vegan chocolate cake (for Aunt Jeanie)

1 1/4 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup water
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp white or apple cider vinegar

Mix it all up and bake at 350 for around 35 minutes in a small (8 by 8ish) baking pan. (It can be mixed and baked in the same pan.)

curried chick peas

Here's an approximation of what I made for the December potluck, sized down to a more typical family-size.

2 cloves garlic
2 tbsp oil

-sautee. Add:

2 tsp cumin
1 tsp coriander
1/2 tsp turmeric
11/4 tsp black pepper
3 cups cooked chick peas (I use dried legumes; this would probably be two-ish cans, drained)
Tomatoes- I can't remember if I put in tomatoes last time, but I often put in a cup or two of diced tomatoes

Simmer at least five minutes (longer is better) and serve with rice.

wassails

Hi everyone,

I was curious if anyone had any recipes for the Christmas drink known as a wassail. I tried one from The Joy of Cooking some years ago, but the end result was inedible (putting it mildly).

John G.

curried rice salad

Dressing:
4 tbsp canola oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp sesame oil
2 cloves garlic
2 tsp curry powder
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/4 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp ginger

Whisk together dressing ingredients. Add to:

4 cups cooked brown rice
3/4 cup raisins
1/2 cup almonds

Mix well.

lentil barley stew (especially for John Good!)

5 cups water
¾ cup lentils
¾ cup barley
tomatoes to taste- 2-4 large fresh, or 15-30 oz canned
2 tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
½ tsp rosemary
¼ tsp garlic powder
2 carrots

Simmer 60 minutes.

Zucchini, from Mary Margaret

4 Med. sized squash or zucchini
6 T mayo
½ c Milk
2/3 c Sharp cheese, grated
Salt and pepper to taste
bread crumbs

Cook vegetables in small amount of water and drain well. (don’t overcook)
Combine remaining ingredients (except crumbs) stir over low heat till cheese is melted and sauce thickens
Put squash in greased casserole dish, pour sauce over all and breadcrumbs on top.
Heat in oven for a few min.

stuffed tomatoes, from Mary Margaret

½ c Cream Cheese ( or soft goat cheese)
½ c Gooda Cheese (grated)
½ c parmasean or Romano (grated)
2 cloves garlic
1 tsp dry mustard
2 tsp sundried tomatoes (soaked in warm water and cut up)
1 ½ c bread crumbs
2 T basil
2 T olive oil
black pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients in a food processor until well blended.
Slice off tops of tomatoes
Spoon out centers, being sure to leave enough of the sides so the tomato keeps its shape.
Stuff tomatoes
Bake 350 degrees for 20-25 min. Until stuffing is browned and cheese is melted.
Left over stuffing can be used as a stir in for pasta. A little more oil should be added if this is what you will do with it.