Saturday, April 18, 2009

Chesapeake Tempeh Cakes rock my ever lovin' world

The Chesapeake Bay lies to the west of the Delmarva peninsula. My home turf. Land of the ubiquitous crab cake. So when Isa posted the Chesapeake Tempeh Cakes for her upcoming book Vegan Brunch *, I just had to get off the couch and make them immediately. I haven't been this excited since I made vegan scrapple.
I already ate 2 before I took the photo, so I put the sauce on the side. The cakes are delicate so just be gentle when turning them and they won't fall apart too much-I ate the ones that fell apart, so it's not actually a bad thing. I think letting the mixture sit a few minutes helps as the later ones were more solid.

At first I was like where the heck is the Old Bay? I guess since it's not available everywhere it makes sense it's not in the recipe. BUT the recipe seasonings are perfect and I didn't miss it at all. OK, I confess, I sprinkled some in on the last batch and honestly I couldn't tell the difference between those and the other ones.

Super freakin' awesome. I sent some to the Bronx for the in-laws to try. I don't think the ninja is going to tell them that it's not actually made from crab...let's see how that goes.

*unofficially: I'm still calling Vegan Brunch the Crack of Noon in my head. You can pre-order it on Amazon.

11 comments:

Sindy said...

Those look awesome! I'm excited about that book too!

Jen Treehugger said...

Mmmm these look and sound delish! Yet another book on my wish list!

Binx said...

Awwwesome! I'm from MD and have only had crab cakes once in my life, because I became veg so young. But I put Old Bay on basically everything.

I am preordering the book... probably right now.

Bianca said...

God, I can't wait for that book. I saw the graphic of the cover on Amazon the other day and thought it was already on sale. I nearly freaked out...and then realized it was just for pre-sale.

Gina said...

You're from the Chesapeake Bay area, and have never heard of Old Bay?!?! I love it. I also cannot wait for this book, I was just thinking about it last night (on my way home from MD, ironically!!)

Sarah said...

I am a true MDer. My father is from the Eastern Shore and grew up eating crab cakes - love them.

I am vegan as of December 2008 for health reasons.

Can you update us on the ninja experiment?? Did the nonvegans enjoy them??? I've never had tempeh before, so I'm pretty scared to try it (I hate fake vegan meats & cheeses)...my nonvegan cousin said she likes tempeh.....so maybe it'll be good?

I'm doing a vegan cookoff with my gf shortly and need some good recipes so I win! may as well test these with one of the judges (my hubby) hehehehe

http://sarawithanhishealthy.wordpress.com

ceblakeney said...

Waiting, waiting, waiting for the cookbook...have never tried this with tempeh before, but I have done Chesapeake Zuke (zucchini) Cakes on many occasions, and they are divine. Will try the tempeh version, but dear God it must have Old Bay!

Side note: when I did eat crabs, I always washed the Old Bay off the boiled critters, 'cause it was just too salty. It is wonderful in a veggie base, though.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the Amazon tip. I've been dying for this cookbook to come out! They are geniuses!

Tami said...

Love, love, love this recipe! Great photo..now I want to make them again.

Anonymous said...

Ohh yeah baby those tempeh cakes that Isa posted a week ago was totally begging us to make them and then praise the goodness of tempeh!

Yours look amazing and if only I can steal a bite...no many bites!
I am greedy:(

lol

Lauren said...

Yum! I've been craving tempeh in the worst way!