Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Clementine

Winter is Clementime! clementine, analog clock

The next time you wonder if it's an appropriate time of day to eat a clementine, refer to the chart above.  And if you're wondering how to pack enough clementine into your system, here are some hints:

Breakfast: Ambrosia Breakfast Bowl
Lunch: Clementine Ginger Almond Rice
Snack: Creamsicle Smoothie
Dinner: Clementine Teriyaki
Dessert: Clementine, Basil and Lime Sorbet

Friday, December 14, 2012

Freekeh

Freekeh Friday, Green Wheat, Frikeh, Farik

What do you get when regular old Wheat and Freekeh (a.k.a. Green Wheat) switch places for a Friday and learn a tender lesson at the end of the day?  Freaky Friday might have gone through many remakes, but none like this.

Among the crazy fish-out-of-water scenarios, Freekeh finds himself in delicious dishes, including kabocha squash stuffed with roasted green wheat and peppersfreekeh tabboulehfreekeh with mixed vegetables, and freekeh breakfast pudding.  Happy Friday!

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Okra

Happy Chan-okra, Happy Chanukah, Hanukkah, Okra Dreidel

Happy Chanukah!  What's not to love about a holiday that involves fried food (latkes), spinning tops (dreidels), and playing with fire (lighting candles)?

Please don't light Okra on fire (although roasted okra is pretty tasty), since he lends himself to both spinning and frying (okra fritters are kind of like okra latkes).  If you are looking for something a little less fried, check out pickled okra, sweet and sour okra, or quick stir-fried okra with fresh tomatoes and turmeric.  Happy eating!

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Winners

After a great deal of back and forth, a few tears, and finally a lot of hugging it out, we are proud to announce Rambutan and Ghost Pepper as the Halloween Costume Parade winners! 

When Rambutan heard the news, he could not believe that he would have to share his title with Ghost Pepper and demanded a recount. While recounting set us back a bit (we promise that's why it took us so long to announce the winners!), we hope printing T-shirts will take less time.

Lest we forget our favorite fans, both Rambutan and Ghost Pepper each selected a reader to win a free T-shirt. The winners are e (@sirrice) and drMikey!  Please email us at info@kalecrusaders.com with your mailing address and T-shirt size!

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Snow Pea

Snow Pea Braces for the Season, Ear Muffs, Scarf, Mittens, Boots

Snow Pea is a little sad to see the colorful autumn leaves fade, but he's super-excited for the promise of winter fun.  Sipping hot cocoa, sledding, and building snow(pea)men are just a few of Mr. Pea's favorite cold weather activities.

For those of us who prefer to escape the cold weather and seek refuge in the kitchen, you are in good company with miso vinaigrette snow peassnow pea saladstir-fried snow peas, red pepper and shallotssnow peas with mustard seed paste, and snow peas, tofu & ramen stir fry.  If you're in the northern hemisphere, stay warm, and if you live anywhere, stay fed!

Friday, November 23, 2012

Black Bean

Black Bean Friday, I Do Not Heart Shopping

In times of gastrointestinal distress and shopping, it's good to have a constant in your life.  Black Bean Friday is a day to appreciate all of the tasty food experiences you've had this year, and then go back to your old standby, Señor Frijol Negro.

Bring on the day of beans with Caesar saladMexican bean & rice soupchillihomemade vegan refried beans, and black bean brownies!

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Cranberry Bean

Cranberry Beans: No Can Do

Happy (American) Thanksgiving Week!  It's the most wonderful time of the year: a time to give thanks for the season's bounty while being grateful for the modern and awesome food innovation of canned cranberry sauce.

It's too bad that Cranberry's not-so-blood-related-cousin, Cranberry Bean, does not take well to canning.  Luckily, Ms. Bean fits in well elsewhere, including fresh cranberry bean hummus with chervilfresh cranberry bean pilafvegetable soup with cranberry beans, farro, and chard, and fresh cranberry beans and tomato stew.

P.S. We owe yet another hat tip to our friend and Kale Crusader A.J. for nominating Cranberry Bean!

Friday, November 16, 2012

Yuca

Yuca's Rebranding Effort; My name is Yuca Yuma

If Prune can be rebranded a Dried Plum, why can't Yuca (pronounced yuck-ah) rebrand himself as Yuma (pronounced yum-ah)?  He might look less than appealing on the outside, but at least he's trying to make a name for himself.

