They Won Our Hearts

With 34 delicious entries in this year’s Vegetable Love contest, it was anybody’s game. To me, all of the recipes were winners because I would love to have any of them as part of my Valentine’s meal. I think you voters agreed: 897 votes were cast, and every recipe had its fans. But very early in the voting, three favorites emerged, and right up until the end the results were too close to call, with first one and then another up by a point or two. When the poll closed at 12 am Eastern time, these were the results:

In first place with 116 votes is Asparagus Mango Dumplings with Coconut Basil Rice by Stephanie at Lazy Smurf’s Guide to Life. These seductively wrapped dumplings won the hearts and stomachs of the voters and are truly worthy of the name “food p*rn.” (Check out the blog entry for the most, um, revealing photo of a dumpling that I’ve ever seen!) What I like best is that they achieve such decadence with almost no added fat. Congratulations, Stephanie!

In second place with 112 votes is Cashew Crusted Tofu, Vegetable Israeli Couscous, Sauteed Kale, Roasted Red Pepper Coulis by Jay from The Vegan Foodie. This gorgeous dish is the complete package: beauty, taste…and greens! I’m sure it would win anyone’s heart.

The votes were so close that I have to give a shout out to our third place contestant, with 110 votes, Sweet Potatoes for my Sweetheart: Spiked Sweet Potato Truffles by Ricki at Diet, Dessert and Dogs. Ricki, our winner last year for her luscious Vegan Molten Chocolate Cakes, did it again, combining chocolate and vegetables with mouthwatering results.

Thanks to Nava Atlas, Stephanie will receive a signed copy of Vegan Soups and Stews for All Seasons and Jay will receive an autographed copy of Vegan Express. I have a special prize for Ricki, which I think is appropriate for this occasion: A copy of The Roasted Vegetable. Please send me your mailing addresses so that Nava and I can get those prizes out to you.

Don’t think I’ve forgotten about our commenters’ contest! I had Random.org choose a number between 1 and 194, and the lucky winner is…number 84, ahcass07! Send me your mailing address so that I can get your copy of Vegan Express in the mail.

Thanks to the contestants for your hard work; your recipes are an inspiration to us all. And thanks to everyone who voted (so that I didn’t have to!)

Whether you celebrate Valentine’s Day or not, I hope every one of you will find time to treat yourself to something delicious today.