Happy 2015!

I wound up ushering out 2014 in style, as I entertained 9 for dinner last night. Flowers, pretty linens, the whole shebang.  I had time to cook but no idea what to make and, as usual, I was the only vegan. Here are some yummy ideas for you as you ring in 2015!After giving it some thought:I bought a crusty ciabatta and made an herbed dipping oil.I made my never-fail-never-have-leftover roasted cauliflower with EVOO, sugar, salt, garlic powder and garam masala.I tossed together a big leafy salad with diced sugar snap and snow peas, beets and walnuts in a homemade mustard vinaigrette.  The oils and vinegars I used really made each item on this roster the exception to the usual.  Check out my photo for some ideas!The main vegan dish was a lentil dish which everyone raved about. This isn't the clearest recipe but...Chop one large yellow onion, and sautée in a little truffle oil.Once wilted, add 1 pint of chopped mushrooms, 1 cup of vegetable stock, 1 package of cooked lentils (about 2 cups) pinches of herbes de Provence, and a pinch of saltCook until the mushrooms are tender, and refrigerate over night.Soak 1 cup of cashews in water overnight. The next day chop and sautée one more onion, chop 3 leeks (whites only, stems discarded, fine chop,) chop the cashews, and add 1 more pint of chopped mushrooms.  Once sautéed and tender, combine with the things from the night before. Serve hot!Wishing you a happy, tasty and healthy new year,YonniThe Trendy Vegan