Whatever pet name you choose for Yuca, he's always delicious in baked yuca friesyuca con mojomashed yuca with cilantro and lime, and  tapioca pudding. Yum!

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Persimmon

PSA: Persimmon Service Announcement; Persimmon says, "Wait for me to properly ripen before consuming me."

We interrupt this blog for a Persimmon Service Announcement.  Like Simon, Persimmon says a lot of things that you should listen to, when prefaced with "Persimmon Says."

Asked for his general advice on eating, Persimmon replied, "Eat persimmons, never too much, mostly ripe."  He also wants you to eat persimmon, pear, and clementine saladraw persimmon fruit puddingpersimmon bars, and persimmon ice cream.

Friday, November 9, 2012

Root Vegetables


Back to our regularly scheduled cartoons! There's something magical when like-minded individuals come together to create something creative, beautiful, and tasty.  Fan favorites like The Roots have been doing this for 25 years, but nothing beats the Root Vegetables, who have been doing this for, um, a much longer time.

Let the Root Vegetables perform music in your mouth with root vegetable pancakesroot vegetable and fennel casseroleroot vegetable pot pie, and lil roasted root veggies.

P.S. Don't forget to vote for your favorite Halloween Costume by this Sunday at 12:00 PM EST Vote here!!!

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Vote for Your Favorite Costume / T-shirt!


If you're in America today, you know that there is a very special election going on: people everywhere are voting for their favorite contestant in the Halloween Costume Parade!

Leave a comment below and/or Tweet @KaleCrusaders to vote for your favorite contestant in the parade.  Comments and Tweets will count as separate votes!

The winning entry will become our first printed T-shirt.  We'll also randomly select two voters who voted for the winner to receive a T-shirt of the winning cartoon!  Voting is open until Sunday, November 11 at 12:00 PM EST.  (Anyone can vote, but we can only ship the free T-shirts within the United States and Canada.)

For a larger view, here's a rundown of all the contestants!
Contestant #1:   Candy Corn
Contestant #2:   Butternut Squash Bar
Contestant #3:   Jelly Belly Wanna-beans
Contestant #4:   Candy Apple
Contestant #5:   Peanut Buttercup Squash
Contestant #6:   Maple Syrup
Contestant #7:   Lime Mime
Contestant #8:   Brocco-saurus
Contestant #9:   Rainbow Carrots
Contestant #10: Cauliflower Child
Contestant #11: Rambutan
Contestant #12: Dandelion Greens
Contestant #13: Elephant Garlic
Contestant #14: Lobster Mushroom
Contestant #15: Cowpea
Contestant #16: Clark Currant
Contestant #17: Monstera the Explorer
Contestant #18: Dick Van Daikon
Contestant #19: Coolio as a Cucumber
Contestant #20: Julia Chard
Contestant #21: Vam-pear
Contestant #22: Seitan Satan
Contestant #23: Ghost Pepper

Good luck!  We are excited to finally release our first T-shirt!

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Ghost Pepper

Contestant #23: Ghost Pepper, Kale Crusaders 1st Annual Halloween Costume Parade, Powered by Vegan MoFo 2012
In October, we're posting one Costume Parade cartoon per weekday as part of Vegan MoFo. Want to go to the beginning of the Costume Parade? Start with some candy corn!

Don't cry, Ghost Pepper.  We're also sad that today is the last day of Vegan MoFo. But look on the bright-side: today is Halloween and you managed to score a pretty rad costume.  Oh wait, what is that?  You're only tearing up because you accidentally got some of your own hot pepper juice in your eye?

In honor of today, the Kale Crusaders would like to host a last supper of sorts that is bound to make you tear up just a little bit (if not from nostalgia, at least due to spice).  Here's the menu:

Appetizer:  Hot Sriracha Roasted Chickpeas
Main:  Barbecued Garbanzo Sliders
Side:  Cajun Corn Salad
Dessert:  Apple and Poblano Pepper Pie
Beverage:  Orange Watermelon & Jalapeño Mimosa

Thanks for tuning in to our month of food cartoons!  It was a fun challenge and hopefully we will have some more cartoon ideas for Vegan MoFo 2013!

