FoodBuzz 24: A Vegan Year of The Dragon

The Dragon and the Rainbow Goblin

by DJ Karma

Once upon a time, a baby dragon hatched from a very large speckled egg.  He was named Zephyr, after the warm west winds that whistled past his family's large cavern on the day he was born.

Zephyr grew incredibly fast, to become a gigantic and beautiful water dragon.  He had a long undulating body, punctuated by hundreds of pointy, multi-colored scales that poked out of the water when he swam.  His colorful armor reflected the rays of sunlight that shone down through the afternoon waters, as he glided effortlessly through the underwater world in which he spent most of his time.  All other water creatures skirted out of his way whenever he passed, because water dragons were considered the largest, the most powerful, and one of the few magical creatures in the world.

One day, as young Zephyr lazily sunbathed on the shore of the Great Sea, a large shadow flew over him.  He looked up to see a mighty eagle flying by overhead.  She looked down at him and screeched happily as she passed.  He waived back, and looked in awe at her broad wings that flapped rhythmically in the sky.  He looked at his own shoulders, and wondered why he didn’t have the wings to fly like the majestic eagles.

“Oh, how wonderful it would be to soar through the boundless skies!  If only I had the wings to do it,” he said dreamily.  “I would give anything to be able to fly!”  

Zephyr spent the next few days questioning his elder dragons about how he could obtain wings to fly.  All of them laughed at such an absurd ambition.  After all, water dragons were… well, water dragons!

Frustrated and determined, the young dragon decided to go on a special quest to find the secret of flight.  So Zephyr set out to ask the one being that would have the most answers in the dragon realm- The Moon, for The Moon was the controller of the sea and all things water related.  But first, he had to climb to the distant mountaintop of Mount Luna in order to get close enough to be heard.

Day and night, Zephyr trekked through forests and swam across rivers.  He climbed treacherous cliffs and steep ravines, until finally he reached the beautiful broad plateau of Mount Luna.  He peered over the edge of the mountain, and saw the spectacular view of green tree tops and dazzling blue waters, and in the faint distance, the tiny spec that was his sea cavern. 

It was still daylight, so he decided to take a nap and wait for the Moon to come out.  “Soon I will find out the secret of flight, and maybe I’ll even have wings to fly home!” he said excitedly to himself.

“So you want to fly, do you?” said a high-pitched cackling voice.  Zephyr was stunned to find a little greenish, wrinkly-faced goblin peering at him with little black eyes and big pointy ears.  Before Zephyr could answer, the little goblin changed to a pale pink. 

“You don’t need wings to fly- all you have to do is come to me.  For I have the magic that can make things happen!” he said sweetly.

Zephyr looked at the creature incredulously.  He knew goblins were very powerful, but could be greedy and conniving as well.  “I’m sorry, sir, but I have no gold to pay you.”

“Oh no, young dragon.  It is not gold I seek,” said the goblin, as he peered at Zephyr with his unblinking eyes.  “You see, I’m a rainbow goblin, and I feast on the colors of the rainbows.”  The goblin stood proudly as he turned a dazzling royal blue.

“But The Moon doesn’t like to share the rainbows, and would much rather horde all the delicious colors and distribute them at his will.  Those lowly plants and animals don’t deserve the colors as much as a powerful and magical being as myself! … and, uh… you, of course!”

Zephyr looked down at his own multi-colored armor.  “But what do the rainbow colors have to do with flying?” he asked.

The goblin danced excitedly, and explained his plan to distract The Moon and seize the next great rainbow, which was to be born after the next great rain.  In the distance, there was a clap of thunder and a flash of lightning, as the skies grew dark for the impending storm.

“I will give you the power of flight, but you must fly up and divert The Moon’s attention.  When I get my rainbow, I will make your power permanent!”

So excited was Zephyr at the prospect of flying, that he agreed impetuously to help the goblin.  And so they waited for the storm, and for the small window of time, when The Moon used the rays of the morning sun to form a rainbow.

The heavy rains pounded the mountain all night and felt heavenly to the water dragon.  The rains finally subsided to a light drizzle, as the heavy clouds parted and dawn broke to shed an early morning light. 

