My name is Gani Shani (AKA: Ganish). I love eating, cooking, and experimenting with fresh, non-processed plant-based food.

Happy to have you here!

Hello!

Hello!

My name is Gani (nickname: Ganish) and I love eating, cooking and experimenting with fresh, non-processed plant-based food, while adopting a forgiving mindset and listening to my body’s needs. Hence the name of my blog, Vganish.

I live in the center of Tel Aviv with Guy, baby Tom and our dog Bella.

Guy is also a huge part of this blog - he programmed the whole thing by himself (!) and is still my tech guy to this day.

<Image cloudinaryId="v1612632618/about/DSCF29989_1.jpg" alt="vganish family picture in the kitchen" aspect="Vertical" />

I wasn't always vegan. I chose this lifestyle after gradually cutting down on dairy and meat products over the last few years. That’s why I understand the need for simple and delicious vegan(ish) recipes that are easy enough to fit into your daily routine. I also know that you don’t turn vegan overnight - It’s a journey that is not for everyone, but if you made it here it probably means that you’re up for the challenge!

**Being veganish is not about deprivation; it’s about enjoying fresh, responsibly-sourced plant-based food and celebrating what you can do with it.**

Since I started this blog, a good wind of change came into my life. I made a huge career shift, from a full-time lawyer to a food blogger and yoga teacher, but most importantly a mom! 

<Image cloudinaryId="v1689765523/about/FE77F3F7-69C4-4111-BD8E-B47462B264EB.jpg" alt="גני במטבח" aspect="Square"/>

People often wonder how do I manage to cook fresh plant-based food while keeping a busy schedule. It's actually quite simple and like many other aspects of life - it's all about balance. Join me on my journey and fall in love with the vegan kitchen. Learn how to stock your pantry and fridge, prep your meals, adopt beneficial habits for you and your family, and take care of your body and mind.

If you want to get a glimpse of our lives in Tel Aviv and see us practice yoga, travel and cook, you’re welcome to check out my [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/vganish/) feed and follow me on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/Vganish-363255567453361/) and [Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/GaniShani/overview/). You can also [subscribe for email updates](notion://www.notion.so/subscribe) to make sure you never miss a recipe.

I’m happy to have you here!

Gani

For those of you who aren’t familiar with this holiday, Purim (also known as the Feast of Lots) is the most joyful Jewish holiday! It is a true celebration which includes some of the best traditions - dressing up in costumes (much like Halloween); sending a Purim basket with delicious food (preferably homemade) to your friends and family (AKA: Mishloach Manot); participating in a Purim feast and drinking lots of wine.

<Image cloudinaryId="classic_vegan_hamantaschen_with_poppy_seed_filling/DSC00003" alt="rolling hamantschen dough"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="classic_vegan_hamantaschen_with_poppy_seed_filling/DSC00024" alt="adding poppy seed filling"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="classic_vegan_hamantaschen_with_poppy_seed_filling/DSC00040" alt="cookie circles with poppy seed filling in the center"/>


Hamantaschen is the traditional Purim cookie. It is a very delicious three-cornered pastry bursting with poppy seeds (my personal favorite) or another sweet filling.

<Image cloudinaryId="classic_vegan_hamantaschen_with_poppy_seed_filling/DSC00048" alt="folding the three corners of the hamantaschen"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="classic_vegan_hamantaschen_with_poppy_seed_filling/DSC00059" alt="folded hamantaschens before baking"/>


This classic recipe for hamntaschen dough and poppy seed filling is the perfect way to make your loved ones happy and jolly!

<Image cloudinaryId="classic_vegan_hamantaschen_with_poppy_seed_filling/DSC00240" alt="baked hamantaschens"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="classic_vegan_hamantaschen_with_poppy_seed_filling/DSC00378" alt="dusting sugar on the hamantaschen"/>

With Purim right around the corner, I felt like this blog can’t go on without a hamantaschen recipe (AKA: Oznei Haman). This traditional cookie is a must have when celebrating Purim.

