Hi everyone. Jasmin Singer here.
I have been vegan for 12 glorious years; vegetarian for 18. And yet, for lunch today, I had a microwaved can of peas. It’s not as though I’m a terrible cook; I have a few dishes (all of which I can prepare on the stovetop or in my high-speed blender) that I think are quite good, actually — but I have never really gotten beyond mediocre in my chef abilities. Though I can figure out my way around the kitchen, as a long-time NYC-dweller, my favorite part of my kitchen is where I store the to-go menus. (I have a soft spot for the bean curd special from the Chinese place down the street. They literally recognize my voice when I call to order it. Telling, huh?)
Still, despite my cooking complacency, I realized lately that I have been squelching a sort of secret desire to become more adept at putting together dignified meals. I’m not looking to do anything fancy, but I am looking to (finally) expand my cooking ability — at least a little. If not just for me, then for my wife, Mariann, who has rolled her eyes at my burnt toast more than once in the past few weeks. (Admittedly, I like my toast burnt.)
Enter the newest addition to the rapidly expanding Our Hen House media landscape: The “Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan” podcast! To say I’m excited about this brand new show is pretty much the understatement of the year. (To say Mariann is even more excited is the understatement of the century.)
Here’s the official description:
Join longtime vegan Jasmin Singer as she finally figures out her way around the kitchen. With the help of some outstanding chefs, cookbook authors, and foodie friends, Jasmin will learn how to master the art of making some simple, yet scrumptious, vegan meals. And — trust us — if Jasmin can do it, anyone can.
For our very first episode, you are in for a huge treat! I am joined by none other than the incredibly talented and witty Michael Suchman — of one of my favorite blogs, Vegan Mos. Michael, of course has been a regular on the signature Our Hen House podcast (now over 300 episodes old!), where he has been joined by his husband Ethan Ciment (the other half of Vegan Mos), to review countless cookbooks. I adore Michael, and have come to rely on him to be my vegan-food-emergency-sponsor (he has, more than once, been on the other end of the text when I needed a hand figuring my way out of my current cooking conundrum or catastrophe). Not only am I thrilled that Michael is the first guest on the Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan podcast, but — if I have anything to say about it — he’s going to be a regular guest!
On this inaugural episode, Michael is here with all of his best, most Jasmin-friendly Thanksgiving recipes! He also offers ideas on veganizing the holidays in general, as well as a whole slew of insider-tips on everything from baking, to how to serve a life-changing meal to your vegan-curious friends with style.
Today, we will be making vegan French Onion Dip; Sweet Potato Casserole; and Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread. Below, you’ll find those recipes, which were created exclusively by the Vegan Mos.
We are giddy that the inaugural episode of Our Hen House’s Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan podcast is being sponsored by Dandies Vegan Marshmallows. Dandies Marshmallows are all natural, vegan, and Non-GMO Project verified. They are cruelty-free, and made without gelatin. Enjoy Dandies in s’mores, crispy treats, hot cocoa, or straight out of the bag! Learn more at chicagoveganfoods.com.