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Seitan

Contestant #22: Seitan Satan, Devil, Kale Crusaders 1st Annual Halloween Costume Parade, Powered by Vegan MoFo 2012
In October, we're posting one Costume Parade cartoon per weekday as part of Vegan MoFo. Want to go to the beginning of the Costume Parade? Start with some candy corn!

Our next contestant is a polarizing figure among those who are polarized by food matters.  Love him or hate him, Seitan Satan and his gluttonous brethren are ubiquitous in the world of meat-substitutes.

Whether you're a seitan newbie or a member of the seitan lecture circuit, sink your teeth into some basic seitanseitan mushroom roastcandied vegan ham, and delicatessen vegan corned beef on rye.  Let us know what you think!

Monday, October 29, 2012

Pear

Contestant #21: Vam-pear, Vampire Pear, Kale Crusaders 1st Annual Halloween Costume Parade, Powered by Vegan MoFo 2012
In October, we're posting one Costume Parade cartoon per weekday as part of Vegan MoFo. Want to go to the beginning of the Costume Parade? Start with some candy corn!

Things just took a turn for the spooky here at the Costume Parade.  Our next contestant is the rotund Vampire Pear or Vam-pear for short.  Rather than focus on the dark and icky details of vampire lore, let's admire Vam-pear's fabulous vampire ensemble, including a vest and a cummerbund.

Finally, let's not overlook some other fabulous pear ensemble pieces in pear apple ginger juicetangy tahini pear dressingroasted pear, roasted pepper, chedda' & sauerkraut quesadillas, pear galette, and pear gelato.

Friday, October 26, 2012

Swiss Chard II

Contestant #20: Julia Chard, Julia Child, Kale Crusaders 1st Annual Halloween Costume Parade, Powered by Vegan MoFo 2012
In October, we're posting one Costume Parade cartoon per weekday as part of Vegan MoFo. Want to go to the beginning of the Costume Parade? Start with some candy corn!

Up next is the one and only Julia Chard.  With a permanent but always sincere smile on her face and a you-can-do-anything attitude, we are kind of speechless in the presence of this legend.  Cheers to you, Julia, and bon appétit!

In your honor we have prepared some snacks, including roasted cauliflower, garlic and swiss chard soup, Indian spiced lentils with quinoa, kale and swiss chard,  swiss chard and mushroom enchiladas, and garlicky swiss chard with white beans.

P.S. So concludes the fourth week of the costume parade, featuring celebrity costumes. Next week we'll present our final three spooky costumes as the month of October closes out. Stay tuned!

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Cucumber

Contestant #19: Coolio as a Cucumber, Kale Crusaders 1st Annual Halloween Costume Parade, Powered by Vegan MoFo 2012
In October, we're posting one Costume Parade cartoon per weekday as part of Vegan MoFo. Want to go to the beginning of the Costume Parade? Start with some candy corn!

In addition to being a famous rapper in the 90's, did you know that Coolio is an accomplished cookbook author?  Honestly, we didn't know either.

Coolio, for your next cookbook, may we suggest recipes for chilled cucumber tahini soup with basilvegan tzatziki saucecucumber hummus, and marinated cucumber banchan?

P.S. Check out this accidentally vegan and over-the-top Cookin' with Coolio video.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Daikon

Contestant #18: Dick Van Daikon, Dick Van Dyke, Kale Crusaders 1st Annual Halloween Costume Parade, Powered by Vegan MoFo 2012
In October, we're posting one Costume Parade cartoon per weekday as part of Vegan MoFo. Want to go to the beginning of the Costume Parade? Start with some candy corn!

Today's contestant, Dick Van Daikon, decided to reprise his role as the beloved Bert from Mary Poppins.  Looking so swank in pinstripes, Mr. Van Daikon also carries the show in pickled daikon and avocado saladvegan kimchee, daikon and mustard pickle, and Japanese Cajun gumbo.

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Monstera Fruit

Contestant #17: Monstera the Explorer, Dora the Explorer, Kale Crusaders 1st Annual Halloween Costume Parade, Powered by Vegan MoFo 2012
In October, we're posting one Costume Parade cartoon per weekday as part of Vegan MoFo. Want to go to the beginning of the Costume Parade? Start with some candy corn!

