In a society riddled with cheap food, it is so wonderful to come across artisans like Lagusta, who are achieving success with quality. I had long admired her wide variety of organic vegan truffles, which used to be produced in limited batches at select times of the year. But as word got around about how fabulous these chocolates were (not to mention how insanely affordable they are!), Lagusta was forced to step up the pace of production and inspired to come out with a whole new line of confections … Bluestocking Bonbons. This new chocolate range includes selma's peppermint patties, vandana shivas, pauline benjamin's pb cups, furious vulvas, raspberries de pizan, and chocolate coconut cream pyramids.

I sampled all but the last two varieties, and am happy to say that Lagusta is still delivering incredible value. The bonbons are also organic, handmade, exotic, and incredibly satisfying. Anyone looking for a truly enriching chocolate experience, vegan or not, need not look any further than Lagusta’s Luscious. Honestly, I’m not sure how she dreams up these flavor combinations and somehow gets them to work harmoniously. Even the nostalgic peanut butter cups and peppermint patties have a grown-up, rustic appeal and lack that over-sugared aftertaste.

Q: From GDF on Facebook - I have yet to find a vegan cheese substitute that doesn't contain casein [milk protein]. I am very allergic to dairy. Don’t companies realize that casein comes from an animal?

A: Alisa – This is a question and misconception I see often. In fact, this very concern has popped up from three different viewers in the past month alone, so I want to help clarify this issue.

On the contrary, I have yet to see a cheese alternative that is labeled as “vegan” that does contain casein or dairy in any form (and I have read a lot of cheesy ingredient statements!). The label vegan is an indication that there are no animal products in the product, and this includes dairy and its derivatives.

However, there is a valid reason for the consumer confusion ...

Sweet Sundays: I am all about baking from scratch, but have to admit, the cookie crust shortcut in this recipe from Enjoy Life Foods is quite ingenious. If you have never had Enjoy Life Cookies, I say no time like the present! These little gems are unique and amazing. I'm not gluten-free myself, but these cookies are, and my family loves them. They are soft, sweet and full of flavor. And it is that wonderfully soft texture that makes them quite useful in recipes.

For this recipe, and for their Simple Mini Dessert Pizza recipe, the cookies are actually rolled or pressed out to make a crust! To "seal the deal" the tartlets (below) get a layer of dairy-free chocolate, followed by a from scratch pudding (recipe also below). This decadent little kid-friendly treat is amazingly vegan, gluten-free, and free from the top eight allergens (it is even seed-free!) ...

Chicago has a vibrant and exciting vegan community, and EarthSave Chicago is taking the opportunity to really show it off. The are presenting Chicago VeganMania: a joyous celebration of Chicago’s vegan culture, commerce, community, and cuisine.

Chicago VeganMania gives you a chance to sample great vegan food from a dozen different restaurants, watch a wide array of live music and dance, attend workshops and presentations from some of the nation’s leading vegan thinkers and doers, see the latest vegan fashion and the best vegan products and crafts, catch a vegan art show, learn Chicago’s hidden vegetarian history, and so much more!

Plus the event is FREE to attend! It will be held on Saturday, October 9, 2010 from 10am to 6pm at the Pulaski Park Fieldhouse (1419 W. Blackhawk, Chicago, IL). For more information on the entertainment and vendors, see www.chicagoveganmania.com.