Buffet, vegans and omnivores

pickledonionspaceraider

Well, what I have done, is gone middle of the road and ended up with more vegetarian stuff than omni or vegan. 
When I have catered before, the omnivores seem in such a rush to eat the vegan and veggie foods before the vegans and veggies get a look in - I don't think it will be a problem.
So I have lots of fruit and veg, various breads,  carrot batons, celery sticks, hummus, salad bowls. crisps, bombay mix

buildersdaughter

We always do a huge tray (or 2) of roast veg. Slightly heavy on the prep time, but easy to bung in the oven. I have a plate keeping warm, and take the veg out as it is done. actually it does well hot, cold or tepid. We serve with dips, bread and cous-cous. I pretty up the cous-cous by making it with veg stock & saffron and stir in some sultanas and pomegranate seeds.
Vegan chocolate cake is loved by all. This is my favourite recipe:
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2018/apr/09/anna-jones-chocolate-cake-recipes
Crumble is also good.

Rosa_Damascena

rach_k said:

Rosa_Damascena said:

Re: the vegan dessert recipes we've had on here - vegan desserts are very creative, but with the exception of the chia delight (which  comes with its own set of side effects) served as a reminder that non-vegan cooked desserts tend to be much healthier.

Such as?  I'm struggling to think of any non-vegan cooked dessert that wouldn't be either the same or healthier veganised.  The only really healthy desserts I can think of are fruit-based (so probably nearly vegan anyway).  What am I missing?

Non-fruit vegan desserts tend go heavy on the coconut oil, avocado or other oils and sugar and tend to be dense rather than light and fluffy. Besides which, vegan cakes never taste anywhere near as good as veggie ones, I've practiced plenty and its just not the same. I'm happy to substitute egg with something else, or the butter with a substitute but once you do both it starts to feel like its one substitution too far - gradually the results become less and less cake-like, and more of a chore to eat.

Cake should NEVER be a chore to eat. I have had plenty of practice and I never tire of eating cake with my afternoon coffee. A well-made cake should be a light and scrummy delight.

VJsmum

Aquafaba meringues with vegan cream?

buildersdaughter

Rosa - the cake recipe I posted is lovely and light. It has become my favourite chocolate cake.
It is certainly not an everyday cake - it is heavy on coconut oil,and at a guess is no 'healthier' than the usual kind (certainly less environmentally friendly). But it does work very well as an enjoyable cake / dessert at a mixed gathering.

rach_k

Rosa_Damascena said:

rach_k said:

Rosa_Damascena said:

Re: the vegan dessert recipes we've had on here - vegan desserts are very creative, but with the exception of the chia delight (which  comes with its own set of side effects) served as a reminder that non-vegan cooked desserts tend to be much healthier.

Such as?  I'm struggling to think of any non-vegan cooked dessert that wouldn't be either the same or healthier veganised.  The only really healthy desserts I can think of are fruit-based (so probably nearly vegan anyway).  What am I missing?

Non-fruit vegan desserts tend go heavy on the coconut oil, avocado or other oils and sugar and tend to be dense rather than light and fluffy. Besides which, vegan cakes never taste anywhere near as good as veggie ones, I've practiced plenty and its just not the same. I'm happy to substitute egg with something else, or the butter with a substitute but once you do both it starts to feel like its one substitution too far - gradually the results become less and less cake-like, and more of a chore to eat.

Cake should NEVER be a chore to eat. I have had plenty of practice and I never tire of eating cake with my afternoon coffee. A well-made cake should be a light and scrummy delight.

I've only been vegan for a couple of years so I do remember what non-vegan cakes and other baked goodies taste like... no different to a well made vegan one!  Normally, I substitute butter with Flora or veg oil (and I would consider that healthier, although I know some debate it), cows' milk with oat milk (definitely healthier!), eggs with aquafaba, gram flour and/or baking powder (probably all healthier).

The local bakery has gone almost 100% vegan and nobody who isn't vegan has even noticed (and the typical customer seems to be of the age where vegan is a dirty word and they love a good moan!).  It's never going to be considered health food either way but it's definitely not inferior in taste or texture.

pickledonionspaceraider

I have brought a vegan cheesecake. £3.50
I have never made a cake in my life..and tbh I have no inclination to try (it would be a disaster trust  me)  - Plus I have this thought that people end up spending as much money baking one as buying one - so that puts me off..but in reality I just cant be bothered. (it doesn't interest me)   I know that sounds lazy, btu some people enjoy baking, it just isn't my idea of a good time
I take my hat off to those who try

I do like cooking though, making a meal. 

Rosa_Damascena

rach_k said:

The local bakery has gone almost 100% vegan and nobody who isn't vegan has even noticed (and the typical customer seems to be of the age where vegan is a dirty word and they love a good moan!).  It's never going to be considered health food either way but it's definitely not inferior in taste or texture.

I got fed up of my efforts (and those of others). Possibly I'm just not a good cook.

The idea of a vegan bakery is intriguing, though. Where is it?