The Moon descended through the haze, a large softly glowing sphere, and as the arms of the sun’s morning rays reached out to illuminate the sky, a brilliant rainbow arched over the land.  “Now is the time!” yelled the rainbow goblin, as he raised his arms. “Fly, dragon, fly!”

Zephyr felt his insides churn, as if his body was being filled with air.  Suddenly, he started to float upwards, like a large writhing balloon.  “I’m flying!” screamed Zephyr in astonishment. 

“Yes, yes,” screeched the goblin.  “Now remember our agreement!” 

Zephyr nodded and soared upwards towards the moon.  He felt the wind rushing through his scales and the exhilaration of pure power.  The Moon grew ever larger as Zephyr approached, and soon the flying dragon caught The Moon’s eye.

“What is this?” asked The Moon in a booming voice.  “I’ve never seen such as sight!  How does a water dragon fly without wings?”

Zephyr looked upon The Moon in awe for a moment.  “Good morning, your highness,” said the dragon timidly.  “I- I traded some gold with a goblin in exchange for the power to fly without wings,” lied the dragon.

“My, my,” said The Moon in amused admiration.  “That is an incredible ambition, but you must excuse me right now.  I am in the middle of distributing the rainbow colors so our world can be more rich and beautiful.

“But what should happen if the world does not receive the colors?” asked the dragon hastily.

“The colors are not just for outer beauty,” replied The Moon.  “They are filled with energy and love from me and The Sun, and they bring hope and prosperity to all who receive.  If the world does not receive the rainbow’s colors, everyone shall wither and suffer.”

Zephyr suddenly felt ashamed.  “Please do not let me interrupt your important work, your highness!” 

But when Zephyr returned to the mountain, it was too late.  The rainbow goblin had already stolen the rainbow and was nowhere to be found.  Zephyr looked all around frantically, but saw only a world sadly devoid of color.  He himself started to feel depressed, as he noticed his own armor fading of its once magnificent hues.

From the high mountaintop, Zephyr peered all around, desperately looking for any sign of the rainbow goblin.  The plants, sea, and all the land’s animals seemed sickened and graying.  Then, for a brief moment, Zephyr saw a flash of rainbow colors in the nearby woods, next to a large gray boulder.  Weakened and no longer able to fly, Zephyr was still determined to find the goblin and convince him to return the stolen rainbow.  So he set off down the mountain and towards the boulder that was sure to be the goblin’s secret lair.

After slipping and sliding down the large mountain, and trekking through the dreary woods, he finally reached the big gray boulder.  Exhausted, he looked all around the boulder, but all was quiet. 


“Goblin!” roared Zephyr, his anger rising.  “Come out and face me!”

But there was no response.  Inside Zephyr’s chest, grew a feeling of intense rage.  He felt his throat burning hot, and puffs of smoke streamed out of his nostrils.  Suddenly, he opened his mouth to roar and flames of red-hot fire shot out, searing the big gray boulder until it glowed red as well.  Zephyr was somewhat surprised, as he had never used his fire before.

He had never been so angry before.  “Come out now, goblin, or I’ll turn your secret lair into ashes!”

A small door flung open from inside the charred boulder.  “Now, now, young dragon,” said the goblin sweetly as he finally emerged.  “I was just securing the rainbow, and was about to return to the mountain to make good on our agreement.  No need to be so angry!” 

But Zephyr didn't trust the goblin's words, and he didn’t care about flying anymore, in fact, he had forgotten all about it.  “I don’t want to fly.  I want you to return the rainbow, so The Moon can restore the world to its former glory!”

“Return the rainbow?” laughed the goblin, who flashed a bright orange.  “I will not be returning anything, and your fire is no match for my magic!”

“Please, goblin,” pleaded Zephyr.  “The world is suffering and dying… because of me.  I will do anything you ask, if you return the rainbow now!” 

The goblin wrinkled his suddenly purplish face in thought.  “You have nothing I want,” said the goblin coldly.  “I already have what I want.” 

Zephyr suddenly had an idea.  “What if I could convince The Moon to create an even bigger rainbow?  Would you return the smaller one if I could help you steal an even bigger one?”

