Living La Vegan Loca

Sarah Kramer is my idol. When I grow up I want to be like her. Not in a creepy way though.
The first time I went into her store it was just a tiny little store off Market Square in Victoria. It has since grown in size and has moved to a bigger location in Market Square. Anyhow, the first time I went in I had expected to go in, get the lipbalm I had read about on her Facebook page (pineapple candycane) and head out. I hadn’t counted on her actually being there. I mean, she’s far too busy writing cookbooks and such to run the store, right? Nope. There she was.
I was somewhat starstruck. I mean, it’s not everyday you get to meet a local celebrity. What do you say??
‘I love your books. I have La Dolce Vegan and use it all the time.’ She thanked me and said that was one of her favourites too because the recipies were so incredibly easy. While I was shmoozing my way through the store I began flipping through her other books she had on display (all of which she will sign for you at the time of purchase) and I realized that all of them are like that. The recipies are easy to follow and more importantly, call for normal ingredients. I instantly wanted to buy them all, but sadly my budget wouldn’t allow for it.
I picked up my lip balm and ended up splurging on a fun pair of cat eye shaped sunglasses too.
The thing that made my purchases special was Sarah herself. She is such a kind and compassionate person. I truly felt special to be in her store. She’s so easy to talk to, extremely passionate about being vegan and valuing the lives of animals, she’s just so…..real. I get so excited when I am planning a trip to Victoria. A stop at Sarah’s Place is a must. Even my meat eating husband thinks it’s quite a cool shop.
If you haven’t been there I highly reccomend it. If you can’t make it in person, check out her online store and blog.
http://www.blog.govegan.net/

Slow Cooker Vegetarian Baked Beans

The other day I was at a loss on what to make for dinner. It was Superbowl Sunday and while neither my husband or myself were watching the game, I wanted something easy. And cheap. Something that I could keep in the fridge for a few days. I decided on homemade baked beans. It turns out this is dirt cheap to make, it makes a lot and is way better than the cans you buy at the grocery store. I wanted dried navy beans but they were out of stock at my grocery store (who runs out of dried beans???) so I grabbed some tinned beans and hoped for the best. They actually worked really well, I have to say I was pleasantly surprised.

Here is what you need:

4 tins of white navy beans drained and rinsed

One white onion diced (you can use more if you like things extra oniony.

put these 2 items in a large slow cooker. 

In a bowl mix:

1tin of tomato paste (6oz)

1 cup of water

1/4 cup each of maple syrup and molasses

4 tbsp of brown sugar

1/4 tsp cinnamon

1/4tsp nutmeg

1 tsp Lea & Perrins

1/4 tsp soy sauce

2 tsp dried mustard powder

1 tbsp of barbecue sauce

** If you want to add some heat and smokiness, add 1 tsp of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce that has been pureed

I also added a few drops of sriracha sauce

 

Stir up the wet items and stir into the bean and onion mix. It will look as though you do not have anywhere near enough sauce but do not panic and add more – there will be plenty.

Turn on the slow cooker to low and leave for 8 – 10 hours, stirring occasionally.