It is hard to see our little Dora the Explorer / Monstera the Explorer grow up and enter the tween rebellion stage. This year, in an effort to shed her image of a sweet goodie two shoes, Dora opted out of  a traditional monster costume in favor of a delicious monster costume.

Keep in mind that monstera fruit is potentially poisonous and requires proper ripening and preparation before eating so you don't get sick.  More details on preparation and taste on the food blog.

Monday, October 22, 2012

Currant

Contestant #16: Clark Currant, Clark Kent, Kale Crusaders 1st Annual Halloween Costume Parade, Powered by Vegan MoFo 2012
In October, we're posting one Costume Parade cartoon per weekday as part of Vegan MoFo. Want to go to the beginning of the Costume Parade? Start with some candy corn!

Ladies and gentlemen, please give a warm welcome to our next contestant, Clark Currant (a super man indeed!).  Sweet, mysterious, and always ready to lend a helping hand, Mr. Currant swoops in to save the day in pumpkin spice oatmealtoasted quinoa and carrot saladacorn squash stuffed with buckwheat and currants, and even fruit digestive biscuits.

Friday, October 19, 2012

Cowpea

Contestant #15: Cowpea, Kale Crusaders 1st Annual Halloween Costume Parade, Powered by Vegan MoFo 2012
In October, we're posting one Costume Parade cartoon per weekday as part of Vegan MoFo. Want to go to the beginning of the Costume Parade? Start with some candy corn!

So, um, Contestant #15, we don't quite get it: where did you get your name?  [The parade pauses as Cowpea responds politely to the host.]  Apparently cowpea is another name for the black-eyed pea: the bean with the cool birthmark.

Fortunately there's no mistaking the awesomeness of the cowpea / black-eyed pea in black eyed pea frittersblack-eyed pea and collard green chili, black-eyed pea burgers, and even black-eyed pea pizza crust.

P.S. So concludes the third week of the costume parade, featuring animal costumes. Next week we'll present our favorite celebrity costumes. Stay tuned!

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Lobster Mushroom

Contestant #14: Lobster Mushroom, Kale Crusaders 1st Annual Halloween Costume Parade, Powered by Vegan MoFo 2012
In October, we're posting one Costume Parade cartoon per weekday as part of Vegan MoFo. Want to go to the beginning of the Costume Parade? Start with some candy corn!

Coming in from what appears to be another planet is our next contestant, Lobster Mushroom.  Lobster Mushroom says, "Though I am neither a lobster nor a mushroom, I am delicious and come in peace."

Speaking of out of this world, check out Lobster Mushroom in previous expeditions, including lobster mushroom bisquelobster mushroom crispy spring rollslobster mushroom tostada tower, and lobster mushroom corn risotto.

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Elephant Garlic

Contestant #13: Elephant Garlic, Kale Crusaders 1st Annual Halloween Costume Parade, Powered by Vegan MoFo 2012
In October, we're posting one Costume Parade cartoon per weekday as part of Vegan MoFo. Want to go to the beginning of the Costume Parade? Start with some candy corn!

Our next contestant is the Elephant Garlic in the room.  Mr. Garlic is an enormous garlic bulb that opted for heft over strong taste (translation: elephant garlic tastes quite a bit milder than your standard garlic).

Not typically one to take all the credit, you can find Elephant Garlic taking front stage elsewhere in elephant garlic cream and elephant garlic grilled vegetable skewers.

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Dandelion Greens

Contestant #12: Dandelion Greens, Kale Crusaders 1st Annual Halloween Costume Parade, Powered by Vegan MoFo 2012
In October, we're posting one Costume Parade cartoon per weekday as part of Vegan MoFo. Want to go to the beginning of the Costume Parade? Start with some candy corn!

Our next contestant, Dandelion Greens, bears an uncanny resemblance to The Cowardly Lion.  What he lacks in the courage department, however, he more than makes up for in the nutritious-but-acquired-bitter-taste department.

Show some courage and give Dandelion Greens a chance in a dandelion green smoothie, dandelion guacamole, or an edamame carrot salad with dandelion greens and cashews.

Monday, October 15, 2012

Rambutan

Contestant #11: Rambutan, Kale Crusaders 1st Annual Halloween Costume Parade, Powered by Vegan MoFo 2012
In October, we're posting one Costume Parade cartoon per weekday as part of Vegan MoFo. Want to go to the beginning of the Costume Parade? Start with some candy corn!