The goblin’s ears perked up.  “How big?” 

“At least twice the size,” said Zephyr confidently.

The goblin agreed, amused at the dragon’s efforts… for the thought of having two rainbows instead of just one, did sound very attractive indeed.

“Make me fly, and I will convince The Moon!” declared Zephyr.  The goblin waved his hands and off he went, a wingless dragon soaring once again, up towards The Moon.

This time, The Moon looked much fainter against the brightened, yet colorless sky.  “Hello again, flying dragon,” greeted The Moon.

“Your Highness!” breathed Zephyr.  “I have made a terrible mistake, and because of my foolishness, your rainbow has been stolen!”  He continued to share his story with The Moon, ending with a tearful apology and the second agreement he made with the goblin, in hopes of tricking him into returning the rainbow. 

“Young dragon,” The Moon chuckled.  “I know this goblin.  He has been trying to steal my rainbows for centuries.  He has finally succeeded... and he has no intention on returning anything, or keeping any promises.  It is true that your actions have made the world suffer, but learning from one’s mistakes is one of the greatest achievements in life, and I am proud.”

Zephyr blushed.  “But what should we do about the goblin?  Do you think we can get the rainbow back from him?”

The Moon chuckled again.  “I will create another rainbow for the world, but alas, I do not believe that we will ever get the stolen rainbow back.  But you might be surprised at just how things work out, when one does not learn from their mistakes.”

With that, The Moon conjured up another storm, and another rainbow.  And, he was so impressed with Zephyr’s honesty and morality, that he gave the power of everlasting flight for all water dragons.  To Zephyr, he also gave a magic pearl that glowed with the powers of The Moon, and Zephyr became the Guardian of the Sea, the Giver of Rain, and The Protector of Rainbows.  Since then, the magic pearl and its magical responsibilities have been passed down from generation to generation of worthy young water dragons.

As for the rainbow goblin, his greed became his downfall.  Never did he have an entire rainbow all to himself.  So he feasted… and feasted… and feasted on the stolen rainbow colors.  Soon he became drunk from his overindulgence, and something unexpected happened.  All the excessive colors had mixed together inside his body and turned him a permanent dull brown.  Since his magical powers were based on the brilliance and delicate balance of the rainbow colors, he could no longer do any magic… nor any magical mischief ever again.

-The End-

This tale was inspired by the book “The Rainbow Goblins” by Ul De Rico, ancient myths about the wingless Chinese dragons, and my son Joshua, who is to be born this year- The Year of the Dragon.

Happy 2012!  

The Lunar New Year isn't until January, but unless you're Asian American, it's not widely celebrated in the U.S.  According to the Chinese Zodiac, 2012 is The Year of the Dragon- the most powerful of all the signs.  And, what better way to celebrate than to throw a "Dragon Party" to ring in the new year?

Here are some dragon-themed foods I served...

Cucumber and Carrot Dragon

Spicy Dragon Wontons

Coconut Cupcakes with Almond Dragon Scales

We had so much fun, we forgot to take pictures!  I mostly caught people eating cupcakes.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!

FoodBuzz 24 x 24: Incredible Edible Bowls

Put away those utensils and leave your bowls in the cupboard!  If you ever wished you could
lick your bowl clean, well... here's your chance to EAT it!  Martha Stewart wouldn't raise an
eyebrow on these babies.

Cucumber Sailboats 

Tip:  Make sure to cut the bottoms so they'll stand up.

Tip#2:  Nothing better than fresh fried tortilla chip sails!  Fry up scraps for tortilla soup or add 

to salads.  These were filled with guacamole and accented with red bell pepper.

Carrot Straws & Apple or Bell Pepper Cups 

These are the most fun, child-like things you'll ever see (which is why they make me happy)!  I 

think it's healthy for adults to regress a bit, but you can always say you're making them for 
your kids (I won't tell).  Of course, if you don't have any kids in your life, you'll need to have 
the maturity to handle people teasing you a bit.  My advice?  Start drinking through a carrot 
straw, and see just how much they want one too!

