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Wednesday, February 19, 2020

Black Bean Burgers


Makes 4 burgers
  • 120 grams dry black beans 
  • 65 grams basmati rice + 3/4 cup water
  • 1 large carrot
  • 1/2 red onion
  • 2 Tbsp flaxmeal
  • 2 Tbsp oat flour*
  • 1 Tbsp paprika
  • 1 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp salt
Add black beans and some water in an instant pot and cook on high pressure for 40 minutes. When done, strain and rinse the beans and set aside. 

Add rice and 3/4 cup water to the instant pot and cook using the rice button (12 minutes, low pressure). When done, release steam and remove lid.

Meanwhile, grate or pulse in a food processor the carrot and onion. Transfer veggies to the pot with the rice. Add in all remaining ingredients, including the cooked black beans. Using a potato masher, mash the mixture until about 2/3rds of the beans have been mashed. 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. On a parchment paper lined baking sheet, form mixture into equal sized patties that are about 3/4ths of an inch thick. Bake for 30 minutes, flip, then bake for an additional 15-20 minutes.

*to make oat flour, blend oats in a blender or food processor until ground. 

Thursday, January 9, 2020

Vegan Cheddar Cheeseball



  • 150 grams raw cashews
  • 1/3 c. water
  • 5 Tbsp lemon juice
  • 60 grams tahini
  • 26 grams coconut oil
  • 15 grams dijon mustard
  • 15 grams nutritional yeast
  • 1 Tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 Tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 red bell pepper, seeded and roughly chopped
  • 2 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Save for the end: 1 Tbsp agar agar powder (not flakes) + 1 cup water
  • coating: almonds or pecans pulsed in a food processor until finely chopped
Add cashews and water to a blender and blend until smooth. Add all remaining ingredients except for the agar agar + water, then continue blending, stopping the blender periodically to scrape down the sides. 

In a small saucepan, bring agar agar powder and water to a boil, stirring constantly. Once boiling, continue stirring for 1 minute. Cut off heat and pour mixture into the blender and blend once more. 

Pour cheese mixture into a lightly greased bowl. You must do this quickly as the cheese will begin to set within minutes. Transfer the bowl to the fridge and allow to set.

Once set, remove cheese from the bowl then roll it in the chopped nuts. Center the cheeseball on a plate the surround with crackers and enjoy!

Thursday, January 2, 2020

Black Bean Soup


  • 1 pound dry black beans
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 1 large carrot, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 2 tsp minced garlic
  • optional: 1 jalapeno, seeded and diced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 2 Tbsp cumin
  • 4 cups water
  • 4 tsp vegetable bouillon
  • optional toppings: tortilla chips, avocado, jalapeno slices, fresh cilantro, shredded cheese
To start, cook the black beans with plenty of water in the Instant Pot (I.P.) for 40 minutes on high pressure. When done: drain, rinse, and set aside.

Using the I.P. on the sauté setting, add oil, onion, celery, carrot, and bell pepper and cook until browned. Add garlic, jalapeño (optional), and spices and continue cooking for a minute longer. Turn off sauté mode and add water, vegetable bouillon, and the cooked beans. Place lid on I.P., close vent, and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. Once done you may quick release the pressure. Transfer about 2/3rds of the soup to a blender and blend until smooth. Return to the pot and stir. 

Serve topped with chips, avocado chunks, or whatever else you'd like!

Enchilada Rice


  • 60 grams dry black beans (yields one cup cooked)
  • 1 red onion, diced
  • 1 cup diced bell pepper
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp minced garlic
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 270 grams uncooked rice
  • 2 cups water
  • -optional: 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Earlier in the day, cook the black beans along with some water in the Instant Pot (I.P.) on high pressure for 40 minutes. Drain, rinse, and set aside.

Using the I.P. on sauté setting, cook onion and bell pepper in the olive oil until onions start to brown. Add in garlic and spices and continue sautéing for about a minute. Turn off sauté mode then add in tomatoes, tomato sauce, rice, and water. Place lid on I.P., close vent, and set to cook on high pressure for 12 minutes. Once done, quick release the pressure, stir in the black beans that were set aside, then transfer to a cast iron skillet. Top with a handful of shredded cheddar cheese then bake in the oven at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Serve with your favorite taco toppings. 