Our next contestant bouncing across the stage is not a Koosh ball.  Please don't let the name Rambutan, or the costume horns, or the tens of spikes intimidate you.

This tropical fruit contains a sweet and slightly sour grape-like flesh that is delicious as is, chopped up into a rambutan chutney, or blended into a rambutan and coconut sauce.  Just be mindful not to confuse Rambutan with his cousin, Lychee, because he just might use one of his horns.

Friday, October 12, 2012

Cauliflower

Contestant #10: Cauliflower Child, Kale Crusaders 1st Annual Halloween Costume Parade, Powered by Vegan MoFo 2012
In October, we're posting one Costume Parade cartoon per weekday as part of Vegan MoFo.  Want to go to the beginning of the Costume Parade? Start with some candy corn!

This breath of fresh air, peace, and serenity is none other than Cauliflower Child.

With outrageous colorful outfits that include tofu benedict with “caullandaise” saucetandoori cauliflower and cucumber raita wraps, and cauliflower croquettes, why would anyone accuse Cauliflower of being a dull, bland, or boring white vegetable?

P.S.  So concludes the second week of the costume parade, featuring random / awesome / theme-less costumes.  Next week we will present our favorite animal costumes.  Stay tuned!

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Rainbow Carrots

Contestant #9: The Village Carrots, Kale Crusaders 1st Annual Halloween Costume Parade, Powered by Vegan MoFo 2012
In October, we're posting one Costume Parade cartoon per weekday as part of Vegan MoFo.  Want to go to the beginning of the Costume Parade? Start with some candy corn!

["Macho Man" blasts on the speakers.]  Coming out next is our second team entry in the parade, donned in the Halloween group costume favorite:  The Village Peop...er...The Village Carrots!

Don't forget to Celebrate National Coming Out Day today with your favorite rainbow-friendly treats, including roasted rainbow carrots with maple-mustard glaze and rainbow carrot salad with mint.

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Broccoli II

Contestant #8: Brocco-saurus, Brontosaurus, Kale Crusaders 1st Annual Halloween Costume Parade, Powered by Vegan MoFo 2012
In October, we're posting one Costume Parade cartoon per weekday as part of Vegan MoFo.  Want to go to the beginning of the Costume Parade? Start with some candy corn!

Brocco-saurus is our first contestant to march out on four legs along with a humungous tail.  Broccoli, we salute your efforts.  This isn't the first time Broccoli has appeared in a show of course, and has had guest appearances in braised broccoli hot wings, broccoli & cheeze socca, or wandering the aisles at Ikea.

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Lime

Contestant #7: Lime Mime, Kale Crusaders 1st Annual Halloween Costume Parade, Powered by Vegan MoFo 2012
In October, we're posting one Costume Parade cartoon per weekday as part of Vegan MoFo.  Want to go to the beginning of the Costume Parade? Start with some candy corn!

Contestant #7 does not have much to say.  Lime may seem a bit too pedestrian for an underrepresented food blog, but we have a question for members of the audience: Have you seen a lime dressed as a mime before?

We didn't think so.  We also have a feeling that you have not seem lime in tahini lime rice with kale and cashewslime chipotle mayoavocado coconut lime tartlets, or pomegranate vanilla limeade.

Monday, October 8, 2012

Maple Syrup

Contestant #6: Maple Syrup, Kale Crusaders 1st Annual Halloween Costume Parade, Powered by Vegan MoFo 2012
In October, we're posting one Costume Parade cartoon per weekday as part of Vegan MoFo.  Want to go to the beginning of the Costume Parade? Start with some candy corn!

Let's give a warm welcome to our sixth contestant, Maple Syrup, as he waddles across the stage.  Mr. Syrup would like to wish his friends a happy Canadian Thanksgiving, full of maple marinated stuffed tofu cubesmaple pecan roasted sweet potatoesmaple-roasted brussels sprouts with toasted hazelnuts, and maple pecan ice cream.

