The lovely folks over at Nasoya sent me a copy of Spork-Fed: Super Fun and Flavorful Vegan Recipes from the Sisters of Spork Foods, by Jenny Engel and Heather Goldberg, and have offered to give an additional copy (plus some extra schwag) to one lucky reader of this blog! Jenny and Heather are also the owners of Spork Foods, a gourmet vegan food company based in Los Angeles, and also conduct healthy-eating consultations, teach vegan cooking classes and give private cooking lessons.
The first few things I noticed when I opened the cookbook were:
- the photos. There are lots of them, and they are all beautifully arranged and shot.
- the ingredients. Very simple, non-fussy and well-varied. Gluten-free or gluten-free optional recipes are all clearly marked.
- the content. Each recipe has a “Sporkie Scoop”—some factoid about an ingredient used as well as a snippet about its nutritional value.
- the simplicity. All of the prep and methods in this cookbook are very simple, yet yield impressive-looking and tasty end products.
I had a hard time deciding which recipe I wanted to make first. Would it be the seitan wellington, miso-glazed eggplant, spicy corn fritters with lemongrass or the cinnamon-scented tiramisu? While the options are well-varied and numerous (there are more than 75 recipes included), I ended up choosing to make their tofu satay with a decadent peanut sauce first (pictured above). Tofu satay is one of my favorite dishes, and I wanted to see how their recipe compared to the others I’ve tried in the past.
The verdict: this cookbook is worth getting for the peanut sauce recipe alone! It uses a close ratio of peanut butter to coconut milk as its base, then slowly introduces a small but balanced variety of tastes and textures to produce a complex and rich sauce to dredge your succulent and caramelized tofu into.This is now my new go-to peanut sauce recipe for its bold flavor and easy prep. I’m excited to try out more of their recipes and know that Spork-Fed will become a solid fixture in my cookbook collection.
Now, on to the Giveaway!
Here are the details:
PRIZE: A brand-new copy of Spork-Fed, Nasoya “Tofu U” gym shorts and coupons for five free Nasoya products!
TO ENTER: Simply leave a comment to this post that includes the phrase “Spork-Fed!” (One entry per reader, please.)
BONUS QUESTION: Include your favorite tofu dish or favorite way to prepare tofu in your comment.
DEADLINE: Contest ends on Sunday, June 10, 2012 at 10 p.m., EST.
RESULTS: One lucky winner will then be announced through an update to this post on Tuesday, June 12 (chosen by using random.org). I’ll ask the winner for their email address at that point and arrange to have the items shipped through Nasoya. (Shipped within the US only.)
Good luck!
UPDATE: Melissa D. is the lucky winner of this giveaway—congratulations Melissa! Thanks to everyone for entering the giveaway!
Get Skinny, Go Vegan. says
Spork-Fed looks great! And peanut sauce is always a hit!
Danielle says
I want to be 'spork-fed' this tofu peanut satay!
My favorite tofu dishes are tofu scrambles and spicy blackened tofu.
Kaycee says
I would love a copy of Spork-Fed!! I've been wanting to arrange to take a class from these girls, maybe one day 🙂
kaycee(at)VeganMachine(dot)com
Kier says
I could use another vegan cookbook and Spork-Fed looks like it would be a good one!
I have been loving crispy baked tofu lately – but those satays looks amazing!
jonibonnell.com says
Spork-Fed Comment:My favorite Tofu recipe? I will admit I don't have one. Being a vegan since January of 2012, I have been a bit shy of making anything tofu on my own. I enjoy it in other dishes prepared at restaurants, but I've never tried at home. I did buy a package earlier this week, however it's still in my fridge just waiting for an inspiring moment in the kitchen.
tahinitoo says
My partner and I go on a lot of backpacking trips and because we carry sporks to eat our meals, I guess you could say we are spork-fed!!! While we have never prepared tofu on the trail since it's so perishable, I will tell you my favorite way to prepare tofu at home. I like to slice it pretty thin and marinate it in lots of garlic, apple cider vinegar, sesame oil, Braggs, spices, brown rice syrup, and a few other ingredients. After it has marinated for a long time, I bake it in the oven until it's crisp and slightly charred on the outside. It is wonderful in sandwiches!