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Orange Chick'n Stir Fry



  • half batch seitan cutlets (recipe below), sliced
  • 1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil
sauce
  • 1 cup high pulp orange juice
  • 1/4 cup agave nectar
  • 3 Tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 Tbsp mirin
  • 4 tsp cornstarch (or arrowroot flour or tapioca flour)
veggies
  • 1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1 cup thinly sliced shallots
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 2 tsp minced ginger
  • 1 1/2 tsp minced garlic
  • 1 can green beans
rice (180 grams basmati + 2 cups water, cooked in an Instant Pot or stovetop*)


Preheat a large pan over medium-high heat and add 1 Tbsp oil and sliced seitan cutlets. Cook until lightly browned. Transfer to a bowl then set aside.

Meanwhile, whisk together all sauce ingredients in a mixing bowl and slice shallots and bell pepper.

Using the same pan the seitan was cooked in, saute shallots and bell pepper in 1 Tbsp oil until lightly browned. Add ginger and garlic and saute for an additional minute. Add in green beans, sauce, and cooked seitan and cook until sauce thickens and darkens (5-8 minutes).

Serve over rice.

*How to cook rice perfectly on the stove. Add rice and water to a small pot with lid and set over high heat. Once it begins to lightly boil, reduce heat to the lowest possible setting. Continue cooking until all water as been absorbed (about 15-20 minute). DO NOT LIFT LID UNTIL DONE.



Seitan Cutlets
  • 300 grams vital wheat gluten
  • 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
  • 4 tsp garlic powder
  • 4 tsp onion powder
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp fresh ground pepper
  • 2 Tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 3/4 cup water
  • 2 tsp vegetable OR "no-chicken" bouillon
Marinade
  • 2 cup water plus 1 tsp "no-chicken" bouillon 
Combine dry ingredients in a mixing bowl and stir. Add soy sauce, water, and vegetable bouillon then stir once more until ingredients are incorporated. Knead mixture for a couple minutes until elastic.

Cut seitan dough into 8 equal pieces then flatten them into cutlet shapes. Place seitan cutlets onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes, flipping half way though.

Once baked, place seitan cutlets into a shallow, wide dish that has a lid. Pour marinade over and, once cool, move the dish to the fridge, allowing to set over night.


Tuesday, October 8, 2019

Vegetable Dumping Stew


stew

  • 2 cups cooked great northern OR navy beans (cooked from 120 grams dry)
  • 3 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 c. flour
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 1 1/2 tsp minced garlic
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 6 cups vegetable broth (6 c. water + 2 Tbsp vegetable bouillon)
  • 2 celery, sliced
  • 3 carrots, diced
  • 1 1/2 pounds potatoes
  • 2 tsp dried dill
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • fresh ground pepper to taste
dumplings

  • 187 grams flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • 2/3 c. almond milk
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
Pressure cook dry beans and a quart of water in an Instant Pot on high pressure for 40 minutes. Rinse, drain, and set aside (store in fridge when doing this ahead of time). This step can be done anywhere from a couple days in advance to two hours before dinner time.

Using the instant pot on the saute setting, heat 3 Tbsp oil. Add flour and cook for a couple minutes while stirring constantly. Add in onion and continue sautéing for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add in garlic and cook for an additional minute or two then turn off sauté setting.

Add in all remaining stew ingredients into the Instant Pot. Secure the lid and pressure cook for 6 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, stir together dumpling ingredients. Once the stew is finished cooking, quick release the pressure then stir in the beans and drop in the dumping batter by the spoonful. Secure lid once more and set to pressure cook for 4 minutes. Quick release and serve!

Thursday, September 12, 2019

Lip Balm


  • 8 grams beeswax
  • 12 grams cocoa butter
  • 12 grams coconut oil
  • 4 grams castor oil
  • 3/4 tsp zinc oxide
Microwave then stir in 30 second intervals until melted. Recipe will refill 6 regular sized tubes or 2 jumbo sized ones. 



Vanilla Frosting


  • 16 oz powdered sugar
  • 1/2 c. vegetable shortening
  • 2 Tbsp warm water
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla
Using a hand mixer, mix all ingredients together until fluffy and smooth.