Classic Vegan Hamantaschen With Poppy Seed Filling 

**_"Breakfast is the most important meal of the day"_**, is a well-worn classic phrase we all heard as children. But is it true?

<Image cloudinaryId="homemade_simple_granola/DSC09510" alt="granola dry ingredients"/>

<Image cloudinaryId="homemade_simple_granola/DSC09559" alt="chopping almonds, pecans and walnuts"/>

<Image cloudinaryId="homemade_simple_granola/DSC09536" alt="chopping dates"/>


Breakfast is the first meal of the day, and as its name suggests, we eat it in order to break our long overnight fast. Eating breakfast has been linked to metabolism improvement, better memory and concentration and higher energy levels.

<Image cloudinaryId="homemade_simple_granola/DSC09577-2" alt="adding pumpkin, poppy and sunflower seeds to the mixing bowl"/>

<Image cloudinaryId="homemade_simple_granola/DSC09646-6" alt="adding maple syrup and olive oil"/>


Personally, I absolutely LOVE breakfast! It provides me with the energy to start my day and allows me to have some time for myself. On days that I don’t eat breakfast I get cranky, my digestion system is off, and I can even get disoriented or very unfocused.

<Image cloudinaryId="homemade_simple_granola/DSC09673" alt="granola on a baking tray before baking"/>

<Image cloudinaryId="homemade_simple_granola/DSC09681" alt="granola on a baking tray after baking"/>


This simple granola recipe is a healthy solution for the days you crave a sweet breakfast. We love to eat it with coconut yogurt, [almond milk](https://www.vganish.com/homemade_almond_milk/) or an açaí smoothie bowl.

<Image cloudinaryId="homemade_simple_granola/DSC09743" alt="pouring granola into jar"/>


**A friendly warning -** when leaving the granola jar on the counter it tends to mysteriously disappear (or in our case, I highly suspect Guy just eats all the goodies).

<Image cloudinaryId="homemade_simple_granola/DSC09770" alt="granola in a jar"/>

Learn how to make your own homemade granola and enjoy a sweet and healthy breakfast.

Homemade Simple Granola

Bread is one of the most basic foods in the western culture. Toast, sandwich, pita and focaccia are all types of bread that people eat on a daily basis.

<Image cloudinaryId="vegan_spelt_challah_bread/DSC09007" alt="mixing dough"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="vegan_spelt_challah_bread/DSC09043" alt="kneading dough"/>
 
**But challah bread, well that's a whole different story!** 
Challah bread is traditionally meant to be baked for Shabbat dinner (Friday dinner) and certain festivities and holidays. It’s not an everyday kind of food.

<Image cloudinaryId="vegan_spelt_challah_bread/DSC09099" alt="adding olive oil to the dough"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="vegan_spelt_challah_bread/DSC09150" alt="covering the dough with plastic wrap"/>


For me, it symbolizes the warm feeling of spending time with your loved ones. When I bake challah, even if I am miles away from home, I immediately get a cozy, warm familiar feeling. 

I think that baking bread actually has some therapeutic qualities - you knead the dough, wait for it to rest and rise, roll and braid it, let it rest again and finally bake it. But the best part is when you bring the challah to the table, pass it around and enjoy it with your friends and family.

<Image cloudinaryId="vegan_spelt_challah_bread/DSC09156" alt="hands over the raised dough"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="vegan_spelt_challah_bread/DSC09231" alt="dusting flour over the raised dough"/>
 

**Challah is Shabbat, and Shabbat is Challah.** It’s almost like if Friday night would have a unique fragrance to it, it would be the smell of fresh challah coming out of the oven.

<Image cloudinaryId="vegan_spelt_challah_bread/DSC09312" alt="oiling the braided challah"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="vegan_spelt_challah_bread/DSC09342" alt="spreading poppy seeds on top of the challah"/>
<Image cloudinaryId="vegan_spelt_challah_bread/DSC09452" alt="challah bread before baking"/>


This challah recipe is amazing, it’s made with a mixture of whole and white spelt flour (and it is of course vegan) but it is just as airy, fluffy and sweet as you would want your challah to be.

