Thai peanut sauce was a mystery to me until I took May Kaidee's Vegan Thai cooking class in Bangkok. A blender, natural peanut butter, and soy sauce is all it takes to make an amazing noodle sauce for pad thai and dipping sauce for nori rolls and fresh rolls. I added ginger after living with an amazing chef and friend in Indonesia. Ingredients:1/2 cup of natural sugar-free peanut butter1/4 cup of hot water or coconut milk1 inch piece of peeled ginger shredded1 clove of garlic diced smallrice vinegar to tastesoy sauce to tasteoptional: brown rice syrup to tasteoptional: one tablespoon of tomato paste, half

I discovered May Kaidee Vegetarian Restaurant in Bangkok near the end of my Peace Corps service in 2005. The owner glided across the dining room, dressed in golden Thai flames and perfectly wrapped fabric. She was dancing, she was singing, and I was in love. https://youtu.be/0BNowUrDKng It is clear in her vegan Thai cooking classes and cookbooks: May Kaidee is a chef who feeds your soul. On my last day in Bangkok, I finished producing the first book I ever co-authored, “Guide to Being Vegetarian in Thailand”. I victoriously wrangled 5 copies from the Peace Corps office printer. This was before smart phones and wifi. I

Fresh basil pesto needs no parmesan for deliciousness. Healthy fat from blended cashews combined with the fresh leaves make pesto a magic topping for pasta, sandwiches, tabouli, and many other delicious vegan dishes. Prep and cook time: 10 min. Servings: 4 1/2 cup raw cashews 1/4 cup water 1 small garlic clove or 1/2 tsp of garlic powder 6 oz silken tofu (half of a 12 oz vaccuum pack) 1/4 tsp sea salt (optional) 1 Tbsp white wine vinegar or the juice of 1 fresh lemon 2 cups fresh basil leaves   In a food processor or Vitamix, combine the cashews and water until