By Thuy Pham

Yakamein is such an incredibly special dish that truly represents the way food cultures marry with each other. It's a savory and meaty noodle soup originating from New Orleans. The exact origins are unknown. However, it is believed to have been created in the late 19th century of New Orleans, after Chinese immigrants were sent to the region  to build railroads. These immigrants brought with them the flavors of Chinese soups. These spices and flavors combine and marry with the local Creole food cultures and spices to create the dish that we know today as Yakamein. 

Serves 4-6 

Prep time: 15 mins

Cook time: 45 mins

Ingredients for protein marinade:

• 2 pounds lb of assorted mushrooms. Cut into 1.5 inch chunks
• 2 teaspoon of Creole seasoning
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon black vinegar

Ingredients for broth:

• 2 Tbsp cooking oil
• 8 oz spaghetti noodles
• 1/2 chopped scallions, for garnishing
• 9 cups vegetable broth
• 1 Tbsp soy sauce
• 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 Tbsp Creole seasoning
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 3 dried bay leaves
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp cayenne
• 1 tsp black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Marinate assorted mushrooms in Creole seasoning and soy sauce for at least 20 minutes.
2. In a large stock pot or dutch oven, add 2 tablespoons of oil and heat over medium high heat. 
3. Once oil is hot, add in your assorted mushrooms and any remaining marinade, ALL your spices and soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce. Stir and sauté for 60 seconds. Add in your vegetable broth and bring to a soft boil. 
4. Once soup reaches a soft boil, reduce heat to medium to medium low and simmer for 30 mins. Stirring occasionally.
5. While the soup is cooking, cook spaghetti noodles according to the directions on package.
6. To serve, in a large bowl, add the desired amount of cooked noodles. Top with mushrooms and  ladle in broth. Garnish with chopped scallions. If desired, add in a splash of hot sauce and black pepper. 

Vegan Egg Rolls

By Chef Thuy Pham, Owner of Mama Dut

Vietnamese celebrations are never complete without egg rolls. There is never a family function where we don't have a big basket of egg rolls on the table for snacking. Part of the festivities always involves sitting around the table with my mom and aunties, gossiping and rolling egg rolls for our family and guests to enjoy. As the Lunar New Year is approaching, I began to prepare the egg rolls in my household and it just feels so incredibly comforting and a part of how I stay rooted to Vietnam.

Serves: 25-30 eggrolls

Prep time 60 mins

Cook time 15 mins

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of plant based pork grounds
• 2 cups shredded taro
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup of chopped wood ear mushrooms
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons of sugar
• 2 teaspoon msg
• 1 teaspoon mushroom seasoning
• 1/4 vegan phish sauce
• 1 package of egg roll wrappers (v). They typically come in a 30 count bag.
• 3 tablespoons of water
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch 

Instructions:

Combine all ingredients, minus the vegan egg roll wrappers, into a large bowl. Using your hands, mix and combine the ingredients well. Set aside for assembly later.

Mix water and cornstarch together in a small bowl. This is for sealing the eggrolls.

Open the egg roll package and separate wrappers to make wrapping easier.  Once wrappers are all separated, you can start rolling the egg rolls.

Lay the wrapper down flat on the work surface with the corner pointing towards you.  Spoon  2-3 tablespoons of filling onto your wrapper and roll. Seal with water and cornstarch mixture. Do this until all wrappers are filled.

Deep fry in oil at 350 degrees until egg rolls float and are golden brown.

Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce!

Happy Eating!

Thuy Pham

By Thuy Pham

Chef and Owner of Mama Dut Foods

The holidays always bring out the baker in me! One of my favorite things to make are cookies because they can be prepped in advance and baked off as needed. This cookie recipe has quickly become a favorite in my household. The warm sweetness of the brown sugar and marshmallows compliments the brightness & subtle tart of the cranberries. While the crunch and saltiness of the pretzels offers a playful texture and elevates the sweetness with the added salt and msg. It's definitely a fan favorite and my friends & family all look forward to getting a mason jar of them at holiday gatherings. 

Serves 4-6 people 

Prep time: 30 mins

Cook time: 20 mins

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
• 3 tablespoons water
• 1/2 cup vegan butter, softened to room temperature (not melted)
• 1 1/2 cups brown sugar, lightly packed
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon msg (optional)
• 3/4 cup vegan white chocolate chips
• 1 cup broken pretzel pieces
• 1 cup of vegan marshmallows
• 3/4 cup of dried cranberries

DIRECTIONS:

Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper and set aside. 

Combine flaxseed and water in a small bowl and set aside for it to bloom. 

In a large bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt and msg. Stir with whisk to mix and set aside. 

In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until creamy. About 2-4 mins. 

Add vanilla and your bloomed flaxseed and mix well. 

Slowly add flour mixture to your wet batter and stir or mix on low until combined. 

Add in your toppings and stir until combined.