Friday, October 5, 2012

Buttercup Squash

Contestant #5: Peanut Buttercup Squash, Kale Crusaders 1st Annual Halloween Costume Parade, Powered by Vegan MoFo 2012
We're posting one Costume Parade cartoon per weekday as part of Vegan MoFo.  Want to go to the beginning of the Costume Parade? Start with some candy corn!

Halloween costumes are a mixed bag–there's the cute, the clever, and the creepy nightmare material.  It is difficult to choose which category Peanut Buttercup Squash falls into, but we guarantee that he is delicious inside and out!

Fortunately these homemade peanut butter cups look particularly cute, clever and non-creepy.

P.S.  So concludes the first week of the costume parade, featuring sweet treats.  Next week we will be mixing things up with some simply random / awesome / theme-less costumes.

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Apple

Contestant #4: Candy Apple, Kale Crusaders 1st Annual Halloween Costume Parade, Powered by Vegan MoFo 2012
We're posting one Costume Parade cartoon per weekday as part of Vegan MoFo.  Want to go to the beginning of the Costume Parade? Start with some candy corn!

Contestant #4 shows that sometimes, true art leads to pain.  Beneath her candy-coating veneer, she is nursing a severe popsicle-stick induced headache.  Candy Apple, please feel better.  We applaud your commitment to your part!

Candy Apple can commiserate with caramel apples, chocolate apples, and fellow candy apples who share a similar occupational hazard.

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Beans

Contestant #3: Jelly Belly Wanna-beans, Kale Crusaders 1st Annual Halloween Costume Parade, Powered by Vegan MoFo 2012
We're posting one Costume Parade cartoon per weekday as part of Vegan MoFo.  Want to go to the beginning of the Costume Parade? Start with some candy corn!

This is our first team entry in the parade.  These guys were originally arrested for breaking into the Jelly Belly Candy Company's stash of beans with the aim of adding savory flavors to the mix. After bail, they found their true calling was spreading the word in public protest.

Despite all the sweets we've seen so far this week in the Costume Parade, all these beans are making us think warm, chili-filled thoughts.  Consider some three-bean chili, a serving of five-bean chili, or a big-kid mound of chili mac 'n' cheese!

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Butternut Squash

Contestant #2: Butternut Squash Bar, Kale Crusaders 1st Annual Halloween Costume Parade, Powered by Vegan MoFo 2012
We're posting one Costume Parade cartoon per weekday as part of Vegan MoFo.  Want to go to the beginning of the Costume Parade? Start with some candy corn!

Our second contestant, Butternut Squash, chose not to squeeze into her tight candy bar costume; rather, she let the vacuum sealer do all the hard work.  Yo go, girl!

Here's a vegan Butterfinger Bar recipe for those of you jonesing for some stick-to-your-molars-fun.

For the slightly less hedonistic in the crowd, you can get your Butternut Squash fix with butternut squash gratin with shallots and cashew cream, butternut squash jambalaya, or butternut squash and mushroom lasagna rolls.

Monday, October 1, 2012

Corn II

Contestant #1: Candy Corn, Kale Crusaders 1st Annual Halloween Costume Parade, Powered by Vegan MoFo 2012
This month, we're posting one cartoon per weekday as part of Vegan MoFo.  Be on the lookout for four more treats during the first week of the costume parade!  See you tomorrow!

Our first contestant in the Halloween Costume Parade is Candy Corn.  Her costume shows you that you don't have to choose between your two favorite snacks to deliver an awesome Halloween costume!

[Commotion from the audience.]  Wait, what's that?  Most commercial candy corn is not vegan?  No worries, here is the most popular vegan candy corn recipe on the internet!  And here are some old corn favorites from our Say Anything-themed Corn post.

Friday, September 28, 2012

Sweet Potato

Sweet Potato Runner: Sweetin' to the Oldies

Today's cartoons was inspired by Emily, who is one part sweet potato lover, one part runner, and one part awesome.  Mr. Potato has embraced his inner Richard Simmons today by indulging in some oldies but goodies, including candied sweet potatoes, sweet potato casserole, and sweet potato pie!

GOOD NEWS!  You can expect lots of cartoons next month because we're participating in Vegan MoFo starting Monday, October 1.  Our cartoons will have a seasonal theme: a Halloween costume parade full of silly costume ideas.