In order to make sure you really impress your guests or hosts, follow this short "frame-by-frame" tutorial to create a magnificent challah crown >>>

<Image cloudinaryId="vegan_spelt_challah_bread/DSC09240" alt="cutting the dough to four pieces" caption="Step 1 - Divide the dough into four equal pieces"/>

<Image cloudinaryId="vegan_spelt_challah_bread/DSC09255" alt="shaping the dough to four balls" caption="Step 2 - Roll each piece into a ball"/>

<Image cloudinaryId="vegan_spelt_challah_bread/DSC09262" alt="rolling each ball using the rolling pin" caption="Step 3 -  Flatten each ball into a disk"/>

<Image cloudinaryId="vegan_spelt_challah_bread/DSC09268" alt="creating dough strands" caption="Step 4 - Roll each disk into a strand"/>

<Image cloudinaryId="vegan_spelt_challah_bread/DSC09275" alt="four dough strands placed in criss cross" caption="Step 5 - Weave the strands of dough"/>

<Image cloudinaryId="vegan_spelt_challah_bread/DSC09281" alt="braiding the dough step one in progress" caption="Step 6 - Take the right strand of each pair of strands and cross it over the strand on the left"/>

<Image cloudinaryId="vegan_spelt_challah_bread/DSC09279" alt="braiding the dough step one complete" caption="Step 7 - This is how it should look after you crossed all four 'pairs' of strands"/>

<Image cloudinaryId="vegan_spelt_challah_bread/DSC09289" alt="braiding the dough step two complete" caption="Step 8 - Do the same thing going the opposite direction, crossing the left strand on the right strand this time"/>

<Image cloudinaryId="vegan_spelt_challah_bread/DSC09292" alt="braiding the dough step three in progress" caption="Step 9 - Repeat crossing the strands over each other, alternating directions"/>

<Image cloudinaryId="vegan_spelt_challah_bread/DSC09302" alt="crown challah after braiding" caption="Step 10 - When you run out of dough pinch the ends together and tuck them under the loaf of challah"/>


<YouTube videoId="9vgTf77r1iE" />


Learn all about the beautiful tradition of baking challah bread and how to braid your own challah crown.

Vegan Spelt Challah Bread

Last Sunday afternoon as we were hiking up the snowy hill behind our house, Guy surprised me with the most beautiful engagement ring! 

<Image cloudinaryId="chasing_my_heart_got_me_to_colorado/00100lPORTRAIT_00100_BURST20190225135136075_COVER" alt="our hands together with the engagment ring" /> 


It was a truly magical moment, just the two of us alone at the top of the hill, everything around us was shining white, the sun was out and there was not even a cloud in the sky.

<Image cloudinaryId="chasing_my_heart_got_me_to_colorado/IMG_20190224_154301" alt="the view from the hill" /> 

Our magical moment reminded me of a heart chakra yoga practice we attended earlier this month, just before valentine’s day.
 
_Anahata_, the heart chakra is located in or behind our hearts. It is traditionally associated with the color green, which is the color of growth, life and balance. When you think about it, that makes so much more sense then associating our heart with the color red, as we usually do. Going with your heart is to follow your dreams, to have the courage to find your inner balance, to flow with the natural course of things, of nature.

<Image cloudinaryId="chasing_my_heart_got_me_to_colorado/IMG_20190218_121142" alt="practicing a head stand in the snow" /> 

As you probably know if you have been following me on any of the social networks, and especially on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/vganish/), we have been spending the past couple of months in Summit County, Colorado. 

This decision we made, to take a step back from our daily routine (that is often very stressful), pack our bags (and snowboard gear) and move to Colorado for the entire winter season, might seem odd, but it is the best decision we ever made. We decided to follow our hearts and it led us to Colorado.