Vegan Totdish


Mushroom Gravy
  • 8 oz mushrooms, chopped
  • 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 1/2 tsp minced garlic
  • 2 Tbsp butter
  • 1 cup almond milk
  • 1 cup water
  • 3/4 cup flour
  • 1/4 c. nutritional yeast
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 3 Tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tsp vegetable bouillon

Veggies 'n Tots
  • 2 cans green beans, drained
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • frozen tater tots
In a pan set on medium heat, saute mushrooms, onion, and garlic in butter until onions are browned. Transfer to a blender and add all remaining mushroom gravy ingredients. Blend until creamy and smooth. 

In a large mixing bowl, add drained green beans and corn. Pour in mushroom gravy and stir until combined. Transfer mixture to a 9" square or 7x11" pan. Top with a layer of frozen tater tots. Bake at 425 degrees for 30 minutes. 

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Vegan Ranch Dressing

More like a spread than a dressing. Perfect for sandwiches.
  • 1 1/2 c. raw cashews
  • 3/4 c. water
  • 2 Tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tsp dried dill
  • 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt
Soak cashews overnight (or to speed things up, microwave them in some water for 2 minutes then drain and rinse with cold water).

Add all ingredients to a blender and blend on high for 2-3 minutes until creamy. Add more water if needed. 

Simple Salad Dressing


  • 1/4 c. olive oil
  • 2 Tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp minced garlic
  • 1/4 tsp salt
Whisk all ingredients together. 

Thursday, August 29, 2019

Fried Chick'n

Buffalo chick'n sliders (see bottom of post)


Seitan Cutlets
  • 300 grams vital wheat gluten
  • 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
  • 4 tsp garlic powder
  • 4 tsp onion powder
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp fresh ground pepper
  • 2 Tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 3/4 cup water
  • 2 tsp vegetable OR "no-chicken" bouillon
Marinade
  • 2 cup water plus 1 tsp "no-chicken" bouillon 
Combine dry ingredients in a mixing bowl and stir. Add soy sauce, water, and vegetable bouillon then stir once more until ingredients are incorporated. Knead mixture for a couple minutes until elastic.

Cut seitan dough into 8 equal pieces then flatten them into cutlet shapes. Place seitan cutlets onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes, flipping half way though.

Once baked, place seitan cutlets into a shallow, wide dish that has a lid. Pour marinade over and, once cool, move the dish to the fridge, allowing to marinade over night.


Frying
  • bowl #1: 1/2 cup flour + 1 Tbsp nutritional yeast + 1/2 tsp salt + 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • bowl #2: 1/2 cup plant-based milk
  • bowl #3: 1 cup corn flakes, pulsed in a food processor
Heat some oil in a large frying pan. Remove each seitan cutlet once at a time from the marinade then dip into bowl #1, then bowl #2, then bowl #3, then back into bowl #1. Set aside and repeat with all remaining cutlets.

Fry cutlets in the oil until golden brown.



Buffalo chick'n sliders (can be made into wraps)
Coat fried chick'n in hot sauce of your choice. Top with kale that has been tossed in simple dressing. Add a smear of vegan ranch dressing to the bun/wrap then serve!




Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Vegan Mayo


  • 1 cup raw cashews
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp white vinegar
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp nutritional yeast
  • 1/4 tsp Dijon Mustard
  • 1/3 cup water
Soak cashews overnight OR microwave them in some water for 1 minute, strain, then rinse with cold water.

Combine strained cashews and all remaining ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth and creamy. 

Friday, June 14, 2019

Instant Pot Madras Lentils


  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 1 tsp minced garlic
  • 1 Tbsp oil
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/2 tsp curry
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup dried lentils
  • 1/3 cup dried kidney beans
Cashew cream (optional)
  • 1/2 cup raw cashews
  • 1/2 cup water

Add onion, garlic and oil to the instant pot and sauté until onions are browned. Add spiced and continue cooking for one minute. Add remaining ingredients then pressure cook for 40 minutes.

To make cashew cream, blend cashews and water together until smooth. Stir cashew cream into the lentil dish once done. 

Serve alone as a stew or alongside rice or quinoa as a curry. 