Vegan MoFo: Vegan Month of Food 2012

What is Vegan MoFo, you ask?  Started in 2007, Vegan Mo(nth of) Fo(od) it is an annual challenge for food bloggers to post vegan food-related content for an entire month, with the goal of posting every weekday in October.  We hope you enjoy the challenge and perhaps pick up a Halloween costume idea along the way!

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Acorn Squash

Season's Greetings: Acorn Squash, Squirrel, Autumn, Fall Leaves

With Acorn Squash's five-day strict dietary regimen, you too can prepare for hibernation.  Here's the plan:

Day 1: Stuff yourself with some quinoa stuffed acorn squash.
Day 2: Indulge in bottomless bowls of roasted acorn squash soup.
Day 3: Fill up on acorn squash whole wheat pasta with poblanos and onions.
Day 4: Stick it to your ribs with roasted acorn squash risotto.
Day 5: Live by these four words: baked acorn squash rings.

Season's Greetings and good luck, Kale Crusaders!

I'm Mr. Squirrel, and I approve of this Acorn.

Friday, September 21, 2012

Long Bean

Long Bean's Special Talent (jump rope!)

Long Bean goes by so many quirky names (yardlong bean, bora, long-podded cowpea, asparagus bean, snake bean, and Chinese long bean) that it's hard for us to choose just one for going pun-crazy.

Instead, we've decided to focus our attention on Long Bean's flexibility and athleticism.  Mr. Bean's special talents also extend to pickled vegetables with peanut, double cherry almond and long bean salad, long bean stir fry, and long bean rice.  Hot dang!

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Date

Happy Talk Like a Pirate Day!  Ahoy, date-y!

Yo ho ho! Happy Talk Like a Pirate Day, lassies and lads! While the majority of Talk Like a Pirate Day festivities are fun, the day is also a somber reminder of a serious pirate issue: the scurvy.

To avoid the scurvy, take me advice today and eat yer dates! Here are 3 ways to up yer date intake:
  1. Score some chickpea, carrot and date tajine—the ultimate pirate's booty,
  2. While a scallywag walks the plank, take a moment to snack on some coconut-pistachio stuffed dates, and
  3. Mix date syrup into yer grog. It helps the rum go down easier.
Always remember, lassies and lads,"Touch me loot, feel me boot!"

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Turkey!?

Undercover Turkey Turnip

Kale Crusaders Headquarters is shutting down for 2.5 weeks to take a late summer vacation in Turkey!  We look forward to returning in full force starting September 18th.  We'll miss you! xoxoxo

In the meantime, here's a sneak peak of some of the Turkish (Veggie) Delights we plan to eat!  Kisirçiğ köfte, imam bayildi, Turkish crepes (gozleme), and cezerye (Turkish Delight with carrot).

Friday, August 24, 2012

Celery Root

Anatomy of Celery - Celery Stalks "The Looks" Celery Root "The Personality"

Are you craving a versatile veggie with a mild celery flavor, no tooth-catching strings attached?  Let us introduce you to the Cyrano de Bergerac of the produce world, Celeriac or Celery Root.

A magician in the kitchen, Celery Root has a firm grip on preparing cool salads and comforting soups. From time to time, you can find him whipping up something a bit naughtier, including schnitzel with a side of oven fries.

*Swoon*  What a catch!  Check Celery Root's full profile on:  CeleryHarmony.com

Friday, August 17, 2012

Red Lentil

A Red Lentil Day!

If a Red Letter Day is a special day, does that make a Red Lentil Day even more special? Yes: especially on a Friday! Mr. Lentil has been saving up for his big day out, and today is the day he's going to make it rain pulses.

And what, you might ask, does one eat on such a special day?  We've got you covered. We suggest Egyptian Red Lentil Soup, Turkish Red Lentil Koftas, Ethiopian Lentils, and All-American(?) Red Lentil Burgers. That's quite the fancy Friday feast! Enjoy!

Friday, August 10, 2012

Mangosteen

Mangosteen on Trampoline!

Go, Mangosteen, go!  One thing that Mangosteen and Trampolining have in common is that people have heard of them, but few have seen them in full action.

While we don't recommend eating and trampolining, we most certainly think that members of the audience are entitled to a snack for all their hard work.  Consider sipping some mangosteen sorbet or nibbling on a few mini mangosteen "toffee apples."  You can also go the simpler route by indulging in the luscious tropical fruit that's hidden just beneath Mangosteen's thick outer skin.