<Image cloudinaryId="chasing_my_heart_got_me_to_colorado/image000003" alt="the two of us snowboarding under the full moon light" /> 

**Did you ever decide to follow your heart? **If not, please try it, it might just change your life. And remember, following your heart usually takes courage, so don't be surprised if you have to make some hard decisions along the way; it’s not a coincidence that the French word for heart is “cœur”.

<Image cloudinaryId="chasing_my_heart_got_me_to_colorado/00000IMG_00000_BURST20190225134327017_COVER" alt="feeling amazed with my engagment ring" /> 
<Image cloudinaryId="chasing_my_heart_got_me_to_colorado/00100lPORTRAIT_00100_BURST20190224161823336_COVER" alt="engagment ring close-up" /> 


Personally, I decided to set some heart-chasing goals for 2019:

- Get married to Guy
- Start my yoga teacher training
- Start my own blog
- Practice yoga every day
- Read more books
- Travel to somewhere exotic I never visited before

<Image cloudinaryId="chasing_my_heart_got_me_to_colorado/IMG_20190224_163400" alt="happy in the snow after the proposal" /> 

**Want to set your own goals?** Here are some tips:

- Start small with things from your daily routine, close relationships etc.
- Move on to the things you always dreamed about doing but never had the courage or time for.
- Finish with heart-chasing goals that are almost like a faraway fantasy, _much like taking a 5 months long leave of absence and move to Colorado to snowboard and write a blog_.

**Share your goals and heart-opening experiences with me using the hashtag _#myheartgoals_** .

<Image cloudinaryId="chasing_my_heart_got_me_to_colorado/photo_booth" alt="photo booth style of the two of us" /> 

And one last thing, you are welcome to check out our engagment video:

<YouTube videoId="FrIl0Uv0Onw" />

Sharing some thoughts and insights from our Colorado adventure.

Chasing My Heart Got Me To Colorado

Salt is a magical ingredient, it enhances flavors and has the ability to draw out water and moisture. _“Add it in the right amount, at the right time, in the right form, and your food will be delicious”_ (Samin Nosrat, [Salt Fat Acid Heat](https://www.saltfatacidheat.com/)).

![spreading salt over a Pyrax pan](perfect_whole_sweet_potatoes/DSC08001)


Cooking with salt is a well-known practice in our family; it is my grandpa’s specialty. As a child, whenever I stepped into my grandparents' kitchen and saw my grandpa with a kitchen towel over his shoulder, I knew that his salted whole chicken would soon be ready. The chicken was so incredibly tender, and the crust was just perfect that you just couldn't stop eating it. No wonder that this was my favorite way to eat chicken as a child!

![sweet potatoes over a layer of salt](perfect_whole_sweet_potatoes/DSC08045)


Many years later, as I was trying to find a way to bake sweet potatoes without using any oil (but still keeping it yummy and flavorable) my grandpa’s trick came to mind.


![baked sweet potatoes over a layer of salt](perfect_whole_sweet_potatoes/DSC08073)

![baked sweet potato without the skin](perfect_whole_sweet_potatoes/DSC08192)


The layer of dry crusted salt, that is quickly created in the oven, heats the sweet potatoes and extracts their great flavors.


We mostly use this recipe when meal-prepping for the week. The sweet potatoes can be added to salads, pasta or any other cooked dish. For a quick dinner solution, we eat it whole, filled with tahini dressing.


![chopping parsley](perfect_whole_sweet_potatoes/DSC08090)

![tahini dressing with parsley](perfect_whole_sweet_potatoes/DSC08138)

![baked sweet potato with tahini dressing and parsley](perfect_whole_sweet_potatoes/DSC08173)


Baking whole sweet potatoes was never this simple. All you need is some coarse salt, and in one hour you will get a tender delicious warming dish.

Perfect Whole Sweet Potatoes

I am not much of a candy or chocolate lover, so it’s no surprise that Valentine’s treats are not really my thing. But since it is the first time that we are spending Valentine’s Day in the US, I did feel obligated to make something special.