Roll your dough into balls, 2 tablespoons per ball of dough. Place dough balls onto your cookie sheet and refrigerate for 4 hours or freeze for 1 hour. 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees prior to baking. Remove cookie dough from fridge or freezer and put into preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 mins. 

Remove from the oven and allow cookies to cool for at least 30 mins before moving them onto a cooling rack. Enjoy!

Happy Eating!

Thuy Pham

@Thuypdx

@mama.dut.foods

We’ve rounded up a list of our favorite stocking stuffers, all $20 or under, just for you, Fox Fam! Treat yourself or your family and friends to these affordable gifts.

AF Stuff

Nearly everything on the AF site is under $20, but these picks will fit the best in a stocking.

Our recently launched nail polish ($11.49) makes the perfect stocking stuffer. They match our most popular hair colors, dry quickly and are chip-resistant! (Available for contiguous US customers only.)

Looking for something a little more fancy, but super easy to apply? Look no further than our gel nail kits ($17.95). These semi-cured gel nail strips will give you a professional look on a budget.

Our Money Hunny Hair Serum ($16.99) is AF’s best kept secret. This serum is packed with amino acids and oils to repair, smooth, and hydrate hair.

Our Money Hunny Hair Serum is AF’s best kept secret. This serum is packed with amino acids and oils to repair, smooth, and hydrate hair.

Shopping for someone rad and not sure what colors to get? Toss in a sticker pack into their stocking and add in an AF Gift Card, so they can get what they really want.

We <3 Animals

Here at AF, our furry friends deserve gifts too!

We’re dedicated to donating 15% of net profits to help prevent animal cruelty and promote animal welfare. Donate to any of our favorite animal rescues in the name of your pet or gift recipient.

Keep your dog festive and entertained with this Candy Cane Rope Toy ($14.99).

Of course we couldn’t forget about our kitty friends. This rechargeable Flopping Fish Cat Toy ($11.98) creates unpredictable movements so your cat never gets bored.

Self-Care Queens

What’s better than a hot bath on a cold day? A hot bath with a bath bomb on a cold day! These adorable Hello Kitty Bath Bombs ($12) are infused with essential oils to give you a relaxing spa experience.

We all could use working on our negative self-talk. These "I AM" Everything™ Affirmation Cards ($15) will help you quiet the noise and focus on what makes you feel good.

While you’re practicing your affirmations, relax with this Currently Over Thinking Candle, scented with lemongrass and jasmine.

Plant-Based Snacks

What’s a stocking without our favorite vegan snacks!

This Peppermint Bark ($2.95) is vegan and top 9 allergen-free and delicious!

Who says cookies are just for santa? Get this Vegan Cookie Sampler ($14.99) and try a variety of vegan cookies.

This set of Green Apple and Chamomile Lollipops ($6.75) is not only delicious, but the biodegradable stick can be planted after to grow a plant.

Get Crafty!

These gifts are perfect for the DIY creative person in your life.

This Woodland Creature Postcard Kit ($16) is an paintable wooden postcard kit featuring adorable vintage-style animal illustrations.

Know someone who loves tattoos but not ready to commit? Try this Phases of the Moon Temporary Tattoo ($14.70).

Use the power of sunlight to create rich blue prints with this Solar Photography Kit ($14.95).

Wearables

Small wearables are always a good choice for stockings.

Carry your essentials in this secret Hidden Pocket Scrunchie ($20) stash.

The claw clip is back and these Strawberry or Lemon Claw Clips ($7.80) will look great against any AF color!

Wear your rainbows with pride with these Rainbow Mane Socks ($18). Features a rainbow wavy stripe print and rainbow fringe on the back!

Perfectly sweet and full of delicious gut healthy spices, this spiced sweet potato bread is one of my favorite breads to eat for breakfast. Spread a little bit of your favorite vegan butter and top with sliced fruit or jam. It's simple, sinfully delicious and super easy to bake!

Serves 4-6 people 

Prep time: 20 mins

Cook time: 55 mins 

• 2 cups AP flour 
• 1/2 cup sugar 
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon 
• 1 tsp ground ginger 
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• a pinch of ground cloves
• pinch of sea salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1/3 cup unsweetened soy milk (at room temp)
• 1/3 cup neutral-flavored oil (avocado oil is best)
• 2 cups of cooked & mashed sweet potatoes (roasted is best)

INSTRUCTIONS: 

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a loaf pan or 9x9 baking pan. 

Sift all dry ingredients into a large mixing bowl. Add vanilla, soy milk and oil. With an electric hand mixer, mix until well combined with dry ingredients. Add mashed sweet potatoes and mix until well combined. 

pour into a greased baking pan and bake for 15-20 mins or until a toothpick comes out clean. 

Remove from the oven and allow to cool before serving with your favorite vegan butter or jam.

Happy Eatings, 

Thuy Pham

Follow Thuy on Instagram

@Thuypdx

@Mama.Dut.Foods