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Fennel

Fennel Fencing

Fencing is a serious sport and Fennel is a serious Foeniculum vulgare. In addition to his lethal defensive stance, Fennel is known for pestering the competition with his frond-covered foil. We anticipate that the Olympic Fencing Finals will be no different.

When asked what victory tastes like, Fennel responded, "It tastes like licorice." Personally, we think that victory also tastes like roasted fennel garlic white bean crostini, fennel orange salad, and fennel soup with fennel pesto.

Friday, July 27, 2012

Golden Melon

Going for the Golden Melon!

You train for years.  You wake up every day before the sun rises and fight through the pain just to have a chance to participate.  You try, fail, and fail again.  Every once in a while you have a good day.  Finally, you kick off the 2012 Summer Olympics!  The Kale Crusaders are inspired by the talent, the athleticism, and the potential to generate 2.5 weeks of Olympics-themed puns.

And that's why we hope every athlete goes for the Golden Melon.

Mr. Melon, through his many fans, has picked up monickers like Golden Honey Melon, Yellow Melon, Korean Melon, and Cham Way.  He is kind of an all-star athlete. Refreshing and thirst-quenching in popsicles and fruit salads, and simply delicious au naturale, Golden Melon is ready to take on the world.  Good luck to all of our athletes!

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Stone Fruits

The Rolling Stone Fruits - Peach, Nectarine, Plum, Cherry, Apricot

The Rolling Stone Fruits band members Peach, Nectarine, Plum, Apricot, and Cherry team up for yet another reunion tour this summer. Brace yourself for sex, drugs, rock'n'roll, stone fruit popsicles, stone fruit antipasto, and stone fruit empanadas with stone fruit salsa!

Friday, July 20, 2012

Apricot

Hot Shot Apricot

Apricot is not as much underrepresented as he is misunderstood. Small in stature and often found in dried form, Apricot has a tendency to get lost in a sea of stone fruits. Frequently, you will find him having to share the limelight with Peach, Nectarine, and Plum.

But who are we kidding, really? Obviously we are suckers for rosemary apricot tahini bites, apricot snack bars, raspberry apricot crumble, and apricot jam.

P.S. Hattip to our biggest Google+ fan, Joe, for nominating Hot Shot Apricot.

P.P.S. In his nomination, Joe also mentioned "I think he could wear an ascot." Not ones to pass up an opportunity to feature our favorite piece of neck apparel, today we have included a special bonus cartoon!
Hot Shot Apricots (with ascots) Part Deux

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Gooseberry


Even without the goose bill, Gooseberry looks like an alien from another planet. But she's nice, trust us!  Fortunately, Ms. Goose is in season in the United States right now, and throughout the year she can be seen travelling around the world.

When it comes to snacking, you can go the more traditional berry route with gooseberry pie, or the slightly less traveled route with gooseberry fool. If you'd like to spice things up a bit, try some gooseberry chutney, or, for the feign of heart, consider cooling things down with gooseberry juice.

P.S. Thanks to Sunday Morning Banana Pancakes and her Chocolate Decadence Cake for the inspiration!

Friday, July 13, 2012

Basil

Happy Bastille / Basil Day!

Like Snap, Crackle, and Pop before them, the notions of Liberté, Égalité, and Fraternité remind Basils to unite in celebration of Basil Day on July 14th. Basils around the world commemorate the beginning of the Basil Revolution with fireworks, parades, concerts, and massive feasts.

It is said that the French Bastille Day was inspired by the success of the Basil proletariat in overthrowing their own corrupt rulers.

For those of you scrambling to plan your Basil Day menu for tomorrow, here are some ideas for a (horti)cultural Basil feast:
Salad course: Vegan Green Papaya Salad with Thai Basil
Pasta Course: Thai Pesto Pasta
Palate Cleanser: Cucumber Basil Sorbet
Entrée: Thai Green Curry / Kaeng Khiao Wan
Dessert: Vegan Chocolate Cupcakes with Basil

P.S. Are you aware of the mind-boggling number of Basil varieties in existence around the world? Holy Basil, Lemon Basil, Cinnamon Basil, Anise Basil...the list (and classification confusion) goes on and on.