Creamed Corn and Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Southern classics, creamed corn and mashed potatoes, are the ultimate of comfort food. Although happily vegan these days, I still yearn for these old time favorites which take me back to my Grandma Mable's country kitchen. In a quest to keep the clan happy, it has been my mission to take these wonderful flavors and gently veganize them to pass the acutely sensitive palates of our nonvegan children. With so many great recipes to share, it was hard to choose the debut post on The Tasteful Vegan! But, after the oohs and ahhhs from all the kids at tonight's dinner, I decided to gently slide into the blog with food that new vegans and veterans would enjoy.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

about 6 medium yukon gold potatoes

unsweetened almond milk

3 Tablespoons of earth balance buttery spread (sticks)

2-3 teaspoons of onion powder

1 teaspoon of garlic powder

salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

2-3 green onions, sliced thinly

Peel, wash and quarter potatoes. Add potatoes to boiling pot of water and cook until tender, about 12-15 minutes. Drain potatoes and add back to the pan. Run potatoes through ricer or gently beat with mixer. Add earth balance spread, onion and garlic powders, salt and fresh pepper to taste. Slowly add unsweetened almond milk (does not need to be heated) until desired creaminess. Scoop potatoes into serving dish and top with sliced green onions.

Creamed Corn

1 10 oz package frozen sweet white corn

1 1/2 cups water

1/2 stick earth balance buttery spread
1/3 cup sugar or agave nectar
salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
3 Tablespoons of flour mixed with hot water to form watery paste

In a saucepan add water, corn and earth balance spread. Bring to a low simmer. Add sugar, salt and freshly ground pepper. In a coffee cup add flour and enough hot water to mix a lump free watery paste. Gently pour a bit at a time until corn mixture begins to thicken. Take it slow! You'll likely only need half the flour mixture. Cook on very slow simmer for about five minutes and adjust seasonings to taste.