Ren Jender says
For the Spork-Fed drawing:
My current favorite tofu recipe is probably barbecued tofu, roasted with corn in the oven with a sauce made from a very old Moosewood cookbook.
Adriana says
The musicalIty of spork and the idea of being fed with it… Brilliant name. Looks like something I want in my bookshelf. Plus I dont have vegan cookbooks yet
Allison says
Spork fed looks awesome! My favorite tofu recipe is the lemon-herb tofu from vive le vegan- its amazing!
Pilatesnan says
Spork-Fed sounds wonderful! My favorite tofu dish is homemade tofu wok fried with ginger, lemongrass and cilantro! So good.
Peanut sauce with tofu spring rolls is a close runner up…would love a recipe for that sauce!!
cyndi says
"Spork-fed" is such a great name for a vegan cookbook! My favorite way to prepare tofu is to make saag "paneer"–using pan-fried tofu instead of paneer cheese. Underneath all that delicious spinach curry, you don't miss the cheese at all!
Your blog is fantastic. Thanks for sharing such high-quality vegan recipes. I've had great success with your coconut milk cheese recipe.
Sarah-Jane Kynes says
Spork-Fed! I couldn't think of any witty way to include that in my comment!
At the minute I am loving any kind of baked tofu in a sandwhich with garlic mayo and salad. Simple and delicious.
Curry St John says
"Spork-Fed!"
I would love this book! Recently I finally tried baking tofu for the first time, using a recipe for a maple seseame marinade, and it was delicious. Usually I dry fry, using Nasoya sprouted extra firm tofu, cut into small cubes, then add Bragg liquid aminos and some olive oil once golden brown. I add this tofu to kale and shiitakes, or any other combo of veggies, sometimes serving with quinoa or brown rice, but usually just ending up in my bowl to scarf immediately. 🙂
Anonymous says
Mmm….spork-fed recipes sounds good enough to be spork-fed to my hubby!
catharine [dot] ellie [at] gmail [dot] com
Julia says
"Spork Fed"!
My all-time favorite tofu dish is my super-secret "egg" salad on rye toast with tomatoes! So yummy 🙂
Shannon says
Dude, my children were Spork-fed! :p
But really, I LOVE tofu dusted with cornstarch and fried, then tossed with stir-fried veggies & peanut sauce! Yummers.
Candace says
Spork-Fed!!!!!
Melissa Dion says
I would love for my nephews to grow up "spork-fed"!
mgonyeo at hotmail.com
Anonymous says
Spork fed looks like a good book
Gkuroda(at)Hawaii.edu
Karen says
I would love to win Spork-Fed! I am 100& vegetarian and 75% vegan and am always looking for new inspiration!
karenreichmann@hotmail.com
brettkling says
Spork-Fed! These people seem like they have a great way of teaching veganism to new people. I truly need some new tips and techniques since I'm very new to veganism. I hope it helps I me with my health problems. My favorite way to eat tofu is with nutritional yeast and roasting it in the oven. It reminds me of fried chicken.
moonsword says
Spork-Fed Tiramisu? ohgoodgolly I would so love to learn how to make this! And Lemon Ginger Scones and Strawberry Cream Cheese-stuffed French Toast…oh superyumfulness!
Annie says
First off, I've only been following your blog for about a month now, but your recipes are brilliant! Thanks so much for posting!
Second, Spork-Fed looks amazing.
And my favorite ways to use tofu actually depend on my mood. If I'm in for something slightly salty/savory, then pan-frying small blocks and soaking it in an Asian marinade, tossed with veggies. But if I need a sweet fix, some tofu, cocoa, a frozen banana, and some nuts or cocoa nibs hits the spot 🙂
sara says
i'd love to win this Spork-Fed contest. tofu shorts? too cute! my favorites are tofu satay with peanut sauce and tofu scramble with plenty of nutritional yeast 🙂
Lara says
Spork-fed! sounds awesome! I love Nasoya tofu! My fave recipe is General Tso's Tofu with rice and broccoli. YUM! I have been vegan for almost 2 years now and missed my General Tso's Chicken, well now I don't have to! The tofu is soooo much better anyway!
