in the ‘Burgh!), break out the waffle iron, pull out a few good vegan waffle recipes, and invite a few friends over. You can even throw one the morning after the big barbecue. Just keep the firecrackers away from the hot waffle iron…

North American Vegetarian Society Conference–with Vegan Food

WaffleAdmin — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 04:45:07 +0000

We’ve been to this before, and it’s very exciting! I realize this is very late notice if you don’t live near Johnstown, PA, but if you’ve never been to one, check out the Vegetarian Summerfest site. One of the nice things about it is that most (if not all) of the food they serve at the conference is vegan. They’ve even had a raw vegan bar the last few years–haven’t figured out a way to make raw vegan waffles, though! The speakers include animal rights activists, public health professionals, nutrition experts, etc., so you’re really able to pack in a lot of learning (and a lot of food!) over just a few days. We found it particularly useful when we were transitioning to our new lifestyles. Last year, for example, vegan Chef Ben’s informative session on the behavior of different flours, binders, etc., added to my knowledge base regarding baking ingredients for vegan waffles and similar vegan foods.

I’m very excited and honored to be speaking at Veggie Summerfest this year on a few topics connecting psychology to vegetarianism and veganism. If you plan to be around for the weekend portion, feel free to say hello! I’m likely to be wearing a bright yellow “expose your Authentic Side” t-shirt.

Join the world’s first multi-city vegan waffle party 5/24/08

WaffleAdmin — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 23:24:40 +0000

Vegan waffle parties are off the grid! It is time to get the word out to the world. This will happen only with your action and creativity–and your willingness to join us in having a great time.

We’re hosting Waffle Party 10 here in Pittsburgh on the afternoon/evening of Saturday, May 24, 2008. We think it would be ultra-ultra-cool if adventurous people in several other cities around the globe also threw vegan waffle parties on 5/24. This would promote more sustainable, healthier, compassionate eating in a fun way! Please comment on this post if you’re interested in hosting one, so we have an idea of how many others will be waffle-partying that day. Whether you’re hosting 50 people for a big evening party or five people for a small brunch, we’d love to know.

This also happens to fall right at the end of the UK’s National Vegetarian Week, and according to some organizations/sites, World Vegetarian Week.

I’ve set up a blogroll category for sites of those who are also planning to host waffle parties on 5/24, and may look into something like having info/pics from the parties posted afterwards–I don’t know if this latter piece will happen, but I’ll let you know if it looks like a possibility. (Privacy of guests is always a consideration for us.) If it’s not okay to contact you with any relevant updates using the email you submit with your comment, just let me know. I anticipate only a few, with most major ones being through site postings.

Vegan Waffle & Topping Recipe Pairings from Saucy Vegetarian

WaffleAdmin — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 19:31:05 +0000

I recently asked fellow Pittsburgher and vegan cookbook author Jo Stepaniak if she had any quick thoughts for possible pairings between Saucy Vegetarian topping recipes and Waffle Party waffle recipes. Even though several of the vegan cookbooks on our shelf offer excellent possibilities, I haven’t had the time to try many of them yet!

While she hasn’t had time to do a “taste bud confirmation” of any of the pairings either, Jo kindly suggested a number of possibilities. If you also own (or buy) a copy of Saucy and try any of these out before I do, please leave your comments and let me know how they worked for you.

Vegan Orange Basil Cornmeal Waffles: Orange-Tahini Dressing, Creamy Orange-Sesame Dressing, Miso-Citrus Sauce, Basil Red Pepper Sauce, Fennel, Orange & Walnut Sauce, Orange Aioli

Cheddar Cheesy Vegan Waffles Recipe: I Can’t Believe It’s Not Cheese Sauce, Simple Cilantro Sauce, Red Pepper & Pignolia Sauce, Sun-Dried Tomato & Spinach Pesto, Cucumber-Dill Dressing

Mexican Refried Bean & Cornmeal Vegan Waffles: Simple Cilantro Sauce, Yellow Ocher Vinaigrette, Del Sol Dressing, Chili Bean Sauce, Spicy Red Bean Sauce, Peppercorn Ranch Dressing

Yeast-Powered Vegan Waffles: Creamy Tarragon Dressing, Tahini Tarragon Dressing, Hummus Sauce, Gee Whiz Sauce, Green Olive & Nori Dressing, Creamy Pesto Sauce