Going VEGAN Episode 2: Taking the Alternative

Presenting…

EPISODE 2: Taking the Alternative

Sponsored by Peta2 and Veganessentials

DYLAN’S DIARY FOR THIS EPISODE:

Moving right along! In this episode I meet up with Jasmin Singer from www.ourhenhouse.com to share thoughts on the local community and different cuisine ideas at Herbivore Clothing, which is the place to go if you’re looking for a nice array of vegan attire and an awesome selection of vegan literature.

With me being new to veganism, Jasmin helps put things into perspective by offering words of advice over a warm cup of tea. I learn that although hanging with other vegans definitely helps with the transition, it’s important to not limit yourself to one crowd. The community in Portland has been especially supportive towards me so far. Even some of my meat-eating friends are opening up and trying new lifestyle options.

I also find out that new foods are on the horizon for me, and knowing how to cook is important for me in trying to be a healthy vegan. Not only am I learning new recipes through this challenge, but also ways to make them all-together more healthy. For example when I made the double chocolate chunk brownies, I used apple sauce instead of oil, and to give the Almond Joy cookies more of a doughier consistency I used a mashed up banana. Voila!

So a big thank you to Jasmin and to Josh at Herbivore Clothing, for all the helpful insight and good company. Be the example!

- Dylan Mandel, The Lives of Famous Men

Dylan’s Almond Joy Cookie Recipe

2 cups unbleached flour
2 tsps baking powder
1 tsp.salt
1 T coconut extract
12 oz bag of Ghirardelli dark chocolate chips
1 cup organic sugar
1/4 cup apple sauce
2 T vanilla
1/4 cup water
1 banana

1) Sift together dry ingredients
2) Blend banana in blender until smooth
3) Add banana, apple sauce, water, vanilla, coconut extract to dry ingredients and mix well
4) Once there are no clumps, fold in dark chocolate chips
5) Use a tablespoon to portion out the cookies on a baking sheet
6) Bake at 350 degrees for between 13 and 15 minutes

ABOUT GOING VEGAN:

No meat. No eggs. No cheese. No Jello.

Planet Verge challenged The Lives of Famous Men drummer Dylan Mandel to abstain from consuming animal products for one month and document the process for its On The Verge. The series, titled Going Vegan, will follow Mandel at his home in Portland and as he road trips across the USA, where he will cut flesh foods, eggs and dairy cold turkey (pardon the pun) from his diet. Follow him as he learns that being vegan goes beyond his diet, to his clothes, shampoo and even daily vitamins. He’ll meet vegan friends who help him along the way as he takes his 30 days one day at a time.

Similar Posts:

• On The Verge: Going VEGAN Episode 1
• Going VEGAN Episode 6: What’s Cooking?
• Going VEGAN Episode 4: Condoms Aren’t Vegan?
• Going VEGAN Episode 3: Visiting Mom in Seattle, Washington
• Going VEGAN Episode 7: Taking the Challenge on Tour