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! 

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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

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)

If you choose a vegan (or veganish) lifestyle, one of the basic things you should always have in your fridge is fresh homemade almond milk.

Homemade Almond Milk

Since my parents bought me a KitchenAid for my 13th birthday, it was clear to all that I was made for the kitchen. Ever since then, I was expected to make the dessert for every Shabbat dinner or family event.

![crumbles' ingredients](deconstructed_lemon_tart/DSC07518)

In our family, everyone has a favorite dessert. My dad loves lemon tarts. But what he really cares about in a dessert is the crumble and whipped cream. If you ask him, if there are no crumbles or no whipped cream, it’s not a dessert! 

![crumbles](deconstructed_lemon_tart/DSC07555)

Over the years I tested tons of lemon tart recipes, but it was only in 2010 that I first came across a great recipe for a layered lemon dessert called “Limon-Shelly”. This recipe inspired me to create a deconstructed lemon tart, which is perfect if you don’t have enough time to refrigerate the tart. 

![lemon tart dessert with crumbles](deconstructed_lemon_tart/DSC07687)
![wooden spoon with lemon curd](deconstructed_lemon_tart/DSC07569)

My dad was over the roof! Not only did he get to eat his all times favorite dessert, he could add as much whipped cream as he wanted. 

![lemon tart dessert flat shoot](deconstructed_lemon_tart/DSC07677)
![lemon zest](deconstructed_lemon_tart/DSC07644)
![candied lemon zest](deconstructed_lemon_tart/DSC07674)

When I decided to only use plant-based products in my desserts, I knew I had to create (once again) the perfect lemon tart for my dad. After many attempts, I finally came up with this easy version, which includes great crumbles and fluffy whipped cream!

![lemon tart dessert](deconstructed_lemon_tart/DSC07697)


This is one of my first ever veganized desserts! It is my dad’s favorite dessert of all time, so I just had to create a vegan version.

Deconstructed Lemon Tart

If you grow up in Israel, you are expected to like hummus. It’s every kid’s first choice for a sandwich spread (well, maybe except chocolate spread). Hummus is served at every birthday party and is included in other popular dishes like falafel, shawarma, and sabich.
![flat bread and hummus plate](red-beans-hummus/DSC06736)

The thing is, I never liked it as a child. I couldn’t even bear the smell or look of it. Kids always looked at me funny when I said I had never even tried eating hummus.
![hummus and veggies](red-beans-hummus/DSC06742)

But then I met Guy, and soon learned that his favorite thing to eat is hummus. Over the years he kept trying to convince me that I should give it a chance.
![his red beans hummus](red-beans-hummus/DSC06762) 

It was only when we started making homemade hummus using our Vitamix that I agreed to give the greyish paste a second chance and found love (not at first sight).
![her's red beans hummus](red-beans-hummus/DSC06754)

Since I realize I am a bit behind with my new love, I decided to try and mix it up using different legumes. In this recipe I used red beans, but you can use the traditional chickpeas or any other legumes you have laying around in your kitchen.
![red beans](red-beans-hummus/DSC06714)


The most famous Israeli dip, with a small twist – using red beans instead of chickpeas. The fun thing about this recipe is that it works with any legume of your choice.

Red Bean Hummus - His & Hers

People tend to think that when you go vegan you have nothing to snack on. Others may think that all we veganish people ever eat is fruits and veggies.
![bliss balls ingredients](Simple-Bliss-Balls/DSC06680)


Well, these small energy snacks (or how I like to call them - Bliss Balls) will turn into the favorite snack of anyone who'll try them. Even if you don't like dates, I guarantee this recipe will bring you utter joy!
![bliss balls mix](Simple-Bliss-Balls/DSC06682)


These are my classic go-to version of Bliss Balls, but the great thing is that you can add anything to this recipe - any superfoods, nuts, spices or seeds you have in your pantry can work here!
![chia seeds](v1545211467/Simple-Bliss-Balls/DSC06668)
![cacao nibs](v1545211376/Simple-Bliss-Balls/DSC06671)


Personally, we love to pack 2 Bliss Balls when we head out to work in the morning and eat them as an afternoon snack. On the weekends these are great before / after yoga class for a boost of energy.
![bliss balls ready to serve closeup](v1545211395/Simple-Bliss-Balls/DSC06687)

Vegan Recipes