![linzer cookies dough](Valentines_Day_Linzer_Cookies/DSC08680)
![cookie dough](Valentines_Day_Linzer_Cookies/DSC08687)


Heart shaped cookies are the first thing that came in mind, so here we are.

![heart shaped cookie cutter and dough](Valentines_Day_Linzer_Cookies/DSC08745)
![heart shaped dough cutouts](Valentines_Day_Linzer_Cookies/DSC08754)


I just had one issue - when I told Guy I’m planning to bake linzer cookies he was kind of disappointed. “Cookies with jam?” he said, “that’s what you want to make for Valentine’s?” _(spoiler alert - he ended up eating around 30 cookies)_. 

I just had to prove him wrong!

![cutting out heart shaped cookies](Valentines_Day_Linzer_Cookies/DSC08762)
![heart shaped cookies before baking](Valentines_Day_Linzer_Cookies/DSC08774-2)
![heart shaped cookies after baking](Valentines_Day_Linzer_Cookies/DSC08781-2)


These cookies are the real deal! Thanks to my [homemade vegan butter](https://www.vganish.com/homemade_vegan_butter_for_baked_goods/) recipe they have a true buttery taste and crunch! And the smell oh the smell! I would bake them over and over again just to have this great delicious smell spread around our house.

![raspberry chia jam](Valentines_Day_Linzer_Cookies/DSC08728)
![spreading jam on cookie](Valentines_Day_Linzer_Cookies/DSC08797-2)
![holding filled cookie](Valentines_Day_Linzer_Cookies/DSC08815-2)


No one will ever know these are gluten-free and vegan! They are just too good. 
And for those of you who think they don’t like linzer cookies… well, try this recipe and report back.

![filled cookies flatlay shot](Valentines_Day_Linzer_Cookies/DSC08934-2)
![dusting powdered sugar on cookies](Valentines_Day_Linzer_Cookies/DSC08865-2)

This Valentine’s Day you can let go of the usual processed candy and colorful icing. Surprise your valentine with a box of these GF linzer cookies and I guarantee your February will be filled with love!

Valentine’s Day Linzer Cookies

One of my first ever kitchen memories is helping my mom while she was baking a chocolate cake for my birthday. That was way back in the early 90’s when it was very common to use butter substitutes, like margarine, for misled “health” reasons. 

As I grew up and purchased one of my first cooking books by _Le Cordon Bleu_, I learned that every recipe worth making contains butter.

![almond milk](simple_vegan_butter_for_baked_goods/DSC08333)


Overnight, the stocks of margarine that we use to keep in the fridge were thrown out and replaced with butter sticks. It was so clear to my teenage self that if you want to bake like the French you must learn how to use butter like the French.

I guess this recipe is really some kind of a confession - **I love butter.** Therefore, finding a vegan replacement was one of my top concerns when I decided to change my diet (and baking habits). 

![mixer container with butter mix](simple_vegan_butter_for_baked_goods/DSC08365)


One thing was sure - margarine was not the solution! 

As you know, I did not go vegan overnight and actually that was not even what led me to my current lifestyle. My first goal was, and still is, to minimize the intake of processed foods; and margarine is about as processed as it gets.

![cacao butter](simple_vegan_butter_for_baked_goods/DSC08336)

With time, I found that virgin coconut oil is a good solution for most recipes (if you don’t mind the slight coconutty smell and taste). But I knew I could do better than that! And that is how my research began.

![coconut oil](simple_vegan_butter_for_baked_goods/DSC08348)


Today, I am sharing my first butter recipe which is perfect for sweet baked goods. There are 2 versions for this butter because honestly, I could not decide which one is better. One is slightly coconutty and the other has some chocolaty feel to it. I would love to know which one you prefer!

![butter in a butter dish](simple_vegan_butter_for_baked_goods/DSC08378)

When trying to veganize a recipe for baked goods there is always a need to find a worthy butter replacement. Butter is a key ingredient, it provides the fat that is much needed when baking!