Zucchini Bread

Bread
  • 200 grams sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup oil
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 200 grams all purpose flour
  • 175 grams (1 medium) zucchini, grated 
Crumble Topping
  • 15 g. brown sugar
  • 10 g. white sugar
  • 20 g. all purpose flour
  • 20 g. oats
  • 1 Tbsp butter, sliced

Whisk all ingredients together in a large bowl. Mix together crumble ingredients in a separate bowl. Transfer bread mixture to a loaf pan and top with crumble topping. Bake at 350 degrees for 60 minutes.

Wednesday, March 13, 2019

Vegan Parmesan Cheese


  • 1 cup raw cashews
  • 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Pulse all ingredients in a food processor until coarsely chopped. 

Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Korma


  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 1 Tbsp curry powder
  • 1 Tbsp garam masala
  • 1 Tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp coriander
  • 1 head cauliflower
  • 1/2 cup raw cashews
  • 1 cup frozen peas

Saute onion, garlic, and oil in an Instant Pot until browned. Transfer onion mixture to a blender. Add coconut milk and all spices to the blender. Set aside.

Remove stem and leaves from cauliflower and break up into florets. Transfer cauliflower florets to the Instant Pot then add cashews along with a couple cups of water.* Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Once done, open the valve to quickly release the pressure, strain the cauliflower and cashews, then transfer to the blender.

Blend on high until smooth then pour mixture into the instant pot and add frozen peas. 

Serve over basmati rice or quinoa, which can be cooked using the pot-in-pot method to save time. To do this, simply add rice or quinoa plus water (180 grams rice/quinoa + 2 cups water) to a stainless steel or glass bowl that's small enough to fit inside the Instant Pot and place the bowl with its contents on top of the Instant Pot rack. Add cauliflower, cashews, and enough water to reach the bottom of the rack around the bowl.  Increase the cook time to 12 minutes. 




*Save time by doing the pot-in-pot method. Add 270 grams of quinoa or basmati rice and 3 cups of water to a glass or stainless steel bowl then place bowl on top of cauliflower. Increase cook time from 10 minutes to 12 minutes. 

Monday, December 17, 2018

Cabbage Soup


This soup is flavorful, healthy, and low calorie! It is also incredibly easy to make and exactly what I crave any time I'm feeling under the weather. It is also a great way to make use of any vegetables that are on the verge of expiring. 
  • 3 quarts water
  • 2 Tbsp vegetable bouillon
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 1/2 head of cabbage, chopped
  • 3 stalks celery, chopped
  • 2-3 carrots, chopped
  • optional: bell peppers
Combine all ingredients in an Instant Pot then cook on high pressure for 20 minutes, allowing pressure to release naturally. 

Wednesday, December 12, 2018

Honey Balsamic Brussels sprouts


  • 1 1/2 pounds Brussels sprouts
  • 2 Tbsp oil
  • 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegarette
  • 2 Tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
Cut Brussels sprouts in half. Combine remaining ingredients in a large bowl then add in Brussels sprouts and mix until well coated. 

Transfer to a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes. 

Instant Pot Seitan Roast


  • 3/4 cup pinto beans (cooked from 60 grams dry pinto beans)
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 3 Tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp vegetable bouillon
  • 1/4 tsp liquid smoke
  • 1 cup water
  • 240 grams vital wheat gluten
  • 1/3 cup nutritional yeast
  • 1 tsp garlic power
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried sage
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
In a blender, combine beans, garlic, soy sauce, oil, vegetable bouillon, liquid smoke, and water. Blend until smooth.

In a large bowl, combine vital wheat gluten, nutritional yeast, and spices.

Pour wet ingredients over dry ingredients and mix until combined then knead dough for a few minutes. Form dough into a log shape then wrap tightly in parchment paper then top with aluminum foil. 

Place the metal rack that is included with the instant pot into the bottom of the pot then add water until it just reaches the bottom of the rack. Place the wrapped roast on top of the rack then seal the instant pot. Make sure the venting knob is set to seal then set instant pot to pressure cook on high for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Allow pressure to release naturally. 