To Make A Carrot Straw:

You'll need a nice straight carrot that's at least 1/2 - 3/4" thick at the top, a standard vegetable 

peeler, a sharp knife, and a 1/8" flathead screwdriver that's at least 4" long (it's skinnier than a 

standard one, which reduces the chance of cracking).

Step 1:  Cut the top and narrow end off the carrot, leaving a 3-4" long section, unpeeled.

Step 2:  Make sure that both ends are level by standing them up on your cutting board- trim as 

needed.

Step 3:  Hold the wide end as the base, while you twist the screwdriver into the top end of the 

carrot, making sure to keep it straight and centered.

Step 4:  When you're about half way through, turn upside down and twist from the fat end.  It 

should easily poke through, and you can push out any carrot bits left.  Run water through to 

make sure.

Step 5:  Now peel your carrot and from the fat end, start to whittle away until you have a 

straight narrowed-down straw, using the hole as your guide.  Don't whittle too much!


Tip:  Make sure to thoroughly clean your screwdriver before using.

Bell Pepper Cups 

Ok, I'll try and be an adult now... Bloody Mary, anyone?

Potato Chip Flower Bowls

Be careful- these are as addictive as you'd think!

Start with a long wooden skewer, and use a small cube of potato as the base.  Cut a small 
potato (1 1/2 - 2" in diameter) into thin slices- a mandolin works best for this.  Cut a slit about 
halfway into your "petal."  Cross the two corners as shown to create a petal, then skewer.
Repeat a couple more times, until you get...

... this.  Then carefully deep fry them by holding the opposite end of the skewer and 

submerging the flower in the hot oil until golden and crisp.  

Add a little spoonful of Tofutti cream cheese, mixed with chives, garlic powder, and salt into 

the center of the flower, then skewer a small cherry tomato or whatever you like to finish.  
These are perfect little bites.  I also made yam flowers (right).

Potpie Pastry Spoons

You can go crazy with these- savory or sweet.

Use ceramic spoons, bake at 350 F for about 15 minutes or until golden.  Let cool a bit before 

trying to remove the spoon.  I filled mine with carrots, pees, leeks, and store-bought sausage, 

sauteed in gravy- everything finely diced.  Mark sampled... "Yummy!"

Candied Orange Bowls 

I used the technique found at Food2 to make candied orange halves, which I would later fill 

with a roasted almond date crust and a no-bake cheesecake.  Everything went well together- 

the sweet tanginess of the candied orange, the nutty sweetness of the inner crust, and the rich 

creaminess of the filling. 

Use organic oranges for this.  Cut in
half from stem to bottom, removing
any stems.  With a small paring knife,
cut around the fruit like you would a
grapefruit.  Using a spoon or fingers,
carefully dig out the fruit over a bowl
to catch the juice.  Scrape out any re-
maining fruit, leaving a thin layer of
pith and the skin.
You'll need a large pot, plus:
6 small oranges, less if they're big
4 1/2 C. granulated sugar
1 1/2 C. water

First, blanch them by putting them into the pot with enough water to cover.  Bring to a boil, then pour off the water.  Repeat this two more times (total of three times) to get rid of a lot of the bitterness from the pith.  

Now mix together the sugar and 1 1/2 cups of water in the big pot, and bring to a simmer.  Let simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the temperature reaches 235 degrees F (soft ball stage).  Do not stir.  It should be thick and syrupy and slightly brown.

Carefully add the orange cups, and coat each one gently with tongs- too much agitation will cause sugar crystals and you don't want that!  

Let them simmer for about 45 minutes or until they look translucent.  Drain each one, and lay on parchment paper to dry- may take 5 hours or more.

Candied Orange Cheesecake Bites

Slice it up like an orange, and serve!  Tip:  Use a sharp knife, and clean it after every cut.

Less dishes in the sink- always a good thing!

FoodBuzz 24x24: Fishing for Seafood Alternatives

We all know about what's happening in the Gulf.  Oil in the ocean = dead wildlife = damage to the food chain = less seafood = economic hardship.  More than that, as a person who cares a great deal about animals and the environment, I am in awe of the devastation we have achieved upon our planet and its future.