Homemade Vegan Butter For Baked Goods

Before ever trying to make chia jam, I was under the impression that it’s really complicated (and messy) to make homemade jams. If that wasn't enough, I was sure you must add tons of sugar in order to make it delicious.

![a pile of strawberries](strawberry-chia-jam/DSC07332)
![strawberries in a saucepan](strawberry-chia-jam/DSC07340)


Boy, was I wrong! Chia jam is not only delicious and refined sugar free, it’s also full of nutrients that are great for our body. Chia seeds contain fiber, protein, omega 3 fatty acids, antioxidants and important bone nutrients. That is why chia is considered one of the healthiest foods on the planet - a true SUPERFOOD.

![chia seeds](strawberry-chia-jam/DSC08949)


There are many yummy ways to incorporate chia jam into your day - spread it on your toast, use it to top your yogurt or oats, add it to smoothies and even use it for desserts. Anything you can think of would surely turn out delicious!

![mashed strawberries in a saucepan](strawberry-chia-jam/DSC07394)


I tested this recipe many times using all sorts of fruits, frozen or fresh, adding a bit of maple syrup or honey when I felt like it or not adding any sweetener at all. Everything works here, so feel free to mix it up!

![a spoon of strawberry jam](strawberry-chia-jam/DSC08619)


Making homemade jam was never this simple! Follow 3 easy steps and enjoy a delicious, refined sugar free jam, that will take your breakfast to the next level!

Strawberry Chia Jam

Pears and almonds, almonds and pears, when it comes to baked goods, this is one of my favorite classic combinations. There is something purely magical in the way that the sweet almond filling covers the juicy pears, and creates a soft marzipan layer.

![cake batter with pears](festive_pear_marzipan_cake/DSC07037)


This cake is made to impress! By using whole pears, which are only revealed once you slice the cake, you could easily create a very festive and elegant feeling.

![cake before baking](festive_pear_marzipan_cake/DSC07052)

We love to eat this cake when it’s cold outside and all we want to do is snuggle and stay in. I guess there is something about the combination of flavors and textures that just make it so comforting and warming!


![cake after baking](festive_pear_marzipan_cake/DSC07071)

Dust some powdered sugar before serving, and create a perfect snowy look.
![piece of cake](festive_pear_marzipan_cake/DSC07194)


Hosting a dinner party? Looking for an easy way to impress your guests with a plant-based dessert that tastes like the real deal? You simply must try this festive pear & marzipan cake!

Festive Pear & Marzipan Cake

One of the hardest things when cutting down on dairy products is to stop drinking milk. Even if all you consume per day is ½ glass of milk with your coffee, you still need a delicious replacement! And trust me, once you try this almond milk recipe, you’ll never go back!

![almond milk in a pitcher](homemade_almond_milk/DSC07746)
![almonds soaked in water](homemade_almond_milk/DSC07737)


**Cappuccino lovers? **Don’t worry! Over the years I learned a great tip for nut-milk frothing! All you need to do is add some lecithin powder which helps to create emulsions, as it contains both hydrophobic (water-hating) and hydrophilic (water-loving) groups. The lecithin will also help prevent the almond milk from separating into two distinct layers.

![pouring almond milk into a nut milk bag](homemade_almond_milk/DSC07789-2)
![straining almond milk](homemade_almond_milk/DSC07832-2)

**Why not spice it up? **If you’re looking for a way to add some different flavors to your everyday almond milk, make sure to check out the options below.

![pouring almond milk](homemade_almond_milk/DSC07863-2)

This recipe requires a [high-speed blender](https://amzn.to/31JvVJa) and a [nut milk bag](https://amzn.to/2lUgBKn), which are absolute must-haves for your vegan(ish) kitchen. But it is surprisingly simple and quick!

![almonds in a high speed blender](homemade_almond_milk/DSC07741-2)

Vegan Recipes