Donna B. says
It is insane how much I need this Spork-Fed book in my life! My favorite way to cook tofu is fried but primarily because I am a newbie at it hence need Spork-Fed in my life! Oh and Nasoya just so happens to be my brand of choice too:)
Marti says
My absolutely favorite spork-fed recipe is Tofu & Kale Delight in the fabulous cookbook 'La Dolce Vegan' by Sarah Kramer. That recipe made tofu taste like the bomb and Kale my best friend <3 We have altered it for our taste:
-1lb of firm tofu
-1 head of kale
-2 tbsp red wine vinegar
-2 tbsp sunflower seeds, pine nuts or your preference of 'nut'
-4 to 6 cloves of garlic (or to your taste)
With your tofu: press & drain as much water as possible out. Then bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until lightly brown, with a light coat of water and garlic (fresh chopped and a light sprinkle of garlic salt) *place upon parchment paper as it helps prevent it sticking
In the meantime sautee your kale, garlic cloves and red wine vinegar until the kale reaches your choice of softness (we prefer the stems still a bit crunchy…aldente) and add the tofu, and your topping of nut and you're ready to go! You can add spices at your preference, as I add hot sauce and usually some cajun spices (I love Emeril's original)to kick it up. And I LOVE adding a bit of jalepeno. I would love to try this new Spork-Fed cookbook to add more culinary excellence into our home!
Leighbee says
Horray for Spork-fed! My favorite tofu dish is General Tso's tofu. Such an amazing amount of flavor can be imparted into the tofu, so much so that you never miss the chicken!
Kate M says
Spork-Fed is definitely on my wish list! I still love scramble for my go-to tofu recipe.
Amelia says
"Spork-fed" is the grown-ups version of being Breast-fed.
Highly Nourishing and it's even said to make ya smarter!
Yeah I went there! B)
ameliarate@hotmail.com
Sarah Goblot says
I'm sporked-fed! That tofu looks amazing and everything else…know me out with a spork.
Fav tofu dish is old style: fried up in olive oil, add some tamari and curry powder for about 1-2 minutes. Add nutritional yeast and take off the stove immediately. mmmm….
deardeer says
As a die-hard peanut sauce fan, I am seriously going to have to get my hands on this cookbook one way or another. Spork feed me that anyday. Also– Tofu is never better than spiced up with a little curry and tossed in a lentil stew!
Jenna Z says
Wow, Spork-Fed! would be a great addition to my small but growing vegan cookbook collection! Thanks for the chance to win!
beastbunny at hotmail dot com
Ashley says
I've been eyeing the Spork-Fed cookbook since it came out! Fingers crossed!! :):) ammauceri@gmail.com
Erin says
yay for spork-fed! One of my favorite tofu dishes is a spicy tofu stirfry!
Joey says
I'd love Spork-Fed! in my collection. My favorite way to prepare tofu is to make a recipe that a friend was able to finagle from our favorite Vietnamese restaurant that we cannot eat at because it is 8 hours way. It is called Tofu Tomato and SO DELICIOUS!
Kimberly says
Would love to be Spork-Fed! So looking forward to expanding my tofu experience!
Ryan James says
Spork-fed definitely looks like a book I'd enjoy. I love cook books with lots of pictures.
My favorites are salad rolls with tofu and in scrambles.
glutenfreehappytummy.com says
What a great title — Spork Fed! So cute and clever! My favorite tofu dish is a tofu pad thai! mmm! thanks for sharing and for this great giveaway!
Kate B says
Spork-Fed! looks like a winner to me!
SweetPotatoPie says
Miso glazed anything sounds ah-mazing and so does Cinnamone scented Tiramisu. I'd love to read Spork-Fed! It's been almost a year since I've gotten a new cookbook and this one sounds inspiring. I mean that with every ounce of silly seriousness. I'm tough to impress. Love your blog by the way. I hope mine gets up to this aesthetic & culinary level soon!
Noelle says
I've heard so much about Spork-Fed I am intrigued! Lovely recipe too! I would go for the peanut sauce too. YUM! I tweeted this giveaway too. https://twitter.com/singerinkitchen/status/211064966441205760
noellsky (at) gmail (dot)com
Jackie Smith (the other one) says
"spork fed" — I'm a huge fan of peanut sauce, in any form!