FoodBuzz is generously donating $250 for each of the 24x24 posts this month to the clean-up effort, and since this issue is close to my heart, I wanted to challenge myself (and all those who helped me) to offer my best and most creative possibilities.  No, this won't help the fishing companies much- but it may give some restaurants and seafood-loving people inspiration...? 

Sea Bass Made of Veggies (I made this for my own inspiration!)

 

Seeking the Flavor of the Sea:  The first thing that comes to mind is seaweed. Although the spill is killing a lot of aquatic plant life as well, it's not a widely eaten vegetable here in the U.S., and there are many varieties conveniently available in dried form at supermarkets, natural food stores, and Asian markets.  I also used kelp and dulse powder, and vegetarian fish sauce (found at the Asian market) in some of the dishes. These are pungent and also quite salty, and replaced some of the salt in the recipes.

Looking for texture: The best candidates for shell fish were mushrooms.  The Oyster and King Oyster Mushrooms (above) had an incredibly similar texture to clams, oysters, and scallops. For those not familiar with vegan cuisine, I also played around with tofu and seitan (wheat gluten). These sources of protein provide great texture bases for which flavor is added to make meat substitutes.  You can find wheat gluten (or vital wheat gluten) at most health food stores.

 King Oyster Mushrooms (left)

Alternative #1:  Mushroom Scallops

I used the large stems of the king oyster mushrooms.  These stems are delicate in flavor, with a remarkably similar texture to scallops!  I scored the tops and bottoms to mimic the look, and dipped the bottoms in kelp powder before pan frying each side in seaweed infused oil until golden.


General Consensus: Not exactly like a scallop, but a close meaty texture and a creative alternative- delicious!  My critique: I was amazed at the texture, and would be happy to get this as a starter in a restaurant.

King Oyster Mushroom Scallops (using stems)

Tofu Scallops cut with a biscuit cutter

Note: I also made  Tofu Scallops, which was pressed tofu, soaked in seaweed broth, patted dry and dipped in a mixture of flour, kelp powder, and a little sugar on both ends.  I fried them like the mushrooms, and they were tasty, but were definitely tofu and NOT like scallops in texture.

General Consensus: This is cute, but it's tofu.   

My critique: Great way to serve tofu, and would love this cold with a salad or hot over rice (I'm Asian).

Alternative #2:  Oyster Mushrooms on the Spoon

Random question for all vegans:  Is the use of sea shells for food presentation considered vegan offensive?  What if they are just found shells on the beach vs. ones discarded from restaurants, etc.?  I'm on the fence on this one.

These were made with the oyster mushroom caps, thinly sliced and sauteed very quickly (seconds on each side).  I was surprised at how tender these were in texture, and they were easy to slice.  A sea-infused creamy cashew-tofu filling was placed in the middle of two slices, and finished with seaweed broth (thickened by chilling), placed gently on a spoon for slurping, chilled, and finished with a wedge of lemon and a dollop of cocktail sauce. 
General Consensus: There's no replacing an oyster, but REALLY good!  
My critique: These were tender and rich, with a hint of sea flavor in the finish. Receiving this as an appetizer would definitely impress the heck outta me, and I never liked oysters.

Alternative #3:  Oh, Shitake! Clams Casino

 














These were first made with dried sliced shitake mushrooms that were pressure cooked in seaweed broth for about an hour.  At first, I thought the chewy texture was a dead-ringer for clams, but then I thought, no one wants chewy clams- so why would I want chewy mushrooms?  I tried regular (not king) oyster mushrooms caps, that have a wonderful delicate flavor and the texture was tender with a slight chew when cooked quickly.  I also used tempeh bacon.  Tempeh was a little scary to me for a while, until I tried it this way. It's made up of fermented soy beans that have been pressed into a cake. For the bacon, slice the tempeh very thin and marinate in soy sauce, brown sugar, liquid smoke, and ketchup -SO good, and good for you!  I fried these in a little oil on both sides until golden and crispy.  Then, I sauteed shallots, peppers, garlic, Earth Balance margarine, and a little white wine.  Spooned this mixture on top of the "clams," and topped with a little Daiya parmesan and panko.  Broiled for a few until melty and golden, then finished with chopped tempeh bacon, seasoned roasted nori and fresh basil.
General Consensus: Thumbs up- not much sea flavor, but really tasty alternative! 
My critique: I liked the mushrooms in this- it had enough of a bite to mimic a good tender clam. The bacon and fresh basil are a must, and make this dish.

