Huffington Magazine Issue 66 | Page 83

Exit T THIS POINT in our lives, we’re pretty sure we all have at least one vegan. Maybe a best friend. Maybe an in-law. We love these people, we know they are just like us, but — and we’re being brutally honest here — thinking about cooking a whole meal for them can strike fear in the hearts of us cheese/butter/bacon eaters. It’s okay. They know. But at some point, you’re going to have to cook them a meal, so it might as well be delicious for everyone. One of our favorite vegans, personal chef Emma Gonzalez, sat down with us to talk vegan food, and what to worry/not worry about when you cook vegan food. As an added bonus, she also fed us. I was first introduced to Emma’s cooking when she started doing a weekly vegan bar food pop-up in my neighborhood. Vegan bar food? The thought intrigued me. Week after week, Emma proved to a confirmed old cheese proselytizer like me that vegan food can not only be satisfying and delicious, but also totally decadent. Although Emma’s pop-ups are no longer happening, she’s begun to concentrate more fully on her at-home personal chef business. Yes, that means EAT THIS HUFFINGTON 09.15.13 A We love these people, we know they are just like us, but... thinking about cooking a whole meal for them can strike fear in the hearts of us cheese/ butter/bacon eaters. she will come to your house and cook you delicious things. The vegan dinner party menu that Emma put together for us covers all your bases. It tastes great, looks beautiful, fills you up and even includes some indulgences like fried food and dessert. Check out Emma’s tips, tricks and recipes below, and know in your heart that you know what to eat when a vegan comes over. Creamy parsnip and sunchoke soup with crispy mushrooms.