Meatless Monday: Xmas In Your Mouth Vegan Gingersnaps from Chef Jenn of Kale's Deli

Kale's Deli's Xmas In Your Mouth Vegan Gingersnaps

On my recent trip to Honolulu, I had the privilege of hanging out in the kitchen for an afternoon at Kale's Deli, a deli situated in the back of a natural foods store that makes kick-ass food and baked goods from scratch. Most of their offerings are vegan and/or vegetarian, but that doesn't mean they don't rock out on flavor. Their menu boasts breakfast offerings, delicious smoothies, lunch items like salads, wraps, and entrees, and an array of freshly baked desserts.

Happy Thanksgiving from Domestic Divas!

Happy Thanksgiving to all of my Divas!

We've been on quite a culinary adventure this year together, full of divalicious meals, recipes, wine, and so much more. In the spirit of giving thanks, I want to thank all of my readers for following my blog, bravely attempting my recipes, and sending me their love. After all, Food is Love!

xo
The Domestic Diva

Special Holiday Treat: Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pancakes Recipe from Chef Jodi of The Griddle Cafe!

The Griddle Cafe's Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pancakes

This holiday season, what could be better than pancakes topped with fresh whipped cream, pumpkin pie filling, and powdered sugar?

Three giant pancakes!

That's what you'll get if you visit The Griddle Cafe, a fantastic breakfast joint on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles, that regularly sports a line stretching out the door for weekend brunch. They're famous for their giant pancakes that come in a flavors like "Banana Nana," brown-sugar baked bananas baked inside buttermilk pancakes, and "Scotch on the Rocks," pancakes filled with coconut, pecan, oats, and butterscotch chips, topped with whipped cream and powdered sugar.

But the real treat this holiday season are their "Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pancakes." As an extra bonus treat, Chef Jodi has been kind enough to share her famous recipe with us. Not only is this a delicious recipe, but it can be healthy, too. Pumpkin is loaded with vitamins and fiber. Also, try using a whole grain pancake mix instead of refined grains for an extra health boost.

The Griddle Cafe

7916 West Sunset Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90046-3304
(323) 874-0377 

The Griddle Cafe's Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pancakes 

makes about 20 pancakes

 
Ingredients
2 cups of your favorite dry pancake mix
3 tablespoons dark-brown sugar
2 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin-pie spice
1 1/2 cups milk
1 cup canned pure pumpkin puree (for an easier option ~ use 1 cup of Libby Pumpkin Pie filling, which is already seasoned.  Omit the pumpkin pie spice and vanilla if choosing this option)
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 tablespoon vegetable oil, plus more for the griddle.

Directions
In a large bowl, combine the pancake mix, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice. In another large bowl, mix together the milk, pumpkin, egg, vanilla extract, and oil. Add the pumpkin mixture to the dry ingredients and stir to combine.

Heat a lightly oiled griddle or large frying pan on medium high. Pour the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake. Cook the pancakes until bubbles form in the batter and the edges begin to brown. Then flip them and cook until the other sides are lightly browned.

Top with store bought or homemade whipped cream and powdered sugar...ENJOY

Domestic Divas Featured By The Fave Diets Blog!

Acorn Squash and Hazelnut Soup

Divas, check out the Fave Diets Blog. Domestic Divas was featured under this month's Healthy Bite for a holiday favorite recipe. I  chose my Acorn Squash and Hazelnut Soup, a rich, vegan blend of roasted squash and nuts. It's a super yummy, holiday treat that you won't want to miss!

Also, visit the Huffington Post to read about the "Meatless Monday Thanksgiving Project -- 12 All Star Recipes." They've compiled twelve meatless Thanksgiving recipes from major chefs, including Mario Batali. Also, scroll through the comments section for tons of readers' meatless recipe ideas, too.

Truckin' Through the Holidays Charity Food Festival

Komodo Food Truck

On Thursday night, I attended the Truckin' Through the Holidays charity food festival to benefit the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank (one of my favorite charities). The event took place at Jaxon, a loft-like home furnishing store in Culver City. Not only was the parking lot packed with food trucks, but the interior of the store boasted an array of local, specialty food vendors handing out free samples of their wares and an open bar stocked with delicious Hungarian wines.

Essential Chocolate Desserts

Of everything I sampled at the booths, my favorites included the super fudgey brownies from Essential Chocolate Desserts, the fabulous vegan organic dark chocolate truffles from Nicobella (these would make great holiday gifts), and the  lattes from Matcha Source, made with fresh Japanese matcha and almond milk. Another great sponsor was The Haute Lunch Bag, a social network for women to explore their city, share reviews, and find exclusive lunch specials. What a great idea! Both the website and apps will be launching soon.

Matcha Source

After indulging in sweets and tea, we ventured to the open bar. I was excited to find that it was stocked with Hungarian wines, which are usually delicious, but rarely imported to the U.S. Of the wines we tasted, my favorite was the Tisza River Riesling (2007), a dry take on the varietal that was light and flavorful. I also enjoyed the Cabernet Sauvignon (2003), which was bold and full-bodied with a little age under its belt. Both were lovely and gone quickly.

Komodo's Meatballs with Romesco Sauce

After quenching our thirst, it was time for some food truck action. We chose the Komodo food truck, specializing in street food with a gourmet twist. We ordered several of the tacos, including the Blazin' Shrimp which were definitely blazing hot, the Meatballs with Romesco Sauce, a super porky confection topped with a red bell pepper sauce, and the Garlic Fries, served with homemade garlic oil and parmesan cheese. It was the perfect way to cap a perfect evening, all in the name of charity.

Photo Gallery:

Tisza River's Wine Bar

Essential Chocolate Desserts

Sleepers Magic Gourmet Spice Company

Nicobella's Vegan Organic Dark Chocolate Truffles

Matcha Source's Matcha Latte with Almond Milk

Komodo's Food Truck