I was in Albany June 3rd and 4th for the Albany VegFest, a project of the Albany Vegan Network. Every one of the organizers are wonderful, selfless people and I was very happy to be invited. This year’s VegFest saw record setting attendance, and the day was filled with excellent information, delicious food and drink, and vegan vendors.
My planning for VegFests includes demo materials, recipes, ingredients for demo and samples, lists and more lists. I consider travel too, and when it is feasible, I carry my own food. It might be just nuts, seeds, fruit and some dark chocolate, but when I take a train, as I did to this time, I figured overnight oat and chia pudding would be a perfect breakfast to bring. I added blackberries and turmeric and cinnamon to the basic pudding, and enjoyed a nourishing and delicious meal on the train.
A sold out speaker’s dinner took place the night before the VegFest. The vegan dinner, made by the chefs in the non-vegan restuarant, was tasty. After dinner, noted television journalist and author, Jane Velez-Mitchell, delivered the keynote presentation. You can see her presentation at the dinner and the fest on her website Jane UnChained. Jane speaks with passion and humor. This talk was particularly energized and hopeful. I follow her and suggest you do too!
I was excited to be reunited with Chris from The Vegan Zombie. I got to know Chris last year on the Vegan Cruise to Alaska, and we’ve had dinner since in NYC. We are looking forward to this years Vegan Cruise to Panama. His arms are so long, even selfies look good.
In the photo with Chris, I am holding a nearly empty glass of green drink. It was just what I needed after prepping 125 samples for my demo. Pastry chefs need greens you know!
You may know the @FoodDuo and #VeganFoodChat. I was happy to see Carlo at the VegFest with their VMarkstheShop.
From the time the door opened until the end of the day, the line at the Vegan Treats table was long! No surpise here. Their treats are gorgeous and — worthy of waiting.
My lunch– a YeahDawg. It tasted better than the photo would indicate.
Thank you to Wholesome! for donating sweeteners for my desserts at this Veg Fest.
And thank you So Delicious for the coconut milk beverages I used to make the tastings and the demo desserts.
My menu for the VegFest included this made-in-advance Dairy Free Chocolate Ganache. Here I was demonstrating how to liquify a made-in-advance ganche.
I made another full recipe of ganache at the demo, and used it to glaze a gluten free version of this cake: the Bittersweet Ganache Glazed Chocolate Torte to Live For.
Attendees also tasted Ganache Glazed GlutenFree Brownie Bites, New York Eggless Cream with Ganache Glaze as the syrup, Chocolate Orange Sesame Truffles, and Chocolate Crostini. My assistant got to eat the chocolate ice cream sundae I made with Ben and Jerry’s Vegan Ice Cream and yep- vegan chocolate. A very good time was had by all. Jane Velez Mitchell actually made a video of my demo for her series #LunchBreakLive. You can see it here.
Anyone care to guess the amount of vegan chocolate I used to make the tastings and the demo items?
Til next time,
Fran
Sounds like it was a blast! Sorry I couldn’t make it to your demo. 🙁 See you next month at Summerfest!
I was sorry not to see you Sam, but yes, the Albany VegFest wasa a blast.