Thursday, October 4, 2018

Lasagna Soup


  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 6 cups vegetable broth (6 cups water + 2 Tbsp veggie bouillon)
  • 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into 2" pieces (or 8 oz shell or farfalle noodles)
  • 1 cup TVP 
  • 2-3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
In an Instant Pot, saute onion in oil until translucent. Add garlic, tomato paste, and spices. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes. Add tomatoes, broth, lasagna noodles, and TVP. Secure lid and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes then quick release pressure. Open lid and stir in spinach.


Sunday, September 9, 2018

Mushroom Stroganoff


  • 3 Tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 16 oz mushrooms (baby Bellas or white or a mix of both), sliced
  • 5-6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire 
  • 3/8th cup flour
  • 3 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 cup almond milk
  • 16 oz rotini pasta, cooked according to package instructions
In a large pan over medium heat, sauce onions in a tablespoon of the olive oil until onions are translucent. Add mushrooms and continue cooking until juices have evaporated and mushrooms are done (about 15 minutes). Add remaining olive oil, garlic, thyme, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire and stir until incorporated. Add flour and stir until fully combined, then add broth and milk. Increase heat to medium-high, cover, and let simmer for 10-15 minutes. Remove lid and allow to continue to cook for a few minutes to thicken.

Add cooked and drained pasta then serve! 

Monday, August 6, 2018

Make-Ahead Asian Noodle Bowls


Well worth the 20 minute prep-time as this recipe results in FOUR delicious and healthy lunches/dinners that are ready-to-eat. Keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days.

  • 4 oz thin spaghetti noodles OR 1 small sweet potato, peeled & spiralized
  • 1 large zucchini, spiralized
  • 2 large carrots, grated with a box grater
  • 1 large bell pepper (or 4 mini), sliced
  • 2-3 green onions, sliced
  • 2 cups garbanzo beans (cooked from 135g dry, drained and rinsed)
  • optional: avocado (add before serving)
Sauce
  • 64 grams (1/4 cup) almond butter
  • 3 Tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 Tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 Tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 tsp lime juice
  • 1/2 tsp ginger powder
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • optional: 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
IF USING SPAGHETTI: Bring a pot of water to boil and cook spaghetti noodles for 7 minutes. Drain then rinse with cold water.

IF USING SWEET POTATO: Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add sweet potato noodles and enough water to prevent sticking. Toss frequently, adding more water when sticking occurs. Cook for 5-7 minutes then remove from heat and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. 

Line up 4 food containers with lids. Into each, neatly place a quarter of the spaghetti, sweet potato noodles, zucchini noodles, grated carrot, sliced bell pepper, chopped green onion, and 1/2 cup of garbanzo beans. 

In a medium sized mixing bowl, whisk together sauce ingredients. Divide into 4 small jars with lids. 

Store everything in the fridge! To enjoy, pour sauce into the container of veggies/noodles and stir until evenly coated. 


Tuesday, April 10, 2018

Mushroom Swiss Quiche


  • 9" pie shell, prepared
  • 4 oz mushrooms, sliced
  • 1/2 yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 eggs
  • 3/4 c. milk 
  • 2 oz shredded Swiss cheese
  • 1/2 tsp salt
Prepare pie shell as directed. Saute mushrooms until about half way done then add chopped onions and continue to cook until onions are translucent. Add minced garlic then continue cooking for a few more minutes. Meanwhile, whisk together eggs, milk, cheese, and salt. Add sautéed mushrooms and onions then stir once more. Pour egg mixture into pie shell then bake at 375 degrees for 30-40 minutes



      Sunday, April 8, 2018

      Whole Roasted Cauliflower

      Great in gyros! Serve on a wrap or pita with lettuce, cucumber, tomato, kalamata olives, and tzatziki!


      • 1 head cauliflower (leaves and stem removed)
      • 96 g. tahini
      • 2 Tbsp olive oil
      • 2 tsp turmeric
      • 2 tsp paprika
      • 2 tsp garlic powder
      • 1 tsp chili powder
      • 1 tsp cumin
      • 1 tsp salt
      Whisk together tahini, oil, and spices. Place cauliflower in a baking dish (preferrably a dutch oven with lid). Pour mixture over cauliflower, covering completely (to do this, you'll need to scoop mixture out from under the cauliflower and re-drizzle it over the cauliflower multiple times until you get a good covering). Bake uncovered at 400 degrees for 1 hour 15 minutes, covering about half way through. 

