Vegan Apple-Pecan Scones

3T. Flax seeds
1/2 c. apple juice
1 1/3 c. whole wheat pastry flour
1 1/3 c. unbleached white flour
1/3 c. barley flour or additional white flour
1 T. baking powder
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp. grated ginger
1/2 tsp. ground allspice
1/4 tsp. ground cardamom
1/4 tsp. sea salt
1 large apple (Granny Smith), peeled and chopped
3/4 c. toasted pecans, chopped
1/4 c. raisins
1 c. apple juice
1/2 c. maple syrup
1/2 c. canola oil
1 tsp. vanilla extract

- In a blender, grind the flax seeds then add the 1/2 c. apple juice and blend until gummy (about 1 minute).
- Combine the dry ingredients and the chopped apple into a bowl and mix well.
- In a blender or food processor combine the flax mixture with the remaining wet ingredients and pulse together until frothy; stir this mixture into the dry ingredients.
- Using a 1/3-cup measure, drop the batter onto an oiled cookie sheet. Flatten with the back of a wet spoon.
- Bake at 375 degrees F for between 15-20 minutes.
- Cool on a wire rack when done.

Szechuan Style Seitan

I've adapted this recipe from a recipe book for tofu. The first version was vastly different and it has evolved over the years. I'm still changing it up and adding new flavors, so it's quite an adaptable dish, depending on your preferences...
Szechuan Beef was a favorite of mine in childhood, and now I have a happy replacement. Quite scrumptious!!


Ingredients:

• 1 T sake or dry sherry
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup miso
• 1/4 cup apricot jam (or 3 T orange marmalade)
• 1/4 tsp chili oil
• 2 T canola oil
  
• 2 medium leeks, julienned
• 2 carrots, julienned
• 2 stalks celery, julienned
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 T tamari
• 8 oz. seitan, julienned

1) Prepare the sauce in a bowl by whisking together: miso, water, sake (or dry sherry), jam, and chili oil.

2) Heat 2 T of canola oil in a saute pan. Add leeks and saute on medium heat for 3 minutes until soft, stirring occasionally.

3) Stir in garlic and saute for one minute.

4) Stir and add carrots, celery and 1 T tamari. Saute for 5 minutes.

5) Add thinly sliced seitan and sauce to saute pan and simmer for 5 minutes.

6) Serve over rice and enjoy!