Alternative #4:  Seitan Fish

I was excited about this one, and the recipe is below.  I sliced the seitan and reconstructed into fillets with a cornstarch-seaweed broth "paste" between the layers.  This was inspired by molecular gastronomy experts, Chef Omar Cantu and Ben Roche on the episode of Future Food called "Something's Fishy." I carefully transferred the fillet to the pan, and pan fried on both sides.  It held together surprisingly well!  

General Consensus: Good, but texture is not like a real fish fillet at all. Does have a fish aroma.

My critique: Not flaky like real fish, but a good meaty, yet tender texture that would please most vegans/vegetarians, especially if prepared with tasty seasoning and/or sauce and grilled until the outside is golden and carmelized. I wolfed it down (again, over rice).

Another way is to cut into strips, batter, and make "fish sticks" in the fryer. I dipped them in tempura batter, then rolled them in a combination of Panko bread crumbs and roasted nori.
General Consensus: Yummy! Tastes like fish sticks.

My critique: These were EXACTLY like the fish sticks I had as a kid- the processed kind...is that a good thing? But the crunchy batter elevated it, and the nutritional value makes these an even better alternative than the original.

Alternative #5:  Faux Roe Sushi  

Speaking of molecular gastronomy, the technique of making "pearls" rocks! It gives you the ability to put any liquid into pearl form, with a gelatin-like skin.  The interior stays liquid, so it pops when you eat it.  This is a sushi a vegan/vegetarian will definitely appreciate.   

Description:  A sake-lemon marinated slice of tofu, tempura battered and fried, resting on sushi rice and topped with 3 kinds of pearls: carrot-ginger, shoyu-miso, and wasabi-sesame, and lovingly encased in crispy nori.  


General Consensus: Very pleasing to the eye! Pearls don't taste like real fish roe, but offer an explosion of flavors.

My critique: Something that would make a vegan cry if they were served this in a sushi restaurant.  An unexpected gesture of caring and unsolicited extra effort beyond the standard flavorless cucumber and nori. Does the chef have a crush on me or something?  Uh, I kinda went overboard on the pearls- didn't need that many and they sort of went all over the place when I bit into it.



Seitan Fish Recipe:


Ingredients:
1 14oz. package extra firm tofu (pressed and drained)
1/2 C. seaweed broth (pressure cook seaweed in water for about an hour, I used wakame seaweed and a good amount of water as it will soak up a lot)
1 tsp. white miso paste
1 C. yellow zucchini squash, chopped
1 C. white onion, chopped
1 tsp. sea salt
1 T. vegetarian fish sauce
1 1/2 C. vital wheat gluten

Blend everything except wheat gluten until smooth.  Add the mixture to the wheat gluten and mix until well combined (should form a soft dough).  Place loaf in a large sheet of aluminum foil and wrap tightly.  Cook in pressure cooker for 30-40 minutes, or steam for 45 minutes - hour until firm to the touch (springs back).  Let cool, and use as desired.  Refrigerate to store. 


Some more pictures for inspiration (I had some fun with the veggies in my garden)...

Special Thanks:  To Mark for great ideas and culinary advice.  To Mike and Cee for supporting my late hours and giving honest opinions on the food. To Levon and crew for tasting "wierd" things that are vegan.  

Note:  If anyone has specific questions on how any of the food was made, feel free to email me at vegspinz[at]gmail.com


In Summary:  Cooking is a lot like fishing.  You make a cast.  You hope your technique is sound, the conditions are right, and that you'll hook into something good.  If not, it's back to the drawing board, or in my case, the cutting board. 


The act of discovery is what gives us life, and even if it's preceded by many moments of frustration... it's all worth it.  Happy Fishing!