      Monday, March 12, 2018

      Coconut Cream Pie


      • 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought and prepared according to directions)
      • 1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
      • 3 cups half and half
      • 2 eggs
      • 3/4 c. sugar
      • 1/2 c. flour
      • 1/4 tsp salt
      • 1 tsp vanilla extract
      • 2 c. whipped topping
      Prepare crust.

      In a large frying pan, toast coconut flakes over medium heat, stirring constantly, until golden brown.

      In a medium saucepan, add half and half, eggs, sugar, flour, salt, and vanilla. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and continue cooking and whisking for a few more minutes until thick. Remove from heat and stir in 3/4ths of the toasted coconut flakes.

      Pour mixture into the pie shell. Cover and refrigerate 4+ hours. 

      Top with whipped topping then sprinkle on remaining coconut flakes. 

      Thursday, March 8, 2018

      TVP taco "meat"


      • 1 cup TVP
      • 1 cup water
      • 2 Tbsp taco seasoning
      • 1 tsp salt
      Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and let sit for 5 minutes. Turn on heat then cook until hot.




      Monday, March 5, 2018

      Vegan Chili with TVP


      • 500 grams dried beans of your choice + water
      • 28 oz diced tomatoes
      • 6 cups water
      • 3 Tbsp chili powder
      • 1 Tbsp cumin 
      • 1 Tbsp dried oregano
      • 1 Tbsp paprika
      • 2 tsp granulated garlic
      • 1 1/2 tsp salt
      • 2 vegetable bouillon cubes, crushed
      • 2 carrots, chopped
      • 1 onion, chopped
      • 1/4 c. banana pepper rings
      • 1 1/2 c. TVP 
      Cook beans in water in an instant pot on high pressure for 30 minutes. Allow pressure to release naturally. Drain, rinse, and return beans to the instant pot. Add all remaining ingredients then replace lid and cook on high pressure for 12 minutes. 

      Thursday, February 22, 2018

      Carrot Dogs


      • 8 large carrots, peeled and cut to bun length
      • 1/4 cup water
      • 1 vegetable bouillon cube
      • 1/4 cup soy sauce
      • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
      • 2 Tbsp maple syrup
      • 2 tsp liquid smoke
      • 1 tsp yellow mustard
      • 1 clove garlic, minced
      Set a pot of water on the stove to boil. Once boiling, add peeled carrots and cook for 12-15 minutes until fork tender (be careful not to overcook). 

      Meanwhile, in a small bowl or coffee mug, add 1/4 cup water and vegetable bouillon cube. Microwave for 1 minute (long enough to completely dissolve the bouillon cube). Stir in remaining ingredients and set aside. 

      Once carrots are done boiling, immediately rinse them under cold water to stop them from cooking. Transfer carrots to a zip-lock bag then pour in marinade. Close the bag, squeezing out as much air as possible, and transfer to the fridge, with the bag laying flat. Marinade for a minimum of 6 hours and as many as 24 hours.

      To heat, cook carrot dogs on a grill or pan until heated through. Serve on a hotdog bun with your favorite toppings. 


      Thursday, February 8, 2018

      Baked Cauliflower Wings


      • 120 g. garbanzo bean flour
      • 3/4 c. almond milk
      • 1 tsp garlic powder
      • 1 tsp cumin
      • 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
      sauces (double if you want the entire batch to be the same)
      • BBQ wings: 1 tbsp margarine + 1/2 cup BBQ sauce 
      • hot wings: 1 tbsp margarine + 1/2 cup wing sauce
      In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, milk, and spices. Using a rubber spatula, fold in cauliflower florets until evenly coated.

      Using two medium-sized mixing bowls, melt one tablespoon of margarine in each bowl. Stir in BBQ sauce in one bowl and wing sauce in the other bowl.

      Transfer cauliflower to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between each piece. Bake at 450 degrees for 25 minutes. Remove cauliflower from oven and transfer half the cauliflower into each bowl. Carefully coat the cauliflower in the sauce then transfer back to the pan, again with some space between each piece. Bake sauce-coated cauliflower for an additional 15 minutes

      Serve with dips of your choice.